Granted Patent B2

US 8,122,716 · App. 12/132,844 · Granted Feb 28, 2012

Abstract

Claims (24)

1. A variable geometry turbine comprising:

a turbine wheel;

a variable geometry assembly that comprises a rotatable control ring that comprises a slot and a plurality of vanes wherein each vane comprises a post pivotably controlled by rotation of the control ring and wherein adjacent vanes define nozzles to direct exhaust gas to the turbine wheel;

a crankshaft that comprises a pin for receipt by the slot of the control ring wherein rotation of the crankshaft rotates the control ring; and

a center housing that comprises a rotatable stop fixed to the crankshaft and having a close stop surface and an open stop surface, a secure component and a translatable shaft wherein the translatable shaft comprises an engagement mechanism to engage the rotatable stop;

wherein translation of the translatable shaft causes rotation of the crankshaft,

wherein the close stop surface establishes a contact with the secure component to limit rotation of the crankshaft and to establish a closed limit for the vanes,

wherein the open stop surface establishes a contact with the secured component to limit rotation of the crankshaft and to establish an open limit for the vanes,

wherein an angle Θ exists about the rotational axis between the close stop surface and the open stop surface upon establishment of their respective contacts with the secured component, and

wherein adjustment of the secured component alters the angle Θ.

2. The variable geometry turbine of claim 1 further comprising a cam fixed to the crankshaft wherein the cam cooperates with a vane position sensor.

3. A method of controlling a variable geometry turbine comprising:

actuating a variable geometry turbine controller to arrive at a close position;

in response to the actuating, rotating a stop fixed to a crankshaft positioned in a center housing of the variable geometry turbine;

in response to the rotating, contacting the stop and a secure component set in the center housing to stop the rotation of the crankshaft and to arrive at the close position of the variable geometry turbine;

actuating the variable geometry turbine controller to arrive at an open position;

in response to the actuating, rotating the stop fixed to the crankshaft positioned in the center housing of the variable geometry turbine;

in response to the rotating, contacting the stop and the secure component set in the center housing to stop the rotation of the crankshaft and to arrive at the open position of the variable geometry turbine; and

adjusting the position of the secured component to thereby alter the close position and an angle Θ that exists about the rotational axis between the close stop surface and the open stop surface upon establishment of their respective contacts with the secured component.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the rotating comprises rotating a cam fixed to the crankshaft.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising sensing the position of the cam.

6. The method of claim 3 wherein the adjusting comprises adjusting to target an emission standard.

7. The method of claim 3 wherein the contacting prevents downstream components of the variable geometry turbine from experiencing torque and associated wear.

8. The method of claim 3 wherein the actuating occurs in response to an operational condition of an internal combustion engine.

Assignments (6)