Variable turbine geometry assembly

A variable turbine geometry assembly includes an adjustment ring extending along and rotatable about an axis, at least one vane lever coupled to the adjustment ring, and at least one vane coupled to the at least one vane lever. The variable turbine geometry assembly also includes a biasing member coupled to the adjustment ring at a first circumferential location on the adjustment ring and coupled to the adjustment ring at a second circumferential location on the adjustment ring. The biasing member extends from the first circumferential location to the second circumferential location. The biasing member is operably in contact with the at least one vane lever between the first circumferential location and the second circumferential location to bias the at least one vane lever toward the adjustment ring and to reduce vibration between the adjustment ring and the at least one vane lever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to a variable turbine geometry assembly for controlling flow of exhaust gas to a turbine wheel of a turbocharger.

2. Description of the Related Art

Turbochargers receive exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and deliver compressed air to the internal combustion engine. Turbochargers are used to increase power output of the internal combustion engine, lower fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine, and reduce emissions produced by the internal combustion engine. Delivery of compressed air to the internal combustion engine by the turbocharger allows the internal combustion engine to be smaller, yet able to develop the same or similar amount of horsepower as larger, naturally aspirated internal combustion engines. Having a smaller internal combustion engine for use with a vehicle reduces the mass and aerodynamic frontal area of the vehicle, which helps reduce fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine and improve fuel economy of the vehicle.

Typical turbochargers include a turbine housing defining a turbine housing interior, a turbine wheel disposed in the turbine housing interior for receiving exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine, and a shaft coupled to and rotatable by the turbine wheel. Typical turbochargers also include a compressor housing defining a compressor housing interior, and a compressor wheel disposed in the compressor housing interior and coupled to the shaft, with the compressor wheel being rotatable by the shaft for delivering compressed air to the internal combustion engine. Specifically, energy from the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine, which would normally be wasted energy, is used to rotatably drive the turbine wheel, which is used to rotatably drive the shaft and, in turn, rotatably drive the compressor wheel to compress air and deliver compressed air to the internal combustion engine.

Commonly, turbochargers include a variable turbine geometry assembly disposed about the turbine wheel. Variable turbine geometry assemblies are known to control flow of exhaust gas to the turbine wheel of the turbocharger. However, variable turbine geometry assemblies known in the art are subject to failure due to repeated wear on various components of the variable turbine geometry assembly caused by vibrations between the various components of the variable turbine geometry assembly. Wear on components of the variable turbine geometry assembly caused by vibrations between various components of the variable turbine geometry assembly can result in increased noise, even further increased vibrations, and increased harshness (NVH) of the turbocharger. Moreover, wear on components can also result in functional failure of the variable turbine geometry assembly, resulting in the variable turbine geometry assembly failing to adequately control flow of exhaust gas to the turbine wheel of the turbocharger.

As such, there remains a need for an improved variable turbine geometry assembly for a turbocharger.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

A variable turbine geometry assembly for controlling flow of exhaust gas to a turbine wheel of a turbocharger includes an adjustment ring extending along and rotatable about an axis. The variable turbine geometry assembly also includes at least one vane lever coupled to the adjustment ring and at least one vane coupled to the at least one vane lever. The at least one vane is moveable with respect to the adjustment ring when the adjustment ring rotates about the axis. The variable turbine geometry assembly further includes a biasing member coupled to the adjustment ring at a first circumferential location on the adjustment ring, and coupled to the adjustment ring at a second circumferential location different from the first circumferential location on the adjustment ring. The biasing member extends from the first circumferential location on the adjustment ring to the second circumferential location on the adjustment ring. The biasing member is operably in contact with the at least one vane lever between the first circumferential location and the second circumferential location to bias the at least one vane lever toward the adjustment ring and to reduce vibration between the adjustment ring and the at least one vane lever.

Accordingly, having the biasing member operably in contact with the at least one vane lever to bias the at least one vane lever toward the adjustment ring and to reduce vibration between the adjustment ring and the at least one vane lever reduces wear between various components of the variable turbine geometry assembly. More specifically, reduced vibration between the adjustment ring and the at least one vane lever reduces wear on the adjustment ring and on the at least one vane lever. Reduced wear on the adjustment ring and the at least one vane lever further reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) of the turbocharger, as well as lowering the likelihood of functional failure of the variable turbine geometry assembly adequately controlling flow of exhaust gas to the turbine wheel of the turbocharger. Moreover, having the biasing member coupled to the first circumferential location and the second circumferential location, and operably in contact with the at least one vane lever between the first circumferential location and the second circumferential location, provides stability to the biasing member while achieving the advantages described above.

In another embodiment, a variable turbine geometry assembly for controlling flow of exhaust gas to a turbine wheel of a turbocharger includes an adjustment ring extending along and rotatable about an axis. The variable turbine geometry assembly also includes at least one vane lever coupled to the adjustment ring. The at least one vane lever has a first lever end coupled to the adjustment ring, a second lever end defining a pin aperture, an inner lever surface facing the adjustment ring and extending parallel to the adjustment ring, and an axial stop extending axially away from the inner lever surface toward the adjustment ring and configured to limit axial movement of the at least one vane lever. The variable turbine geometry assembly further includes a pin disposed in the pin aperture defined by the second lever end of the at least one lever. The variable turbine geometry assembly further includes at least one vane coupled to the pin, with the at least one vane moveable with respect to the adjustment ring when the adjustment ring rotates about the axis. The variable turbine geometry assembly further includes a biasing member coupled to the adjustment ring and operably in contact with the at least one vane lever to bias the at least one vane lever toward the adjustment ring and to reduce vibration between the adjustment ring and the at least one vane lever.

Accordingly, having the biasing member operably in contact with the at least one vane lever to bias the at least one vane lever toward the adjustment ring and to reduce vibration between the adjustment ring and the at least one vane lever reduces wear between various components of the variable turbine geometry assembly. More specifically, reduced vibration between the adjustment ring and the at least one vane lever reduces wear on the adjustment ring and on the at least one vane lever. Reduced wear on the adjustment ring and the at least one vane lever further reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) of the turbocharger, as well as lowering the likelihood of functional failure of the variable turbine geometry assembly adequately controlling flow of exhaust gas to the turbine wheel of the turbocharger. Moreover, the at least one vane lever including the axial stop extending axially away from the inner lever surface toward the adjustment ring and configured to limit axial movement of the at least one vane lever reduces relative distances between the at least one vane lever and the adjustment ring, allowing the biasing member to more easily reduce vibration, and thus wear, between the at least one vane lever and the adjustment ring.

In another embodiment, a variable turbine geometry assembly for controlling flow of exhaust gas to a turbine wheel of a turbocharger includes an adjustment ring extending along and rotatable about a first axis. The variable turbine geometry assembly also includes at least one vane lever coupled to the adjustment ring and at least one vane coupled to the at least one vane lever. The at least one vane is moveable with respect to the adjustment ring when the adjustment ring rotates about the first axis. The at least one vane has a first vane surface facing the first axis, and a second vane surface opposite the first vane surface and facing away from the first axis. The at least one vane further has a third vane surface facing the adjustment ring, and a fourth vane surface opposite the third vane surface and facing away from the adjustment ring. The first vane surface of the at least one vane has a discontinuous region. The discontinuous region extends along a second axis from a first region end to a second region end spaced from the first region end along the second axis. The second axis is obliquely angled relative to the first axis to impart an aerodynamic load to the at least one vane.

Accordingly, the aerodynamic load imparted on the at least one vane by the discontinuous region biases the at least one vane in a particular rotational direction to reduce flutter of the at least one vane. Reduced flutter of the at least one vane reduces vibration between the at least one vane and the at least one vane lever and the adjustment ring, which in turn reduces wear between various components of the variable turbine geometry assembly. More specifically, reduced vibration between the at least one vane and the at least one vane lever and the adjustment ring reduces wear on the at least one vane, the at least one vane lever, and the adjustment ring. Reduced wear on the at least one vane, the at least one vane lever, and the adjustment ring further reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) of the turbocharger, as well as lowering the likelihood of functional failure of the variable turbine geometry assembly adequately controlling flow of exhaust gas to the turbine wheel of the turbocharger.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a variable turbine geometry assembly10for controlling flow of exhaust gas to a turbine wheel12of a turbocharger14is shown inFIGS.1and2. The variable turbine geometry assembly10includes an adjustment ring16extending along and rotatable about an axis A1. The variable turbine geometry assembly10also includes at least one vane lever18coupled to the adjustment ring16, and the variable turbine geometry assembly10includes at least one vane20coupled to the at least one vane lever18. The at least one vane20is moveable with respect to the adjustment ring16when the adjustment ring16rotates about the axis A1. The variable turbine geometry assembly10further includes a biasing member22coupled to the adjustment ring16at a first circumferential location24on the adjustment ring16, and coupled to the adjustment ring16at a second circumferential location26different from the first circumferential location24on the adjustment ring16. The biasing member22extends from the first circumferential location24on the adjustment ring16to the second circumferential location26on the adjustment ring16. The biasing member22is operably in contact with the at least one vane lever18between the first circumferential location24and the second circumferential location26to bias the at least one vane lever18toward the adjustment ring16and to reduce vibration between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18.

Accordingly, having the biasing member22operably in contact with the at least one vane lever18to bias the at least one vane lever18toward the adjustment ring16and to reduce vibration between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18reduces wear between various components of the variable turbine geometry assembly10. More specifically, reduced vibration between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18reduces wear on the adjustment ring16and on the at least one vane lever18. Reduced wear on the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18further reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) of the turbocharger14, as well as lowering the likelihood of functional failure of the variable turbine geometry assembly10adequately controlling flow of exhaust gas to the turbine wheel12of the turbocharger14. Moreover, having the biasing member22coupled to the first circumferential location24and the second circumferential location26, and operably in contact with the at least one vane lever18between the first circumferential location24and the second circumferential location26, provides stability to the biasing member22while achieving the advantages described above.

The biasing member22may be in direct contact with the at least one vane lever18, as shown inFIG.2. However, it is to be appreciated that the biasing member22need not be in direct contact with the at least one vane lever18. The biasing member22need only be in operable contact with the at least one vane lever18. As such, there may be included an additional component(s) disposed between the biasing member22and the at least one vane lever18as long as the biasing member22is capable of biasing the at least one vane lever18toward the adjustment ring16. Even with the embodiments having an additional component(s) disposed between the biasing member22and the at least one vane lever18, vibration is reduced between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18.

Although not required, as shown inFIG.2, the biasing member22may extend from the first circumferential location24to the second circumferential location26circumferentially about a majority of the adjustment ring16. The biasing member may be generally C-shaped. The biasing member22extending circumferentially about a majority of the adjustment ring16increases the stability of the biasing member22and allows the biasing member22to operably contact more than one vane20. Alternatively, the biasing member22may extend from the first circumferential location24to the second circumferential location26only about a minority of the adjustment ring16. In a non-limiting example, the first circumferential location24may be circumferentially spaced from the second circumferential location26such that only one vane lever18is disposed between the first circumferential location24and the second circumferential location26. In another non-limiting example, the first circumferential location24may be circumferentially spaced from the second circumferential location26such that two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more vane levers18are disposed between the first circumferential location24and the second circumferential location26.

The biasing member22may be further defined as a wire spring, as shown inFIG.2. It is to be appreciated, however, that the biasing member22may be a coil spring, a flat spring, a serpentine spring, a Belleville spring, a wave spring, or a spring washer, among other possibilities.

The biasing member22may include at least one planar portion28extending parallel to the adjustment ring16and at least one contact portion30extending axially away from the at least one planar portion28toward the at least one vane lever18. The at least one contact portion30is operably in contact with the at least one vane lever18. The at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22may be in direct contact with the at least one vane lever18. However, it is to be appreciated that the at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22need not be in direct contact with the at least one vane lever18. The at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22need only be in operable contact with the at least one vane lever18. As such, there may be included an additional component(s) disposed between the at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22and the at least one vane lever18as long as the at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22is capable of biasing the at least one vane lever18toward the adjustment ring16. Even with the embodiments having an additional component(s) disposed between the at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22and the at least one vane lever18, vibration is reduced between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18.

As shown inFIG.2, the at least one contact portion30may be disposed between an adjacent pair of the planar portions28. Moreover, the at least one contact portion30may be generally U-shaped. However, it is contemplated that the at least one contact portion30may alternatively be V-shaped or I-shaped.

Although not required, as shown inFIG.2, the biasing member22may be coupled to the adjustment ring16at a third circumferential location32on the adjustment ring16. The biasing member22may also be coupled to the adjustment ring16at a fourth circumferential location, a fifth circumferential location, or more circumferential locations. Additional circumferential locations at which the biasing member22is coupled to the adjustment ring16at increase the stability of the biasing member22. Moreover, it is to be appreciate that the biasing member22may be fixed to the adjustment ring16at the first circumferential location24and the second circumferential location26. Moreover, in the embodiments with the third circumferential location32, the biasing member22may be fixed to the adjustment ring16at the third circumferential location32. The biasing member22may also be fixed to the adjustment ring16at the fourth circumferential location, the fifth circumferential location, or more circumferential locations.

The at least one vane lever18may be further defined as a plurality of vane levers18. Moreover, the at least one vane20may be further defined as a plurality of vanes20. It is to be appreciated that the biasing member22may be operably in contact with at least two of the vane levers18. Said differently, the biasing member22may be operably in contact with two of the vane levers18, three of the vane levers18, four of the vane levers18, five of the vane levers18, six of the vane levers18, seven of the vane levers18, eight of the vane levers18, up to all of the vane levers18included in the variable turbine geometry assembly10. Moreover, the biasing member22may be operably in contact with at least three of the vane levers18. Said differently, the biasing member22may be operably in contact with three of the vane levers18, four of the vane levers18, five of the vane levers18, six of the vane levers18, seven of the vane levers18, eight of the vane levers18, up to all of the vane levers18included in the variable turbine geometry assembly10.

As shown inFIG.2, the variable turbine geometry assembly10may further include an adjustment projection34coupled to the adjustment ring16and extending axially away from the adjustment ring16. The adjustment projection34may be disposed circumferentially between the first circumferential location24and the second circumferential location26. The adjustment projection34may be coupled to an actuator configured to move the adjustment projection34to rotate the adjustment ring16about the axis A1and move the at least one vane20.

The at least one vane lever18may have a contact surface36facing away from the adjustment ring16. The biasing member22may be operably in contact with the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18to reduce vibration between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18. The biasing member22may be in direct contact with the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18. However, it is to be appreciated that the biasing member22need not be in direct contact with the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18to operably be in contact with the contact surface36. As such, there may be included an additional component(s) disposed between the biasing member22and the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18. Even with the embodiments having an additional component(s) disposed between the biasing member22and the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18, vibration is reduced between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18. Additionally, although not required, the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18may be indented axially into the at least one vane lever18to seat the biasing member22. Seating the biasing member22further increases the stability of the biasing member22relative to the adjustment ring16.

The biasing member22may include at least one planar portion28extending parallel to the adjustment ring16and at least one contact portion30extending axially away from the at least one planar portion28toward the at least one vane lever18. The at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22may be operably in contact with the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18. The at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22may be in direct contact with the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18. However, it is to be appreciated that the at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22need not be in direct contact with the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18to operably be in contact with the contact surface36. As such, there may be included an additional component(s) disposed between the at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22and the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18. Even with the embodiments having an additional component(s) disposed between the at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22and the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18, vibration is reduced between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG.1, the turbocharger14may include the variable turbine geometry assembly10as shown inFIG.2. The turbocharger14may include a shaft38extending along the axis A1between a first shaft end40and a second shaft end42spaced from the first shaft end40along the axis A1. The turbocharger14may also include the turbine wheel12coupled to the first shaft end40of the shaft38and a compressor wheel44coupled to the second shaft end42of the shaft38. The turbocharger14may further include a turbine housing46defining a turbine housing interior48, with the turbine wheel12disposed in the turbine housing interior48, and a compressor housing50defining a compressor housing interior52, with the compressor wheel44disposed in the compressor housing interior52.

In another embodiment, as shown inFIG.3, the variable turbine geometry assembly10includes the adjustment ring16extending along and rotatable about the axis A1. The variable turbine geometry assembly10also includes the at least one vane lever18coupled to the adjustment ring16. In the embodiment as shown inFIG.3, the at least one vane lever18has a first lever end54coupled to the adjustment ring16, a second lever end56defining a pin aperture58, an inner lever surface60facing the adjustment ring16and extending parallel to the adjustment ring16, and an axial stop62extending axially away from the inner lever surface60toward the adjustment ring16and configured to limit axial movement of the at least one vane lever18. Although not required, the first lever end54may be fixed to adjustment ring16. The variable turbine geometry assembly10in the embodiment as shown inFIG.3further includes a pin64disposed in the pin aperture58defined by the second lever end56of the at least one vane lever18. Although not required, the second lever end56may be fixed to the pin64. The variable turbine geometry assembly10further includes at least one vane20coupled to the pin64, with the at least one vane20moveable with respect to the adjustment ring16when the adjustment ring16rotates about the axis A1. The variable turbine geometry assembly10further includes the biasing member22coupled to the adjustment ring16and operably in contact with the at least one vane lever18to bias the at least one vane lever18toward the adjustment ring16and to reduce vibration between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18.

Accordingly, having the biasing member22operably in contact with the at least one vane lever18to bias the at least one vane lever18toward the adjustment ring16and to reduce vibration between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18reduces wear between various components of the variable turbine geometry assembly10. More specifically, reduced vibration between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18reduces wear on the adjustment ring16and on the at least one vane lever18. Reduced wear on the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18further reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) of the turbocharger14, as well as lowering the likelihood of functional failure of the variable turbine geometry assembly10adequately controlling flow of exhaust gas to the turbine wheel12of the turbocharger14. Moreover, the at least one vane lever18including the axial stop62extending axially away from the inner lever surface60toward the adjustment ring16and configured to limit axial movement of the at least one vane lever18reduces relative distances between the at least one vane lever18and the adjustment ring16, allowing the biasing member22to more easily reduce vibration, and thus wear, between the at least one vane lever18and the adjustment ring16. Although not required, the axial stop62may have a first stop surface66facing the adjustment ring16, a second stop surface68facing the axis A1, and a third stop surface70opposite the first stop surface66facing away from the axis A1.

It is to be appreciated that, in the embodiment as shown inFIG.3, the biasing member22need not be limited to biasing member22as shown inFIG.2. In a non-limiting example, the biasing member22may be two or more biasing members22, each operably in contact with the at least one vane lever18to bias the at least one vane lever18toward the adjustment ring16and to reduce vibration between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18.

However, it is also to be appreciated that the biasing member22as shown inFIG.2may be the same biasing member22as shown inFIG.3and as described herein. As such, although not required, the biasing member22may be coupled to the adjustment ring16at the first circumferential location24on the adjustment ring16and may be coupled to the adjustment ring16at the second circumferential location26different from the first circumferential location24on the adjustment ring16. In this embodiment, the biasing member22extends from the first circumferential location24on the adjustment ring16to the second circumferential location26on the adjustment ring16. The biasing member22may be operably in contact with the at least one vane lever18between the first circumferential location24and the second circumferential location26to bias the at least one vane lever18toward the adjustment ring16and to reduce vibration between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18.

Moreover, in the embodiment as shown inFIG.3, the biasing member22may be in direct contact with the at least one vane lever18. However, it is to be appreciated that the biasing member22need not be in direct contact with the at least one vane lever18. The biasing member22need only be in operable contact with the at least one vane lever18. As such, there may be included an additional component(s) disposed between the biasing member22and the at least one vane lever18as long as the biasing member22is capable of biasing the at least one vane lever18toward the adjustment ring16. Even with the embodiments having an additional component(s) disposed between the biasing member22and the at least one vane lever18, vibration is reduced between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18.

Additionally, although not required, in the embodiment as shown inFIG.3, the biasing member22may extend from the first circumferential location24to the second circumferential location26circumferentially about a majority of the adjustment ring16. The biasing member may be generally C-shaped. The biasing member22extending circumferentially about a majority of the adjustment ring16increases the stability of the biasing member22and allows the biasing member22to operably contact more than one vane20. Alternatively, the biasing member22may extend from the first circumferential location24to the second circumferential location26only about a minority of the adjustment ring16. In a non-limiting example, the first circumferential location24may be circumferentially spaced from the second circumferential location26such that only one vane lever18is disposed between the first circumferential location24and the second circumferential location26. In another non-limiting example, the first circumferential location24may be circumferentially spaced from the second circumferential location26such that two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more vane levers18are disposed between the first circumferential location24and the second circumferential location26.

The biasing member22as shown inFIG.3may be further defined as the wire spring. It is to be appreciated, however, that the biasing member22may be the coil spring, the flat spring, the serpentine spring, the Belleville spring, the wave spring, or the spring washer, among other possibilities.

Moreover, in the embodiment as shown inFIG.3, the biasing member22may include at least one planar portion28extending parallel to the adjustment ring16and at least one contact portion30extending axially away from the at least one planar portion28toward the at least one vane lever18. The at least one contact portion30is operably in contact with the at least one vane lever18. The at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22may be in direct contact with the at least one vane lever18. However, it is to be appreciated that the at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22need not be in direct contact with the at least one vane lever18. The at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22need only be in operable contact with the at least one vane lever18. As such, there may be included an additional component(s) disposed between the at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22and the at least one vane lever18as long as the at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22is capable of biasing the at least one vane lever18toward the adjustment ring16. Even with the embodiments having an additional component(s) disposed between the at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22and the at least one vane lever18, vibration is reduced between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18.

Moreover, in the embodiment as shown inFIG.3, the at least one contact portion30may be disposed between an adjacent pair of the planar portions28. Moreover, the at least one contact portion30may be generally U-shaped. However, it is contemplated that the at least one contact portion30may alternatively be V-shaped or I-shaped.

Although not required, in the embodiment as shown inFIG.3, the biasing member22may be coupled to the adjustment ring16at the third circumferential location32on the adjustment ring16. The biasing member22may also be coupled to the adjustment ring16at the fourth circumferential location, the fifth circumferential location, or more circumferential locations. Additional circumferential locations at which the biasing member22is coupled to the adjustment ring16at increase the stability of the biasing member22. Moreover, it is to be appreciate that the biasing member22may be fixed to the adjustment ring16at the first circumferential location24and the second circumferential location26. Moreover, in the embodiments with the third circumferential location32, the biasing member22may be fixed to the adjustment ring16at the third circumferential location32. The biasing member22may also be fixed to the adjustment ring16at the fourth circumferential location, the fifth circumferential location, or more circumferential locations.

Additionally, in the embodiment as shown inFIG.3, the at least one vane lever18may be further defined as the plurality of vane levers18. Moreover, the at least one vane20may be further defined as the plurality of vanes20. It is to be appreciated that the biasing member22of the embodiment as shown inFIG.3may be operably in contact with at least two of the vane levers18. Said differently, the biasing member22may be operably in contact with two of the vane levers18, three of the vane levers18, four of the vane levers18, five of the vane levers18, six of the vane levers18, seven of the vane levers18, eight of the vane levers18, up to all of the vane levers18included in the variable turbine geometry assembly10. Moreover, the biasing member22may be operably in contact with at least three of the vane levers18. Said differently, the biasing member22may be operably in contact with three of the vane levers18, four of the vane levers18, five of the vane levers18, six of the vane levers18, seven of the vane levers18, eight of the vane levers18, up to all of the vane levers18included in the variable turbine geometry assembly10.

Although not shown inFIG.3, it is to be appreciated that the variable turbine geometry assembly10of the embodiment as shown inFIG.3may further include an adjustment projection34coupled to the adjustment ring16and extending axially away from the adjustment ring16. The adjustment projection34may be disposed circumferentially between the first circumferential location24and the second circumferential location26. The adjustment projection34may be coupled to an actuator configured to move the adjustment projection34to rotate the adjustment ring16about the axis A1and move the at least one vane20.

Further, the at least one vane lever18of the embodiment as shown inFIG.3may have the contact surface36facing away from the adjustment ring16. The biasing member22may be operably in contact with the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18to reduce vibration between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18. The biasing member22may be in direct contact with the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18. However, it is to be appreciated that the biasing member22need not be in direct contact with the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18to operably be in contact with the contact surface36. As such, there may be included an additional component(s) disposed between the biasing member22and the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18. Even with the embodiments having an additional component(s) disposed between the biasing member22and the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18, vibration is reduced between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18. Additionally, although not required, in the embodiment as shown inFIG.3, the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18may be indented axially into the at least one vane lever18to seat the biasing member22. Seating the biasing member22further increases the stability of the biasing member22relative to the adjustment ring16.

Moreover, it is to be appreciated that the biasing member22of the embodiment as shown inFIG.3may include at least one planar portion28extending parallel to the adjustment ring16and at least one contact portion30extending axially away from the at least one planar portion28toward the at least one vane lever18. The at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22may be operably in contact with the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18. The at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22may be in direct contact with the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18. However, it is to be appreciated that the at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22need not be in direct contact with the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18to operably be in contact with the contact surface36. As such, there may be included an additional component(s) disposed between the at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22and the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18. Even with the embodiments having an additional component(s) disposed between the at least one contact portion30of the biasing member22and the contact surface36of the at least one vane lever18, vibration is reduced between the adjustment ring16and the at least one vane lever18.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG.1, the turbocharger14may include the variable turbine geometry assembly10as shown inFIG.3. The turbocharger14may include the shaft38extending along the axis A1between the first shaft end40and the second shaft end42spaced from the first shaft end40along the axis A1. The turbocharger14may also include the turbine wheel12coupled to the first shaft end40of the shaft38and the compressor wheel44coupled to the second shaft end42of the shaft38. The turbocharger14may further include the turbine housing46defining the turbine housing interior48, with the turbine wheel12disposed in the turbine housing interior48, and the compressor housing50defining the compressor housing interior52, with the compressor wheel44disposed in the compressor housing interior52.

In another embodiment, the variable turbine geometry assembly10includes the adjustment ring16extending along and rotatable about the first axis A1. The variable turbine geometry assembly10also includes at least one vane lever18coupled to the adjustment ring16and the variable turbine geometry assembly10includes at least one vane20coupled to the at least one vane lever18. The at least one vane20is moveable with respect to the adjustment ring16when the adjustment ring16rotates about the first axis A1. The at least one vane20has a first vane surface72facing the first axis A1, and a second vane surface74opposite the first vane surface72and facing away from the first axis A1. The at least one vane20further has a third vane surface76facing the adjustment ring16, and a fourth vane surface78opposite the third vane surface76and facing away from the adjustment ring16. The first vane surface72of the at least one vane20has a discontinuous region80. The discontinuous region80extends along a second axis A2from a first region end82to a second region end84spaced from the first region end82along the second axis A2. The second axis A2is obliquely angled relative to the first axis A1to impart an aerodynamic load to the at least one vane20.

Accordingly, the aerodynamic load imparted on the at least one vane20by the discontinuous region80biases the at least one vane20in a particular rotational direction to reduce flutter of the at least one vane20. Reduced flutter of the at least one vane20reduces vibration between the at least one vane20and the at least one vane lever18and the adjustment ring16, which in turn reduces wear between various components of the variable turbine geometry assembly10. More specifically, reduced vibration between the at least one vane20and the at least one vane lever18and the adjustment ring16reduces wear on the at least one vane20, the at least one vane lever18, and the adjustment ring16. Reduced wear on the at least one vane20, the at least one vane lever18, and the adjustment ring16further reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) of the turbocharger14, as well as lowering the likelihood of functional failure of the variable turbine geometry assembly10adequately controlling flow of exhaust gas to the turbine wheel12of the turbocharger14.

Although not required, the first region end82may be axially offset from the second region end84such that the first region end82is spaced from the second region end84along the first axis A1. Moreover, it is to be appreciated that the discontinuous region80may extend away from the first vane surface72of the at least one vane20. In other words, the discontinuous region80may be a projection such as a fin. Alternatively, it is to be appreciated that the discontinuous region80may be indented into the first vane surface72of the at least one vane20. In other words, the discontinuous region80may be a groove, channel, or other void. It is also to be appreciate that the discontinuous region80may have portion(s) that extend away from the first vane surface72(i.e., are projection(s) such as a fin) while the discontinuous region80may also have portion(s) that are indented into the first vane surface72(i.e., are a groove, channel, or other void).

Although not required, it is to be appreciated that the at least one vane20of the embodiment as shown inFIG.4may be used in combination with the variable turbine geometry assembly10as shown inFIG.2and the variable turbine geometry assembly10as shown inFIG.3.