Abstract:
This invention is developed to solve the problems described above. The object of this invention is to provide a vane adjustment mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas, which will have fewer components and a simpler design, which will operate in a stable fashion, and which will be extremely durable. The base unit comprises an inner base unit having first and second flanges, and an outer base unit  2 B into which the inner base unit  2 A is forced. A plurality of U-shaped indentations  2   c  spaced at regular angular intervals on the inside surface of the inner or outer base unit from the first flange  2   a  to the second flange  2   b , so that the U-shaped indentations form the vane shaft holes to accommodate the vane lever units when the inner base unit is forced into the outer base unit to block the U-shaped indentations in such a way that the vane lever units are free to rotate. The link plate  3 A has U-shaped cutting or concaved indentations, in which protrusions of the vane lever unit engage, all along the circumferential edge of the link plate  4.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    This invention concerns a vane adjustment mechanism used in a variable-capacity turbine to control the quantity of exhaust gas. The vane adjustment mechanism has fewer parts and a simpler configuration than its predecessors, which will operate in a stable fashion, and which will be highly durable. This invention also concerns the assembling method for the vane adjustment mechanism.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    The question of how to make exhaust gases cleaner, i.e., how to reduce the harmful nitrous oxides (NOx) and particulates in the exhaust, has become an environmental concern, particularly with respect to diesel engines. On the other end of the spectrum, the dynamic capability of a diesel engine, i.e., its torque and its output, can be increased by installing a turbocharger. In a turbocharger, a turbine powered by the exhaust gas is used to drive an air compressor which can supply a large quantity of intake air to the engine. Forcing more air into the engine will boost the rate of combustion in the engine and so increase its output.  
           [0005]    Since the details of turbochargers are known to the public, we shall not explain them here; however, one means which has been employed to meet the demands in a diesel engine, as well as to increase its dynamic capabilities, is a turbocharger with a vane adjustment mechanism equipped with variable capacity vanes to control the quantity of exhaust gas from the engine.  
           [0006]    As can be seen in FIG. 7, the vane adjustment mechanism  51  to control the quantity of exhaust gas lies within turbine housing  61  of turbocharger  60 , which is installed on intake pipe E 1 , which runs into engine E, and exhaust pipe E 2 . Mechanism  51  is on the outside of turbine blades  63  on one end of shaft  62 . In FIG. 7, 64 is the compressor impeller provided on the other end of turbine shaft  62 .  
           [0007]    A prior art design for a vane adjustment mechanism  51  to control the quantity of exhaust gas is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.  52  is a base unit formed by a short pipe member on the end of which is base flange  52   a . The turbine blades  63  fit inside the interior of base unit  52  and are coaxial with it.  
           [0008]    A second flange,  52   b , is formed on the end of base unit  52  opposite of that where flange  52   a  is formed. A number of vane shaft holes  52   c , which are equal in number to the nozzle vane units  53  that go from flange  52   a  to flange  52   b . A cover  52   d  protects nozzle vane units  53 , which will be discussed shortly, on flange  52   a.    
           [0009]    Each nozzle vane unit  53  is a variable capacity vane, and it has a vane shaft  53   a  slipped into vane shaft hole  52   c , which fits to the vane shaft  53   a . The nozzle vane unit  53  protrudes from flange  52   a  at a right angle with respect to the surface of that flange. The angle of inclination of the surface of the nozzle vane unit  53  can be adjusted between a radius angle and an arc angle with respect to the center of base unit  52 . One end of vane shaft  53   a  has nozzle vane unit  53 , and the opposite end of the vane shaft  53   a  is fixed by riveting to the drilled hole  54   a  of lever  54 , to be discussed shortly.  
           [0010]    [0010] 54  is a lever on top of flange  52   b . The number of these levers  54 , is equal in number to the nozzle vane units  53 . A through hole  54   a  is provided on one end of lever  54  through which vane shaft  53   a  of nozzle vane unit  53 , runs through to base unit  52 . On the other end of lever  54 , on the surface opposite that of which nozzle vane unit  53  is located, is a protrusion  54   b , which engages with one of holes  55   a  of link plate  55 , which will be discussed shortly.  
           [0011]    The end of vane shaft  53   a  of nozzle vane unit  53 , the insert shaft in hole  54   a  of lever  54 , is riveted so that the nozzle vane unit  53  and the lever  54  form a single piece. Thus, both of the nozzle vane unit  53  and lever  54  are connected through base unit  52 . Since the end of vane shaft  53   a  is riveted, the movement of lever  54  will change the angular orientation of the surface of nozzle vane unit  53 .  
           [0012]    [0012] 55  is a link plate. The rounded center portion of link plate  55  engages with the outer surface of base unit  52 . There is an eccentric hole  55   a  over the arc of the rounded portion, in which protrusion  54   b  of lever  54  engages. Link plate  55  also has a link portion  55   b  on a portion of the circumference of the plate, to engage with actuator unit.  
           [0013]    A vane adjustment mechanism  51  to control the quantity of exhaust gas configured as described above is driven with an actuator (not pictured) connected to link portion  55   b  of link plate  55 . When link plate  55  rotates over a given angle of rotation, the protrusion  54   b  of lever  54  rotates, and the other end of lever  54  which is fixed to the vane shaft  53   a  also rotates. In this way vane shaft  53   a  is made to rotate as a shaft, and the angle of nozzle vane unit  53  changes. A vane adjustment mechanism  51  which is driven in this way can adjust the quantity of exhaust gas to turbocharger  60  so as to optimize the function of the engine.  
           [0014]    The prior art vane adjustment mechanism  51  to control the quantity of exhaust gas, which is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, requires that the vane shaft hole  52   c , provided in base unit  52  for vane shaft  53   a  of nozzle vane unit  53 , be drilled to precise dimensions. Forming such a hole  52   c  during the manufacture of mechanism  51  requires careful labor. Also, because vane shaft  53   a  must fit closely in vane shaft hole  52   c , particulates in the exhaust gas which adheres to its surface will fuse to the inserted shaft and the surface of vane shaft hole  52   c , adversely affecting its durability.  
           [0015]    The prior art vane adjustment mechanism  51  has a lever  54  and a vane shaft  53   a  which are riveted together. This requires a number of components, such as vane shaft  53   a  (nozzle vane unit  53 ) and lever  54 , thus increasing both the parts count and the number of assembly processes. Just as was discussed earlier, these components also require a high degree of precision machining. Determining the correct position (i.e., the proper angle) at which to fix nozzle vane units  53  to levers  54  also required a high degree of precision.  
           [0016]    In prior art vane adjustment mechanisms  51 , the same problem as described above was experienced between hole  55   a  in link plate  55  and protrusion  54   b  of lever  54   
           [0017]    The high degree of machining precision which is required in prior art vane adjustment mechanism  51 , to control the quantity of exhaust gas required in order to withstand being used under severe conditions in a turbocharger, increased the labor and the cost required to produce it. In addition, it required a large number of components, which complicated its configuration and increased the production time, reducing the efficiency of production and increasing its cost.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0018]    This invention was developed to solve the problems described above. The object of this invention is to provide a vane adjustment mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas, which will have fewer components and a simpler design, which will operate in a stable fashion, and which will be extremely durable.  
           [0019]    In order to achieve these objectives, the vane adjustment mechanism, according to this invention, has the following essential features. With respect to the base unit and the link plate in which holes were formed by drilling, according to the prior arts vane adjustment mechanism, this invention uses a U-shaped indentation so as to eliminate the drilling process for forming a through hole. With respect to the components to adjust the vanes and the levers in a prior art mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas, which were composed of numerous parts, this invention uses a single part for the purpose of reducing the parts count. With respect to the insert shaft in the vane lever unit, which was linear in the prior art mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas, this invention narrows the diameter of the insert partway along its length in order to reduce the precision machining process for making the shaft. By selecting some or all of these improvements, the manufacturer can reduce the number of parts required, simplify the configuration of the mechanism, improve its operational stability and durability, and improve the assembling method for the vane adjustment mechanism.  
           [0020]    The vane adjustment mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas which is disclosed in this application has a base unit having the shape of a short pipe, which has a first flange on an outer surface and a second flange on the inner side in the direction of exhaust gas; a plurality of vanes positioned along the circumference of the base unit, which adjust the quantity of exhaust gas; a link plate provided on the second flange of the base unit, whose inner circular edge engages with the outer edge of the base unit in such a way that the link plate is free to rotate; and a plurality of vane lever units connecting the plurality of vanes and the link plate, which run through vane shaft holes in the base unit.  
           [0021]    The mechanism is distinguished be the following configuration. The base unit comprises an inner base unit having the first and second flanges, and an outer base unit into which the inner base unit  2 A is forced, and a plurality of U-shaped indentations spaced at regular angular intervals on the inside surface of the inner or outer base unit from the first flange to the second flange, so that the U-shaped indentations form the vane shaft holes to accommodate the vane lever units when the inner base unit is forced into the outer base unit to block the U-shaped indentations in such a way that the vane lever units are free to rotate. In the assembling method according to this invention, the same features are distinguished from the prior art.  
           [0022]    When the inner base is forced into the inner base in this fashion, a portion of each indentation will be blocked. As a result, the indentations will function as vane shaft holes. In other words, if indentations are provided on either the inside of the outer base unit or the outside of the inner base unit, no punching process will be needed. Furthermore, there will be less area which must be finished with a reamer, so the work required to manufacture the mechanism is simpler.  
           [0023]    The vane and the vane lever unit are formed as an integral piece. As an actual configuration, it has vane units placed on top of the first flange, each of which consists of a vane whose surface is orthogonal to that of the first flange; and levers, each of which consists of a vane shaft extending from the vane unit toward the second flange and engaging in one of the indentations; a connector linked to this vane shaft which lies parallel to the surface of the second flange; and a protrusion which is linked to this connector and runs perpendicular to the surface of the second flange. The vane unit and lever are formed as an integral piece.  
           [0024]    By forming the vane unit and lever as a single piece, we can reduce the parts count and by the same token reduce the number of assembly processes. In addition, we eliminate the need to determine the correct angle between the lever and the surface of the vane unit, which reduces the labor required.  
           [0025]    The link plate has U-shaped cutting or concaved indentations, in which protrusions of the vane lever unit engage, all along the circumferential edge of the link plate. When compared with the process of providing holes in the link plate, this process provides superior strength with respect to thermal deformation and is easier to perform.  
           [0026]    The mid-portion of a vane shaft of the vane lever unit has a narrow portion which has a smaller diameter than the ends of the vane shaft, which reduces the contacting surface area with the U-shaped indentation so preventing the vane shaft from seizing in the U-shaped indentation. Making the central portion of the vane shaft narrower will keep the vane shaft from coming in less contact with the surface of the indentation. This will eliminate the need for precision finishing and so shorten the production time by that amount. It will also prevent the parts from seizing. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 is a rough sketch of the vane adjustment mechanism for a variable-capacity turbocharger in which this invention is implemented. (a) is a view showing from the link plate, (b) is an enlarged view of vane lever unit.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 is a rough sketch of the vane adjustment mechanism for a variable-capacity turbocharger in which this invention is implemented, which is a cross section taken along line B-B in FIG. 1  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 shows the base unit of the mechanism to adjust the quantity of exhaust gas of this invention. (a) is a view showing from the second flange side, and (b) is a cross section taken along line C-C showing the inner base unit is inserted into the outer base unit.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 shows the actuator vane link unit for the mechanism to adjust the vane angle of this invention. (a) is a view showing from the protrusion, (b) is a view showing from the side of (a).  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 shows a link plate of the vane adjustment mechanism of this invention. (a) is a view showing from the top, (b) is a cross section taken along line D-D.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 shows a link plate of the vane adjustment mechanism of according to another preferred embodiment of this invention. (a) is a view showing from the top, (b) is a cross section taken along line E-E.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 7 shows the location of the vane adjustment mechanism in an engine equipped with a variable-capacity turbocharger according to a prior art.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 8 is a rough sketch of the vane adjustment mechanism for a variable-capacity turbocharger according to a prior art. (a) is a view showing from the link plate, (b) is a cross section taken along line A-A of (a).  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 9 is a rough sketch of the vane adjustment mechanism for a variable-capacity turbocharger according to a prior art. (a) is an enlarged view showing the variable vanes and lever, (b) is a protective cover for vanes showing from the vane side.  
         [0036]    In these drawings,  1  is vane adjustment mechanism, is base unit,  2 A is inner base unit,  2 B is outer base unit,  2   a  is first flange,  2   b  is second flange,  2   c  is indentation,  3  is vane lever unit,  3 A is vane,  3 B is lever,  3   a  is vane shaft,  3   b  is connector,  3   c  is protrusion,  3   d  is narrow portion,  4  is link plate,  4   a  is U-shaped cutting or concaved indentation, and  4   b  is actuating portion.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0037]    In this section we shall explain several preferred embodiments of this invention with reference to the appended drawings. Whenever the shapes, relative positions and other aspects of the parts described in these embodiments are not clearly defined, the scope of the invention is not limited only to the parts shown, which are meant merely for the purpose of illustration.  
         [0038]    In the following section, we shall explain, with reference to FIGS. 1 through 6, a preferred embodiment of the vane adjustment mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas of this invention.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIGS. 1 and 2 show rough sketches of the configuration of the vane adjustment mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas for a variable turbocharger according to this invention. FIG. 3 shows the base unit of the mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas of this invention. FIG. 4 shows the vane lever unit to adjust the vane angle in the mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas of this invention. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the link plates in the mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas of this invention.  
         [0040]    In FIGS. 1 through 6,  1  is the vane adjustment mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas of this invention, which has vanes to control the quantity of exhaust gas which rotates the turbine blades. This mechanism is mounted in a turbocharger, which is not pictured, and is configured as will be explained.  
         [0041]    [0041] 2  is the base unit, which has the shape of a short pipe. As can be seen in FIG. 2, this base unit  2  consists of inner base unit  2 A, which forms the inner portion of the base unit, and outer base unit  2 B, into which inner base unit  2 A is forced.  
         [0042]    There are a flange  2 a on the surface of outer base unit  2 B and a second flange  2   b  on the opposite side. In this embodiment, outer base unit  2 B has U-shaped indentations  2   c  at regular angular intervals on its inside surface all the way from flange  2   a  to flange  2   b . In outer base unit  2 B, flange  2   a , flange  2   b  and indentations  2   c  are all formed from a single piece of material.  
         [0043]    When inner base unit  2 A, which can be seen in FIG. 3, is forced into outer base unit  2 B, the open ends of indentations  2   c  on outer base unit  2 B are covered by the outer surface of the inner base unit  2 A. Thus, when inner base unit  2 A and outer base unit  2 B are assembled, indentations  2   c  function as vane shaft holes. A mechanism configured in this way will not require a drilling process.  
         [0044]    As can be seen in FIG. 4, 3 is the vane lever unit. On one end of it is vane  3 A, and on the other end is lever  3 B which changes the angle of the surface of vane  3 A. Both ends are formed as a single piece of material. In vane lever unit  3 , vane  3 A, which forms one end of the vane lever unit, is placed atop the flange  2   a  so that its surface is orthogonal to that of the flange. The angle of this surface is rotationally changed by means of lever  3 B.  
         [0045]    In vane lever unit  3 , the lever  3 B on one end of the unit consists of vane shaft  3   a , which fits into the indentation  2   c  running from flange  2   a  to flange  2   b ; connector  3   b , which extends parallel to flange  2   b  from the end of vane shaft  3   a ; and protrusion  3   c , which extends perpendicular to flange  2   b  from the end of connector  3   b.    
         [0046]    In the mid-portion of vane shaft  3   a  is narrow portion  3   d , which has a smaller diameter than the ends of the shaft. Narrow portion  3   d  reduces the contacting surface area of the shaft which is in contact with indentation  2   c  and so prevents the shaft from seizing in the indentation. The variable vane lever unit  3  is formed with vane  3 A, vane shaft  3   a , connector  3   b  and protrusion  3   c  in lever  3 B, are all formed as a single piece unit.  
         [0047]    [0047] 4  is the link plate, whose inner circular edge engages with the outer edge of inner base unit  2 A in such a way that it is free to rotate. The link plate  4  shown in FIG. 5, for example, has U-shaped cutting indentations  4   a , in which protrusions  3   c  engage, all along its outer edge extending from one side to the other.  
         [0048]    In the link plate  4  shown in FIG. 6, as another preferred embodiment, the U-shaped concaved indentations  4   a  in which protrusions  3   c  engage are punched by applying pressure from the reverse side of the plate. An actuating portion  4   b  of the outer edge of link plate  4  is provided, which engages with an actuator (not shown) to rotate the link plate  4 .  
         [0049]    In the link plate  4  shown in FIG. 5, instead of cutting indentations  4   a , the portion where actuating portion  4   b  is formed has holes. However, if actuating portion  4   b  is placed on a portion of the plate where there are no cutting indentations  4   a , the cutting indentations can be provided all around the outer edge of the link plate  4 .  
         [0050]    [0050] 5  is a protective cover for vane  3 A. (See FIG. 2.) Protective cover  5  is angular in shape. It is attached to flange  2   a  by means of connector hardware  5   a  with an interval between itself and the flange, which is slightly wider than the width of vane  3 A.  
         [0051]    When configured as described above, a vane adjustment mechanism  1  to control the quantity of exhaust gas in a turbocharger will, because of the way it is assembled, work as follows. When actuating portion  4   b  is driven to rotate over a given angle by an actuator (not pictured), link plate  4  will rotate over the same angle.  
         [0052]    When link plate  4  rotates, protrusions  3   c  on levers  3 B in vane lever unit  3 , which engage with indentations  4   a  of link plate  4 , also rotate. Connectors  3   b  will in turn rotate, causing vane shafts  3   a  to rotate on their axes. When vane shafts  3   a  rotate on their axes, the angle of the surface of vanes  3 A in vane lever units  3  will change. This will adjust the quantity of exhaust gas which flows into inner base unit  2 A.  
         [0053]    We shall next explain the effects of this invention by considering how the vane adjustment mechanism  1  to control the quantity of exhaust gas, the embodiment of this invention, differs from mechanism  51 , the prior art mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.  
         [0054]    ( 1 ) In the prior art vane adjustment mechanism  51  to control the quantity of exhaust gas, vane shaft holes  52   c  are made in base unit  52  with a small-diameter drill bit for vane shafts  53   a  of nozzle vane units  53 . Thus, a prior art mechanism  51  to control the quantity of exhaust gas required an equal amount of vane shaft holes  52   c  to be drilled, as there are nozzle vane units  53 , which entailed considerable time and labor. Because the surfaces where vane shafts  53   a  met holes  52   c  have to be machined with great precision, even more time and labor is involved.  
         [0055]    In contrast, the vane adjustment mechanism  1  to control the quantity of exhaust gas of this invention has indentations  2   c  which extend from flange  2   a  to flange  2   b  in outer base unit  2 B of base unit  2 . When inner base unit  2 A is forced into outer base unit  2 B, the open ends of indentations  2   c  are blocked by the outer surface of the inner base unit  2 A. The indentations can then function as vane shaft holes which support vane shafts  3   a  of vane lever units  3  at three points.  
         [0056]    Thus the indentations  2   c  in the vane adjustment mechanism  1  to control the quantity of exhaust gas of this invention can be created by broaching or cold forging the piece. When inner base unit  2 A is forced into outer base unit  2 B, indentations  2   c  can function as vane shaft holes which support the vane shafts at three points, as described above. This reduces the time and labor of machining and makes it less likely that vane shaft  3   a  will seize in the vane shaft holes formed by inner base unit  2 A and indentations  2   c.    
         [0057]    ( 2 ) In the prior art vane adjustment mechanism  51  to control the quantity of exhaust gas, vane shafts  53   a  in nozzle vane units  53  are linear, and they are riveted to levers  54 . Thus, vane shafts  53   a  (nozzle vane units  53 ) and levers  54  in prior art mechanisms  51  to control the quantity of exhaust gas required numerous parts. This affected both the parts count and the number of assembly processes. Also, just as was described above, the machining of the shafts required a great deal of precision, increasing the time, labor and cost of production.  
         [0058]    In contrast, to produce vane lever unit  3  in the vane adjustment mechanism  1  to control the quantity of exhaust gas of this invention, each vane shaft  3   a , connector  3   b  and protrusion  3   c  in vane  3 A and lever  3 B can be forged as a single piece. Thus, the mechanism  1  to control the quantity of exhaust gas of this invention requires fewer parts and, as a result, fewer assembly processes. The task of adjusting the angle at which lever  3 B is mounted to vane  3 A can be eliminated, thus significantly reducing the labor requirement.  
         [0059]    ( 3 ) In the prior art vane adjustment mechanism  51  to control the quantity of exhaust gas, holes  55   a  in link plate  55  are actual holes into which fit protrusions  54   b  of levers  54 . Thus, the prior art mechanism  51  to control the quantity of exhaust gas needed as many holes  55   a  as there are nozzle vane units  53 , which required considerable labor to machine. Because the surfaces of protrusions  54   b  and holes  55   a  which came in contact with each other needed to be finished by precision machining, they are quite labor intensive to produce.  
         [0060]    In contrast, the vane adjustment mechanism  1  to control the quantity of exhaust gas of this invention has regular indentations  4   a  around link plate  4 , into which protrusions  3   c  of levers  3 B in vane lever units  3  engage. Because protrusions  3   c  in mechanism  1  to control the quantity of exhaust gas of this invention fit into indentations  4   a  of link plate  4  rather than into actual holes which are drilled, the components are much more resistant to thermal deformation as well as easier to machine.  
         [0061]    Thus, the vane adjustment mechanism  1  to control the quantity of exhaust gas of this invention requires fewer parts than its predecessors, has a simpler configuration, and requires fewer precision machining processes. It can therefore be produced in a shorter time with better productivity and at a lower cost.  
         [0062]    This invention is not limited to the embodiment described, but can be modified in various ways. For example, in the embodiment described above, indentations  2   c  are on the inner edge of outer base unit  2 B, and inner base unit  2 A is forced into the mount portion. However, indentations  2   c  can just as well be on the outer edge of inner base unit  2 A, which will be forced into outer base unit  2 B which has no indentations  2   c  on its inner edge. This will achieve the same operational effect as the configuration described above.  
         [0063]    As has been discussed, the vane adjustment mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas related to the invention has U-shaped indentations at regular intervals along either the inner edge of the mount portion or the outer edge of the inner base unit. When the inner base unit is forced into the mount portion, the indentations function as vane shaft holes. The time and labor required to drill holes is eliminated, and the area which has to be precision-finished is smaller. The work is easier to finish, and the portions of the levers which engage in the indentations are much less likely to seize.  
         [0064]    In the vane adjustment mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas, according to this invention, the vane which has a vane portion serving as a variable vane with a surface orthogonal to that of the first flange, a shaft, a connector and a protrusion, are made entirely as a single piece of material. This reduces the parts count and the number of assembly processes. It also eliminates the labor necessary to adjust the angle of the vane relative to the lever.  
         [0065]    In the vane adjustment mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas according to this invention it has U-shaped indentations on the outer edge of the link plate which extend from one surface to the other, in which a protrusion of lever in vane lever unit engages. This eliminates the labor of drilling holes in the plate, produces a product which is much less liable to thermal deformation, and is easier to machine.  
         [0066]    In the vane adjustment mechanism to control the quantity of exhaust gas according to this invention, the mid-portion of each vane shaft of the vane lever unit goes into an indentation that is narrowed. This reduces the surface area where the shaft makes contact with the indentation, shortens the machining time required to precision-finish the piece, and prevents the two parts from seizing.