Patent ID: 7670107

Claim:
A variable-vane assembly for a turbocharger, comprising: a nozzle ring encircling an axis and having an axial thickness defined between opposite first and second faces of the nozzle ring, the nozzle ring having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart first apertures each extending axially into the first face and a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart second apertures that are circumferentially spaced from the first apertures and each of which extends axially from the first face to the second face; a plurality of vanes each having an axle extending from one end thereof, the axles being received respectively into the second apertures from the second face of the nozzle ring and being rotatable in the second apertures such that the vanes are rotatable about respective axes defined by the axles, a distal end of each axle projecting out from the respective second aperture beyond the first face; a plurality of vane arms respectively affixed rigidly to the distal ends of the axles, each vane arm having a free end; a unison ring having a radially inner edge defining a plurality of recesses therein for respectively receiving the free ends of the vane arms when the unison ring is positioned coaxially with the nozzle ring adjacent the first face thereof, the unison ring being rotatable about the axis of the nozzle ring so as to pivot the vane arms, thereby pivoting the vanes in unison; and a plurality of radial-axial guide pins for the unison ring, the radial-axial guide pins each being inserted into a respective one of the first apertures in the nozzle ring and being rigidly affixed therein such that the radial-axial guide pins are non-rotatably secured to the nozzle ring with a guide portion of each radial-axial guide pin projecting axially from the first face of the nozzle ring, each guide portion defining a groove in a radially outwardly facing outer surface thereof for receiving the radially inner edge of the unison ring such that the unison ring is restrained by the radial-axial guide pins against excessive movement in both radial and axial directions.