Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
233 words
A variable nozzle structure in a turbine comprising a turbine wheel (30), a turbine scroll passage (21b) defined in a turbine casing (4) around the outer periphery of the turbine wheel, a plurality of fixed vanes (29) arranged along the outer periphery of the turbine wheel, a plurality of moveable vanes (34) arranged adjacent the fixed vanes so as to define a plurality of variable nozzles between the fixed vanes and the moveable vanes, and a drive means (35) for driving the moveable vanes in mutual synchronization, wherein the drive means comprises: an actuator (52) for imparting a linear motion to a rod member 51; a lever arm member (50) which is pivotally supported by a part of the turbine casing and is connected to the rod member at its one end so as to be able to rotate about its pivot point (50a) with respect to the turbine casing when the rod member is driven linearly; a crank arm member (57) which is fixedly connected to a pin shaft (33) which is securely attached to one of the moveable vanes and pivotally supports the corresponding moveable vane; and an engagement member (56) which is fixedly attached to the lever arm member and is engaged with the crank arm member so as to cause rotational motion of the crank arm member when the lever arm member is rotatively driven by the rod member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
233 words
A variable nozzle structure in a turbine comprising a turbine wheel (30), a turbine scroll passage (21b) defined in a turbine casing (4) around the outer periphery of the turbine wheel, a plurality of fixed vanes (29) arranged along the outer periphery of the turbine wheel, a plurality of moveable vanes (34) arranged adjacent the fixed vanes so as to define a plurality of variable nozzles between the fixed vanes and the moveable vanes, and a drive means (35) for driving the moveable vanes in mutual synchronization, wherein the drive means comprises: an actuator (52) for imparting a linear motion to a rod member 51; a lever arm member (50) which is pivotally supported by a part of the turbine casing and is connected to the rod member at its one end so as to be able to rotate about its pivot point (50a) with respect to the turbine casing when the rod member is driven linearly; a crank arm member (57) which is fixedly connected to a pin shaft (33) which is securely attached to one of the moveable vanes and pivotally supports the corresponding moveable vane; and an engagement member (56) which is fixedly attached to the lever arm member and is engaged with the crank arm member so as to cause rotational motion of the crank arm member when the lever arm member is rotatively driven by the rod member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A variable nozzle structure in a turbine as defined in claim 1, wherein the pin shaft (33) extends through a hole provided in the turbine casing (23) and the crank arm (57) is fixedly connected to the external end of the pin shaft which is located outside of the turbine casing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A variable nozzle structure in a turbine as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement member (56) has a bifurcated free end (56a) which engages a pin projecting from a free end of the crank arm member (57).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
A variable nozzle structure in a turbine as defined in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein a flexible means (70 to 74) is provided at least in one place in the path of power transmission between the actuator (52) and the pin shaft (33).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
A variable nozzle structure in a turbine as defined in claim 4, wherein the flexible means comprises a lost motion mechanism (70, 71, 72) and a spring means (73, 74) engaged across the lost motion mechanism.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A variable nozzle structure in a turbine as defined in claim 5, wherein the flexible means is provided in the rod member (51).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
A variable nozzle structure in a turbine as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein a stopper means (60, 61) is provided in the path of power transmission between the actuator (52) and the pin shaft (33) for defining the fully closed position of the moveable vanes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A variable nozzle structure in a turbine as defined in claim 7, wherein the stopper means comprises an adjustable element (61).
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A variable nozzle structure in a turbine as defined in claim 8, wherein the stopper means is provided in the rod member (51).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
A variable nozzle structure in a turbine as defined in any preceding claim, wherein at least a pair of the lever arms (50) are provided so as to interpose a central axial line of the turbine wheel therebetween.