Variable diffuser actuation linkage for a cabin air compressor

Abstract

A variable diffuser for a rotating machine includes a multiple of diffuser vanes mounted to a drive ring. The multiple of diffuser vanes are movable in unison between a maximum flow position and a minimum flow position in response to rotation of a crank to rotate the drive ring about a centerline through a link arm.

1 . A variable diffuser for a rotating machine comprising:
 a drive ring rotatable about a centerline;   a crank rotatable about an axis of rotation different than said centerline;   a link arm pivotably mounted to said crank and said drive ring; and   a multiple of diffuser vanes engaged with said drive ring, said multiple of diffuser vanes movable in unison between a maximum flow position and a minimum flow position in response to rotation of said crank to rotate said drive ring about said centerline through said link arm.   
     
     
         2 . The variable diffuser as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said crank is rotatable about said axis of rotation different than said centerline in response to rotary motion of an actuator. 
     
     
         3 . The variable diffuser as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said rotary motion of said actuator is converted to an arcuate path of motion of said drive ring through said crank and said link arm. 
     
     
         4 . The variable diffuser as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a series of drive pins which extend from said drive ring to engage each of said multiple of diffuser vanes. 
     
     
         5 . The variable diffuser as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a series of vane pins about which each of said multiple of diffuser vanes are rotatable. 
     
     
         6 . A rotating machine comprising:
 an electric motor;   a compressor drivable by said electric motor about a centerline;   a variable diffuser downstream of said compressor, said variable diffuser comprising:
 a drive ring rotatable about the centerline; 
 a crank rotatable about an axis of rotation different than said centerline; 
 a link arm pivotably mounted to said crank and said drive ring; and 
 a multiple of diffuser vanes engaged with said drive ring, said multiple of diffuser vanes movable in unison between a maximum flow position and a minimum flow position in response to rotation of said crank to rotate said drive ring about said centerline through said link arm. 
   
     
     
         7 . The rotating machine as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising an inlet defined along said centerline. 
     
     
         8 . The rotating machine as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising a radial outlet. 
     
     
         9 . The rotating machine as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising an actuator, wherein said actuator is operable to rotate said crank about said axis of rotation different than said centerline responsive. 
     
     
         10 . The rotating machine as recited in  claim 9 , wherein rotary motion of said actuator is converted to an arcuate path of motion of said drive ring through said crank and said link arm. 
     
     
         11 . The rotating machine as recited in  claim 6 , wherein said rotating machine is a cabin air compressor configured to pressurize ambient air and provide fresh air in an aircraft cabin.