Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01C—ROTARY-PISTON OR OSCILLATING-PISTON MACHINES OR ENGINES
  • F01C1/00—Rotary-piston machines or engines
  • F01C1/30—Rotary-piston machines or engines having the characteristics covered by two or more groups F01C1/02, F01C1/08, F01C1/22, F01C1/24 or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members
  • F01C1/34—Rotary-piston machines or engines having the characteristics covered by two or more groups F01C1/02, F01C1/08, F01C1/22, F01C1/24 or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group F01C1/08 or F01C1/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members
  • F01C1/344—Rotary-piston machines or engines having the characteristics covered by two or more groups F01C1/02, F01C1/08, F01C1/22, F01C1/24 or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group F01C1/08 or F01C1/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members with vanes reciprocating with respect to the inner member
  • F01C1/3441—Rotary-piston machines or engines having the characteristics covered by two or more groups F01C1/02, F01C1/08, F01C1/22, F01C1/24 or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group F01C1/08 or F01C1/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members with vanes reciprocating with respect to the inner member the inner and outer member being in contact along one line or continuous surface substantially parallel to the axis of rotation
  • F01C1/3442—Rotary-piston machines or engines having the characteristics covered by two or more groups F01C1/02, F01C1/08, F01C1/22, F01C1/24 or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group F01C1/08 or F01C1/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members with vanes reciprocating with respect to the inner member the inner and outer member being in contact along one line or continuous surface substantially parallel to the axis of rotation the surfaces of the inner and outer member, forming the working space, being surfaces of revolution
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01C—ROTARY-PISTON OR OSCILLATING-PISTON MACHINES OR ENGINES
  • F01C21/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in groups F01C1/00 - F01C20/00
  • F01C21/08—Rotary pistons
  • F01C21/0809—Construction of vanes or vane holders
  • F01C21/0818—Vane tracking; control therefor
  • F01C21/0827—Vane tracking; control therefor by mechanical means
  • F01C21/0836—Vane tracking; control therefor by mechanical means comprising guiding means, e.g. cams, rollers

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an apparatus capable for use as a pump or motor, and in particular, to a fluid vane pump/motor.
• fluid vane motors comprise a housing having a cylindrical bore closed by end plates and a rotor mounted for rotation within the bore.
• the rotor is in the form of a solid cylindrical billet of metal with longitudinally extending slots formed about its periphery.
• the axis of rotation of the rotor is parallel to but offset from the longitudinal axis of the housing.
• a plurality of vanes are supported in respective longitudinal slots in the rotor in a manner so as to allow movement in the radial direction.
• Fluid chambers are formed between adjacent vanes, the volume of the chambers varying as the rotor rotates.
• the chambers When functioning as a pump, the chambers act to displace fluid from an inlet in the housing to an outlet, and when acting as a motor, the chambers allow for the release of pressure of a pressurised fluid to cause rotation of a shaft attached to the rotor.
• an apparatus capable for use of a pump or motor comprising: a housing having sealed ends and provided with a cavity between said ends, said housing further including first and second ports both allowing fluid communication between the interior and exterior of said housing; a rotor having a substantially hollow rotor body supported by said housing for rotation within said cavity about a rotation axis extending parallel to and offset from a longitudinal axis of said cavity; and, a plurality of vanes retained by said rotor for movement radially of said rotation axis; said vanes, rotor and housing juxtaposed so that a substantially sealed chamber is formed between adjacent vanes, an inner circumferential surface of said housing and said rotor, and wherein said first and second ports are disposed in different ones of said chambers.
• axially opposite ends of said vanes are disposed inboard of opposite first and second ends of said rotor body so that in use only a length of said axially opposite ends of each vane which extend beyond an outer peripheral surface of said rotor body can slidingly contact respective adjacent ends of said housing.
• said rotor is provided with a separate slot for receiving each vane, each slot extending between and being inboard of said first and second ends of said rotor body, and of a width dimensioned to permit said radial movement of said vanes.
• said first and second ends of said rotor body include respective reduced diameter portions, and opposite ends of each slot terminate in said reduced diameter portions.
• said opposite ends of each slot are arcuate in shape.
• seals are seated so as to cover the opposite ends of each slot and sealing abut axially opposite ends of said vanes.
• each end of said housing is provided with a stepped inner surface formed by the junction of two faces and each seal can make sealing contact with both of said faces of an adjacent end of said housing.
• each slot is formed on a surface of each of said reduced diameter portions interior of said rotor body for receiving the axially opposite ends of a vane received in that slot.
• said grooves on said first reduced diameter portion extend beyond the centre of said rotor body.
• said a surface of said first reduced diameter portion interior of said rotor body is provided with a circular recess centered about said rotation axis and a groove is formed on said surface of said first reduced diameter portion extending radially from the end of a slot adjacent said first reduced diameter portion to said circular recess.
• said rotor comprises a shaft extending from the first end of said rotor body and through an aperture formed in a first of said ends of said housing, wherein when said apparatus is used as a pump, torque can be applied to said shaft to impart rotational motion to said rotor, and when said apparatus is used as a motor, said shaft can act as a power take off.
• the second end of said rotor body opposite said shaft is provided with a recess for receiving a stub shaft formed on a second of said ends of said housing for rotatably supporting said second end of said rotor body.
• said axially opposite ends of said vanes are formed with arcuate surfaces for sliding and substantially sealing contact with respective adjacent first and second ends of said housing.
• each vane is formed with an arcuate surface for sliding and substantially sealing contact with said inner surface of said housing.
• said apparatus further comprises biasing means disposed within said rotor body for biasing said vanes radially outwardly towards said inner circumferential surface of said housing.
• each vane Preferably a recess is formed in the radially inner edge of each vane inboard of axially opposite ends of each vane for receiving said biasing means.
• said biasing means comprises a resilient element.
• said resilient element comprises one of a split sleeve or a tube of resilient material; a length of natural or synthetic rubber tubing or rod; a tube or rod made of plastics material; a flat section helical spring fitted axially within said rotor body; a solid or hollow rod or tube of material provided with resilient circumferentially spaced inserts at intervals corresponding to the location of said vanes.
• said biasing means comprises a pressurised fluid retained within said rotor body.
• Figure 1 is an axial section and partly exploded view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention
• Figure 2 is an end elevation view of one end of a rotor incorporated in the apparatus shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is an end elevation of an opposite end of the rotor shown in Figure 2;
• Figure 4 is a side elevation of the rotor shown in Figures 1 and 2;
• Figure 5A is a side elevation of a vane incorporated in the apparatus shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 5B is a bottom elevation of the vane shown in Figure 5A;
• Figure 5C is a view of Section A-A of the vane shown in Figure 5A;
• Figure 6A is a side elevation of a biasing element incorporated in the apparatus shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 6B is an end elevation of the biasing element shown in Figure 6A;
• Figure 7 is an axial section and partly exploded view of a second embodiment of the apparatus;
• Figure 8 is an end elevation of an end of the rotor shown in Figure 7;
• Figure 9A is a side elevation of a second embodiment of a vane used in the present apparatus.
• Figure 9B is a bottom view of the vane shown in Figure 9A.
• Figure 9C is a view of Section A-A of the vane shown in Figure 9A.
• First and second ports 20 and 22 are also formed in the housing 12 for allowing fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the housing 12.
• Rotor 24 having a substantially hollow body 26 is supported by the housing 12 for rotation within the cavity 18 about a rotation axis 28 which is parallel to but offset from longitudinal axis 30 of the cavity 18.
• a plurality of vanes 32 are retained by the rotor 24 for movement radially of the rotation axis 28.
• the vanes 32, rotor 24 and housing 12 are juxtaposed so that a substantially sealed chamber is formed between adjacent vanes 32, inner surface 34 of the housing 12 and outer circumferential surface 36 of the rotor body 26.
• the first and second ports 20 and 22 are disposed in different chambers.
• the housing 12 is composed of a cylindrical member 38, the interior of which forms cavity 18. Ends 14 and 16 of the housing 12 are in the form of plates 40 and 42 respectively which can be bolted to opposite ends of the cylindrical element 38.
• the surface of each of the plates 40 and 42 facing the rotor 24 is stepped.
• the interior surface 44 is stepped so as to reduce in width in the radial direction toward rotation axis 28. More particularly, surface 44 comprises a first annular-like radially outer-most surface 46, a stepped surface 47, an adjacent second radially inner intermediate annular-like surface 48, a further stepped surface 49, and adjacent and radially innermost third annular-like third surface 50.
• An aperture or hole 52 is formed through the first plate 40 centred on rotation axis 28.
• the second plate 42 has an inner surface 54 which is composed of a first radially outermost annular-like surface 56, first stepped surface 57, an adjacent and radially inner annular-like second surface 58, second stepped surface 59, and a radially innermost annular-like third surface 60. Extending from the third surface 60 concentrically with rotation axis 28 is stub shaft 62. A plurality of axially extending holes 64 are formed circumferentially about the first and second plates 40 and 42 which are disposed to register with threaded holes 66 formed in the opposite ends of the cylindrical element 38. Bolts (not shown) are passed through holes 64 and threadingly engage holes 66 for fastening the first and second plates 40 and 42 to opposite ends of the cylindrical element 38.
• rotor body 26 is in the general form of a hollow cylinder being closed at a first end 68 and open at an opposite second end 70.
• the rotor body 26 is provided with reduced diameter portions 72 and 74 at the first and second ends 60 and 70 respectively.
• the reduced diameter portions 72 and 74 seat annular seals 76 and 78 respectively.
• Shaft 80 extends from the first end 68 concentric with rotation axis 28 through the hole 52 in the first plate 40.
• a short length 82 of the shaft 80 adjacent the first end 68 is formed of an -increased diameter.
• Bearing 83 is fitted onto shaft 80 up to short length 82 and is sealed against surfaces 49 and 50 of the first plate 40.
• Second end 70 is formed with a radially inwardly extending circumferential lip 84 and an axially extending annular boss 86.
• Stub shaft 62 can be received in the opening formed by the lip 84 and boss 86.
• the juxtaposition of annular surface 90 of the lip 84 facing a second plate 42 and the radially innermost circumferential surface 92 of the boss 86 form a seat for bearing 94.
• the bearing 94 has an inner race 96 which receives, with an interference fit, the stub shaft 62.
• a plurality of slots 96 are formed in the rotor body 26 which extend between and inboard of the first end 68 and second 70. As seen most clearly in
• opposite ends 98 and 100 of the slots 96 are arcuate in shape and terminate on the reduced diameter portions 72 and 74 respectively.
• Slots 96 pass wholly through the thickness of the rotor body 26.
• four equally spaced slots 96 are formed circumferentially about the rotor body 26.
• a radially extending groove 102 (refer Figures 1 and 3) is formed on an interior surface of first end 68 extending co- linearly with the depth of each slot 96 at end 98. Each groove 102 extends to the rotational axis 28 and runs into a corresponding groove 102 of an opposing slot 96.
• Vanes 32 are in the form of generally rectangular plates having arcuate, and more particularly convexly curved axial edges 108 and 110 and similarly curved radially remote edge 112 and radially near edge 114. The axial edges 108 and 110 extend in a radial direction below the radially near edge 104 so as to form protruding tabs 116 and 118 respectively between which a recess 120 is defined.
• a biasing means in the form of a split sleeve 122 (refer Figures 1, 6A and 6B) is disposed within the cylindrical element 38 for biasing the vanes 32 radially outwardly from rotation axis 28 so that radially remote edge 112 of the vanes 32 are in sliding and sealing contact with inner surface 34 with at most a layer of lubricant therebetween.
• the split sleeve 122 is received in the recess 120 between tabs 116 and 118 of each vane 32 preventing axial movement of the sleeve 122 during operation of the apparatus 10.
• the sleeve 122 is made of a spring metal and dimensioned so as to maintain contact with all of the vanes 32 during rotation of the rotor 24.
• the sleeve 122 floats within the rotor 24 and adopts a position that is concentric with and parallel to axis 30 of the housing 12.
• the outside diameter of the sleeve 122 is equal to the internal diameter of housing 12 minus twice the distance between the radially remote and near edges 112 and 114 of a vane 32.
• the outside diameter is fractionally larger to provide a degree of spring loading the radially near edges 114 of the vanes 32.
• seal 76 When the apparatus 10 is fully assembled, the seal 76 overlies end 98 of each slot 96 and abuts axial edge 108 of each vane 32. Seal 78 is similarly juxtaposed relative to the end 100 of slots 96 and axial edge 110 of vanes 32. As a result, the seals 76 and 78 effectively seal the ends of slots 96. Further, seal 76 sealingly abuts surfaces 47 and 48 of first plate 40. Likewise, seal 78 sealingly abuts surfaces 57 and 58 of the second plate 42. Radially remote edge 112 of each vane 32 forms a sliding seal against inner surface 34 of housing 12.
• the curvature on the radially remote and radially near edges 112 and 114 of the vanes 32 are shaped to suit the curvature of the inner surface 34 of housing 12 and the curvature and location of the outer peripheral surface of sleeve 122 respectively.
• the vanes 32 are of a length equal to that of cylindrical element 38 of the housing less a lubricating tolerance, similarly the width of the slots 96 and thickness of vanes 32 are relatively dimensioned so as to allow sliding of the vanes 32 within the slots 96 with a lubricating tolerance therebetween.
• FIGs 7 and 8 An embodiment of the apparatus 10 with three vanes is illustrated in Figures 7 and 8.
• like numbers indicate the same features as described with reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6B.
• the apparatus 10 comprises three (or any other odd number) of vanes 32 there will not be pairs of diametrically opposed grooves 102, which in the case of an apparatus 10 with an even number of vanes 32, allows retraction of the vanes 32 within the rotor beyond the central axis 28.
• the interior surface of first end 68 is counter bored about axis 28 to form a circular recess 103 of a depth equal to the depth of grooves 102.
• the design of the vanes 32 can be modified so that the radially inner edge 114 is tapered on both sides as shown in Figures 9A to 9C.
• the tapering is not necessary in the case of the rotor 24 supporting six or less vanes 32.
• it is particularly advantageous for preventing interference between the radially inner edge 114 of adjacent vanes 32 in the case of a rotor having seven or more vanes when adjacent vanes are at or nearing full retraction and extend over the axis 28.
• a smaller diameter rotor can be employed with a greater degree of eccentricity within a housing of a given internal diameter, resulting in an increase in effective vane extension with an attendant increase in volumetric capacity.
• a greater number of vanes can be employed in the hollow rotor with a larger effective vane extension from the rotor than can be achieved with the conventional slotted rotor, due to the fact that the grooves 102 of the hollow rotor intersect at the rotor axis 28 (see Fig. 3) . It follows that if the slots in a conventional rotor were to intersect at the rotor axis, there would remain no segmental web at the root of the slots and the rotor could not exist in this form. Conversely, because the segmental web of the hollow rotor is at its outside diameter, the intersection of the grooves at the rotor axis does not affect the integrity of the rotor. Therefore the hollow rotor motor has the potential to deliver more power with less torque variation than the conventional unit having the same external dimensions, and as a pump, provide a greater fluid delivery with lower pulse amplitude than a conventional unit having the same external dimensions.
• the sleeve 122 supporting nearly the total length of the vanes 32 ensures the proper vane 32 to housing sealing contact, preventing partial retraction of the vanes when subjected to high operating pressures as is the case with reliance being on fluid pressure for vane extension, and preventing bowing of vanes under high fluid pressure when such vanes are only supported at their ends by cams or rings etc.
• the prevention of fluid by-pass between the vanes 32 and inner surface 34 of housing 12 will result in improved efficiency of the device.
• housing 12 is shown as including separate end plates 40 and 42, one of those ends may be formed integrally with the cylindrical element 38 of the housing 12 and machined to provide the relevant step surfaces.
• the rotor 24 is shown as being a four vane (ie. four slot 96) greater or fewer vanes can be incorporated.
• the biasing element for biasing the vanes 32 radially outwardly is shown as being a split sleeve 122.
• biasing elements can be used to achieve the same effect for example: a length of resilient tubing or rod such as may be made from natural or synthetic rubber, or plastics material; a flat section helical spring; a solid or hollow rod or tube of material provided with resilient circumferentially spaced inserts at intervals corresponding to the location of the vanes 32; of a pressurised fluid sealed within the rotor body. All such modifications and variations are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Rotary Pumps (AREA)
• Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)

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Cited By (1)

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Citations (4)

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• 1995
  • 1995-05-30 AU AUPN3275A patent/AUPN327595A0/en not_active Abandoned
• 1996
  • 1996-05-23 TW TW085106087A patent/TW368562B/zh not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1996-05-28 WO PCT/AU1996/000326 patent/WO1996038654A1/en active IP Right Grant
  • 1996-05-28 EP EP96914010A patent/EP0901563B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime

Patent Citations (4)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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