GB2486787A

GB2486787A - Machine with a lobed rotor in a chamber

Info

Publication number: GB2486787A
Application number: GB1121562.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Morant Harding
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-12-20
Filing date: 2011-12-14
Publication date: 2012-06-27
Also published as: GB201021727D0; GB201121562D0

Abstract

A machine 2, such as a pump or an expander has a body 4 including a chamber 6, a rotor 8 is located in the chamber and mounted on a first shaft 10, a roller 12 is also located in the chamber and attached to a second shaft 14. There is a recess 16 in the roller and a lobe member 18 on the rotor and a synchronisation means 20 to control rotation of the rotor and the roller such that the lobe member engages with the recess during operation of the machine. There may be a sealing projection 48 extending from the rotor to reduce the loss of compressed fluid around the rotor and a sprung seal means located in a recess in the lobe member. The machine may be used as a steam driven expander by connecting it to a steam accumulator.

Description

AMACHINEQQMP3JSU4G AT LEAST

ONE ROTOR IN A CHAMBER

This invention relates to a machine, and more especially, this invention relates to a machine comprising at least one rotor in a chamber.

Machines are well known which comprise at least one reciprocating piston operating in a cylinder. These machines are often of complex designs and they include many moving parts which need to be lubricated.

Machines are also known comprising at least one rotor operating in a chamber. Mechanically, such rotary machines may operate more efficiently than reciprocating piston machines. Nevertheless, the rotary machines may not use fuel economically, may not deliver sufficient torque, may not deliver sufficient power at low speeds, may produce undesirable amounts of exhaust emissions, and may not be well-balanced.

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problems.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a machine comprising a body, at least one chamber in the body, at least one rotor in the chamber, a first shaft which mounts the rotor in the chamber, at least one roller in the chamber; a second shaft which mounts the roller in the chamber, at least one recess which is in the roller, at least one lobe member which is on the rotor, and synchronisation means which synchronises rotation of the rotor and the roller such that the lobe member on the rotor repeatedly enters and exits the recess in the roller during operation of the machine.

The machine of the present invention may be in the form of an engine, a compressor, an expander, or a machine which is part compressor and part expander. The machine may alternatively be a pump or any other suitable and appropriate type of machine.

The machine may be one in which the rotor is a perfectly balanced rotor.

The machine may be one in which the recess in the roller is a recess dictated by the lobe shape and the relative motion of the roller and rotor, made such that the lobe may transit the roller with minimal clearance or contact sealing. Other shapes for the recess may be employed.

The machine may be one in which the lobe member is a tooth. Other shapes for the lobe member may be employed.

Usually, the synchronisation means will be a geared synchronisation means. Other types of synchronisation means may be employed, for example a belt or chain synchronisation means.

The machine may be one in which the geared synchronisation means comprises a rotor gear arrangement for the rotor, a roller gear arrangement for the roller, and in which the rotor gear arrangement and the roller gear arrangement are in engagement with each other.

The machine may include a sealing projection which projects from the rotor and which at least reduces loss of compressed fluid during operation of the machine. The sealing projection may be effective to reduce substantially all the loss of compressed fluid during operation of the machine.

The sealing projection may be one which in section is the same lobe shape as the lobe member but with slightly over the top half removed. Other types of sealing projection may be employed.

The machine may include sealing means on the lobe member.

The sealing means on the lobe member may be a seal operating against a stop member. In this case, the machine may be in which the seal means operates in a recess in the lobe member, with the seal being sprung in the bottom of the recess. Other types of sealing means may be employed.

The body may include an inlet and an outlet for fluid passing through the machine. The fluid may be steam or a gas such for example as air or an inert gas. If the machine is a pump, then the fluid may be a liquid, for example water.

The machine may include valve means in the inlet and/or the outlet.

Preferably the valve means is a flap valve. Other types of valve means may be employed, for example a ball valve.

The machine may be one in which there are one of the rotors and one of the rollers. Alternatively, the machine may be one in which there are two of the rotors and two of the rollers. Alternatively, the machine may be one in which there are more than two of the rotors, for example three or four of the rotors, and more than two of the ro!!ers, for example three or four of the rollers.

The machine may be one in which the first shaft is a drive shaft, and in which the machine operates as a compressor.

Alternatively, the machine may be one in which the first shaft is a power take-off shaft, and in which the machine operates as an expander.

The machine may be one in which the rotor has rotor sealing means around its periphery and/or its ends. Any suitable and appropriate type of sealing means may be employed. The sealing means may be in the form of side seals or labyrinth seals between the rotor and the housing, and the roller and the housing.

The machine may be one in which the roller has roller sealing means around its periphery and/or its ends. Any suitable and appropriate type of roller sealing means may be employed.

The machine may be one in which the chamber has inlet/outlet ports, and in which opening and closing of the inlet/outlet ports is synchronised with movement of the rotor.

The machine may be one in which steam is expanded. Any suitable steam expansion means may be employed. The machine may form part of a power train including a steam accumulator.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a section through a first machine of the present invention; a...C AL £ IUI C C. 10 0 aCI.,LIUI I LIII UU9I I C bUUI IU II IdI..1 III IC UI LI It I tbtl IL invention; Figure 3 is a section through a third machine of the present invention; Figure 4 is a section through a fourth machine of the present invention; Figure 5 is a section at 90° through the section of the machine shown in Figure 3; and Figure 6 is a section through a fifth machine of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a machine 2 comprising a body 4 and at least one chamber 6 in the body 4. A rotor 8 is provided in the chamber 6. A first shaft 10 mounts the rotor 8 in the chamber 6.

The machine 2 is such that.a roller 12 is also mounted in the chamber 6. A second shaft 14 mounts the roller 12 in the chamber 6. The roller 12 has a recess 16. The rotor 8 has a lobe member 18.

The machine 2 includes synchronisation means 20 which are shown hereinafter in Figure 5. The synchronisation means 20 synchronises rotation of the rotor 8 and the roller 12 such that the lobe member 18 on the rotor 8 repeatedly enters and exits the recess 16 in the roller 12 during operation of the machine 2.

As shown in Figure 1, the roller 12 is positioned in a peripheral part 22 of the chamber 6. The recess 16 in the roller 12 is a recess dictated by the lobe shape and the relative motion of the roller and rotor, made such that the lobe may transit the roller with minimal clearance or contact sealing. The lobe member 18 is a tooth. As shown in Figure 5, the synchronisation means 20 is a geared synchronisation means 20. The recess 16 in the roller 12 is such that the!eft side of the top of the tooth determines the left side of the recess's shape, and the right side of the top of the tooth determines the right side of the recess's shape. The top of the tooth is circumscribed by the outer radius of the main chamber, the depth of the recess either reflecting this or being slightly greater to allow for compressed air on the right side of the tooth to get to the left side.

The body 4 includes an inlet 24 and an outlet 26. The inlet and outlet 24, 26 are for fluid passing through the machine 2. Valve means 28 is located in the outlet 26 as shown. The valve means 28 is a flap valve comprising a flap 30 which pivots about a pivot 32 with respect to the body 4. The valve means 28 may be pressure operated, and the outlet 26 may communicate with a pressure chamber.

The body 4 comprises apertures 34 for enabling the body 4 to be bolted to other parts (not shown) of the machine 2.

The machine 2 is such that it operates as a compressor. More specifically, the first shaft 10 is a driven shaft 10 which rotates the rotor 8 in the direction of the arrows 36 shown on the rotor 8. The synchronisation means 20 causes the lobe member 18 to be driven in the direction of the arrow 38 shown on the roller 12. An appropriate fluid, for example air, enters the body 4 through the inlet 24 as indicated by the arrow 40. The fluid, for example the air, exits the body 4 through the outlet 26 as indicated by the arrow 42. The machine 2 operates as a compressor.

The machine 2 is one in which the geared synchronisation means 20 comprises a rotor gear arrangement 44 for the rotor 8, and a roller gear arrangement 46 for the roller 12. The rotor gear arrangement 44 and the roVer gear arrangement 46 are in engagement with each other as can be seen from Figure 5.

The rotor 8 includes a sealing projection 48 which projects from the rotor 8 and which at least reduces the loss of compressed fluid during operation of the machine 2. The sealing projection 48 is one which is similar in section as shown in Figure 1. More specifically, the sealing projection 48 in section is the same lobe shape as the lobe member 18 with slightly over the top half removed.

The machine 2 includes sealing means 50 on the lobe member 18.

The sealing means 50 comprises a spring 52 operating against a stop member 54. The sealing means 50 operates in a recess 56 in the lobe member 18. The spring 52 is positioned in the bottom of the recess 56 as shown.

Operation of the machine 2 may be assisted by rotor sealing means 58 provided around the periphery of the rotor 8. Similarly1 roller sealing means may be provided around the periphery of the roller 12. Any suitable and appropriate type of rotor sealing means 58 and roller sealing means 60 may be employed. Alternatively, a small gap may be preferable to avoid frictional contact.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a machine 62 which is like the machine 2. Similar parts have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. The machine 62 does not have the valve means 28 in the outlet 26. The machine 62 operates as an expander. As with the case of the machine 2, the machine 62 may operate with any suitable and appropriate fluid including steam and air.

Figure 3 shows a machine 64 which is like the machine 2. Similar parts have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. The machine 64 is such that it includes two of the rollers 12, with the rotor 8 having two of the lobe members 18. The machine 64 also has two of the inlets 24 and two of the outlets 26. The machine 64 acts as a compressor. In operation of the machine 64 shown in Figure 3, the operation is basically the same at the top and bottom of the machine 64. Most of the fluid passing through the machine, for example air or steam, will go out through the outlet ports 26. A residue of the fluid will be carried around in the recesses 16 in the rollers 12.

Figure 4 shows a machine 66 which is like the machine 64 except that the machine 66 operates as an expander and does not have the valve means 28, in the same manner as the machine 62 shown in Figure 2. Similar parts as in Figures 2 and 3 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In operation of the machine 66 shown in Figure 4, the inlet ports 24 may be at high pressure. The inlets 24 and the optional inlet ports 82 when employed will normally only let in fluid, for example gas, air or steam, after the lobe members 18 have passed by. The outlets 26 may pass lobe pressure fluid to atmosphere or to one or more further expansion stages.

Figure 5 shows how the rotor 8 and the first shaft 10 are mounted in roller bearings 68. Figure 5 also shows how the rollers 12 and the second shaft 14 operate in roller bearing 70. Seals 72 are employed as shown.

Figure 6 shows a hybrid machine 74 in which similar parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

The machine 74 operates such that, during operation, there is induction and compression in a chamber part 76, and expansion and exhaust in a chamber part 78. Also shown in Figure 6 is fuel injection port 80. The machine 74 may be an internal combustion engine. The fuel is injected after the lobe member 18 has passed the fuel injection port 80. During operation of the machine 74 shown in Figure 6, fluid will be compressed into the recess 16 and most of it will be released behind the lobe member 18. The machine 74 may be an internal combustion engine.

The machine 74 may have a port 82 with a valve in it. The port 82 then acts as an additional relief outlet into which compressed air is pumped in order to relieve pressure build-up in the recess 16 in the roller 12. The air, which may or may not pass through another external chamber, eventually emerges through a non-return port 84. Once a certain amount of air has gone through, the mixture of air and fuel through the fuel injection port 80 is ignited. The ignition is via a spark plug (not shown).

All the machines shown in the Figures may have one or more optional inlet ports 86 as shown.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the rotor sealing means 58 and the roller sealing means 60 may be rigid or flexible. The synchronisation means 20 may alternatively be a contact synchronisation means rather than a geared synchronisation means. The valve means 28 may be pressure operated or otherwise operated. The outlet 26 may be to a pressure chamber. The optional inlet port 82 may be in a side of the machines. The optional inlet port 86 would normally only operate when the lobe member 18 has passed over it. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A machine comprising a body, at least one chamber in the body, at least one rotor in the chamber, a first shaft which mounts the rotor in the chamber, at least one roller in the chamber, a second shaft which mounts the roller in the chamber, at least one recess which is in the roller, at least one lobe member which is on the rotor, and synchronisation means which synchronises rotation of the rotor and the roller such that the lobe member on the rotor repeatedly enters and exits the recess in the roller during operation of the machine.
2. A machine according to claim I in which the roller is positioned in a peripheral part of the chamber.
3. A machine according to claim I or claim 2 in which the recess in the roller is a recess dictated by the lobe shape and the relative motion of the roller and rotor, made such that the lobe may transit the roller with minimal clearance or contact sealing.
4. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims in which the lobe member is a tooth.
5. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims in which the synchronisation means is a geared synchronisation means.
6. A machine according to claim 5 in which the geared synchronisation means comprises a rotor gear arrangement for the rotor, and a roller gear arrangement for the roller, and in which the rotor gear arrangement and the roller gear arrangement are in engagement with each other.
7. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims and including a sealing projection which projects from the rotor and which at least reduces the loss of compressed fluid during operation of the machine.
8. A machine according to claim 7 in which the sealing projection is one which in section is the same lobe shape as the lobe member but with slightly over the top half removed.
9. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims and including sealing means on the lobe member.
10. A machine according to claim 9 in which the sealing means comprises a seal operating against a stop member.
11. A machine according to claim 10 in which the seal means operates in a recess in the lobe member, with the seal being sprung in the bottom of the recess.
12. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims in which the body includes an inlet and an outlet for fluid passing through the machine.
13. A machine according to claim 12 and including valve means in the inlet and/or the outlet.
14. A machine according to claim 13 in which the valve means is a flap valve.
15. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims in which there are one of the rotors and one of the rollers.
16. A machine according to any one of claims I -14 in which there are two of the rotors and two of the rollers.
17. A machine according to any one of claims I -14 in which there are more than two of the rotors and more than two of the rollers.
18. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first shaft is a drive shaft, and in which the machine operates as a compressor.
19. A machine according to any one of claims I -17 in which the first shaft is a power take-off shaft, and in which the machine operates as an expander.
20. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims in which the rotor has rotor sealing means around its periphery.
21. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims in which the roller has roller sealing means around its periphery andfor its ends.
22. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims in which the chamber has inlet/outlet ports, and in which opening and closing of the inlet/outlet ports is synchronised with movement of the rotor.
23. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims in which steam is expanded.
24. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims and forming a part of a power train including a steam accumulator.
25. A machine substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.