JP2015535056A - Vane pump and method of operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A housing 21, a first motor 23 arranged to rotate an attached shaft 22 about an axis centerline, a rotor 24 attached to rotate with the shaft, a surface 29 and a member axis. A vane pump 20 including a member 28 having the same. The member is movable relative to the axial centerline over an allowable range of motion including components on both sides of the zero position. A vane 32 is movably mounted within each rotor slot and has a distal end positioned to engage the member surface. The vane defines a plurality of chambers 33A-33F along with the rotor and the surface. The individual volume of the chamber varies depending on the relative position between the rotor and the surface. A second motor 31 is operably disposed to selectively move the member over the allowable range of motion relative to the axis centerline. Moving the member in one direction along the range of motion away from the zero position allows fluid to flow in the first direction between the ports, and the member from the zero position along the range of motion. Moving away from each other in the opposite direction allows fluid to flow in the opposite direction between the ports.

Description

  The present invention relates generally to vane pumps, and more particularly to an improved stackable overcenter vane pump and method of operation.

  Of course, vane pumps are known. These devices generally have a rotor mounted for rotation within a body or member cavity. A plurality of circumferentially spaced slots extend radially from the outer surface of the rotor into the rotor. A vane has a distal end mounted in each slot and operably disposed to engage a portion of the member wall defining the cavity. In many cases, the vanes are biased to move outward from the rotor by centrifugal force as the rotor rotates. These vanes, together with the rotor and members, define a series of chambers spaced circumferentially between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The volume of these chambers gradually increases or decreases depending on the direction of rotation as the rotor rotates within the member. These chambers carry fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. Examples of such vane motors are typically shown and described in US Pat. No. 4,619,594, US Pat. No. 5,037,283, and US Pat. No. 6,763,797. Yes.

  However, in such prior art vane pumps it is usually necessary to reverse the direction of rotation of the rotor to change the direction of fluid passing through the pump.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,594 US Pat. No. 5,037,283 US Pat. No. 6,763,797

  Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved vane pump that allows the direction of fluid flowing through the pump to be reversed without changing the direction of rotation of the rotor.

  Using parenthesized reference signs for the corresponding parts, portions, or surfaces of the disclosed embodiments for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the present invention generally provides an improved vane pump To do.

In one form, the improved vane pump (20) includes a housing (21) and a shaft (22) having a shaft centerline (y ₁ -y ₁ ) and attached to the housing for rotation thereabout. ), A first motor (23) operably arranged to selectively rotate the shaft, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots (26) mounted to rotate with the shaft. Having rotor (24), surface (29) and member axis (y ₂ -y ₂ ), including components (“−1”, “+1”) on both sides of zero position (“0”) a member which is movable relative to the shaft axis over the range of motion (30) (28), member axis _(y 2 -y _2), the shaft axis when the member is in the zero position _(y 1 -y ₁ ) Alignable with member (28) and movable in each rotor slot A vane (32) having a distal end attached and arranged to sealingly and wipingly engage the member surface, and a plurality of chambers (33A-33) together with the rotor and the surface 33F), the individual volume of the chamber varies depending on the relative position between the rotor and the surface, and the housing communicates with two of the chambers depending on the angular position of the rotor relative to the housing Vane (32) having two fluid passages (34, 34) operably arranged in such a manner and operatively arranged to selectively move the member relative to the axial centerline over an allowable range of motion. The second motor (31), and the member moves in one direction along the range of motion away from the zero position, thereby allowing fluid to flow in the first direction between the ports. Further, by member moves in the opposite direction away from the zero position along the range of motion, allowing fluid to flow in the opposite direction between the ports.

  The improved pump may further include a boundary seal (54) that separates the wet portion (55) of the second motor from the dry portion (56) of the second motor. The second motor can have one part (58) located on one side of the seal and the other part (59) located on the other side of the seal. One part can include a permanent magnet (58) and the other part can include a coil (59).

  The member can be attached to the housing.

  In one form, the member may be attached to the housing by a flexure member (40).

  The range of motion of the member can be arcuate, linear, or rotational.

  An elastic member (41) may be arranged to act between the housing and the member to urge the member closer to the zero position.

In another form, an improved vane pump (20) comprises a housing (21) and a shaft having an axial centerline (y ₁ -y ₁ ) and attached to the housing for rotation thereabout. A first motor (23) attached to the housing and operatively arranged to selectively rotate the shaft, and a plurality of rotations mounted at spaced locations along the shaft to rotate with the shaft A rotor (24 in FIG. 1, 51 in FIG. 5) each having a circumferentially spaced slot (26), a surface (57) and a member axis (y ₂ -y) ₂ ) a plurality of members (28) each having an allowable range of motion (in FIG. 1), each member being associated with a respective one of the rotors and including components on both sides of the zero position. 30) over the axis centerline Each member axis coincides with the axis centerline when the associated member is in the zero position, and a member (28) movably mounted in each rotor slot and associated with the surface of the associated member A vane (26) having a distal end arranged for hermetically and wiped engagement, with an associated rotor and surface, a plurality of chambers (33A-33F in FIG. 62A-62F), and the individual volumes of the chambers vary depending on the relative position between the associated rotor and the surface, and the housing varies with the angular position of the rotor relative to the housing. A vane (26) having two fluid passages (34, 34) operatively arranged to communicate with two of the chambers per member and the associated member over its allowable range of motion relative to the axial centerline Selective A plurality of second motors (31) operably arranged to move in a direction, each member moving in one direction along the range of motion of the member away from the zero position Allows fluid to flow in the first direction between the port of the member, and each member moves in the opposite direction along its range of motion away from the zero position so that the fluid It is possible to flow in opposite directions between the ports of the member.

  The members can be stacked at axially spaced locations along the axis.

  The fluid output of each member can be independently controllable.

  The improved pump may further include a plurality of boundary seals (54). Each boundary seal may separate the wet portion (55) of the associated second motor from the dry portion (56) of its associated second motor. Each second motor can have one portion disposed on one side of the associated seal and can have the other portion disposed on the other side of the associated seal. One part can include a permanent magnet (58) and the other part can include a coil (59).

  Each member may be attached to the housing by a flexure member (40).

  The range of motion of each member can be arcuate, linear, or rotational.

  The pump may further include an elastic member (41) that acts between the housing and each member to bias the member closer to the zero position.

In a third configuration, the improved vane pump (20) has a housing (21) and a shaft (having a shaft centerline (y ₁ -y ₁ ) attached to the housing for rotation about the shaft ( 22), a first motor (23) operably arranged to selectively rotate the shaft, and a rotor mounted for rotation with the shaft, spaced circumferentially A rotor having a plurality of slots (26), a surface (29) arranged to face the rotor, and a member axis (y ₂ -y ₂ ), on both sides of the zero position (“0”) A member (28) that is movable with respect to the axial center line over an allowable range of motion (30) including the components ("-1", "+1") in the component axis when the member is in the zero position In the rotor slot, with the member (28) coinciding with the axial centerline A vane (30) movably mounted and having a distal end disposed to engage the member surface and operable to selectively move the member relative to the axial centerline over an allowable range of motion. And a second motor (31) disposed on the rotor, the vane, together with the rotor and the surface, define a plurality of chambers (33A-33F), the individual volumes of the chambers being the rotor and the surface Two fluid passages (34, 34) that are operatively arranged to communicate with two of the chambers depending on the angular position of the rotor relative to the housing. The flow direction between the passages depends on the position of the member axis (y ₂ -y ₂ ) with respect to the axis center line (y ₁ -y ₁ ).

  The direction of fluid flow between the passages is one direction when the member is moved in one direction along the range of motion and away from the zero position, and is opposite to the member away from the zero position along the range of motion. When moved in the direction, it can be in the opposite direction.

  The pump may further include a boundary seal (54) that separates the wet portion (55) of the second motor from the dry portion (56) of the second motor. The second motor can have one portion disposed on one side of the seal and can have the other portion disposed on the other side of the seal. One part can include a permanent magnet (58) and the other part can include a coil (59).

In the fourth configuration, an improved vane pump (20 in FIG. 1, 50 in FIG. 5) has an axial centerline (y ₁ -y ₁ ) and is mounted to rotate about it. A shaft (22), a first motor (23) operatively arranged to selectively rotate the shaft about an axis centerline, and a rotor (24) mounted to rotate with the shaft A rotor (24) having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots (26), a surface (29) and a member axis (y ₂ -y ₂ ) and having a zero position (ie position A member (28) movable relative to the axial centerline over an allowable range of motion (30) including components (i.e. positions "-1" and "+1" respectively) on both sides of "0"), The axis coincides with the axis center line when the member is in the zero position; A vane (32) movably mounted within a rotor slot and having a distal end disposed in sealing and wiping engagement with a member surface, with a plurality of rotors and surfaces, The chambers (33A-33F), the individual volumes of the chambers vary depending on the relative position between the rotor and the surface, the vane (32) and the member on the axial centerline over the allowable range of motion. A second motor operably positioned for selective movement relative to the second motor and a boundary seal (54) separating the wet portion (55) of the second motor from the dry portion (56) of the second motor. The second motor has one portion (58) disposed on one side of the seal and the other portion (59) disposed on the other side of the seal.

  One part can include a permanent magnet (58) and the other part can include a coil (59).

A rotor (24) having a housing (21) and a rotor axis (y ₁ -y ₁ ) and rotatably attached to the housing, wherein a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots ( a rotor (24) having a 26), the surface (29 arranged to face the rotor), and a member (28) having member axis a _(y 2 -y _2), the allowable range of motion ( is movable relative to the rotor axis over 30), member axis when the member is in the zero position _(member y 2 -y ₂₎ coincides with the rotor axis _(y 1 -y ₁₎ (28), A vane (32) movably mounted within each rotor slot and having a distal end disposed to engage the member surface, wherein the vane together with the rotor and the surface includes a plurality of chambers (33A). ~ 33F), the chamber pieces An improved method of operating a vane pump in which the volume varies depending on the relative position between the rotor and the surface, wherein the rotor is rotated around the rotor axis in one angular direction. A step of selectively moving the member relative to the rotor, and changing a direction of fluid flow between the ports, such as by changing a position between the axes of the rotor and the member. Is provided.

  The method may further include changing the magnitude of fluid flow between the ports by changing the position of the rotor and member axes.

  The position of the rotor and member axes can be changed by moving the member relative to the rotor.

  Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved vane pump.

  Another object is to provide an improved vane pump having a plurality of stackable pump elements.

  Another object is to provide an improved vane pump having a plurality of stackable pump elements that can be controlled independently of each other.

  Yet another object is to provide an improved method of operating a vane pump.

  These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the foregoing and following written description, drawings and appended claims.

1 is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional schematic of a first form of improved vane pump. FIG. FIG. 2 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional schematic view of an improved vane pump, generally along line 2-2 of FIG. A second improved vane pump showing the member as being movably attached to the housing by a flexure member and showing the member as moved to the right away from the zero position relative to the rotor. It is a fragmentary horizontal cross-section schematic of the form. Improved overall, similar to FIG. 3, but showing the member as constrained by linear motion within the bearing, and showing the member as moved to the right away from the zero position FIG. 6 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional schematic of another form of vane pump. FIG. 4 is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional schematic showing a plurality of rotors and members stacked in an axially spaced position along an axis. FIG. 6 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional schematic view generally along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 showing one rotor in the associated member. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a vane pump generally similar to FIG. 4 showing the member as being in its zero position relative to the rotor. Shows the member as being moved to the right from the zero position, also showing the chamber 71A as filled with fluid from the fluid port C _1, it is a view similar to overall Fig. FIG. 8B is a view similar to FIG. 8A, but showing the rotor as rotated clockwise over an arc of about 60 ° from the position shown in FIG. 8A. Similar to FIG. 8B, but showing the rotor as further rotated clockwise over an arc of about 60 ° from the position shown in FIG. 8B and also as aligned to fluid port C ₂ It is a figure which shows the chamber 71A. Shows the members as the zero position is moved to the left, also showing the chamber 71A as being aligned with the fluid port C _2, it is a view similar to overall Fig. FIG. 9B is a view similar to FIG. 9A, but showing the rotor as rotated clockwise over an arc of about 60 ° from the position shown in FIG. 9A. Is similar to Figure 9B, shows the rotor as being further rotated in the clockwise direction over approximately 60 ° arc from the position shown in Figure 9B, addition, as being aligned with the fluid port C ₁ It is a figure which shows the chamber 71A.

  Initially, like reference numerals are intended to consistently identify identical structural elements, portions, or surfaces throughout the several views, and such elements, portions, or surfaces may be identified in this detail. It should be clearly understood that the description may be further discussed or explained by the entire specification, which is an integral part thereof. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read in conjunction with the specification (eg, cross-hatching, component placement, proportions, degrees, etc.), and the entire specification of the present invention is intended to be read. Should be considered part. In the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “top”, and “bottom” and their adverbial and adjective derivatives (eg, “horizontal”, “To the right”, “above”, etc.) merely means the orientation of the structure shown when the particular drawing faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inward” and “outward” generally refer to the orientation of the surface relative to its longitudinal or rotational axis, as appropriate.

  Referring now to the drawings, the present invention generally provides an improved vane pump and an improved method of operation thereof.

1 and 2, a first form of improved vane pump is shown generally at 20. This pump comprises an annular housing 21, a shaft 22 having a vertical shaft axis y ₁ -y _1, attached to the housing, and, to selectively rotate the shaft about a shaft axis y ₁ -y ₁ Is roughly shown as including a first motor 23 operably arranged and a rotor 24 attached to the lower end of the shaft for rotation with the shaft.

The rotor is shown as a vertically elongated cylindrical member having an outwardly facing vertical cylindrical surface 25 of radius R1. A plurality of circumferentially spaced radial slots, indicated individually at 26, extend from the surface 25 into the rotor. The motor 23 is arranged to rotate the rotor 24 with respect to the housing at an appropriate angular velocity in either angular direction as desired. However, as described below, unlike prior art vane pumps, the direction and speed of rotation of the rotor is changed or modified to reverse the direction of fluid flow between fluid ports C ₁ and C _2. There is no need.

An annular member, generally designated 28, surrounds the rotor. This member has an inwardly facing vertical cylindrical surface 29 created about the member axis y ₂ -y ₂ . In FIG. 1, the member axis y ₂ -y ₂ is shown as being coincident with the rotor axis y ₁ -y ₁ . Thus, in FIG. 2, these coincident axes are denoted y ₁ / y ₂ −y ₁ / y ₂ . In this embodiment, the member is movable relative to the axial centerline over a horizontal allowable range of motion including components on both sides of the zero position (ie, left and right of the zero position). This range of motion is shown schematically at 30 in FIGS. The zero position is indicated by a central reference number “0”, and its left and right components are indicated by “−1” and “+1”, respectively. Accordingly, the allowable range of motion of the member relative to the stator is from “−1” to “+1”, and the zero position “0” is centrally located between them. But this need not always be the case. “−1” and “+1”, which are the limits of the range of motion, may or may not be equidistant from the zero position “0”, respectively. 1 and 2, the member is shown as being in its zero position, so that the axes y ₁ -y ₁ and y ₂ -y ₂ are coincident. The member can be moved horizontally by the motor 31 either left or right from the position shown in FIG.

  Vane 32 is shown as being movably mounted within each rotor slot and having a distal end arranged to sealingly and wipeably engage member surface 29. ing. The vane defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced chambers with the rotor and the surface. In the embodiment shown, there are six vanes that further divide the space between the rotor and the member into six chambers, the chambers being individually designated 33 and A, B, C, D, E And F subscripts, respectively. These vanes are spring biased to engage surface 29, moved outward by centrifugal force as the rotor rotates, and / or engage surface 29. Can be energized by a fluid.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing is shown as having two passages, indicated individually at 34, which pass through each chamber depending on the angular position of the rotor of the housing. It communicates with two chambers in opposite positions. However, in another embodiment, the passageway may be in communication with the chamber elsewhere. For example, the passageway may simply communicate with the end wall of the chamber. Other configurations may have more than two passages. In the schematic embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the port C ₁ is moved by moving the member in one direction, either left or right, away from the zero position along the horizontal range of motion. , C ₂ allows fluid to flow in a first direction (eg, from C ₁ to C ₂ ), while the member moves in the opposite direction away from the zero position along the range of motion. This allows fluid to flow between the ports in the opposite direction (eg, from C ₂ to C ₁ ). Thus, the direction of fluid flow between ports C ₁ and C ₂ is reversed by selectively moving the member along the allowable range of motion without affecting the speed or direction of rotation of the rotor. can do.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another form of the vane pump of the present invention, indicated generally at 35. This embodiment also has a specially configured hollow housing, generally indicated at 36, which includes therein a member 38 surrounding the rotor 39 as described above. Again, as before, the distal end of the vane 32 is hermetically and wipedly engaged with the inwardly facing surface 29 of the member. In this embodiment, member 38 is supported on the housing by a flexure member, indicated generally at 40. The lower end of the member 38 is supported by a spring-biased telescoping linkage, generally indicated at 41, or an elastic member. The linkage includes an upper portion 42 that is pivotally connected to the member 38 and a lower portion 43 that is pivotally connected to the housing and telescopingly received in the upper portion. A coil spring 44 acts between the two linkage portions and continuously urges the pivotal connection between the linkage and the member to move downward. This tends to eliminate any recoil from the linkage that holds the suspended member 38, and further continually biases the member moved away from the zero position back to the zero position.

In this configuration, the second motor 31 moves the member 38 away from the zero position over the horizontal allowable range of motion including components on both sides of the zero position “0” (ie, the left side and the right side) as necessary. It is shown as being operatively arranged to selectively move left or right relative to the line. Unlike the first embodiment, in which the member is mounted for pure linear motion with respect to the housing, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the member 38 has several effective members along the flexure member 40. It is mounted for arcuate rocking motion around the pivot point. However, since the range of motion of the member 38 relative to the rotor is small with respect to the distance between the effective pivot on the flexure member 40 and the member axis, the allowable range of motion is again schematically illustrated by the horizontal line 30 in FIG. Has been shown. The zero position is indicated by the reference number “0”, and the components for the left and right of the zero position are indicated by “−1” and “+1”, respectively. Therefore, the range of motion of the member relative to the stator is approximated by the distance from “−1” to “+1”, with the zero position “0” located in the middle. The member may be moved left or right by the motor 34 from the indicated position. In FIG. 3, member 38 is shown as being shifted from its zero position to the right with respect to the rotor (ie, from zero position “0” to position “+1” shifted to the right). . This displacement of the member from the zero position will change the volume of the vane chamber as the rotor rotates in one angular direction. Thus the fluid, depending on the direction of rotation of the rotor is directed from the port C ₁ to port C ₂ or from port C ₂ to port C _1.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another form of an improved vane pump having a member 38 configured to be moved relative to a rotor 39. However, in this configuration, the member is not mounted for pivotal or arcuate rocking movement with respect to the housing. Rather, the member is constrained to slide linearly both left and right along a horizontal allowable range of motion defined by a bearing individually indicated at 49. Therefore, this configuration is generally similar to the first embodiment as long as the movement of the member relative to the rotor is involved.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another form of vane pump, indicated generally at 50. This embodiment comprises a plurality of rotors, indicated individually at 51, and a plurality of members indicated individually at 52, mounted in longitudinally spaced positions along a vertically arranged axis 53. Shown as having. Thus, the individual vane pumps are “stacked” at individual positions along the axis. The shaft is configured to be rotated about the axis center line y ₁ -y ₁ by a first motor (not shown) as described above. However, in this configuration, the individual members 52 are attached to the bearings 54 so as to rotate relative to the housing 55. The position of the individual vane members can again be controlled by the individual second motors 31 as described above. Each vane pump is configured to produce an individual fluid output specific to each vane pump depending on the position of the associated member relative to its associated rotor. Each vane pump can be operated independently of each other. These vane pumps are common in that each rotor rotates about a common axis 53. However, the position of the individual members can be controlled independently of each other, so that each vane pump has its own independently controllable fluid output. However, unlike the previous embodiment, in this embodiment, each second motor (not shown) moves its associated member to the axis centerline y ₁ to change the position of the member axis relative to the axis centerline. It is operatively arranged to rotate relative -y _1. An integrally formed thin web-like annular boundary seal 54 separates the wet portion (wet portion) 55 of the second motor from the dry portion (dry portion) 56 of the second motor 31. The second motor has one portion 58 disposed on one side of the seal and the other portion 59 disposed on the other side of the seal. One part can include a permanent magnet 58 and the other part can include a coil 59.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the rotor and components of one vane pump, generally along line 6-6 of FIG. This view is generally similar to FIG. 2 but shows the member surface 29 as being non-concentrically disposed within the member outer surface 56. The surface 56 is a surface having a radius R ₃ and is created around the member axis y ₃ -y ₃ . Accordingly, rotation of the member about the member outer surface axis y ₃ -y ₃ relative to the housing (shown in FIG. 5) results in non-concentric rotation of the member inner surface 29 relative to the rotor. This relative rotation of the member and the housing changes the volume of the chambers 62A-62F and changes the magnitude and direction of the flow through the valve.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a portion of one vane pump, indicated generally at 65, showing member 66 as being in its zero position relative to rotor 68. The vane pump 65 is generally similar to the vane pump shown in FIG. Again, as before, six vanes, individually indicated at 69, are mounted in the rotor slots. Each of these vanes has a distal end that sealingly and wipedly engages an inwardly facing surface 70 on the member. In FIG. 7, the member axis y ₂ -y ₂ is shown as being coincident with the rotor axis y ₁ -y ₁ . The member is shown as having two fluid connections in communication with two different vane chambers. The first fluid connection is C ₁ and labeled, the second fluid connection is C ₂ and labeled.

8A-c are a series of views that are generally similar to FIG. 7 but showing the member as moved to the right from the zero position. In Figure 8A, the fluid from port C ₁ is shown as entering the vane chamber 71A. In Figure 8B, the rotor is shown a vane chamber 71A as it is rotated in a clockwise direction over an arc length of 60 ° from a position in communication with the fluid inlet C ₁ to an intermediate position. In Figure 8C, the rotor is further rotated in the clockwise direction an arc distance of a further 60 ° relative to the member, so that the vane chamber 71A is shown as being rotated to a position which communicates with the fluid outlet C ₂ Yes. In FIGS. 8A-8C, an amount of fluid is shown entering the vane chamber 71A and being gradually conveyed clockwise relative to the member. Fluid is finally discharged through the outlet C _2.

9A-9C are a series of views showing the member as shifted left from the position shown in FIG. 7 away from the zero position. Again, the fluid entering the vane chamber 71A in communication with the fluid inlet C ₂ are carried gradually clockwise in the member as the rotor rotates, eventually fluid port It is discharged at C _1.

  Accordingly, the present invention generally includes generally a housing, a shaft, a first motor, a rotor attached to the shaft for rotation together, and a member having a surface and a member axis. An improved vane pump is provided. The member axis is defined as that position on the member when the member is in the zero position relative to the rotor. A vane is attached to the rotor and has a distal end disposed to engage the member surface. These vanes define a plurality of fluid chambers with the rotor and the surface, and the individual volumes of the fluid chambers vary depending on the relative position between the rotor and the member surface. The housing also has two fluid passages operably arranged to communicate with two of the chambers depending on the angular position of the rotor relative to the housing. A second motor is operatively disposed to selectively move the member relative to the axis centerline over the allowable range of motion. Moving the member in one direction along the range of motion away from the zero position allows fluid to flow in the first direction between the ports and also allows the member to move from the zero position along the range of motion. Moving away from each other in the opposite direction allows fluid to flow in the opposite direction between the ports.

  One particular feature of the present invention is that the direction of the fluid flowing through the vane pump by simply moving the member relative to the rotor without changing the direction or speed of rotation of the rotor about the axial centerline. Can be changed. In other words, the direction of the fluid flowing through the vane pump can be changed without adversely affecting the inertia of the moving rotor.

  The present invention contemplates that changes and modifications may be made. The shape and structure of the rotor can be easily changed or modified. In the embodiment shown, the rotor has six slots, each of which is provided with a vane. Thereby, the space between the rotor and the member is divided into six vane chambers. However, the rotor size, structure, and shape, and the number of vane slots can be varied. The vane may be movable outward by centrifugal force. Alternatively, the vane can be spring biased or pushed outward by fluid pressure.

  Similarly, the shape and structure of the member can be varied. In the illustrated embodiment, the member is shown as having an inwardly facing cylindrical surface that is touched by the distal end of the vane. However, the present invention is not limited to a member having a cylindrical surface facing inward. In practice, the member surface may be cylindrical or have some other shape as desired. The member may be movable along a linear path, an arcuate path, or a rotational path. The arrangement and shape of the members and housing ports can be easily changed or modified as desired.

  Accordingly, several forms of improved vane pumps have been shown and described, and several modifications thereof have been discussed, but as defined and differentiated by the following claims. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various additional changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit.

Claims (30)

A housing;
A shaft having an axial centerline and attached to the housing for rotation about the axial centerline;
A first motor operatively disposed to selectively rotate the shaft;
A rotor mounted for rotation with the shaft, the rotor having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots;
A member having a surface and a member axis and movable relative to the axis center line over an allowable range of motion including components on both sides of the zero position, wherein the member axis is when the member is in the zero position A member that coincides with the axis centerline;
A vane having a distal end movably mounted within each rotor slot and disposed to engage the member surface, the vane having a plurality of chambers with the rotor and the surface. Defining and the individual volume of the chamber varies depending on the relative position between the rotor and the surface, and the housing depends on the angular position of the rotor relative to the housing. A vane having two fluid passages operatively disposed in communication with each other;
A vane pump having a second motor operably disposed to selectively move the member relative to the axis centerline over the allowable range of motion;
The member moves in one direction along the range of motion away from the zero position, allowing fluid to flow in a first direction between the ports,
A vane pump, wherein the member moves in the opposite direction along the range of motion away from the zero position, allowing fluid to flow in the opposite direction between the ports.   The vane pump of claim 1, wherein the member has a passage in communication with the housing passage and terminating at a port at the surface. A boundary seal separating the wet portion of the second motor from the dry portion of the second motor;
The second motor has one portion disposed on one side of the seal and the other portion disposed on the other side of the seal;
The vane pump according to claim 1.   4. A vane pump according to claim 3, wherein the one part includes a permanent magnet and the other part includes a coil.   The vane pump of claim 1, wherein the member is attached to the housing.   The vane pump of claim 5, wherein the member is attached to the housing by a flexure member.   The vane pump of claim 6, wherein the range of motion is arcuate.   The vane pump of claim 1, wherein the range of motion is linear.   The vane pump according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic member acting between the housing and the member to urge the member closer to the zero position. A housing;
An axis having an axis centerline, the axis attached to the housing for rotation about the axis centerline;
A first motor attached to the housing and operatively arranged to selectively rotate the shaft;
A plurality of rotors mounted at positions spaced along the shaft to rotate with the shaft, each having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots;
A plurality of members each having a surface and a member axis, wherein each member is associated with a respective one of the rotors and the axial centerline over an allowable range of motion including components on opposite sides of the zero position Each member axis is coincident with the axis center when the associated member is in the zero position; and
A vane movably mounted within each rotor slot and having a distal end disposed to engage the surface of the associated member, the vane comprising the associated rotor and the Defining a plurality of chambers with a surface, wherein the individual volumes of the chambers vary depending on the relative position between the associated rotor and the surface, and the housing is positioned at an angular position of the rotor relative to the housing; And a vane having two fluid passages operatively arranged to communicate with two of the chambers for each member according to
A vane pump having a plurality of second motors operably arranged to selectively move the associated member over its allowable range of motion relative to the axis centerline;
Each member moves in one direction along the range of motion of the member away from the zero position, allowing fluid to flow in the first direction between the ports of the member;
A vane pump wherein each member moves in the opposite direction along the range of motion of the member away from the zero position, allowing fluid to flow in the opposite direction between the ports of the member.   The vane pump of claim 10, wherein the member has a passage that communicates with the housing passage and terminates at a port at the surface.   The vane pump of claim 10, wherein the plurality of members are stackable in axially spaced positions along the axis.   The vane pump of claim 10, wherein the fluid output of each member is independently controllable. A plurality of boundary seals, each separating a wet portion of the associated second motor from a dry portion of the associated second motor;
Each second motor has one portion disposed on one side of the associated seal and the other portion disposed on the other side of the associated seal;
The vane pump according to claim 10.   The vane pump of claim 14, wherein the one portion includes a permanent magnet and the other portion includes a coil.   The vane pump of claim 10, wherein each member is attached to the housing by a flexure member.   The vane pump of claim 10, wherein the range of motion of each member is arcuate.   The vane pump according to claim 10, wherein the range of motion of each member is linear.   The vane pump according to claim 10, further comprising an elastic member acting between the housing and each member to urge the member closer to the zero position. A housing;
An axis having an axis centerline, the axis attached to the housing for rotation about the axis centerline;
A first motor operatively disposed to selectively rotate the shaft;
A rotor mounted for rotation with the shaft, the rotor having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots;
A member having a surface and a member axis and movable relative to the axis centerline over a range of motion including components on both sides of the zero position, wherein the member axis is the axis when the member is in the zero position. A member that coincides with the center line; and
A vane having a distal end movably mounted in each rotor slot and arranged to engage the member surface;
A vane pump having a second motor operably disposed to selectively move the member relative to the axis centerline over the allowable range of motion;
The vanes define a plurality of chambers with the rotor and the surface, and the individual volumes of the chambers vary depending on the relative position between the rotor and the surface;
The housing has two fluid passages operatively arranged to communicate with two of the chambers depending on the angular position of the rotor relative to the housing;
A vane pump, wherein a flow direction between the passages is in accordance with a position of the member axis with respect to the axis center line.   21. A vane pump according to claim 20, wherein the member has a passage in communication with the housing passage and terminating in a port at the surface.   The direction of fluid flow between the passages is one direction when the member is moved in one direction along the movable range away from the zero position, and the member is in the movable range. 21. A vane pump according to claim 20, wherein the vane pump is moved in the opposite direction away from the zero position along the opposite direction. A boundary seal separating the wet portion of the second motor from the dry portion of the second motor;
The second motor has one portion disposed on one side of the seal and the other portion disposed on the other side of the seal;
The vane pump according to claim 20.   24. The vane pump of claim 23, wherein the one portion includes a permanent magnet and the other portion includes a coil. An axis having an axis centerline, the axis attached to rotate about said axis centerline;
A first motor operatively disposed to selectively rotate the shaft about the shaft centerline;
A rotor mounted for rotation with the shaft, the rotor having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots;
A member having a surface and a member axis and movable relative to the axis center line over an allowable range of motion including components on both sides of the zero position, wherein the member axis is when the member is in the zero position A member that coincides with the axis centerline;
A vane movably mounted within each rotor slot and having a distal end disposed to engage the surface of the member, defining a plurality of chambers with the rotor and the surface; A vane, wherein the individual volume of the chamber varies depending on the relative position between the rotor and the surface;
A second motor operatively disposed to selectively move the member relative to the axis centerline over the allowable range of motion;
A vane pump having a boundary seal separating the wet portion of the second motor from the dry portion of the second motor;
The vane pump, wherein the second motor has one portion disposed on one side of the seal and the other portion disposed on the other side of the seal.   21. A vane pump according to claim 20, wherein the member has a passage in communication with the housing passage and terminating in a port at the surface.   26. The vane pump of claim 25, wherein the one portion includes a permanent magnet and the other portion includes a coil. A housing having a rotor axis and rotatably attached to the housing, the rotor having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots, and a member having a surface and a member axis. A member that is movable with respect to the rotor axis over an allowable range of movement, and the member axis coincides with the axis center line when the member is in the zero position, and is movably mounted in each rotor slot. And a vane pump having a distal end disposed to engage the member surface, wherein the vane defines a plurality of chambers with the rotor and the surface; A method of operating a vane pump, wherein the individual volumes of the chambers vary depending on the relative position between the rotor and the surface,
Rotating the rotor in one angular direction about the rotor axis;
Selectively moving the member relative to the rotor;
Changing the direction of fluid flow between the ports by changing the position of the rotor and the axis of the member.   29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the additional step of changing the magnitude of the fluid flow between the ports by changing the position of the rotor and the axis of the member.   29. The method of claim 28, wherein the position of the rotor and the axis of the member is changed by moving the member relative to the rotor.