KR20150084889A

KR20150084889A - Vane pumps and methods of operating same

Info

Publication number: KR20150084889A
Application number: KR1020157014809A
Authority: KR
Inventors: 존 콥
Original assignee: 무그 인코포레이티드
Priority date: 2012-11-16
Filing date: 2012-11-16
Publication date: 2015-07-22

Abstract

The improved vane pump (20) comprises: a housing (21); A first motor (23) arranged to rotate the installed shaft (22) about the shaft axis; A rotor (24) mounted to rotate with the shaft; And a member (28) having a surface (29) and a member axis. The member is movable relative to the shaft axis through an acceptable range of motion including one side portion of the zero point position. A vane (32) is movably mounted in each rotor slot and has a distal end disposed to mate with the surface of the member. The vane defines a plurality of chambers 33A-33F together with the rotor and the surface. The individual volume of the chamber is varied according to the relative position function between the rotor and the surface. A second motor (31) is operatively disposed to selectively move the member through the allowable range of motion relative to the shaft axis. Movement of the member out of the zero in one direction along the operating range enables fluid flow in a first direction between the ports while movement of the member out of zero in the opposite direction along the operating range, Allowing fluid flow in the opposite direction between the ports.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION [0002] VANE PUMPS AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME [0003]

The present invention relates generally to vane pumps, and more particularly, to improved stackable over-center vane pumps and methods of operation thereof.

The vane pump is already known. Such a device generally has a rotor mounted for rotation within a cavity of a body or member. A plurality of circumferentially spaced slots extend radially from the rotor outer surface into the rotor interior. A vane is slidably mounted in each slot, the vane having a distal end operatively disposed to engage a portion of the wall member defining the cavity. Typically, the vane is forced to move outwardly from the rotor by centrifugal force as the rotor rotates. These vanes together with the rotor and the member define a series of circumferentially spaced chambers between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The volume of this chamber gradually increases or decreases as the rotor rotates in the member, in accordance with the direction of rotation. This chamber transfers fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. Examples of such vane motors are typically shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 4,619,594, U.S. Patent No. 5,037,283 and U.S. Patent No. 6,763,797.

However, in such a conventional vane pump, it is usually necessary to reverse the direction of rotation of the rotor to change the direction of fluid flow through the pump.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved vane pump that allows the direction of fluid flow to be reversed through the pump without changing the direction of rotor rotation.

A general object of the present invention is to provide an improved vane pump.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved vane pump having a plurality of stackable pump elements.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved vane pump having a plurality of stackable pump elements that may be controlled independently of each other.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method of operating a vane pump.

These and other objects and advantages will be apparent from the description above, the drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention broadly provides an improved vane pump, with reference to a parenthesized base of corresponding parts, portions, or surfaces of the disclosed embodiments, for purposes of illustration only and without restricting the invention.

In one embodiment, the improved vane pump 20 comprises: a housing 21; Having a shaft axis (y ₁ -y _1), a shaft (22) mounted to the housing for rotation about the shaft axis; A first motor (23) operatively arranged to selectively rotate the shaft; A rotor (24) mounted for rotation with the shaft and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots (26); And the surface 29 and the member axis (y ₂ -y ₂₎ to have, a side part ( "-1", "+1"), the acceptable operating range, including the zero position ( "0") (Fig. 1, Wherein the member shaft (y ₂ -y ₂ ) is movable relative to the shaft axis (y ₁ - y ₂ ) when the member is in the zero point position, y ₁ ); And a vane (32) movably mounted in each rotor slot and having a distal end disposed to be sealingly and wipingly engaged with the surface of the member, the vane being movable with the rotor and the surface Defining a plurality of chambers (33A-33F), wherein the individual volumes of the chambers vary with a relative position function between the rotor and the surface; The housing having two fluid passages (34, 34) operatively arranged to communicate with the two chambers in accordance with a function of the angular position of the rotor relative to the housing; And a second motor (31) operatively arranged to selectively move the member relative to the shaft axis through the acceptable range of motion, wherein movement of the member out of zero in one direction along the operating range Enable fluid flow in a first direction between the ports; Movement of the member out of the zero in the opposite direction along the operating range enables fluid flow in the opposite direction between the ports.

The improved pump may further include 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 may have one portion 58 disposed on one side of the seal and another portion 59 disposed on the other side of the seal. The one portion may comprise a permanent magnet 58 and the other portion may comprise a coil 59. [

The member may be mounted to the housing.

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

The operating range of the member may be arcuate, linear or rotatable.

An elastic member (41) may be arranged to act between the housing and the member for urging the member to move toward a null position.

In another embodiment, the improved vane pump 20 comprises a housing 21; Having a shaft axis (y ₁ -y _1), a shaft (22) mounted to the housing for rotation about the shaft axis; A first motor (23) mounted to the housing and operatively arranged to selectively rotate the shaft; A plurality of rotors (Fig. 1 "24 "; Fig. 5" 51 ") mounted in positions spaced along the shaft to rotate with the shaft and each having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots; And an acceptable operating range (Figure 1 "30"), each having a surface 57 and a member axis y ₂ -y ₂ , each of which is associated with a respective one of the rotors, And a plurality of members (28) movable with respect to the shaft axis through the plurality of members, wherein each member shaft coincides with an axis of the shaft when the joined member is at the zero point position; And a vane (26) movably mounted in each rotor slot and having a distal end disposed to be sealingly and wipingly engaged with the surface of the mating member, the vane being movable along with the combined rotor and the surface (Fig. 1 "33A-33F "; Fig. 6" 62A-62F "), the respective volume of the chamber varying with the relative position function between the combined rotor and the surface; The housing having two fluid passages (34, 34) operatively arranged to communicate with the two chambers for each member in accordance with a function of the angular position of the rotor relative to the housing; And a plurality of second motors (31) operatively arranged to selectively move the combined member through the allowable range of motion relative to the shaft axis, wherein the plurality of second motors Movement of each member out of the zero enables fluid flow in a first direction between said ports of such a member; Movement of each of the members out of the zero in the opposite direction along the operating range of such a member enables fluid flow in the opposite direction between the ports of such members.

The members may be stacked at axially spaced locations along the shaft.

The fluid output of each member may be independently controllable.

The improved pump may further include a plurality of boundary seals 54. Each boundary seal may separate the wetted portion 55 of the combined second motor from the dry portion 56 of the thus combined second motor. Each second motor may have one portion disposed on one side of the combined seal and another portion disposed on the other side of the combined seal. The one portion may comprise a permanent magnet 58 and the other portion may comprise a coil 59. [

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

The operating range of each member may be arcuate, linear or rotatable.

The pump may further comprise an elastic member (41) acting between the housing and the respective member for urging such a member to move toward the zero point position.

In a third embodiment, the improved vane pump 20 comprises a housing 21; Having a shaft axis (y ₁ -y _1), a shaft (22) mounted to the housing for rotation about the shaft axis; A first motor (23) operatively arranged to selectively rotate the shaft; A rotor mounted to rotate with the shaft and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots; And a permissible surface including a surface (29) and a member axis (y ₂ -y ₂ ) arranged to face the rotor and including a side portion ("-1", "+1" And a member (28) movable with respect to the shaft axis via a possible operating range (30), the member axis coinciding with the axis of the shaft when the member is in the zero point position; A vane (30) movably mounted in each rotor slot and having a distal end disposed to mate with the surface of the member; And a second motor (31) operatively disposed to selectively move the member over the shaft axis through the allowable operating range, the vane including a plurality of chambers (33A- 33F), the individual volumes of the chamber varying with a relative position function between the rotor and the surface; The housing having two fluid passages (34, 34) operatively arranged to communicate with the two chambers in accordance with a function of the angular position of the rotor relative to the housing; The flow direction between the passages is a function of the position of the member shaft (y ₂ -y ₂ ) relative to the shaft axis (y ₁ -y ₁ ).

The fluid flow direction between the passages may be unidirectional when the member is out of zero in one direction along the operating range, and the fluid flow direction between the passages is such that the member moves in the opposite direction It may be in the opposite direction when out of zero.

The pump may include 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 may have one portion disposed on one side of the seal or another portion disposed on the other side of the seal. The one portion may comprise a permanent magnet 58 and the other portion may comprise a coil 59. [

In the fourth embodiment, an improved vane pump (Figure 1 "20", Figure 5 "50") comprises: a shaft 22 having a shaft axis y ₁ -y ₁ , mounted to rotate about the shaft axis, ; A first motor (23) operatively arranged to selectively rotate said shaft relative to said shaft axis; A rotor (24) mounted for rotation with the shaft and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots (26); And surface 29 and has a shaft member (y ₂ -y _2), the zero point position (die, position "0") that includes one end portion (i.e., the respective positions "-1" and "+1") of (28) movable with respect to said shaft axis through an allowable operating range (30), said member shaft coinciding with an axis of said shaft when said member is in said zero point position; And a vane (32) movably mounted in each rotor slot and having a distal end disposed to mate with the surface of the member, the vane defining a plurality of chambers (33A-33F) together with the rotor and the surface And an individual volume of the chamber varies with a relative position function between the rotor and the surface; A second motor operatively arranged to selectively move said member relative to said shaft axis through said acceptable operating range; And a boundary seal (54) separating the wet portion (55) of the second motor from the dry portion (56) of the second motor, wherein the second motor has one portion (58), and another portion (59) disposed on the other side of the seal.

The one portion may comprise a permanent magnet 58, and the other portion may comprise a coil 59.

Further, there is provided an improved method of operating a vane pump (20), the method comprising the steps of: housing 21, a rotor axis (y ₁ -y ₁₎ of the housing circumferentially rotatably mounted, and has a plurality of A rotor (24) having spaced apart slots (26); Having a surface 29 and the member axis (y ₂ -y ₂₎ disposed so as to face the rotor, through the acceptable operating range (30) the movable member 28 relative to the rotor shaft; and a; The member axis y ₂ -y ₂ coincides with the axis y ₁ -y ₁ of the shaft when the member is in the zero point position; And a vane (32) movably mounted in each rotor slot and having a distal end disposed to mate with the surface of the member, the vane defining a plurality of chambers (33A-33F) together with the rotor and the surface And an individual volume of the chamber varies according to a relative position function between the rotor and the surface: rotating the rotor in the angular direction relative to the rotor axis; Selectively moving the member relative to the rotor; And changing the position of the rotor and the axis of the member, thereby changing the direction of fluid flow between the ports.

The method may further comprise the additional step of varying the magnitude of fluid flow between the ports by varying the position between the rotor and the member shaft.

The position between the rotor and the member shaft may be changed by moving the member relative to the rotor.

1 is a partial schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an improved vane pump.
Fig. 2 is a partial schematic horizontal sectional view of Fig. 1 taken generally on line segment 2-2 of Fig.
Fig. 3 is a partial schematic horizontal sectional view of an improved vane pump according to a first embodiment, showing a member displaced to the right with respect to the rotor and displaced from the zero point position, movably mounted to the housing by the bending member;
Fig. 4 is a partial schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an improved vane pump, generally similar to Fig. 3, but restrained against linear movement within the bearing and displaced to the right to displace the zero point position;
5 is a partial schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a plurality of rotors and members stacked at axially spaced locations along the shaft;
Fig. 6 is a partial schematic horizontal sectional view, taken generally along line 6-6 of Fig. 5, showing that one rotor is in its associated member.
Figure 7 is a schematic view of a vane pump, generally similar to Figure 4, showing a member at its zero point with respect to the rotor.
Figure 8a illustrates a chamber (71A) filled from the member and the fluid to the fluid port (C ₁₎ as a whole out of a view similar to Figure 7, is moved to the right from the zero point.
8B is a view similar to FIG. 8A, but shows a rotor rotated clockwise through an arc of about 60 DEG from the position shown in FIG. 8A.
Figure 8c shows a chamber (71A) arranged through an arc of approximately 60 ° shows a further rotated the rotor in a clockwise direction, the fluid port (C ₂₎ from the position shown in FIG. Although view similar to 8b, Figure 8b do.
Figure 9a is a view similar to Figure 7 and is as a whole, showing the chamber (71A) is arranged to move to the left away from the zero point show the fluid port member (C _2).
9B is a view similar to FIG. 9A, but shows a rotor rotated clockwise through an arc of about 60 DEG from the position shown in FIG. 9A.
Figure 9c illustrates a chamber (71A) arranged through an arc of approximately 60 ° shows a further rotated the rotor in a clockwise direction, the fluid port (C ₁₎ from the position shown in Figure 9b with but similar to the drawings, Figure 9b do.

First, like reference numerals are intended to refer to the same structural elements, parts, or surfaces in a consistent manner throughout the various drawings, as such elements, parts, or aspects are not described in further detail in their entirety, And it should be clearly understood that it can be explained and explained.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read in conjunction with the specification (e.g., cross-hatching, placement of parts, ratio, angle, etc.) and should be regarded as part of the entire description of the present invention . As used below, the terms horizontally, vertically, left, right, up, and down, and adjective and adverbial terms (e.g., horizontally, right, upward, etc.) But merely illustrates the orientation of the structure illustrated as a particular drawing is directed to the reader. Similarly, terms such as " inwardly "and" outwardly " generally refer to the orientation of the surface relative to the extension axis or rotation axis, as appropriate.

Referring to the drawings, the present invention provides a wide variety of improved vane pumps and improved methods of operating them.

1 and 2, a first embodiment of an improved vane pump is indicated generally at 20. The pump includes an annular housing 21, a shaft 22 having a vertical shaft axis y ₁ -y ₁ mounted on the housing and selectively rotating the shaft about the axis y ₁ -y ₁ A first motor 23 operatively disposed, and a rotor 24 mounted at the lower end of the shaft to rotate with the shaft.

The rotor is shown as a vertically elongated cylindrical member having a vertical cylinder face 25 facing outwardly of radius R ₁ . A plurality of circumferentially spaced radial slots, each designated at 26, extend from the surface 25 into the interior of the rotor. The motor 23 is arranged so as to rotate the rotor 24 at an appropriate angular velocity in an angular direction with respect to the housing, if necessary. However, unlike a conventional vane pump, the rotational direction and speed of the rotor need not be altered or modified to reverse the direction of fluid flow between the fluid ports C ₁ and C ₂ , as described below .

An annular member, generally indicated at 28, surrounds the rotor. This member has an inwardly directed vertical cylindrical surface 29 created relative to the member axis y ₂ -y ₂ . In FIG. 1, the member axes y ₂ -y ₂ are shown coinciding with the rotor axes y ₁ -y ₁ . For this reason, in Fig. 2, this matching axis is denoted by y ₁ / y ₂ - y ₁ / y ₂ . In this embodiment, the member is movable with respect to the shaft axis through an allowable operating range in the horizontal direction, and the operating range includes one side (i.e., left and right) portion of the zero point position. This operation range is schematically indicated by "30" in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. The zero point position is indicated by the center reference point "0 ", and the left and right portions of the zero point are indicated by" -1 " Thus, the permissible range of the operation of the member with respect to the stator is "-1 "," 1 ", and the zero point position "0" However, this need does not always arise. The maximum limits "-1" and "1" of the operating range may or may not be equally spaced from the zero point position "0 ", respectively. 1 and 2, the member is shown in a zero position, such as those that the axis (y ₁ -y ₁₎ and the axis (y ₂ -y ₂₎ match. The member can be moved from the position shown in Fig. 1 to either the left or the right by the motor 31 in any one of the horizontal directions.

A vane 32 is shown movably mounted within a slot of each rotor and having an end disposed to be sealed and wipedly engaged with the member surface 29. The vane defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced chambers with the rotor and the surface. In the illustrated embodiment, there are six vanes that divide the space between the rotor and the member into six chambers, each of which is designated 33 and which has a suffix "A, B, C, D, E and F ". These vanes may be urged by a spring to engage the surface 29 or they may be moved outwardly by centrifugal force during rotation of the rotor and / It is possible.

In Figures 1 and 2, the housing is shown having two passageways, each indicated by the numeral 34, which communicates with two chambers located opposite to each other in accordance with the angular position function of the rotor of the housing. However, in other embodiments, the passageway may communicate with the chambers elsewhere. For example, the passageway may simply communicate with the end wall of the chamber. Other embodiments may have more than one passageway. In the schematic embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the zero-out movement of the member in one direction, along either one of the horizontal operating ranges to the left or to the right, occurs between ports C ₁ and C ₂ (For example, from C ₁ to C ₂ ), while movement out of the zero of the member in the opposite direction along the operating range will cause the ports C ₁ , C ₂ ) (for example, from C ₂ to C ₁ ). Thus, the direction of fluid flow between ports C ₁ , C ₂ may be reversed without affecting either the rotational speed or direction of the rotor, by selectively moving the member along an acceptable operating range.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the vane pump of the present invention, generally indicated at 35; This embodiment also has a specially constructed hollow housing and is generally indicated at 36 and has a member 38 enclosing the rotor 39 therein as described above. Here again, the end of the vane 32 is sealed and wiped against the inwardly facing surface 29 of the member. In this embodiment, the member 38 is supported on the housing by a flexural member, generally indicated at 40. The lower end of the member 38 is supported by a telescopic linkage or an elastic member, generally indicated at 41. This link includes an upper portion 42 axially rotatably connected to the member 38 and a lower portion 43 axially rotatably connected to the housing and telescopically received in the upper portion. The coil spring 44 acts between the two link portions and continues to press the axial joint between the link and the member to move downward. This has a tendency to remove all backlash from the link supporting the suspended member 38, and also to return away from the zero point to the displaced member and back toward the zero point position.

In this configuration, the second motor 31 is configured to move the member 38 to a horizontally-permissible operating range (e.g., a left-hand and right-hand), including a portion on either side of the zero position "0" To either left or right beyond the zero point. In contrast to the first embodiment, in which the member is mounted for purely linear operation with respect to the housing, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the member 38 has a certain effective pivot point As shown in Fig. However, since the range of movement of the member 38 with respect to the rotor is smaller than the distance between the effective pivot on the flexure member 40 and the member shaft, the allowable range of operation is not limited to the horizontal line segment 30 Lt; / RTI > The zero point position is indicated by the reference point "0 ", and the left and right portions of the zero point are indicated by" -1 "and" +1 ", respectively. As such, the operating range of the member with respect to the stator approximates between "-1" and "+1 ", and has a zero point position" 0 " The member can be moved either to the left or to the right from the position shown by the motor 34. In Figure 3, the member 38 is shown moved to the right relative to the rotor at its zero point position (i.e., the "1" position shifted to the right from the zero point position "0"). Such displacement of the member beyond its zero point allows the vane chamber volume to change as the rotor rotates in one angular direction. This causes the fluid to flow from port C ₁ to port C ₂ , or vice versa, depending on the direction of rotation of the rotor.

4 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an improved vane pump having a member 38 arranged to be moved relative to the rotor 39. Fig. However, in this arrangement, the member is not mounted for axial or arcuate swinging movement relative to the housing. Rather, the member is limited for both linear operation to the left and right along the horizontally permissible operating range defined by the bearings, As such, this arrangement is generally similar to the first embodiment with respect to movement of the member relative to the rotor.

5 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a vane pump, generally indicated at 50. In Fig. This embodiment is illustrated as having a plurality of rotors, each indicated at 51, with members mounted at longitudinally spaced apart positions along the vertically oriented shaft 53, each indicated at 52. As such, multiple vane pumps are "stacked " at multiple locations along the shaft. The shaft is arranged to rotate about a shaft axis y ₁ -y ₁ by a first motor (not shown), as described above. However, in this arrangement, the plurality of members 52 are mounted on the bearing 54 for rotation about the housing 55. [ The positions of the plurality of vane members may also be controlled by separate second motors 31, as described above. Each vane pump is arranged to produce its own individual fluid output in accordance with the position function of the associated member with respect to the combined rotor. Each vane pump can operate independently of each other. These vane pumps share the fact that their respective rotors rotate about a common shaft 53. However, the position of the plurality of members is independently controllable from each other, such that each vane pump has its own independently controllable fluid output. However, unlike the above-described embodiment, in this embodiment, each second motor (not shown) rotates its mating member relative to the shaft axes y ₁ -y ₁ , So as to be able to change the position of the shaft. A thin, integrally formed, web-like annular boundary seal 54 forms a wetted portion 55 of the second motor from the dry portion 56 of the second motor 31, . The second motor has one portion (58) disposed on one side of the seal and another portion (59) disposed on the other side of the seal. The one portion may comprise a permanent magnet 58 and the other portion may comprise a coil 59. [

Figure 6 is a schematic view of the rotor and member of one vane pump, generally taken on line 6-6 of Figure 5; This figure is generally similar to FIG. 2, but the member surface 29 is shown as being non-concentrically disposed within the outer surface 56 of the member. The surface is about the radius R _{3 and} is produced for the member axes y ₃ -y ₃ . For this reason, the shaft member outer surface (y ₃ -y ₃₎ A (shown in Figure 5) the inner surface of member 29 for rotation of the rotor (29) of the member relative to the housing member on the basis of Will cause non-concentric rotation. This relative rotation between the member and the housing will change the volume of the chamber 62A-62F to change the size and direction of the flow through the valve.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a portion of one vane pump, generally designated 65 and showing a member 66 at a zero point relative to the rotor 68. Fig. The vane pump 65 is generally similar to the vane pump shown in Fig. There are also six vanes, which are individually designated 69 and mounted in slots in the rotor. Each of these vanes has an end that seals and wipes against the inwardly facing surface 70 on the member. In Fig. 7, the member axes y ₂ -y ₂ are shown coinciding with the rotor axes y ₁ -y ₁ . The member is shown having two fluid connections communicating with two different vane chambers. The first fluid connection is labeled "C ₁ " and the second fluid connection is labeled "C ₂ ".

Figs. 8A-8C are a series of diagrams, generally similar to Fig. 7, but showing a member with the zero point shifted to the right. In FIG. 8A, fluid is shown entering the vane chamber 71A from port C ₁ . In FIG. 8B, the rotor is shown rotating the vane chamber 71A to an intermediate position through a 60 degree arc distance in a clockwise direction from a position in communication with the fluid inlet C ₁ . In Figure 8c, the rotor is shown with the vane chambers (71A) is further rotated by the fluid outlet of the additional call distance 60 ° in the clockwise direction relative to the member to be rotated to a position in communication with the (C _2). In Figures 8A-8C, the volume of fluid is shown entering the vane chamber 71A and being progressively transported clockwise relative to the member. Finally, the fluid is discharged through outlet C ₂ .

Figures 9A-9C are a series of depicting members displaced from the position shown in Figure 7 to the left by zero point. Here again, the fluid entering the vane chamber 71A in communication with the fluid inlet C ₂ is progressively transferred as the rotor rotates clockwise in the member, and eventually the fluid port C ₁ , Lt; / RTI >

Accordingly, the present invention broadly provides an improved vane pump comprising a housing, a shaft, a first motor, a rotor mounted on the shaft for rotation, and a member having a surface and member axes. The member shaft is defined as being in its position on the member when the member is at a zero point with respect to the rotor. The vane is mounted on the rotor and has a distal end arranged to engage the surface of the member. The vanes define a plurality of fluid chambers with the rotor and the surface, the individual volumes of which vary according to a function of the relative position between the rotor and the member surface. The housing also has two fluid passages operatively arranged to communicate with the two chambers as a function of the angular position of the rotor relative to the housing. A second motor is operatively disposed to selectively move the member through an acceptable range of motion relative to the shaft axis. Movement of the member out of the zero in one direction along the operating range will enable the flow of fluid in one direction between the ports and movement of the member out of zero in the opposite direction along the operating range, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > flow. &Lt; / RTI >

One unique feature of the present invention is that the direction of fluid flow through the vane pump may be changed simply by moving the member relative to the rotor without changing the direction or speed of rotation of the rotor relative to the shaft axis . That is, the direction of fluid flow through the vane pump may be changed without adversely affecting the inertia of the rotor in motion.

The present invention contemplates that changes and modifications may be made. The shape and configuration of the rotor may be easily modified or modified. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor has six slots, each of which is provided with a vane. Which divides the space between the rotor and the member into six vane chambers. However, not only the number of the vane slots, but also the size, configuration, and shape of the rotor may be changed. The vane may be moved outwardly by centrifugal force. Alternatively, the vane may be urged by a spring, or may be urged outward by fluid pressure.

Similarly, the shape and configuration of the member may vary. In the illustrated embodiment, the member is shown having a cylindrical inward facing surface that acts against the end of the vane. However, the present invention is not limited to members having a cylindrical surface facing inward. In practice, the surface of the member may be cylindrical or may have a different shape if desired. The member may be moved along a linear path, an arcuate path, or a rotatable path. The arrangement and shape of the member and the housing port may be easily modified or modified as necessary.

Thus, although a number of embodiments of the improved vane pump have been shown and described and many variations thereof have been discussed, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various additional modifications and modifications, as defined and differentiated by the following claims Can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

housing;
A shaft having a shaft axis and mounted to the housing to rotate about the shaft axis;
A first motor operatively arranged to selectively rotate the shaft;
A rotor mounted to rotate with the shaft and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots; And
And a member movable with respect to the shaft axis through an allowable operating range including both sides of the zero point position,
The member shaft coinciding with the axis of the shaft when the member is at the zero point position;
A vane having a distal end movably mounted in each rotor slot and arranged to mate with the surface of the member,
The vanes defining a plurality of chambers with the rotor and the surface, wherein the individual volumes of the chambers vary with the relative position between the rotor and the surface;
The housing having two fluid passages operatively arranged to communicate with the two chambers in accordance with the angular position of the rotor relative to the housing;
And a second motor operatively arranged to selectively move said member relative to said shaft axis through said acceptable operating range,
Movement of the member out of the zero in one direction along the operating range enables fluid flow in a first direction between the ports;
Movement of the member out of zero in the opposite direction along the operating range enables fluid flow in an opposite direction between the ports; Vane pump.

The vane pump of claim 1, wherein the member has a passageway that communicates with the passageway of the housing and terminates at a port on the surface.

The motor according to claim 1, further comprising: a boundary seal separating the wet portion of the second motor from the dry portion of the second motor
The second motor having a portion disposed on one side of the seal and another portion disposed on the other side of the seal.

4. The vane pump according to claim 3, wherein the one portion comprises a permanent magnet and the other portion comprises a coil.

The vane pump according to claim 1, wherein the member is mounted to the housing.

6. The vane pump according to claim 5, wherein the member is mounted to the housing by a flexible member.

The vane pump according to claim 6, wherein the operating range is arcuate.

The vane pump according to claim 1, wherein the operating range is linear.

2. The vane pump as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an elastic member acting between the housing and the member for urging the member to move toward the zero point position.

housing;
A shaft having a shaft axis and mounted to the housing to rotate about the shaft axis;
A first motor mounted to the housing and operatively arranged to selectively rotate the shaft;
A plurality of rotors mounted at locations spaced along the shaft to rotate with the shaft, each rotor having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots; And
A plurality of members each having a surface and a member axis, each member being associated with a respective one of the rotors, the plurality of members being movable with respect to the shaft axis through an acceptable operating range including a side portion of the zero point position,
Each of the member shafts coinciding with an axis of the shaft when the joined member is at the zero point position;
A vane having a distal end movably mounted in each rotor slot and arranged to mate with a surface of the mating member,
Said vanes defining a plurality of chambers with said combined rotor and said surface, wherein an individual volume of said chamber varies with a relative position between said combined rotor and said surface;
The housing having two fluid passages operatively arranged to communicate with the two chambers for each member in accordance with the angular position of the rotor relative to the housing;
And a plurality of second motors operatively arranged to selectively move the mating member relative to the shaft axis through an acceptable range of motion thereof,
Movement of each member out of the zero in one direction along the operating range of such member enables fluid flow in a first direction between the ports of such member;
The movement of each of said members, which is out of zero in the opposite direction along said operating range of such a member, enables fluid flow in the opposite direction between said ports of such a member; Vane pump.

11. The vane pump of claim 10, wherein the member has a passageway that communicates with a passageway of the housing and terminates at a port on the surface.

11. The vane pump according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of members are laminated in axially spaced locations along the shaft.

11. A vane pump according to claim 10, wherein the fluid output of each member is independently controllable.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a plurality of boundary seals for separating the wetted portion of the second motor, each coupled to the dry portion of the second motor thus coupled,
Each second motor having a portion disposed on one side of the mated seal and having another portion disposed on the other side of the mated seal.

15. The vane pump of claim 14, wherein the one portion comprises a permanent magnet and the other portion comprises a coil.

11. The vane pump of claim 10, wherein each member is mounted to the housing by a flexure member.

11. A vane pump according to claim 10, wherein said operating range of each member is arcuate.

11. The vane pump according to claim 10, wherein the operating range of each member is linear.

11. The vane pump as claimed in claim 10, further comprising an elastic member acting between the housing and the respective members for urging such members to move toward the zero point position.

housing;
A shaft having a shaft axis and mounted to the housing to rotate about the shaft axis;
A first motor operatively arranged to selectively rotate the shaft;
A rotor mounted to rotate with the shaft and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots; And
And a member movable with respect to the shaft axis through an allowable operating range including one side portion of the zero point position,
The member shaft coinciding with the axis of the shaft when the member is at the zero point position;
A vane movably mounted in each rotor slot and having a distal end disposed to mate with the surface of the member;
And a second motor operatively arranged to selectively move said member relative to said shaft axis through said acceptable operating range,
The vanes defining a plurality of chambers with the rotor and the surface, wherein the individual volumes of the chambers vary with the relative position between the rotor and the surface;
The housing having two fluid passages operatively arranged to communicate with the two chambers in accordance with the angular position of the rotor relative to the housing;
The flow direction between the passages being a function of the position of the member shaft relative to the shaft axis; Vane pump.

21. The vane pump of claim 20, wherein the member has a passageway that communicates with the passageway of the housing and terminates at a port on the surface.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the fluid flow direction between the passages is unidirectional when the member is out of zero in one direction along the operating range,
Wherein the fluid flow direction between the passages is in the opposite direction when the member is out of zero in the opposite direction along the operating range.

21. The motor according to claim 20, further comprising: a boundary seal separating the wet portion of the second motor from the dry portion of the second motor
The second motor having a portion disposed on one side of the seal and another portion disposed on the other side of the seal.

24. The vane pump of claim 23, wherein the one portion comprises a permanent magnet and the other portion comprises a coil.

A shaft having a shaft axis, the shaft mounted to rotate about the shaft axis;
A first motor operatively arranged to selectively rotate the shaft relative to the shaft axis;
A rotor mounted to rotate with the shaft and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots; And
And a member movable with respect to the shaft axis through an allowable operating range including one side portion of the zero point position,
The member shaft coinciding with the axis of the shaft when the member is at the zero point position;
A vane having a distal end movably mounted in each rotor slot and arranged to mate with the surface of the member,
The vanes defining a plurality of chambers with the rotor and the surface, wherein the individual volumes of the chambers vary with the relative position between the rotor and the surface;
A second motor operatively arranged to selectively move said member relative to said shaft axis through said acceptable operating range; And
And a boundary seal separating the wet portion of the second motor from the dry portion of the second motor
The second motor having a portion disposed on one side of the seal and another portion disposed on the other side of the seal; Vane pump.

26. The vane pump of claim 25, wherein the one portion comprises a permanent magnet and the other portion comprises a coil.

A rotor having a rotor axis and a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots rotatably mounted in the housing; And a member movable with respect to the rotor axis through an acceptable operating range, the member axis coinciding with the axis of the shaft when the member is in the zero point position; And a vane having a distal end that is movably mounted in each rotor slot and disposed to engage the surface of the member, the vane defining a plurality of chambers together with the rotor and the surface, Varying with a relative position function between the rotor and the surface; A method of operating a vane pump comprising:
Rotating the rotor in the angular direction relative to the rotor axis;
Selectively moving the member relative to the rotor; And
And varying the direction of fluid flow between the ports by varying the position between the rotor and the member shaft.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the additional step of varying the size of the fluid flow between the ports by varying the position between the rotor and the member shaft.

29. A method according to claim 28, wherein the position between the rotor and the member shaft is varied by moving the member relative to the rotor.