US20160061202A1 - Gear pump on shaft - Google Patents
Gear pump on shaft Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160061202A1 US20160061202A1 US14/830,965 US201514830965A US2016061202A1 US 20160061202 A1 US20160061202 A1 US 20160061202A1 US 201514830965 A US201514830965 A US 201514830965A US 2016061202 A1 US2016061202 A1 US 2016061202A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- base member
- shaft
- fin
- housing
- lobe
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D5/00—Pumps with circumferential or transverse flow
- F04D5/001—Shear force pumps
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04C18/00—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids
- F04C18/08—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids of intermeshing-engagement type, i.e. with engagement of co-operating members similar to that of toothed gearing
- F04C18/10—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids of intermeshing-engagement type, i.e. with engagement of co-operating members similar to that of toothed gearing of internal-axis type with the outer member having more teeth or tooth equivalents, e.g. rollers, than the inner member
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16N—LUBRICATING
- F16N13/00—Lubricating-pumps
- F16N13/20—Rotary pumps
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16N—LUBRICATING
- F16N7/00—Arrangements for supplying oil or unspecified lubricant from a stationary reservoir or the equivalent in or on the machine or member to be lubricated
- F16N7/14—Arrangements for supplying oil or unspecified lubricant from a stationary reservoir or the equivalent in or on the machine or member to be lubricated the lubricant being conveyed from the reservoir by mechanical means
- F16N7/16—Arrangements for supplying oil or unspecified lubricant from a stationary reservoir or the equivalent in or on the machine or member to be lubricated the lubricant being conveyed from the reservoir by mechanical means the oil being carried up by a lifting device
- F16N7/18—Arrangements for supplying oil or unspecified lubricant from a stationary reservoir or the equivalent in or on the machine or member to be lubricated the lubricant being conveyed from the reservoir by mechanical means the oil being carried up by a lifting device with one or more feed members fixed on a shaft
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01D—NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES
- F01D25/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from, other groups
- F01D25/18—Lubricating arrangements
- F01D25/20—Lubricating arrangements using lubrication pumps
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F05D2260/00—Function
- F05D2260/40—Transmission of power
- F05D2260/403—Transmission of power through the shape of the drive components
- F05D2260/4031—Transmission of power through the shape of the drive components as in toothed gearing
Definitions
- the present embodiments relate generally to pumps.
- Lubricant such as oil
- a seal can be used at an opening of the housing to keep the lubricant contained within the housing.
- the housing may rotate under certain conditions, causing an excessive volume of the lubricant to be directed to and accumulate at a single region of the housing.
- the seal can fail to retain the lubricant within the housing. This can result in reduced life of the components within the housing, as a loss of lubricant from the housing can increase wear of, and stresses on, the components within the housing.
- One embodiment includes a pump assembly with a housing having a first lobe.
- a shaft rotates at least partially inside the housing about an axis and has an outer surface.
- a base member is mounted on the shaft so as to rotate with the shaft.
- the base member is mounted on a location of the shaft such that at least a portion of the base member is located within the first lobe.
- a fin protrudes generally axially from the base member. The fin is configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the shaft.
- Another embodiment includes a gearbox having a gearbox housing with a first lobe.
- a gear shaft at least partially extends into and rotates within the gearbox housing about an axis and has an outer surface which is generally solid.
- a seal is disposed circumferentially around the gear shaft within the housing.
- a base member is mounted on the gear shaft so as to rotate with the gear shaft inside the gearbox housing.
- the base member is mounted on a location of the gear shaft such that at least a portion of the base member is located within the first lobe.
- a first fin protrudes generally axially from the base member. The first fin is configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the gear shaft.
- a further embodiment includes a method of pump a lubricant.
- the method includes directing the lubricant to a lobe region of a housing and rotating a shaft during operation of an engine. Rotating the shaft rotates a base member mounted on the shaft having a first fin and a second fin both fixed to the base member and both extending generally radially out from the shaft. A space is located between the first fin and the second fin. Lubricant is scooped from the lobe region into the space between the first and second fin. The lubricant is directed from the space to an area of the housing away from the lobe region.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gearbox mounted on an engine.
- FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pump assembly of the gearbox of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a pump assembly of the gearbox of FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 3A-3C show different configurations of fins suitable for use with the embodiments of the pump assembly of FIG. 2A or 2 B.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing gearbox 10 mounted to engine 12 .
- Gearbox 10 includes housing 14 within which gears 16 , including gear 16 A, are located. Gears 16 are shown as simplified throughout the figures. Housing 14 has a geometry which defines a first lobe 18 A and a second lobe 18 B.
- gearbox 10 can include lobes 18 A and 18 B to better enable gearbox 10 to be accommodated within a complexity of available space around engine 12 . At least a portion of gear 16 A is located within first lobe 18 A.
- Gearbox 10 operates in a conventional manner to receive torque from engine 12 and modulate and/or transfer that torque to any component, such as component 22 , coupled to gearbox 10 .
- Gear 16 A is mounted on shaft 20 , which extends from gear 16 A inside of housing 14 and into component 22 (also shown, e.g., in FIGS. 2A and 2B ).
- Shaft 20 has outer surface 20 S (shown in, e.g., FIG. 3A ) which can be generally solid, meaning outer surface 20 S does not have apertures for receiving or dispensing fluid, such as lubricant, and therefore shaft 20 does not transport fluid within shaft 20 .
- Component 22 can be any component capable of being driven by gearbox 10 , such as a fuel pump, generator, or hydraulic pump.
- engine 12 can be a gas turbine engine used on an aircraft (not shown). At various times, the aircraft will undertake differing flying conditions.
- Line G represents a direction at which gravity acts on the engine 12 , and thus gearbox 10 mounted to engine 12 , when the aircraft is stationary or traveling in a generally linear line of flight (e.g. flying straight ahead, taking off, landing).
- Line G′ represents a direction at which gravity acts on gearbox 10 when the aircraft is at an angle, such as during a turn, which causes the gearbox 10 to rotate.
- first lobe 18 A can be at or near a lowest portion L of gearbox 10 .
- lubricant e.g., oil
- housing 14 defines an opening 21 that is present at or near lobe 18 A.
- seal 24 shown in FIGS.
- pump assembly 26 can be used.
- FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of pump assembly 26 for use in gearbox 10 .
- pump assembly 26 can be used in any application where a fluid is to be displaced.
- First scoop 28 A includes plates (i.e. base members) 30 A and 30 B as well as fins 32 .
- Fins 32 are attached on one side to plate 30 A and protrude generally axially out from plate 30 A to plate 30 B where fins 32 are attached on another side.
- fins 32 protrude out from plate 30 A such that fins 32 are perpendicular to plates 30 A and 30 B that are arranged parallel to one another (i.e. are attached to both plates 30 A and 30 B at angle of 90°).
- Fins 32 are attached to plates 30 A and 30 B so as to be configured to extend generally linearly outward along plates 30 A and 30 B from outer surface 20 S of shaft 20 when scoop 28 A is mounted onto shaft 20 .
- fins 32 have a length L (shown in, e.g., FIG. 3A ) of approximately 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) and a shaft 20 diameter of approximately 2 inches (5 cm).
- Scoop 28 A is mounted or assembled onto shaft 20 by any suitable means, such as press-fitting and keying.
- Scoop 28 A can be mounted on shaft 20 such that plate 30 A interfaces with or is adjacent to gear 16 A, resulting in scoop 28 A being mounted on shaft 20 at a location of shaft 20 such that a portion of scoop 28 A is at all times located within lobe 18 A.
- housing 14 is close to only portions of scoop 28 A located within lobe 18 A.
- second scoop 28 B includes plates 30 C and 30 D as well as fins 32 , and is configured similar to that described for scoop 28 A.
- shaft 20 rotates.
- scoops 28 A and 28 B rotate with shaft 20 at a rotational speed substantially the same as shaft 20 .
- lubricant that has accumulated at lobe 18 A is scooped (i.e. enters) within at least one space S between fins 32 .
- the lubricant then rotates with scoops 28 A and 28 B within space S until the lubricant is ejected from space S of scoops 28 A and 28 B to a location within housing 14 other than lobe 18 A.
- Lubricant merely enters space S, rotates with scoops 28 A and 28 B, and is ejected or flung from scoops 28 A and 28 B to portions of housing 14 other than lobe 18 A with substantially no pressurization of the lubricant.
- scoops 28 A and 28 B can displace the accumulated lubricant from lobe 18 A to other locations within housing 14 which are not at a lowest portion L of gearbox 10 and prevents the lubricant from escaping housing 14 at seal 24 .
- FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of pump assembly 40 for use in gearbox 10 .
- pump assembly 40 can be used in any application where a fluid is to be displaced.
- Pump assembly 40 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2B is similar to pump assembly 26 of FIG. 2A , except that scoops 42 A and 42 B each include only a single plate 44 A and 44 B, respectively.
- Scoops 42 A and 42 B are mounted or assembled onto shaft 20 such that plates 44 A and 44 B interface with or are adjacent to gear 16 A, resulting in scoops 44 A and 44 B being mounted on shaft 20 at locations of shaft 20 such that a portion of both scoops 44 A and 44 B are at all times located within lobe 18 A.
- Pump assembly 40 operates in the same manner as that described previously for pump assembly 26 .
- fins 32 can be shaped accordingly. In some cases, it may be desirable to displace the lubricant to other gears 16 within housing 14 . In other cases, it may be desirable to displace the lubricant to other lobe regions of housing 14 , such as lobe 18 B, where a main oil pump P (shown in FIG. 1 ) is positioned. By displacing the lubricant to lobe 18 B, main oil pump P can then remove the lubricant from housing 14 .
- main oil pump P is located at lobe 18 B and a pump assembly (e.g., 26 or 40 ) is used at lobe 18 A
- a lower capacity main oil pump P can be used with gearbox 10 . This allows for reductions in weight and requires smaller clearances for gearbox 10 .
- FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate different configurations of fins 32 for use in displacing lubricant to desired locations within housing 14 suitable for use with the embodiments of the pump assembly 26 of FIG. 2A or 40 of FIG. 2B .
- fins 32 are attached directly to gear 16 A (i.e. base member), and as such no separate plate components (e.g., 30 A) are used.
- Fins 32 can be separate components attached to gear 16 A or fins 32 can be made integral as a single piece with gear 16 A.
- FIG. 3A shows fins 32 A which are no longer perpendicular to the base member, as was shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B . Rather, fins 32 A protrude out from base member/gear 16 A at an angle ⁇ other than 90° relative gear 16 A.
- the angle ⁇ at which fins 32 A protrude relative to gear 16 A can range between 0° and 90° as well as between 90° and 180°.
- fins 32 A are at an angle ⁇ of approximately 30°. In other embodiments, fins 32 A can be at an angle ⁇ of approximately 150°. In further embodiments, fins 32 A be at an angle ⁇ ranging from 20° to 40°, or from 140° to 160°.
- fins 32 A can vary depending on the desired location within housing 14 to which the lubricant is desired to be displaced to from lobe 18 A. In the illustrated embodiment, fins 32 A are all at a same angle ⁇ , but in other embodiments fins 32 A can be at differing angles ⁇ .
- FIG. 3B illustrates fins 32 B which are shaped generally as a reverse-“S” shape (i.e. wavy) when viewed looking radially inward.
- Fin 32 B curves in a first circumferential direction as fin 32 B begins to protrude out from base member/gear 16 A in the axial direction then alternates to curve in a second, opposite circumferential direction as fin 32 B further protrudes out from gear 16 A in the axial direction.
- fins 32 B all have a reverse-“S” shape for entire length L of fins 32 B, but in other embodiments fins 32 B can have a reverse-“S” shape on only a portion of length L of fins 32 B.
- fins 32 B all have a same reverse-“S” shape, but in further embodiments fins 32 B can have differing reverse-“S”, “S”, and/or helical shapes.
- FIG. 3C shows fins 32 C which curve along length L as fins 32 C extend out from outer surface 20 S of shaft 20 along base member/gear 16 A.
- This illustrated geometry of fins 32 C is sometimes referred to as a forward curved configuration.
- fins 32 C all have curvature along an entire length L and have equal degrees of curvature along length L.
- fins 32 C can have curvature only on a portion of length L and/or can have differing degrees of curvature along length L.
- space S between fins 32 has been shown to be generally constant between all fins 32 , in other embodiments space S can vary between fins 32 . Varying space S between fins 32 can result in differing volumes of lubricant being displaced with a single scoop.
- a pump assembly comprising: a housing with a first lobe; a shaft which rotates at least partially inside the housing about an axis and has an outer surface; a base member mounted on the shaft so as to rotate with the shaft, wherein the base member is mounted on a location of the shaft such that at least a portion of the base member is located within the first lobe; and a fin protruding generally axially from the base member, wherein the fin is configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the shaft.
- the pump assembly of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
- the base member is a gear.
- the base member is a first plate.
- the first plate interfaces with a gear mounted on the shaft.
- a second plate mounted on the shaft at an opposite side of the fin from the first plate.
- the fin protrudes perpendicular to the base member.
- the fin protrudes at an angle relative to the base member ranging between 0° and 90° or 90° and 180°.
- the fin is generally reverse-“S” shaped.
- the fin extends generally linearly along the base member.
- the fin is curved as it extends outward along the base member.
- a plurality of additional fins fixed to the base member and configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the shaft.
- a gearbox comprising: a gearbox housing with a first lobe; a gear shaft which at least partially extends into and rotates within the gearbox housing about an axis and has an outer surface which is generally solid; a seal disposed circumferentially around the gear shaft within the housing; a base member mounted on the gear shaft so as to rotate with the gear shaft inside the gearbox housing, wherein the base member is mounted on a location of the gear shaft such that at least a portion of the base member is located within the first lobe; and a first fin protruding generally axially from the base member, wherein the first fin is configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the gear shaft.
- the gearbox of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
- the base member is a gear.
- the base member is a first plate which interfaces with a gear mounted on the gear shaft.
- a main oil pump located at or near a second lobe of the gearbox housing.
- a method of pumping a lubricant comprising: directing the lubricant to a lobe region of a housing; rotating a shaft during operation of an engine, wherein rotating the shaft rotates a base member mounted on the shaft having a first fin and a second fin both fixed to the base member and both extending generally radially out from the shaft, wherein a space is located between the first fin and the second fin; scooping the lubricant from the lobe region into the space between the first fin and the second fin; and directing the lubricant from the space to an area of the housing away from the lobe region.
- the method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, the following techniques, steps, features and/or configurations:
- Directing the lubricant to an area of the housing away from the lobe region comprises directing the lubricant to a gear.
- Directing the lubricant to an area of the housing away from the lobe region comprises directing the lubricant to a second lobe region with a main oil pump.
- Directing the lubricant to a lobe region of the housing comprises rotating the housing.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- Rotary Pumps (AREA)
- Details And Applications Of Rotary Liquid Pumps (AREA)
Abstract
A pump assembly includes a housing having a first lobe. A shaft rotates at least partially inside the housing about an axis and has an outer surface. A base member is mounted on the shaft so as to rotate with the shaft. The base member is mounted on a location of the shaft such that at least a portion of the base member is located within the first lobe. A fin protrudes generally axially from the base member. The fin is configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the shaft.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/041,944 filed Aug. 26, 2014 for “Gear Pump on Shaft” by Hung Duong and Leslie Charles Kurz.
- The present embodiments relate generally to pumps.
- Lubricant, such as oil, is used in various applications to reduce wear between components and to cool such components. In many applications, the components needing lubrication are located within a housing. As is known in the art, to keep the lubricant within the housing where the components are located, a seal can be used at an opening of the housing to keep the lubricant contained within the housing.
- However, in various applications the housing may rotate under certain conditions, causing an excessive volume of the lubricant to be directed to and accumulate at a single region of the housing. When the housing is rotated in a direction such that the single region where the lubricant accumulates is adjacent the seal, the seal can fail to retain the lubricant within the housing. This can result in reduced life of the components within the housing, as a loss of lubricant from the housing can increase wear of, and stresses on, the components within the housing.
- One embodiment includes a pump assembly with a housing having a first lobe. A shaft rotates at least partially inside the housing about an axis and has an outer surface. A base member is mounted on the shaft so as to rotate with the shaft. The base member is mounted on a location of the shaft such that at least a portion of the base member is located within the first lobe. A fin protrudes generally axially from the base member. The fin is configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the shaft.
- Another embodiment includes a gearbox having a gearbox housing with a first lobe. A gear shaft at least partially extends into and rotates within the gearbox housing about an axis and has an outer surface which is generally solid. A seal is disposed circumferentially around the gear shaft within the housing. A base member is mounted on the gear shaft so as to rotate with the gear shaft inside the gearbox housing. The base member is mounted on a location of the gear shaft such that at least a portion of the base member is located within the first lobe. A first fin protrudes generally axially from the base member. The first fin is configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the gear shaft.
- A further embodiment includes a method of pump a lubricant. The method includes directing the lubricant to a lobe region of a housing and rotating a shaft during operation of an engine. Rotating the shaft rotates a base member mounted on the shaft having a first fin and a second fin both fixed to the base member and both extending generally radially out from the shaft. A space is located between the first fin and the second fin. Lubricant is scooped from the lobe region into the space between the first and second fin. The lubricant is directed from the space to an area of the housing away from the lobe region.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gearbox mounted on an engine. -
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pump assembly of the gearbox ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a pump assembly of the gearbox ofFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 3A-3C show different configurations of fins suitable for use with the embodiments of the pump assembly ofFIG. 2A or 2B. - While the above-identified drawing figures set forth multiple embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale, and applications and embodiments of the present invention may include features and components not specifically shown in the drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a perspectiveview showing gearbox 10 mounted toengine 12. Gearbox 10 includeshousing 14 within whichgears 16, includinggear 16A, are located.Gears 16 are shown as simplified throughout the figures.Housing 14 has a geometry which defines afirst lobe 18A and asecond lobe 18B. In one example, gearbox 10 can includelobes engine 12. At least a portion ofgear 16A is located withinfirst lobe 18A. - Gearbox 10 operates in a conventional manner to receive torque from
engine 12 and modulate and/or transfer that torque to any component, such ascomponent 22, coupled togearbox 10. Gear 16A is mounted onshaft 20, which extends fromgear 16A inside ofhousing 14 and into component 22 (also shown, e.g., inFIGS. 2A and 2B ). Shaft 20 hasouter surface 20S (shown in, e.g.,FIG. 3A ) which can be generally solid, meaningouter surface 20S does not have apertures for receiving or dispensing fluid, such as lubricant, and thereforeshaft 20 does not transport fluid withinshaft 20. Asgear 16A rotates, it drivesgear shaft 20 which supplies rotational power to component 22.Component 22 can be any component capable of being driven bygearbox 10, such as a fuel pump, generator, or hydraulic pump. - In one example application,
engine 12 can be a gas turbine engine used on an aircraft (not shown). At various times, the aircraft will undertake differing flying conditions. Line G represents a direction at which gravity acts on theengine 12, and thusgearbox 10 mounted toengine 12, when the aircraft is stationary or traveling in a generally linear line of flight (e.g. flying straight ahead, taking off, landing). Line G′ represents a direction at which gravity acts ongearbox 10 when the aircraft is at an angle, such as during a turn, which causes thegearbox 10 to rotate. - When the aircraft is at a flight condition with gravitational force as indicated by G′,
first lobe 18A can be at or near a lowest portion L ofgearbox 10. Whenlobe 18A is at or near a lowest portion L ofgearbox 10, at least a portion of lubricant (e.g., oil) withinhousing 14 is directed by gravity G′ to lobe 18A and accumulates atlobe 18A. Becauseshaft 20 extends out fromhousing 14 at or nearlobe 18A,housing 14 defines anopening 21 that is present at or nearlobe 18A. To help prevent lubricant from leaking out of opening 21 inhousing 14 whereshaft 20 extends out fromhousing 14, seal 24 (shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B ) is disposed circumferentially aroundshaft 20 at a location onshaft 20 whereshaft 20 begins to extend out fromhousing 14. However, when lobe 18A is at or near a lowest portion L ofgearbox 10 an excessive volume of lubricant collects atlobe 18A which seal 24 may be incapable of containing withinhousing 14. - To prevent lubricant from escaping
housing 14,pump assembly 26 can be used.FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment ofpump assembly 26 for use ingearbox 10. However,pump assembly 26 can be used in any application where a fluid is to be displaced. -
Pump assembly 26 as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 2A can includefirst scoop 28A andsecond scoop 28B.First scoop 28A includes plates (i.e. base members) 30A and 30B as well asfins 32.Fins 32 are attached on one side to plate 30A and protrude generally axially out fromplate 30A to plate 30B wherefins 32 are attached on another side. In the illustrated embodiment,fins 32 protrude out fromplate 30A such thatfins 32 are perpendicular toplates plates Fins 32 are attached toplates plates outer surface 20S ofshaft 20 whenscoop 28A is mounted ontoshaft 20. In one embodiment,fins 32 have a length L (shown in, e.g.,FIG. 3A ) of approximately 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) and ashaft 20 diameter of approximately 2 inches (5 cm).Scoop 28A is mounted or assembled ontoshaft 20 by any suitable means, such as press-fitting and keying.Scoop 28A can be mounted onshaft 20 such thatplate 30A interfaces with or is adjacent to gear 16A, resulting inscoop 28A being mounted onshaft 20 at a location ofshaft 20 such that a portion ofscoop 28A is at all times located withinlobe 18A. Thus,housing 14 is close to only portions ofscoop 28A located withinlobe 18A. Likewise,second scoop 28B includesplates fins 32, and is configured similar to that described forscoop 28A. - When
engine 12 operates,shaft 20 rotates. Asshaft 20 rotates, scoops 28A and 28B rotate withshaft 20 at a rotational speed substantially the same asshaft 20. Asscoops lobe 18A is scooped (i.e. enters) within at least one space S betweenfins 32. The lubricant then rotates withscoops scoops housing 14 other thanlobe 18A. Lubricant merely enters space S, rotates withscoops scoops housing 14 other thanlobe 18A with substantially no pressurization of the lubricant. Thus, scoops 28A and 28B can displace the accumulated lubricant fromlobe 18A to other locations withinhousing 14 which are not at a lowest portion L ofgearbox 10 and prevents the lubricant from escapinghousing 14 atseal 24. -
FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of an embodiment ofpump assembly 40 for use ingearbox 10. However,pump assembly 40 can be used in any application where a fluid is to be displaced.Pump assembly 40 as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 2B is similar to pumpassembly 26 ofFIG. 2A , except that scoops 42A and 42B each include only asingle plate Scoops shaft 20 such thatplates scoops shaft 20 at locations ofshaft 20 such that a portion of bothscoops lobe 18A.Pump assembly 40 operates in the same manner as that described previously forpump assembly 26. - To displace the lubricant from
lobe 18A to a particular location withinhousing 14,fins 32 can be shaped accordingly. In some cases, it may be desirable to displace the lubricant toother gears 16 withinhousing 14. In other cases, it may be desirable to displace the lubricant to other lobe regions ofhousing 14, such aslobe 18B, where a main oil pump P (shown inFIG. 1 ) is positioned. By displacing the lubricant to lobe 18B, main oil pump P can then remove the lubricant fromhousing 14. In embodiments where main oil pump P is located atlobe 18B and a pump assembly (e.g., 26 or 40) is used atlobe 18A, a lower capacity main oil pump P can be used withgearbox 10. This allows for reductions in weight and requires smaller clearances forgearbox 10. -
FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate different configurations offins 32 for use in displacing lubricant to desired locations withinhousing 14 suitable for use with the embodiments of thepump assembly 26 ofFIG. 2A or 40 ofFIG. 2B . In each ofFIGS. 3A- 3C fins 32 are attached directly to gear 16A (i.e. base member), and as such no separate plate components (e.g., 30A) are used.Fins 32 can be separate components attached togear 16A orfins 32 can be made integral as a single piece withgear 16A. -
FIG. 3A showsfins 32A which are no longer perpendicular to the base member, as was shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B . Rather,fins 32A protrude out from base member/gear 16A at an angle θ other than 90°relative gear 16A. The angle θ at whichfins 32A protrude relative to gear 16A can range between 0° and 90° as well as between 90° and 180°. In the illustrated embodiment,fins 32A are at an angle θ of approximately 30°. In other embodiments,fins 32A can be at an angle θ of approximately 150°. In further embodiments,fins 32A be at an angle θ ranging from 20° to 40°, or from 140° to 160°. The particular angle θ offins 32A can vary depending on the desired location withinhousing 14 to which the lubricant is desired to be displaced to fromlobe 18A. In the illustrated embodiment,fins 32A are all at a same angle θ, but inother embodiments fins 32A can be at differing angles θ. -
FIG. 3B illustratesfins 32B which are shaped generally as a reverse-“S” shape (i.e. wavy) when viewed looking radially inward.Fin 32B curves in a first circumferential direction asfin 32B begins to protrude out from base member/gear 16A in the axial direction then alternates to curve in a second, opposite circumferential direction asfin 32B further protrudes out fromgear 16A in the axial direction. In the illustrated embodiment,fins 32B all have a reverse-“S” shape for entire length L offins 32B, but inother embodiments fins 32B can have a reverse-“S” shape on only a portion of length L offins 32B. Additionally, in the illustratedembodiment fins 32B all have a same reverse-“S” shape, but infurther embodiments fins 32B can have differing reverse-“S”, “S”, and/or helical shapes. -
FIG. 3C showsfins 32C which curve along length L asfins 32C extend out fromouter surface 20S ofshaft 20 along base member/gear 16A. This illustrated geometry offins 32C is sometimes referred to as a forward curved configuration. In the illustratedembodiment fins 32C all have curvature along an entire length L and have equal degrees of curvature along length L. However, inother embodiments fins 32C can have curvature only on a portion of length L and/or can have differing degrees of curvature along length L. - Moreover, although space S between
fins 32 has been shown to be generally constant between allfins 32, in other embodiments space S can vary betweenfins 32. Varying space S betweenfins 32 can result in differing volumes of lubricant being displaced with a single scoop. - The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments of the present invention.
- A pump assembly comprising: a housing with a first lobe; a shaft which rotates at least partially inside the housing about an axis and has an outer surface; a base member mounted on the shaft so as to rotate with the shaft, wherein the base member is mounted on a location of the shaft such that at least a portion of the base member is located within the first lobe; and a fin protruding generally axially from the base member, wherein the fin is configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the shaft.
- The pump assembly of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
- The base member is a gear.
- The base member is a first plate.
- The first plate interfaces with a gear mounted on the shaft.
- A second plate mounted on the shaft at an opposite side of the fin from the first plate.
- The fin protrudes perpendicular to the base member.
- The fin protrudes at an angle relative to the base member ranging between 0° and 90° or 90° and 180°.
- The fin is generally reverse-“S” shaped.
- The fin extends generally linearly along the base member.
- The fin is curved as it extends outward along the base member.
- A plurality of additional fins fixed to the base member and configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the shaft.
- A gearbox comprising: a gearbox housing with a first lobe; a gear shaft which at least partially extends into and rotates within the gearbox housing about an axis and has an outer surface which is generally solid; a seal disposed circumferentially around the gear shaft within the housing; a base member mounted on the gear shaft so as to rotate with the gear shaft inside the gearbox housing, wherein the base member is mounted on a location of the gear shaft such that at least a portion of the base member is located within the first lobe; and a first fin protruding generally axially from the base member, wherein the first fin is configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the gear shaft.
- The gearbox of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
- A second fin protruding generally axially from the base member, wherein the second fin is configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the gear shaft; and a space between the first fin and the second fin, wherein a lubricant located at the first lobe is scooped within the space and removed from the first lobe by rotation of the base member.
- The base member is a gear.
- The base member is a first plate which interfaces with a gear mounted on the gear shaft.
- A main oil pump located at or near a second lobe of the gearbox housing.
- A method of pumping a lubricant, the method comprising: directing the lubricant to a lobe region of a housing; rotating a shaft during operation of an engine, wherein rotating the shaft rotates a base member mounted on the shaft having a first fin and a second fin both fixed to the base member and both extending generally radially out from the shaft, wherein a space is located between the first fin and the second fin; scooping the lubricant from the lobe region into the space between the first fin and the second fin; and directing the lubricant from the space to an area of the housing away from the lobe region.
- The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, the following techniques, steps, features and/or configurations:
- Directing the lubricant to an area of the housing away from the lobe region comprises directing the lubricant to a gear.
- Directing the lubricant to an area of the housing away from the lobe region comprises directing the lubricant to a second lobe region with a main oil pump.
- Directing the lubricant to a lobe region of the housing comprises rotating the housing.
- Any relative terms or terms of degree used herein, such as “generally”, “substantially”, “approximately”, and the like, should be interpreted in accordance with and subject to any applicable definitions or limits expressly stated herein. In all instances, any relative terms or terms of degree used herein should be interpreted to broadly encompass any relevant disclosed embodiments as well as such ranges or variations as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the entirety of the present disclosure, such as to encompass ordinary manufacturing tolerance variations, incidental alignment variations, temporary alignment or shape variations induced by operational conditions, and the like.
- While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. For example, features described with respect to any given embodiment can be utilized with respect to any other disclosed embodiment, as desired for particular applications.
Claims (20)
1. A pump assembly comprising:
a housing with a first lobe;
a shaft which rotates at least partially inside the housing about an axis and has an outer surface;
a base member mounted on the shaft so as to rotate with the shaft, wherein the base member is mounted on a location of the shaft such that at least a portion of the base member is located within the first lobe; and
a fin protruding generally axially from the base member, wherein the fin is configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the shaft.
2. The pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base member is a gear.
3. The pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base member is a first plate.
4. The pump assembly of claim 3 , wherein the first plate interfaces with a gear mounted on the shaft.
5. The pump assembly of claim 4 , further comprising a second plate mounted on the shaft at an opposite side of the fin from the first plate.
6. The pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fin protrudes perpendicular to the base member.
7. The pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fin protrudes at an angle relative to the base member ranging between 0° and 90° or 90° and 180°.
8. The pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fin is generally reverse-“S” shaped.
9. The pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fin extends generally linearly along the base member.
10. The pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fin is curved as it extends outward along the base member.
11. The pump assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of additional fins fixed to the base member and configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the shaft.
12. A gearbox comprising:
a gearbox housing with a first lobe;
a gear shaft which at least partially extends into and rotates within the gearbox housing about an axis and has an outer surface which is generally solid;
a seal disposed circumferentially around the gear shaft within the housing;
a base member mounted on the gear shaft so as to rotate with the gear shaft inside the gearbox housing, wherein the base member is mounted on a location of the gear shaft such that at least a portion of the base member is located within the first lobe; and
a first fin protruding generally axially from the base member, wherein the first fin is configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the gear shaft.
13. The gearbox of claim 12 , further comprising:
a second fin protruding generally axially from the base member, wherein the second fin is configured to extend outward from the outer surface of the gear shaft; and
a space between the first fin and the second fin, wherein a lubricant located at the first lobe is scooped within the space and removed from the first lobe by rotation of the base member.
14. The gearbox of claim 13 , wherein the base member is a gear.
15. The gearbox of claim 13 , wherein the base member is a first plate which interfaces with a gear mounted on the gear shaft.
16. The gearbox of claim 13 , further comprising:
a main oil pump located at or near a second lobe of the gearbox housing.
17. A method of pumping a lubricant, the method comprising:
directing the lubricant to a lobe region of a housing;
rotating a shaft during operation of an engine, wherein rotating the shaft rotates a base member mounted on the shaft having a first fin and a second fin both fixed to the base member and both extending generally radially out from the shaft, wherein a space is located between the first fin and the second fin;
scooping the lubricant from the lobe region into the space between the first fin and the second fin; and
directing the lubricant from the space to an area of the housing away from the lobe region.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein directing the lubricant to an area of the housing away from the lobe region comprises directing the lubricant to a gear.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein directing the lubricant to an area of the housing away from the lobe region comprises directing the lubricant to a second lobe region with a main oil pump.
20. The method of claim 17 , wherein directing the lubricant to a lobe region of the housing comprises rotating the housing.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/830,965 US20160061202A1 (en) | 2014-08-26 | 2015-08-20 | Gear pump on shaft |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201462041944P | 2014-08-26 | 2014-08-26 | |
US14/830,965 US20160061202A1 (en) | 2014-08-26 | 2015-08-20 | Gear pump on shaft |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160061202A1 true US20160061202A1 (en) | 2016-03-03 |
Family
ID=53969160
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/830,965 Abandoned US20160061202A1 (en) | 2014-08-26 | 2015-08-20 | Gear pump on shaft |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20160061202A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2990650A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10288081B1 (en) | 2018-04-30 | 2019-05-14 | PumpWorks, LLC | Power end for a single-stage end suction centrifugal pump |
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US7299792B1 (en) * | 2000-09-22 | 2007-11-27 | Accessible Technologies, Inc. | Centrifugal compressor with improved lubrication system for gear-type transmission |
US20120159966A1 (en) * | 2008-05-21 | 2012-06-28 | United Technologies Corporation | Gearbox assembly |
US20140007675A1 (en) * | 2012-07-09 | 2014-01-09 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Liquid level sensor system |
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GB121092A (en) * | 1918-07-16 | 1918-12-05 | Ross William Phelps | Improvements in and relating to Lubricating Means. |
US1794921A (en) * | 1929-02-07 | 1931-03-03 | Clifford H Ramsey | Lubricating system |
US2045026A (en) * | 1933-08-09 | 1936-06-23 | Universal Crusher Company | Bearing and oiling system therefor |
AT186076B (en) * | 1952-11-10 | 1956-07-10 | Geraetebau Eberspaecher Ohg | Device for conveying liquids, in particular for conveying lubricants to bearings |
US2849262A (en) * | 1956-06-25 | 1958-08-26 | Jr John Wood | Lubrication method |
US3796283A (en) * | 1972-06-08 | 1974-03-12 | Gen Motors Corp | Bearing lubrication system |
US5591020A (en) * | 1994-05-19 | 1997-01-07 | Environamics Corporation | Pump oil mister |
US6460656B1 (en) * | 2000-03-27 | 2002-10-08 | Flowserve Management Company | Dilating lubricant flinger |
-
2015
- 2015-08-13 EP EP15180912.6A patent/EP2990650A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2015-08-20 US US14/830,965 patent/US20160061202A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2845141A (en) * | 1955-11-30 | 1958-07-29 | Gen Motors Corp | Accessory oiling system |
US5480003A (en) * | 1994-09-09 | 1996-01-02 | Emerson Electric Co. | Passive lubrication delivery system and integral bearing housing |
US6499942B1 (en) * | 1998-11-24 | 2002-12-31 | Seiko Instruments Inc. | Turbomolecular pump and vacuum apparatus |
US7299792B1 (en) * | 2000-09-22 | 2007-11-27 | Accessible Technologies, Inc. | Centrifugal compressor with improved lubrication system for gear-type transmission |
US7059443B2 (en) * | 2002-11-29 | 2006-06-13 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Motor-cooling structure of front-and-rear-wheel-drive vehicle |
US20120159966A1 (en) * | 2008-05-21 | 2012-06-28 | United Technologies Corporation | Gearbox assembly |
US20140007675A1 (en) * | 2012-07-09 | 2014-01-09 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Liquid level sensor system |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10288081B1 (en) | 2018-04-30 | 2019-05-14 | PumpWorks, LLC | Power end for a single-stage end suction centrifugal pump |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP2990650A1 (en) | 2016-03-02 |
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