US2512592A - Crankless pump - Google Patents

Description

June 27, 1950 w. BRAUER 2,512,592

CRANKLESS PUMP Filed May'S, leis 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.\

WALTER BRAUER INVENTQR v ATTORNEYS June 27, 1950 1 w. BRAUER 2,512,592

cmnxmss PUMP F iled May 3, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 L H I il l '1 II I WALTER BRAUER INVENTOR ATTORNEYS June 27, 1950 w, R R 2,512,592

CRANKLESS PUMP Filed May 3, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 WO/Ier Brauer INVENTOR,

' A T TO/PNEKS ?atented June 27, 1950 UNITED sures PATENT orrica 2,512,592 cRANnLn ss PUMP Walter Branei', Ingelside, Tex. Application May 3, 1948, Serial No. 687,160 a Claims. (Cl. 103-166) This invention relates to improvements in crankless pumps and refers more particularly to rotary pumps wherein a plurality of cylinders are equally spaced about a central pump head or stator.

Heretofore pumps of this type have been heavy compared to the capacity of the pump. One reason for this has been that the mounting of the rotor on the stator of necessity has been rela-' tively large as the forces imposed on the rotor by the pistons or actuating rods has not been balanced but act principally in one direction at any given time. The amount and direction of the forces vary with the rotation of the rotor.

An object of this invention is to provide a rotary-type pump of relatively light weight compared to the capacity of the pump.

Another object is to provide a rotary-type pump having an even number of radially spaced cylinders wherein the stroke of the pistons in opposing cylinders are always in unison.

A further object is to provide a rotary-type pump wherein the major forces, to which the pump mechanism other than the rotor is subjected, are compressive and are balanced.

Still another object is to provide a rotary-type pump wherein the actuating rods have a rocking connection with the rotor. I

A still further object is to provide a rotary pump having a roller bearing race assembly connection between the rotor and actuating rods in which the outer race is rotated whereby the power applied to the actuating rods on their compression strokes is relatively, constant throughout the strokes.

Yet another object is to provide a rotary pump wherein opposite cylinders are in communication thus equalizing the pressure therein and insuring a balancing of opposing forces.

Other and further objects will be apparent from the following description:

In the accompanying drawings which are a part of the instant specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith and wherein like reference numerals are employed to indicate like parts in the various views:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view partially in section of a pump embodying this invention;

Figs. '2 and 3 are complementary vertical sectional views taken along the axis of the drive shaft of the pump shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary section of one of the bearing and race assemblies illustrating the assembly thereof;

Fig. 5 isan enlarged front elevation of the connector for securing the piston rod to the roller race;

the connector shown in Fig. 5.

Figure 7 is a transverse, vertical sectional view taken on the line 1-7 of Figure 1.

Broadly, the pump of this invention comprises a stator or central pump head having an even number of equally spaced radial cylinders with fluctuating members therein and rotor means for actuatin members in opposing cylinders in unison whereby the stresses and forces encountered in operation are balanced.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly Fig. 1, the pump is shown in top plan wherein the numeral It designates the upper easing plate and the stator or pump head it is mounted centrally thereof. An even number of cylinders H are spaced equallyabout the-stator. The cylinders are arranged radially in such fashion that the axis of opposing cylinders are contained within the same vertical plane. However, the axis of opposing cylinders lie in two spaced apart horizontal planes. This arrangement of the cylinders in diflerent horizontal levels facilitates actuation of the pistons I 8 in opposing cylinders in unison as will be hereinafter more fully explained.

The cylinders are secured to the stator by means of flanges i211 intermediate their ends and bolts it. The inner ends of the cylnders abut tapered shoulders on provide a seal therebetween.

The cylinders i2 communicate with valved inlet and outlet connections of the stator. The stator has a central passage 9 lb, one end of which may be connected to a source .of fluid to be pumped. This fluid source, in the interest of simplicity, is not shown in the drawings. The end of the passage lib not connected with the source of fluid may be closed by a suitable header plug.

It is contemplated that both ends of the padsage may communicate The central passage ll b communicates with the cylinders through a plurality of ports llc. A valve assembly is provided in these ports consisting of a combination seat and cage l I in which the disc valve It operates. The valves areopened by surge of fluid on the suction stroke of pistons l3 and are seated by pressure on the compression stroke of the pistons. The bosses Ha which receive the cylinders serve asstops limiting upward movement of valves l 8. Suitable openings in the stator are closed by plugs IT. The openings are Fig. 6 is an enlarged rear elevational view of bosses Ha on the stator. These 1 beveled surfaces with the fluid sourceprovided to facilitate fabrication, assembly and repair of the stator.

Cylinders i2 communicate with an outlet connection it through ports i9 equipped with suitable disc valves and seat rings 2 I. In the upper portion of the stator is an annular passage lid forming a pressure chamber communicating with outlet connection it and through passages 19 with the cylinders. Openings are provided about the top of the stator to further facilitate fabrication, assembly, and repair of the stator. The openings are closed by plugs 22 which carry depending rods. The rods serve as stops limiting the upward movement of valves 20. Valves 20 are seated on the suction stroke of the pistons and are opened by surge of fluid on the compression stroke of the pistons.

In order to further equalize stresses in the opposing cylinders and the drive connections of their pistons, conduits 23 are provided between the opposing cylinder chambers to equalize the pressure therein.' Thus the balance of the pump is not destroyed by leaky valves, packing or the like.

Pistons i3 are mounted on the ends of connecting rods 24. Split rings 25 are clamped over the free ends of the cylinders. These split rings have a central aperture which slidably receives the rods. Vents 250 are provided in the ring halves. The other ends of rods 24 have a driving connection with rotor 26 which wi l be hereinafter more fully explained.

A series of spokes or supports 21a radiate from the stator, and position the lower casing 21. Casing 21 and upper casing plate Ill form a housing and oil sump for rotor 28 and the driving connections associated therewith. Windows or openings are provided in upper casing plate l0 facilitating access to the rotor. These openings are provided with removable cover plates 28.

The inner wall of plate in is provided with openings Ilia and lb which receive respectively bossed inserts 29a and 29b which may have suitable packing. These inserts slidably receive the connecting rods 24.

The mounting of rotor 26 is best shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The rotor carries three roller bearing races at diflerent horizontal levels. Th lower race 26a and a stationary race 30 mounted on casing 21 are concentric with the stator. Roller bearings 3| operate in the races and are mounted on spindles 32 carried by a spacer ring 33. These roller bearings are of special construction and the manner of assembly of the bearings in the races is illustrated in Fig. 4. The bearings have a doughnut shape. In assembly of the races, the bearings are aligned obliquely as shown in Fig. 4 relative to the races and when all ar in position the races are brought into horizontal alignment with the bearings in proper position. Spacer ring 33 is then positioned with the spindles 32 serving as shafts as previously described. The spacer ring and spindles hold the races in horizontal alignment.

The other races 26b and 260 of the rotor are positioned eccentric with the stator and race 26a. The arrangement is such that the maximum throw of the races is disposed 180 relative to each other. The lower race 26b has a driving connection with pistons l3 operating in lower cylinders l2. The upper race 25c has operable connections between pistons is operable within the upper cylinders l2. As the opposing cylinders are positioned at different levels, rotation of therotor serves to reciprocate the pistons within opposing cylinders in unison.

The drive connections between the rotor and connecting rods 24 are the same for each cylinder and to simplify their description, discussion of the drive connections will be confined to those for a single rod 24. The inner race 340 is also identical to the inner race 34b. The hearing assemblies with the doughnut type rollers 3| are assembled in the same fashion as described in connection with the races 26a and 30.

On the inner surface of race 34c are integrally formed hooks 35 as best shown in Fig. 1. Hooks 35 are adapted to flt over rollers 36 which are removably held in end recesses of connecting member 31, detailed in Figs. 5 and 6. This mounting is such that slight lateral movement of connector 31 is permitted relative to the race to accommodate the lateral displacement of the eccentric race in operation. The races 34b and 34c also have recess portions 38 on their inner surfaces intermediate hooks 35. These surfaces and the corresponding recesses in the back side of member 31 accommodate rollers or thrust bearings 38. Connector 31, at its front lower edge, has a projection 3'") with an upturned dog at its extreme edge. This dog and a corresponding depending dog on plate 40 serve to position the adjacent end of rod 24 relative to connector 31. The adjacent surface of rod 24 is arcuate and fits in an arcuate recess in the front face of member 31, whereby a rocking or knuckle Joint is provided. This mounting obviously permits some relative movement between the confronting surfaces. Anarrangement such as this is required in order to have the ends of the connecting rods secured to the inner races.

In order to drive the rotor, a suitable gear 4| is provided which meshes with a pinion 42. The pinion is carried by a shaft 43 actuated by a suitable prime mover not shown in the drawings. Shaft 43 is journaled in the pump housing and a suitable stufllng box 44 is provided to prevent loss of lubricant from the sump.

Lubrication of the various roller assemblies and other moving parts is required and readily accomplished by means of a lubricant circulating system comprising a pipe 45 communicating with a low portion of the sump or housing such as is provided to accommodate the pinion 42. A suitable pump 48 may be provided with its plunger actuated by race 34b. Lubricant distributor lines 41 and 48 shown respectively in Figs. 3 and 2 supply lubricant to the various working parts. The lubricant drains to the bottom of the housing and continuous circulation in a fashion well known to those well skilled in the art is obtained.

In operation, passage III) of the stator is connected to a suitable source of fluid to be pumped and the outlet is suitably connected by a pipe I! to the destination for the fluid. The rotor is actuated by the prime mover through a suitable gear'arrangement such as 4| and. The principal stresses .on the connecting rods and stator are compressive and in a radial direction. The rotor is of relatively heavy construction and easily withstands these stresses as the arrangement is such that the stresses are balanced circumferentially of the rotor.

The eccentrics of the rotor on revolution serve to reciprocate the pistons in the cylinders producing alternate suction and compression strokes.

On the suction strokes of the pistons fluid is differential across seat ti.

communicate with a single pressure chamber or within the pumpchambers and cylinders past valves 20, which are unseated by the pressure All the cylinders annular space Hd which in turn communicates with the outlet and pipe 88.

The connections between the piston rods and inner races are and 340 are such that lateral movement of connectors 31 relative to the races is permitted. This rocking or knuckle connection insures true axial movement of connecting rods 24, the lateral movement of the eccentrics being compensated for by the connectors 31. As the outer races 26b and 260 of the rotor revolve about the inner races a wedge eflect is provided through the rollers 3i whereby the power transmitted to the pistons is greatly increased, as compared i with the regular crank type pump. The magnitude of the power is relatively constant throughout the stroke.

Lubrication of the moving parts is effected by means of pump 46, the plunger of which bears against the inner surface of race b and is re- 'ciprocated thereby to force lubricant. through the lubricant distribution system comprising pipes 41 and d8. I

The construction of the rotary pump is such that an individual cylinder may be separately dismantled for repairs or replacement of parts without the necessity of dismantling the entire pump. By the provision of cover plates 28 for the windows in upper casing plate in, the connections between an individual connecting rod 24 and the rotor are readily accessible for purposes of repair or the like. The novel rollers 31, of doughnut shape, with the spacer rings 33 and spindles 82 are readily assembled between the rigid complete or integral ring races 26a and as, as -well as the races of the eccentrics; The piston driving bearing races 26b and 260 may be machined in the rotor.

In order to insure the balancing of the stresses in the pump in operation, even though a valve or packing may become faulty and leak, the pump chambers of opposing cylinders are inter-connected by conduits whereby the pressure within opposing cylinders is always equal. Thus, in operation. excessive stress is never placed upon one side only of the rotor. The stresses caused by pump pressure are confined to the drive gear ring or rotor, radiate from the stator and are always balanced on opposite sides of the ring. This balancing of stresses makes possible the utilization of increased pump capacity per unit of pump weight. For this reason, the pump of this invention may be advantageously used as a portable unit mounted on a truck or other means of transportation. The mobility of this type unit lends itself readily to employment of the pump in field work as for instance in cementing operations in the oil fields, circulation of drilling mud in well bores, acidation of wells and the like. Obviously it is contemplated that pumps of this character may have a stationary mounting.

It will be seen that the objects of this invention have been accomplished. There has been provided a. rotary type pump capable of increased capacity per unit weight of the, pump. The arrangement of the pump is such that the stresses encountered in pumping operations are balanced at all times. The construction is such that the individual cylinders, pistons and driving connections are readily accessible for repairs without the necessity of dismantling the pump as a whole.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all of the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and maybe employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

'Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A crankless rotary pump comprising a stator having inlet and outlet connections, an even number of radial cylindersequally spaced about the stator, said cylinders having valved communication with the inlet and outlet connections, members mounted for reciprocation in the cylinders, a drive rotor mounted for rotation about the stator and cylinders, and connections between the rotor and members operable to actuate the members of opposing cylinders in unison and in the same. pumping sense on actuation of the rotor.

2; A crankless rotary pump comprising a stator having inlet and outlet connections, an even number of radial cylinders equally spaced about the stator, said cylinders having valved communication with the inlet and outlet connections, pistons reciprocally mounted in the cylinders, adrive rotor mounted for rotation about the stator and cylinders, and connections between the rotor and pistons operable to reciprocate the pistons of opposing cylinders in unison and in the same pumping sense on actuation of the rotor.

3. A crankless rotary pump comprising a stator having inlet and outlet connects, an even number of radial cylinders equally spaced about the stator, said cylinders having valved communication with the inlet andoutlet connections, unrestricted conduits between the pump portions of opposing cylinders, pistons reciprocably mounted in the cylinders, a drive rotor mounted for rotation about the stator and cylinders, and connections between the rotor and pistons operable to reciprocate the pistons of opposing cylinders in unison and in the same pumping sense on actuation of the rotor.

4. A crankless rotary pump comprising a stator having an inlet chamber and a pressure chamber, an even number of radial cylinders equally spaced about the stator, said cylinders having valved communication with the chambers, pistons reciprocably mounted in the cylinders, a drive rotor mounted for rotation about the stator and cylinders, and connections between the rotor and pistons operable to reciprocate the pistons of opposing cylinders in unison and in the same pumping sense on actuation of the rotor.

5. A crankless rotary pump comprising a stator having inlet and outlet connections. on even number of radial cylinders equally spaced about the stator in two parallel planes. said cylinders having valved communication with the inlet and outlet connections, opposing cylinders positioned in different parallel planes, pistons reciprocably mounted in the cylinders, a drive rotor mounted for rotation about the stator and cylinders, and connections between the rotor and pistons operable to reciprocate the pistons of opposing cylinders in unison and in the pumping sense on actuation of the rotor.

6. A crankless rotary pump comprising a stator having inlet and outlet connections, an even number of radial cylinders equally spaced about the stator in two parallel planes, said cylinders having valved communication with the inlet and outlet connections, opposing cylinders positioned in diiierent planes and having their pump portions communicating with one another, pistons reciprocably mounted in the cylinders, a drive rotor mounted for rotation about the stator and cylinders, and connections between the rotor and pistons operable to reciprocate the pistons of opposing cylinders in umson and in the same pumping sense on actuation of the rotor.

7. A crankless rotary pump comprising a stator having inlet and outlet connections, an even number of radial cylinders equally spaced about .the stator, said cylinders having valved communication with the inlet and outlet connections, said cylinders positioned in two spaced parallel planes with opposing cylinders in different planes, pistons reciprocally mounted in the cylinders, a drive rotor mounted for rotation about the stator and cylinders, two eccentrics carried by the rotor at levels corresponding to the cylinder levels, the throw of said eccentrics disposed 180 relative to each other, and drive connections between the pistons of cylinders of each level with the eccentrics of corresponding levels.

8. In a crankless rotary pump, a central stator having inlet and outlet connections and provided with an even number of cylinders radially disposed therein in two spaced planes normal to the axis of the stator, said pistons having valved communication with the inlet and outlet connections, opposing cylinders being disposed in different planes, a rotor concentric with the stator and rotatably mounted, two eccentric roller bearings and inner and outer race assemblies carried by the rotor and disposed 180 relative to each other, said assemblies lying in the planes of the cylinders, respectively, members mounted for reciprocation within the cylinders and connected to the assemblies residing in the same along an arc concentric with the stator, vandroller thrust bearings between the connector and inner race.

9. In a crankless rotary pump having a central stator provided with inlet and outlet connections and with radially disposed cylinders, said cylinders having valved communication with the inlet and outlet communications reciprocating members therein, and a rotor concentrically mounted thereabout and carrying a roller bearing and race assembly, the improvement which resides in the combination therewith oi drive connections between the reciprocating members and race assembly each connection including a rod connected to one reciprocating member and having a knuckle-like connection with a connector at its opposite end, the inner race having a connection with the connector providing for slight movement therebetween along an arc concentric with the stator, and roller thrust bearings .between the connector and inner race.

WALTER BRAUER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the tile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 12,527 Reeves Feb. 13, 1906 932,033 Krone Aug. 24, 1909 1,575,519 Amsler Mar. 2, 1926 1,890,041 McLeod Dec. 6, 1932 1,926,123 Strickland Sept. 12, 1933 2,113,691 Heller Apr. 12, 1938 2,189,773 Benedek w Feb. 13, 1940 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 564,400 France Mar. 3, 1925

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