US2902935A - Pump assembly having plurality of individual pump units - Google Patents

Description

p 1959 A. D. DINNISON ETAL 2,902,935

PUMP ASSEMBLY HAVING PLURALITY OF INDIVIDUAL PUMP UNITS Filed May 24, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet l 1N VEN TORS A. DEA/V DIN/VISO/V ARNOLD H. WAMSLE'Y ERNEST MHANSE/V ATTORNEYS Sept. 8, 1959 A. D. DINNISONI ETAL' 2,902,935

PUMP ASSEMBLY HAVING PLURALITY OF INDIVIDUAL PUMP UNITS Filed May 24, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS A. DEA/V DIN/W80 ARNOLD H WAMSLE Y ERNEST W HANSEN BY mzc @JWV ATTORNEYS Sept. 8, 1959 A. D. DINNISON ETAL 2,902,935

PUMP ASSEMBLY HAVING PLURALITY QF INDIVIDUAL PUMP UNITS Filed May 24, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS A. DEA/V BMW/SON ARNOLD H. WAMSLEY ERNEST W HANSEN BY 52% J m ATTORNEYS United States Patent Ofifice 2,902,935 Patented Sept. .8, 195.9

PUNIP ASSEMBLY HAVING PLURALITY OF lNDIVIDUAL PUB/1P UNITS Arthur Dean Dinnison, Veradale, Arnold H. Wamsley, Spokane, and Ernest W. Hansen, Clarkston, Wash.

Application May 24, 1957, Serial No. 661,411

3 Claims. (Cl. 103-4) This invention relates to a pump assembly comprised of a plurality of individual pump units. More specifically, this invention relates to a pump assembly comprising a plurality of individual pump units, each unit comprising a casing and a rotor, each of said casings having coupling means on its ends, said units being coupled in endto-end relation, each of said rotors being operated by a single rotor shaft passing through the assembly.

Still more specifically, this invention relates to a pumping assembly comprising a plurality of identical pump casing units, each unit having a projection on one end and a recess in its other end, whereby as said units are arranged in a row in end-to-end relation with the projection of one unit nesting in the recess of an adjacent unit, the units form a compact series of individual selfcontained pumps drivable by a single shaft.

It is often desirable in pumping a liquid from single or multiple sources to a plurality of outlets that the pressure at each of said outlets be equal. As an example, in the distribution of liquid fertilizer from a mobile tank having a plurality of ground-engaging fertilizer injectors, it is desirable that the pressure at each of the injectors be equal in order to discharge approximately the same amount of liquid through each injector over a given period of time so that distribution of the fertilizer will be even over the area worked and spotty growth will not result. In effecting such pumping in the past, it has been common to provide an outlet from the tank to a pump and to lead the pump discharge to a single manifold connecting the injectors. Disadvantages in this arrangement is obvious. In the first place, the injector nearest the pump obviously receives the greatest pressure and will therefore discharge the greatest amount of liquid. Secondly, great pump pressure is required to build up enough head to pressurize the last injector on the manifold. Thirdly, since the injectors all are connected to a single manifold, they do not operate independently: should one injector become plugged with dirt or other foreign matter, the remaining injectors would receive greater liquid pressure and would, consequently, discharge more liquid.

Hence, in the application of liquid fertilizer to the ground in a system as described above, it is desirable to have each injector connected to an independent pressure source. In the past, to accomplish such a result, individual pumps each with its casing, rotor, and shaft have been used. The cost of such an arrangement has been found to be prohibitive.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pump assembly comprising a plurality of pump units simple and economical to manufacture.

Another object of this invention is to provide an assembly comprising a plurality of identical pump units to which plurality additional units can be easily and simply added as desired.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pump assembly comprising a plurality of individual pump units each unit having a case including only one closed end,

said units being placed end-to-end in assembly whereby the closed end of a unit becomes the second closed end of an adjacent unit, and whereby each unit is closed from its adjacent units.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pump assembly comprising a plurality of individual pump units, arranged in an end-to-end row, the outlets of each of said units being separate and independent of the other outlets.

A further object of this invention is to provide a pump assembly comprising a plurality of individual pump units, each unit having an extension defining a portion of a manifold, said portions forming, when the units are arranged in end-to-end relation, a manifold for the assembly.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a pump assembly comprising a plurality of individual units arranged end-to-end and having novel end plate means to keep the units in the assembled disposition.

This invention embodies other novel features, details of construction and arrangement of parts which are hereinafter set forth in the specification and claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is an exploded view in perspective of the pump assembly;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the assembled pump assembly;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2 showing the circular filler plate partially broken away to exhibit the rotor; and

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line .-4- of Fig. 3 showing two juxtaposed pump units.

Briefly, the invention is a pump assembly comprising a plurality of individual pump units, each unit including a substantially cylindrical block having an open end and a closed end, said open end having a recess therein and a well, and said closed end having a raised projection of substantially the same shape and size and location as said recess, a central shaft hole in each closed end, each of said blocks having peripheral cylindrical projections, said peripheral projections having axial bores therethrough communicating with the inside of said well, a rotor received in each well, said assembly including a plurality of said units disposed end to end with the circular pro jection of one unit fitting into the recess of an adjacent unit, said peripheral projections forming manifolds, sealing means between adjacent units, and a single drive shaft extending through the shaft hole in each of said units to drive said rotors, and means to hold said units in said assembled disposition.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, the assembly of my invention is shown in the exploded View in Fig. 1 wherein the assembly is broadly designated 10. The assembly comprises a plurality of pump units 12 and 12 arranged in end-to-end relation and held together by end plates 14 and 14'. While Fig. 1 shows an assembly comprising only two units, obviously any number of units could be used. Each unit includes a casing 16 and 16' having a rotor 18 and 18' therein, and a single shaft 20 extends through the assembly to drive the rotors in the individual units. The end plates are held together by bolt means 22 running longitudinally of the assembly. Bolt means 22 and nuts 22' are shown in phantom in Fig. 1.

Figs. 3 and 4 show in detail the structure of the individual pump units. Each comprises a casing including a substantially cylindrical block 24 having an open end 26 and a closed end 28. A circular recess 30 is disposed concentrically in the open end, and arranged concentrically in the recess is a deep well 32 adapted to serve as a pumping chamber. An annular groove 34 is disposed in the radial floor of the recess concentrically around the well. Formed on diametrically opposite sides of the walls of the well are a pair of convex cams 36. On the closed end of the cylindrical block is a circular projection 38 disposed-concentric with respect to the block. Projection 38=is of slightly lesser dimension than .the recess 30 and is of .the same shape and location with respect-to the .axis of the block. A shaft hole 40 extends axially through the closed end of the block.

.A pair -.of cylindrical projections 42 and 44 having faxes parallel .tozthe axis or-the block are secured .to the periphery .ofthe block at diametrically opposed points. .The peripheral .projections eachlhave axial bores 46 and 48, 'and anannular groove 50 or SZisdisposed on the end .of .each of the ,peripheral projections adjacent the .closed.end.of the-cylindrical block. The height of the block and o'f.the peripheralprojections are'the same and they are .coextensive.

From inside the well of the block, openings extend .more r less radiallyout to the outside of the block. .Onegpaiitof openings 54 extend from the vwell through the walls .of the block .24 and into the axial bores 46 or 48 in theperipheral.projections. As can be seen in .Fig. 3, theseopenings extend more or less longitudinallyofthe block. The openings form the inlets into the ;pump.housing when'the'cam surfaces 36 are arranged on the walls of the block as shown in Fig. 3 and the impeller 18 :which .fits in the well 32 is turned clockwise. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the cam surfaces 36 are dis- ;posed with their centers approximately 45 degrees off the longitudinal center line of the casing 16, said angle :being. measured .atthe axis of the block. A second pair of substantially .radial openings 56 form the discharge outlets for the pump and extend roughly-widthwise of the block. Openings 56 are enlarged and tapped at 58 to each -receive an elbow fitting 60 as shown in Fig. 3. Preferably, theblock is somewhatthickened inthis area -62 for extra strength in support of the fitting. At each of the extreme-ends of the casing 12 an opening 64-ex- "tends radial-of the peripheral projection in a direction awayfrom the cylindrical-block 24. These openings are enlarged andtapped as at-66 to each receive a threaded plug 68. Theplugs terminate in a square nut adapted to beengaged by a-wrench. By this means the openings may be easily opened for cleaning 'or inspection purposes. The peripheral projections are thickened in thisarea 70to support the plugs.

The structure of an individual pump unit according to rthisinvention has been described. A plurality .of-identi- .eal individual units may be used to form a pump as- :sembly. In the drawings, an assembly comprising two units :is'illustrated :and, for the sake ofsimplicity, the same reference numerals :have been used to designate the same parts of each pump unit. :For clarity, how- --ever, :in'the second unit, these reference numerals have :been;primed.

Whilezthe casing :12 may be madeof any material, it *hasibeemfound inexpensive and entirely satisfactory to form ;the :casing .of *the zunit from a rigid plastic. This :results in ,a light Weight unit that :is .non-corrosive. In using asueh plastic, the casing may be molded in one :piece iwith the peripheral projections 42 and 44 in-v :tegral "with the cylindrical :block 124.

In assembling aplurality .of pump units .12, the .impeller 18 or rotor made of a molded flexiblematerial such as rubber ;or plastic .and .preferably of .a corrosion iresistantresilient material such as neoprene :rubber is inserted in each well. The impeller (see :Fig. 3) comprises aacentral :hub 74 having a plurality .of vanes 76 or'finsrarranged radially therefrom. The vanes 76 or :fins -.are of-such resilient nature thatas the impeller 18 is turned.they'are'distorted .out of position .by the con- .vex cam surfaces :36 in -'the=wa1l :of the well 32. This z-action isas .describediin-the .Mayus et a1. :Patent 2,663,- 263. Each impeller '18is provided -withzan.axial shaftiwa-y' 78 and'a radially extending threaded opening=adapted'to receive a 'set screw 80 whereby said impeller is keyed to the shaft 20. The pump unit 12 also comprises a number of O-rings; one 82 of which is disposed in the annular groove 50 and 52 about the axial bore in each peripheral cylindrical projection 42 and 44. The third O-ring 84 is of larger size and fits into the annular groove 34 in the circular recess in the open end of the block. The O-rings are annular "sealing members and are of sufficient dimension 'to protrude above the annular grooves in which'they are positioned, respectively. They are also of sufiicierltly resilient nature as to give under the pressure ofthe abutting'surface'and to form a tight seal therewith so that no liquid may seep therebetween. (See Fig. 4.)

The manner in which two adjacent pumping units are assembled in end-to-end relation is shown in Fig. 4. With the O-rings in their respective grooves, the units are arranged with the circular projection 38 on one unit extending into the circular recess 30' of a second unit sothat the recess O-ring 84' abuts the circular projection 38. The axial bores 46 and 48 in the peripheral projections 42 and 44 respectively are aligned, and the O-rings 82 are placed between peripheral projections on adjacent units. Under compression the three O-rings which are disposed between adjacent units 12 and 12 are flattened to form a seal about the axial bores and thepump chambers. The single shaft 20 which extends through the shaft holes 40' in the row of end-to-end units and-also through the axial shaft-ways 78 of the impellers 18 is formed with a spline 86, and the set screw of each impeller 18 extends into the spline slightly to key the impellers with respect to the shaft. The set screws 80 are not-tightened: instead the impellers 18 are allowed free play along the shaft 20 so that the abutment of the ends of each impeller on .the opposite walls of its'pump chamber are equalized, alfording agood seal on both ends. The shaft 20 may be splined at two points as shown at "86 and 86a to enable the impellers 1-8 to .be staggered radial to distribute the load.

To close off the open end of the cylindrical block 24 disposed at the end of the row of units, a circular plate 88 having a central aperture 90 is provided. As shown in Fig. 4,'this'plate 88 fits'around the shaft 20 and, under'compression, engages the end 'of the impeller hub 74 and the 'O-ring 84in therecess 39 to seal the pump chamber from leakage.

As can be seen,the axialbores 46.and 48.of peripheral projection of adjacent units, when aligned, form manifolds 92 and'94 to supply liquid to the inlet ports of the pump units. As shown in Fig. 4, one end of each of theimanifolds may be internally threaded and plugged by a conventional threaded plug 96. These plugs are similar to the plugs 68 in the peripheralcylindrical projections.

Covering the ends .of the assembled row ,of pump units are the endplates 14 and14', one plate beingdispescd respectively over each end. The end plates .are each provided with an outwardly extending cylindrical projection 98 and 100, respectively, housing a bearing (not shown) adapted to journal the shaft. Bearing 98 is opened at its end to allow an end of the shaft 20 to extend therethrough for engagement by suitable driving means. Bearing 1% maybe closed at its end. Appropriate grease fittings are provided in the bearings. The end plate :14 which isadapted to-engage the end oftherow of units exposing a'closed end having a circular projection 38' has a suitable recess 102 located concentrically about-bearing 100 to receivethe projection. Anannular'cushion 102 may be provided in the recess to forma seating for the projection. The opposite end plate 14 is adapted to engage the end of the row of=unitshaving an open end closed by circularplate "88. Therefore, its inside surface is unrecessed. instead, a circularprojection 104 may be provided around the hole for shaft 20 to force the plate against the O- ring 84. (See Fig. 2.)

The outer surfaces of both end plates 14 and 14 have a plurality of raised bosses thereon. (See Fig. 2.) Each end plate is equipped with four open bosses 106 arranged preferably symmetrical about the bearing projection, and adapted to receive in abutment on their outer surfaces the head of a bolt 22 or a nut 22'. The bolts 22 extend the length of the unit and draw the end plates together, causing the units 12 and 12' to be held compressively therebetween. Additional open bosses 1% are arranged on the outer surfaces of the end plates. These additional bosses may all be interiorly threaded to receive in the case of the end plate 14 a portion of the closing plugs 96 threadedly engaged by the end unit 12. In the case of the end plate 14 the larger open bosses 108' may be internally threaded to receive exterior piping connection such as the ends of the Y-shaped connecting member 110 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. End plate 14' may be referred to as the connecting end plate.

At their lower ends, the end plates 14 and 14 are each enlarged and each is provided with a lightening hole 112 or 112 respectively to reduce the weight of the members. The enlarged areas in the two end plates have aligned openings 114 and 114' being aligned, to provide means to pivot mount the assembly and aligned arcuate slots 116 and 116 for fixing the pivot.

With the device assembled (see Fig. 2) it is easy to install. Briefly, the assembly is firmly supported by bolts engaging holes and arcuate slots. A source of liquid is connected to the manifolds 92 and 94 through the Y-shaped fixture 110. Thus, liquid is supplied to each of the pump chambers through both its inlet passages 54. To the outlet elbow fittings 60 suitable flexible hosing 118 may be attached leading to the desired point of use of the fluid. The shaft 20 is then turned by drive means associated with its end. As it rotates, the impellers 18 force fluid by positive displacement out of the separate outlet ports. 56 to the point of use.

Because the assembly according to this invention is extremely simple and inexpensive, it is now feasible to provide in a compact assembly a separate pump for each of multiple outlets. By making this accomplishment feasible, our invention will be appreciated in all sorts of uses, the distribution of liquid fertilizer merely being one.

In addition, this invention offers the feature that if more individual outlets are needed, additional units 12 need only be added to the assembly.

While this invention has been shown in but one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited but is susceptible of various changes and modifications. We do not desire to be limited by this specific disclosure, but by the spirit of the appended claims.

We claim as our invention:

1. A pump assembly comprising a plurality of identical pump units, each unit comprising a substantially cylindrical block and a pump rotor, said block having an opened end and a closed end, said open end having a circular axially inwardly extending recess having a radial floor, said floor having a substantially circular axially inwardly extending well adapted to serve as a pumping chamber, said recess and said well being located concentrically in said substantially cylindrical block and said well receiving said pump rotor, said block having peripherally outwardly extending manifold sections on diametrically opposite sides thereof, each of said manifold sections having a bore extending therethrough in a di rection parallel to the axis of the block, means communicating each of said bores to said well, each of said wells having radially extending outlet openings, said closed end having a shaft hole therein and an axially outwardly extending circular projection, said shaft hole and said circular projection being located concentrically in said substantially cylindrical block, said circular projection being of slightly less diameter than said recess, said blocks being juxtaposed in an end-to-end row, with the projection of the closed end of one block nesting into the recess in the open end of the next adjacent block, said projection closing the well of the said next adjacent block, said bores in the manifold sections of adjacent blocks being aligned to form fluid manifolds each communicating with the wells of each of the individual pump units, a shaft extending through the shaft hole in each of said blocks and engaging each of said rotors whereby as the shaft is turned relative to said blocks, said rotors turn with respect to said blocks to pump fluid through said manifolds, into said wells and out of said outlet openings.

2. A pump assembly as described in claim 1 wherein the radial floor of said recess is formed with an annular groove located concentrically about said well, said last named groove receiving an annular resilient sealing member, said annular resilient sealing member engaging the axially outwardly extending circular projection on the adjacent block which nests in said recess.

3. A pump assembly as described in claim 1 wherein one side of each manifold section is formed with an annular groove located concentrically about each bore and an annular resilient sealing member is received into each groove respectively, said annular resilient sealing member engaging the adjacent manifold section on the adjacent pump unit about the bore thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 796,724 Hewitt Aug. 8, 1905 1,218,300 Nelson Mar. 6, 1917 1,531,607 Green Mar. 31, 1925 2,548,865 Gordinier Feb. 5, 1952 2,620,553 Schultz Dec. 9, 1952 2,663,263 Mayus et al. Dec. 22, 1953 2,669,466 Cloete Feb. 16, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 25,545 Finland Aug. 27, 1952 596,064 Great Britain Dec. 24, 1947 630,393 Great Britain Oct. 12, 1949

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