US3103855A

US3103855A - Multi-diaphragm fluid pressure motor construction

Info

Publication number: US3103855A
Application number: US163767A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert R Hager; Dale S Wahlstrom
Original assignee: Bendix Corp
Current assignee: Bendix Corp
Priority date: 1962-01-02
Filing date: 1962-01-02
Publication date: 1963-09-17
Anticipated expiration: 1980-09-17
Also published as: GB1011735A

Description

Sept. 17, 1963 R. R. HAGER ETAL 3,103,855

MULTI-DIAPHRAGM FLUID PRESSURE MOTOR CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 2, 1962 /2o" Jg /56 /54 ,f l i @61:11 776.4

United States Patent O 3,103,855 MULTI-DEAPHRAGM FLUID PRESSURE MTR CONSTRUCTION Robert R. Hager and Dale S. Wahlstrom, South Eend, Ind., assignors to The Bendix Corporation, South Bend,

Ind., a corporation of Delaware Filed lan. 2, 1962, Ser. No. 163,767 l@ Claims. (Cl. 942-43) The present invention relates to iluid pressure motors having at least two rdiaphragms that are sealed with respect to the servomotor housing; and more particularly to fluid pressure servornotors of the type having a pair of power diaphragms which move together, and a reaction producing diaphragm, which acts in the opposite direction.

An object of the present invention is fthe provision of a new and improved arrangement for sealing a plurality of diaphragms within the internal housing of a iluid pressure motor; and which is simple in design, rugged in construction, and inexpensive to manufacture.

A further object of the present invention is fthe provision of a new and improved arrangement for clamping the periphery of a plurality of diaphragms within a iluid pressure motor housing, in such manner as to prevent the diaphragms from being pulled :out from between the clamping arrangement.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multiple diaphragm seivomotor unit whose housing is made in sections, and one section of which has an outwardly facing shoulder toward which a plurality of diaphragms and spacers are biased in a manner which 4greatly reduces the stack-up of tolerance problem.

The invention resides in cer-tain constructions, and combinations, and arrangements of parts; and fur-ther objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it relates from the following description of several preferred embodiments described with reference to Ithe accompanying drawings fonminga part of this specification, and in which: l

FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal cross sectional View through a iluid pressure servomotor embodying principles of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a `fragmentary cross sectional view of a second embodiment of uid pressure motor similar to that shown in FIGURE 1, but showing another arrangement for sealing the periphery of its diaphragms;

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the internal sealing structure shown in FIGURE 2; and

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary view similar to FIGURE 2 but showing still another embodiment of the invention.

As previously indicated the present invention relates to iluid pressure motors of the type whose internal chamber is divided into `a plurality of compartments by at least two idiaphragms. A considerable problem exists in providing an arrangement wherein the periphery of the diaphragms can be sealed with (respect to each other and to the housing of the motor in a manner which will permit the various parts to be quickly, and easily assembled in sealing relationship and provide the necessary air ilow passages between compartments of the motor.

According to the principles of the present invention,

ICC

2 the internal diaphragms are positioned within a section of a housing having an internal open end chamber that is provided with a shoulder which faces its open end. The periphery of one of the diaphragme is positioned against the shoulder, an annular spacer member is positioned against the periphery of the diaphragm, the periphery of the second diaphragm is positioned against the spacer member, another spacer member is positioned against the periphery of the second diaphragm, and another section of the housing is clamped into position to bias the second spacer member towards the shoulder of the first section of the housing to effect suitable seals between the periphery of the diaphragms. The structure may further include a third diaphragm whose periphery is clamped ybetween the outer end of the second spacer member, and the other end of the housing so that it too is sealingly clamped in position. In such an arrangement, Vit is quite diicult using mass production methods of manufacture, to provide a suicient squeezing of the periphery of the diaphragms to assure an adequate seal in each unit manufactured and at the same time assure that the periphery of the diaphnagms` will not pull out from between the spacer members during use. According to further principles of the present invention, applicants have found that the periphery of the diaphragms can be suitably held in position yby means of a radially outwardly facing ledge yor shoulder on the abutting face of the spacer members. In some instances, the squeezing of the parts together will cause the periphery of the diaphragms to adequately ilow in behind the ledge or shoulders to hold the diaphragrns in position. In the preferred embodiment, however, the periphery of the diaphragms will be provided with a molded cooperating inwardly facing shoulder which abuts that of the spacer member to prevent the diaphragm from being pulled out of position.

The structure so far described will, for some applications, provide a satisfactory `sealing arrangement even though a considerable stack-up of tolerances is involved; and according to further principles of the present invention, the stack-up of tolerance problem can Ibe considerably reduced by pnoviding the second annular spacer member with a cylindrical portion which extends past the radially outer periphery of the inner diaphragm and yspacer member into engagement with the internal shoulder of the shell of the tluid pressure motor. The second annular spacer member may be provided with an inwardly facing shoulder spaced a predetermined distance from its inner end so that the rst, and second diaphragms, and first annular member will be sandwiched within a generally Xed distance that is determined by the spacing of the shoulder of the second annular member from its inner, -when its inner end engages fthe shoulder of the shell. The first annular member may be centered within the shell Iby means of projections which extend through suitable slots in the second annular member; and still further advantages and principles of the present invention will `become apparent from the following description of its preferred embodiments.

The uid pressure servomotor shown in FIGURE 1 .is of the ty'pe which is used to power actuate the master cylinder of a hydraulic automotive braking system. The unit shown is of the Vacuum suspended type, land employs a pair of power diaphragms 10` and 12, the center portions of which are rigidly connected together to drive the push rod i4 forwardly into the master cylinder, not shown, and thereby cause the hydraulic piston of the master cylinder to displace fluid into the braking system of the automotive vehicle. The servomotor shown in the drawing further includes suitable control valve structure A that is suitably atlacd to a reaction diaphragm i6 which is arranged to normally hold the valve structure A adjacent the rear wall of the servomotor. The liuid pressure which is used to drive the power diaphragms it) and l2 forwardly toward the master cylinder also provides a force upon the reaction diaphragm 16 which urges it in the opposite direction and normally holds it adjacent the rear wall of the servomotor. A rigid partition member i8 is provided between the power diaphragme ld and l2 so that a low pressure chamber 26 is provided forwardly of the power diaphragm 1li, a control chamber 22 is provided between the diaphragm l and partition i8, a low pressure chamber 2d is provided between the partition 18 and second power diaphragm l2, and a control pressure chamber 26 is provided between the power diaphragm l2, and a control pressure chamber 26 is provided between the power diaphragm 12 and the reaction diaphragm i6.

The outer periphery of the diaphragme are sealed with respect to the shell of the servornotor as will be explained; and the power diaphragme it) and l2 are fastened together by a tubular member 28 which extends through a central opening 30 in the partition member 13 and is slidingly sealed with respect thereto. The power diaphragms and 12 are positioned behind respective yrigid diaphragm back-up

plates

32 and 34, and the back-up plates are suitably connected to the tubular member 2S. The rear end of the tubular member is provided with a flange portion 36 against which the backup plate abuts; and the central opening through the tubular member 23 is closed ott' by means of a cast cup-shaped closuremember 3S that is positioned behind the diaphragm back-up plate 34 and is suitably bolted to the flange 36. The inner periphery of the power diaphragm 12 is suitably clamped between the closure member Sii and diaphragm ybacloup plate 34, to hold the diaphragm, and effect a suitable seal therewith. The front end of the tubular `tomber 23 is provided with a shoulder lill, against which the inner portion of power diaphragm lil is positioned, and sealingly yheld in place by means of the diaphragm back-up plate 32, and la holddown nut 42 threaded onto the front portion of the tubular member 23. The rear end `of the push rod 14 is suitably fastened to the closure member 38 to transmit force from the

power diaphragms

10 and 12 to the hydraulic piston of the master cylinder; and a suitable seal 44 is provided between the push rod 14` andthe front portion of the servomotor shell to seal ott the front low pressure chamber Zit;

As previously mentioned, the control valve structure A is carried by the reaction diaphragm l so that the control valve structure A may remain substantially stationary as the power diaphragms ill and 12 move forwardly to actuatc the master cylinder. The reaction diaphragm 16 is positioned against the front face of a diaphragm bacloup plate 46, and an intermediate section of the diaphragm 16 is sandwiched between the diaphragm back-up plate 46 and a stamped eup-shaped closure member 48; In the normal retracted position of the power diaphragms l() and l2, the cup-shaped cio-sure member 4S is` received by the internal sidewalls of the cup-shaped closure member 38 to suitably center and support the power diaphragm structure, and the reaction producing control valve structure in an aligned relationship.

The control valve structure A generally comprises a two piece tubular housing yhaving front and rear tubular sections 56 and 52 between which the center portion of the reaction diaphragm 16 is sealingly clamped. The front end of the front tubular section Sil projects into the internal chamber of the cup-shaped closure member d8, and is positioned against a rubber reaction disc 5d that is seated in the bottom of the closure member 43. The rear tubular section 52 of the valve housing extends out through a central opening S6 in the rear portion of the housing, and is slidingly sealed with respect thereto. The rear tubular section 52 is held in position against the front tubular section 5% by means of a spring clip 58 which extends through suitable openings in the diaphragm baclcup plate 46 to abut a shoulder ot) on the outside surface of the rear tubular member 52. The rear tubular section 52 is further provided with another shoulder 62 which abuts the rear section of the housing of the motor to limit rearward movement of the valve housing.

The servomotor, shown, is of the vacuum suspended type in which vacuum is continually communicated to the low pressure chambers 2G, and 24, and to the low pressure chamber 64 between the reaction diaphragm 16 and rear end of the servomotor housing. In the normal released condition of the servomotor shown in the drawthis vacuum is also communicated to the

control pressure chambers

22 and 26; and when it is desired to actuate the unit, atmospheric pressure is bled into the

control chambers

22 and 26. In the servomotor shown in the drawing, vacuum from the manifold of the vehicles engine is continually communicated to t .e chamber Z9 through the vacuum inlet 6o, from whence it llows through the tubular member 2S and its stamped passageway 63 to the low pressure chamber 24. Vacuum is communicated to the low pressure chamber 6d through the interconnecting tubing '70.

Atmospheric pressure is communicated to control valve A through an air filter 72 which leads into the area inside of the rubber bo-ot or dirt seal 74 to tlow into the open end of the rear section 52 of the tubular valve housing. The internal opening of the rear tubular valve housing section 52 is provided with a shoulder 76 forming a vacuum valve seat against which the front face oi an annular rubber sealing member 7S abuts to control vacuum communication into the vacuum chambers 22 and 25. The rear end of the annular rubber sealing member '7S is suitably wedged up against the sidewalls of the tubular valve housing section 52 to isolate the atmosphere from the vacuum valve chamber 8) formed by the shoulder 76 and rubber sealing member 7 3. The vacuum valve chamber Si) is continually communicated with the vacuum chamber 64 through a plurality of suitable open ings 82 through the sidewall of the tubular valve housing section 52.

Flow of atmospheric pressure into the

control chambers

22 and 26 is controlled by means of a poppet member 84 which is positioned forwardly of the shoulder 76, and the poppet member includes an annular atmospheric valve seat 86 which extends rearwardly through the central opening 88 of the shoulder 76 into abutment -with the rubber sealing member 73. The poppet member 84 is normally biased rearwardly into sealing engagement with tbe annular rubber seal member 78 by means of a coil spring 90 positioned between suitable shoulders on the poppet member 84 and front tubular section 50 to normally prevent entrance of atmospheric pressure into the servomotor. Movement of the poppet member 34V is controlled by a ball ended actuating rod 92 which extends through the central opening ofY the rubber sealing member '78 and is suitably afiixed to the poppet member 84. The tubular valve housing section 52 is normally held into engagement with the rear end of the servomotor shell by means of a coil spring 94 that is suitably positioned between :the shell and the snap ring 96 on the outer end ofthe tubular valve section 52; and a like coil spring 98 is provided between the actuating rod 92 and a suitable metallic stiffener lltl for the sealing member lto provide an initial sealing action with respect to the vacuum and .atmospheric valve seats 7 6 and 36.

`In the normal, at rest, condition of the servomotor the parts of the servomotor are as shown in the drawing. In the released condition shown, vacuum from the rear low pressure chamber 64 flows through the openings 82 to the vacuum chamber 80 of the valve. In the position shown, the coil spring 90 holds the atmospheric valve seat 86 sealed with respect to the annular sealing member 78, and further holds it off fof the vacuum valve seat T6 to permit vacuum to flow around poppet member S4, through openings 102 and 104 to the control chamber 26. Continual communication between the rear control chamber 26 and front control chamber 22 is provided by means of a sealing structure later to be explained.

Actuation of the servomotor shown is initiated by a forward movement of the control rod 92 lwhich moves the control member l84 forwardly to allow the rubber valve sealing member 78 to 4follow its atmospheric valve seat 86 until the sealing member 78 iabuts the vacuum valve seat 76. Abutment of the sealing member 7S with the vacuum valve seat 76 closes lolf vacuum communication to the

control chambers

22 and 26; and further forward movement of the control rod 92, thereafter lifts the atmospheric valve seat 86 out of engagement with the rubber sealing member 78. This permits atmospheric pressure to ilow plast the control member 84, through the openings 102 and 104, and into the

control chambers

26 and 22. The construction of the control member lS4 is such that, at the time that the atmospheric valve seat $6 moves out of engagement with the rubber sealing member 7 S, the front surface of the control member 814 will be out of engage ment with the rubber reaction disc 54 by a predetermined distance. As atmospheric pressure builds up in the rear control chamber 26, force on the reaction diaphragm 16 pulls the cup-shaped closure member 43 rearwardly with respect to the tubular valve housing section b'. Relative movement between the closure member 43 tand valve housing is permitted by reason of the flexible center section of the diaphragm 16 which allows the spring clip S3 to move out of engagemet with the shoulder 60 on the rear tubular valve housing section 52. This permits a squeezing of the rubber react-ion disc 54 against the annular front surface of the valve housing section Si); to cause it :to bulge up against the front face of the control member 84, and thereby provide a reaction force on the control rod 92 which opposes its actuating movement. This force will generally be proportional to the pressure in the control chambers 25 and 22.. Atmospheric pressure in the

control chambers

22 and 26 produces a differential pressure across the power diaphragms and 12 which moves these diaphragme forwardly to transmit force to the cupshaped closure members 318, and thence through the push rod 14 to drive the lluid displacement pistion of the attached master cylinder.

Control pressure in the control chamber 26 will normally hold the tubular control valve housing section 52 in engagement with the rear end wall of the servomotor. A separation is thereby achieved between the cup-shaped closure member 38 of the power diaphragm structure 12, and the cup-shaped closure member 48 of the reaction diaphragm structure 16. When the desired brake actuation is achieved, actuating force on the control trod 92 is held constant; whereupon la slight amount of additional air pressure bleeds `into the control chamber 26 to pull the cup-shaped closure member `43 rearwardly over the tubular valve housing section S0, and thereby cause the rubber reaction disc 54 to be displaced rearwardly againts the poppet member 84 until 1its atmospheric valve seat 86 sealingly engages the annular rubber sealing member 78. This closes off further atmospheric tlow into the

control chambers

26 and 22 and holds the brake actuation const-ant.

When it is desired 'to release the brake actuation, a reduction in applying force on the control rod 92 allows the internal pressure of the rubber reaction Adisc 54 tobias the control member 84 rearwardly and the cup-shaped closure member 48 to move rearwardly relative to the valve housing 50. This causes the annular rubber sealing member 78 to be lifted out of engagement with the vacuum valve seat 'T6 to reduce the pressure within the

control chambers

26 and 22. As Ithe reaction force produced by diaphragm 16 decreases, the force transferred from the block of rubber 54 to the control member 84 decreases and the force applied by the operators foot will again cause the control member 84 to move into the rubber reaction ydisc 54 and again allow the sealing member 78 to abut valve seat 76.

If a complete release of the brake system is desired, all force on the control rod 92 will be removed; whereupon the spring holds the annular sealing member 78- out of engagement with the vacuum valve seat 76 to permit full vacuum to 4be communicated to the

control chambers

26 and 22, and thereby allow the power piston return spring 16-6 to move the

power diaphragms

10 and 12 rearwardly, until they reach fthe position shown in the drawing. It should be pointed out, that the coil spring 94 is sufficiently strong to hold the tubular valve housing section S2 into engagement with the rear section of the servomotor housing while suiicient 'actuating force is being applied to the control rod 92 to overcome the poppet return spring 90.

The servomotor shown in the drawing is of the type which can be actuated by manual force during failure of the vacuum supply to the servomotor. When a com'- plete vacuum failure has occurred, forward. force upon the control rod 92 causes the control member 84 to be moved forwardly to close olf the vacuum valve seat 76, and thereafter open the atmospheric valve seat 86. Inasmuch `as no vacuum exists at this time in fthe low pressure chambers 2.01, 24 and 64, atmospheric pressure will have already existed in control chambers 22 'and 26 so that no differential pressure will be exerted upon the power diaphragms lll and 12. The actuating force that is applied to the control rod 92, therefore causes the control member 84 to move into engagement with the rubber reaction disc 54 to pressurize the rubber, and cause it to move the cup member 43 forwardly over the inner tubular valve housing section 50; Excessive forward movement of the cup shaped'member 48 relative to the valve housing section 5b is prevented, however, by the spring S8 which is affixed to the diaphragm back-up plate 46, and which is in abutment with :the shoulder 60 of the rear tubular valve housing section 52. Force on the control member 84, therefore, moves the diaphragm back-up plate 46, and cup-shaped closure member 48 forwardly, to drive `the cup-shaped closure member 38 of the power diaphragm structure, and the push rod 14, forwardly.

Where only a partial vacuum failure has occurred, the initial forward force on the control rod 92 will cause the vacuum valve seat 75 to be closed and the atmospheric valve seat 86 to be opened to communicate atmospheric pressure with the control chambers Z2 and Z6. Irrasmuo'h as some vacuum exists in the

low pressure chambers

20, 24, and 64, the power diaphragms yl() and 12 will move forwardly to produce a separation of the cupshaped closure members 38 and 4S. If -a greater degree of brake actuation is required than can be produced by` the amount of Vacuum that is trapped within the low pressure chambers 2t) and 24, the force on the control rod 92 will thereafter be greater than the reaction force being exerted on t-he reaction diaphragm 16 so that the reaction diaphragm structure `and its` cup-shaped closure member 413 will move forwardly toward the cup-shaped member 48 of the power diaphragm structure. Inasmuch as the control rod |`92; bears against a portion of the control valve mechanism A that is positioned forwardly of the guiding seal positioned in the opening 56 of the rear wall of the servomotor, the cup-shaped member 4S will move generally into alignment with the cup-shaped member 38 and thereafter the internal walls of the cupshaped closure member 38 will guide the cup-shaped closure member 48 into an aligned position for exerting ya driving force upon the push rod 14. It will now be seen that the cooperating surfaces of the cup-shaped :incassa closure members 33 and 48 act as an aligning and centering means for the reaction diaphragm, and power diaphragm structures.

The servomotor shown in the drawing is intended to be manufactured and assembled on a mass production basis so that it is necessary `that the numerous internal parts of the servomotor be made in such a Way as to be capable of being assembled, and inserted in the shell of the servomotor in a quick and easy manner which assures an adequate seal between vthe diaphragme and the shell of the servomotor. As previously indicated, this is accomplished by forming the shell of the servornotor in two sections-one section w8 of which is a generally cup-shaped structure having lan internal shoulder 119 which faces the open end of the shell section. The outer periphery of the reaction diaphragm 16 is positioned against the shoulder and is held in place by means of a first annular holddown member or ring 112. The abutting -face 114 of the holddown ring 112 is provided with a radially outwardly facing shoulder or ledge 116, and the periphery of the reaction diaphragm 16 is provided with a radially inwardly facing molded shoulder 118 which fits up against the shoulder 116 and prevents the withdrawal of the periphery of the diaphragm. The radially outer portion of the rigid partition member 13 is generally cylindrically shaped to provide a second annular holddown member that is positioned outwardly of the first annular holddown member 112. Clearance is provided between the second annular holddown member 120 and the cylindrical surfaces of the shell section 183 to permit the passage of air through the annular space 126 so defined. The outer periphery of the inner end of the second ho'lddown member 12@ is provided with a groove or recess 122; and the outer periphery of the first power diaphragm 12 is provided with a molded section which snaps over the inner end of the second annular holddown member, and is received within the groove 122. inasmuch as low pressure is communicated to the chamber 24 while high pressure is communicated to the control chamber 26, a sealing force is always provided between the second annular member and the diaphragm 12 so long as the periphery of the diaphragm remains in position. The second annular member 120 is biased towards the first annular holddown member 112 as will later be explained to hold the diaphragm in sealing position; and suitable openings 12d are provided in the first annular holddown member 112 to communicate the control chamber 26 with the annular clearance 126 previously mentioned.

The sealing structure shown in the drawing is completed by a molded portion y12S on the periphery of the second power diaphragm 1d, which is squeezed between the tapered outer end face of the second annular holddown member 12%, and the internal sidewalls of the shell section 108 by means of the closure member 131i forming the remainder of the shell of the servomotor. The end closure section 131)l of the shell orP the servornotor is provided with a small radial flange section 132 which tits within the open end of the shell section 168, and is biased up against the peripheral section 128 of the second power diaphragm structure 10. The force applied to the peripheral section 128 sandwiches the peripheral portion 122 of the first power diaphragm 12 between the second holddown member 12b and the first holddown member 112, and in .turn sandwiches the periphery of the reaction diaphragm 16 between the shoulder 11b and the rst annula-r holddown member 112. The shell section 131) may be held in position in any suitable manner, and as shown in the drawing, is crimped to the shell section `19:8 once it has been pressed into sealing position in the manner disclosed in the Wesstrom et al. Application 112,741 filed May 1, 1961. Communication between the annular clearance 126 and the control chamber 22 is provided by a plurality of suitable openings 34 through the second annular holddown member 12C forwardly of its partition section 1S. Flow from the control pressure chamber 26 therefore passes through openings 124 in the first annular holddown member to the annular clearance 126, and then through openings 13al in the second holddown member to the control pressure chamber 22.

The peripheries ofthe

diaphragms

19, 12 and 16 are of course molded with predetermined tolerances, and the

hoiddown members

112 and 120 may also be molded with predetermined tolerances so that a considerable stach-up of tolerances occurs between the shoulder 11D and the iange 132 of the cover member 131i. ln some instances this stack-up of tolerances will create problems which can be avoided by the embodiment shown in FGURES 2 and 3 or the drawings. Those portions of the embodiment shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 which correspond to like portions of the embodiment shown in FIGURE l are designated by a like reference numeral, characterized further in that a prime mark is afiixed thereto. In the embodiment shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, the second annular holddown member 120 is provided with a shouider 140 on its internal surface which faces the inner end of the second annular holddown member 125i. The inner end of the second annular holddown member 12S is adapted to be positioned against the shoulder 171e so that a generally predetermined distance will exist between the shoulders and Mii at assembiy within which the periphcries of the

diaphragms

12 and 16 as well as first annular holddown member 142 will be confined. The portion of the shoulder 149 is recessed as at 144, and the first annular holddown niember 142 is positioned in the recess 144 between the shoulders y11i) and 141i. Opposite ends of the rst annular holddown member 142 are provided with radially outwardly facing shoulders or ledges 146 and 143, and the peripheries of the

diaphragms

12 and 16 are molded with radially inwardly facing shoulders 159 and `15?. which are abutted by the ledges 146 and 145, and are therefore held in position.

In some instances it will be desired to provide the ledge 146 on the second annular holddown member as shown in FIGURE 4, so that the reaction diaphragm 16 and first annular holddown member 112 can be placed in the shell section 11i/S before the assembly comprising the -two

power diaphragme

10 and 12 and partition member 1S is inserted into the shell section. T o aid in this respect, first annular holddown member 142 may be provided with fingers 154 that are positioned about the holddown member 142. The second annular holddown member 120 may be provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending slots 156 (only one of which is shown) on its outer periphery so that the second annular ring 121)' can be inserted over the first ring 142 with the iingcrs 154 received in the slots l156. The slots 156 may be extended outwardly in the form of grooves to intersect the openings 134 and thereby provide flow communication between the openings 124' in the first holddown ring, and the openings 134' in the second holddo-wn ring.

It will be apparent that the objects heretofore enumerated as well as others have been accomplished and that there has been provided a new and improved sealing structure for a plurality of diaphragme within the shell of a i'luid pressure motor, which permits the same to be quickly assembled in a manner assuring a positive seal that will be consistent from one manufactured unit to another.

While the invention has been described in considerable detail, we do not wish to be limited to the panticular embodiments shown and described; and it is our intention to cover hereby all novel adaptations, modifications, and arrangements thereof which come within the practice of those skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

We claim:

l. A fiuid pressure motor comprising: a generally cupshaped shell having an outwardly facing internal shouider and an opening of uniform cross section opening outwardly from said shoulder, a rst diaphragm extending across said chamber with its periphery positioned against said shoulder, the outer face of said periphery of said diaphragm having a radially inwardly facing annular shoulder which overlies said shoulder of said shell, a tirst annular member positioned against the outer face of said periphery of said diaphragm, said first annular member having a radially outwardly facing annular shoulder on its inner face which abuts said radially inwardly facing shoulder of said diaphragm, a second generally annular spacer member positioned outwardly of said rst annular member and providing an annular space between said second annular member and said shell; a second diaphragm Iextending transversely of said charnber with its radially outer portion positioned between said first and second annular members; said first annular member having flow passages therethrough communica-ting said annular space with the portion of said chamber bet-Ween said diaphragms, a third diaphragm extending transversely of said chamber with its radially outer portion in abutment with said second annular spacer member and the inside surface of said shell, said second annular member having iiow passages therein for communicating said annular space with the region behind said third diaphragm, an end cover member for said shell, said cover member having an annular outer portion in abutment with said third diaphragm, and means biasing said cover member toward said shoulder of said shell.

2. A uid pressure motor comprising: a generally cupshaped shell having an outwardly facing internal shoulder and an opening of uniform cross section opening outwardly from said shoulder, a first diaphragm extending across said chamber with its periphery positioned against said shoulder, the outer face of said periphery of said diaphragm having a radially inwardly facing annular shoulder which overlies said lshoulder of said shell, a first annular member positioned against the outer face of said periphery of said diaphragm, said first annular member having a radially outwardly facing annular shoulder on its inner face which abuts said radially inwardly facing shoulder of said diaphragm, a second generally annular spacer Imember positioned outwardly Iof said first annular member and providing an annular space between said second annular member and said shell; a second diaphragm extending transversely of said chamber with its radially outer portion positioned between said first and second annular members; said first annular member having iiow passages therethrough communicating said annular space with the portion of said chamber between said diaphragms, one of said annular members having a radially outwardly facing shoulder on its end Surface which faces the other of said members, and said second diaphragm having a radially inwardly facing shoulder abutting said shoulder on said one of 'said annular members, a third diaphragm extending transversely of said chamber with its radially outer portion in abutment with said second annular spacer member and the inside surface of said shell, said second annular member having flow passages therein for communicating said annular space with the region behind said third diaphragm, an end cover member for said shell, said cover member having an annular outer portion in abutment with said third diaphragm, and means biasing said cover member toward said shoulder of said shell.

3. A fluid pressure motor comprising: a generally cupcup-shaped shell having an outwardly facing internal shoulder and opening of uniform cross section opening outwardly from said shoulder, a irst diaphragm extending across said chamber `with its periphery positioned against said shoulder, the outer face of said periphery of said diaphragm having a radially inwardly facing annular shoulder which :overlies said shoulder of said shell, a rst annular member positioned against the outer face of said periphery of said diaphragm, said first annular member having ya radially outwardly facing annular shoulder on its inner face which abuts said radially inwardly facing shoulder of said diaphragm, a second generally annular spacer member positioned outwardly of said rst annular member and providing an annular space between said second annular member and said shell; a second diaphragm extending transversely of said chamber with its radially outer portion positioned between said first and second annular members; said rst annular member having recesses in its outer face communicating said annular space with the portion of said chamber between said diaphragms, one of said annular members having a radially outwardly facing shoulder on its end surface which faces the other of said members, and said second diaphragm having a radially inwardly facing shoulder abutting said shoulder on said one of said annular members, a third diaphragm extending transversely of said chamber with its radially outer portion in abutment with said second annular spacer member and the inside surface of said shell, said second annular member having fiow passages therein for communica ing said annular space with the region behind said third diaphragm, anend cover -member for said shell, said cover member having an annular outer portion in abutment with said third diaphragm, and means biasing said cove-r member toward said shoulder of said shell.

4. A `iiuid pressure motor comprising: a generally cupshaped shell having an outwardly facing internal shoulder md an opening of uniform cross section opening outwardly from said shoulder, a first diaphragm extending across said chamber with its periphery positioned against said shouider, the outer face of said periphery of said diaphragm having a radially inwardly facing annular shoulder which overlies said shoulder of said shell, a first annular member ypositioned against the outer face of said periphery of said diaphragm, said first annular member having a radially outwardly facing annular shoulder on its inner face which abuts said radially inwardly facing shoulder of said diaphragm, a second generally annular spacer member positioned outwardly of said first annular mem* ber and providing an annular space between said second annular member and said shell; a second diaphragm extending transversely of said chamber with its radially outer portion positioned between said first and second annular members; said first annular member having a radially outwardly facing shoulder on its end surface which faces said second diaphragm, and said second diaphragm having a radially inwardly facing shoulder abutting said outer shoulder of said second annular member, a third diaphragm extending Atransversely of said chamber with its radially outer portion in abutment with said second annular spacer member and the inside surface of said shell, said second annular member having flow passages therein for communicating lsaid annular space with the region behind said third diaphragm, an end cover member for -said shell, said cover member having an annular outer portion in abutment with said third diaphragm, and means biasing said cover member toward said shoulder of said shell.

5. A `fluid pressure motor comprising: .a generally cupshaped shell having an outwardly facing internal shoulder and an opening of uniform cross section opening outwardly from said shoulder, la first diaphragm extending across said chamber with its periphery positioned against said shoulder, the outer face of said periphery of said diaphragm having a radially inwardly facing annular shoulder which overlies said shoulder of said shell, a first annular member positioned against the outer face of said periphery of said diaphragm, said first annular member having a radially outwardly'facing annular shoulder on its inner face which Iabuts said radially inwardly facing shoulder of said diaphragm, a second generally annular spacer member positioned outwardly of said rst annular member and providing an annular space between said secaioases ond annular member and said shell; a second diaphragm extending transversely of said chamber with its radially outer portion positioned between said first and second annular members; said first annular member having flow passages therethrough communicating said annular space with theV portion of said chamber between said diaphragms, said first annular member having a `radially outwardly facing shoulder on its end surface which faces said second diaphragm, and said second diaphragm having a radially inwardly facing shoulder abutting said outer shoulder 0f said second annular member, a third d-iaphragm extending transversely of said chamber with its radially outer portion in abutment with said second annular spacer member and the inside surface of said shell, said second annular member having flow passages therein for communicating said annular space with the region behind said tiird diaphragm, an end cover member for said shell, said cover member having an annular outer portion in abutment with said third diaphragm, and means biasing said cover member toward said shoulder of said shell.

6. A fluid pressure motor comprising: a generally cupshaped shell having an outwardly facing internal shoulder and an opening of uniform cross section opening outwardly from said shoulder, a partition member having a generally cylindrical outer portion the inner end of which is positioned adjacent said shoulder, said cylindrical outer portion forming a flow passage between itself and said shell, and said cylindrical portion having a shoulder on g its radially inner surface which faces said shoulder of said shell; an annular ring positioned between said shoulders, a first diaphragm having a peripheral portion squeezed between said shoulder of said shell and said inner end of said ring, a second diaphragm having a peripheral portion squeezed between said shoulder of said partition member and said outer end of said ring, said partition member having a radially inwardly extending wall portion outwardly of said second diaphragm, a third diaphragm having a peripheral portion sealed to said partition member and said shell, said ring and partition member having flow passages therethrough communicating said flow passage formed between said shell and partition member with the area between said first and second diaphragms, and the area between said wall of said partition member and said third diaphragm, and means squeezing said third diaphragm and partition member toward said shoulder' of said shell to seal the structure together.

7. A fluid pressure motor comprising a generally cupshaped shell having an outwardly facing internal shoulder and an opening of uniform cross section opening outwardly from said shoulder, a partition member having a generally cylindrical outer portion the inner end of which is positioned adjacent said shoulder, said cylindrical outer portion forming a liow passage between itself and said shell, and said cylindrical portion having a shoulder on its radially inner surface which faces said shoulder of said shell; an annular ring positioned between said shoulders, one of the facing shoulders of said ring and partition member having a radially outwardly facing ledge, a first diaphragm having a peripheral portion squeezed between said shoulder of said shell and said inner end of said ring; a second diaphragm having a peripheral portion squeezed between said shoulder of said partition member and said outer end of said ring, said peripheral portion of said second diaphragm having a radially inwardly facing shoulder on its inner face positioned against said radially outwardly facing ledge; said partition member having a radially inwardly extending wall portion outwardly of said second diaphragm, a third diaphragm having a peripheral portion sealed to said partition member and said shell, said ring and partition member having flow passages therethough communicating said flow passage formed between said shell and partition member with the area between said first and second diaphragms, and the area between said 1wall of said partition member and said third diaphrgam, 'and means squeezhig said third diaphragm and partition member toward said shoulder of said shell to seal the structure together.

8. In a fluid pressure motor: a generally cup-shaped shell having an outwardly facing internal shoulder and an opening of .uniform cross section opening outwardly from said shoulder, a generally cylindrical member the inner end of which is positioned adjacent said shoulder, and said cylindrical member having a shoulder on its radially inner surface lwhich faces said shoulder of said shell; an annular member positioned between said shoulders, a first diaphragm having la peripheral portion squeezed between said shoulder of said shell and said inner end of said annular member, a second diaphragm having a peripheral portion squeezed betwene said shoulder of said generally cylindrical member 'and said outer end of said annular member, and means squeezing said generally cylindrical member toward said shoulder of said shell to seal the structure together by a predetermined amount.

9. A fluid pressure motor comprising: a generally cupshaped shell having an outwardly facing internal shoulder and an opening of uniform cross section opening outwardly from said shoulder, a first annular member positioned outwardly of said shoulder with predetermined clearance with respect to the sidewalls of said shell, said first annular member having radially outwardly extending projections which center said member with respect to said shell and, the inner end surface of said first annular member having a radially outwardly facing ledge, a first diaphragm having a peripheral portion positioned between said shoulder of said shell and said inner end of said first annular member, said first diaphragm having a molded radially inwardly facing shoulder in abutment with said radially outwardly facing ledge, a second annular member having an inner end portion telescoped over said first annular member with its inner end in abutment with said shoulder of said shell, said inner end portion having longitudinally extending slots which receive said projections of said first annular member, said second annular member also having a shoulder surface facing the outer end surface of said first annular member, one of said facing surfaces including a generally radially outwardly facing ledge portion, a second diaphragm having a peripheral portion positioned between said facing surfaces of said annular members, said second diaphragm having a molded radial facing shoulder in abutment with said second mentioned ledge, said second annular member having a radially inwardly extending wall portion outwardly of said second diaphragm, a third diaphragm having a peripheral portion sealed to said second member and said shell, said annular members having flow passages therethrough communicating the space between said rst and second diaphragms with the space between said wall of said second annular member and said third diaphragm, and means squeezing said diaphragms and `annular members toward said shoulder of said shell to seal the structure together.

l0. In a fluid pressure motor: a generally cup-shaped shell having an outwardly facing internal shoulder and an opening of uniform cross section opening outwardly from said shoulder, a first annular member positioned outwardly of said shoulder with predetermined clearance with respect to the sidewalls of said shell, said first annular member having radially outwardly extending projections which center said member with respect to said shell and, the inner end surface of said first annular member having a radially outwardly facing ledge, a first diaphragm having a peripheral portion positioned between said shoulder of said shell and said inner end of said first annular member, said first diaphragm having a molded radially inwardly facing shoulder in abutment with said radially outwardly facing ledge, a second annular member having an inner end portion telescoped over said first annular member with its inner end in abutment with said shoulder of said shell,

3,103,855 13 14 4said inner end portion having longitudinally extending means squeezing -said partition member toward said shoulslots which receive said projections of said first annular der of said shell to seal the structure together.

member, said second annular member also having a shoul- |der surface facing the outer end surface of `said first -an- References Cited m the me of thls Patent nular member, one of said facing surfaces including a gen- 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS erally radially outwardly facing ledge portion, a second 2,146,046 Schmutz May 3, 1938 diaphragm having a peripheral portion positioned between 2,640,499 Atkins June 2, 1953 said facing sur-faces of said annular members, said second 2,724,410 Vorech Nov. 22, 1955 diaphragm'having a molded radially inwardly facing shoul- 2,7 77,0128 Kendall et al J an. 8, 1957 der in abutment vwith said second mentioned ledge, and 10 2,980,068 Stelzer Apr. 18, 1961 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent, No. 3&103Q855 September 1I, 1963 RobertJ R. Hager et al.

at error appears in the above numbered pat- It is hereby certified th hat the said Letters Patent should read as ent requiring correction and t corrected below.

Column 3 lines 21 and 22, strike out "v and a control pre ssure Chamber 26 is provlded between the power diaphragm 12"; column 5, line 36if for "engagemet" read engagement line 49 for uypstion" read piston Mg line 63U for "agants" read against column 9TLU line 6T, strike out "cup-"g column l2 Ime ITW for "daphrgam" read M diaphragm line I5L for "betwene" read between Signed and sealed this 7th day of April IQLL (SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD J BRENNER ERNEST W, SWIDER Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents

Claims

1. A FLUID PRESSURE MOTOR COMPRISING: A GENERALLY CUPSHAPED SHELL HAVING AN OUTWARDLY FACING INTERNAL SHOULDER AND AN OPENING OF UNIFORM CROSS SECTION OPENING OUTWARDLY FROM SAID SHOULDER, A FIRST DIAPHRAGM EXTENDING ACROSS SAID CHAMBER WITH ITS PERIPHERY POSITIONED AGAINST SAID SHOULDER, THE OUTER FACE OF SAID PERIPHERY OF SAID DIAPHRAGM HAVING A RADIALLY INWARDLY FACING ANNULAR SHOULDER WHICH OVERLIES SAID SHOULDER OF SAID SHELL, A FIRST ANNULAR MEMBER POSITIONED AGAINST THE OUTER FACE OF SAID PERIPHERY OF SAID DIAPHRAGM, SAID FIRST ANNULAR MEMBER HAVING A RADIALLY OUTWARDLY FACING ANNULAR SHOULDER ON ITS INNER FACE WHICH ABUTS SAID RADIALLY INWARDLY FACING SHOULDER OF SAID DIAPHRAGM, A SECOND GENERALLY ANNULAR SPACER MEMBER POSITIONED OUTWARDLY OF SAID FIRST ANNULAR MEMBER AND PROVIDING AN ANNULAR SPACE BETWEEN SAID SECOND ANNULAR MEMBER AND SAID SHELL; A SECOND DIAPHRAGM EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY OF SAID CHAMBER WITH ITS RADIALLY OUTER PORTION POSITIONED BETWEEN SAID FIRST AND SECOND ANNULAR MEMBERS; SAID FIRST ANNULAR MEMBER HAVING FLOW PASSAGES THERETHROUGH COMMUNICATING SAID ANNULAR SPACE WITH THE PORTION OF SAID CHAMBER BETWEEN SAID DIAPHRAGMS, A THIRD DIAPHRAGM EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY OF SAID CHAMBER WITH ITS RADIALLY OUTER PORTION IN ABUTMENT WITH SAID SECOND ANNULAR SPACER MEMBER AND THE INSIDE SURFACE OF SAID SHELL, SAID SECOND ANNULAR MEMBER HAVING FLOW PASSAGES THEREIN FOR COMMUNICATING SAID ANNULAR SPACE WITH THE REGION BEHIND SAID THIRD DIAPHRAGM, AN END COVER MEMBER FOR SAID SHELL, SAID COVER MEMBER HAVING AN ANNULAR OUTER PORTION IN ABUTMENT WITH SAID THIRD DIAPHRAGM, AND MEANS BIASING SAID COVER MEMBER TOWARD SAID SHOULDER OF SAID SHELL.