US3311293A

US3311293A - Integral vacuum pump and air compressor

Info

Publication number: US3311293A
Application number: US477737A
Authority: US
Inventors: Moffatt Robert Alexander
Original assignee: Gast Manufacturing Corp
Current assignee: Gast Manufacturing Corp
Priority date: 1965-08-06
Filing date: 1965-08-06
Publication date: 1967-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 1984-03-28

Description

March 28, i967 R, A. MOFFATT 3,31L293 INTEGRAL VACUUM PUMP AND AIR COMPRESSOR -qif 5 CU r3 4a 44 40 [Il C] ATTORNEYS March 28, 1957 R, A, MOFFATT 3,311,293

INTEGRAL VACUUM PUMP AND AIR COMPRESSOR Filed Aug. e, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,311,293 INTEGRAL VACUUM PUMP AND AER CMPRESSR Robert Alexander Moffatt, St. Joseph, Mich., assignor to Gast Manufacturing Corporation, Benton Harbor, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Filed Aug. 6, 1965, Ser. No. 477,737 24 Claims. (Cl. 23u- 209) This invention relates to rotary pumping devices such as may be used to produce either vacuum or pressure, of the integral type in which the pumping apparatus and its driving motor are made in a single integral unit having a single drive shaft, and more particularly to a new and unique type of integral pump which provides heavy-duty operation and incorporates new concepts in bearing retention and cooling, to provide for extremely long life under hard usage.

In the past, integral rotary pumping means have been devised for application in instances where limited capacities are sufficient. Such integral apparatus has decided advantages in being more compact and eflicient than the conventional separate motor and pump which are coupled together for cooperative operation. However, the integral type of pump has serious problems and wellknown limitations when utilized in heavy-duty applications where rigorous use and high capacities are required,

These limitations include the following conflicting requirements. Heavy-duty applications result in the production of considerable heat at the pump rotor. Typically, the rotor is mounted closely adjacent the motor part of the integral apparatus with a support bearing therebetween, and the heat from the rotor usually is conducted directly to this bearing. Little or no actual heat relief or isolation is provided, and consequently under the increased heat from higher loads, the bearings very soon fail.

This problem is aggravated and compounded by the fact that in integral pumping apparatus the most preferred configuration is to use a cantilevered or overhanging type of drive shaft, in which the shaft is unsupported at the end extremity of the pump portion. This has the desirable feature of eliminating the customary bearing in the end cap for the pump. Thus, in servicing the rotor, as for example to replace worn-out vanes and the like, all that is required is merely to loosen and remove the end cap, there being no bearing to create replacement or alignment problems during the service operation. While the cantilevered type of construction has heretofore been feasible in light-duty apparatus, under the more severe conditions of heavy-duty operation the loading effects placed upon the rotor soon causes misalignment of the drive shaft, with attendant cocking of the rotor. Together with the increased heat to which the main internal bearing (between the motor and the pump portions) is subjected, the early malfunction and failure of such pumps becomes understandable and predictable.

Accordingly, it is a major object of the present invention to provide an integral motor and pump apparatus for extended heavy-duty appiication, having new design features which obviate the necessity of any bearing in the end-cap assembly to provide a cantilevered or overhung drive shaft arrangement.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a heavy-duty integral motor and pump apparatus of the foregoing type, in which is incorporated a new and unusual manner of cooling the bearing supporting the drive shaft between the motor and pumping portion.

Still another object of the present invention is to ice provide an integral pump apparatus of the foregoing type in which the said bearing is mounted, supported, and retained in a manner tending to isolate it from the heat of the rotor assembly.

A further important object of the present invention is to provide an integral motor and pump apparatus of the foregoing type having a new and unusual drive shaft seal conguration for such usage, and including unique structure for isolating the said bearing from the drive shaft seal, in order to prevent lubricant and contaminants from the pumping portion of the apparatus from coming into Contact with and fouling the bearing.

Still another important lobject of the present invention is to provide a unique new support structure for use in integral motor and pumping apparatus, by which the bearing for supporting the drive shaft is retained in a desired aligned position within a hub structure. The novel support structure provides heat-radiating means for conducting the heat away from the bearing, while simultaneously providing passageways by which cooling air may be brought into proximity with the bearing and with the heat-radiating structure, to greatly facilitate the cooling of the bearing.

A further important object of this invention is to provide an integral motor and pumping unit having the foregoing attributes and further including a fan means which is mounted internally within the unit so as not to interfere with its serviceability, and which draws cooling air through the pumping portion and over the supporting structure. The integral unit further includes an internal baie means positioned at least partly in the ow of cooling air, which serves to deect and direct the cooling air over the bearing and its supporting structure in a desired manner.

The foregoing major objects of the invention, together with the many advantages inherent therein, as well as numerous other objects and other desirable attributes thereof, will become increasingly clear following consideration of the ensuing specification and its appended claims, particularly when taken in conjunction with the illustrative drawings setting forth a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. l is a side elevation of a first form of integral motor and pumping apparatus, portions thereof being broken away and shown in section to illustrate various details;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevation of a second type of integral motor and pumping apparatus, showing further details of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the novel bearing spacing and support structure of the invention, as seen from the right relative to FIG. l;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the structure of FIG. 3, taken through the section IV-IV thereof;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation of the structure of FIG. 3, as seen from the opposite side thereof; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing a portion of the structure of FIG. l in more detail.

Briey stated, the present invention provides an integral vacuum pump/ air compressor apparatus, of the type characterized by a single drive shaft having a motor means connected thereto for driving both the shaft and pumping apparatus connected to be driven by the same shaft. The apparatus includes a fan structure mounted on the drive shaft near the motor means and between it and the pumping components, and a bearing support and spacing structure which is secured relative to the motor means and which has portions extending toward and generally surrounding the drive shaft to form a hub structure thereabout. A main support bearing is retained in position by the aforementioned hub structure, and this bearing serves to support the drive shaft in a desired alignment. Means defining a pump cylinder about the drive shaft is secured relative to the said bearing support structure, and a rotor structure is mounted upon the shaft for movement therewith within the said cylinder. A suitable end cap structure is provided, and this is positioned adjacent the cylinder-defining means and secured relative thereto, for protectively enclosing thev end of the apparatus. Thus, the drive shaft extends substantially through the rotor structure and the cylinder cavity, but is unsupported at this end of the apparatus. Instead, the aforementioned main support bearing provides all of the required support for the cantilevered or overhung drive shaft. Moreover, the said bearing support and retaining structure retains the main support bearing with a definite and fixed spacing between it and the rotor structure, so that the bearing is effectively isolated from the relatively high heat produced at the rot-or.

Further, when pumping components of the lubricated type are used in the present integral apparatus, the bearing-support structure provides for the mounting and retention of a seal for preventing lubricants and contaminants from the rotor assembly from entering and fouling the main support bearing, and also for preventing air from entering or leaving the pumping chamber, to thereby raise the pumping efficiency. The support structure spaces the bearing from this seal, so as to effectively isolate these two members. The novel support structure additionally defines passages through which the cooling air drawn by the internal fan means may ow to cool the hub and the bearing therein, and the portions of the support structure extending toward the drive shaft serve to define cooling fins, by which the heat from the bearing may be absorbed into the hub and from there into the fins, to be radiated into the cooling air passing thereover.

The novel support structure further defines passageways communicating with the said passages which serve to allow the cooling air to come into contact with and circulate about a portion of the main support bearing in the area where it is spaced from the rotor assembly and from the lubrication seal, for maximum bearing cooling. This structure provides an integral pump/compressor apparatus which will withstand heavy-duty loading for very extended periods and has a particularly long service life due to the maximum cooling effect upon the main support bearing. The integral apparatus is also extremely easy to service, since the end cap structure contains no bearings or other parts liable to cause alignment diiculties when reassembled, and when the cap is removed it immediately exposes the interior of the rotor assembly for fast and easy repair or maintenance thereof.

Referring now in more detail to the drawings, a complete integral vacuum pump/ air compressor apparatus 10 is illustrated in FIG. l. As will be seen, the integral apparatus 10 is of the lubricated type and incorporates the unique sealing means of the invention. The integral apparatus 10 has an electric motor portion 12 shown at the right in FIG. 1, which includes a stand or frame structure 14 for mounting the entire apparatus.

It will be observed that a single drive shaft 16 extends through the motor portion 12 `and also projects outwardly therefrom. Immediately adjacent the motor portion, a fan apparatus 18 is mounted upon the drive shaft for movement thereby, as for example by being splined thereto. The particular structure of the internal fan 18 may be varied according to choice, and its operation will appear more fully hereinafter. The novel support structure 20 is positioned about the drive shaft 16 immediately adjacent the fan means 18, and although the support structure is shown in more detail subsequently, it will be here observed that it has portions extending inwardly toward the drive shaft to define a hub 22 encircling the shaft. The main support bearing 24 is mounted within d hub 22, which retains it in the position shown in this figure.

As has been stated, the integral apparatus 10 of FIG. l is of the type having lubricated pumping components. Hence, a seal is required to prevent the entry of lubricant or air into the pump cavity, and. also to prevent contaminants from the rotor section from entering and fouling the main bearing 24. A unique seal means 26 for achieving these purposes is illustrated generally in FIG. l and in detail in FIG. 6. As will be noted, this is preferably a double or dual construction, having a pair of symmetrical, opposing, angularly-disposed sealing portions 2S and 30, which are separated by a grease-filled cavity 32. The two sealing portions 23 and 30 contact and ride upon the drive shaft 16 to prevent the passage therealong of lubricant, aira and contaminants, and they are arranged in the angular relation shown so that one of them will be chiefly effective when the integral apparatus 10 is being used as a vacuum pump, Whereas the other sealing portion will be principally effective when the apparatus is used as an air compressor.

It will be observed that the seal means 26 is positioned by and retained within a second hub portion 34 defined by the support structure 20, and that a definite xed isolating space 36 is maintained between the main bearing 24 and the seal means 26. Thus, not only is the bearing isolated from the seal with regard to lubricants and contaminants, but it is also isolated therefrom with regard to heat. v

Immediately adjacent the support structure 20 is positioned a stator means 33 which denes a generally cylindrical cavity 40 therewithin, through which the drive shaft 16 passes. Within the cavity 4t) and affixed to the drive shaft 16 for movement thereby, is a rotor structure 42, of a known type. The rotor has a number of vanes 44 which are biased outwardly therefrom under the centrifugal force resulting from the rotary movement of the rotor, and the vanes remain in contact with the surface of the cylinder cavity as the rotor is driven in a rotary manner by the drive shaft. As will be readily understood, this produces the desired pumping or compressing operation.

It will be observed that the leftward lateral surface of the support structure 20 (as seen in FIG. 1) actually operates to close the cylinder cavity 40 on its side adjacent thereto, and the end cap structure 46 closes the cavity 40 on its other lateral side. As will be familiar to those skilled in the art, the end cap structure 46 has appropriate inlet and outlet ports formed therethrough, one of which is designated 48 in the figure. The end cap structure also has suitable venting ports formed therethrough (not specifically shown), through which outside air may be drawn `by the action of the fan means 18 within the integral unit 1G. In addition to the detailed operation to be noted subsequently, such air passes over the outside of the stator means 38, which preferably has a series of radial cooling fins formed thereupon. Thus, the air initially serves to cool the stator means and, at least in part, the rotor structure 42 operating therewithin.

As FIG. l further illustrates, the end cap structure 46 is secured in place upon the integral apparatus 10 solely by a series of through-bolts such as 52, whose heads `bear against appropriate seats 54 formed in the end surface of the cap, and which extend through passages formed in the stator 38 to thread into corresponding tapped holes 56 formed in the support structure 20 (note FIG. 5). The stator 3S is separately secured to the support structure 20 in a similar manner, by means of other tapped holes 58 formed in the latter (FIG. 5). Thus, the end cap structure may readily be removed `from the integral apparatus 10 by removal of the tie bolts 52 to expose the stator and rotor, which remain intact. If it is desired to then remove the stator, this is quickly and easily accomplished in a similar manner.

The fragmentary view of FIG. 2 illustrates the interior components of an integral pump/compressor apparatus 111), which is of the non-lubricated or oil-less type. Such `an apparatus is for the most part directly analogous to the integral apparatus 16 of FIG. 1, save for portions to be noted presently. Thus, a drive shaft 16 extends from a motor portion (not shown), and a fan means 18 is mounted thereupon. A bearing support structure 12) much like the structure 2G of FIG. l is positioned adjacent the fan means 18, and this structure defines a central hub portion 122 'which positions and retains a main support bearing 24 identical to that shown in FIG. l.

In the case of the non-lubricated type of apparatus, the threat of the lubrication creeping along the drive shaft `backward into the main support lbearing is no longer present, and consequently no sealing means as such is required between the bearing and the rotor (which is indicated at 142). Non-lubricated pumps generally utilize carbon or other similar vanes which are said to be self-lubricating, in that they gradually wear away during use and do not require auxiliary lubricants between them and the interior of the cylinder cavity. Since particles of the material from which the vanes are made are likely to be found throughout the cavity, it is desirable to provide a barrier between the rotor and the internal bearings, such as the main bearing 24. For this purpose, a washer-like barrier plate 125 is provided, which encircles the drive shaft and is preferably press'itted into place thereupon, so as to lie within the space 136 between the bearing and the rotor.

It is to be noted that space between the barrier plate 125 and the bearing 24 is insured `by the abutment of the barrier against a shoulder portion 127 formed on the drive shaft 16. From this, it will be quite apparent that the integral `apparatus 110 of FIG. 2 is essentially the same as apparatus 19 of FIG. l, and except for the matter of the sealing means 26 in the latter, provides most of the important overall benefits which the apparatus l@ provides. These include the isolation of the main support bearing from the rotor heat, the internal fan means which draws cooling air past the stator means and into proximity with the support structure hub and main support bearing, and the cantilevered or overhung drive shaft arrangement which dispenses with the requirement of a support bearing outboard from the rotor and stator assembly to provide unusually easy and foolproof serviceability features.

The novel bearing support and retention structure 2@ of the present invention is shown in considerable detail in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, to which reference is now made. The support structure 2i) is basically a somewhat fiat, circular structure having an outer rim portion 6i) extending around its periphery, which is positioned adjacent the fan means 18 (see FIG. l). A series of generally hat fins 62 extends from the outer rim 6i? toward the center of the support structure, and at their inward ends these fins merge to define the hub 22 for the main support bearing 24, and also the hub 34 which may be used in connection with the sealing means 26.

By examining FIGS. 4 and 5, it will be noted that the arrangement of the fin structures 62 is such that open passages 64 are provided between each two adjacent fins. Moreover, in FIG. 4 it will be seen that the spacing 36 maintained between the main support bearing 24 and the sealing means hub 34 in effect provides a passageway which actually communicates with the underside of the bearing 24. The passages 64 and passageways 36 are also in communication with each other, and consequently the current of cooling air produced by the fan means 18 is free to pass through the passages 64, over the fins 62, and into the passageways 36.

The cooling eiect upon the bearing 24 produced in this manner is thus clear-ly a very considerable one. In the first place, the bearing is isolated from the rotor and the high heats produced thereby. In the second place, the cooling air within the passageways 36 may directly contact the bearing to provide direct initial cooling. In the third place, any heat build-np which the bearing does sustain is steadily conducted outward into the hub 22 and the cooling fins 62, which are constantly exposed to the moving current of cooling air. Thus, extremely `favorable operating conditions for the bearing are continuously maintained.

From examining FIGS. l, 4, and 5, it is to be noted that the side extremity of the support structure 20 opposite from the outer rim portion 6ft thereof is formed to provide a substantially flat, planar sealing surface 66. This surface is abutted directly against one lateral surface of the stator means 33, and hence encloses one side of the cylinder cavity 4t) defined therewithin. The opposite side of the cylinder cavity is closed by a similar surface 68 formed integrally with the end cap structure 46 (FIG. l). It will be observed that a lip portion 70 (FIG. 4) is provided around the outer periphery of the support structure 2t), and that the outer housing '72 (FIG. 1) of the motor portion 12 engages this lip to maintain the alignment of the support structure with the motor portion. The actual securing of the support structure to the motor portion may be accomplished by conventional means, as for example by bolts passing through appropriate bolt holes 74 formed around the periphery of the structure 2d (FIG. 5 A relieved shoulder 76 (FIG. 4) is formed about the periphery of the support structure 2i) on the side of the outer rim 6@ opposite the lip portion 7d, just discussed. The purpose of this shoulder is to receive an enclosing protective Cowling '78 (see FIG. 1) which is preferably affixed to or actually a part of the end cap structure 46, and which extends over the stator means 3S and partially over the support structure 211, to substantially completely enclose the pump/compressor portion of the integral apparatus.

By examining FIG. l it will be noted that a baille means 8@ may be positioned medially between the fan means 18 and the support structure 20. Such a baffie is preferably in the general form of a large washer or ring, and it is preferably secured to the rim portion 6G of the support structure 241, so as to be positioned within the current of Cooling air drawn by the fan means 13 through the pumping portion of the integral apparatus. By utilizing such a baie, the current of cooling air may be directed and deflected in a predetermined manner, so as to cause more of the cooling air to pass over the bearing hub portion 22 and to circulate into the spaced areas or passageways 'Ihe value of such a battle means within the integral apparatus of the present invention will be quite apparent, particularly in connection with the other aspects of the novei cooling arrangement provided herein.

Having now fully set forth the structure of two somewhat different preferred embodiments of the invention, and having also fully indicated the manner of assembly and the operational features of the integral pump/compressor apparatus, those skilled in the pertinent arts will readily perceive the advantages made possible thereby.

An integral-type motor-pumping means has been provided which is fully applicable to heavy-duty operation, and which has superior operating characteristics and service life when so applied. A novel bearing support and retention structure has been disclosed which isolates the bearing from the source of greatest heat at the rotor assembly, which positions a sealing means in isolation from the support bearing to prevent lubricants and contaminants from fouling the bearing, and which affords uuusually effective cooling of the bearing while in use. Further, the integral apparatus of the invention provides all of the service benefits of the cantilevered drive shaft, wherein a simple end cap structure may be readily removed to afford complete access to the rotor for maintenance and repair purposes.

While I have disclosed herein those specific embodiments and aspects of the invention which I find most preferable, it will be apparent that other similar embodiments as well as certain modifications and variations in the embodiments which l have shown may be provided, which similarly incorporate the concepts underlying the invention. Consequently, all such further embodiments, variations, and modifications as are based upon the spirit of the invention are to be considered as within the scope of the claims appended herebelow, unless these claims by their language specifically state otherwise.

I claim:

1. An integral vacuum pump/air compressor apparatus comprising in combination: a drive shaft; motor means for driving said shaft; a fan structure mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith; a support structure located adjacent said fan structure on the opposite side of said motor means, said support structure secured relative to said motor means and having portions extending toward and generally surrounding said drive shaft to form a hub structure thereabout; a bearing means retained in position by said hub structure and supporting said shaft in desired alignment; a stator body forming a cylindrical vcavity about said drive shaft; said stator body positioned adjacent and secured relative to said support structure opposite said fan structure and motor means; `a rotor structure mounted upon said shaft for rotation therewith within said cavity formed by said body; and an end cap sructure positioned on the end of said body opposite said support structure and secured relative to said support structure for enclosing the end of said body; said drive shaft having an over-hanging end extending substantially through said rotor structure and cavity and being unsupported thereat; said support structure and hub having a seal support means adjacent said rotor and cavity and a bearing support portion spaced axially therefrom toward said motor means thereby spacing said bearing means from said rotor and cavity for heat isolation purposes; and said fan structure when rotated by said drive shaft drawing a current of air into proximity with said hub and bearing means to provide cooling for the same; said cap structure when removed affording an unobstructed and easy service access to said rotor structure.

2. The integral pump/compressor apparatus of claim 1, further including baffle means positioned at least partially in the path of said current of air to deflect a portion thereof into closer proximity with said hub and bearing means.

3. The integral pump/compressor apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support structure extending portions denne at least some cooling fins, said fins serving to conduct heat away from said hub and bearing means, and said current of air passing over said fins to cool the same.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support structure defines passages communicating with said hub, through which at least a portion of said current of air may pass to facilitate cooling of the hub and bearing.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support structure defines passageways communicating with said portion spacing said bearing means from said rotor, at

least a portion of said current of air circulating in said passageways and passing over said spacing portion to further cool said bearing means.

6. The apparatus `of claim 5, wherein said passageways further communicate directly with said bearing means.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said support structure further defines passages communicating with said cooling fins and said hub, through which at least a portion of said current of air may pass to facilitate cooling of the fins and the hub.

8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said support structure further denes passageways communicating with said portion spacing said bearing means from said rotor, said passages and passageways communicating with each other, and at least a portion of the said air current passing through said passages circulating in said passageways and passing over said spacing portion to further cool said bearing means.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said passageways further communicate directly with said bearing means.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said support structure further defines cooling fins radiating from said hub and at least in part positioned in said passages, said fins conducting heat from said hub and being cooled by said air current in said passages.

11. The apparatus of claim lil, further including baffle .eans positioned at least partially in the path of said current of air, to direct and facilitate the passing thereof through said passages, over said fins, and into said passageways.

12. An integral vacuum pump/air compressor apparatus of the general type having lubricated pumping components comprising in combination: a drive shaft; motor means for driving said shaft; a fan structure mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith; a support structure located adjacent said fan structure on the opposite side of said motor means, said support structure secured relative to said motor means and having portions extending toward and generally surrounding said drive shaft to form a hub structure thereabout; a bearing means retained in position by said hub structure and supporting said shaft in desired alignment; a seal means generally encircling said drive shaft and retained by said hub structure in spaced relation from said bearing means; a stator body forming a cylindrical cavity about said drive shaft; said stator body positioned adjacent and secured relative to said support structure opposite said fan structure and motor means; a rotor structure mounted upon said shaft for rotation therewith generally adjacent said seal means and within said cavity; and an end cap structure positioned on the end of said 'body opposite said support structure and secured relative to said support structure for enclosing the end of said body; said drive shaft having an over-hanging end extending substantially through said rotor structure and cavity and being unsupported thereat; said seal means preventing lubricant and foreign substances from said rotor and cavity from contaminating said bearing means; said spaced relation between said seal means land bearing means serving to isolate the latter from the heat of the rotor structure and cavity; and said fan structure when rotated by said drive shaft drawing a current of air into proximity with said hub and bearing means to provide cooling for the same; said cap structure when removed affording an unobstructed and easy service access to said rotor structure.

13. The integral pump/compressor apparatus of claim 12, wherein said support structure includes a surface generally abutting said cylinder cavity and laterally closing the same.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said end cap structure includes a surface generally abutting said cylinder cavity opposite said support structure surface and laterally closing the cavity thereat.

15. The integral pump/compressor apparatus of claim 13, wherein said support structure extending portions define at least some cooling fins, said fins serving to conduct heat away from said hub and bearing means, and said current of air passing over said tins to cool the same.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said support structure defines passages communicating with said hub, through which at least a portion of said current of air may pass to facilitate cooling of the hub and bearing.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said support structure defines passageways communicating with said spacing between the seal means and the bearing means, at least a portion of said current of air circulating in said passageways and passing over said spacing to further cool said bearing means.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said support structure further defines passages communicating with said cooling fins and said hub, through which at least a U portion of said current of air may pass to :facilitate cooling of the fins and the hub.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said support structure further defines passageways communicating with said spacing between said bearing means and said seal means, said passages and passageways communicating with each other, and at least a portion of the `said air current passing through said passages circulating in said passageways and passing over said spacing to further cool said bearing means.

The apparatus of claim 19, wherein sup-port structure further defines cooling hns radiating from said hub and at least in part positioned in said passages, said fins conducti g heat from said `hub and being cooled by said air current in said passages.

21. The apparatus of claim 2%, further including baffle means positioned at least partially in the path of said current of air, to direct and facilitate the passing thereof through said passages, over said fins, and into said passageways.

22. An integral vacuum pump/air compressor apparatus of the general type having oil-less, self-lubricating pumping components, comprising in combination: a drive shaft; motor means for driving said shaft; a fan structure mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith; a support structure located adjacent said fan structure on the opposite side of said motor means, said support structure secured relative to said motor means and having portion extending toward and generally surrounding said drive shaft to form a hub sructure thereabout; a bearing means re tained in position by said hub structure and supporting said shaft in desired alignment; a contaminant-isolation barrier plate generally encircling said drive shaft and retained in spaced relation from said bearing means; a stator body forming a cylindrical cavity about said drive shaft; said stator body positioned adjacent secured relative to said support structure opposite said fan structure and motor means; a rotor structure mounted upon said shaft for rotation therewith within said cavity; and an end cap structure positioned on the end of said body opposite said support structure and secured relative to said suppe-rt structure for enclosing the end of said body; said drive shaft having an over-hanging end extending substantially through said rotor structure and cavity and being unsupported thereat; said support structure and. hub `having a portion spacing said bearing means from said rotor and cavity for heat isolation purposes; said plate obstructing the passage of foreign matter from said rotor and cavity from contaminating said bearing means; and said fan structure when rotated by said drive shaft drawing a current of air into proximity with said hub and bearing means to provide cooling for the same; said cap structure when removed affording an unobstructed and easy service access to said rotor structure.

23. The integral pump/compressor apparatus of claim 22, wherein said support structure includes a surface generally abutting said cylinder cavity and laterally closing the same.

24,. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said end cap structure includes a surface generally abutting said cylinder Cavity opposite said support structure surface and laterally closing the cavity thereat.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED SYATES PATENTS 3,060,860 10/ 1962 Schaefer 2.30-211 3,079,605 2/1963 Thomas et al.

FOREGN PATENTS 71,006 10/1952 Netherlands.

References ied by the Appiieant UNTED STATES PATE'fS 1,122,213 iti/1914 Mattman. 2,650,992 9/1953 Forss et al. 2,677,065 4/1954 Heem. 2,704,693 3/1955 Schwan. 3,013,167 12/1961 Bobula.

ROBERT M. VJALKER, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. AN INTEGRAL VACUUM PUMP/AIR COMPRESSOR APPARATUS COMPRISING IN COMBINATION: A DRIVE SHAFT; MOTOR MEANS FOR DRIVING SAID SHAFT; A FAN STRUCTURE MOUNTED ON SAID SHAFT FOR ROTATION THEREWITH; A SUPPORT STRUCTURE LOCATED ADJACENT SAID FAN STRUCTURE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF SAID MOTOR MEANS, SAID SUPPORT STRUCTURE SECURED RELATIVE TO SAID MOTOR MEANS AND HAVING PORTIONS EXTENDING TOWARD AND GENERALLY SURROUNDING SAID DRIVE SHAFT TO FORM A HUB STRUCTURE THEREABOUT; A BEARING MEANS RETAINED IN POSITION BY SAID HUB STRUCTURE AND SUPPORTING SAID SHAFT IN DESIRED ALIGNMENT; A STATOR BODY FORMING A CYLINDRICAL CAVITY ABOUT SAID DRIVE SHAFT; SAID STATOR BODY POSITIONED ADJACENT AND SECURED RELATIVE TO SAID SUPPORT STRUCTURE OPPOSITE SAID FAN STRUCTURE AND MOTOR MEANS; A ROTOR STRUCTURE MOUNTED UPON SAID SHAFT FOR ROTATION THEREWITH WITHIN SAID CAVITY FORMED BY SAID BODY; AND AN END CAP STRUCTURE POSITIONED ON THE END OF SAID BODY OPPOSITE SAID SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND SECURED RELATIVE TO SAID SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR ENCLOSING THE END OF SAID BODY; SAID DRIVE SHAFT HAVING AN OVER-HANGING END EXTENDING SUBSTANTIALLY THROUGH SAID ROTOR STRUCTURE AND CAVITY AND BEING UNSUPPORTED THEREAT; SAID SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND HUB HAVING A SEAL SUPPORT MEANS ADJACENT SAID ROTOR AND CAVITY AND A BEARING SUPORT PORTION SPACED AXIALLY THEREFROM TOWARD SAID MOTOR MEANS THEREBY SPACING SAID BEARING MEANS FROM SAID ROTOR AND CAVITY FOR HEAT ISOLATION PURPOSES; AND SAID FAN STRUCTURE WHEN ROTATED BY SAID DRIVE SHAFT DRAWING A CURRENT OF AIR INTO PROXIMITY WITH SAID HUB AND BEARING MEANS TO PROVIDE COOLING FOR THE SAME; SAID CAP STRUCTURE WHEN REMOVED AFFORDING AN UNOBSTRUCTED AND EASY SERVICE ACCESS TO SAID ROTOR STRUCTURE.