Vacuum pump having an adjustable housing

The invention relates to a pump. The pump has a pump housing comprising a first and second housing part (1, 2). The first housing part (1) has a first fluid port (10) and a first face side (8). The second housing part (2) has a second fluid port (27) and a second face side (9). The second housing part is axially connectable with the first housing part (1). Further, the pump has a pump motor in the first housing part (1) and a fluid mover in the second housing part (2). The fluid mover is drivable by the pump motor. Further, the pump has a housing part connecting device (3) for axially connecting the first housing part (1) and the second housing part (2) with each other. The housing part connecting device (3) is adjustable between a connecting and a release position. In the connecting position, the first housing part (1) and the second housing part (2) are fixed in an axial and rotary manner with each other. In the release position, the first housing part (1) and the second housing part (2) are pivotable relative to each other and are fixed in an axial manner with each other.

The invention relates to a pump, in particular to a vacuum pump and/or a compressor, for transporting and/or compressing a fluid. Fluid can be gas or ambient air. In the case of a pump which does not compress the fluid the fluid can also be liquid.

Pumps for transporting fluids and compressing fluids are well known in the prior art. Many pumps are not adjustable to their installation environment. The installation of these pumps is often difficult and time-consuming. The installation of these pumps is often difficult and time-consuming. It is furthermore disadvantageous that their components are not sufficiently cooled.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,531,092 discloses a liquid pump for use with a circulation system for a recreational body of water. The liquid pump includes a strainer housing, a pump housing assembly secured to the strainer housing, and a lock ring fastened to the pump housing assembly. The pump housing assembly includes an outlet that is rotatable between a first position and a second position.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,155 discloses a pump that includes a housing. The housing has a main section and a cover section. The main section of the housing has three separate risers. Any one of the risers may be connected with a fluid conduit. The main and cover sections of the housing are moveable relative to each other to enable the rotary device to be mounted in a selected one of a plurality of positions.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,076,414 discloses a pump that has a housing and an end cap or block which telescopes into the housing. The end cap is secured with screws to the housing. The end cap may be rotated in any one of four positions relative to the housing. By this arrangement the relative position of the inlet in the housing and the outlet in the cap may be changed relative to one another.

In one embodiment of the invention a pump is provided which includes a housing part connecting device. In the connecting position, the housing part connecting device, couples a first housing part to a second housing part so the first housing part and second housing part are fixed in an axial and rotary manner with each other. Consequently, in the connecting position, the housing part connecting device prevents an axial and rotary movement between the first housing part and the second housing part. In a release position, the connecting device is still coupled to the first housing part and the second housing part. The housing parts are, however, pivotable relative to each other and are limited in an axial manner with each other. Consequently, in the release position, the housing part connecting device enables a pivotal relative movement between the first housing part and the second housing part. Thus, the first fluid port and/or the second fluid port is adjustable to its installation environment, in particular to a fluid conduit. Further, in the release position, the housing part connecting device prevents or limits an axial movement between the first housing part and the second housing part.

It is advantageous when the first housing part and the second housing part are skewed towards each other by 360°. The terms “axial”, “axially”, “radial” and “radially” used in this disclosure are in relation to a longitudinal central axis of the first housing part and/or the second housing part.

In a further embodiment of the invention the pump motor is an electric motor.

The fluid movement device for the fluid transport is a pump wheel, a rotor, a membrane, a piston device or a rotary slide device. Other fluid movement devices are applicable, alternatively.

In an embodiment of the invention the first fluid port is radially positioned at the first housing part. The first fluid port radially project from the first housing part. The, the first fluid port is a fluid inlet.

In still a further embodiment the second fluid port is radially positioned at the second housing part. The second fluid port radially projects from the second housing part. The second fluid port is a fluid outlet.

Preferably, the first fluid opening is annular at the first face side and fully extends at the first face side around the first central longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first fluid opening is axially open towards the second housing part.

Preferably, the second fluid opening is annular at the second face side and fully extends at the second face side around the second central longitudinal axis. Preferably, the second fluid opening is axially open towards the first housing part. Preferably, the first fluid opening and the second fluid opening have at the face sides of the pump housing an identical design and an identical distance to their central longitudinal axis. Preferably, the central longitudinal axes are aligned to each other.

The common fluid overlap enables a fluid connection between the first housing part and the second housing part.

In a further embodiment, the first housing part and the second housing part have peripheral connection protrusions. Particularly, the peripheral connection protrusions have an annular design and completely extend around the respective central longitudinal axis at the respective housing part.

Preferably, the connecting ring forms a sealing.

Preferably, the connecting ring adjustment member enables an adjustment of the effective length or diameter of the connecting ring. Preferably, the connecting ring adjustment member comprises a bolt which is manually adjustable and causes an adjustment of the length or diameter of the connecting ring by operation. Preferably, the bolt has a bolt thread and penetrates two mounting members fastened in end regions of the connecting ring to the connecting ring. Preferably, the first mounting member forms an abutment for the head of the bolt, while the second mounting member has a thread engaged by the bolt thread.

The outer wall of the connecting ring may have different designs. The side walls of the connecting ring may extend parallel or inclined to each other. The receiving chamber of the connecting ring may be engaged by the peripheral connection protrusions.

According to another embodiment, in the vicinity of the pump motor, there is at least one first fluid receiving space for cooling the pump motor. Preferably, the fluid receiving space is spatially limited by the pump housing. Hereby, heat originating from the operation of the pump motor is particularly effectively dischargeable from the pump motor by the fluid contained in the first fluid receiving space.

According to another embodiment, in the vicinity of the electric control unit, there is at least one second fluid receiving space. Thus, heat originating from the operation of the electronic control unit is particularly effectively dischargeable from the control unit by fluid flowing through the at least second fluid receiving space.

A fluid machine, in particular a pump or a compressor shown inFIGS. 1 and 2comprises a first housing part1and a second housing part2which is axially fastened with the first housing part1via a housing part connecting device3. The housing part connecting device3can be a band clamp. The first housing part1has a first outer wall4and a first central longitudinal axis5. The first outer wall is annular relative to the first central longitudinal axis5. The second housing part2has a second outer wall6and a second central longitudinal axis7. Only a portion66of the second outer wall6is annular relative to the second central longitudinal axis7. Another portion67is askew relative to the second central longitudinal axis7. Portion67is, however, annular relative to rotor axis37. The first central longitudinal axis5and the second central longitudinal axis7are aligned to each other.

Further, the first housing part1has a first face side8, while the second housing part2has a second face side9. The face sides8,9face and abut each other. At the face sides8,9, the first outer wall4and the second outer wall6have the same outer diameter. As shown they have an identical design and size.

The first housing part1has a fluid inlet10which radially projects from the first outer wall4. Fluid enters into the first housing part1via the fluid inlet10which is represented by the arrow11. The fluid shown in this embodiment is a compressible fluid which is ambient air.

Downstream of the fluid inlet10, there is a fluid receiving space12in the first housing part1. The fluid receiving space12is axially limited towards the second housing part2by a first side wall13extending in a manner which intersects the first central longitudinal axis5.

A first inner wall14having an annular cross-section projects from the first side wall13towards the second housing part2. Essentially, the first inner wall14and the first outer wall4are concentrically positioned around the first central longitudinal axis5.

In the first side wall13, there is a first fluid aperture15which curvedly extends partially around the first central longitudinal axis5and is positioned in a radial outer region of the first side wall13.

The first side wall13in part serves to divide the first housing part1into a first chamber100which houses an electrical assembly22and a second chamber102which serves to house the pump's motor. The electrical assembly22is fixed to a connector plate104. The connector plate104is mounted to the side wall13and is held in chamber100.

Downstream of the first fluid aperture15, there is a first fluid connection space16which has an annular cross-section. The first connecting space16is radially limited by the first outer wall4and the first inner wall14. At the first face side8, the first connecting space16is open by forming a first annular fluid opening.

The first inner wall14radially limits a pump motor space17. In the pump motor space17, a cylindrical stator18is positioned. A central shaft19projects into the stator18. The stator18and the rotor20form an electric motor which is able to rotate the central shaft19around its longitudinal axis which is aligned to the first central longitudinal axis5of the first housing part1. The central shaft19is supported in a first ball bearing assembly21. The first side wall13carries the first ball bearing21. The first ball bearing21is held in a chamber106limited by an annular wall108extending axially away from the first side wall13and towards first face side8.

In chamber100of first housing part1is the electrical assembly22. The electrical assembly22includes ordinary electrical components for operating the electric motor. Preferably, the electrical components are encased in resin to preserve and protect the electrical components. The electrical assembly22includes an electrical connector23for power which may extend axially outwards the electrical assembly22may also include a cable110to provide feedback to and from a controller.

A first mounting device24surrounds the first outer wall4proximate chamber102and the motor. A second mounting device25surrounds an outer wall proximate the electrical component assembly22. The mounting devices24,25enable a mounting of the pump to its installation environment. The mounting devices24and25are flexible straps with a tightening screw joining each end of the strap at one circumferential position. The straps include feet radially opposite the tightening screw. An operator can loosen one or both of the straps around the housing parts1and2by adjusting the tightening screws. The straps allow an operator to adjust housing parts1and2without completely removing the straps from housing parts1and2or removing the straps from the member to which the feet are mounted.

A first peripheral connection ring26radially projects from the first housing part1adjacent to the first face side8. The first peripheral connection ring26fully extends around the first central longitudinal axis5. The first peripheral connection ring26can be a flange of the first housing part1.

A fluid outlet27radially projects from the second outer wall6. The fluid outlet27is in flow connection with the fluid inlet10. Put another way fluid outlet27is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet10. As used herein fluid connection and fluid communication can be used interchangeably Fluid may leave the pump via the fluid outlet27which is represented by the arrow28.

The second housing part2has a second fluid connecting space29which is open towards the first housing part1. The fluid connecting space29forms a second annular fluid opening which opens into the first annular opening of the first housing part1. The second fluid connecting space29has an annular cross-section. The first fluid opening is in flow connection or communication with the second annular fluid opening. They have about the same diameter. They are shown as having an identical design and size.

The second fluid connecting space29is radially limited by a second inner wall30which has an annular design and extends around the second central longitudinal axis7. It is also radially limited by portion66of the second outer wall6. The second fluid connecting space29is thus radially between the second inner wall30and the portion66of the second outer wall6and extends circumferentially around the second central longitudinal axis7. The second inner wall30and the portion66of the second outer wall6are concentric. An annular end of the first inner wall14is coupled to an annular end of the second inner wall30. The end of the first inner wall14extends around a flange at the annular end of the second inner wall30.

Further, the second housing part2has a second side wall31intersecting the second central longitudinal axis7. The second side wall31carries a second ball bearing assembly32. The second bearing assembly32is held in a chamber116limited by an annular wall112extending axially away from the second side wall31and towards the second face side9. The second bearing assembly32supports the central shaft19. The central shaft19penetrates the second side wall31.

In a radial outer region of the second side wall31, there is a second fluid aperture33which curvedly extends partially around the second central longitudinal axis7and provides a fluid connection between the second fluid connecting space29and a rotor space34. The rotor space34can also be called a working chamber. The rotor space34is positioned in the second housing part2and is radially limited by the second outer wall6. The rotor space34is axially limited by the second side wall31at one axial end and the cover39at another opposite axial end. On a first side of the second side wall31is the rotor space34. The second ball bearing assembly32is arranged on an opposite side of the second side wall31. Looking towards the second side wall31through the fluid connecting space29, the second side wall31appears generally concave in a stepped manner towards the center. Looking towards the second side wall31from the side which holds the bearing, the second side wall31appears convex in a stepped manner. The rotor space34is in fluid connection with the fluid outlet27.

A rotor is arranged in the rotor space34. The rotor is designed as a core rotor. The rotor comprises a first rotor component35connected with the central shaft19. Further, the rotor comprises a second rotor component36connected with the first rotor component35.

The first rotor component35is drivable by the central shaft19. The first rotor component35is coupled directly to the central shaft19by fastening bolts37that extend axially through the first rotor component35into a mounting flange38of the central shaft19.

The second rotor component36is drivable by the first rotor component35. The first rotor component35has teeth which interface with teeth of the second rotor component36.

The second rotor component36has an axis of rotation48that is askew to the first and second central longitudinal axis5,7. Due to the non-alignment of the axes of the rotor components35,36, the teeth of the second rotor component36are drivable by the teeth of the first rotor component35, but only at some fraction of the 360°. Typically, that fraction is less than 180°. This relative angle causes the rotor components35,36to be open from each other at the leading edge of opening33to capture the fluid passing through opening33from the second fluid connecting space29. The rotor is open where the teeth do not fully intersect. As the teeth close the fluid is compressed and ejected through a channel114and out the fluid outlet27.

An end cover39closes the axial end of the pump, opposite the electrical component assembly22. A second peripheral connection ring40radially projects from the second outer wall6adjacent to the second face side9. The second peripheral connection ring40fully extends around the second central longitudinal axis7. The second peripheral connection ring40can be considered a flange of the second outer wall6.

The housing part connecting device3has a connecting ring41and a connecting ring adjustment member42. The connecting ring41has a cross-section which is designed as a V. Consequently, the connecting ring41has two side walls43facing each other and connected by an outer wall44. The side walls43and the outer wall44define a receiving chamber. The peripheral connection rings26,40protrude into the receiving chamber which is open towards the first housing part1and the second housing part2.

The connecting ring adjustment member42comprises a bolt45which is manually operable and has an outer bolt thread. The bolt45penetrates two mounting blocks46,47fixed at end regions to the connecting ring41. Essentially, the bolt45forms a passant related to the connecting ring41. The first mounting block46forms an abutment for the head of the bolt45, while the second mounting block47has an inner thread engaged by the bolt thread. By operating the bolt45, the bolt thread turns in the thread of the second mounting block47or out of the same, whereby the distance of the mounting blocks46,47is changed. Thereby, the effective length or the diameter of the connecting ring41is adjusted.

The housing part connecting device3forms a clamp which is adjustable between a connecting position and a release position. In the connecting position, the connecting ring41has a reduced length or diameter. The side walls43laterally contact the peripheral connection rings46,40and axially press the same together, so that the first housing part1and the second housing part2are fixed in an axial and rotatably fixed manner with each other.

In the release position, the connecting ring41is widened. The side walls43loosely contact laterally the peripheral connection rings26,40, so that the housing parts1,2are rotatable pivotably relative to each other and the fluid inlet10and/or the fluid outlet27are adjustable relative to each other. Therefor as made clear above and in the drawings, the fluid inlet and outlet may be fixed in different relative to each other. The side walls43limit an axial movement of the housing parts1,2to each other.

Adjustment of the second housing part2relative to the first housing part1causes the second rotor component36to move relative to the first rotor component35. The movement causes the movement of the air receiving space between the rotor components35,36which carries fluid from aperture33. The air receiving space moves with space33such that the air receiving space between the rotor components35,36always remains aligned with aperture33.

As already mentioned, the fluid enters via the fluid inlet10in the direction of the arrow11into the fluid receiving space12. The electronic assembly22is cooled between the fluid receiving space12and the first fluid aperture15via the connector plate104. The fluid penetrates the first fluid aperture15and flows in and through the first connecting space16. As the first fluid connecting space16axially surrounds the electric motor the electric motor is cooled by the fluid, passing through the first fluid connecting space16. The electric motor is cooled before the fluid is compressed. From first fluid connecting space16, the fluid enters into the second fluid space29and penetrates the second fluid aperture33. From the second fluid aperture33, the fluid enters into the rotor space34. The fluid is moved by the rotor, which ejects the fluids through the fluid outlet27in the direction of the arrow28. The electric motor is controlled by the electric components. The rotor is driven by the electric motor.

The rotor components35,36in this shown embodiment are a type of fluid mover adapted to compress fluid and transport fluid. The rotor components35,36shown are thus only for a compressible fluid. The rotor components35,36transport a working gas which may be ambient air.

The construction of the pump allows an operator to infinitely adjust the position of the first housing part while the second housing part2is held stationary, infinitely adjust the second housing part while the first housing part1is held stationary, or a combination thereof.