U.S. patent application number 12/851128 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-10 for single motor multiple pumps.
Invention is credited to Larry Duane Gebhardt, Emilio A. Ramirez, JR..
Application Number | 20110033318 12/851128 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43534967 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110033318 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ramirez, JR.; Emilio A. ; et
al. |
February 10, 2011 |
Single Motor Multiple Pumps
Abstract
A motorized pump assembly including a motor having a rotatable
shaft, at least a first pump having a first impeller and a second
pump having a second impeller, wherein the first pump and the
second pump are connected to the motor through a rotatable shaft,
and wherein the first impeller of the first pump is independently
operable from the second impeller of the second pump. The first
pump includes a first one-way bearing operatively driven by the
rotatable shaft when the rotatable shaft is rotated in a first
direction, while the second pump includes a second one-way bearing
operatively driven by the rotatable shaft when the rotatable shaft
is rotated in a second direction, wherein the second pump and the
second one-way bearing are not operatively driven by the rotatable
shaft when the rotatable shaft is rotated in the first direction,
and wherein the first pump and the first one-way bearing are not
operatively driven by the rotatable shaft when the rotatable shaft
is rotated in the second direction. A method of dispensing multiple
fluids is also described.
Inventors: |
Ramirez, JR.; Emilio A.;
(Roselle, IL) ; Gebhardt; Larry Duane; (St.
Charles, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bishop & Diehl, Ltd.
1750 East Golf Road, Suite 390
Schaumburg
IL
60173
US
|
Family ID: |
43534967 |
Appl. No.: |
12/851128 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61273489 |
Aug 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/321 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 43/1292
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/321 |
International
Class: |
F04B 17/00 20060101
F04B017/00 |
Claims
1. A motorized pump assembly comprising: a motor having a rotatable
shaft; a first pump having a first impeller; a second pump having a
second impeller, wherein the first pump and second pump are
connected to one another and to the motor through the rotatable
shaft; and, wherein the first impeller of the first pump is
independently operable from the second impeller of the second
pump.
2. The motorized pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the first pump
further includes a first one-way bearing.
3. The motorized pump assembly of claim 2, wherein the first
bearing is rotatable in first direction.
4. The motorized pump assembly of claim 3, wherein the first
bearing is rotatable in a clockwise direction.
5. The motorized pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the second pump
further includes a second one-way bearing.
6. The motorized pump assembly of claim 5, wherein the second
bearing is rotatable in a second direction.
7. The motorized pump assembly of claim 6, wherein the second
bearing is rotatable in counterclockwise direction.
8. A motorized pump device comprising: a motor driving a rotatable
shaft; a first pump having a first one-way bearing and operatively
driven by the rotatable shaft when the rotatable shaft is rotated
in a first direction; and a second pump having a second one-way
bearing and operatively driven by the rotatable shaft when the
rotatable shaft is rotated in a second direction; wherein the
second pump and the second one-way bearing are not operatively
driven by the rotatable shaft when the rotatable shaft is rotated
in the first direction; and wherein the first pump and the first
one-way bearing are not operatively driven by the rotatable shaft
when the rotatable shaft is rotated in the second direction.
9. The motorized pump device of claim 8, wherein the first pump
further includes a first impeller moveable through the first
one-way bearing in the first direction.
10. The motorized pump device of claim 8, wherein the second pump
further includes a second impeller moveable through the second
one-way bearing in the second direction.
11. The motorized pump device of claim 8, wherein the first
direction is clockwise.
12. The motorized pump device of claim 8, wherein the second
direction is counterclockwise.
13. A motorized pump assembly comprising: a motor having a
rotatable shaft; a first pump having a first impeller mounted on a
first one-way bearing, the first impeller operatively driven by the
rotatable shaft when the rotatable shaft is rotated in a first
direction; a second pump having a second impeller mounted on a
second one-way bearing and operatively driven by the rotatable
shaft when the rotatable shaft is rotated in a second direction;
and, wherein in the first direction the first pump operates, while
the second pump holds, and in the second direction the second pump
operates while the first pump holds.
14. A method for dispensing multiple fluids, the method comprising
the steps of: providing a motor having a rotatable shaft; providing
a first pump having a first impeller mounted on a first one-way
bearing, the first impeller operatively driven by the rotatable
shaft when the rotatable shaft is rotated in a first direction;
providing a second pump having a second impeller mounted on a
second one-way bearing and operatively driven by the rotatable
shaft when the rotatable shaft is rotated in a second direction;
staying operation of the second pump when the rotatable shaft is
rotated in the first direction; and staying operation of the first
pump when the rotatable shaft is rotated in the second
direction.
15. A method for dispensing multiple fluids comprising the steps
of: coupling a reversible motor having a rotatable drive shaft to a
first fluid pump via a first one-way bearing; coupling the
reversible motor having a rotatable drive shaft to a second fluid
pump via a second one-way bearing; operating the reversible motor
to turn the drive shaft in a first direction to thereby operate the
first fluid pump to dispense a first fluid; operating the
reversible motor to turn the drive shaft in a second direction to
thereby operate the second fluid pump to dispense a second fluid;
and wherein the second one-way bearing prevents the second fluid
pump from operating to dispense the second fluid when the drive
shaft turns in the first direction and the first one-way bearing
prevents the first pump from operating to dispense the first fluid
when the drive shaft turns in the second direction.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the operation of the motor to
turn the rotatable drive shaft alternates between the first
direction and the second direction automatically.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first direction is a
clockwise direction.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the second direction is a
counterclockwise direction.
19. A method for automatically dispensing multiple fluids
comprising the steps of: pumping a first fluid via a first pump in
response to the operation of a motor turning a rotatable drive
shaft in a first direction; and pumping a second fluid via a second
pump in response to the operation of the motor turning the
rotatable drive shaft in a second direction.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the method further comprises
the steps of: staying operation of the second pump when the
rotatable shaft is rotated in the first direction; and, staying
operation of the first pump when the rotatable shaft is rotated in
the second direction.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/273,489 filed on Aug. 5, 2009.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to motorized pumps and methods
for dispensing fluids. Particularly, the present invention relates
to a motorized pump assembly and fluid dispensing method having a
single motor operating more than one pump.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Pumps are used in many fluid pump systems and applications.
Peristaltic pumps, which function to move fluids through tubes in a
pulse-like fashion, are well known. Pumps are very useful in many
household appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, for
providing multiple detergents, softeners and conditioners that are
used in these appliances. In addition, because of the use of
multiple fluids at different times in the washing cycle, multiple
pumps are typically needed to supply each separate fluid. Given the
limited interior space in these types of appliances for the
internal mechanisms, it would be an advantage, for example, to
operate two pumps with a single motor, thereby eliminating the need
for two motors to operate two pumps, while maintaining the ability
to use multiple fluids in a single pump assembly.
[0004] The assembly and method of the present invention provide the
foregoing and other advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Generally speaking, the motorized pump assembly includes a
single motor that operates at least two pumps. In present assembly,
a single motor operates a first pump when the motor rotates its
output shaft in a first direction and operates a second pump when
the motor rotates its output shaft in a second direction. In this
manner, only one of the possible multiple pumps operates at a time.
Accordingly, a single motor can be used to selectively and
alternatively operate at least two pumps. The single motor dual
pumps can be used for any desired application, such as pumping
liquids, gels, solids and other materials. The present invention
also pertains to related methods, including methods of operating
pumps and methods of dispensing substances.
[0006] In one aspect, motorized pump assembly includes a motor
having a rotatable shaft, a first pump having a first impeller, a
second pump having a second impeller, wherein the first pump and
second pump are connected to one another and to the motor through
the rotatable shaft, wherein the first impeller of the first pump
is independently operable from the second impeller of the second
pump.
[0007] In another aspect, the first pump further includes a first
one-way bearing rotatable in first direction. In yet another
aspect, the second pump further includes a second one-way bearing
rotatable in a second direction.
[0008] In another aspect, a motorized pump device includes a motor
driving a rotatable shaft, a first pump having a first one-way
bearing and operatively driven by the rotatable shaft when the
rotatable shaft is rotated in a first direction, a second pump
having a second one-way bearing and operatively driven by the
rotatable shaft when the rotatable shaft is rotated in a second
direction, wherein the second pump and the second one-way bearing
are not operatively driven by the rotatable shaft when the
rotatable shaft is rotated in the first direction, and wherein the
first pump and the first one-way bearing are not operatively driven
by the rotatable shaft when the rotatable shaft is rotated in the
second direction.
[0009] In yet another aspect, a method of dispensing fluids A
method for dispensing multiple fluids comprising the steps of
coupling a reversible motor having a rotatable drive shaft to a
first fluid pump via a first one-way bearing, coupling the
reversible motor having a rotatable drive shaft to a second fluid
pump via a second one-way bearing, operating the reversible motor
to turn the drive shaft in a first direction to thereby operate the
first fluid pump to dispense a first fluid, operating the
reversible motor to turn the drive shaft in a second direction to
thereby operate the second fluid pump to dispense a second fluid,
and wherein the second one-way bearing prevents the second fluid
pump from operating to dispense the second fluid when the drive
shaft turns in the first direction and the first one-way bearing
prevents the first pump from operating to dispense the first fluid
when the drive shaft turns in the second direction.
[0010] In yet another aspect of the method, the operation of the
motor to turn the rotatable drive shaft alternates between the
first direction and the second direction automatically.
[0011] These and other aspects of the invention may be understood
more readily from the following description and the appended
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the
subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of
which, when considered in connection with the following
description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its
construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be
readily understood and appreciated.
[0013] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a motorized pump
assembly.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows the motorized pump assembly of FIG. 1 with a
cover removed from a first pump.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows the motorized pump assembly of FIG. 1 with the
first pump removed and a cover removed from the second pump.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of the motorized pump assembly of FIG.
1 with portions of the first and second pumps cut-away.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows the motorized pump assembly and the direction
of flow of fluids into the two pumps.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with
the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered
as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to embodiments
illustrated.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1-5, there is illustrated a motorized pump
assembly 10, having a motor 12, and at least two pumps, a first
pump 14 and a second pump 16. The motor 12 drives a rotatable shaft
18, which drives the pumps. The first pump 14 has a first impeller
20 and includes a first cover 14a. The second pump 16 has a second
impeller 22 and includes a second cover 16a, the covers being used
to enclose the tubing 14b and 16b running through the first and
second pumps, creating separate pump cartridges. The pumps or pump
cartridges containing the pumps and tubing for dispensing the
fluids can be optionally coupled together in a known manner, such
as through bolts or screws. In this manner, multiple pumps or pump
cartridges can be joined together, operating together using one
motor 12. The pumps may be any suitable kind, including peristaltic
pumps, which move fluids through tubes in a pulse-like fashion and
are typically useful in fluid pump systems.
[0020] As shown FIGS. 2 and 3, each pump includes an impeller,
specifically, the first pump 14 includes a first impeller 20, while
the second pump 16 includes a second impeller 22. In addition, the
first impeller 20 includes a first one-way bearing 24, while the
second impeller 22 includes a second one-way bearing 26. Each
bearing 24, 26, and thus the impellers are operatively driven by
the rotatable shaft 18 when the rotatable shaft is rotated in a
first direction or a second direction. The impellers create the
pulse or massaging action, which moves the fluid through the
tubing.
[0021] In one embodiment, the first one-way bearing 24 can be
adapted to rotate in a first direction, for example, in clockwise
direction when the first bearing 24 engages the motor shaft 18 when
the motor shaft is rotating clockwise. In this manner, the first
pump 14 operates when the first one-way bearing 24 engages the
clockwise rotating motor shaft 18. However, the first pump 14 and
the first one-way bearing 24 are not operatively driven by the
rotatable shaft 18 when the rotatable shaft is rotated in the
second direction. When the motor shaft 18 rotates in a second
direction, counter-clockwise for example, the first one-way bearing
24 slips on the motor shaft and does not operate the first pump
14.
[0022] The second pump 16 includes second one-way bearing 26, which
operates in a second direction. Thus, the second one-way bearing 26
can be a counter-clockwise bearing that engages the motor shaft 18
only when the motor shaft is rotating in a counter-clockwise
direction. The second pump 16 operates only when the second one-way
bearing 26 engages the counter-clockwise rotating motor shaft. The
second pump 16 and the second one-way bearing 26 are not
operatively driven by the rotatable shaft when the rotatable shaft
is rotated in the first direction. When the motor shaft 18 rotates
in the first direction or clockwise, the second one-way bearing 26
slips on the motor shaft and does not operate the second pump
16.
[0023] Accordingly, only one pump is operated at a time by the
motor 12 depending on which direction the motor rotates its output
motor shaft 18. Depending on the direction of rotation of the shaft
18, either the first pump 14 operates to pump fluids, while the
second pump 16 is held, or the second pump operates to pump fluids,
while the first pump is held. In this manner, the present device
may be used to convey more than one fluid into the desired system
at independent intervals.
[0024] The direction of the motor rotation can be selected by
reversing the polarity of the DC current applied to the electric
motor 12. In addition, it is understood that any type of suitable
motor and pumps may be used, and any mix of pumps may be utilized,
such as two peristaltic pumps of different capacities or two
different sized gear pumps. Also, the speed of each pump may be
controlled by an external electrical frequency control unit (not
shown).
[0025] As shown in FIG. 5, when the pump assembly 10 is in
operation, the motor 12 rotates in both a clockwise and a
counterclockwise direction, wherein the motor operates the two
impellers 20 and 22, each impeller having its own one-way bearings
24, 26 with a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. When the
motor 12 is rotating clockwise, the first pump 14 is activated,
thereby pumping fluid, such as a detergent into the machine system
(not shown), while the second pump 16 is slipping and not
functioning due to its one-way bearing 26. When the motor 12 is
rotating in a counterclockwise direction, the first pump 14 slips
and ceases to function, while the second pump 16 is now activated
thereby pumping a second fluid, such as a fabric softener, into the
machine system. There is no added torque on the motor 12 as it
drives each pump separately, one at a time. In this manner, a
single motor can operate numerous pumps in one operation.
[0026] The motorized pump assembly 10 would be useful in a method
for dispensing multiple fluids, for example, in a dishwashing
machine where detergent and then a rinse aid are used. In one
embodiment, the method would include coupling a reversible motor 12
having a rotatable drive shaft 18 to a first fluid pump 14 via a
first one-way bearing 24, and to a second fluid pump 16 via a
second one-way bearing 26. The reversible motor 12 would then turn
the drive shaft 18 in a first direction to thereby operate the
first fluid pump 14 to dispense a first fluid. Likewise, operating
the reversible motor 12 to turn the drive shaft 18 in a second
direction would thereby operate the second fluid pump 16 to
dispense a second fluid. As previously described, the second
one-way bearing 26 prevents the second fluid pump 16 from operating
to dispense the second fluid when the drive shaft turns in the
first direction, while the first one-way bearing 24 prevents the
first pump 14 from operating to dispense the first fluid when the
drive shaft 18 turns in the second direction. Accordingly, the
method provides operation of at least two pumps, for two separate
fluids through the use of a single motor.
[0027] In addition, although the embodiment described has only two
pumps driven by a single motor, embodiments of the present
invention could have more than two pumps. For example, an
embodiment could have more than one clockwise operated pump and/or
more than one counter-clockwise operated pump. In addition,
multiple pumps could be coupled or to one another or stacked
together in a known manner for use in multiple machines requiring
the pumping of different fluids.
[0028] The matter set forth in the foregoing description and
accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and
not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown
and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
broader aspects of applicants'contribution. The actual scope of the
protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims
when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.
* * * * *