U.S. patent application number 13/215675 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-23 for pump and pump assembly.
Invention is credited to Patrick Clasen, Justin Lawyer, Timothy Marks.
Application Number | 20120045352 13/215675 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44533222 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120045352 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lawyer; Justin ; et
al. |
February 23, 2012 |
PUMP AND PUMP ASSEMBLY
Abstract
Provided is a fluid pump assembly. The pump has a pair of
housings magnetically coupled to each other. The first housing
contains a drive motor and a magnetic assembly. The second housing
contains a magnetic assembly and a blade for imparting movement to
a fluid. As the first magnetic assembly is rotated by the drive
motor, the magnetic connection to the assembly in the second
housing causes the second magnet to rotate, driving the blade.
Inventors: |
Lawyer; Justin; (Bethlehem,
PA) ; Clasen; Patrick; (Bethlehem, PA) ;
Marks; Timothy; (Bethlehem, PA) |
Family ID: |
44533222 |
Appl. No.: |
13/215675 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61375961 |
Aug 23, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
417/410.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 29/445 20130101;
F04D 29/22 20130101; F04D 29/426 20130101; F04D 29/588 20130101;
F04D 29/5806 20130101; F04D 13/06 20130101; F04D 13/024
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/410.1 |
International
Class: |
F04B 35/00 20060101
F04B035/00 |
Claims
1. A pump comprising: a housing; a casing disposed in the housing;
a drive motor disposed in the casing; a magnet disposed in the
first housing and operatively associated with the drive motor to
rotate when the drive motor is in operation; and a fan operably
associated with the magnet to rotate with the magnet.
2. The pump of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises at least one
air inlet vent and at least one air outlet vent.
3. The pump of claim 2, wherein the air inlet vent and the air
outlet vent are in communication with one another along a path
extending within the housing and along an exterior surface of the
casing.
4. The pump of claim 1, further comprising a plate connected
between the magnet and the fan.
5. The pump of claim 1, wherein the casing comprises an exterior
surface having at least one fin that dissipates heat.
6. The pump of claim 5, wherein the casing is cylindrical and a
plurality of fins are arrayed longitudinally along the exterior
surface of the casing.
7. The pump of claim 1, wherein the drive motor comprises a
rotating shaft and the magnet is connected to the rotating shaft
via a threaded fastener.
8. The pump of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a releasably
connected bottom cover.
9. A pump comprising: a housing comprising at least one air inlet
vent and at least one air outlet vent for facilitating airflow
through the housing; a drive motor disposed in the housing; a
magnet disposed in the housing and operatively associated with the
drive motor; and a fan operably connected with the magnet to rotate
therewith and draw air through the housing.
10. The pump of claim 9, further comprising a plate connected
between the fan and the magnet, the plate limiting the affects of
the magnetic field created by the rotation of the magnet on the
drive motor.
11. The pump of claim 9, wherein the drive motor comprises a
rotating shaft operably connected to the magnet and the fan.
12. The pump of claim 11, wherein the magnet is connected to the
rotating shaft through a threaded connection.
13. The pump of claim 9, wherein the housing further comprises a
bottom cover and a pad attached to the bottom cover.
14. The pump of claim 9, wherein the air inlet comprises a rounded
outer edge.
15. The pump of claim 9, wherein the housing is molded from a
polymeric material.
16. The pump of claim 9, further comprising a casing surrounding
the motor, the casing comprising a fin extending from a surface of
the casing towards the housing.
17. The pump of claim 16, wherein the fan draws air in through the
inlet vents and along the fins and casing.
18. A pump assembly comprising: a first housing comprising a top
portion and a bottom cover; a casing disposed in the first housing;
a drive motor disposed in the casing; a first magnet disposed in
the first housing and operatively associated with the drive motor;
a fan connected to the first magnet; and a second housing
containing a second magnet and a blade operatively connected to the
second magnet for imparting movement to a fluid, wherein the first
housing and the second housing are capable of being magnetically
coupled to one another thought the first and second magnets.
19. The pump assembly of claim 18, wherein the first housing
comprises at least one air inlet vent and at least one air outlet
vent.
20. The pump assembly of claim 18, further comprising a plate
connected between the first magnet and the fan.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Application 61/375,961, filed on Aug. 23, 2010, the
disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference and to
which priority is claimed.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to fluid pump assemblies,
including magnetically coupled liquid pump assemblies useful with
aquariums, terrariums, foot spa basins and the like.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Pumps come in various designs depending on their operating
requirements and the environment in which they will be used. One
type of pump assembly that has been developed utilizes two separate
housings which are operably connected to each other by magnets. One
housing contains a drive motor and is designed to be placed outside
of a container. A second housing is placed inside of the container
and is held in place through a magnetic connection with the first
housing. The drive motor rotates a magnet located in the first
housing. The magnet of the first housing is magnetically coupled to
a magnet in the second housing so that the magnet in the second
housing rotates with the magnet in the first housing. The magnet in
the second housing is connected to a propeller or an impeller to
impart movement to fluid in the container.
[0004] Magnetically coupled pumps have mainly been used in
aquariums and provide a number of advantages over prior devices.
Magnetically coupled pumps may be placed in any location on a
container without concern over a mechanical mount. The attraction
force of the magnets through the container wall holds the pump in
place, eliminating the need to place holes in the container. The
elimination of brackets or other mechanical fasteners reduces the
amount of used materials and the overall weight of the pump.
Mechanical fasteners may fracture or break, resulting in an
otherwise operable pump becoming inoperable or less efficient
because it cannot be held in a proper position. A magnetically
coupled pump also eliminates the need for electrical components to
be submerged in water, eliminating the need to seal the motor
housing, resulting in a smaller and lighter pump.
SUMMARY
[0005] In an exemplary embodiment the invention is directed to a
pump. The pump includes a housing, a casing disposed in the
housing, and a drive motor disposed in the casing. A magnet is
operatively associated with the drive motor to rotate when the
drive motor is in operation. A fan is operatively associated with
the magnet to rotate when the magnet rotates.
[0006] In another exemplary embodiment the invention is directed to
a pump having a housing, a drive motor, and a magnet. The housing
includes at least one air inlet vent and at least one air outlet
vent. The drive motor is disposed in the housing and a magnet is
operatively associated with the drive motor. A fan is connected to
the magnet to draw air through the housing.
[0007] In a further exemplary embodiment the invention is directed
to a pump assembly having a first housing and a second housing. A
casing is disposed in the first housing and a drive motor is
disposed in the casing. A first magnet is disposed in the first
housing and operatively associated with the drive motor. A fan is
connected to the first magnet. The second housing contains a second
magnet and a blade is operatively connected to the second magnet
for imparting movement to a fluid. The first housing and the second
housing are capable of being magnetically coupled to one another
through the first and second magnets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a sectional, schematic view of an exemplary pump
assembly.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary motor
casing.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a plan, sectional view of the motor casing of FIG.
2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary motor
casing.
[0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary
motor casing.
[0013] FIG. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary
motor and motor casing.
[0014] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
magnet assembly.
[0015] FIG. 8A is a plan view of an exemplary fan.
[0016] FIG. 8B is a plan view of an exemplary fan.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary magnet assembly
connected to a motor shaft.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary magnet
assembly and motor casing.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an
exemplary dry side housing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) AND EXEMPLARY
METHOD(S)
[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
embodiments and methods of the invention as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings. It should be
noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not
limited to the specific details, representative devices and
methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in
connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods.
[0021] As best shown in FIG. 1, a fluid pump assembly comprises a
dry-side assembly 10 containing at least one magnet 12 and a
wet-side assembly 14 containing at least one magnet 16. The
wet-side magnet 16 is operatively associated with a blade 20 for
imparting movement to a fluid. The dry-side magnet 12 is connected
to a shaft 24 which is driven by a motor 18 to rotate about an
axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the dry-side magnet 12 is a
circular disc having at least one pair of magnetic poles N and S.
The poles may be arranged in an equal and opposite fashion, and can
be arrayed in a radial pattern around the disc. The dry-side magnet
12 may be made from a variety of magnetic materials. In an
exemplary embodiment, the dry-side magnet 12 is made from neodymium
or other high performance magnetic material.
[0022] The drive motor 18 may be of any appropriate type, such as
electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc. In an exemplary embodiment,
the drive motor 18 is an electric motor operating on either AC or
DC. The motor 18 is connected to a power source (not shown) which
may be a battery or outlet power. The drive shaft 24 rotates the
dry-side magnet 12 about an axis. Because the movement of the
dry-side magnet 12 creates a magnetic field, it may be useful to
shield the motor 18 with a cover made out of a material, such as
steel, that will prevent the magnetic field generated by the magnet
from affecting the motor 18.
[0023] The dry-side assembly 10 may be permanently or releasable
secured to the wall of a container 26. Alternatively, the dry-side
assembly 10 and the wet-side assembly 14 are placed on opposite
sides of the container 26 and hold each other in place through the
magnetic interaction between the magnets 12, 16. When the pump is
activated, the drive motor 18 will rotate the dry-side magnet 12.
Rotation of the dry-side magnet 12 causes rotation of the wet-side
magnet 16, which causes the blade 20 to rotate and imparts movement
to the fluid in the container 26.
[0024] The magnetic attraction between the magnets 12, 16 should be
sufficiently high so that the wet-side assembly 14 is held in place
in the container 26 with enough force to prevent it from being
dislodged due to liquid circulation or slight contact. For example,
the net magnetic attraction between the dry-side assembly 10 and
the wet-side assembly 14 may be at least 1.0 pound, though the net
magnetic attraction may be varied depending on the size of the pump
and the operating environment. Additionally, a variety of friction
elements or cooperating projections and depressions between the
assemblies 10, 14 and the container 26 may be included. Though not
necessary, additional brackets or other mechanical holding means
can be included to attach the assemblies 10, 14 to the container
26.
[0025] An exemplary embodiment of the dry-side assembly 10 will now
be explained in more detail. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the
dry side assembly 10 comprises a housing 30. The housing 30
includes a top portion 32, a plurality of side ribs 33, and an open
bottom for receiving a bottom cover 34. The housing 30 may be made
from a material having a low thermal conductivity, such as a
polymer material, and may be formed via a molding or extruding
process. The side ribs 33 may vary in number and spacing. The side
ribs 33 add strength to the housing 30 and assist in handling and
placement of the housing 30 on a container 26.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom cover 34 is
releasably secured to the remainder of the housing 30. As best
shown in FIG. 3, the bottom cover 34 has a channel 36 which
receives a projection 38 formed in the bottom of the housing 30.
The projection 38 may interlock with the channel 36, or an adhesive
may be applied to connect the two more permanently. Additional tabs
or protrusion may be used in connection with or in place of the
projection 38 to attach the bottom cover 34 to the housing 30. A
pad 39 made from a resilient material such foam, rubber, or
silicone may be attached to the bottom of the cover 34. The pad 39
separates the bottom cover 34 from a wall of the container 26,
acting as a cushion to prevent damage to both the dry-side assembly
10 and the container 26. The pad 39 may also act as a friction
device which assists in preventing the dry-side assembly 10 from
rotating relative to the container 26 and to the wet-side assembly
14 during operation of the pump. An adhesive layer, for example a
releasable adhesive, may be attached to the outer side of the pad
39 to increase the security of the connection between the housing
30 and the container 26.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 30 has a slot 40
which can receive a grommet 42. The grommet 42 is made from a
flexible material, for example rubber, to provide a flexible
connection for a power cable (not shown) that connects to the motor
18 through the housing 30. The grommet 42 prevents the cable from
becoming worn due to contact with the housing 30. The grommet 42
may attach to the housing through a mechanical connection, an
adhesive connection, or a combination of both. As shown in FIG. 3,
an exemplary embodiment of the grommet 42 has a first tab 44 and a
second tab 46 for connecting with the housing 30 and the bottom
cover 34 respectively. The housing 30 may also be provided with a
slot to retain the grommet 42. If a power source is used for the
motor 18 that does not require a direct cable connection, such as
battery power, the grommet 42 and thus the slot 40 may not be
incorporated into the housing 30.
[0028] The top portion 32 of the housing 30 may have a plurality of
holes 48 for receiving screws, bolts, or other mechanical fasteners
to connect the housing 30 to the motor 18. Holes 48 may be
chamfered to provide countersinking, allowing the mechanical
fasteners to be either flush with or below the outer surface of the
top portion 32. The top portion 32 may also have a plurality of
upper vents 50. The upper vents 50 assist in providing air flow
through the housing. For example, the upper vents 50 may act as air
inlet vents. The housing 30 may also include a set of lower vents
52 spaced from the upper vents 50. The lower vents 52 may act as
air outlet vents in conjunction with air received from the upper
vents 50. The number of vents 50, 52, as well as their size and
shape, may vary to allow for optimized air flow through the housing
30 and around the motor 18. For example, areas of the housing 30,
32 around the vents 50, 52 may have transition portions, such as
the rounded edges shown around the upper vents 50 or the tapered
portions shown around the lower vents 52. The transition portions
reduce turbulence which can lessen noise and increase heat transfer
efficiency.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the motor 18 is surrounded by an
exterior casing 19. As best shown in FIG. 4, the casing 19 may
include a top endcap 54 and a bottom endcap 56. The endcaps 54, 56
may be formed from a variety of materials. In an exemplary
embodiment, the endcaps 54, 56 are formed from a material having a
high thermal conductivity such as aluminum. While the endcaps 54,
56 are shown and described herein as separate pieces, it is
possible that the endcaps 54, 56 are formed as a unitary structure.
The top endcap 54 may have a plurality of holes 55 to accommodate
screws, bolts, or other mechanical fasteners to connect the top
endcap 54 to the housing 30. As shown in FIG. 4, these holes 55 may
be chamfered to provide countersinking, similar to holes 48 in the
housing 30.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the motor casing 19 has at least
one fin 58. Preferably, a plurality of fins 58 are arrayed
circumferentially around the endcaps 54, 56 as shown in FIG. 4. The
fins 58 extend longitudinally along the exterior surface of the
motor casing 19. These fins 58 may be connected to, or formed
integrally with, either the top endcap 54 or to the bottom endcap
56. The fins 58 may be formed from the same material as the endcaps
54, 56 or from a separate material. Because the fins 58 act as heat
exchangers, they may be formed from a material having a higher
thermal conductivity than the endcaps 54, 56. In an exemplary
embodiment, the fins 58 will be connected to the top endcap 54 and
extend down below the top endcap 54 so that they are at least
partially covering the bottom endcap 56. The diameter of the
endcaps 54, 56 or the fins 58 may be dimensioned so that the fins
58 extending from the top endcap 54 contact the bottom endcap
56.
[0031] The fins 58 may be substantially frusto-pyramidal in shape,
so that the bottom portion of the fin 58 connected to the casing 19
is longer than the top portion and the sides taper upwards towards
each other. As best shown in FIG. 4, the side of the fins 58 may
have a rounded surface 58a. This rounded side surface 58a will face
the air inlet vents 50 of the motor housing 30. As air is drawn in
through the inlet vents 50, it flows over these rounded surfaces
58a before encountering the rest of the fin 58. This helps maintain
a smoother, more laminar flow, increasing the heat transfer along
the fins 58 and resulting in quieter operation of the pump.
Additionally, the top of the fins 58 may have chamfered, beveled,
or rounded edges along the length of the fin to reduce turbulence.
In an exemplary embodiment, the fins 58 are as thin as allowed by
the associated material to increase the rate of heat transfer. The
fins 58 may have an equal length or they may vary in length. As
best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, this may be necessary when a slot 57
is placed in the bottom endcap 56 to allow a portion of the grommet
42 to pass through the endcap 54.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the casing 19 is attached to the
top portion 32 of the housing 30, for example with mechanical
fasteners connected through holes 55. The upper vents 50 are sized
to create an opening from approximately the outer surface of the
casing 19 to approximately just beyond the fins 58 extended from
the outer surface of the casing 19. This allows for air to pass
along the fins 58 and the outer surface of the casing 19,
increasing the amount of heat transfer.
[0033] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the motor
casing 19b has a top endcap 54b, a bottom endcap 56b, and a center
casing 59b. The top and bottom endcaps 54b, 56b may have a
plurality of holes 55b for connecting the housing 30. The holes 55b
in at least one of the endcaps 54b, 56b may also be used to connect
the endcap to the stator 64 of the motor. The center casing 59b
includes the slot 57b and the fins 58b which may be attached to the
center casing 59b or formed integrally therewith. The fins 58b may
be evenly distributed and extend along the length of the center
casing 59b. The endcaps 54b, 56b and center casing 59b may be
connected by screws, other mechanical fasteners, or an adhesive.
Additionally, a sealing member such as an o-ring may be used to
seal the connection between the endcaps 54b, 56b and the center
casing 59b.
[0034] The motor casing 19 houses the internal components of the
motor 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the motor 18 is a brushless
dc motor, though a variety of motors may be used. FIG. 6 depicts
portions of an exemplary motor 18 for reference, while other
components have been omitted for clarity as the typical components
and operation of a motor 18 will be understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art. The motor 18 includes a rotor 60 having a shaft
62, and a stator 64. The bottom of the shaft 62 connects to the
dry-side magnet assembly 12. This connection may be achieved in a
variety of different ways including bonding and press fit. In an
exemplary embodiment, the shaft 62 is connected to the magnet 66
via a threaded connection. The threads on the shaft 62 may be
either male or female. When the shaft has a male thread, female
threads may be present on the magnet 66 and other components that
may be connected therewith, such as plate 68 and a fan 70. In
various exemplary embodiments, the magnet 66 has a thread
connection while the plate 68 and/or fan 70 are connected to the
magnet 66 or one another via and adhesive. Additionally, both the
shaft 62 and the magnet 66 may have a female thread, and a threaded
fastener may be used to connect the components. As shown in FIG. 9,
the top of the shaft 62 may have a slot 63 so that a tool, such as
a screwdriver, can be used to drive the shaft 63, screwing it into
the magnet assembly 12. Though a flat-head screwdriver slot 63 is
shown, a variety of other typical heads may be used such as a
phillips heads or a hexagon or allen head. The threaded connection
allows for easy assembly and changing of parts.
[0035] As best shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10 the magnet assembly 12
comprises a magnet 66, a plate 68, and a fan 70. The magnet 66 may
be made from any magnet material, for example neodymium. In an
exemplary embodiment, the intermediate plate 68 separates the fan
70 from the magnet 66. The plate 68 may be made of a material, such
as steel, that will block magnetic flux from the motor 18. As the
dry-side magnet 12 rotates and drives the wet-side magnet 16, a
magnetic field is created. Flux from the magnetic field can disturb
the operation of the motor 18. The intermediate plate 68 prevents
or minimizes this disturbance. The magnet 66, plate 68, and fan 70
may be connected through a variety of different ways, such as
mechanical fasteners or adhesives. As discussed above, these
components may also be connected to each other through their
connection to the shaft 62.
[0036] As best shown in FIGS. 7-9, the fan 70 comprises a plurality
of blades 72. In an exemplary embodiment, the fan 70 will be
designed as an impeller which draws air through the motor casing
30. The fan 70 can be a radial fan or an axial fan. In a radial
fan, the air will flow in a radial direction to the shaft, while in
an axial fan the air will flow parallel to the shaft. Mixed flow
fans, which result in both radial and axial type flow, and
cross-flow fans may also be utilized. The fan 70 may be designed so
that the airflow through the housing 30 has a near or completely
laminar flow. Where laminar flow of the air through the housing is
desired, an axial type fan may be used.
[0037] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the blades 72a
are equally spaced about the fan 70a. The blades 72a have a flat
end 74a, a curved body 76a, and a tapered end 78a. Additionally the
fan blades 72a are spaced so that they do not overlap one another.
Another exemplary embodiment of a fan 70b is shown in FIG. 8B. The
blades 72b have a rounded end 74b, a curved body 76b, and a tapered
end 78b. The blades 72b are positioned so they overlap one another
and extend from the outer edge of the fan 70b to the inner edge.
The fan 70b shown in FIG. 8B also includes a raised inner edge 80b.
The number, size, shape, and spacing of the blades 72a, 72b can be
varied from the exemplary embodiments shown to optimize airflow
through a housing 30, based on the design and internal components
thereof.
[0038] FIGS. 10 and 11 show an exemplary dry-side assembly 10. The
housing 30 is connected to the bottom cover 34 and surrounds the
motor 18 and motor casing 19. The pad 39 is connected to the bottom
cover 34. The top portion 32 of the housing 30 connects to the top
endcap 54 of the motor casing 19. The shaft 62 of the rotor 60 is
connected to the magnet 66. As the motor is operated, the shaft 62
will turn, rotating the magnet 66 and the fan 70. The rotating
blades 72 of the fan 70 will draw air in through the upper vents
50. The air passes over the motor casing and along the fins 58 (if
present). The air then exits the lower vents 52. In this way, air
can be drawn through the housing 30 to cool the motor 18. The vents
50, 52 should be designed to allow the most airflow while
minimizing noise and turbulence. In an exemplary embodiment, the
airflow through the housing 30 is completely laminar.
[0039] The fins 58 increase the surface area, and hence the amount
of heat transfer between the circulating air and the motor 18,
allowing the pump to operate at a higher rate of performance with
less of a chance of overheating. Additionally, air cooling the
motor 18 can reduce the amount of heat transferred to the container
26. As discussed above, the housing 30 may be made from a material
with a low thermal conductivity. Thus, as the air passes through
the housing 30, it forms a thermal boundary, minimizing the heat
transferred to the housing 30. This may keep the housing 30 cool to
the touch, so that it may be safely handled by a user, even after
prolonged periods of use.
[0040] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of
the present invention has been presented for the purpose of
illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or
variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The
embodiments disclosed hereinabove were chosen in order to best
illustrate the principles of the present invention and its
practical application to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in
the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and
with various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated, as long as the principles described herein are
followed. Thus, changes can be made in the above-described
invention without departing from the intent and scope thereof.
Moreover, features or components of one embodiment may be provided
in another embodiment. Thus, the present invention is intended to
cover all such modification and variations.
* * * * *