U.S. patent application number 14/778157 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-29 for tandem electric pump.
This patent application is currently assigned to Magna Powertrain Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.. Invention is credited to Gil HADAR, Kyle MILLS, Richard MUIZELAAR.
Application Number | 20160281712 14/778157 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51579380 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160281712 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MUIZELAAR; Richard ; et
al. |
September 29, 2016 |
TANDEM ELECTRIC PUMP
Abstract
A tandem pump with a pump housing that includes a first pump
portion with a first pump inlet and first pump outlet. The pump
housing further includes a second pump portion having a second pump
inlet and a second pump outlet. Within the pump housing is a
rotatable common shaft that extends between the first and second
pump portions. A first pump chamber that includes a first pump
element with a first pump outer rotor surrounding a first pump
inner rotor. The first pump inner rotor is connected to a first end
of the common shaft. A second pump chamber has a second pump
element operationally connected to a second end of the common shaft
located opposite the first end of the common shaft. A stator is
positioned in the first pump portion of the pump housing and
circumscribes the first pump outer rotor.
Inventors: |
MUIZELAAR; Richard;
(Mississauga, CA) ; MILLS; Kyle; (Toronto, CA)
; HADAR; Gil; (Guelph, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC. |
Concord |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Magna Powertrain Inc.
Concord
ON
|
Family ID: |
51579380 |
Appl. No.: |
14/778157 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
March 20, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2014/060013 |
371 Date: |
September 18, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61803688 |
Mar 20, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04C 2/102 20130101;
F04B 43/12 20130101; F04C 11/001 20130101; F04C 14/06 20130101;
F04C 15/0084 20130101; F04C 2210/1094 20130101; F04B 19/22
20130101; F04C 2/16 20130101; F04D 1/00 20130101; F04C 11/008
20130101; F04D 13/024 20130101; F04D 13/0686 20130101; F04C 15/0069
20130101; F04C 15/06 20130101; F04C 2/126 20130101; F04D 13/12
20130101; F04C 2/18 20130101; F04C 11/006 20130101; F04C 2/3448
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04C 15/00 20060101
F04C015/00; F04C 14/06 20060101 F04C014/06; F04C 15/06 20060101
F04C015/06; F04C 11/00 20060101 F04C011/00 |
Claims
1. A tandem pump comprising: a pump housing defining a first pump
portion having a first pump inlet and first pump outlet, a second
pump portion having a second pump inlet and a second pump outlet; a
common shaft rotatably positioned in said pump housing and
extending between said first pump portion and said second pump
portion; a first pump chamber of said first pump portion having a
first pump element with a first pump outer rotor surrounding a
first pump inner rotor, wherein said first pump inner rotor is
connected to a first end of said common shaft; a second pump
chamber of said second pump portion having a second pump element
operationally connected to a second end of the common shaft,
opposite the first end of the common shaft; and a stator contained
in said first pump portion of said pump housing circumscribing said
first pump outer rotor, wherein said stator and said first pump
outer rotor are magnetically coupled so that energization of said
stator causes said first pump outer rotor to rotate and pump a
first fluid through said first pump chamber between said first pump
inlet and said first pump outlet, and rotation of said first pump
outer rotor causes rotation of said first pump inner rotor that is
translated to said second pump element through said common shaft,
wherein said second pump element rotates causing a second fluid to
pump through said second pump chamber between said second pump
inlet and said second pump outlet.
2. The tandem pump of claim 1 wherein the second pump element
includes a second pump outer rotor surrounding a second pump inner
rotor, wherein said second pump inner rotor is connected to a
second end of the common shaft, opposite the first end of the
common shaft.
3. The tandem pump of claim 1 wherein the second pump chamber
further comprises: said second pump chamber defined by a wet sleeve
and volute, wherein said volute is connected to the pump housing
and defines a flow path between the second pump inlet and the
second pump outlet and the wet sleeve prevents the second fluid
from leaving the second pump chamber; a magnetic rotor connected to
the second pump element, wherein the magnetic rotor and the second
pump element are rotatably positioned within the second fluid in
said second pump chamber ; a magnetic coupling connected to the
second end of the common shaft within the pump housing, wherein the
magnetic coupling is outside of the second pump chamber and is
magnetically coupled to the magnetic rotor through the wet sleeve
wherein rotation of the magnetic coupling causes rotation of the
magnetic rotor and rotation of the second pump element.
4. The tandem pump of claim 3 further comprising a single
electronics controller contained within the pump housing for
controlling the energization of the stator, wherein the single
electronics controller is in heat sink contact with a dry side of
the wet sleeve so that the second fluid pumping though the second
pump chamber cools the single electronics controller.
5. The tandem pump of claim 4 wherein the single electronics
controller includes one or more insulated-gate bipolar
transistors.
6. The tandem pump of claim 1 further comprising a single
electronics controller contained within the pump housing for
controlling the energization of the stator.
7. The tandem pump of claim 6 wherein the single electronics
controller includes one or more insulated-gate bipolar
transistors.
8. The tandem pump of claim 7 wherein the pump housing includes a
removable pump cover where the single electronics controller is
connected in contact with the pump cover for better heat
conductivity.
9. The tandem pump of claim 1 wherein the second pump portion is a
water pump and the first pump portion is an oil pump.
10. The tandem pump of claim 1 wherein the second pump portion is a
transmission oil pump and the first pump portion is an engine oil
pump.
11. A tandem pump comprising: a pump housing defining a first pump
portion having a first pump inlet and first pump outlet, a second
pump portion having a second pump inlet and a second pump outlet; a
first magnetic coupling element connected to a first end of a first
shaft and a second end of said first shaft extends into said a
first pump chamber of the first pump portion where a first pump
element is rotatably connected to a second end of the first shaft;
the second pump portion includes a second pump chamber defined by a
wet sleeve and volute, wherein said volute is connected to the pump
housing and defines a flow path between the second pump inlet and
the second pump outlet; a second magnetic coupling element
connected to a second shaft, wherein the second magnetic coupling
and the second shaft are rotatably positioned in said wet sleeve; a
second pump element coupled to an end of the second shaft
positioned in said volute, said second pump element is configured
to rotate with said second shaft; a stator contained in said pump
housing having a first coil and a second coil with the first coil
circumscribing the first magnetic coupling element of the first
pump portion and the second coil circumscribes the second magnetic
coupling element, wherein energization of said first coil causes
said first shaft to rotate the first pump element and pump a first
fluid through said first pump chamber between said first pump inlet
and said first pump outlet and energization of said second coil
acts on said second magnetic coupling element to cause rotation of
said second shaft and rotate said second pump element which causes
a second fluid to pump through said second pump chamber between
said second pump inlet and said second pump outlet.
12. The tandem pump of claim 11 further comprising a single
electronics controller contained within the pump housing for
controlling the energization first coil and second coil
independently using the single electronics controller, wherein the
single electronics controller is in heat sink contact with a dry
side of the wet sleeve so that the second fluid pumping though the
second pump chamber cools the single electronics controller.
13. The tandem pump of claim 12 wherein the single electronics
controller includes one or more insulated-gate bipolar
transistors.
14. The tandem pump of claim 11 wherein the pump housing includes a
removable pump cover where the single electronics controller is
connected in contact with the pump cover for better heat
conductivity.
15. A tandem pump comprising: a pump housing defining a first pump
portion having a first pump inlet and first pump outlet, a second
pump portion having a second pump inlet and a second pump outlet; a
first pump chamber of said first pump portion having a first pump
element having a first pump outer rotor surrounding a first pump
inner rotor, wherein said first pump inner rotor is connected to a
first end of a first shaft, said first shaft being rotatably
positioned in the pump housing; a second pump chamber of said
second pump portion having a second pump element operationally
connected to a first end of a second shaft, said second shaft being
rotatably positioned in the pump housing; a first magnetic coupling
element connected to the first pump outer rotor; a second magnetic
coupling element coupled at the second end of the second shaft; and
a stator contained in said pump housing having a first coil and a
second coil with the first coil circumscribing the first magnetic
coupling element of the first pump portion and the second coil
circumscribes the second magnetic coupling element, wherein
energization of said first coil acts on the first magnetic coupling
element to cause said first pump outer rotor to rotate and pump a
first fluid through said first pump chamber between said first pump
inlet and said first pump outlet and energization of the second
coil acts on said second magnetic coupling to cause rotation of
said second shaft which rotates said second pump element and causes
a second fluid to pump through said second pump chamber between
said second pump inlet and said second pump outlet.
16. The tandem pump of claim 15 further comprising a single
electronics controller contained within the pump housing for
independently energizing the first coil and the second coil.
17. The tandem pump of claim 16 wherein the single electronics
controller includes one or more insulated-gate bipolar
transistors.
18. The tandem pump of claim 17 wherein the pump housing includes a
removable pump cover where the single electronics controller is
connected in contact with the pump cover for better heat
conductivity.
19. The tandem pump of claim 15 wherein the second pump portion is
a transmission oil pump and the first pump portion is an engine oil
pump.
20. A tandem pump comprising: a pump housing defining a first pump
portion having a first pump inlet and first pump outlet, a second
pump portion having a second pump inlet and a second pump outlet; a
first pump chamber of said first pump portion having a first pump
element having a first pump outer rotor surrounding a first pump
inner rotor, wherein said first pump inner rotor is connected to a
first end of a first shaft, said first shaft being rotatably
positioned in the pump housing; a second pump chamber of said
second pump portion having a second pump element operationally
connected to a first end of a second shaft, said second shaft being
rotatably positioned in the pump housing; a single rotor rotatably
positioned inside of said pump housing connected to the first shaft
and the second shaft, said single rotor having a magnetic coil
wound on its outside surface a first clutch member coupled between
the single rotor and said first shaft; a second clutch member
coupled between the single rotor and said second shaft; and a
stator contained in said pump housing having a stator coil
circumscribing the magnetic coil of the single rotor, wherein said
stator coil is energized in one of a first manner or a second
manner where energization in said first manner causes the single
rotor will rotate in a first direction causing said second clutch
element to disengage and said first clutch element to engage and
drive the first shaft to rotate the first pump member, and
energization of said stator coil in a second manner causes said
single rotor to rotate in a second direction causing said first
clutch to disengage and said second clutch to engage and drive the
second shaft to rotate the second pump member.
21. The tandem pump of claim 20 further comprising a single
electronics controller contained within the pump housing for
controlling the energization of the stator.
22. The tandem pump of claim 21 wherein the single electronics
controller includes one or more insulated-gate bipolar
transistors.
23. The tandem pump of claim 21 wherein the pump housing includes a
removable pump cover where the single electronics controller is
connected in contact with the pump cover for better heat
conductivity.
24. The tandem pump of claim 21 wherein the second pump portion is
a water pump and the first pump portion is an oil pump.
25. The tandem pump of claim 21 wherein the second pump portion is
a transmission oil pump and the first pump portion is an engine oil
pump.
26. The tandem pump of claim 21 wherein the first pump element
includes a first pump outer rotor surrounding a first pump inner
rotor, wherein said first pump inner rotor is connected to the
first shaft and rotates with the first shaft to pump fluid through
the first pump chamber.
27. The tandem pump of claim 21 wherein the second pump element
includes a second pump outer rotor surrounding a second pump inner
rotor, wherein said second pump inner rotor is connected to the
second shaft and rotates with the second shaft to pump fluid
through the second pump chamber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a PCT International Application and
claims benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/803,688 filed on
Mar. 20, 2013.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a tandem electric pump
combing two independent pump chambers within the same housing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Generally, pumps include a stator and rotor. The rotor is in
communication with a pump element for moving a fluid. The fluid
flows into pump through an inlet when it flows past the pump
element and through an outlet in the pump. Generally, the rotor and
stator are separated by a magnetic air gap and the rotor and stator
include rare earth metals so that magnetic air gap between the
rotor and stator may be bridged so that the rotor is rotated during
use and so that the rotor, the stator, or both are isolated from
the fluids during use and continue to operate. However, the use of
rare earth metals may be damaged by the fluid such that the rare
earth metals may require additional packaging so that damage is
prevented.
[0004] It would be attractive to have a pump with a reduced volume
and mass so that the pump may fit within a smaller space of a
machine such as a vehicle engine. It would be attractive to have a
pump that includes fewer components while maintaining motor
efficiency, pumping efficiency, and noise, vibration, and harshness
characteristics. It would be attractive to have a pump arrangement
for dissipating heat. It would be attractive to have a pump that
includes a family of standardized components across
platform(s).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A tandem pump with a pump housing that includes a first pump
portion with a first pump inlet and first pump outlet. The pump
housing further includes a second pump portion having a second pump
inlet and a second pump outlet. Within the pump housing is a
rotatable common shaft that extends between the first and second
pump portions.
[0006] The first pump portion has a first pump chamber that
includes a first pump element with a first pump outer rotor
surrounding a first pump inner rotor. The first pump inner rotor is
connected to a first end of the common shaft. A second pump chamber
of the second pump portion has a second pump element operationally
connected to a second end of the common shaft located opposite the
first end of the common shaft.
[0007] A stator is positioned in the first pump portion of the pump
housing and circumscribes the first pump outer rotor. The stator
and the first pump outer rotor are magnetically coupled so that
energization of the stator causes the first pump outer rotor to
rotate and pump a first fluid through said first pump chamber,
between the first pump inlet and the first pump outlet. Rotation of
the first pump outer rotor causes rotation of the first pump inner
rotor, which is translated to the second pump element through the
common shaft. The second pump element rotates causing a second
fluid to pump through the second pump chamber between the second
pump inlet and the second pump outlet.
[0008] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a tandem pump in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 an exploded perspective view of the tandem pump of
FIG. 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side plan view of a tandem pump
in accordance with the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side plan view of a tandem pump
in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side plan view of a tandem pump
in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional side plan view of a tandem pump
in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side plan view of a tandem pump
in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the tandem pump in
accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and
2, a first embodiment of the invention is shown which includes a
tandem pump 10 that has two electric oil pumps contained within a
pump housing 12. Inside the pump housing 12 is a first pump portion
14 having a first pump inlet 16 and first pump outlet 18. A second
pump portion 20 has a second pump inlet 22 and second pump outlet
24 disposed through the pump housing 12. In the present embodiment
of the invention, the first pump portion 14 of the tandem pump 10
is a main oil pump, while the second pump portion 20 of the tandem
pump 10 is a transmission fluid pump. It is within the scope of
this invention for the first pump portion 14 and second pump
portion 20 to be other types of pumps; examples include a pump that
moves oil, air, water, anti-freeze, coolant or a combination
thereof. Additionally, with regard to all other embodiments of the
invention described herein, the two pumps can also include the
aforementioned various types of applications. In all embodiments of
the invention, the first pump portion 14 pumps a first fluid, while
the second pump portion 20 pumps a second fluid, that may be same
or different from the first fluid. Thus, the tandem pump 10 can be
used in place of two separate pumps.
[0018] A common shaft 26 is rotatably positioned in the pump
housing 12 and extends between first pump portion 14 and second
pump portion 20. The first pump portion 14 includes a first pump
chamber 28 and has a first pump element 30 that includes a first
pump outer rotor 32 surrounding a first pump inner rotor 34. The
first pump inner rotor is rotatably connected to a first end of the
common shaft 26.
[0019] A second pump portion 20 has a second pump chamber 36 that
contains a second pump element 38 having components connected to a
second end of the common shaft 26. The second pump element 38
includes a second pump outer rotor 40 circumscribing a second pump
inner rotor 42.
[0020] The tandem pump 10 further includes a stator 44 contained
within the pump housing 12. In the present embodiment of the
invention, shown in FIG. 1, the stator 44 is located in the first
pump portion 14, circumscribes and is magnetically coupled to the
first pump outer rotor 32 so that energization of the stator 44
causes the first pump outer rotor 32 to rotate. Rotation of the
first pump outer rotor 32 causes the first fluid to pump through
the first pump chamber 28 between the first pump inlet 16 and first
pump outlet 18. The rotation of the first pump outer rotor 32 about
the first pump inner rotor 34 causes the first pump inner rotor 34
to rotate because the first pump inner rotor 34 is in meshed
engagement with the first pump outer rotor 32. In the present
embodiment of the invention, the first pump outer rotor 32 and
first pump inner rotor 34 are gerotor or gears. As the first pump
inner rotor 34 rotates, the common shaft 26 will also rotate
thereby translating the rotation of the first pump inner rotor 34
through the common shaft 26 to the second pump element 38. More
specifically, the rotation of the common shaft 26 causes the second
pump inner rotor 42 to rotate which causes the second pump fluid to
pump through the second pump chamber 36 between said second pump
inlet 22 and the second pump outlet 24.
[0021] In the present embodiment of the invention, the second pump
outer rotor 40 and second pump inner rotor 42 are also two gears
which form a gerotor type pump. However, it is within the scope of
this invention for the first pump element 30 and second pump
element 38 to be another type of pump element. For example, it is
within the scope of this invention for the first pump element 30
and second pump element 38 to be a vane pump or any other major
pump category including but not limited to a screw pump,
progressing cavity pump, gear pump, roots-type pump, parastolic
pump, plunger pump, impulse pump and centrifugal pump. It is also
within the scope of this invention for all other embodiments to
have pump elements that include one of the aforementioned specific
types of pumps.
[0022] With regard to the pump housing 12, it is a single housing,
meaning a single housing containing two pumps that is formed of
several pieces including a first pump portion housing 13, second
pump portion housing 15. The pump housing also has a stator sleeve
17 and divider 21 positioned between the first pump portion housing
13 and the second pump portion housing 15. Additionally, the pump
housing 12 in accordance with the present embodiment of the
invention further includes an electronics cover 19 that connects to
the second pump portion housing 15.
[0023] The tandem pump 10 in accordance with the present invention
further includes a single electronics controller 46 that is
connected to the electronics cover 19 and is mounted to the
external side of the first pump portion housing 13. The single
electronics controller 46 is in heat sink contact with the
electronics cover 19 in order to remove heat from the single
electronics controller 46. The single electronics controller 46
controls the energization of the stator 44. The single electronics
controller 46 includes one or more insulated-gate bipolar
transistors which is capable of providing a rapid voltage signal to
the stator 46 if required by a particular application. It is within
the scope of this invention for all embodiments of the present
invention to include a single electronics controller 46 which may
include one or more insulated gate bipolar transistors.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 3, a second embodiment of the
invention is shown where a tandem pump 10' includes a combination
of an oil pump and water pump. Similar or identical reference
numerals from FIGS. 1 and 2 have been carried forward to FIG. 3
while new or different structures are identified with new reference
numerals or using prime numbers. In the present embodiment of the
invention, the first pump portion 14 is similar or nearly identical
to the first pump portion 14 shown in FIG. 1. The first pump
portion 14 includes a first pump chamber 28 with a first pump outer
rotor 32 and first pump inner rotor 34 circumscribed by the first
pump outer rotor 32. The first pump inner rotor 34 is connected to
the common shaft 26 which extends to a second pump portion 20'. The
second pump portion 20' has a second pump chamber 36' that is
defined by a wet sleeve 48 and volute 50. The volute 50 has a
second pump inlet (not shown) and a second pump outlet 24' formed
through the volute 50. The second pump chamber 36' is a wet area
where a second fluid moves through the second pump chamber 36',
therefore the wet sleeve 48 and volute 50 are connected to the pump
housing 12' using seals 52 that prevent leakage of the second fluid
in the second pump chamber 36. The present embodiment of the
invention also includes a second pump element 38' that includes a
magnetic rotor 54 having magnets 56 attached to the magnetic rotor
54. The magnetic rotor 54 is rotatably positioned within the wet
sleeve 48 and volute 50.
[0025] The second pump element 38 in the present embodiment of the
invention also includes a magnetic coupling 58 connected to an end
of the common shaft 26, where the magnetic coupling 58 has magnets
59 that circumscribe a portion of the wet sleeve 48 and are
magnetically coupled to the magnets 56 on the magnetic rotor
54.
[0026] The tandem pump 10' shown in FIG. 3 operates in a manner
similar to the tandem pump shown in FIG. 1 in that the stator 44 is
energized and causes the rotation of the first pump outer rotor 32
about the first pump inner rotor 34 in order to pump fluid through
the first pump portion 14. The rotation of the first pump outer
rotor 32 causes the first pump inner rotor 34 to rotate and cause
rotation of the common shaft 26. Rotation of the common shaft 26
causes rotation of the magnetic coupling 58 of the second pump
portion 20' through the connection between the magnetic coupling 58
and the common shaft 26. Rotation of the magnetic coupling 58
causes rotation of the magnetic rotor 54 by a magnetic connection
through the wet sleeve 48 between magnets 56 and magnets 59.
Rotation of the magnetic rotor 54 causes the second fluid to pump
through the second pump chamber 36' defined by the wet sleeve 48
and the volute 50 so that the second fluid moves between the second
pump inlet (not shown) and the second pump outlet 24'.
[0027] The second pump inlet (not shown) cannot be seen in FIG. 3
because it is formed in a portion of the volute 50 that is
perpendicular to the plane of the cross-section view shown in FIG.
3. However, FIG. 4 shows a second pump inlet 22' in the volute 50,
which is the same type of volute 50 and inlet 22' that is used in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional of a third
embodiment of a tandem pump 10'' is shown. Similar reference
numerals having the same or equivalent structures shown in the
previous drawings are carried forward to
[0029] FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment having the same first
pump portion 14 as FIGS. 1-3 and the same second pump portion 20'
shown in FIG. 3, which is a gerotor pump. The main difference
between the tandem pump 10' shown in FIG. 3 and the tandem pump
10'' shown in FIG. 4 is that a stator 44' is positioned in an area
of the pump housing 12 where the stator 44' circumscribes a
magnetic coupling 58' of a second pump element 38''. The second
pump element 38'' includes the magnetic coupling 58' and magnetic
rotor 54. The magnetic coupling 58' has magnets 60 connected to the
outside surface of the magnetic coupling 58' adjacent the stator
44'. The magnetic coupling 58' also has magnets 59 located on an
inside surface of the magnetic coupling 58' which are coupled in a
manner similar to FIG. 3. In the present embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 4, energization of the stator 44' causes
the magnetic coupling 58' to rotate, which in turn causes the
magnetic rotor 54 of the second pump element 38'' to rotate and
pump fluid through the second pump chamber 36'. Rotation of the
magnetic coupling 58' also causes rotation of the common shaft 26
because the magnetic coupling 58' is connected to the common shaft
26. Rotation of the common shaft 26 causes second pump portion 20'
to operate in a slightly different manner than the operation of
second pump portion 20 in FIGS. 1-3. In the present embodiment of
the invention shown in FIG. 4, the rotation of the common shaft 26
causes an inner rotor 42' of the second pump chamber 36' to rotate
which causes fluid to pump through the second pump chamber 36'.
[0030] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a single electronics
controller 46' is positioned between the first pump chamber 28' and
second pump chamber 36'. This eliminates the presence of the
electronics cover 19 shown in FIGS. 1-2.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 5a and 5b, a fourth and fifth
embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the tandem pumps provide variable control
of the two pump elements of the tandem pump using a single
controller.
[0032] FIG. 5a shows a variable tandem pump 100 that includes a
pump housing 112 containing a first pump portion 114 that is an
engine oil pump and a second pump portion 120 that is a
transmission oil pump.
[0033] The first pump portion 114 has a first pump inlet 116 and a
first pump outlet 118. The second pump portion 120 has a second
pump inlet (not shown) and a second pump outlet 124.
[0034] A first shaft 126 is rotatably positioned in the pump
housing 112 in the first pump potion 114 and a second shaft 127 is
rotatably positioned in the pump housing 112 and extends into the
second pump portion 120. The first pump portion 114 includes a
first pump chamber 128 and has a first pump element 130 that
includes a first pump outer rotor 132 surrounding a first pump
inner rotor 134. The first pump inner rotor is rotatably connected
to a first end of the first shaft 126.
[0035] The second pump portion 120 has a second pump chamber 136
that contains a second pump element 138 having components connected
to a second end of the second shaft 127. The second pump element
138 includes a second pump outer rotor 140 circumscribing a second
pump inner rotor 142.
[0036] The tandem pump 100 further includes a stator 144 contained
within the pump housing 112. The stator 144 has a first coil 146
and a second coil 148. The first coil 146 circumscribes and is
magnetically coupled to the first pump outer rotor 132 and the
second coil 148 circumscribes and is magnetically coupled to a
magnetic coupling element 150 formed on an end of the second shaft
127. When the first coil 146 is energized the first pump outer
rotor 132 will rotate causing fluid to pump through the first pump
chamber 130. The first pump outer rotor 132 and second pump inner
rotor 134 are gears, which form a gerotor type pump.
[0037] When the second coil 148 is energized the magnetic coupling
element 150 rotates, which causes the second shaft 127 to rotate.
The second shaft 137 is connected to the second pump inner rotor
142, which causes fluid to pump through the second pump chamber
136. The second pump inner rotor 142 and the second pump outer
rotor 140 are gears, which form a gerotor type pump.
[0038] The tandem pump 100 in accordance with the present invention
further includes a single electronics controller 152 that
independently controls the energization of the first coil 146 and
second coil 148. The single electronics controller 152 includes one
or more insulated-gate bipolar transistors which is capable of
providing a rapid voltage signal to the stator 144 if required by a
particular application. This allows for the first pump portion 114
and second pump portion 120 to be variable in that their output is
independent of the other.
[0039] FIG. 5b shows a variable tandem pump 200 that includes a
pump housing 212 containing a first pump portion 214 that is a
water pump and a second pump portion 220 that is a transmission oil
pump. However, as indicated above the pump portions are not limited
to being a water pump and transmission pump but can be any type of
pump for moving a fluid.
[0040] The first pump portion 214 has a wet sleeve 248 and a volute
250 that define a first pumping chamber 228. The volute 250 has a
first pump inlet 216 and a first pump outlet 218. The first pump
portion 214 contains a first pump element 230 that includes a first
magnetic rotor 254 connected a first shaft 226, where the first
magnetic rotor 254 and first shaft 226 are rotatably positioned in
the wet sleeve 28 and extends into the first pump chamber 228 for
moving a first fluid through the first pump chamber 228 between the
first pump inlet 216 and the second pump outlet 218. The first
magnetic rotor 225 has magnets 256 connected to a portion of the
surface of the first magnetic rotor 225.
[0041] The first pump element 230 also includes first magnetic
coupling element 258 that circumscribes and selectively rotates
about a portion of the wet sleeve 248 and the magnets 256 of the
first magnetic rotor 254, outside of the first pump chamber 228.
The first magnetic coupling element 25 has outside magnets 260 on
an outside surface and inside magnets 259 on an inside surface,
which are magnetically coupled through the wet sleeve 248, to the
magnets 256 of the first magnetic rotor 254.
[0042] A single stator 244 is positioned in the housing 212 and has
a first coil 246 and a second coil 248. The first coil 246
circumscribes the first magnetic coupling element 258 and
energization of the first coil 246 acts on the outside magnets 260
of the first magnetic coupling element 258, thereby causing the
first magnetic coupling element 258 to rotate about a portion of
the first magnetic rotor 254 where the magnets 256 are connected.
The inside magnets 259 of the first magnetic coupling element 258
are magnetically through the wet sleeve 248 to the magnets 256 of
the first magnetic rotor 254. This causes the first magnetic rotor
254 to rotate when the first coil 246 is energized and the first
magnetic coupling 258 rotates. When the first magnetic rotor 254
rotates the first fluid begins pumping through the first pump
portion 214.
[0043] The second pump portion 220 has a second pump chamber 236
that contains a second pump element 238 having components connected
to an end of the second shaft 227. The second pump element 238
includes a second pump outer rotor 240 circumscribing a second pump
inner rotor 242.
[0044] The second coil 248 of the stator 244 circumscribes and is
magnetically coupled to a magnetic coupling element 250 formed on
another end of the second shaft 227. When the second coil 248 is
energized the magnetic coupling element 250 rotates, which causes
the second shaft 227 to rotate. The second shaft 237 is connected
to the second pump inner rotor 242, which causes fluid to pump
through the second pump chamber 236. The second pump inner rotor
242 and the second pump outer rotor 240 are gears, which form a
gerotor type pump.
[0045] The tandem pump 200 in accordance with the present invention
further includes a single electronics controller 252 that
independently controls the energization of the first coil 246 and
second coil 248. The single electronics controller 252 includes one
or more insulated-gate bipolar transistors which is capable of
providing a rapid voltage signal to the stator 244 if required by a
particular application. This allows for the first pump portion 214
and second pump portion 220 to be variable in that their output is
independent of the other. In the present embodiment of the
invention the single electronics controller 252 is positioned
adjacent to and in heat sink contact with the wet sleeve 248 so
that fluid flowing through the first pump chamber 228 will cool the
single electronics controller 252 through the heat sink. It is also
within the scope of this invention for the single electronics
controller in the other water pump embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and
4 to be in positioned adjacent to and in heat sink contact with the
wet sleeve.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 6-7 a sixth embodiment of a tandem
pump 300 is shown. The tandem pump 300 has a pump housing 312
defining a first pump portion 314 with a first pump inlet 316 and
first pump outlet 318 disposed thought the pump housing 312. The
tandem pump 300 also has a second pump portion 320 having a second
pump inlet 322 and a second pump outlet 324 disposed through the
pump housing 312.
[0047] Within the pump housing 312 is a first pump chamber 328 of
the first pump portion 314. The first pump chamber 328 is in fluid
connection to the first pump inlet 316 and the second pump inlet
318. The first pump portion 314 also includes a first pump element
330 that includes a first pump outer rotor 332 surrounding a first
pump inner rotor 334. The first pump inner rotor is connected to a
first end of a first shaft 326. The first shaft 326 is rotatably
positioned in the pump housing 312.
[0048] Within the pump housing 312 is a second pump chamber 336 of
said second pump portion 320. The second pump chamber 336 is in
fluid connection with the second pump inlet 322 and the second pump
outlet 324. The second pump portion 320 includes a second pump
element 338 within the second pump chamber 336. The second pump
element 338 has a second pump outer rotor 340 circumscribing a
second pump inner rotor 342. The second pump inner rotor 342 is
connected to a second shaft 327 and rotatable within the second
pump chamber 336.
[0049] Between the first pump portion 314 and second pump portion
320 is a single rotor 354 rotatably positioned inside of the pump
housing 312. The single rotor 354 connects to the first shaft 326
and the second shaft 327. The single rotor 354 also has a magnetic
coil 355 wound on its outside surface. Within the single rotor 354
is a first clutch member 356 coupled between the single rotor 354
and first shaft 326. There is also a second clutch member 358
coupled between the single rotor 354 and the second shaft 327. The
first clutch member 356 and the second clutch member 358 are one
way clutches with their outer housing mounted to the single rotor
354 and an inner sleeve connected to one of the first shaft 326 or
second shaft 327 with a needle bearing positioned between the inner
sleeve and outer housing. When the single rotor 354 is rotated in a
clutch engaging direction torque from the single rotor 354 will be
applied to the first shaft 326 or second shaft 327. When the single
rotor 354 is rotated in clutch disengaging direction the first
clutch member 356 or second clutch 358 member are disengaged and
the first shaft 326 or second shaft 327 will rotate freely and not
be driven by the rotation of the single rotor 354. While the
present embodiment of the invention has needle bearing clutch
members it is within the scope of this invention for virtually any
other type of clutch mechanism to be used.
[0050] The tandem pump 300 also has a stator 344 with a stator coil
346 circumscribing the magnetic coil 355 of the single rotor 354.
The stator coil 346 is energized in one of a first manner or a
second manner where energization in said first manner causes the
single rotor 354 to rotate in a first direction causing the second
clutch element 358 to disengage and the first clutch element 356 to
engage. When this occurs the first shaft 326 rotates the first pump
member 330. Energization of the stator coil 346 in a second manner
causes the single rotor 354 to rotate in a second direction causing
the first clutch 356 to disengage and the second clutch 358 to
engage and drive the second shaft 327 to rotate the second pump
member 338.
[0051] The energization of the stator 344 is controlled by a single
electronics controller 352 located in the pump housing 312 and is
covered by a removable pump cover 319, where the single electronics
controller 352 is connected in contact with the pump cover 319 for
better heat conductivity. The single electronics controller 352
also includes one or more insulated-gate bipolar transistors.
[0052] The tandem pump 300 of the present embodiment provides an
advantage of being able to pump a single fluid over a wide range of
flow and pressure requirements by using a single stator and two
different sized pumping elements. In particular the tandem pump can
use one side of the pump to provide high pressure and low flow
based on the small displacement of the pump, while the second side
can be used to provide high flow and low pressure under similar
motor speeds and resultant torque with a larger displacement pump.
It is also within the scope of this embodiment of the invention to
be used to pump the same type of fluid or different fluids
depending on the needs of a particular application.
[0053] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in
nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of
the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention.
Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *