U.S. patent number 3,861,831 [Application Number 05/420,933] was granted by the patent office on 1975-01-21 for vertical shaft impeller pump apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Rule Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Clinton Rule.
United States Patent |
3,861,831 |
Rule |
January 21, 1975 |
VERTICAL SHAFT IMPELLER PUMP APPARATUS
Abstract
There is disclosed vertical shaft impeller pump apparatus
especially suitable for bilge or other applications where
installation space is limited. The pump apparatus, including
preferred embodiments thereof, is characterized by high pumping
efficiency, long service life, compactness, and flexibility of
assembly geometry whereby orientation of the top portion, the
discharge means, and the base of the apparatus are variously
alignable relative to one another.
Inventors: |
Rule; Clinton (Beverly Farms,
MA) |
Assignee: |
Rule Industries, Inc.
(Gloucester, MA)
|
Family
ID: |
23668453 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/420,933 |
Filed: |
December 3, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/423.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D
13/08 (20130101); F04D 29/426 (20130101); F04D
9/001 (20130101); F04D 29/4293 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F04D
29/42 (20060101); F04D 9/00 (20060101); F04D
13/08 (20060101); F04D 13/06 (20060101); F04b
017/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;417/424 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Husar; C. J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Anastos; William N.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vertical shaft impeller pump apparatus comprising:
A. an external enclosure comprising intake means adapted to conduct
fluid thereinto;
B. a generally cup-shaped housing disposed within and spaced apart
from said external enclosure and comprising
i. inlet means adapted to conduct fluid from within said external
enclosure into said housing, said inlet means being located at the
lower portion of said housing, and
ii. discharge means adapted to conduct fluid from said housing to
the exterior of the pump, said discharge means being located at the
upper portion of said housing;
C. a fluid-tight casing disposed within and in spaced relationship
with said housing, said spaced relationship defining
i. an impeller chamber within said housing and below said casing,
and
ii. an open annular flow passage, extending from said impeller
chamber to said discharge means, between the sidewalls of said
housing and said casing;
D. a prime mover disposed within said casing, said prime mover
comprising a drive shaft extending in substantially fluid-tight
relationship through the bottom of said casing; and
E. an impeller in driving relationship with said drive shaft and
disposed within said impeller chamber.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said annular flow passage
extends slightly above said discharge means thereby defining a
space thereabove.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said annular flow passage is
provided with at least one relief aperture therethrough located at
least slightly above said discharge means, said aperture being
adapted to allow gases to escape from said annular flow
passage.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cross-sectional area of
said annular flow passage is sufficiently smaller in the region of
the bottom of said casing than is the cross-sectional area of said
annular flow passage both above and below said region so that a
venturi is created.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:
i. said external enclosure comprises a substantially cup-shaped
lower member and an upper member, said lower and upper members each
having the cross-sectional geometry of a regular polygon, and said
lower and upper members comprising cooperative interlocking means
on at least two respective sides thereof; and
ii. said housing comprises web means having apertures corresponding
to and adapted to receive said interlocking means therethrough.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein:
i. each of said upper and lower members of said external enclosure
have a square cross-sectional geometry; and
ii. said lower member is provided with symmetrically oriented
interlocking means on each of the four sides thereof; and
iii. at least two opposed sides of said upper member are provided
with corresponding cooperating interlocking means.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluid-tight relationship
between said drive shaft and said casing is provided by the
combination of:
i. a generally cup-shaped casing having an aperture through the
bottom thereof;
ii. at least one resilient elastomeric or plastomeric wafer seal
located at the bottom of said casing, said wafer seal having a
diameter substantially greater than the diameter of said aperture
and smaller than the diameter of the bottom of said casing, and
said wafer seal having an aperture therethrough adapted to receive
said drive shaft in fluid-tight rotating relationship
therewith;
iii. a compression ring resting upon said wafer seal and having an
outside diameter greater than the diameter of said aperture and
smaller than the diameter of said wafer seal; and
iiii. means to compress said compression ring against said wafer
seal with sufficient force to cause substantially continuous
360.degree. impingement of said wafer seal against the bottom of
said casing to result in the establishment of a fluid-tight
relationship therewith.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said compression ring is
integral with and extends downwardly from said prime mover.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said prime mover is an electric
motor.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the power cable for said motor
passes through a conical aperture in said external enclosure, the
smaller diameter end of said aperture being toward the interior of
said enclosure, the diameter of said smaller diameter end of said
aperture being at least about 0.020 inch smaller than the diameter
of said cable and the diameter of the larger end of said aperture
being larger than the diameter of said cable.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to pump apparatus and more
particularly is concerned with vertical shaft impeller pumps.
In the liquid pumping arts, it is recognized that vertical shaft
impeller pumps bear certain inherent advantages over their
horizontal counterparts. One such advantage resides in the fact
that vertical shaft pumps are generally smaller in their horizontal
dimensions and are thus more amenable for use where horizontal
installation space is restricted. Also, vertical shaft pumps
generally will more readily pump to a lower depth than horizontal
shaft pumps. On the other hand, vertical shaft pumps are generally
considered to be somewhat deficient in service life as compared to
their horizontal counterparts.
In accordance with the present invention, many improvements in
vertical shaft impeller pumps have been achieved.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is a principal object of the invention to provide vertical shaft
impeller pump apparatus.
It is another object of the invention to provide vertical shaft
impeller pump apparatus characterized by easy assembly and
disassembly thereof.
It is another object of the invention to provide an electrically
powered vertical shaft impeller pump apparatus wherein the
respective orientation of the mounting base, power cable and
discharge means is variable.
It is still another object of the invention to provide impeller
pump apparatus wherein the portion containing all the moving parts
can be removed without disturbing the installation.
It is another object of the invention to provide compact vertical
shaft impeller pump apparatus adapted for mounting in small
difficultly accessible sites.
It is still another object of the invention to provide impeller
pump apparatus having exceptional pumping efficiency.
It is another object of the invention to provide impeller pump
apparatus wherein substantial cooling of the prime mover is
achieved by heat exchange with a fluid.
It is another object of the invention to provide vertical shaft
impeller pump apparatus which normally does not require
priming.
It is another object of the invention to provide vertical shaft
impeller pump apparatus characterized by freedom from air
binding.
It is another object of the invention to provide impeller pump
apparatus comprising a novel self-centering, shaft-seal
assembly.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a novel,
readily assembled cable seal.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will in part
be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The pump apparatus of the present invention broadly comprises (A)
an external enclosure having fluid intake means located at the
lower portion thereof; (B) a pumping chamber housing disposed
within and spaced apart from said external enclosure, said housing
having fluid inlet means located at the bottom thereof and fluid
discharge means located near the top thereof; and (C) a fluid-tight
motor casing containing therein a prime mover having a drive shaft
which extends vertically through the bottom of said motor casing
and is affixed to an impeller, said motor casing being disposed
within and in spaced relationship to said housing so as to define
therebetween an impeller chamber and an annular open flow passage
extending from said impeller chamber to said fluid discharge means.
The disposition of said annular flow passage around said motor
casing results in cooling of the prime mover by the fluid being
pumped and contributes greatly to improved service life of the
prime mover. Where certain geometric relationships are provided,
improved pumping efficiency is also realized.
THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 forming part hereof is a schematic, diagrammatic, partially
sectional side view of the pump apparatus of the invention
depicting several preferred embodiments thereof.
FIG. 2 is a schematic, diagrammatic top view of base 10 of FIG.
1.
FIG. 3 is a schematic, diagrammatic side view of base 10 of FIG.
1.
FIG. 4 is a schematic, diagrammatic top view of housing 50 of FIG.
1.
FIG. 5 is a schematic, diagrammatic top view of motor casing 100 of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a schematic, diagrammatic bottom view of closure cap 150
of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like
structures, the pump assembly of the invention generally comprises
base 10, pumping chamber housing 50, motor casing 100, and closure
cap 150.
Base 10 is a generally cup-shaped member comprising sidewall 14,
floor 16, and plurality of slots 20 provided at the lower portion
and about the circumference. Preferably, the spacing and width of
slots 20 are chosen so as to be large enough to permit full flow
but small enough to strain out solid matter of sufficient size to
constitute a jamming hazard.
As shown, base 10 is equipped with mounting means, such as one or
more U-shaped channels 24, by which base 10 can be fastened to site
500 by means of fasters 26. Alternatively, or, as preferred,
additionally, one or more apertures 28 are provided in floor 16 by
which base 10 can be fastened to a horizontal surface.
Base 10 is also equipped with interlocking means, which in
combination with the cooperative interlocking means of cap 150,
effectuate secure mating of the various elements of the pump
assembly. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, referring now
especially to FIGS. 2 and 3, said interlocking means comprise in
part opposed pairs of inverted stirrups 30, each stirrup comprising
spaced-apart pillars 32 extending upwardly from sidewall 14, and
bridge 36 integral with and extending across pillars 32. While only
a single pair of opposed stirrups 30 is necessary to interlock with
a corresponding pair of lugs 152 located on cap 150, it is much
preferred that at least two opposed pairs of stirrups 30 be
provided, most preferably located symmetrically. In this way, cap
150 can be oriented independently of the orientation of base 10.
This can be very important in the mounting of impeller pumps in the
bilges of small boats or in other sites where mounting space is
restricted. In the particular embodiment shown in the drawings, cap
150 and therefore power cable 300, can be oriented in any one of
four positions relative to base 10. As will be explained in more
detail hereinafter, it is also possible to employ the depicted
interlocking arrangement and to vary the orientation of discharge
nozzle 75. Thus employing the essentially square configuration,
there are provided sixty-four different possible orientations with
respect to each other of nozzle 75, cap 150, and base 10.
Obviously, the above-described interlocking arrangement can be
adapted to any base 10 having the cross-sectional geometry of an
essentially regular polygon. Accordingly, base 10 need not
necessarily be of square cross-section, but can also be hexagonal,
pentagonal, octagonal or, the geometric ultimate of regular
polygons, circular.
Pumping chamber housing 50 comprises a generally cup-shaped chamber
52 and integral support member 54 adapted to maintain housing 50 in
a generally centered and spaced-apart position within base 10.
Member 54 comprises web 56 extending laterally form enclosure 68 to
vertically oriented flange 57, the lower portion of which nests
over upper margin 34 of base 10. Web 56 is provided with apertures
58 located so as to receive stirrups 30 therethrough. Chamber 52
comprises a cylindrical impeller chamber 62, provided with inlet 64
located at the center of the bottom thereof. Commencing near the
top of chamber 62, sidewall 66 extends upwardly in a divergently
tapered manner and transitions into generally cylindrical enclosure
68 having a greater internal diameter than the outside diameter of
motor casing 100, thereby establishing an open annular flow
passage. Located near the upper portion of enclosure 68, is
tangentially oriented discharge orifice 70. In a preferred
embodiment of the invention, small aperture 74 is provided through
enclosure 68, said aperture serving to conduct fluids, and
particularly gases, which might otherwise be entrapped, into relief
chamber 76. Thus, aperture 74 serves to assure selfpriming and to
mitigate against air binding.
Motor casing 100 comprises a generally cylindrical cup-shaped
enclosure adapted to receive in close-fitting relationship prime
mover 102, such as an electric motor. Aperture 104 located in
bottom 106 of casing 100 allows drive shaft 108 to pass into
impeller chamber 62. Aperture 104 is provided with sealing means
adapted to prevent entry of fluids into casing 100.
While substantially any sealing means can be employed, the
arrangement depicted in FIG. 1 of the drawings is preferred because
said arrangement is essentially self-centering which eases assembly
and increases life and reliability. Thus, the preferred arrangement
comprises the combination of at least one wafer 122 formed of
resilient material, compression ring 126, and means to urge
compression ring 126 downwardly with sufficient force to cause
circumferential impingement of wafer 122 against shoulder 130. In
assembly, wafer 122, which is of greater outside diameter than the
diameter of aperture 104 and of smaller outside diameter than the
diameter of aperture 128, is placed in aperture 128 thereby to rest
on shoulder 130. Next, compression ring 126 which is of greater
outside diameter than the diameter of aperture 104 and of smaller
outside diameter than the diameter of wafer 122 is placed in
aperture 128. While compression ring 126 can be separate and
distinct from prime mover 102, it is much preferred that
compression ring 126 be integral with end cap 103 of prime mover
102. Shaft 108 is inserted through wafer 122 and prime mover 102 is
inserted into casing 100. In the course of said insertion, shaft
108 and wafer 122 will self-center with respect to each other. Also
compression ring 126 will urge wafer 122 downwardly and in sealing
relationship with shoulder 130. The means by which prime mover 102
is urge downwardly is not particularly critical provided that
sufficient force is exerted to cause compression ring 126 to create
sufficient deformation of wafer 122 to in turn create a continous
360.degree. seal. A convenient arrangement for the application of
such requisite force is provided by bar 140 which crosses over
upper end 141 of prime mover 102 and which bar 140 is provided with
apertures 142 through which fasteners 143 can be inserted.
Corresponding fastener receiving holes 144 are provided and the
downwardly directed thrusting force can be applied simply by
torquing down fasteners 143. Upon completion of assembly of prime
mover 102 into casing 100, impeller 101 is affixed to shaft
108.
Wafer 122 is composed of a fluid-impervious, resilient material and
accordingly, many natural and synthetic plastomers and elastomers
are suitable for use. Due to their inert character and high
temperature characteristics and due to the fact that they possess
excellent lubricity, we have found that solid polymers of
tetrafluoroethylene constitute generally excellent materials of
choice. Obviously, more than one such wafer can be employed if
desired.
Completing the discussion of casing 100, means are provided for
maintaining casing 100 properly positioned within housing 50. Such
suitable means can comprise a laterally extending circumferential
flange 134 located on casing 100. In turn, lower margin 136 of
flange 134 is adapted to engage upper margin 80 of housing 50 so as
to maintain casing 100 and housing 50 in spaced-apart coaxial
relationship to one another. This relationship can be achieved by
providing lower margin 136 with stepped cross-sectional contour 138
and providing upper margin 80 with corresponding receiving contour
82. Preferably a sealant is utilized between contours 138 and 82
because the capacity of the pump is improved by as much as 25% when
a sealant is utilized.
Another important preferred embodiment of the invention is
represented by space 145 provided at the uppermost limits of
chamber 52, which space 145 rises to a level somewhat above the top
of orifice 70 and, if employed, aperture 74. Space 145 serves to
ensure a substantially complete fill of orifice 70. Space 145 can
be conveniently provided as an arcuately shaped circumferential
channel in the lower surface of flange 134.
The principal functions of cap 150 are to form a fluid-tight
enclosure with casing 100, thereby to isolate prime mover 102 from
contact with fluids, and in particular liquids, and to provide
interlocking means in the form of lugs 152 which, in combination
with stirrups 30 on base 10, provide for secure assembly of the
various parts of the apparatus. With respect to the first of these
functions, cap 150 comprises inner wall 154 with edge 156 being
adapted to engage in fluid-tight relationship with upper edge 146
of flange 134. Desirably, a continuous adhesive bond is provided
between edges 156 and 146, such as by cementing, welding, soldering
or solvent bonding thereof.
The interlocking function of cap 150 is served by generally
extending outer walls 160 and providing thereon outwardly biased
locking lugs 152 projecting downwardly therefrom. Easy assembly is
provided for because of chamfered lower surface 166 on each lug. As
chamfered surface 166 is forced over corresponding bridge 36, notch
164 of lug 152 engages with bridge 36 and effectuates
interlocking.
Communication of prime mover 102 with an external power supply (not
shown) is provided by cable 300 through the wall of cap 150. While
any suitable means for achieving fluid -tight seal between cable
300 and cap 150 can be employed, the present invention includes a
sealing arrangement which is possessed of simplicity, and ease and
rapidity of assembly. Said arrangement comprises a combination of
structural features relating to both orifice 306 through which
cable 300 passes, and the structure of cable 300. Orifice 306
comprises a shallow conical aperture through the wall of cap 150,
the smaller diameter of said orifice being toward the interior of
cap 150. Typically, cable 300 comprises at least two conductors
each conductor bearing a relatively thin insulative coating
thereover. Generally speaking, it has been found that
multi-stranded conductor wire is entirely suitable. Completing
cable 300, there is provided a smooth, resilient and relatively
thich insulative covering 301. For the purposes of the present
invention, the thickness of covering 301 should be sufficient to
allow for substantial compression without cutting through the
diameters of the conductors of their insulative coatings. While
substantially any essentially fluid-impervious plastomeric or
elastomeric resilient material can be employed as covering 301, it
has been found that urethane represents an excellent choice since
it is readily processed, tends to produce smooth surfaces and is
highly impervious and inert.
The diameter of cable 300 relative to the diameter of orifice 306
is also important in achieving a fluid-tight seal. The diameter of
cable 300 should be at least slightly smaller than the largest
diameter of orifice 306 but at least 0.020, and preferably 0.030,
inch greater than the smallest diameter of orifice 306. It has been
found, for example, that a good seal is achieved by use of a cable
having an O.D. of 0.250 inch and an orifice having a largest
diameter of 0.270 and a smallest diameter of 0.220 inch.
In assembling, it is merely necessary to force cable 300 through
the large diameter end of orifice 306 which acts to deform covering
301 to a diameter sufficiently small to allow passage of cable 300
through the smaller end of orifice 306. Upon exit of cable 300 from
the smaller end of orifice 306, covering 301 recovers at least a
portion of its original diameter, thereby becoming larger than said
smaller end, effectuating a fluid-tight seal therewith, and
rendering pull-out extremely difficult and unlikely.
Turning now to a typical operation, upon submerging the pump into a
body of liquid, such as in the bilge of a boat, liquid will enter
through slots 20 and will fill chambers 62 and 52. Priming is eased
by the presence of aperture 74 which vents gases which might
otherwise become entrapped. With the activation of prime mover 102,
impeller 101 rotates and forces liquid upwardly and eventually
through discharge orifice 70. As is apparent, the liquid flowing
through the annular passage 52 between casing 100 and housing 50
establishes an indirect heat exchange relationship with prime mover
102 by passage of heat through casing 100. Even when liquid is
exhausted, air passing through said passage helps to cool casing
100. This heat exchange relationship represents a very great
advantage of the invention and contributes substantially to
improvement in the operating life of the prime mover, particularly
where long term heavy duty operating cycles are encountered.
In order to achieve the high pumping efficiency advantanges of
which the pump apparatus of the invention is capable, however, it
is important that sidewall 66 pass in close proximity to outer
corner 112 of casing 100, thereby rendering the cross-sectional
area of transition annulus 109 relatively small, and creating a
venturi. Further, by employing the preferred embodiments of this
invention wherein there are provided space 145 and aperture 74, the
incidences of non-priming and air-binding phenomena are
dramatically reduced.
Obviously, any materials of construction can be employed which are
capable of withstanding the intended and obvious working
environments encountered in impeller pump applications. However, it
should be noted that the pump housing assembly of the invention is
especially adapted to fabrication from thermoplastic materials such
as polyamides, polyolefins, polystyrene, polycarbonates,
polyacetals, etc. The so-called "impact" resistant polymers based
on acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers have been found to be
particularly useful. Further in favor of the use of thermoplastic
polymers is the fact that the relatively complex forms of the
elements of the invention are ordinarily amenable to fabrication by
standard thermoplastic forming techniques, particularly by
injection molding.
Obviously, many changes can be made in the above detailed
description of the invention without departing from the intended
and essential spirit thereof. Accordingly, the embodiments
specifically described hereinbefore are to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and non-limiting.
* * * * *