Pump drive system
Through the external rotator motor drive system, the rotational motion is converted into linear reciprocating motion, solving the problems of low efficiency and complex structure in high-pressure fluid spraying applications, achieving efficient fluid spraying effect and simplified structural design.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202180025720.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-10-07
- Filing Date
- 2021-03-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-15
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-03-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing positive volume pumps have problems such as low efficiency, complex structure and difficult maintenance in fluid displacement systems, especially in high-pressure fluid spraying applications.
The external rotator motor drive system is adopted, and the rotor design of the electric motor converts the rotational motion into linear reciprocating motion, directly driving the fluid displacement member, simplifying the structure and improving efficiency, and is suitable for high-pressure fluid spraying applications.
It realizes efficient fluid spraying effect, simplifies structural design, reduces maintenance difficulty, and improves the overall efficiency and reliability of the fluid displacement system.
Smart Images

Figure CN115362318B_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross - reference to related applications
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 002,676, filed Mar. 31, 2020, and titled "OUTER ROTATOR DRIVEN PUMP", and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 002,681, filed Mar. 31, 2020, and titled "EXOSKELETON FRAME FOR PUMP DRIVE SYSTEM", and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 002,687, filed Mar. 31, 2020, and titled "ECCENTRIC ROTATOR DRIVEN PUMP", and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 002,691, filed Mar. 31, 2020, and titled "INTEGRATED PUMP - MOTOR BEARINGS", and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 088,810, filed Oct. 7, 2020, and titled "FLUID SPRAYER HAVING RESPONSIVE MOTOR CONTROL", the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Technical field
[0003] This disclosure generally relates to fluid displacement systems, and more particularly, to drive systems for reciprocating fluid volume pumps. Background art
[0004] Fluid displacement systems (e.g., fluid dispensing systems for paints) typically utilize positive displacement pumps (e.g., axial displacement pumps) to draw fluid from a container and drive the fluid downstream. Axial displacement pumps are typically mounted to a drive unit housing and driven by a motor. A pump rod is attached to a reciprocating drive device that drives the reciprocating motion of the pump rod, thereby drawing fluid from the container into the pump and then driving the fluid downstream from the pump. In some cases, an electric motor can power the pump. The electric motor is attached to the pump via a gear reduction system that increases the torque of the motor. Summary of the invention
[0005] In one example, a fluid volume pump assembly includes an electric motor, a drive device, a pump having a fluid displacement member, and a pump frame. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor. The stator and the rotor are disposed on an axis. The drive device is coupled to the rotor at a first end of the electric motor. The fluid displacement member is mechanically coupled to the drive device. The drive device converts the rotational output into a linear reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member. The pump frame is mechanically coupled to the electric motor.
[0006] In another example, a method of driving a reciprocating pump includes: providing power to an electric motor to cause rotation of a rotor of the motor; receiving a rotational output from the rotor at a drive device coupled to the rotor; converting the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion by the drive device; providing a linear reciprocating input to a fluid displacement member coupled to the drive device by the drive device to cause a pump rod to pump fluid by reciprocating motion; and mechanically supporting the reciprocating pump and the electric motor by a pump frame.
[0007] In yet another example, a pumping system includes an electric motor, a drive device, a pump, and a pump frame. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor. The stator and the rotor are disposed on an axis. The drive device is coupled to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor and convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion. The pump includes a piston and a cylinder. The piston receives the linear reciprocating motion from the drive device to reciprocate within the cylinder. The cylinder and the stator are connected to the pump frame to stabilize the stator relative to the rotor and the cylinder relative to the piston.
[0008] In yet another example, a drive system for a reciprocating fluid volume pump includes an electric motor, a drive device, and a fluid displacement member. The motor includes a stator defining an axis and a rotor disposed coaxially about the stator. The drive device is directly connected to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor. The fluid displacement member is mechanically coupled to the drive device. The drive member converts the rotational output into a linear reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member.
[0009] In yet another example, a method of driving a reciprocating pump includes: providing power to an electric motor to cause rotation of a rotor of the motor, the rotor being disposed outside and around a stator of the motor; receiving a rotational output from the rotor at a drive device directly connected to the rotor; directly converting the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion by the drive device; and providing a linear reciprocating input to a fluid displacement member coupled to the drive device by the drive device to cause a pump rod to pump fluid by reciprocating motion.
[0010] In yet another example, a fluid displacement device includes an electric motor, a drive device, a pump, and a pump frame. The motor includes a stator defining an axis and a rotor disposed around the stator. The drive device is connected to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor and convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion. The pump includes a piston and a cylinder, and the piston receives the linear reciprocating motion from the drive device to reciprocate within the cylinder. The cylinder and the stator are connected to the pump frame to stabilize the stator relative to the rotor and to stabilize the cylinder relative to the piston.
[0011] In yet another example, a drive system for a reciprocating fluid volume pump includes an electric motor, a drive device, a fluid displacement member, and a support frame. The electric motor includes a stator disposed on an axis and supported by a shaft and a rotor disposed coaxially around the stator. The drive device is directly connected to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor. The fluid displacement member is mechanically coupled to the drive device, wherein the drive device is configured to convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member. The support frame is configured to mechanically support the electric motor and the fluid volume pump, wherein the support frame is mechanically coupled to the stator.
[0012] In yet another example, a support frame for a reciprocating fluid volume pump drive system includes a first frame member, a second frame member, and at least one connecting member, the reciprocating fluid volume pump drive system having an electric motor with an inner stator and an outer rotor. The second frame member is disposed at an end of the electric motor opposite the first frame member and is separated from the first frame member. The at least one connecting member extends between the first frame member and the second frame member and connects the first frame member and the second frame member. The second frame member and the at least one connecting member are configured to at least partially house and mechanically support the electric motor with the outer rotor.
[0013] In yet another example, a fluid displacement device includes an electric motor, a drive device, a pump, a pump frame, and a motor frame that extend along an axis to have a first end and a second end. The electric motor includes a stator that extends along the axis and a rotor that is disposed around the stator and extends along the axis. The drive device is connected to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor and convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion. The pump includes a piston and a cylinder, and the piston receives the linear reciprocating motion from the drive device to reciprocate within the cylinder. The cylinder and the stator are connected to the pump frame to stabilize the cylinder relative to the piston. The motor frame stabilizes the stator. The motor frame includes a plurality of connecting members that extend from the first end of the motor to the second end of the motor. The plurality of connecting members are disposed around the rotor.
[0014] In yet another example, a drive system for a reciprocating pump for pumping fluid includes an electric motor and a drive device. The electric motor includes a rotor. The rotor includes an eccentric drive member that extends from the rotor. The drive device is directly coupled to the eccentric drive member and is configured to drive a reciprocating motion of a fluid displacement member.
[0015] In yet another example, a method of driving a reciprocating pump includes: providing power to an electric motor to cause rotation of a rotor about a rotational axis; directly providing the rotational output of the electric motor to a drive device; providing a linear reciprocating input to a pump rod of the pump through the drive device; and spraying fluid from the fluid volume pump onto a surface. For one revolution of the rotor, the fluid volume pump performs one pump cycle.
[0016] In yet another example, a pumping system includes an electric motor, a drive device, and a reciprocating pump. The electric motor includes a rotor. The rotor includes an eccentric drive member that extends from the rotor. The drive device is directly coupled to the eccentric drive member. The reciprocating pump includes a fluid displacement member coupled to the drive device and a pump cylinder that at least partially houses the fluid displacement member. The drive device is configured to drive a reciprocating motion of the fluid displacement member.
[0017] In yet another example, a drive system for powering a reciprocating pump for pumping fluid to produce a fluid spray includes an electric motor, an eccentric drive member, and a drive device. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor is configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The eccentric drive member extends from the rotor. The drive device is coupled to the eccentric drive and is configured to drive a reciprocating motion of a fluid displacement member.
[0018] In yet another example, a method of driving a reciprocating pump for generating a pressurized fluid spray for spraying onto a surface includes: providing electrical power to an electric motor to cause rotation of a rotor about a rotational axis; providing a rotational output from the rotor to a drive device; and providing a linear reciprocating input to a fluid displacement member of the pump through the drive device to cause reciprocating movement of the fluid displacement member along a pump axis to pump fluid. The rotor is connected to the fluid displacement member through the drive device such that for one revolution of the rotor, the positive displacement pump performs one pump cycle.
[0019] In yet another example, a pumping system for pumping fluid to generate a pressurized fluid spray includes an electric motor, an eccentric drive member, a drive device, and a reciprocating pump. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor is configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The eccentric drive member extends from the rotor. The drive device is coupled to the eccentric drive member to receive a rotational output from the rotor. The reciprocating pump includes a fluid displacement member coupled to the drive device and a pump cylinder at least partially housing the fluid displacement member. The drive device is configured to receive the rotational output from the motor and convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion to drive the reciprocating movement of the fluid displacement member.
[0020] In yet another example, a drive system for a positive displacement pump includes an electric motor, a drive device, a fluid displacement member, and a pump frame. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor. The stator and the rotor are disposed on an axis. The drive device is coupled to the rotor at a first end of the electric motor. The fluid displacement member is mechanically coupled to the drive device such that the electric motor experiences a pump load during pumping generated by the reciprocating movement of the fluid displacement member. The pump frame is mechanically coupled to the electric motor and is configured to support the positive displacement pump and the electric motor.
[0021] In yet another example, a drive system for a reciprocating fluid displacement system includes an electric motor, a drive device, a fluid displacement member, and a pump frame. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor. The stator and the rotor are disposed on an axis. The drive device is coupled to the rotor at a first end of the electric motor. The fluid displacement member is mechanically coupled to the drive device, wherein the drive device converts a rotational output from the rotor into a linear reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member. The pump frame is mechanically coupled to the electric motor. A pump reaction force generated by the fluid displacement member during pumping is transmitted to the pump frame via the drive device and the rotor.
[0022] In yet another example, a pumping device includes a frame, at least two bearings, an electric motor, a drive device, and a pump. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor, and the rotor is configured to output a rotational motion. The rotor is supported by the at least two bearings, and the at least two bearings support the rotation of the rotor. The drive device is configured to receive the rotational motion and convert the rotational motion into a linear reciprocating motion. The pump includes a piston and a cylinder. The piston is configured to receive the linear reciprocating motion to reciprocate within the cylinder through a upstroke and a downstroke. When moving through the upstroke, the piston receives a downward reaction force, and when moving through the downstroke, the piston receives an upward reaction force. Both the upward reaction force and the downward reaction force travel through the drive device, the rotor, and then to the at least two bearings.
[0023] In yet another example, a spraying machine including the drive system of any one of the preceding paragraphs includes a pump and a controller. The pump includes a piston configured to reciprocate linearly through the drive device. The controller is configured to output electrical energy to the electric motor to control the operation of the electric motor.
[0024] In yet another example, a fluid volume pump includes an electric motor having a first end and a second end, a drive device, and a pump having a fluid displacement member coupled to the drive device to reciprocate through the drive device. The electric motor includes: a stator; and a rotor that rotates about an axis, the stator being radially located within the rotor such that the rotor rotates about the stator, the rotor including a housing having an opening at the second end of the electric motor, the housing containing a plurality of magnets that rotate with the housing; and a stator support extending through the opening to hold the stator stationary as the housing rotates about the stator. The drive device is connected to the rotor at the first end of the electric motor, and the drive device is configured to convert the rotational output from the rotor into a reciprocating motion. The fluid displacement member is positioned closer to the first end of the electric motor than to the second end of the electric motor.
[0025] In yet another example, a fluid spraying machine includes: an electric motor including a stator and a rotor; a drive device connected to the rotor and configured to convert a rotational output from the rotor into a reciprocating motion; a pump including a fluid displacement member coupled to the drive device to be reciprocated by the drive device; a fluid outlet for spraying the fluid output by the pump; a fluid sensor that outputs a signal indicating the pressure of the fluid output by the pump; and a controller that receives the signal from the fluid sensor and outputs operating power to the stator, the operating power causing the rotor to rotate relative to the stator.
[0026] The controller is configured to: when the signal indicates that the pressure of the fluid output by the pump is lower than a pressure set value, deliver a first level of operating power to the stator, the first level of operating power causing the rotor to reciprocate the fluid displacement member via the drive device; and when the signal indicates that the pressure of the fluid output by the pump is at or above the pressure set value, deliver a second level of operating power to the stator while the rotor and the fluid displacement member remain stalled when the fluid outlet is closed, the second level of operating power causing the rotor to push against the drive device to cause the fluid displacement member to apply pressure to the fluid when the fluid outlet is closed and the rotor and the fluid displacement member remain stalled.
[0027] In yet another example, a fluid spraying machine includes: an electric motor including a stator and a rotor; a drive device connected to the rotor and configured to convert a rotational output from the rotor into a reciprocating motion; a pump including a fluid displacement member coupled to the drive device to be reciprocated by the drive device; a fluid outlet for spraying the fluid output by the pump; and a controller that outputs operating power to the stator, the operating power causing the rotor to rotate relative to the stator. The controller is configured to cause the rotor to reverse the direction of rotation between two modes, wherein in a first mode, the rotor rotates clockwise to perform a plurality of consecutive complete revolutions to drive the piston through a first plurality of consecutive pumping strokes, each pumping stroke including a fluid suction phase in which the fluid displacement member moves in a first direction and a fluid discharge phase in which the fluid displacement member moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and in a second mode, the rotor rotates counterclockwise to perform a plurality of complete consecutive revolutions to drive the piston through a second plurality of consecutive pumping strokes, each pumping stroke including the fluid suction phase and the fluid discharge phase.
[0028] The present invention content is provided by way of example only and not limitation. Considering the entirety of the present disclosure (including the entire text, claims, and drawings), other aspects of the present disclosure will be understood. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Figure 1A is a schematic front elevation view of a spraying system.
[0030] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a schematic side elevation view of the spraying system of
[0031] Figure 2 is an isometric front side view of a drive system and a positive displacement pump.
[0032] Figure 3 is Figure 2 an exploded view of the drive system and the positive displacement pump of
[0033] Figure 4 is along Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the drive system and the positive displacement pump taken along line 4-4 of
[0034] Figure 4A is Figure 4 an enlarged view of part 4A of
[0035] Figure 5 is for Figure 2 an isometric front side view of a support frame for the drive system and the positive displacement pump of
[0036] Figure 6 is for Figure 2 an isometric rear side view of a support frame for the drive system and the positive displacement pump of
[0037] Figure 7 is Figure 2 an exploded view of an eccentric driver of the drive system of
[0038] Figure 8 is an isometric front side view of another embodiment of the drive system and the positive displacement pump.
[0039] Figure 9 is Figure 8 an isometric cross-sectional view of the drive system and the positive displacement pump of
[0040] Figure 10A is for Figure 8 an isometric rear side view of a support frame for the drive system and the positive displacement pump of
[0041] Figure 10B is an isometric rear side view of another embodiment of the support frame.
[0042] Figure 10C Is an isometric rear side view of another embodiment of the support frame.
[0043] Figure 11 Is an isometric front side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the drive system and the positive displacement pump.
[0044] Figure 12 Is Figure 11 Is an isometric front side view of the drive system of
[0045] Figure 13 Is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the drive system and the positive displacement pump.
[0046] Figure 14 Is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the drive system and the positive displacement pump.
[0047] Figure 15 Is an isometric front side view of another embodiment of the drive system and the positive displacement pump.
[0048] Figure 16 Is along Figure 15 Is an isometric cross-sectional view of the drive system and the positive displacement pump taken along line 16-16 of
[0049] Figure 17 Is a block diagram of the control system.
[0050] Although the accompanying drawings identified above illustrate embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments are also contemplated as discussed. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention in an illustrative, not a limiting, sense. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can design many other modifications and embodiments that fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the present invention. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the applications and embodiments of the present invention may include features, steps, and / or components not specifically shown in the drawings. Detailed Description
[0051] The present disclosure relates to a drive system for a reciprocating fluid positive displacement pump. The drive system of the present disclosure has an electric motor with an eccentric driver. A drive member converts the rotational output of a rotor into a linear reciprocating input of a fluid displacement member. The rotor may be disposed outside a stator to rotate about the stator such that the motor is an outer rotor motor.
[0052] Figure 1A Is a schematic front elevation block diagram of the spraying system 1. Figure 1B Is a schematic side elevation block diagram of the spraying system 1. Discussed together Figure 1A And Figure 1BShown are a support member 2, a reservoir 3, a supply line 4, a spray gun 5, and a drive system 10. The drive system 10 includes an electric motor 12, a drive mechanism 14, a pump frame 18, and a positive displacement pump 19. The support member 2 includes a support frame 6 and wheels 7. The fluid displacement member 16 and the pump body 19a of the positive displacement pump 19 are shown. The spray gun 5 includes a handle 8 and a trigger 9.
[0053] The spraying system 1 is a system for applying a spray of various fluids, examples of which include paint, water, oil, colorant, polish, aggregate, coating, and solvent, as well as other options, to a substrate. The drive system 10 (which may also be referred to as a pump assembly) can generate a high fluid pumping pressure, for example, about 3.4 to 69 megapascals (MPa) (about 500 - 10000 pounds per square inch (psi)) or even higher. In some examples, the pumping pressure is in the range of about 20.7 to 34.5 MPa (about 3000 - 5000 psi). The high fluid pumping pressure is useful for atomizing the fluid into a spray for applying the fluid to a surface.
[0054] The drive system 10 is configured to draw the spraying fluid from the reservoir 3 and pump the fluid downstream to the spray gun 5 for application to the substrate. The support member 2 is connected to the drive system 10 and supports the drive system 10 relative to the reservoir 3. The support member 2 can receive and react to the load from the drive system 10. For example, the support frame 6 can be connected to the pump frame 18 to react to the load generated during pumping. The support frame 6 is connected to the pump frame 18. The wheels 7 are connected to the support frame 6 to facilitate movement between and within work sites.
[0055] The pump frame 18 supports other components of the drive system 10. The motor 12 and the positive displacement pump 19 are connected to the pump frame 18. The motor 12 is an electric motor having a stator and a rotor. The motor 12 can be configured to be powered by any desired type of electricity (e.g., direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), and / or a combination of DC and AC). The rotor is configured to rotate about a motor axis MA in response to a current (e.g., a DC or AC signal) passing through the stator. In some examples, the rotor can rotate around the stator such that the motor 12 is an outer rotor motor. The drive mechanism 14 is connected to the motor 12 to be driven by the motor 12. The drive mechanism 14 receives the rotational output from the motor 12 and converts the rotational output into a linear input along a pump axis PA. The drive mechanism 14 is connected to the fluid displacement member 16 to drive the reciprocating movement of the fluid displacement member 16 along the pump axis PA. As Figure 1BAs shown in the figure, the motor axis MA is disposed transversely to the pump axis PA. More specifically, the motor axis MA may be orthogonal to the pump axis PA. In other embodiments, the motor 12, the drive mechanism 14, and the fluid displacement member 16 may be coaxially disposed such that the motor axis MA and the pump axis PA are coaxial. The fluid displacement member 16 reciprocates within the pump body 19a (such as the cylinder 94 discussed below) to pump the spraying fluid from the reservoir 3 to the spray gun 5 through the supply line 4.
[0056] During operation, the user can manipulate the drive system 10 to a desired position relative to the target substrate by moving the support 2. For example, the user can manipulate the drive system 10 by tilting the support frame 6 on the wheels 7 and rolling the drive system 10 to the desired position. The positive displacement pump 19 can extend into the reservoir 3. The motor 12 provides a rotational input to the drive mechanism 14, and the drive mechanism 14 provides a linear input to the fluid displacement member 16 to cause the reciprocating motion of the fluid displacement member 16. The fluid displacement member 16 draws the spraying fluid from the reservoir 3 and drives the spraying fluid downstream through the supply line 4 to the spray gun 5. The user can manipulate the spray gun 5 by, for example, grasping the handle 8 of the spray gun 5 with the user's single hand. The user causes spraying by actuating the trigger 9. In some examples, the pressure generated by the drive system 10 atomizes the spraying fluid leaving the spray gun 5 to produce a fluid spray. In some examples, the spray gun 5 is a paint sprayer. In some examples, the handle can extend from the drive system 10, and the user can manipulate the drive system 10 by grasping the handle and carrying the drive system 10 within or between work sites.
[0057] Figure 2 is an isometric front view of the front side of the drive system 10. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the drive system 10. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drive system 10. Figure 4A is Figure 4 an enlarged view of part 3A of Figure 5 is for Figure 2 the isometric front view of the support frame of the drive system and the positive displacement pump for Figure 6 is for Figure 2 the isometric rear view of the support frame of the drive system and the positive displacement pump for Figure 7 is Figure 2 the exploded view of the eccentric drive of Figures 2 to 7 . The electric motor 12, the control panel 13, the drive mechanism 14, the fluid displacement member 16, the support frame 18, and the positive displacement pump 19 are shown. Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 7 illustrate an embodiment of the drive mechanism 14 coupled to the outer rotor electric motor 12 and configured to provide power for the reciprocating motion of the fluid displacement member of the pump 19.Figure 5 and Figure 6 FIG. illustrates an embodiment of a support frame 18 configured to mechanically support an electric motor 12 and a pump 19.
[0058] The electric motor 12 includes a stator 20, a rotor 22, and a shaft 23. In the example shown, the electric motor 12 can be a reversible motor because the stator 20 can cause the rotor 22 to rotate about the motor axis A in either of two rotational directions (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise), and the motor axis A can be the same as the motor axis MA shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B The electric motor 12 is disposed on the axis A and extends from a first end 24 to a second end 26. The first end 24 can be an output end configured to provide a rotational output from the motor 12. The second end 26 can be an electrical input end configured to receive electrical power to provide to the stator 20 to power the operation of the motor 12. For example, one or more wires w can extend into the electrical input end 26 and to the stator 20 to provide electrical power to operate the stator 20. The rotor 22 can be formed by a housing having a cylindrical body 28 disposed between a first wall 30 and a second wall 32. The cylindrical body extends axially between the first wall 30 and the second wall 32 relative to the motor axis A. The first wall 30 and the second wall 32 extend generally radially inward from the cylindrical body 28 and toward the motor axis A. The cylindrical body 28 and / or the first wall 30 and / or the second wall 32 can have fins 31 projecting radially and / or axially from the body 28 and / or the walls 30, 32. The rotor 22 includes an array of permanent magnets 34 disposed on an inner circumferential surface 35. The inner circumferential surface 35 can be a radially inner portion of the cylindrical body 28. The second wall 32 can have an axially extending flange 36 configured to be received within the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 28. The second wall 32 can be fastened to the cylindrical body 28 by fasteners, adhesives, welding, press fitting, interference fitting, or other desired connection means. For example, bolts 37 or another fastener can connect the wall 32 and the cylindrical body 28. The second wall 32 can have a radially extending annular flange 38 at the inner diameter opening. The annular flange 38 can be rotatably coupled to the shaft 23, for example, by a bearing 48. The annular flange 38 can at least partially define a receiving shoulder for receiving an outer race 49 of the bearing 48 and preloading the bearing 48. The rotor 22 can include a plurality of cylindrical projections 40, 41 extending axially from the first wall 30. The cylindrical projections 40, 41 can rotatably couple the rotor 22 to the stator 20 and the support frame 18.
[0059] A bearing 42 having an inner race 43, an outer race 44, and rolling elements 45 rotatably couples the rotor 22 to the stator 20 at a shaft end 46 opposite the second end 26. A bearing 48 having an outer race 49, an inner race 50, and rolling elements 51 rotatably couples the rotor 22 to the stator 20 at the second end 26.
[0060] The support frame 18 is mechanically coupled to the rotor 22 via a bearing 52 having an outer race 53, an inner race 54, and rolling elements 55 at the output end 24. The rotor 22 may be received within the support frame 18 such that a portion of the rotor 22 extends into the support frame 18 and is radially surrounded by a portion of the support frame 18. The bearing 52 may be disposed between the rotor 22 and the support frame 18 such that both the bearing 52 and the support frame 18 are radially outwardly positioned from the portion of the rotor 22 at the output end 24. A wave spring washer 56 may be disposed between the bearing 52 and the support frame 18. An additional wave spring washer 57 may be disposed between the bearing 42 and the shaft 23.
[0061] The support frame 18 includes a pump frame 58 (best visible in Figure 5 ), and a support member 60 (best visible in Figure 6 ). It should be understood that the term member may refer to a single piece or multiple pieces that are fixed together. The pump frame 58 mechanically supports the pump 19 and the electric motor 12. The pump frame 58 is mechanically coupled to the rotor 22 via the bearing 52 at the output end 24. The pump frame 58 may include a pump housing portion 62, an outer frame body 63, a protrusion 64a, support ribs 65, a handle attachment 66, and a hub 67. The support member 60 provides a frame for the motor 12. The support member 60 mechanically couples the pump frame 58 and the motor 12, and supports the reaction forces of the pump and the electric motor. The support member 60 extends from the pump frame 58 at the output end 24 to the shaft 23 at the electrical input end 26. The support member 60 may include a connecting member 68, a base plate 70, and a frame member 72. The frame member 72 may include a protrusion 64b, support columns 73, a hub 74, ribs 75, and a support ring 76. The base plate 70 may include support columns 71. The pump frame 58 and the frame member 72 are disposed at opposite axial ends of the motor 12 relative to the axis A. A first plane normal to the motor axis A at the output end 24 may extend through the pump frame 58. A second plane normal to the motor axis A at the input end 26 may extend through the frame member 72. The two planes are axially spaced apart along the motor axis A and do not intersect.
[0062] The control panel 13 can be mounted to and supported by the support frame 18. Specifically, the control panel 13 can be mounted to the frame member 72 on the axial side of the frame member 72 opposite the motor 12 relative to the axis A, such that the frame member 72 separates the control panel 13 from the motor 12 and is disposed directly between the control panel 13 and the motor 12 along the axis A. The control panel 13 can extend cantilever - like from the motor 12 via the frame member 72. The control panel 13 can extend cantilever - like from the support frame 18. In the illustrated example, the control panel 13 is mounted to the frame member at the control support post 73. The control support post 73 extends axially from the frame member 72 and away from the motor 12. The control support post 73 can provide direct contact (e.g., metal - to - metal contact) between the heat - conducting element of the frame member 72 and the control panel 13 to facilitate heat transfer, as discussed in more detail below.
[0063] The control panel 13 can include and / or support the controller 15 and various other control and / or electrical components of the drive system 10. The controller 15 is operably electrically connected and / or communicatively connected to the motor 12 to control the operation of the motor 12, thereby controlling the pumping performed by the positive - displacement pump 19. The controller 15 can be of any desired configuration for controlling the pumping performed by the positive - displacement pump 19 and can include control circuitry and memory. The controller 15 is configured to store software, store executable code, implement functionality, and / or process instructions. The controller 15 is configured to perform any of the functions discussed herein, including receiving the output from any of the sensors cited herein, detecting any of the conditions or events cited herein, and controlling the operation of any of the components cited herein. The controller 15 can be of any suitable configuration for controlling the operation of the drive system 10, controlling the operation of the motor 12, collecting data, processing data, etc. The controller 15 can include hardware, firmware, and / or stored software, and the controller 15 can be mounted in whole or in part on one or more boards. The controller 15 can be of any type suitable for operating in accordance with the techniques described herein. Although the controller 15 is illustrated as a single unit, it should be understood that the controller 15 can be disposed across one or more boards. In some examples, the controller 15 can be implemented as multiple discrete circuit sub - assemblies. In some examples, the controller 15 can be implemented across one or more locations such that one or more but less than all of the components forming the controller 15 are disposed in and / or supported by the control panel 13.
[0064] The controller 15 can include any one or more of a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuits. The computer-readable memory can be configured to store information during operation. In some examples, the computer-readable memory can be described as a computer-readable storage medium. In some examples, the computer-readable storage medium can include a non-transitory medium. The term "non-transitory" can indicate that the storage medium is not embedded in a carrier wave or propagated signal. In certain examples, the non-transitory storage medium can store data that can change over time (e.g., in RAM or a cache). The computer-readable memory of the controller 15 and / or the motor controller 22 can include volatile and non-volatile memory. Examples of volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memory. Examples of non-volatile memory can include magnetic hard disks, optical disks, flash memory, or forms of electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memory. In some examples, the memory is used to store program instructions for execution by the control circuit. In one example, the memory is used by software or an application running on the controller 15 or the motor controller 22 to temporarily store information during program execution.
[0065] The control panel 13 is further shown as including a user interface 17. The user interface 17 can be configured as an input and / or output device. For example, the user interface 17 can be configured to receive input from a data source and / or provide output regarding a bounded region and a path therein. Examples of the user interface 17 can include a sound card, a video graphics card, speakers, a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, etc.), a touch screen, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, or one or more other types of devices for facilitating input and / or output of information in a form understandable by a user or a machine. Although the user interface 17 is shown as being formed as part of the control panel 13, it should be understood that in some examples, the user interface 17 can be located remotely from the control panel 13 and communicatively connected to other components (e.g., the controller 15).
[0066] The drive mechanism 14 is connected to the motor 12 and the pump 19. The drive mechanism 14 is configured to receive the rotational output from the rotor 22 and convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member 16. In the illustrated example, the drive mechanism 14 includes an eccentric driver 78, a drive member 80, and a drive link 82. The eccentric driver 78 may include a sleeve 83 and a fastener 84. The drive member 80 may include a follower 86 and a bearing member 89. The drive link 82 may include a connection slot 90 and a pin 92.
[0067] The pump 19 includes a fluid displacement member 16 configured to reciprocate within a cylinder 94 to pump fluid. In the illustrated example, the fluid displacement member 16 is a piston configured to reciprocate along a pump axis PA to pump fluid. However, it should be understood that the fluid displacement member 16 may be other desired configurations, among other options, for example, a diaphragm, a plunger, etc. In the illustrated example, the fluid displacement member 16 includes a shaft 91 and a connector 93. The pump 19 includes a cylinder 94 connected to a support frame 18. Check valves 95, 96 are disposed within the cylinder 94 and regulate the flow through the pump 19. In the illustrated example, the check valve 95 is mounted to the piston forming the fluid displacement member 16 to travel with the piston.
[0068] The support frame 18 supports the motor 22 and the pump 19. As discussed in more detail below, the support frame 18 is dynamically connected to the rotor 22 through a bearing interface and statically connected to the stator 20. The support frame 18 is statically connected to the pump 19. The electric motor 12 is dynamically connected to the support frame 18 via the rotor 22 and statically connected to the support frame 18 via the stator 20. The electric motor 12 is dynamically connected to the pump 19 via the fluid displacement member 16. The pump 19 is statically connected to the support frame 18 and dynamically connected to the electric motor 12.
[0069] In the illustrated example, the motor 12 is an electric motor having an inner stator 20 and an outer rotor 22. The motor 12 can be configured to be powered by any desired type of electric power (e.g., direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), and / or a combination of DC and AC). The stator 20 includes an armature winding 21, and the rotor 22 includes permanent magnets 34. The rotor 22 is configured to rotate about a motor axis A in response to an electric current signal passing through the stator 20. The rotor 22 is connected to the fluid displacement member 16 via a drive mechanism 14 at an output end 24 of the rotor 22. The drive mechanism 14 receives a rotational output from the rotor 22 and provides a linear reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member 16. The support frame 18 mechanically supports the electric motor 12 at the output end 24 and mechanically supports the reciprocating fluid volume pump 19 via a connection between the cylinder 94 and the pump 19. The support frame 18 at least partially houses the fluid displacement member 16 of the reciprocating pump 19. In the illustrated example, the cylinder 94 is mounted to the pump frame 58 by a clamp 25 that receives a portion of the support frame between a first member of the clamp 25 and a second member of the clamp 25. For example, a flange 59 can be received between the two members of the clamp 25.
[0070] The stator 20 defines the axis A of the electric motor 12. The stator 20 is disposed about a shaft 23 and is supported by the shaft 23. The shaft 23 is mounted to be stationary relative to the motor axis A during operation. The stator 20 is fixed to the shaft 23 to maintain the position of the stator 20 relative to the motor axis A. Electric power can be provided to the armature winding 21 via an electrical connection made at or through an electrical input end 26 of the electric motor 12. Each winding 21 can be part of a phase of the motor 15. In some examples, the motor 15 can include three phases. Electric power can be provided to each phase according to a sinusoidal waveform with an electrical offset. For example, a motor having three phases can cause each phase to receive an electric power signal that is electrically offset 120 degrees from the other phases. The shaft 23 can be a hollow shaft that is open at the electrical input end 26 for receiving electrical wires from outside the motor 12. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft 23 can be solid, can have a key, can be D-shaped, or have other similar designs. In some embodiments, the shaft 23 can be defined by a plurality of cylindrical cross-sections taken perpendicular to the axis A, the plurality of cylindrical cross-sections having varying diameters to accommodate a mechanical coupling with the support frame 18 at the electrical input end 26 of the shaft 23 and a coupling with the rotor 22 at an axially opposite end 46 of the shaft 23. For example, a first end of the shaft 23 can be radially disposed between the stator 20 and the rotor 22 and have a larger diameter than the axially opposite end 46 that receives the electrical input.
[0071] The rotor 22 is disposed coaxially with and around the stator 20 and is configured to rotate about an axis A. The rotor 22 may be formed by a housing having a cylindrical body 28 extending between a first wall 30 and a second wall 32 such that the rotor 22 is positioned to extend around three sides of the stator 20. The rotor 22 includes a permanent magnet array 34. The permanent magnet array 34 may be disposed on an inner circumferential surface 35 of the cylindrical body 28. An air gap separates the permanent magnet array 34 from the stator 20 to allow the rotor 22 to rotate relative to the stator 20. At the output end 24 of the electric motor 12, the rotor 22 may overlap the stator 20 and the shaft 23 over the entire radial extent of the stator 20 and the shaft 23. In some examples, the rotor 22 may completely surround the stator 20 and the shaft 23 at the output end 24 of the electric motor 12. At the electrical input end 26 of the electric motor 12, the rotor 22 may overlap the stator 20 partially or completely over the radial extent of the stator 20. The second wall 32 extends radially inward from the cylindrical body 28 toward the shaft 23. The shaft 23 may extend through an opening concentric with the shaft 23 in the second wall 32 and may extend axially outward from the second wall 32 in an axial direction AD2. In the illustrated example, the second wall 32 is radially separated from the shaft 23 by a bearing 48 at the electrical input end 26 of the electric motor 12 to allow the rotor 22 to rotate relative to the shaft 23.
[0072] Generally, the stator 20 generates an electromagnetic field that interacts with a plurality of magnetic elements of the rotor 22 to cause the rotor 22 to rotate around the stator 20. More specifically, the stator 20 includes a plurality of windings 21 that generate the electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field generated by the windings 21 faces radially outward toward the rotor 22. The rotor 22 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 34 circumferentially arranged within the rotor 22, or a plurality of windings that temporarily magnetize a metallic material, both of which are circumferentially arranged within the rotor 22. In any configuration of the rotor 22, the electromagnetic field generated by the plurality of solenoids 21 of the stator 20 attracts and / or repels the magnetic elements of the rotor 22 to cause the rotor 22 to rotate around the stator 20.
[0073] The first wall 30 and / or the second wall 32 of the rotor 22 may be integrally formed with the cylindrical body 28 or may be mechanically fastened to the cylindrical body 28. The mechanical connection with the cylindrical body 28 may be formed in any desired manner (e.g., by fasteners, interference fit, welding, adhesives, etc.). The rotor 22 is formed such that the closed end of the rotor 22 is oriented towards the axis PA of the reciprocating motion of the pump 19 and such that the open end of the rotor 22 is oriented towards the control panel 13. The closed end of the rotor 22 (formed by the wall 30) faces the pump 19, and the open end (formed by the wall 32, which is open to facilitate electrical connection) is oriented away from the pump 19 along the motor axis A. The open end of the rotor 22 is oriented towards the control panel 13. In the example shown, the opening through the wall 32 leads directly to the space between the control panel 13 and the motor 22.
[0074] The first wall 30 may have a tapered thickness and / or may be angled between the shaft 23 and the cylindrical body 28. The first wall 30 may have a tapered thickness, where the thickness increases in the radial direction from the cylindrical body 28 towards the axis A. In the example shown, the profile of the axially oriented face of the first wall 30 is such that the first wall 30 arches outwardly in a first axial direction. In the example shown, the first wall 30 is integrally formed with the cylindrical body 28.
[0075] In the example shown, the second wall 32 is formed separately from the cylindrical body 28 and is connected to the cylindrical body 28. In the example shown, the second wall 32 is fastened to the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical body 28 with a plurality of fasteners (more specifically, by bolts 37). The second wall 32 may include a flange 36 that extends axially at the radially outer end, and the flange 36 may form a sliding fit with the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 28. The axially extending flange 36 aligns the second wall 32 with the cylindrical body 28 to provide correct alignment during assembly and to prevent the rotor 22 from being unbalanced due to misalignment. The axially extending flange 36 promotes concentricity between the cylindrical body 28 and the second wall 30. The axially extending flange 36 may be annular. The cylindrical body 28 and / or one or both of the first wall 30 and the second wall 32 may include one or more fins 31 that extend (axially and / or radially) outwardly to push air when the rotor 22 rotates. For example, the fins 31 may be used to direct cooling air towards the control panel 13. The fins 31 may be formed of a thermally conductive material to act as a heat sink for conducting heat away from the motor 12.
[0076] Bearings 42, 48, and 52 are coaxially disposed on a rotational axis A such that the rotating members of bearings 42, 48, and 52 rotate on the rotational axis A. Bearings 42, 48, and 52 may be substantially similar in size or may vary in size to support different loads and accommodate space constraints. Bearings 42 and 48 may be substantially similar in size, while bearing 52 at the output end 24 may be larger to accommodate the reciprocating load received by the rotor 22 at the output end 24. In some examples, all three bearings 42, 48, 52 may have different sizes. In the illustrated example, end bearing 52 is larger than end bearing 48, and end bearing 48 is larger than intermediate bearing 42. The rolling elements of bearings 42, 48, and 52 may vary in radial position from the axis A. The rolling elements 55 of bearing 52 may be disposed at a first radius R1 from the rotational axis A of the electric motor 12, the rolling elements 51 of bearing 48 may be disposed at a second radius R2 from the rotational axis A, and the rolling elements 45 of bearing 42 may be disposed at a third radius R3 from the rotational axis A. As Figure 4A illustrated, the first radius R1 may be greater than the second radius R2, and the third radius R3 may be greater than the second radius R2 and less than the first radius R1. In some examples, the second radius R2 is one of greater than and equal to the third radius R3. The first wall 30 may be rotatably coupled to the radially inner portion of the shaft 23 at the shaft end 46 via the bearing 42. The bearing 42 includes an inner race 43, an outer race 44, and rolling elements 45. In some examples, the bearing 42 may be a roller or ball bearing in which the rolling elements 45 are formed of cylindrical members or balls. The first wall 30 may be coupled to the inner race 43. The stator 20 may be coupled to the outer race 44, for example, via the shaft 23 that interfaces with the outer race 44. The rolling elements 45 allow the rotor 22 to rotate relative to the stator 20. The bearing 42 rotatably supports the rotor 22 relative to the stator 20 and maintains an air gap between the permanent magnet array 34 and the stator 20, thereby balancing the motor 12. The bearing 42 may be provided to ensure that the stator 20 and the rotor 22 deflect the same amount in each pump cycle, such that the air gap between the stator 20 and the rotor 22 is maintained in each up and down pump load condition and the rotor 22 does not contact the stator 20. The bearing 42 minimizes the unsupported length of the rotor 22 and provides intermediate support between the bearing 52 and the bearing 48. In some examples, the bearing 42 may support the torque load generated by the electric motor 12. The bearing 42 may primarily align the stator 20 and the rotor 22 while experiencing minimal pump reaction loads. When the bearing 42 is positioned inside the shaft 23, the radius R3 of the bearing 42 may be determined by the size of the shaft 23 at the shaft end 46.
[0077] Components are considered to axially overlap when they are disposed in a common position along an axis (e.g., along the motor axis A for the shaft 23 and the wall 30) such that a radial line projecting from the axis extends through each of those axially overlapping components. Similarly, components are considered to radially overlap when they are disposed in a common position radially spaced from the axis (e.g., relative to the motor axis A for the shaft 23 and the wall 30) such that an axial line parallel to the axis extends through each of those radially overlapping components.
[0078] The first wall 30 of the rotor 22 may extend into the shaft 23 at the output end 24 such that a portion of the shaft 23 and a portion of the first wall 30 radially overlap. Thus, an axial line parallel to the axis A may extend through each of the first wall 30 and the shaft 23. The cylindrical protrusion 40 of the rotor 22 may extend from the output end 24 of the motor 12 in the axial direction AD2 and into the shaft 23 at the shaft end 46. Thus, the cylindrical protrusion 40 extends from the front end of the housing of the rotor 22 and axially away from the pump frame 58. The cylindrical protrusion 40 is coaxial with the rotor 22 and the stator 20 about the axis of rotation A and rotates about the axis of rotation A. The cylindrical protrusion 40 may extend into the shaft 23 such that the cylindrical protrusion 40 axially overlaps the shaft 23. Thus, a radial line extending from the axis A may pass through each of the cylindrical protrusion 40 and the shaft 23. The cylindrical protrusion 40 is rotatably coupled to the shaft 23 by a bearing 42. The outer diameter surface of the cylindrical protrusion 40 may be coupled to the inner ring 43 such that the rotor 22 rides on the inside of the bearing 42. The shaft 23 may be coupled to the outer ring 44. In some embodiments, at least a portion of each of the cylindrical protrusion 40 and the bearing 42 may axially overlap a portion of the permanent magnet array 34 and in some examples a portion of the stator 20. In an alternative embodiment, the first wall 30 may be rotatably coupled to the outer diameter of the shaft 23 such that the rotor 22 is coupled to the outer ring 44 and the shaft 23 is coupled to the inner ring 43.
[0079] The rotor 22 can be rotatably coupled to the stator 20 at the electrical input end 26 via a bearing 48. The bearing 48 includes an outer race 49, an inner race 50, and rolling elements 51. The rotor 22 can be coupled to the outer race 49, and the shaft 23 can be coupled to the inner race 50. The rolling elements 51 permit the rotor 22 to rotate relative to the stator 20 such that the rotor 22 rides on the outside of the bearing 48. In some examples, the bearing 48 can be a roller or ball bearing where the rolling elements 51 are cylindrical members or balls. A second wall 32 can be coupled to the outer diameter surface of the outer race 49 and can extend around the axial outer end face of the outer race 49. The second wall 32 can include an annular flange 38 that projects radially inwardly from the rotor 22 towards the axis A. The annular flange 38 can extend radially inwardly relative to the outer diameter surface of the outer race 49. The flange 38 can radially overlap and abut the axial outer end face of the outer race 49. The flange 38 can extend to radially overlap and abut the full circumferential axial outer end face of the outer race 49. The shaft 23 can extend through the rotor 22 at the electrical input end 26 and can project axially outwardly from the bearing 48 in the axial direction AD2 to permit the shaft 23 to be coupled to the support frame 18 via, for example, a support member 60. The radius R2 of the bearing 48 can be determined by the size of the shaft 23 at the input end 26 and reacts to the pump load generated during operation.
[0080] The bearing 52 can support both the dynamic motor load and the pump reaction force generated by the reciprocating motion of the fluid displacement member 16 during pumping. The bearing 48 can support both the dynamic motor load and the pump reaction load generated by the reciprocating motion of the fluid displacement member 16 during pumping.
[0081] Compared to the pump reaction force simultaneously experienced by the bearing 52, the pump reaction force borne by the bearing 48 is in generally opposite axial directions (PAD1, PAD2). By way of example, the bearing 52 experiences an upward pump reaction force caused by the fluid displacement member 16 being driven through the downward stroke, while the bearing 48 experiences a downward pump reaction force during the downward stroke. Similarly, the bearing 52 experiences a downward pump reaction force caused by the fluid displacement member 16 being driven through the upward stroke, while the bearing 54 experiences an upward pump reaction force during the upward stroke. The pump reaction load is transmitted through the bearing 52 to the support frame 18.
[0082] In some embodiments, one or both of bearings 42 and 48 may be omitted from drive system 10. In such an embodiment, rotor 22 may be completely separated from stator 20 and shaft 23 on all three sides and have no mechanical coupling. The first wall 30 on output end 24 may extend across axis A to completely cover the radial extent of stator 20 and shaft 23 at output end 24 while maintaining axial and radial separation from stator 20 and shaft 23. Shaft 23 may extend through second wall 32 and may be radially separated therefrom by a gap to allow rotation of rotor 22 relative to shaft 23 in the absence of bearing 48. In such a configuration, rotation of rotor 22 may be supported by a bearing coupling between rotor 22 and pump frame 58 (discussed further herein) either alone or in combination with one of bearings 42 and 48.
[0083] Rotor 22 is mechanically coupled to support frame 18 via bearing 52 at output end 24. Bearing 52 includes an inner race 54, an outer race 53, and rolling elements 55. Bearing 52 may be a roller or ball bearing, where the rolling elements 55 are cylindrical members or balls. Rotor 22 may be received within pump frame 58 such that a portion of rotor 22 extends into pump frame 58 and is radially surrounded by a portion of pump frame 58. Bearing 52 may be disposed between rotor 22 and pump frame 58 such that both bearing 52 and pump frame 58 are radially outwardly positioned from rotor 22 at output end 24. Rotor 22 may be coupled to inner race 54, and pump frame 58 may be coupled to outer race 53 such that rotor 22 rides within bearing 52. The rolling elements 55 allow rotational movement of rotor 22 relative to pump frame 58.
[0084] Bearing 52 is positioned adjacent drive mechanism 14 and most directly experiences the pump load generated by the reciprocating motion of fluid displacement member 16 and transmitted via rotor 22 and more specifically via cylindrical protrusion 41 coupled thereto. Bearing 52 may have a relatively large radius R1 compared to other motor support bearings (e.g., bearings 42, 48) to accommodate both the pump load generated by the reciprocating motion of fluid displacement member 16 and the torque load generated by electric motor 12. Bearing 52 may support both the dynamic motor load (including the torque load generated by electric motor 12) and the up and down pump load generated by the reciprocating motion of fluid displacement member 16 substantially along pump axis PA during pumping. Such pump reaction loads may be borne by electric motor 12 and are particularly evident in a direct drive configuration that does not include an intermediate gear between rotor 22 and drive mechanism 14. By way of example, Figures 2 to 4 the drive system 10 shown in has a direct drive configuration.
[0085] The rotor 22 may include a cylindrical protrusion 41 extending from a wall 30 of the rotor 22 in the axial direction AD1. The cylindrical protrusion 41 may axially extend outward from an output end 24 or a front end of the electric motor 12 in the direction AD1 and may extend into an opening in the pump frame 58. The cylindrical protrusion 41 is centered about the rotation axis A and rotates about the rotation axis A together with the rotor 22. A bearing 52 may be provided on an outer diameter portion of the cylindrical protrusion 41 to couple the rotor 22 to the pump frame 58 through the cylindrical protrusion 41. The cylindrical protrusion 41 may be coupled to an inner ring 54, and the pump frame 58 may be coupled to an outer ring 53. The inner ring 54 may be disposed on an outer diameter surface of the cylindrical protrusion 41. The rolling elements 55 permit rotational movement of the rotor 22 relative to the pump frame 58. The cylindrical protrusion 41 may extend at least partially into the pump frame 58 along the axis A. In some examples, the cylindrical protrusion 41 does not completely extend through the pump frame 58 such that the cylindrical protrusion 41 does not protrude beyond the structure of the pump frame 58 in the first axial direction AD1. In some examples, the cylindrical protrusion 41 does completely extend through the pump frame 58 such that a portion of the cylindrical protrusion 41 protrudes beyond the structure of the pump frame 58 in the axial direction AD1.
[0086] As used herein, the term "axially external" refers to a surface facing the exterior of the electric motor 12 (i.e., away from the stator 20 along the axis A), and the term "axially internal" refers to a surface facing an interior portion of the electric motor 12 (i.e., toward the stator 20 along the axis A). A portion of an axially outer end face of the wall 30 may radially overlap and abut an axially oriented end face of the inner ring 54 (oriented in the axial direction AD2 in the illustrated example). The wall 30 may thus form a support for the bearing 52. The portion of the axially outer end face of the wall 30 may extend radially outward from the cylindrical protrusion 41 and completely circumferentially surround the cylindrical protrusion 41 to radially overlap and abut a fully circumferential axially inner end face of the inner ring 54. By way of example, the wall 30 may include an annular axially extending protrusion that circumscribes the cylindrical protrusion 41 and extends approximately equal to or less than the height of the inner ring 54 to interface with the inner ring 54. The protrusion is configured to fix an axially internal position of the bearing 52 and axially separate the rotating wall 30 from the stationary outer ring 53.
[0087] The bearings 42, 48, and 52 can be preloaded by the pump frame 58 and the support member 60. The pump frame 58 can radially overlap the axial end faces of the bearing 52. The frame member 72 of the support member 60 can radially overlap the axial end faces of the bearing 48. When the support member 60 is fixed to connect the frame members 58, 72 together, axial inward forces are applied to the axial end faces of the bearings 52 and 48 as the bearings 52, 42, and 48 are compressed between the pump frame 58 and the frame member 72. An axial inward force in the direction AD2 is applied to the radially extending axial end face of the bearing 52, and specifically, to the outer axial end face of the outer ring 53. An axial inward force in the direction AD1 is applied to the radially extending axial end face of the bearing 48, and specifically, to the outer axial end face of the inner ring 50. The axial forces preload the bearings 42, 48, and 52 to remove clearance from the bearings 42, 48, and 52 during operation of the drive system 10. Wave spring washers can be used to reduce bearing noise. In some embodiments, a first wave spring washer 56 can be disposed between the pump frame 58 and the axial end face of the outer ring 53 of the bearing 52 at the output end 24. A second wave spring washer 57 can be disposed between a portion of the shaft 23 and the axial end face of the outer ring 44 of the bearing 42. Alternatively or additionally, a wave spring washer can be disposed between a portion of the shaft 23 and the axial end face of the inner ring 50 of the bearing 48.
[0088] The bearing arrangement of the drive system 10 provides significant advantages. The bearings 52 and 48 react to the pump reaction loads generated during pumping. The bearings 52, 48 facilitate the direct drive configuration of the drive system 10. The bearings 52 and 48 stabilize the rotor 22 to facilitate a direct drive connection to the fluid displacement member 16. The pump reaction forces experienced by the bearings 52, 48 at the output end 24 and the input end 26 are transmitted to the portion of the support frame 18 that is connected to a stand or otherwise supports the drive system 10 on a support surface. In the example shown, the pump reaction forces are transmitted via the pump frame 58, the frame member 72, and the connecting member 68 to the base plate 70, thereby balancing the forces across the support frame 18. The base plate 70, for example, reacts to the stand reaction forces connected to the mount 71, and the forces are thereby transmitted away from the motor 12. All pump forces and motor forces react through the base plate 70, which can be integrally formed with the pump frame 58 or directly connected to the pump frame 58 and mechanically coupled to the motor shaft 23 via the frame member 72. This connection balances the motor 12, thereby providing longer life, less wear, less downtime, more efficient operation, and cost savings. The bearing 42 further aligns the rotor 22 on the pump axis A. The bearing 42 minimizes the unsupported span of the rotor 22, thereby aligning the rotor 22 and preventing unwanted contact between the rotor 22 and the stator 20. The bearing 42 thus increases the operating life of the motor 12.
[0089] The support frame 18 mechanically supports the electric motor 12 at the output end 24 and at least partially houses the fluid displacement member 16. The support frame 18 may be mechanically coupled to both the rotor 22 and the stator 20. The support frame 18 may be mechanically coupled to the rotor 22 at the output end 24 and mechanically coupled to the shaft 23 at the electrical input end 26. Thus, the support frame 18 may extend completely around the motor 12 and be coupled to the axially opposite ends of the motor 12 to support the motor 12. The shaft 23 is mechanically coupled to the support frame 18 to fix the stator 20 relative to the support frame 18. The shaft 23 is fixed relative to the support frame 18 such that the stator 20 fixed to the shaft 23 does not rotate relative to the support frame 18 or the motor axis of rotation A.
[0090] The support member 60 may extend from the pump frame 58 to the shaft 23 around the exterior of the rotor 22 to connect the pump frame 58 to the shaft 23 such that the stator 20 is fixed relative to the support frame 18 via the support member 60. The support member 60 may be detachably fastened to the shaft 23. The support member 60 fixes the shaft 23 to the pump frame 58 to prevent relative movement between the stator 20 and the support frame 18. Neither the shaft 23 nor the stator 20 is fixed to the support frame 18 at the output end 24. Instead, a portion of the rotor 22 is axially disposed between the shaft 23 and the stator 20 and separates the shaft 23 and the stator 20 from the support frame 18. Thus, the motor 12 is dynamically supported by the support frame 18 at the output end 24 and statically supported by the support frame 18 at the input end 26.
[0091] The support member 60 may extend from a radially inward position outside the cylindrical body 28 of the rotor 22 to a radially outward position of the cylindrical body 28. The support member 60 may extend circumferentially around the rotor 22 with a sufficient radial spacing from the rotor 22 to allow the rotor 22 to rotate unimpeded inside the support member 60. In the example shown, the support frame 18 does not completely surround the rotor 22. It should be understood that and not all examples are so defined. In the example shown, there are no parts between the support frame 18 and the exterior of the rotor 22. Thus, the support frame 18 allows air flow through itself and over the rotor 22.
[0092] The support member 60 includes one or more connecting members 68, a base plate 70, and a frame member 72. It should be understood that each connecting member 68 can be formed by a single component or multiple components fixed together. Each connecting member 68 can also be referred to as a connector. The base plate 70 can also be referred to as a connector. The connecting members 68 and the base plate 70 extend across the cylindrical body 28 and are spaced apart therefrom. The frame member 72 is disposed at the electrical input end 26 and is coupled to the shaft 23. The frame member 72 can also be referred to as a frame end. The frame member 72 extends radially with respect to the motor axis A and is mechanically coupled to the connecting members 68 and the base plate 70. The connecting members 68 and the base plate 70 can extend axially outward from the pump frame 58 in the axial direction AD2. The connecting members 68, 70 are radially spaced apart from the cylindrical body 28. The connecting members 68 of the support member 60 can extend parallel to the motor axis A or can be angled such that the end of the connecting member 68 at the output end 24 can be circumferentially offset about the axis A from the end of the connecting member at the electrical input end 26.
[0093] The frame member 72 of the support member 60 can extend substantially parallel to the second wall 32 of the rotor 22 and can be axially spaced apart therefrom. The frame member 72 can be disposed substantially parallel to the pump frame 58. The frame member 72 extends from the shaft 23 to a position radially outside the cylindrical body 28, at which position the frame member 72 is joined to the connecting members 68 and the base plate 70. The frame member 72 is fixed to the shaft 23.
[0094] The support member 60 is connected to the pump frame 58 at the output end 24. The support member 60 can be connected to the pump frame 58 at one or more positions radially outside the cylindrical body 28 or at one or more positions radially inward of the cylindrical body 28 and then extends radially to a position radially outside the cylindrical body 28. The support member 60 fixes the axial position of the stator 20 relative to the rotor 22 and the pump axis PA and axially fixes the components of the electric motor 12 together along the motor axis A. The support member 60 can be a monolithic body or can include multiple components fastened together and is capable of connecting the stator 20 to the pump frame 58 to maintain the stator 20 in a fixed axial position relative to the rotor 22 and the pump frame 58 along the axis A.
[0095] In a non-limiting embodiment, the connecting member 68 can be a tie rod that is circumferentially spaced around the top portion of the motor 12. The tie rod can be removably mounted to one or both of the pump frame 58 and the frame member 72. The base plate 70 can be a substantially solid base plate or bracket disposed below the bottom portion of the motor 12. The base plate 70 can have a width that is substantially equal to the width of the pump housing portion 62. In some embodiments, the base plate 70 can have a width that is substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of the cylindrical body 28 of the rotor 22.
[0096] The frame member 72 can include a hub portion 74. The frame member 72 can be removably coupled to the shaft 23. By way of example, the frame member 72 can be slidably engaged with the shaft 23. In some examples, the frame member 72 can be fixed to the shaft 23. By way of example, the hub portion 74 of the frame member 72 can be bolted to the shaft 23 or fixed to the shaft 23 with a retaining nut (not shown). The connecting member 68 and the base plate 70 can be fixed to the frame member 72 and can fix the hub portion 74 to the shaft 23.
[0097] In addition to providing mechanical support to the motor 12, the support member 60 can also conduct heat away from the motor 12 during operation. The shaft 23 extends through the rotor 22 and axially extends outwardly from the rotor at the electrical input end 26 and can project outwardly from the bearing 48 in the axial direction AD2. The portion that axially extends beyond the bearing 48 can be connected to the support member 60 and provides a path for conductive heat transfer from the stator 20 to the support member 60 and away from the electric motor 12. More specifically, the frame member 72 is fixed to the shaft and is in a direct heat exchange relationship therewith. As discussed in more detail below, the frame member 72 is configured to conduct heat from both the motor 12 and the control panel 13, which are the main heat generating components of the drive system 10.
[0098] Both the shaft 23 and the support member 60 can be formed of a thermally conductive material (e.g., metal). The shaft 23 can be placed in direct contact with the support member 60 (e.g., with the frame member 72) to provide a direct heat conduction path to direct heat away from the motor 12. As Figure 4As shown, the shaft 23 axially overlaps the stator 20 along the full axial length of the stator 20. The shaft 23 is capable of extracting heat from the stator 20 and conducting heat axially outward from the stator 20 toward the electrical input end 26. The shaft 23 transfers heat to the frame member 72 via conduction at the location where the frame member 72 contacts the shaft 23. Thus, the conduction path for transferring heat from the stator 20 extends through the shaft 23 to the frame member 72. In some embodiments, the frame member 72 may be in fixed contact with the axially extending surface of the shaft 23 and the radially extending end face of the shaft 23. For example, a portion of the frame member 72 (e.g., a lip extending from the hub 74) may radially extend over the end of the shaft 23 to increase the surface area of direct contact and transfer heat away from the shaft 23 and away from the electric motor 12. The shape and surface area of the frame member 72 may be selected to facilitate heat transfer away from the electric motor 12.
[0099] Figure 5 A front isometric view showing one embodiment of a pump frame 58 having a base plate 70. The pump frame 58 and the base plate 70 may be integrally formed, for example, by casting as a single unit, or may be formed of multiple components mechanically fixed together. For example, the pump frame 58 and the base plate 70 may be detachably connected together by bolts or other fasteners. The pump frame 58 may include a drive link housing 61, a pump housing portion 62, an inner frame body 63a, an outer frame body 63b, an intermediate frame body 63c, a protrusion 64a having a distal end radially outwardly disposed from the electric motor 12, support ribs 65, a handle attachment 66, and a hub 67. The pump frame 58 provides mechanical support and a housing for the pump 19.
[0100] The pump frame 58 provides mechanical support for the motor 22. The pump frame 58 may radially extend outward from the bearing 52. The bearing 52 may be received in the hub 67. The rotor 22 may be received through an opening in the inner frame body 63a. The outer frame body 63b is radially outwardly positioned relative to the motor axis A from the inner frame body. The intermediate frame body 63c is positioned between the inner frame body 63a and the outer frame body 63b. The ribs 65 may extend between the inner frame body 63a and the intermediate frame body 63c, between the inner frame body 63a and the outer frame body 63b, and between the intermediate frame body 63c and the outer frame body 63b. The ribs 65 may be used to reduce the weight of the pump frame 58 while providing structural support. In some embodiments, multiple ribs 65 may extend between the hub 67 and the outer frame body 63b (at Figure 6(best shown in). The ribs 65 can support the load from the bearing 52 and can reduce the weight of the pump frame 58. The ribs 65 can be spaced substantially circumferentially around a portion of the hub 67. The length of the ribs 65 can vary depending on the shape of the outer frame body 63b or the positioning relative to the bearing 52, the inner frame body 63a, or the intermediate frame body 63c. As Figure 5 shown in the figure, the outer frame body 63b can have a different shape from the bearing 52b which is cylindrical. Thus, the perimeter of the outer frame body 63 is unevenly spaced from the perimeter of the bearing 52 or the hub 67, and the ribs 65 connecting the hub 67 to the outer frame body 63b vary in length accordingly. The size and shape of the outer frame body 63b and the number, thickness, and positioning of the ribs 65 can be selected to support the bearing 52 and the electric motor 12 while reducing the weight of the pump frame 58. The protrusion 64a can be a substantially solid triangular protrusion extending from the hub 67. The protrusion 64a can form an attachment point for the member 68 to fix the frame member 72 to the pump frame 58.
[0101] The drive link housing 61 can be positioned in an opening in the inner frame body 63a. As Figure 5 shown in the example in, the drive link housing 62 is a cylindrical body positioned below the opening (on the axial direction PAD1 ( Figure 4 shown in) and above the pump housing portion 62). The opening of the drive link housing 61 is orthogonal to the opening through the inner frame body 62a. The drive link housing 61 restricts the movement of the drive link 82 to vertical movement along the pump axis PA.
[0102] The pump housing portion 62 of the pump frame 58 at least partially houses the fluid displacement member 16 and supports the positive displacement pump 19. The pump 19 is provided at the output end 24 on the pump axis PA, and the pump axis PA is orthogonal to the motor axis A and is axially aligned with the drive mechanism 14 along the axis A. The pump housing portion 62 of the pump frame 58 can extend outward from the drive mechanism 14 in the axial direction AD1 to house the fluid displacement member 16. As Figure 5 shown in the example in, the pump housing portion 62 is formed by a U-shaped wall that opens to the front end of the pump frame 58 in a manner that is away from the motor 12 in the axial direction AD1 and towards the pump 19 in the axial direction PAD2. During operation, a portion of the pump 19 is disposed in the chamber of the pump housing portion 62.
[0103] Figure 6 A rear isometric view of an embodiment of the support frame 18 including the pump frame 58 and the support member 60 assembled together is shown. For clarity, the electric motor 12 has been removed from the view shown. Figure 6The support frame 18 including a pump frame 58 and a support member 60 is shown. The support member 60 includes a connecting member 68, a base plate 70, and a frame member 72. The frame member 72 includes a hub portion 74 configured to receive a portion of the shaft 23 such that the shaft 23 is supported by the frame member 72 and the frame member 72 is in contact with the shaft 23. The frame member 72 is positioned to contact the outer surface of the shaft 23. By maintaining contact with the shaft 23, the frame member 72 can draw heat away from the stator 20 via heat conduction. Both the shaft 23 and the frame member 72 can be formed of a heat-conductive material (e.g., aluminum) capable of conducting heat from inside the stator 20 to the input end 26 and the frame member 72. As discussed with respect to Figure 4 the shaft 23 axially overlaps the stator 20 along the entire axial length of the stator 20 and is capable of drawing heat from the stator 20 and conducting heat axially toward the electrical input end 26 and axially outward from the stator 20. The shaft 23 transfers heat to the frame member 72 via conduction at the location where the frame member 72 contacts the shaft 23. Thus, the conduction path for transferring heat from the stator 20 extends through the shaft 23 to the frame member 72.
[0104] The hub portion 74 of the frame member 72 is configured to be in fixed contact with the axially extending surface of the shaft 23. The frame member 72 extends radially from the shaft 23 to transfer heat radially away from the shaft 23 and away from the electric motor 12. The shape and surface area of the frame member 72 can be selected to facilitate heat transfer away from the electric motor 12. The protruding member 64b on the frame member 72 can extend radially outward from the hub portion 74 to direct heat radially outward from the shaft 23. The protrusion 64b provides an increased surface area relative to the plate 72 to further facilitate heat transfer and cooling of the electric motor 12. The number, shape, and positional arrangement of the protrusions 64b on the frame member 72 can be selected to provide effective heat transfer away from the stator 20 and away from the control panel 13 via the shaft 23. As Figure 6 illustrated in the example of, the protrusion 64b can be a substantially open body formed by a plurality of ribs 75 extending in a converging shape from the hub portion 74 to the distal end or protrusion 64b. In the illustrated example, the plurality of ribs 75 form a triangular protrusion that narrows as the protrusion extends radially away from the axis A. The protrusion 64b provides structural rigidity to the support frame 18 and provides a surface area for conductive heat transfer from the stator 20 while allowing airflow between the motor 12 and the control panel 13. The protrusions 64b can be arranged in a star shape around the hub portion 74, where the base at the hub portion 74 extends to the pointed distal end. As Figure 6As shown, two lower protrusions 64b are connected to the substrate 70 and each is formed by two ribs 75, and two upper protrusions 64b are connected to the connecting member 68 and each is formed by three ribs.
[0105] The frame member 72 may additionally include a plurality of concentric support rings 76 formed around the hub portion 74 and connecting the protrusions 64b. The support rings 76 may provide increased rigidity to the frame member 72 while allowing airflow between the motor 12 and the control panel 13. The support rings 76 also increase the surface area of the frame member 72, thereby providing heat transfer. Openings are formed through the frame member 72, which further increase the surface area and allow airflow through the frame member 72 to further facilitate heat transfer. Alternative designs for increasing the surface area of the frame member 72 are contemplated and may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0106] The frame member 72 may be connected to the shaft 23 in any desired manner that prevents axial displacement and rotation of the frame member 72 relative to the shaft 23 and fixes the axial position of the stator 20 relative to the rotor 22. In some embodiments, the frame member 72 may be slidably fitted onto the outer surface of the shaft 23. A clamping connection between the pump frame 58 and the frame member 72 may fix the shaft 23 and the stator 20 to prevent movement relative to the pump axis A. The connection between the frame member 72 and the pump frame 58 by means of the members 68, 70 prevents relative movement of the frame member 72 about the axis A and may clamp the stator 20 and the shaft 23.
[0107] In some examples, the frame member 72 may be fastened to the outer surface of the shaft 23 with one or more fasteners such that the shaft 23 is fixed relative to the frame member 72, and the frame member 72 is fixed to the pump frame 58 by the substrate 70 and the member 68. The shaft 23 is thereby fixed relative to the pump axis A. The frame member 72 contacts the shaft 23 along the outer surface of the shaft 23. The frame member 72 may be fixed to the shaft 23 such that contact between the frame member 72 and the shaft 23 is maintained during operation to provide a conduction path for heat transfer from the stator 20 to the frame member 72.
[0108] The axial length of the frame member 72 in the axial direction at the hub portion 74 may be selected to increase the contact surface area between the frame member 72 and the shaft 23 and thereby increase the heat transfer capacity. The frame member 72 may be connected to interface with the shaft 23 in any desired manner. For example, as Figure 4 shown, the hub portion 74 may be slidably fitted onto the outer diameter surface of the shaft 23. The opening through the hub portion 74 may be sized to allow the inner diameter surface of the hub portion 74 to maintain contact with the shaft 23 to provide a heat conduction path from the shaft 23 to the frame member 72.
[0109] The frame member 72 can support the control panel 13. As Figure 2 and Figure 4 illustrated, the control panel 13 can be mounted to the rear side portion of the frame member 72 opposite the motor 12. The control panel 13 can be fastened to the mounting posts 73 of the frame member 72 via bolts or other retaining mechanisms known in the art. The conductive material on the control panel 13 can be interfaced with the frame member 72 via the mounting posts 73 to provide a heat conduction path from the control panel 13 to the frame member 72. Thus, the frame member 72 can draw heat away from both the motor 12 and the control panel 13 and transfer the heat to the environment. In the illustrated example, the control panel 13 is mounted to the frame member 72 at the mounting posts 73. The mounting posts 73 space the control panel 13 from the frame member 72 along the axis A. A cooling air chamber is thereby formed between the frame member 72 and the control panel 13 to facilitate the air flow therebetween. The mounting posts 73 and a part of the control panel 13 and / or the fasteners connecting the control panel 13 to the frame member 72 can be formed of a thermally conductive material. Thereby, a direct heat path is formed between the control panel 13 and the frame member 72. The control panel 13 is mounted such that the control panel 13 extends in a cantilever manner from the heat sink formed by the frame member 72. In other embodiments, the control panel 13 can be mounted on the side portion of the motor 12 axially disposed between the pump frame 58 and the frame member 72 along the axis A.
[0110] The frame member 72 is axially disposed between the motor 12 and the control panel 13, and the motor 12 and the control panel 13 are the main heat generating components of the drive system 10. The frame member 72 conducts heat away from the components disposed on the two axial side portions of the frame member 72. The frame member 72 is configured to provide a large surface area and extend radially away from the axis A to facilitate heat transfer. Both the motor 12 and the control panel 13 can have a direct heat path to the frame member 72 (e.g., through direct metal-to-metal contact). Thus, the frame member 72 structurally supports both the motor 12 and the control panel 13 and provides heat dissipation for the motor 12 and the control panel 13.
[0111] The pump frame 58 and the frame member 72 can each include at least two protrusions 64a, 64b. The protrusions 64a, 64b can extend radially outward from the axis A such that the distal end portions of each protrusion member 64a, 64b are radially outwardly disposed from the rotor 22. The connecting member 68 can be fastened to the distal end portions of the protrusions 64a, 64b. The base plate 70 can be fastened to the distal end portion of the protrusion 64b disposed on the bottom side of the frame member 72. The connecting member 68 can be fastened to the distal end portions of the protrusions 64a, 64b disposed on the top side of the motor 12 to connect the pump frame 58 and the frame member 72 across the top outer surface of the rotor 22. The base plate 70 can be fastened to the distal end portion of the lower protrusion 64b to connect the pump frame 58 and the frame member 72 across the bottom outer surface of the rotor 22. The protrusions 64a and 64b can be formed to provide structural integrity to the support frame 18 during operation while limiting the amount of weight added to the drive system 10. As Figure 6 illustrated in the example of
[0112] The protrusions 64a, 64b on each of the pump frame 58 and the frame member 72 can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically relative to each other and at equal or unequal intervals. As Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 illustrated, the pump frame 58 can have two protrusions 64a, and the two protrusions 64a are axially aligned with the protrusions 64b ([[]] Figure 6 shown in
[0113] on the frame member 72). The frame member 72 can have four protrusions 64b, and the four protrusions 64b are arranged in an X configuration spaced unevenly about the axis A.
[0114] The substrate 70 can be configured to be mounted to a cart or a stationary assembly for ease of operation and transportation. The substrate 70 can include a plurality of mounting posts 71 or protrusions configured to receive fasteners to secure the drive system 10 to the cart or the stationary assembly. In other embodiments, the pump frame 58 and / or the substrate 70 can be configured to be mounted to a cart or a stationary assembly for ease of operation and transportation. In some embodiments, the pump frame 58 can include attachment features 66 for securing a handle to facilitate carrying the drive system 10.
[0115] As further described herein, the support member 60 is not limited to the illustrated embodiments and can include any single component or combination of components capable of securing the stator 20 relative to the pump frame 58 and relative to the pump axis A. The support member 60 can completely or partially surround the rotor 22, as Figure 2 illustrated, or can be arranged to span a single side of the rotor 22 that extends from the output end 24 to the electrical input end 26, as Figure 12 illustrated. In some embodiments, the support member 60 can include a second frame member. A second radially extending member can be disposed between the pump frame 58 and the first wall 30 of the rotor 22. The second frame member can be secured to the pump frame 58 and axially spaced from the first wall 30 to allow the rotor 22 to rotate unimpeded. The support member 60 can include a single connecting member 68 and / or the substrate 70 or multiple connecting members 68 and / or the substrate 70 or any desired combination thereof, as described in further detail below. The size, shape, number, and location of the connecting member 68 and the substrate 70 can be selected to reduce weight while providing structural integrity to the drive system 10. Similarly, the size, shape, and number of the frame members 72 can be selected to reduce weight while providing structural integrity to the drive system 10.
[0116] The rotor 22 can extend through the pump frame 58 and axially outwardly from the bearing 52 in the axial direction AD1. In the illustrated example, the drive mechanism 14 is directly connected to the rotor 22 at the output end 24 at a location axially outside the bearing 52 in the axial direction AD1. The drive mechanism 14 is configured to receive a rotational output from the rotor 22 and convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member 16. In the illustrated example, the drive system 10 does not include an intermediate gear between the motor 12 and the drive mechanism 14. However, it should be understood that some examples of the drive system 10 include an intermediate gear between the motor 12 and the drive mechanism 14. In such examples, the rotational axis of the eccentric device 78 can be radially offset from the rotational axis of the rotor 22.
[0117] The drive mechanism 14 includes an eccentric driver 78, a drive member 80, and a drive link 82. The eccentric driver 78 is disposed on the rotor 22 of the electric motor 12 and rotates with the rotor 22. The eccentric driver 78 is radially offset from the axis of rotation A. Thus, the rotation of the rotor 22 causes the eccentric driver 78 to move in a circular path about the axis of rotation A. The eccentric driver 78 provides power for the drive mechanism 14 and can be referred to as an eccentric crankshaft for this purpose. The drive member 80 is mechanically coupled to the eccentric driver 78 and is configured to drive the reciprocating motion of the fluid displacement member 16. The eccentric driver 78 is directly coupled to the drive member 80 without an intermediate gear. The direct connection between the rotor 22 and the fluid displacement member 16 provides a 1:1 ratio of rotor rotation to pump cycle. Thus, for each rotation of the rotor 22 about the axis A, the fluid displacement member 16 performs a complete pump cycle, which includes an upstroke and a downstroke.
[0118] The eccentric driver 78 projects axially outward from the output end 24 of the rotor 22 and is radially offset from the axis of rotation A. More specifically, the eccentric driver 78 projects from the cylindrical projection 41 of the rotor 22 in the axial direction AD1. In some embodiments, the eccentric driver 78 may be integrally formed with the cylindrical projection 41. In alternative embodiments, the eccentric driver 78 may be formed of one or more components and assembled with the rotor 22. As Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 7 illustrated, the eccentric drive crankshaft 78 may be a cylindrical body extending into the bore 79 of the rotor 22. In some examples, the bore 79 may extend through the cylindrical projection 41 and into the cylindrical projection 40. In such examples, the bore 79 may axially overlap both the bearing 52 and the bearing 42. The bore 79 is offset from the axis of rotation of the rotational input of the eccentric driver 78 (e.g., axis A in the illustrated direct drive arrangement) and thus has a center offset from the center of the cylindrical projection 41. As Figure 7 illustrated, the bore 79 may be located adjacent to the outer diameter of the cylindrical projection 41. The bore 79 may be substantially between the center of the cylindrical projection 41 and the outer diameter of the cylindrical projection 41. The bore 79 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the eccentric driver 78 in a sliding fit. The cylindrical projections 40 and 41 may be configured to support the eccentric driver 78 when a pump reaction force is applied to the eccentric driver 78 via the drive member 80.
[0119] The cylindrical protrusion 41 may include a raised portion 88. The raised portion 88 may define an opening of the hole 79, may be used to position the eccentric driver 78, and may support the eccentric driver 78 when a reciprocating load is applied to the eccentric driver 78 via the drive member 80. The raised portion 88 axially projects outward from the cylindrical protrusion 41 in a first axial direction AD1 toward the drive member 80. The raised portion 88 may be a cylindrical protrusion extending from the cylindrical protrusion 41. The raised portion 88 supports the eccentric driver 78 by reducing the length of the eccentric driver 78 that extends in a cantilever manner from the rotor 22. The raised portion 88 may have an outer diameter smaller than that of the cylindrical protrusion 41. The center line passing through the raised portion 88 is radially offset from the axis A.
[0120] In some embodiments, the cylindrical protrusion 41 may have a substantially hollow body having a cavity defined by a plurality of ribs 87. The ribs 87 may extend radially outward from the eccentric driver 78 to the outer cylindrical wall of the cylindrical protrusion 41. More specifically, the ribs 87 may extend radially outward from the hole 79 and the raised portion 88. The ribs 87 may be configured to support the loads of the bearing 52 and the eccentric driver 78. Additionally, the use of the ribs 87 may reduce the weight of the rotor 22, particularly at the output end 24 where the rotor 22 is coupled to the support frame 18. The ribs 87 may be circumferentially spaced around the eccentric driver 78. The ribs 87 may extend around a portion of the eccentric driver 78, and the portion is less than the entire circumference of the eccentric driver 78. Depending on the position of the ribs 87, the radial length of the ribs 87 between the eccentric driver 78 and the wall of the cylindrical protrusion 41 may vary. The ribs 87 extending from a position around the eccentric driver 78 adjacent to the center of the cylindrical protrusion 41 may be longer than the ribs 87 extending from a position around the eccentric driver 78 closer to the outer wall of the cylindrical protrusion 41. The eccentric driver 78 projects further in the axial direction AD1 than the cylindrical protrusion 41. Thus, the eccentric driver 78 may represent the most axially forward portion of the rotor 22. In some examples, the crankshaft 78 at least partially axially overlaps with the support frame 18.
[0121] The eccentric driver 78 may include a sleeve 83 and a bolt 84 ( Figure 4 、 Figure 4A and Figure 7 as shown in). The sleeve 83 may be received in the hole 79 by means of a press fit or a transition sliding fit. The bolt 84 may be slidably received in the sleeve 83. The bolt 84 may be threadedly fastened to the hole 79 at the axial inner end of the hole 79. The axial inner end of the hole 79 may be located in the cylindrical protrusion 40. The hole 79 may have a plurality of inner diameters. In the illustrated example, the hole 79 includes two inner diameters D1, D2 (in Figure 4Ais shown) to accommodate a sleeve 83 of a larger diameter and a bolt 84 of a smaller diameter. The inner diameter D1 can be greater than the inner diameter D2 to accommodate the sleeve 83. The inner diameter D2 can be less than the inner diameter D1 to accommodate the bolt 84. A portion of the hole 79 having the inner diameter D1 can extend a first axial length L1 from the boss 88 in the axial direction AD2. A portion of the hole 79 having the inner diameter D2 can extend from the end of L1 to a second axial length L2 in the axial direction AD2. The portion of the hole 79 having the inner diameter D1 can have a substantially smooth surface to provide a sliding fit with the sleeve 83. The portion of the hole 79 having the inner diameter D2 can be threaded to secure the bolt 84. The bolt 84 can hold the sleeve 83 in the rotor 22. The bolt 84 can extend into the cylindrical projection 40 and can be radially positioned within the stator 20. The bolt 84 is disposed in the rotor 22 which holds the permanent magnet array 34. The bolt 84 can be formed of a non-ferrous metal material to prevent interference with the electric motor 12.
[0122] The eccentric driver 78 extends from the rotor 22 in the axial direction AD1 and is offset from the axis of rotation A. The drive member 80 can be rotatably coupled to the crankshaft 78. The drive member 80 can be a connecting rod. The drive member includes a follower 86 at a first end which is configured to receive the sleeve 83 of the eccentric driver 78. The follower 86 can include a bearing member 89 disposed between the follower 86 and the sleeve 83 to allow the drive member 80 to move in a rocking motion about the eccentric driver 78 as the eccentric driver 78 moves with the rotor 22. The drive member 80 can be coupled to the fluid displacement member 16 via a drive link 82. The drive link 82 can be a cylindrical shaft and can include a connection slot 90 at a first end which is configured to receive a second end of the drive member 80 opposite the follower 86. A pin 92 can extend through the connection slot 90 and a hole in the second end of the drive member 80 in a manner that allows the drive member 80 to pivot about the pin 92 within the drive link 82 and allows the drive member 80 to follow the eccentric driver 78. The drive member 80 converts the rotational motion of the crankshaft 78 into a reciprocating motion of the drive link 82 which drives the fluid displacement member 16 in a reciprocating manner. The drive member 80 can be axially spaced from the boss 88 such that the boss 88 does not mediate or interfere with the movement of the drive member 80 relative to the eccentric driver 78.
[0123] The fluid displacement member 16 is mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism 14 at the output end 24. A connector 93 of the fluid displacement member 16 may be fixed to the drive link 82 at a second end opposite the first end through which the pin 92 extends. The fluid displacement member 16 may be connected to the drive link 63 in any desired manner (among other options, such as by a slot connection or a pin connection similar to the one shown). The fluid displacement member 16 may be a piston that moves fluid into and out of the pump cylinder 94 as the rotor 22 drives the fluid displacement member 16 downward through a downward stroke via the drive mechanism 14 and pulls the fluid displacement member 16 upward through an upward stroke. In some examples, the fluid displacement member 16 may be a piston for a double-volume pump such that the pump 19 outputs fluid when the rotor 22 drives the fluid displacement member 16 downward through a downward stroke and pulls the fluid displacement member 16 upward through an upward stroke via the drive mechanism 14. The fluid displacement member 16 may be cylindrical, elongated along the pump axis PA, and coaxial with the pump axis PA. The fluid displacement member 16 may be a piston that may be elongated along the pump axis PA and coaxial with the pump axis PA.
[0124] The pump 19 may include a cylinder 94 and check valves 95, 96. The pump 19 is statically connected to the support frame 18 via the cylinder 94 and dynamically connected to the electric motor 12 through a connection between the fluid displacement member 16 and the drive mechanism 14. More specifically, the pump 19 is statically connected to the support frame by the clamp 25. The check valve 95 is a one-way valve disposed in the cylinder 94. The check valve 96 is a one-way valve disposed in the fluid displacement member 16 to reciprocate with the fluid displacement member 16. The pump 19 is disposed on the pump axis PA, and the pump axis PA is orthogonal to the motor axis A. The pump 19 is a double-volume pump such that the pump 19 outputs fluid during an upward stroke of the fluid displacement member 16 in the axial direction PAD2 and a downward stroke of the fluid displacement member 16 in the axial direction PAD1. The pump 19 may include a double dynamic seal between the cylinder 94 and the fluid displacement member 16. In the example shown, the first dynamic seal is mounted to the fluid displacement member 16 and travels with the fluid displacement member 16, while the second dynamic seal remains static relative to the cylinder 94 and the pump axis PA. Thus, the first dynamic seal reciprocates relative to the cylinder 94 and the pump axis PA, while the fluid displacement member 16 reciprocates relative to the second dynamic seal. In some examples, the first dynamic seal may be mounted to the cylinder 94 to remain stationary as the fluid displacement member 16 reciprocates. The piston forming the fluid displacement member 16 may extend out of the cylinder 94 through the second dynamic seal.
[0125] During operation of the drive system 10, power is supplied to the electric motor 12 to cause the rotor 22 to rotate about the axis of rotation A and to cause the eccentric driver 78 to move with the rotor 22. The eccentric driver 78 moves along a circular path that is radially offset from the axis of rotation A. With each revolution of the rotor 22, the eccentric driver 78 completes a single circular path. The follower 86 that receives the eccentric driver 78 moves with the eccentric driver 78. Thus, with each revolution of the rotor 22, the follower 86 also completes the entire circular path. As the follower 86 moves along the circular path, the follower 86 changes its position relative to the axis of rotation A. With each revolution of the rotor 22, the eccentric driver 78 pulls the drive member 80 in the circular path via the follower 86. The end of the drive member 80 opposite the follower 86 is fixed to the drive link 82 via a pin 92. The drive link 82 is fixed in the support frame 18. As the eccentric driver 78 moves upward from the bottom dead center position through the upward arc to the top dead center position, the eccentric driver 78 pulls the drive member 80 away from the drive link 82 such that the drive link 82 is pulled in a linear upward direction toward the axis of rotation A of the electric motor 12. As the eccentric driver 78 moves through the downward arc from the top dead center position to the bottom dead center position, the eccentric driver 78 pushes the drive member 80 toward the drive link 82 such that the drive link 82 is forced in a linear downward direction away from the axis of rotation A. With each revolution of the rotor 22, the drive link 82 is forced upward and downward once each. In this way, the drive mechanism 14 converts each revolution of the rotor 22 into a linear up-and-down motion of the fluid displacement member 16. The drive link 82 is coupled to the fluid displacement member 16 and thus pulls the fluid displacement member 16 through the upward stroke and pushes the fluid displacement member 16 through the downward stroke. Thus, for each revolution of the rotor 22, the pump 19 performs a complete pump cycle, including the upward and downward strokes.
[0126] During operation, the pump reaction forces generated by the fluid displacement member 16 during pumping are transmitted through the drive mechanism 14, the rotor 22, the bearings 52, 48, the shaft 23, the pump frame 58, and the support member 60 to the support frame 18 and away from the motor 12. As it moves through the upward stroke, the fluid displacement member 16 receives a downward reaction force, and as it moves through the downward stroke, it receives an upward reaction force. Both the upward and downward reaction forces travel through the drive mechanism 14, the rotor 22, and then to the bearings 52, 48, 42. The bearings 52, 48, 42 transmit both the rotational forces associated with the rotation of the rotor 22 and both the upward and downward reaction forces to the support frame 18. With each stroke, a pump reaction force is generated and a load is applied to the rotor 22 via the drive mechanism 14. The pump reaction force is generally an axial load along the pump axis PA.
[0127] The axial pump reaction load is transverse to the axis of rotation A of the electric motor 12 and is experienced at both the output end 24 and the input end 26 of the electric motor 12. The load is transmitted via bearings 52 to the pump frame 58 and via bearings 48 to the support member 60 such that the pump reaction forces on bearing 42 are minimized to maintain the correct air gap. At the output end 24, the load is transferred from the rotor 22 to the pump frame 58 via bearing 52. At the electrical input end 26, the load is transferred from the rotor 22 to the frame member 72 via bearings 48 and the shaft 23. Forces are transferred from the pump frame 58 and the frame member 72 to the substrate 70. Forces can be transferred from the substrate 70 to a bracket or other structure coupled to the substrate 70. Bearings 52 and 48 experience opposite reaction forces with each pump stroke to provide force balance across the rotor 22, thereby maintaining the air gap and preventing unwanted contact between the rotor 22 and the stator 20. In an example where the pump frame 58 is directly connected to a bracket or other support, the forces are transferred via the support member 60 to the frame member 58 and then to the bracket or other support. Forces can be transferred from the frame member 72 to the frame member 58 via members 68 and the substrate 70.
[0128] As Figure 4 illustrated, the drive system 10 can be used to deliver a fluid such as paint and other spraying fluids to a spraying device. The fluid can be drawn from a supply container 97 via a hose 98 and a pump 19 and delivered via a hose 4 to the spraying device 5 (e.g., a hand-held spray gun) for application. The operator can grasp the handle of the device 5 and initiate spraying by actuating the trigger 9 of the device 5.
[0129] The direct drive configuration of the drive system 10 can eliminate an intermediate gear (e.g., a reduction gear) between the electric motor 12 and the fluid displacement member 16. By reducing the number of parts and the number of moving parts, eliminating the intermediate gear arrangement can provide a more compact, lighter weight, reliable, and simpler pump. Due to the 1:1 ratio of rotor rotation to pump cycle, the direct drive configuration can provide more efficient pumping. Additionally, eliminating the gear arrangement can provide quieter pump operation.
[0130] The external rotator drive system 10 can provide significant advantages over internal rotator motors. The rotor 22 is an external rotator that is at least partially radially disposed outside the stator 20, providing increased inertia and torque relative to internal rotator motors. The increased torque facilitates the rotor 22 generating a high enough pumping pressure with the positive displacement pump 19 to produce an atomized spray at the applicator (e.g., spraying device 5). For example, the drive system 10 can be utilized to pump paint or other fluids to an airless spray gun, whereby the fluid pressure produces an atomized spray. In some examples, the rotor 22 can cause the pump 19 to generate a pumping pressure of about 3.4 to 69 megapascals (MPa) (about 500 to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi)) or even higher. In some examples, the pumping pressure ranges from about 20.7 to 34.5 MPa (about 3000 - 5000 psi). The high fluid pumping pressure is useful for atomizing a fluid into a spray for applying the fluid to a surface.
[0131] Figure 8 is an isometric front view of the drive system 110 and the positive displacement pump 19. Figure 9 is along Figure 8 is an isometric cross-sectional view of the drive system 110 and the positive displacement pump 19 taken along line 9-9. Figures 10A to 10C is for Figure 8 is an isometric rear view of the alternative support frames 118a to 118c of the drive system 110 and the positive displacement pump 19. Discussed together Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figures 10A to 10C . The drive system 110 is an alternative embodiment of an external rotator drive system such as the drive system 10 (best visible in Figures 2 to 4 ). The drive system 110 is substantially similar to the drive system 10.
[0132] The drive system 110 is configured to operate with Figures 2 to 4 the pump 19 and the fluid displacement member 16. Figure 8 and Figure 9 illustrate the drive system 110, the electric motor 112, the drive mechanism 114, the fluid displacement member 16, the support frame 118a, and the positive displacement pump 19. Figure 10A illustrates the drive system 110 with the support frame 118a. Figure 10B illustrates the drive system 110 with the support frame 118b. Figure 10C illustrates the drive system 110 with the support frame 118c.
[0133] The drive mechanism 114 and the electric motor 112 are substantially similar to the drive mechanism 14 and the electric motor 12 of the drive system 10. The electric motor 112 can be a reversible motor because the stator 120 can cause the rotor 122 to rotate about the motor axis A in either of two rotational directions (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). The support frames 118a to 118c are similar to the support frame 18 but do not include the axially extending substrate 70 of the drive system 10.
[0134] As described with respect to the electric motor 12, the electric motor 112 includes a stator 120, a rotor 122, and a shaft 123. The electric motor 112 is disposed on the axis A and extends from a first end (output end) 124 to an opposite second end (electrical input end) 126. The rotor 122 can be a housing having a cylindrical body 128, a first wall 130, and a second wall 132. The rotor 122 includes a permanent magnet array 134 disposed on the inner circumferential surface 135. A bearing 148 having an outer ring 149, an inner ring 150, and rolling elements 151 rotatably couples the rotor 122 to the stator 120 at the electrical input end 126 of the electric motor 112. A bearing 142 including an inner ring 143, an outer ring 144, and rolling elements 145 rotatably couples the rotor 122 to the stator 120 at the shaft end 146. A bearing 152 including an outer ring 153, an inner ring 154, and rolling elements 155 rotatably couples the rotor 122 to the support frame 118A at the output end 124. The bearings 142, 148, and 152 can be preloaded by the support frame 118A between the output end 124 and the input end 126. A wave spring washer 156 can be disposed between the support frame 118A and the bearing 152 at the output end 124. A wave spring washer 157 can be disposed between the support frame 118A and the bearing 148 at the input end 126. The bearing configuration of the drive system 110 can be substantially the same as those disclosed with respect to the drive system 10, including the bearing configurations shown and disclosed as alternatives.
[0135] The rotor 122 can be substantially similar to the rotor 22, but can have some structural differences as described below. These structural differences are non-limiting. The rotor 122 can be formed by a housing having a cylindrical body 128, a first wall 130, and a second wall 132. The cylindrical body 128 and the second wall 132 can be substantially the same as the cylindrical body 28 and the wall 32 of the rotor 22. As Figure 9As illustrated, the first wall 130 can be set to be substantially perpendicular to the motor axis A and can have a substantially uniform axial thickness when the wall 130 extends in the radial direction. The first wall 130 thus lacks the thickened regions present in the corresponding first wall 30 of the rotor 22. The rotor 122 includes cylindrical protrusions 140 and 141 for supporting bearings 52 and 42 respectively. The cylindrical protrusions 140 and 141 are substantially similar to the corresponding cylindrical protrusions 40 and 41 on the rotor 22.
[0136] The electric motor 112 can extend in a cantilever manner from the support frames 118a to 118c such that the electrical input end 126, which is disposed opposite the output end 124, is the free end of the cantilever-extending electric motor 112. The support frames 118a to 118c extend from the bearing 152 at the output end 124 to the shaft 123 at the electrical input end 126. The support frames 118a to 118c extend around and are spaced apart from the outer surface of the rotor 122 to allow the rotor 122 to rotate unhindered within the support frames 118a to 118c. The support frames 118a to 118c do not completely surround the rotor 122, and there are no parts between the outside of the support frames 118a to 118c and the rotor 122. Thus, the support frames 118a to 118c allow air flow through themselves and over the rotor 122. The support frames 118a to 118c are connected to the shaft 123 to fix the stator 120 relative to the rotor 122 in the axial position. The support frames 118a to 118c can be detachably fastened to the shaft 123. The support frames 118a to 118c fix the shaft 123 to prevent relative movement between the stator 120 and the support frames 118a to 118c. Neither the shaft 123 nor the stator 120 is fixed to the support frames 118a to 118c at the output end 124. Instead, a portion of the rotor 122 is axially disposed between the shaft 123 and the stator 120 at the output end 124 and separates the shaft 123 and the stator 120 from the support frames 118a to 118c.
[0137] As described with respect to the support frame 18 of the drive system 10, the support frames 118a to 118c are dynamically connected to the rotor 122 and statically connected to the stator 120 through a bearing interface. The support frames 118a to 118c are statically connected to the pump 19. The electric motor 112 is dynamically connected to the support frames 118a to 118c via the rotor 122 and statically connected to the support frames 118a to 118c via the stator 120. The electric motor 112 is dynamically connected to the pump 19 via the fluid displacement member 16. The pump 19 is statically connected to the support frames 118a to 118c and dynamically connected to the electric motor 112.
[0138] Each of the support frames 118a to 118c includes a pump frame 158. The support frame 118a includes a support member 160a. The support frame 118b includes a support member 160b. The support frame 118c includes a support member 160c. Each of the support members 160a to 160c includes a plurality of connecting members 168. The support member 160a includes a frame member 172a. The support member 160b includes a frame member 172b. The support member 160c includes a frame member 172c.
[0139] As disclosed with respect to the drive system 10, the pump frame 158 may be disposed in a first plane normal to the motor axis A at the output end 124. The frame members 172a to 172c may be disposed in a second plane normal to the motor axis A at the input end 126. The first and second planes are spaced apart along the axis A and do not intersect. The pump frame 158 is separated from the frame members 172a to 172c by the stator 120 such that the pump frame 158 is disposed on one end of the stator 120 and the frame members 172a to 172c are disposed on the axially opposite ends of the stator 120. A portion of the rotor 122 is disposed between the pump frame 158 and the frame members 172a to 172c. A portion of the rotor 122 extends axially through the pump frame 158 in the axial direction AD1. The plurality of connecting members 168 may extend across the outer surface of the rotor 122 and be radially spaced therefrom to connect the pump frame 158 to the frame members 172a to 172c. The connecting members 168 are radially spaced from the outer surface of the rotor 122 to allow the rotor 122 to rotate within the support frames 118a to 118c. It should be understood that the support frames 118a to 118c may include any desired number of connecting members 168 (e.g., two, three, four or more connecting members 168 as needed) between the first pump frame 158 and the frame members 172a to 172c to support the motor 112 and the pump 19 and is not limited to Figures 10A to 10C the embodiment illustrated in
[0140] The pump frame 158 is substantially similar to the pump frame 58 of the drive system 10 and has a pump housing portion 162, an outer frame body 163, a protrusion 164a, support ribs 165, and a hub 167. A bearing 152 is received in the hub 167 of the pump frame 158, and the pump frame 158 extends radially outward from the bearing 152. A plurality of ribs 165 may extend between the bearing 152 and the outer frame body 163 to support the load from the bearing 152 while reducing the weight of the pump frame 158. The ribs 165 may be circumferentially spaced around the hub 167 and may vary in length depending on the shape of the outer frame body 163. The pump frame 158 is axially spaced from the wall 130 of the rotor 122 and is radially separated from the portion of the rotor 122 extending through the pump frame 158 by the bearing 152.
[0141] The frame members 172a to 172c are substantially similar to the frame member 72 of the drive system 10. Each of the frame members 172a to 172c includes a hub portion 174, a protrusion 164b, and a rib 175. An opening through the hub portion 174 can receive a portion of the shaft 123 such that the frame members 172a to 172c are in direct contact with the shaft 123. The frame members 172a to 172c are disposed at the free electrical input end 126 of the motor 112 that extends in a cantilever manner. The frame members 172a to 172c are disposed in contact with the outer surface of the shaft 123. By maintaining contact with the shaft 123, the frame members 172a to 172c can draw heat away from the stator 120 via heat conduction. Both the shaft 123 and the support frames 118a to 118c can be formed of a heat-conductive material (e.g., aluminum) that can conduct heat from inside the stator 120 to the electrical input end 126 and the frame members 172a to 172c. The shaft 123 axially overlaps the stator 120 along the entire axial length of the stator 120. The shaft 123 is capable of drawing heat from the stator 120 and conducting the heat axially toward the electrical input end 126 and axially outward from the stator 120. The shaft 123 transfers heat to the frame members 172a to 172c via conduction at the locations where the frame members 172a to 172c are in contact with the shaft 123. Thus, the conduction path for transferring heat from the stator 120 extends through the shaft 123 to the frame members 172a to 172c. The frame members 172a to 172c can be in fixed contact with the axially extending surface and the radially extending end face of the shaft 123. The frame members 172a to 172c can extend radially from the shaft 123 to transfer heat away from the shaft 123 and radially away from the electric motor 112. Since the frame members 172a to 172c extend radially outward relative to the axis A, the heat conduction path can extend radially outward from the stator 20 and, in some examples, radially outward from the motor 12. The shape and surface area of the frame members 172a to 172c can be selected to facilitate heat transfer away from the electric motor 112.
[0142] The frame members 172a to 172c can be fastened to the shaft 123 in any desired manner that prevents axial displacement and rotation of the frame members 172a to 172c relative to the shaft 123 and fixes the axial position of the stator 120 relative to the rotor 122. In some embodiments, the frame members 172a to 172c can be slidably fitted onto the outer surface of the shaft 123 and fastened to the outer surface of the shaft 123 with one or more fasteners 177 such that the frame members 172a to 172c are fixed relative to the shaft 123 and contact the shaft 123 along the outer surface of the shaft 123. The frame members 172a to 172c can be fixed to the shaft 123 such that contact between the frame members 172a to 172c and the shaft 123 is maintained during operation to provide a conduction path for heat transfer from the stator 120 to the frame members 172a to 172c. The thickness of the frame members 172a to 172c in the axial direction along the axis A at the hub 174 can be increased to increase the contact surface area between the frame members 172a to 172c and the shaft 123 and thereby increase the heat transfer capacity. The fastener 177 can be a bolt, a rivet, a screw, or other fastening mechanisms known in the art. The fastener 177 can fix the frame members 172a to 172c to the axial end of the shaft 123 opposite the end 146. The fastener 177 can extend axially and can be arranged to pass through the end face of the frame members 172a to 172c in the axial direction AD1 into the shaft 123. The fastener 177 can fix the frame members 172a to 172c to a retaining member provided on the radially inner surface of the shaft 123. In some examples, the fastener 177 can be formed of a thermally conductive material to facilitate heat transfer from the shaft 123 to the frame members 172a to 172c.
[0143] In some embodiments, the frame members 172a to 172c can have a lip member 176 that extends radially inward from the hub 174. The lip member 176 can abut and maintain contact with the end face of the shaft 123. The lip member 176 can set and maintain the axial position of the frame members 172a to 172c relative to the bearing 148. The fastener 177 can extend through the lip member 176. The lip member 176 further increases the contact area between the shaft 123 and the frame members 172a to 172c to further facilitate heat transfer.
[0144] The pump frame 158 and the frame members 172a to 172c respectively have protrusions 164a and 164b. The protrusions 164a, 164b can extend radially outward from the motor axis A such that the distal end portions of each of the protruding members 164a, 164b are radially outwardly disposed from the rotor 122. The protrusions 164a, 164b can be shaped to provide structural integrity to the support frames 118a to 118c while limiting the amount of weight added to the drive system 110. The protruding members 164b, which can be referred to as arms, on the frame members 172a to 172c can direct heat radially outward from the shaft 123. The protrusions 164b provide an increased surface area relative to the plate to further facilitate heat transfer and cooling of the motor 112. The protrusions 164a, 164b are rigid. The protrusions 164a, 164b can be solid or can have openings that allow air flow therethrough and are used to further increase the surface area for heat transfer. As Figures 10A to 10C illustrated, the protrusions 164a, 164b can be ribbed or have ridges and grooves, which can increase the surface area for heat transfer and can reduce weight while providing structural integrity. The hub 174 can be similarly shaped with circumferentially spaced ridges and grooves to increase the surface area for heat transfer. The number, shape, and positional arrangement of the protrusions 164b on the frame members 172a to 172c can be selected to provide effective heat transfer away from the stator 120 and away from the electric motor 112 via the shaft 123. In Figures 10A to 10C some of the expected arrangements for the protrusion 164a are illustrated.
[0145] The protrusions 164a, 164b on each of the pump frame 158 and the frame members 172a to 172c can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically relative to each other and about the axis A and at equal or unequal intervals. As Figure 10A illustrated, the pump frame 158 and the frame member 172a can have three axially aligned protrusions 164a, 164b arranged in a Y configuration. Other configurations of the protrusions 164a, 164b can also provide sufficient structural support and heat transfer capabilities. As Figure 10B illustrated, the pump frame 158 and the frame member 172b can have three axially aligned protrusions 164b, 164a, and the three axially aligned protrusions 164b, 164a are arranged asymmetrically in a T configuration about the motor axis A and are mainly positioned on the lower portion of the electric motor 112 in the illustrated example. As Figure 10CAs illustrated, the pump frame 158 and the frame members 172c may have four axially aligned protrusions 164b, 164a arranged in an X-shaped configuration, which provides an increased surface area for effective heat transfer away from the motor 112. In an alternative embodiment, the protrusions 164b on the pump frame 158 may be offset from the protrusions 164a on the frame members 172a to 172c such that the connecting member 168 is angled relative to the axis A between the pump frame 158 and the frame members 172a to 172c.
[0146] In some embodiments, as Figures 10A to 10C illustrated, additional protrusions 164a may be provided on the pump frame 158 to accommodate alternative frame members 172a to 172c and connecting members, and to facilitate connection of other components (e.g., a handle or a control panel) thereto.
[0147] The connecting member 168 secures the pump frame 158 to the frame members 172a to 172c. The connecting member 168 is rigid and capable of maintaining the fixed relationship between the pump frame 158 and the frame members 172a to 172c during operation of the drive system 110. Additionally, the connecting member 168 is configured to support the torque load generated by the electric motor 112 and transmitted through the pump frame 158 to the frame members 172a to 172c, and further to support the pump reaction load generated by the reciprocating motion of the fluid displacement member 16 and transmitted through the motor 12 and also through the pump frame 158.
[0148] The connecting member 168 may be a tie rod that can be received at the distal ends of the protrusions 164a, 164b. The connecting member 168 may be fastened to the distal ends with threaded fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts). Alternative fastening mechanisms known in the art may be used to secure the connecting member 168 to the pump frame 158 and to each of the frame members 172a to 172c. In some embodiments, at least one connecting member 168 may be configured as a handle to facilitate carrying the drive system 110.
[0149] In some embodiments, a single connecting member may connect multiple protrusions 164a on the pump frame 158 to multiple protrusions 164b of the frame members 172a to 172c, as provided by the base plate 70 in the drive system 10. In some embodiments, the protrusions 164a, 164b may support the control panel 13 (not shown). As provided in the drive system 10, the control panel 13 may be mounted to the frame members 172a to 172c. In other embodiments, the control panel 13 may be mounted between the protrusions 164a, 164b, for example, at a location where the control panel 13 axially overlaps with the motor 12.
[0150] During operation of the pump 19, the pump reaction force generated by the fluid displacement member 16 during pumping is transmitted to the pump frame 158 via the drive mechanism 114, the rotor 122, the bearings 152, 148, the shaft 123, and the support member 160. When moving through the upward stroke, the fluid displacement member 16 receives a downward reaction force, and when moving through the downward stroke, receives an upward reaction force. Both the upward and downward reaction forces travel through the drive mechanism 114, the rotor 122, and then reach the bearings 152, 148, 142. The bearings 152, 148, 142 transmit both the rotational force associated with the rotation of the rotor 122 and the upward and downward reaction forces to the pump frame 158. In each stroke case, since the rotor 122 directly drives the fluid displacement member 16 via the drive mechanism 114, a pump reaction force is generated and a load is applied to the rotor 122. The pump reaction force is generally an axial load along the pump axis PA. The pump reaction force transmitted to the rotor 122 via the drive mechanism 114 is generally downward during the upward stroke and generally upward during the downward stroke.
[0151] This axial pump reaction load is transverse to the rotational axis A of the electric motor 112 and is experienced at both the output end 124 and the input end 126 of the electric motor 112. The load is transmitted to the pump frame 158 via the bearings 152 and 148 and the support member 160, such that the pump reaction force on the bearing 142 is minimized to maintain the correct air gap. At the output end 124, the load is transmitted from the rotor 122 to the pump frame 158 through the bearing 152. At the electrical input end 126, the load is transmitted from the rotor 122 to the pump frame 158 through the bearing 148 and the support member 160. The bearings 152 and 148 experience opposite reaction forces in each pump stroke to provide force balance at the pump frame 158.
[0152] The pump reaction force is thus transmitted from the fluid displacement member 16 to the rotor 122. The bearings 152 and 148 balance the load across the rotor 122 and transmit the load to the pump frame 158. The bearing 152 is directly connected to the pump frame 158. The bearing 148 is connected to the pump frame 158 via the support member 160, and the support member 160 transmits the load from the bearing 148 to the pump frame 158. The support member 160 thus transmits the pump load from the rotor 122 to the pump frame 158. The pump frame 158 can be mounted to a bracket or other support surface and can transmit the reaction force to the bracket or other support surface.
[0153] Figure 11 is an isometric cross-sectional view of a drive system 210 of a positive displacement pump 19 having Figure 2 Figure 12are isometric front and side views of drive system 210. Drive system 210 is an alternative embodiment of an external rotator drive system. The operation of drive system 210 is substantially similar to that of drive systems 10 and 110. Drive system 210 utilizes different eccentric drivers, bearing structures, and pump frame configurations, as described herein. The eccentric driver of drive system 210 is integrally formed with the outer rotor and is configured to provide a 1:1 ratio of rotor rotation to pump cycling. Drive system 210 is configured to operate with Figures 2 to 4 pump 19 and fluid displacement member 16 of
[0154] An electric motor 212, a drive mechanism 214, a fluid displacement member 16, a support frame 218, and a positive displacement pump 19 are shown.
[0155] The electric motor 212 includes a stator 220, a rotor 222, and a shaft 223. The electric motor 212 is disposed on axis A and extends from a first end (output end) 224 to an opposite second end (electrical input end) 226. The electric motor 212 can be a reversible motor because the stator 220 can cause the rotor 222 to rotate about the motor axis A in either of two rotational directions (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). The rotor 222 can be formed by a housing having a cylindrical body 229 disposed between a first wall 230 and a second wall 232. The rotor 222 includes a permanent magnet array 234 disposed on an inner circumferential surface 235. A bearing 242 having an inner race 243, an outer race 244, and rolling elements 245 couples the rotor 222 to the stator 220 at a shaft end 246. A bearing 248 having an outer race 249, an inner race 250, and rolling elements 251 couples the rotor 222 to the stator 220 at the electrical input end 226.
[0156] The support frame 218 includes a pump frame 258 and a support member 260. The support member 260 extends from the pump frame 258 at the output end 224 to the shaft 223 at the electrical input end 226. The support member 260 can include a connecting member 268 and a frame member 272. The pump frame 258 is coupled to the rotor 222 at the output end 224 via a bearing 252 having an outer race 253, an inner race 254, and rolling elements 255. The pump frame 258 and the frame member 272 are disposed in a plane tangent to the motor axis A and at opposite ends of the motor 212. The connecting member 268 spans the motor 212 to connect the pump frame 258 and the frame member 272.
[0157] Bearings 242, 248, and 252 are disposed about a rotational axis A such that the rotating members of bearings 242, 248, and 252 rotate about rotational axis A. Bearings 242, 248, and 252 may be substantially similar in size or may vary in size to support different loads and accommodate space constraints. As Figure 11 illustrated, bearings 242 and 248 may be substantially similar in size, while bearing 252 at output end 224 may be smaller. Bearings 242, 248, and 252 may vary in size, and the rolling elements of bearings 242, 248, and 252 may vary in radial position from axis A. The rolling elements 255 of bearing 252 may be disposed at a first radius R4 from the rotational axis A of electric motor 112, the rolling elements 245 of bearing 242 may be disposed at a second radius R5 from rotational axis A, and the rolling elements 251 of bearing 248 may be disposed at a third radius R6 from rotational axis A. As Figure 11 illustrated, the first radius R4 may be less than both the second radius R5 and the third radius R6.
[0158] The drive mechanism 214 includes a cylindrical projection 278, a drive member 280, a drive link 282, a follower 286, a bearing surface 289, a slot 290, and a pin 292. The fluid displacement member 16 includes a connector 93. The pump 19 includes a cylinder 94 and check valves 95, 96.
[0159] As discussed in further detail below, the support frame 218 is dynamically connected to the rotor 222 via a bearing interface and is statically connected to the stator 220. The support frame 218 is statically connected to the pump 19. The electric motor 212 is dynamically connected to the support frame 218 via the rotor 222 and is statically connected to the support frame 218 via the stator 220. The electric motor 212 is dynamically connected to the pump 19 via the fluid displacement member 16. The pump 19 is statically connected to the support frame 218 and is dynamically connected to the electric motor 212.
[0160] The electric motor 212 includes an inner stator 220 and an outer rotor 222. The motor 212 may be configured to be powered by any desired type of electricity (e.g., direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), and / or a combination of DC and AC). The stator 220 includes armature windings (not shown), and the rotor 222 includes permanent magnets. The rotor 222 is configured to rotate about the motor rotational axis A in response to a DC signal or an AC signal passing through the stator 220. The rotor 222 is connected to the fluid displacement member 116 at the output end 224 via the drive mechanism 214. The drive mechanism 214 receives the rotational output directly from the rotor 222 and provides a linear reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member 16 (in Figure 11(best visible). The pump frame 258 mechanically supports the electric motor 212 at the output end 224 and mechanically supports the positive displacement pump 19. The pump frame 258 at least partially houses the fluid displacement member 16 of the positive displacement pump 19.
[0161] The stator 220 defines an axis A of the electric motor 212. The stator 220 is disposed around the shaft 223 and supported by the shaft 223. The stator 220 is fixed to the shaft 223. Current can be supplied to the armature winding through the electrical input end 226 of the electric motor 212. The shaft 223 can be a hollow shaft that is open at the input end 226 for receiving electrical wires. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft 223 can be solid, can have a key, can be D-shaped or of other similar designs. In some embodiments, the shaft 223 can be defined by a plurality of cylindrical cross-sections taken perpendicular to the axis A, the plurality of cylindrical cross-sections having varying diameters to accommodate the mechanical coupling with the support frame 218 at the electrical input end 226 and the coupling with the rotor 222 at the axially opposite end of the shaft 223.
[0162] The rotor 222 is disposed coaxially around the stator 220 and is configured to rotate about the axis A. The rotor 222 can be formed by a housing having a cylindrical body 229 extending between a first wall 230 and a second wall 232, and is positioned such that the rotor 222 extends around three sides of the stator 220 (e.g., the first axial end, the second axial end, and the radial side). The rotor 222 includes a permanent magnet array 234. The permanent magnet array 234 can be disposed on the inner circumferential surface 235 of the cylindrical body 229. An air gap separates the permanent magnet array 234 from the stator 220 to allow the rotor 222 to rotate relative to the stator 220. At the output end 224 of the electric motor 212, the rotor 222 can overlap the stator 220 and the shaft 223 over the entire radial extent of the stator 220 and the shaft 223. The rotor 222 can completely surround the stator 220 and the shaft 223 at the output end 224 of the electric motor 212. In some examples, at the electrical input end 226 of the electric motor 212, the rotor 222 can overlap the stator 220 over the entire radial extent of the stator 220. The second wall 232 can extend radially inward from the cylindrical body 229 toward the shaft 223. The shaft 223 can extend through an opening concentric with the shaft 223 in the second wall 232 and can extend axially outward from the second wall 232 in the axial direction AD2. The first wall 230 and / or the second wall 232 can be integrally formed with the cylindrical body 229 or can be mechanically fastened to the cylindrical body 229.
[0163] The first wall 230 of the rotor 222 may be rotatably coupled to the outer diameter of the shaft 223 via a bearing 242 at the shaft end 246. The bearing 242 includes an inner ring 243, an outer ring 244, and rolling elements 245. In some examples, the bearing 242 may be a roller or ball bearing in which the rolling elements 245 are formed of cylindrical members or balls. The rotor 222 may be coupled to the outer ring 244. The shaft 223 may be coupled to the inner ring 243. The rolling elements 245 allow the rotor 222 to rotate relative to the stator 220. The bearing 242 supports the load and maintains an air gap between the permanent magnet array 234 and the stator 220.
[0164] The second wall 232 of the rotor 222 may be rotatably coupled to the shaft 223 via a bearing 248 at the input end 226. The bearing 248 includes an outer ring 249, an inner ring 250, and rolling elements 251. The rotor 222 may be coupled to the outer ring 249, and the shaft 223 may be coupled to the inner ring 250. The rolling elements 251 allow the rotor 222 to rotate relative to the stator 220. In some examples, the bearing 248 may be a roller or ball bearing in which the rolling elements 251 are cylindrical members or balls. The shaft 223 may extend through the rotor 222 at the electrical input end 226 and may project axially outward from the bearing 248 in the axial direction AD2 to allow the shaft 223 to be coupled to the support frame 218. The bearing 248 may be provided to maintain an air gap between the permanent magnet array 234 and the stator 220.
[0165] Contrary to the drive systems 10 and 110, the rotor 222 rides on the outside of both bearings 242 and 248. As Figure 11 illustrated, the rotor 222 does not have a portion extending into the shaft 223 at the end 246 of the shaft.
[0166] The rotor 222 may include a cylindrical housing 277 extending in the axial direction AD1 from the wall 230. The cylindrical housing 277 may be coupled to the outer ring 244 of the bearing 242, thereby allowing the rotor 222 to ride on the outside of the bearing 242. The cylindrical housing 277 may extend around the end face of the outer ring 244 to axially retain the bearing 242. The second wall 232 may have a radially extending annular flange 238 at the inner diameter opening. The annular flange 238 may be rotatably coupled to the shaft 223, for example, via the bearing 248. The annular flange 238 may at least partially define a receiving shoulder for receiving the outer ring 249 of the bearing 248 and preloading the bearing 248.
[0167] The rotor 222 may include a first cylindrical protrusion 278 extending axially outward from the shaft 223 at the output end 224 in the axial direction AD1. The cylindrical protrusion 278 has a center offset from the axis of rotation A and forms an eccentric driver of the drive mechanism 214.
[0168] The rotor 222 may further include a second cylindrical protrusion 279 extending outwardly in the axial direction AD1 from the cylindrical protrusion 278. The cylindrical protrusion 279 may be rotatably coupled to the pump frame 258 via a bearing 252. The cylindrical protrusion 279 has a center aligned with the rotational axis A such that the cylindrical protrusion 279 rotates about the rotational axis A. The cylindrical protrusion 279 may be received in the pump frame 258 and separated from the pump frame 258 by the bearing 252. The bearing 252 may have any desired configuration suitable for facilitating relative movement between the pump frame 258 and the cylindrical protrusion 279. For example, the bearing 252 may be a roller or ball bearing that permits rotational movement of the rotor 222 relative to the pump frame 258. As Figure 11 and Figure 12 illustrated therein, the cylindrical protrusion 278 forming the eccentric driver is disposed between the first wall 230 of the rotor 122 and the inner portion of the pump frame 258.
[0169] The pump frame 258 mechanically supports the electric motor 212 at the output end 224 and at least partially houses the fluid displacement member 16. The pump frame 258 may be mechanically coupled to both the rotor 222 and the stator 220. The pump frame 258 may be mechanically coupled to the rotor 222 at the output end 224 and mechanically coupled to the shaft 223 at the electrical input end. The shaft 223 is mechanically coupled to the pump frame 258 to fix the stator 220 relative to the pump frame 258. The shaft 223 is fixed to the pump frame 258 such that the stator 220 fixed to the shaft 223 does not rotate relative to the pump frame 258 or the motor rotational axis A.
[0170] The electric motor 212 may extend from the pump frame 258 in a cantilever manner such that the input end 226 disposed opposite the output end 224 is the free end of the electric motor 212 extending in a cantilever manner. The support member 260 may extend from the pump frame 258 around the exterior of the rotor 222 to the shaft 223 to connect the pump frame 258 to the shaft 223 such that the stator 220 is fixed relative to the pump frame 258 via the shaft 223. The support member 260 may be removably fastened to the shaft 223. The support member 260 fixes the shaft 223 to the pump frame 258 to prevent relative movement between the stator 220 and the pump frame 258. Neither the shaft 223 nor the stator 220 is fixed to the pump frame 258 at the output end 224. Instead, a portion of the rotor 222 is axially disposed between the shaft 223 and the stator 220 and separates the shaft 223 and the stator 220 from the pump frame 258.
[0171] The support member 260 can extend from a radially inward position outside the cylindrical body 229 of the rotor 222 to a radially outward position of the cylindrical body 229. The support member 260 can extend around the rotor 222 with sufficient spacing from the rotor 222 to allow the rotor 222 to rotate unimpeded inside the support member 260. The support member 260 includes one or more connecting members 268 that extend across the cylindrical body 229 and at least one frame member 272 that is disposed on the input end 226 and coupled to the shaft 223. The connecting member 268 can extend outward from the first wall 230 in the axial direction AD1 and can extend axially outward from the second wall 232 in the axial direction AD2. The connecting members 268 of the support member 260 can extend parallel to the axis A.
[0172] The frame member 272 of the support member 260 can extend substantially parallel to the second wall 232 and can be axially spaced from the second wall 232. The frame member 272 extends from the shaft 223 to a radially outward position of the cylindrical body 229 where the frame member 272 joins the connecting member 268. The frame member 272 interfaces with the shaft 223 and can be fixed to the shaft 223. The support member 260 is connected to the pump frame 258 at the output end 224. The support member 260 fixes the axial position of the stator 220 relative to the rotor 222 and holds the electric motor 212 together. The support member 260 can be a single body or can include multiple components fastened together and is capable of maintaining the stator 220 in a fixed axial position relative to the rotor 222 and the pump frame 258 via the shaft 223.
[0173] The pump frame 258 is mechanically coupled to the rotor 222 via a bearing 252 at the output end 224. The bearing 252 includes an outer race 253, an inner race 254, and rolling elements 255. The bearing 252 can be a roller or ball bearing, where the rolling elements 255 are cylindrical members or balls. The rotor 222 can be received in the pump frame 258 such that a portion of the rotor 222 extends into the pump frame 258 and is radially surrounded by a portion of the pump frame 258. In this way, the rotor 222 is coupled to the inner race 254 and the pump frame is coupled to the outer race 253. The rolling elements 255 allow rotational movement of the rotor 222 relative to the pump frame 258. The pump frame 258 mechanically supports the electric motor 212 via the bearing 258 and the support member 260.
[0174] In addition, the pump frame 258 is configured to house a portion of the pump 19 and fix the pump 19 in a fixed position relative to the electric motor 212. The pump frame 258 can be configured to be mounted to a trolley or a stationary assembly to facilitate operation and transportation.
[0175] The drive mechanism 214 includes a cylindrical protrusion 278 that forms an eccentric driver, a drive member 280, and a drive link 282. The cylindrical protrusion 278 is disposed on the rotor 222 of the electric motor 212 and rotates with the rotor 222. In the illustrated example, the cylindrical protrusion 278 is integrally formed with the first wall 230 of the rotor 222. Because the cylindrical protrusion 278 is offset from the axis of rotation A, rotation of the rotor 222 causes the cylindrical protrusion 278 to rotate about the axis of rotation A. The drive member 280 is mechanically coupled to the cylindrical protrusion 278 and is configured to drive the reciprocating motion of the fluid displacement member 16. The cylindrical protrusion 278 is directly coupled to the drive member 280 without an intermediate gear arrangement to provide a 1:1 ratio of rotor rotation to pump cycling.
[0176] In some embodiments, the cylindrical protrusion 278 may have a substantially hollow body having a cavity defined by a plurality of ribs 284. The ribs 284 may extend radially outward from the cylindrical protrusion 278 to the outer cylindrical wall of the cylindrical protrusion 278. The ribs 284 support the drive member 280 and may reduce the weight of the cylindrical protrusion 278. The ribs 284 may be circumferentially spaced around the cylindrical protrusion 278. The ribs 284 may extend around a portion of the cylindrical protrusion 278 that is less than the entire circumference of the cylindrical protrusion 278. Depending on the position of the ribs 284, the radial length of the ribs 284 between the cylindrical protrusion 278 and the outer wall of the cylindrical protrusion 278 may vary. As Figure 11 and Figure 12 illustrated, the cylindrical protrusion 279 may also have a substantially hollow body having a cavity defined by a plurality of ribs.
[0177] The drive member 280 can be a connecting rod having a follower 286 at one end, and the follower 286 is configured to receive the cylindrical protrusion 278. The follower 286 can include a bearing member 289 to allow the drive member 280 to move in a rocking motion about the cylindrical protrusion 278 as the cylindrical protrusion 278 rotates with the rotor 222. The drive member 280 can be coupled to the fluid displacement member 16 via a drive link 282 in a manner consistent with the manner disclosed for the drive system 10. The drive member 280 converts the rotational motion of the cylindrical protrusion 278 into a reciprocating motion and drives the fluid displacement member 16 in a reciprocating manner via the drive link 282. The operation of the drive mechanism 214 and the pump 19 is consistent with the operation disclosed for the drive system 10. With each revolution of the rotor 222, the drive link 282 is forced up and down. In this way, the drive mechanism 214 converts each revolution of the rotor 222 into a linear up and down motion. The drive link 282 is coupled to the fluid displacement member 16 and thus pulls the fluid displacement member 16 through the upward stroke and pushes the fluid displacement member 16 through the downward stroke. Thus, for each revolution of the rotor 222, the pump performs an entire pump cycle, including the upward and downward strokes. The increased torque facilitates the rotor 222 to generate a sufficiently high pumping pressure with the positive displacement pump 19 to produce an atomized spray at the spraying device 5 ( Figure 4 ). In some examples, the rotor 22 can cause the pump 19 to generate a pumping pressure of about 3.4 to 69 megapascals (MPa) (about 500 to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi)) or even higher. In some examples, the pumping pressure ranges from about 20.7 to 34.5 MPa (about 3,000 - 5,000 psi). The high fluid pumping pressure is useful for atomizing the fluid into a spray for applying the fluid to a surface.
[0178] During the operation of the pump 19, the pump reaction force generated by the fluid displacement member 16 during pumping is transmitted to the pump frame 258 via the drive mechanism 214, the rotor 222, the bearings 252, 248, the shaft 223, and the support member 260. Both the upward reaction force and the downward reaction force travel through the drive mechanism 214, the rotor 222, and then reach the bearings 252, 242, and 248. The bearings 252, 242, and 248 transmit both the rotational force associated with the rotation of the rotor 222 and the upward and downward reaction forces to the pump frame 258.
[0179] The axial pump reaction load is transverse to the axis of rotation A of the electric motor 212 and is experienced at both the output end 224 and the electrical input end 226 of the electric motor 212. The load is transferred to the pump frame 258 via bearings 252, 248, and support member 260 such that the pump reaction forces on bearing 242 are minimized to maintain the correct air gap. At the output end 224, the load is transferred from the rotor 222 to the pump frame 258 through bearings 252 and 242. At the electrical input end 246, the load is transferred from the rotor to the pump frame 258 through bearings 248 and support member 260. In each pump stroke, bearing 252 experiences an opposing reaction force from bearing 248 to provide force balance at the pump frame 258. It should be understood that in an example where member 268 is mounted to an object or surface to support the drive system 210, the load may react against the support member 260, such as member 268.
[0180] The pump reaction force is thus transferred from the fluid displacement member 16 to the rotor 222 during pumping. Bearings 242 and 248 balance the load across the rotor 222 and transfer the load to the static frame members.
[0181] The bearing arrangement of system 210 provides significant advantages. Bearings 242, 248, and 252 react to the pump reaction loads generated during pumping. Bearings 242, 248, and 252 stabilize the rotor 222 to facilitate a direct drive connection to the fluid displacement member 16. The pump reaction forces experienced at the output end 224 and the electrical input end 226 are transferred to the pump frame 258 and the connecting member 260, thereby balancing the forces across the pump frame 258. The connection balances the motor 212, thereby providing longer life, less wear, less downtime, more efficient operation, and cost savings. Bearing 242 further aligns the rotor 222 on the pump axis A. Bearing 242 minimizes the unsupported span of the rotor 222, thereby aligning the rotor 222 and preventing unwanted contact between the rotor 222 and the stator 220. Bearing 242 thus increases the operating life of the motor 212.
[0182] The direct drive configuration of the drive system 210 eliminates an intermediate gear arrangement (e.g., reduction gear) between the electric motor 212 and the fluid displacement member 16. By reducing the number of parts and the number of moving parts, eliminating the intermediate gear arrangement can provide a more efficient, compact, lighter-weight, reliable, and simpler pump. Additionally, eliminating the gear arrangement provides quieter pump operation.
[0183] Figure 13 and Figure 14 are isometric cross-sectional views of drive systems 310 and 410 of the pump 19 assembled with Figure 2 respectively. Discussed together Figure 13 andFigure 14 The drive systems 310 and 410 are substantially similar to the drive system 10, with modifications configured to include a direct drive coupling having a fluid volume pump 19 and a motor 12 disposed coaxially. Each of the drive systems 310 and 410 includes the electric motor 12 of the drive system 10, the electric motor 12 including an inner stator 20, an outer rotor 22, and a shaft 23. The electric motor 12 and the pump 19 are disposed coaxially about the motor / pump axis A. In Figure 13 and Figure 14 the illustrated embodiments, the electric motor 312 can be a reversible motor since the stator 20 can cause the rotor 22 to rotate in either of two rotational directions about the motor / pump axis A (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). Each of the drive systems 310 and 410 includes a rotor shaft 380 and a modified drive mechanism 314 and a fluid displacement member 316. The drive systems 310 and 410 additionally have modified support frames 318, 418 including pump frames 358 and 458 and support members 360 and 460 that are different from each other, respectively. Only the modifications are discussed herein. All other aspects of the electric motor 12 are provided in the description of the drive system 10.
[0184] The pump frames 358, 458 are dynamically connected to the rotor 22 through a bearing interface and statically connected to the stator 20. The pump frames 358, 458 are statically connected to the pump 19. The electric motor 12 is dynamically connected to the pump frames 358, 458 via the rotor 22 and statically connected to the pump frames 358, 458 via the stator 20. The electric motor 12 is dynamically connected to the pump 19 via the fluid displacement member 216. The pump 19 is statically connected to the pump frames 358, 458 and dynamically connected to the electric motor 12.
[0185] The pump frames 358, 458 mechanically support the electric motor 12 and the fluid volume pump 19 at the output end 324. The pump frames 358, 458 at least partially house the fluid displacement member 316 of the pump 19. The pump frames 358, 458 are mechanically coupled to the rotor 22 and the stator 20. The pump frames 358, 458 are mechanically coupled to the rotor 22 via a bearing 42 at the output end 224, as described with respect to the drive system 10 and as illustrated in Figure 2 . The pump frames 358, 458 are mechanically fixed to the stator 20 via the support members 360, 460 and the shaft 23 at the input end 326, respectively. The shaft 23 is mechanically coupled to the pump frames 358, 458 such that the stator 20 fixed to the shaft 23 does not rotate relative to the pump frames 358, 458 or the motor rotation axis A. The pump frames 358, 458 are disposed coaxially with the electric motor 12 and the pump 19 and thus extend axially outward from the electric motor 12 in the axial direction AD1. As Figure 13 and Figure 14As illustrated, the pump frames 358, 458 can be formed by a plurality of components assembled together to house and support the rotor shaft 380 and the drive mechanism 214. The pump frames 358, 458 can be dynamically coupled to the rotor shaft 380 via bearings 381 to support and permit rotation of the rotor shaft 380 within the pump frames 358, 458.
[0186] As Figure 13 illustrated, the support member 360 can include a cylindrical body 362 that can form a housing around the rotor 22. The cylindrical body 262 can axially extend outwardly from the pump frame 358 at the output end 24 to the input end 26. The cylindrical body 362 can include a flange 363 that radially extends at the output end 24, and the radially extending flange 363 can be fastened to the pump frame 358 with bolts or other fastening mechanisms. The cylindrical body 362 can radially overlap a second wall 32 of the rotor 22 at the input end to substantially surround the rotor 22 at the input end 26. The support member 360 can include a frame member 372 that can fix the support member 360 to the shaft 23. The frame member 372 can be substantially the same as the frame member 72 of the drive system 10 and can be fixed to the shaft 23 in the same manner. The frame member 372 can be fastened to the cylindrical body 362 by bolts 365 or similar fastening mechanisms. The bolts 365 can extend through one or more radially outer ends of a protrusion of the radially extending portion 364 (e.g., the protrusion 64a as Figure 6 and Figures 10A to 10C illustrated).
[0187] As Figure 14 illustrated, the support member 460 can be substantially the same as the support member 160 of the drive system 110. The support member 460 can include one or more connecting members 468 and a frame member 472. The connecting members can be substantially similar to the connecting members 68 and 168, and the frame member 472 can be substantially similar to the frame members 72, 172a, 172b, and 172c described with respect to the drive system 110. The connecting member 68 can be mechanically fixed to the pump frame 458 by bolts or other fastening mechanisms.
[0188] The drive mechanism 314 includes a drive nut 382, a screw 384, and rolling elements 386. The drive mechanism 314 is connected to the rotor shaft 380. The drive mechanism 314 receives the rotational output from the rotor 22 via the rotor shaft 380. More specifically, the drive nut 382 of the drive mechanism 314 is connected to the rotor shaft 380 to rotate about the motor / pump axis A together with the rotor shaft 380. Among other options, the drive nut 382 can be attached to the rotor shaft 380 via a fastener (e.g., a screw or bolt), an adhesive, or a press fit. The screw 384 is radially disposed within the drive nut 382. The rolling elements 386 are disposed between the screw 384 and the drive nut 382 and support the screw 384 relative to the drive nut 382. The rolling elements 386 support the screw 384 and the drive nut 382 such that a clearance is radially disposed between the screw 384 and the drive nut 382. The rolling elements 386 maintain the clearance and prevent the screw 384 and the drive nut 382 from directly contacting each other.
[0189] The screw 384 is configured to reciprocate along the motor / pump axis A during operation. Thus, the screw 384 provides a linear output from the drive mechanism 314. The screw 384 can be coupled to the fluid displacement member 316 via a connector 388 to provide a linear reciprocating motion of the fluid displacement member 316 as the screw 384 reciprocates. The stator 20 causes the rotor 22 to rotate about the motor / pump axis A in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) to cause the drive nut 382 to rotate in the first rotational direction, thereby causing the rolling elements 386 to apply an axial driving force to the screw 384 in the axial direction AD1 and driving the screw 384, and thereby linearly driving the fluid displacement member 316 in the axial direction AD1 along the motor / pump axis A during the downward stroke. The stator 20 causes the rotor 22 to rotate about the motor / pump axis A in a second rotational direction (e.g., the other of clockwise or counterclockwise) to cause the drive nut 382 to rotate about the motor / pump axis A in the second rotational direction, thereby causing the rolling elements 386 to apply an axial driving force to the screw 384 in the axial direction AD2 and driving the screw 384, and thereby linearly driving the fluid displacement member 316 in the axial direction AD2 along the motor / pump axis A during the upward stroke.
[0190] The external rotator drive systems 310 and 410 provide significant advantages. The rotor 22 of the external rotator, which is at least partially radially disposed outside the stator 20, provides increased inertia and torque relative to the internal rotator motor. The increased torque facilitates the rotor 22 to generate a sufficiently high pumping pressure with the positive displacement pump 19 to produce an atomized spray at a sprayer (e.g., a spray gun). For example, the system 10 can be utilized to pump paint or other fluids to an airless spray gun, whereby the fluid pressure produces an atomized spray. In some examples, the rotor 22 can cause the pump 19 to generate a pumping pressure of about 3.4 to 69 megapascals (MPa) (about 500 to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi)) or even higher. In some examples, the pumping pressure ranges from about 20.7 to 34.5 MPa (about 3,000 - 5,000 psi). The high fluid pumping pressure is useful for atomizing a fluid into a spray for applying the fluid to a surface.
[0191] Figure 15 and Figure 16 illustrates the drive system 510. Figure 15 is an isometric front view of the drive system 510. Figure 16 is along Figure 15 The isometric cross-sectional view of the drive system 510 taken along line 16 - 16. Discussed together Figure 15 and Figure 16 . The drive system 510 is configured to be used with the drive mechanism 14, the fluid displacement member 16, and the fluid positive displacement pump 19 of the drive system 10. The electric motor 512, the drive mechanism 14, the fluid displacement member 16, the pump frame 518, and the pump 19 are shown.
[0192] The electric motor 512 includes a stator 520 and a rotor 522. The electric motor 512 is disposed on axis A and extends from a first end 524 to a second end 526. The rotor 522 is supported by bearings 542 and 548. Bearing 242 has an inner race 243, an outer race 244, and rolling elements 245. Bearing 248 has an outer race 249, an inner race 250, and rolling elements 251. The rotor 522 includes a bore 523 and a permanent magnet array 534.
[0193] The motor 512 is an electric motor having an outer stator 520 and an inner rotor 522. The stator 520 includes an armature winding (not shown) in a stator housing 521. The rotor 522 includes a permanent magnet array 534. The rotor 522 is configured to rotate about the pump axis A in response to a current signal passing through the stator 520. The rotor 522 is connected to the fluid displacement member 16 via the drive mechanism 14 at the first end 524. The drive mechanism 14 receives the rotational output from the rotor 522 and provides a linear reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member 16. The pump frame 518 is configured to mechanically support the electric motor 512 and the fluid positive displacement pump 19 (Figure 4 as shown). The electric motor 512 may extend in a cantilever manner from the pump frame 518 such that the second end 526, which is disposed opposite the first end 524, is the free end of the cantilever-extending electric motor 512.
[0194] The rotor 522 defines a rotational axis A. The stator 520 is disposed coaxially about the rotor 522 and includes a stator housing 521. The rotor 522 includes a permanent magnet array 534 on an outer diameter surface. An air gap separates the permanent magnet array 534 from the stator 520 to allow the rotor 522 to rotate relative to the stator 520. The rotor 522 may be rotatably coupled to the stator 520 at the first end 524 and the second end 526 via bearings 542 and 548, respectively. The bearings 542 and 548 allow the rotor 522 to rotate relative to the stator 520.
[0195] The bearings 542 and 548 may be roller or ball bearings. The bearing 542 may be disposed at the first end 524 and may include an inner race 543, an outer race 544, and rolling elements 545. The rotor 522 may be coupled to the inner race 543 such that the rotor 522 rides inside the bearing 542. The stator 520 may be coupled to the outer race 544. The bearing 548 may be disposed at the second end 546 and may include an outer race 549, an inner race 550, and rolling elements 551. The rotor 522 may be coupled to the inner race 550 such that the rotor 522 rides inside the bearing 548. The stator 520 may be coupled to the outer race 549.
[0196] The bearings 542 and 548 are disposed about the rotational axis A. The bearings 542 and 548 may vary in size, and the rolling elements 545 and 551 of the bearings 542 and 548 may vary the radial position from the axis A, respectively. The rolling elements 545 of the bearing 542 may be disposed at a radius R7 from the rotational axis A of the electric motor 12. The rolling elements 551 of the bearing 548 may be disposed at a radius R8 from the rotational axis A. The radius R7 of the bearing 542 may be greater than the radius R8 of the bearing 548 to accommodate the drive mechanism 14.
[0197] The bearing 542 may be larger in size than the bearing 548 to support the pump load generated by the reciprocating motion of the fluid displacement member 16 during pumping and experienced by the electric motor 512 due to the direct drive configuration.
[0198] The pump frame 518 mechanically supports the electric motor 512 at the first end 524 and at least partially houses the fluid displacement member 16. The pump frame 518 may be mechanically coupled to the stator 520 via a plurality of mounting elements 537 at the first end 524.
[0199] The eccentric driver 78 is axially offset from the axis of rotation A such that rotation of the rotor 522 causes the eccentric driver 78 to move radially along a circular path from the axis of rotation A. The bolt 84 may be threadably fastened to the inner end of the hole 523 to secure the sleeve 83 to the rotor 522. The bolt 84 may extend axially into the rotor 522 such that the bolt 84 is disposed in an axial plane with the permanent magnet array 534 of the rotor 522 and the armature windings of the stator 520. The bolt 84 may be formed of a non-ferrous metal material to prevent interference with the operation of the electric motor 512.
[0200] As described with respect to the drive system 10 and as Figure 4 illustrated therein, the drive member 80 may be configured to receive the eccentric driver 78 in a manner that allows the drive member 80 to rotate relative to the eccentric driver 78 as the eccentric driver 78 moves with the rotor 522. The drive member 80 may be coupled to the fluid displacement member 16 via a drive link 82 and a pin 92. The drive member 80 converts the rotational motion of the eccentric driver 78 into reciprocating motion and drives the fluid displacement member 16 in a reciprocating manner via the drive link 82.
[0201] As described with respect to the drive system 10, with each revolution of the rotor 522, the drive link 82 is forced up and down. In this manner, the drive mechanism 14 converts each revolution of the rotor 522 into a linear up and down motion. The drive link 82 is coupled to the fluid displacement member 16 and thus pulls the fluid displacement member 16 through the upward stroke and pushes the fluid displacement member 16 through the downward stroke. Thus, for each revolution of the rotor 522, the pump performs an entire pump cycle, including the upward and downward strokes. The increased torque facilitates the rotor 522 generating a high enough pumping pressure with the positive displacement pump 19 to create an atomized spray at the spraying device 5. In some examples, the rotor 522 may cause the pump 19 to generate a pumping pressure of about 3.4 to 69 megapascals (MPa) (about 500 to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi)) or even higher. In some examples, the pumping pressure is in the range of about 20.7 to 34.5 MPa (about 3,000 - 5,000 psi). A high fluid pumping pressure is useful for atomizing a fluid into a spray for applying the fluid to a surface.
[0202] During operation of the pump 19, the pump reaction forces generated by the fluid displacement member 16 during pumping are transmitted to the pump frame 518 via the drive mechanism 14, the rotor 522, the bearings 542, 548, and the stator housing 521. Both the upward and downward reaction forces pass through the drive mechanism 14, the rotor 522, and then reach the bearings 542 and 548. The bearings 542 and 548 transmit both the rotational force associated with the rotation of the rotor 522 and the upward and downward reaction forces to the pump frame 518. In each stroke case, since the rotor 522 directly drives the fluid displacement member 16 via the drive mechanism 14, pump reaction forces are generated and a load is applied to the rotor 522.
[0203] This axial pump reaction load is transverse to the axis of rotation A of the electric motor 512 and is experienced at both the output end 524 and the input end 526 of the electric motor 512. The load is transmitted to the pump frame 518 via the bearings 542, 548, and the stator housing 521 such that the electric motor 512 is not subjected to the pump reaction forces. At the first end 524, the load is transmitted from the rotor 522 through the bearing 542 and the stator housing 521 to the pump frame 518. At the electrical input end 548, the load is transmitted from the rotor 522 through the bearing 548 and the stator housing 521 to the pump frame 518. The bearings 542, 548 experience opposite reaction forces in each pump stroke to provide force balance at the pump frame 518.
[0204] Due to the direct drive connection between the rotor 522 and the fluid displacement member 16, the pump reaction forces are thus transmitted from the fluid displacement member 16 to the rotor 522. The bearings 542, 548 balance the load across the rotor 522 and transmit the load to the pump frame 518. The bearing 542 is close to the pump frame 518 and is coupled to the pump frame 518 via the stator housing 521. The bearing 548 is remote from the pump frame 518 but is also coupled to the pump frame 518 via the stator housing 521, which transmits the load from the bearing 548 to the pump frame 518. The stator housing 521 thus transmits the pump load from the rotor 522 to the pump frame 518.
[0205] The bearing arrangement of the system 510 provides significant advantages. Due to the direct drive arrangement, the bearings 542, 548 react to the pump reaction loads generated during pumping. The bearings 542, 548 stabilize the rotor 522 to facilitate the direct drive connection to the fluid displacement member 16. The pump reaction forces experienced at the first end 524 and the electrical input end 528 are transmitted to the pump frame 518, thereby balancing the forces across the pump frame 518. The connection balances the motor 512, thereby providing longer life, less wear, less downtime, more efficient operation, and cost savings.
[0206] The direct drive configuration of the drive system 510 eliminates the intermediate gearing (e.g., reduction gearing) between the electric motor 512 and the fluid displacement member 16, which is used in conventional motor-driven pumps. By reducing the number of parts and the number of moving parts, eliminating the intermediate gearing can provide a more efficient, compact, lighter weight, reliable, and simpler pump. Additionally, eliminating the gearing provides a quieter pump operation.
[0207] Figure 17 is Figures 1A to 16 A block diagram of a control system for any one of the drive systems shown. The control system 700, control panel 13, controller 15, user interface 17, fluid sensor 101, motor sensor 102, temperature sensor 103, and additional sensor 104 (e.g., current sensor) are shown. The controller 15 can be included and used in accordance with the following disclosure in any one of the drive systems disclosed herein. The controller 15 can be one or more logic circuits, e.g., a chip or microprocessor. Code for the logic circuits to execute can be included in the controller 15 to perform the functions recited herein. The controller 15 can receive data including in the form of analog signals from any one of the sensors or transducers or other components recited herein.
[0208] Each of the fluid sensor 101, motor sensor 102, temperature sensor 103, and additional sensor 104 provides an electronic signal to the controller 15. By way of example, the controller 15 can receive a signal from the fluid sensor 101 (shown in Figure 4 and Figure 9 ). The fluid sensor 101 can be included in any one of the drive systems disclosed. The fluid sensor 101 can be a pressure transducer that measures the fluid pressure output by the pump 19. The fluid sensor 101 can be, by way of example, a bourdon tube sensor.
[0209] The controller 15 can also receive a signal from the motor sensor 102 (in Figure 4 and Figure 9The received signal is shown. The motor sensor 102 can be included in any of the disclosed drive systems. The motor sensor 102 directly or indirectly measures parameters of the operating state of the rotor 22. For example, the motor sensor 102 can register and count the revolutions of the rotor 22. The motor sensor 102 can determine the orientation of the rotor 22 such that the rotational position of the rotor 22 is always known, which can be useful for reversing the rotor 22. For example, the electric motor sensor 102 can be a multi-axis magnetic sensor having a plurality of magnets on the rotor 22 in different orientations and a magnetic field sensor on the stator 20, and the magnetic field sensor measures the change in the magnetic field to determine the instantaneous rotational position of the rotor 22. In some cases, the position of the rotor 22 can be inferred rather than directly measured. For example, a circulation sensor can sense the circulation of the rotor 22 and / or the pump 19, for example, by measuring the displacement of the fluid displacement member 16, whereby the circulation position of the rotor 22 can be inferred.
[0210] The controller 15 is configured to control the operation of the motor 12. The controller 15 controls the power supplied to the stator 20 to control the rotation of the rotor 22 about the motor axis. The controller 15 can be configured to cause the pump 19 to output the spraying fluid according to a target pressure. The controller 15 supplies current to the motor 12 to achieve the desired pressure. The current supplied to the motor 12 is proportional to the pressure output by the pump 19. Thus, the controller 15 can be configured to control the current to the motor 12 based on the desired pressure.
[0211] The pump 19 can maintain a constant spraying fluid pressure throughout the operation. In some examples, the pump 19 is configured to output the spraying fluid at about 500 to 7500 pounds per square inch (psi), although typically in the range of 1500 - 3300 psi. The pump 19 can operate in a pumping state and a stall state. In the pumping state, the rotor 22 applies torque to the drive mechanism 14, thereby causing the fluid displacement member 16 to apply a force to the spraying fluid. In the stall state, the rotor 22 applies torque to the drive mechanism 14 but does not rotate, such that the fluid displacement member 16 applies a force to the spraying fluid but does not axially displace. For example, when the pump 19 idles (deadheads) due to the closing of a downstream valve, such as when the trigger 9 (in Figure 4When the trigger 9 (shown in FIG. [not provided]) is not actuated for spraying, stalling may occur. When the pump 19 stalls due to the constant pushing of the rotor 22, the pump 19 continues to apply pressure to the spraying fluid. When the rotor 22 stalls, the rotor 22 is pushed forward so that pressure continues to be applied to the fluid displacement member 16 through the rotor 22 and the drive mechanism 14. In this way, when the trigger 9 is actuated, spraying pressure already exists and is immediately provided, thus minimizing any pressure drop that may occur at the start of spraying and the adverse effects on the spraying quality of the spraying fan for the spraying fluid. With the constant pushing of the rotor 22, the spraying fan can be consistent with the trigger pull (actuation) to the trigger release (stall state).
[0212] During both the pumping state and the stall state, the controller 15 can be configured to supply current to the stator 20 such that the rotor 22 applies torque to the drive mechanism 14, thereby causing the fluid displacement member 16 to continue to apply force to the spraying fluid, even when the rotor 22 stalls due to the back pressure of the spraying fluid downstream of the pump 19, and also pushing the rotor 22 to rotate. For example, the back pressure caused by the closing of the downstream valve prevents the axial displacement of the fluid displacement member 16 and thereby prevents the rotation of the rotor 22. In the stall state, the controller 15 causes current to continue flowing to the motor 12, thereby causing the rotor 22 to apply a constant torque to the drive mechanism 14. The drive mechanism 14 converts the torque into a linear driving force such that the drive mechanism 14 applies a constant force to the fluid displacement member 16. During the stall, the rotor 22 does not rotate. When the pump 19 is in the stall state, the rotor 22 applies torque at a zero rotational speed. The pump 19 is completely mechanically driven because during the stall state, the rotor 22 mechanically causes the fluid displacement member 16 to apply pressure to the spraying fluid.
[0213] The amount of current supplied to the motor 12 can be determined based on the pressure setting. The user can set the pressure at which the pump 19 outputs the spraying fluid. The controller 15 can calculate the motor speed (e.g., via an exponent that correlates the rotor speed with the set pressure) based on the desired pressure, and then can calculate the amount of torque required to achieve the motor speed or pressure. Torque is proportional to current, and the controller 15 can determine the required current based on the desired torque. Torque is proportional to current, and current is proportional to pressure. In this way, the pressure setting of the drive system 10 can correspond to the amount of current (or other electrical measurement) supplied to the motor 12, such that a higher pressure setting corresponds to a larger current, and a lower pressure setting corresponds to a smaller current. The controller 15 can adjust the voltage supplied to the motor 12 to change the speed of the rotor 22.
[0214] The controller 15 commands a current corresponding to the set pressure in the push mode. The controller 15 may not command a motor speed in the push mode. The current supplied to the motor 12 causes the pump to produce an output pressure, and the actual speed of the motor will be whatever speed is required to maintain a constant pressure. For example, if there is no restriction in the downstream flow, the motor speed is at a maximum such that the actual pressure cannot build up to the target pressure. If the motor is overloaded (e.g., due to a stall condition), the actual speed of the motor is zero, but the pressure is maintained at the desired pressure. When the downstream pressure drops (e.g., when the trigger 9 is actuated), the motor speed will increase to the speed required to maintain the set pressure, which is proportional to the current.
[0215] The disclosed drive system has an offset crank pump load, which results in two current spikes each time the motor rotates. The controller 15 may be configured to determine the actual pressure based on pressure readings taken over a period of time. Multiple pressure readings over a time scale provide a smoother pressure output signal, thereby facilitating more accurate control and smoother pumping. The user may set the desired pressure via the user interface 17. The controller 15 controls the operation of the motor 12 to cause the pump 19 to output fluid based on the desired pressure. The current and motor speed are determined based on the pressure set point. The controller 15 determines the target speed and torque to produce the target pressure and commands the current to the motor 12 based on that information. When the motor speed changes, the current, pressure, and torque may remain the same during the pumping state and during the stall state.
[0216] During operation, the actual pressure is determined based on the information generated by the pressure transducer 101. If the pressure is below the target or set pressure, the current may be increased. If the motor speed cannot meet the target pressure and the current is at the maximum operating current, the voltage may be increased to increase the speed of the motor 12. The amount of current delivered to the motor 12 to maintain a constant pressure at the set pressure depends on the material composition of the spray fluid. For example, the current required to produce 3000 psi will vary between systems depending on the viscosity of the pumping material and other factors. The controller 15 may be configured to determine the required current based on the pressure information provided by the pressure transducer 101.
[0217] Although in some embodiments, more current can be delivered to the motor 12 when the rotor 22 is rotating, and less current can be delivered to the motor 12 when the rotor 22 is stalled but being pushed, the amount of electrical current delivered to the motor 12 can be approximately the same whether the rotor 22 is rotating or stalled. The continuous current regulated by the controller 15 causes the pump 19 to apply a constant pressure to the spraying fluid via the fluid displacement member 16. The controller 15 can supply more power to the motor 12 when the motor 12 is rotating than when the motor 12 is stalled. During stall and during rotation, the current can remain constant, but the voltage changes due to the speed change. The voltage increases to increase the speed of the motor 12, resulting in additional power during rotation. Thus, when at zero speed and with the pressure at the desired level, the voltage is at a minimum because no additional speed is required to reach the pressure. When the electric motor 12 is commuted, power is applied according to a sine wave form. For example, the electric motor 12 can receive AC power. For example, power can be supplied to the phases of the electric motor 12 according to an electrically offset sine wave form. In the case where the motor 12 is stalled, the signal is maintained at the stall point such that a constant signal is provided while the motor 12 is in the stalled state. Thus, at least one phase of the motor 12 can be considered to receive a DC signal while the motor 12 is in the stalled state. The motor 12 can thus receive two types of electrical signals during operation, the first during rotation, and the second during stall. The first can be sinusoidal, and the second can be constant. The first can be AC, and the second can be considered DC. The first power signal can be greater than the second power signal.
[0218] In some examples, a set current can be provided to the motor 12 throughout the stall. For example, a maximum current can be provided to the motor 12 throughout the stall. The maximum current can be the maximum operating current of the motor 12, a maximum current set by the user, or other forms of maximum current. In some examples, the controller 15 can vary the current provided to the motor 12. For example, the current can be pulsed such that current is constantly supplied to the stator 20 but at different levels. Thus, while the motor 12 is in the stalled state, the pump 19 can apply a continuous and variable force to the spraying fluid. In some examples, the current can pulse between the maximum current and one or more currents less than the maximum current. When the back pressure of the spraying fluid drops sufficiently, the pump 19 returns to the pumping state such that the current provided to the motor 12 can cause rotation of the rotor 22 and axial displacement of the fluid displacement member 16 when, for example, the user resumes spraying. When the force applied to the spraying fluid overcomes the back pressure of the spraying fluid, the pump 19 thus returns to the pumping state. The controller 15 can be configured to resume the current according to the pumping state based on the pressure drop such that the motor 12 can rotate.
[0219] When the fluid displacement member 16 is in the upward stroke, stall occurs when the driving force on the rotor equals the reaction force of the downstream fluid from one of the fluid displacement members 16 and the suction force of the fluid upstream of the pump 19. When the downstream pressure decreases, the pump 19 exits the stall, such that the forces are no longer in balance, and the rotor 22 overcomes the forces acting on the fluid displacement member 16. Continuously supplying current to the motor 12 during the stall provides a constant push on the rotor 22. In some examples, the rotor 22 can be prompted to exit the stalled state due to the constant current overcoming the downstream pressure rather than in response to any pressure signal from the pressure transducer 101 indicating a pressure drop. The continuous push on the rotor 22 ensures that the rotor 22 remains continuously balanced to resume rotation and cause the fluid displacement member 16 to resume movement at the moment the fluid starts flowing again, thereby allowing the fluid displacement member 16 to move again.
[0220] When the pressure sensor indicates that a set pressure has been reached, other spraying systems can abort the delivery of drive power to the motor. The pressure must drop sufficiently for the pressure sensor to register the drop before the controller resumes supplying current to the motor. This process results in a drop in the spraying pressure just as the user resumes spraying, which is known as the dead zone. This drop in the spraying pressure is generally undesirable because it can cause a decrease in the spraying fan and a change in the spraying fan at the start of spraying. For example, the spraying fan varies from the time the trigger is actuated to the time the pressure set point has been reached. In contrast, in the case of the constant push on the rotor 22, the pressure set point is achieved immediately or almost immediately upon actuation of the trigger. Once the downstream flow path is opened, the motor 12 starts rotating and the pump 19 starts pumping, thereby minimizing any potential dead zone and providing the desired spraying pressure at the start of spraying.
[0221] Stalling the pump 19 in response to the spraying fluid backpressure provides significant advantages. The user can run the pump 19 idle without damaging the internal components of the pump 19. The controller 15 adjusts to the maximum current, thereby prompting the pump 19 to output a constant pressure. The pump 19 continuously applies pressure to the spraying fluid, thereby allowing the pump 19 to quickly resume operation and output a constant pressure when the downstream pressure is released. Pulsing the current during the stall reduces the heat generated by the stator 20 and uses less energy.
[0222] The motor 12 can remain stalled while still driving the fluid displacement member 16 for an indefinite period of time. However, if the user does not use the pump 19 for an extended period of time, such as when the user goes to lunch, then power can be saved and less heat can be accumulated if the controller 15 stops the power delivery to the motor 12. For example, using the motor sensor 102 to detect the aborted rotation of the rotor 22 and / or based on the amount of current spike experienced and sensed by the current sensor 104 when the downstream flow path is initially closed, the controller 15 can sense the stall condition. In some examples, the controller 15 can start a timer based on the motor 12 entering the stall state. If rotation of the rotor 22 is sensed, the timer can be stopped and in some examples reset. But after a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 30 seconds, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or any other desired time threshold) during which the rotor 22 has not rotated, the controller 15 can abort the delivery of operating power (electrical energy) to the motor 12. When the controller 15 has aborted the delivery of operating power to the motor 12, the controller 15 can continue to monitor fluid parameters, such as pressure, via the fluid sensor 101. If the fluid sensor 101 senses a change in the fluid parameter, such as a pressure drop or the flow of fluid, then based on the assumption that the operator has resumed the spraying operation, the controller 15 can resume delivering energy to the motor 12 to rotate the rotor 22 and operate as previously described.
[0223] When current is supplied to provide a constant drive to the rotor 22, the motor 12 continues to generate heat in the stall condition. Over time, the heat generation is proportional to the current supply. In some examples, a temperature sensor can be used to measure the motor temperature or the ambient temperature adjacent to the motor 12. If a threshold temperature is reached before the rotation of the rotor 22 has resumed and / or before a predetermined amount of time during which no rotation occurs has elapsed, the controller 15 can abort the delivery of operating power to the motor 12. In this case, contrary to the predetermined time period, the predetermined time period for continuous drive is dynamic based on temperature. Controlling the delivery of operating power to the motor 12 during stall based on temperature can be attributed to variations in the environment in which the drive system 10 operates. Both the dynamic timeout and the static timeout of the stalled motor based on temperature and time, respectively, can prevent the drive system 10 from overheating and damage to the drive system 10. Once the fluid sensor 101 senses a change indicating that the spraying operation has resumed, the controller 15 can resume delivering energy to the motor 12.
[0224] The controller 15 can reverse the direction of rotation of the rotor 22 based on the delivery of electrical energy to the motor 12. For example, the controller 15 can cause the rotor 22 to rotate clockwise for a plurality of complete revolutions and then counterclockwise for a plurality of complete revolutions. Regardless of whether the rotor 22 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, the drive mechanism 14 will still reciprocate the fluid displacement member 16 in the same manner. For example, the rotor 22 can rotate clockwise to make a plurality of complete revolutions to drive the piston through a first plurality of pumping strokes, and then can rotate counterclockwise to make a plurality of complete revolutions to drive the piston through a second plurality of pumping strokes. By providing more uniform wear of components (such as bearings), switching between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the rotor 22 can increase the wear life of the components and can minimize the lateral loading of the fluid displacement member 16. Reversing the direction of rotation can also be used to troubleshoot problems such as a locked rotor condition. Reversing the direction of rotation can immediately relieve the pressure on the fluid displacement member 16 to help loosen the fluid displacement member 16. For example, it may be difficult to start the motor 12 against the pressure. Changing the direction of rotation provides a transition within 90 degrees, allowing the fluid displacement member to encounter the load when moving in the opposite direction and, in some cases of momentum, enter the load in a ramrod manner on another pump stroke. It should be understood that the controller 15 can be configured to reverse the direction of rotation of the rotor 22 based on various operating conditions.
[0225] The controller 15 can, for example, periodically reverse the direction of the rotor 22 based on a schedule. For example, after rotating in a first direction for a predetermined amount of time, the controller 15 can cause the rotor 22 to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction for the same or a different predetermined or given amount of time. When that amount of time has expired, the controller 15 can wait until a stall moment to reverse the direction of the rotor 22 so that the rotor 22 is not reversed during pumping. Alternatively, the controller 15 can time the reversal of the rotation of the rotor 22 based on the reversal of the direction of transition of the fluid displacement member 16 (e.g., the fluid displacement member 16 is at the top or bottom of its stroke and reverses direction anyway).
[0226] The controller 15 can reverse the direction of the rotor 22 based on the number of pump cycles. For example, before switching to another direction for a predetermined number or another predetermined number of rotations and before switching back again, the rotor 22 can be reversed based on a predetermined number of full revolutions of the rotor 22 in one direction (e.g., 1000 revolutions). For example, the motor revolutions can be determined by information generated by the motor sensor 102. In some examples, the sensor can be associated with the fluid displacement member 16 to sense displacement and count the pump cycles. A predetermined number of pump strokes (where two pump strokes form a complete pump cycle) can be used instead of motor revolutions. In some examples, the pressure spikes experienced by the pressure transducer 101 can be utilized to count the pump cycles or strokes. Thus, the periodic reversal of the rotor 22 can be based on information from the motor sensor 102, the pressure transducer 101, or another sensor of the system.
[0227] The controller 15 can reverse the direction of the rotor 22 based on, for example, the power of the sprayer being turned off by actuating the power switch. For example, when the user turns on the sprayer, the controller 15 can cause the rotor 22 to rotate in the first direction as needed until the sprayer is turned off. When the user turns on the sprayer again, the controller 15 causes the rotor 22 to rotate in the second direction as needed until the sprayer is turned off again. This can continue, thus switching the rotation direction of the rotor 22 based on the turning on and off of the sprayer. In some examples, the controller 15 can reverse the rotation direction based on the backup power being turned off (e.g., when the sprayer is unplugged). Thus, each time the sprayer is plugged back in and activated, the rotor 22 can start in a new rotation direction.
[0228] The controller 15 can monitor fluid parameters with the fluid sensor 101, and / or can monitor the current of the motor 12, and can switch the rotation direction of the rotor 22 based on the monitored parameters. For example, if the current draw of the motor 12 exceeds a threshold (which can indicate increased resistance), the controller 15 can cause the rotor 22 to reverse direction. In some embodiments, if the rotor 22 stalls and the set pressure has not been reached, indicating that the pressure cannot be achieved, the controller 15 can cause the rotor 22 to reverse direction. In some embodiments, if the rotor 22 is rotating in the first direction and still cannot reach the set pressure after a predetermined amount of time, indicating an inefficiency error, the controller 15 can cause the rotor 22 to reverse to rotate in the second direction.
[0229] If the rotor 22 fails to complete a full revolution as indicated, for example, by the motor sensor 102, the controller 15 may cause the rotor 22 to switch the direction of rotation. For example, if the rotor 22 completes a partial revolution in a first direction but is unable to complete the full revolution and the actual pressure is less than the target pressure, this may indicate a locked rotor condition or a clog or other blockage. Based on such a condition, the controller 15 may cause the rotor 22 to rotate in the direction of rotation of the second direction. If the rotor 22 is unable to complete the full revolution in the second direction, the controller 15 may again cause the rotor 22 to reverse direction. This may be repeated until the rotor 22 is able to complete the full revolution either for a predetermined period of time or for a predetermined number of switches and other options. The controller 15 may be configured to generate an error code based on the failure of the rotor 22 to rotate when not under pressure and may provide this error information to the user, for example, via the user interface 17. In some examples, the controller 15 may cause the rotor 22 to continue to switch between the directions of rotation, which may cause some pumping depending on the displacement provided by the pump 19, thereby allowing the system to operate at a partial capacity.
[0230] During a locked condition where the rotor 22 cannot complete a 360-degree rotation, the controller 15 may cause the rotor 22 to rotate until it stops (due to blockage / lock) in the first direction of rotation and then rotate in the opposite second direction of rotation until it stops (due to blockage / lock). The controller 15 may continue to reverse the rotation until a predetermined switching threshold (e.g., the number of direction reversals) is reached or until the locked condition is broken. The controller 15 may be configured to generate an error code based on the failure of the rotor 22 to rotate when not under pressure and may provide this error information to the user, for example, via the user interface 17. If the rotor 22 is able to complete a 360-degree rotation, the controller 15 continues to drive the rotation of the rotor 22 to establish the actual pressure as the target pressure. If the lock / blockage is overcome, the controller 15 thereby resumes operating the rotor 22 in the pumping mode. In some examples, the controller 15 may cause the rotor 22 to continue to switch between the directions of rotation, which may cause some pumping depending on the displacement provided by the pump 19, thereby allowing the system to operate at a partial capacity.
[0231] The controller 15 may cause the rotor 22 to periodically reverse direction based on a time-based or event-based schedule (e.g., based on a calendar, usage time, each time the sprayer is turned off or unplugged, number of revolutions, etc.). The controller 15 may also cause the rotor 22 to reverse direction in response to a blockage or inefficiency in the motor operation. For example, if the rotor 22 is unable to complete the full revolution or if the rotor 22 is rotating but unable to meet the set pressure, the controller 15 may cause the rotor 22 to reverse direction.
[0232] During operation, the control circuit 13 can determine, for example, based on the pressure sensor 101 or the motor sensor 102, whether the motor 12 is rotating. If the motor 12 is rotating, the rotation can continue in the current rotation direction. If the motor 12 is not rotating, the controller 15 can determine whether the operating power of the motor 12 has been aborted (e.g., the spraying machine has been turned off or unplugged). If the operating power of the motor 12 has been aborted, the controller 15 can cause the rotor 22 to change the rotation direction when the motor 12 is operated next time.
[0233] During operation, the control circuit 15 can determine the reverse rotation of the rotor 22 based on a time threshold and / or an event threshold. For example, if a predetermined time threshold since the last reverse rotation has been reached (e.g., operating for 15 minutes, operating for 1 hour, operating for 5 hours, or other times), the control circuit 15 can cause a reverse rotation. The predetermined time threshold can be based on the time of supplying power to the motor 12 or the time when the rotor 22 actually rotates, and other options. In another example, if a predetermined number of revolutions threshold since the last reverse rotation has been reached (e.g., 500 revolutions, 1000 revolutions, 10000 revolutions, or other revolution counts), the control circuit 16 can cause a reverse rotation. If the time and / or event threshold, for example, when the revolutions per minute are below the threshold or based on the fluid displacement member 16 being at the end of the stroke, the control circuit 15 can cause the rotor 22 to reverse direction when the rotor 22 stops next time and then starts rotating or during the rotation of the rotor 22.
[0234] In some examples, the control circuit 15 can stop supplying power to the motor based on a predetermined pushing time threshold (e.g., 5 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, or other non-use times). For example, even when the motor 12 stalls, the control circuit 15 will continue to supply current to provide a push to the fluid to maintain pressure and to respond quickly when spraying resumes. If the predetermined pushing time has not been reached, the control circuit 15 can determine whether a predetermined maximum temperature has been reached (e.g., the temperature of the motor or the temperature of the ambient air). If the predetermined maximum temperature has been reached, the control circuit 15 can abort supplying operating power to the motor 12. If the predetermined temperature has not been reached, the control circuit 15 can continue to supply power to the motor 12 to continue pushing until the predetermined pushing time or the predetermined temperature is reached.
[0235] The control circuit 15 can determine, for example, based on data from the pressure sensor 101, whether a target pressure has been reached. The control circuit 15 can determine, based on data from the motor sensor 102, when the rotor 22 is rotating. If the rotor 22 is capable of rotating but the target pressure has not been reached, the control circuit 15 can cause the rotor 22 to reverse its direction of rotation. If the pressure is below the target pressure but the rotor has stopped or has a low revolutions per minute (e.g., below a minimum threshold), the controller 15 can cause the rotor 22 to reverse its direction of rotation. The controller 15 can cause the rotor 22 to continue to reverse direction based on the low target pressure and the operating state (e.g., speed) of the rotor 22 in an attempt to overcome an inefficient, locked rotor, or other blockage. In some examples, the controller 15 can provide an error code to the user via the user interface 17, for example, based on the rotor 22 having reversed a set number of times and not breaking the lock / blockage.
[0236] The examples discussed regarding the controller 15 controlling the rotation of the rotor 22 and the current supply to the motor 12 are non-limiting examples. Additional, fewer, and / or alternative steps can be taken. For example, the drive system 10 can operate with or without a constant rotor push, and the motor rotation direction can be reversed based on any one or more of scheduled (e.g., time-based or event-based) conditions or operating conditions (e.g., blockage).
[0237] Although the pumping assemblies of the present disclosure and claims have been discussed in the context of a spraying system, it should be understood that the pumping assemblies and controls can be utilized in a variety of fluid handling contexts and systems and are not limited to those discussed. Any one or more of the pumping assemblies discussed can be utilized alone or in conjunction with one or more additional pumps to transfer fluid for any desired purpose (e.g., position transfer, spraying, metering, application, etc.).
[0238] Discussion of non-exclusive examples
[0239] The following is a non-exclusive description of possible examples of the present invention.
[0240] A drive system for a reciprocating fluid volume pump includes an electric motor, a drive device, and a fluid displacement member. The motor includes a stator defining an axis and a rotor coaxially disposed about the stator. The drive device is directly connected to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor. The fluid displacement member is mechanically coupled to the drive device. The drive member converts the rotational output into a linear reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member.
[0241] Additionally and / or alternatively, the drive system of the preceding paragraph can optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0242] The fluid displacement member is mechanically coupled to the drive means at the output end of the electric motor.
[0243] The electric motor further includes an electrical input end configured to receive electrical power, the electrical input end being disposed opposite the output end along the axis.
[0244] A pump frame that mechanically supports the electric motor.
[0245] The electric motor extends from the pump frame in a cantilever manner.
[0246] The output end of the electric motor is coupled to the pump frame such that the end of the electric motor opposite the output end is the free end of the cantilevered electric motor.
[0247] The pump frame is mechanically coupled to each of the rotor and the stator.
[0248] A coupling member connects the pump frame to the shaft of the stator such that the stator is fixed relative to the pump frame.
[0249] The coupling member is connected to the shaft at the free end of the electric motor.
[0250] The coupling member extends from the pump frame to the shaft around the outside of the rotor.
[0251] The coupling member includes: an axially extending portion that extends from the pump frame across the outside of the rotor, wherein the axially extending portion is radially separated from the rotor; and a radially extending portion that extends from the axially extending portion to the shaft, wherein the radially extending portion is axially separated from the rotor.
[0252] The rotor is formed by a housing and includes an array of permanent magnets on the inner circumferential surface of the housing.
[0253] The housing extends around three sides of the stator, and wherein the housing is rotatably coupled to the pump frame at the output end of the electric motor that is coupled to the drive means.
[0254] The housing radially overlaps the stator at the output end and radially overlaps the stator at the input end of the electric motor opposite the output end.
[0255] The stator is fixed to the shaft, and wherein the shaft axially extends outward from the housing at the input end.
[0256] The coupling member connects the pump frame to the shaft rod such that the stator is fixed relative to the pump frame.
[0257] A pump frame that supports the electric motor, wherein the electric motor is supported by the pump frame at an output end thereof that is coupled to the drive device; and a first bearing is disposed between the pump frame and the rotor at the output end to support the rotor and to permit rotational movement of the rotor relative to the pump frame.
[0258] The rotor extends through the pump frame, and wherein the rotor is coupled to an inner ring of the bearing and the pump frame is coupled to an outer ring of the bearing.
[0259] The pump frame is mechanically coupled to a shaft rod of the stator at an input end opposite the output end, wherein the input end is configured to receive an electrical input.
[0260] The coupling member extends from the pump frame to the shaft rod around an exterior of the rotor to fix the stator relative to the pump frame.
[0261] In another example, a method of driving a reciprocating pump includes: providing electrical power to an electric motor to cause rotation of a rotor of the motor, the rotor being disposed exterior to and surrounding a stator of the motor; receiving a rotational output from the rotor at a drive device that is directly connected to the rotor; directly converting the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion by the drive device; and providing the linear reciprocating input to a fluid displacement member connected to the drive device by the drive device to cause the pump rod to pump fluid by the reciprocating motion.
[0262] Additionally and / or alternatively, the method of the preceding paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, additional components, and / or steps:
[0263] Receiving the rotational output from a first end of the electric motor and providing an electrical input to a second end of the electric motor opposite the first end.
[0264] Mechanically supporting the electric motor with a pump frame disposed at the first end.
[0265] Rotatably coupling the rotor to the pump frame at the first end and mechanically fixing the stator to the pump frame at the second end.
[0266] In yet another example, a fluid displacement device includes an electric motor, a drive device, a pump, and a pump frame. The motor includes a stator defining an axis and a rotor disposed around the stator. The drive device is connected to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor and convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion. The pump includes a piston and a cylinder, and the piston receives the linear reciprocating motion from the drive device to reciprocate within the cylinder. The cylinder and the stator are connected to the pump frame to stabilize the stator relative to the rotor and to stabilize the cylinder relative to the piston.
[0267] Additionally and / or alternatively, the fluid displacement device of the preceding paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0268] One or more coupling members. The stator includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being attached to the pump frame while the second end extends away from the pump frame, and the one or more coupling members are attached to the second end of the stator and extend along the exterior of the rotor to connect to the pump frame.
[0269] One or more electrical wires extending into the second end of the stator, the one or more electrical wires providing power to operate the stator.
[0270] In yet another example, a drive system for a reciprocating fluid volume pump includes an electric motor, a drive device, a fluid displacement member, and a support frame. The electric motor includes a stator disposed on an axis and supported by a shaft and a rotor coaxially disposed around the stator. The drive device is directly connected to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor. The fluid displacement member is mechanically coupled to the drive device, wherein the drive device is configured to convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member. The support frame is configured to mechanically support the electric motor and the fluid volume pump, wherein the support frame is mechanically coupled to the stator.
[0271] Additionally and / or alternatively, the drive system of the preceding paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0272] The support frame is coupled to the rotor at a first end of the electric motor by a first bearing that allows the rotor to rotate within the support frame.
[0273] The support frame is mechanically coupled to the stator at a second end of the motor that is axially opposite a first end of the electric motor, wherein the drive means is connected to the rotor at the first end.
[0274] The support frame includes a first frame member at the first end, a second frame member coupled to the stator at the second end, and at least one connecting member connecting the first frame member and the second frame member. The at least one connecting member extends across an outer surface of the rotor and is spaced from the rotor to allow the rotor to rotate within the support frame.
[0275] The second frame member includes at least one projecting member, wherein the at least one projecting member extends radially outward from the axis such that a distal end of the at least one projecting member is radially outward of the rotor, and wherein at least one axially extending member is connected to the at least one projecting member.
[0276] The electric motor extends in a cantilever manner from the first frame member such that the first end is connected to the first frame member and the second end extends in a cantilever manner.
[0277] The second frame member includes a plurality of projecting members, wherein the projecting members among the plurality of projecting members are arranged symmetrically about an axis of the electric motor.
[0278] The second frame member includes a plurality of projecting members, wherein the projecting members among the plurality of projecting members are arranged asymmetrically about the axis.
[0279] The plurality of projecting members includes one of three projecting members and four projecting members.
[0280] The projecting members among the plurality of projecting members are arranged in an X-shaped configuration.
[0281] The projecting members among the plurality of projecting members are arranged in a Y-shaped configuration.
[0282] The first frame member includes at least one projecting member extending radially outward from the rotor, and wherein the at least one connecting member is connected to the at least one projecting member of the first frame member.
[0283] The first frame member includes a first plurality of projecting members, and the second frame includes a second plurality of projecting members, and wherein a plurality of connecting members connect the first plurality of projecting members and the second plurality of projecting members.
[0284] The projecting members in the first plurality of projecting members are axially aligned with the projecting members in the second plurality of projecting members.
[0285] The at least one connecting member is a tie rod.
[0286] The second frame member is in fixed contact with the shaft.
[0287] The second frame member is supported by the shaft and contacts the outer radial surface of the shaft.
[0288] The second frame member contacts the end face of the shaft.
[0289] A retaining element that is in fixed contact with the second frame member and the radial inner surface of the shaft.
[0290] The shaft is formed of a conductive material to transfer heat from the stator to the second frame member.
[0291] The second frame member is mechanically coupled to the shaft adjacent a second bearing, and wherein the first frame member and the second frame member clamp the first bearing and the second bearing therebetween to preload the first bearing and the second bearing.
[0292] A wave spring washer disposed between the second bearing and the second frame member.
[0293] A retaining element, wherein the retaining element secures the second frame member to the shaft.
[0294] The retaining element is threadedly connected to the shaft via an interface.
[0295] A control panel that is mechanically coupled to the first frame member and the second frame member and partially surrounds the rotor.
[0296] The first frame member forms a pump frame configured to partially house the fluid displacement member.
[0297] The support frame includes a plurality of connecting members that extend across the exterior of the rotor between a first frame member at a first end of the motor and a second frame member at a second end of the motor, the drive member is connected to the rotor at the first end of the motor, and the support frame is configured to support both a torque load and a pump reaction load.
[0298] A first subgroup of the connecting members is positioned to support a torque load and a pump reaction load.
[0299] In yet another example, a support frame for a reciprocating fluid volume pump drive system includes a first frame member, a second frame member, and at least one connecting member, the reciprocating fluid volume pump drive system having an electric motor with an inner stator and an outer rotor. The second frame member is disposed at an end of the electric motor opposite the first frame member and is separated from the first frame member. The at least one connecting member extends between the first frame member and the second frame member and connects the first frame member and the second frame member. The second frame member and the at least one connecting member are configured to at least partially house the electric motor and mechanically support the electric motor with the outer rotor.
[0300] Additionally and / or alternatively, the support frame of the preceding paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0301] Each of the first frame member and the second frame member includes at least three protruding members, and wherein the connecting member connects the protruding members of the first frame member to the protruding members of the second frame member.
[0302] The protruding members of the first frame member are axially aligned with the protruding members of the second frame member.
[0303] The protruding members of each of the first frame member and the second frame member are arranged in one of a Y-shaped configuration and an X-shaped configuration.
[0304] The connecting member is a tie rod.
[0305] In yet another example, a fluid displacement device includes an electric motor extending along an axis to have a first end and a second end, a drive device, a pump, a pump frame, and a motor frame. The electric motor includes a stator extending along the axis and a rotor disposed around the stator and extending along the axis. The drive device is connected to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor and convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion. The pump includes a piston and a cylinder, the piston receiving the linear reciprocating motion from the drive device to cause the piston to reciprocate within the cylinder. The cylinder and the stator are connected to the pump frame to stabilize the cylinder relative to the piston. The motor frame stabilizes the stator. The motor frame includes a plurality of connecting members extending from the first end of the motor to the second end of the motor. The plurality of connecting members are disposed around the rotor.
[0306] Additionally and / or alternatively, the fluid displacement device of the preceding paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0307] The motor frame is fixed relative to the pump frame.
[0308] A first frame member and a second frame member. The first frame member is located on the first end of the motor, and the second frame member is located on the second end of the motor. Each of the plurality of connecting members extends from the first frame member to the second frame member.
[0309] The first frame member, the second frame member and the plurality of connecting members form an exoskeleton around the motor, and the exoskeleton structurally supports the motor while allowing air flow through the exoskeleton and around the rotor.
[0310] Either the first frame member or the second frame member is star-shaped.
[0311] In yet another example, a drive system for a reciprocating pump for pumping fluid includes an electric motor and a drive member. The electric motor includes a rotor. The rotor includes an eccentric drive device extending from the rotor. The drive member is directly coupled to the eccentric drive device and is configured to drive the reciprocating motion of a fluid displacement member.
[0312] Additionally and / or alternatively, the drive system of the foregoing paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0313] The eccentric drive device is directly coupled to the drive member to provide a 1:1 ratio of rotor rotation to pump cycle.
[0314] The eccentric drive device axially projects outward from the end of the rotor and is offset from the rotational axis of the rotor.
[0315] The drive member is coupled to the eccentric drive device through a bearing element that allows relative movement between the eccentric drive device and the drive member.
[0316] The eccentric drive device is integrally formed with the rotor.
[0317] The eccentric drive device extends into the hole of the rotor and is fastened to the rotor.
[0318] The drive device includes a sleeve and a bolt, wherein the sleeve is received in the hole of the rotor, and the bolt is received in the sleeve and is threadedly fastened to the rotor.
[0319] The rotor is coaxially disposed around the stator.
[0320] The rotor is formed by a housing that extends around the stator, wherein the housing includes an array of permanent magnets on an inner circumferential surface.
[0321] The housing includes a first cylindrical protrusion that includes the eccentric drive means.
[0322] The first cylindrical protrusion extends from a front end portion of the housing in a first axial direction, and wherein the housing further includes a second cylindrical protrusion that extends from the front end portion of the housing in a second axial direction into a shaft of the stator.
[0323] The eccentric drive means includes pins that extend into each of the first cylindrical protrusion and the second protrusion.
[0324] The eccentric drive means is formed of a non-ferrous metal material.
[0325] The housing further includes a spacer member, wherein the spacer member extends axially outward from the first cylindrical protrusion and supports the eccentric drive means.
[0326] The drive system further includes a pump frame, and wherein the first cylindrical protrusion is coupled to the pump frame by a first bearing, wherein the first bearing allows rotational movement of the rotor relative to the pump frame.
[0327] The first cylindrical protrusion is coupled to the first bearing.
[0328] The housing extends through the pump frame, and wherein the eccentric drive means and the drive member are axially positioned outside the first bearing.
[0329] The eccentric drive means and the drive member are axially positioned inside the first bearing.
[0330] The eccentric drive means is integrally formed with the rotor.
[0331] No gear is provided between the rotor and the fluid displacement member.
[0332] The pump is a double-volume pump.
[0333] In yet another example, a method of driving a reciprocating pump includes: providing power to an electric motor to cause rotation of a rotor about a rotational axis; directly providing a rotational output of the electric motor to a drive member; providing a linear reciprocating input to a pump rod of the pump through the drive member; and spraying fluid from the fluid volume pump onto a surface. For one revolution of the rotor, the fluid volume pump performs one pump cycle.
[0334] Additionally and / or alternatively, the method of the foregoing paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, additional components, and / or steps:
[0335] Providing a rotational output via an eccentric drive device on the rotor, wherein the position of the eccentric drive device is offset from the axis of rotation.
[0336] The eccentric drive device is integrally formed with the rotor or extends into and is fixed to the rotor.
[0337] In yet another example, a pumping system includes an electric motor, a drive member, and a reciprocating pump. The electric motor includes a rotor. The rotor includes an eccentric drive device extending from the rotor. The drive member is directly coupled to the eccentric drive device. The reciprocating pump includes a fluid displacement member coupled to the drive member and a pump cylinder at least partially accommodating the fluid displacement member. The drive member is configured to drive a reciprocating motion of the fluid displacement member.
[0338] Additionally and / or alternatively, the pumping system of the foregoing paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0339] The eccentric drive device is directly coupled to the drive member to provide a 1:1 ratio of rotor rotation to pump cycle.
[0340] The eccentric drive device axially projects outwardly from an end of the rotor and is offset from the axis of rotation of the rotor.
[0341] The eccentric drive device is integrally formed with the rotor or extends into the rotor.
[0342] The rotor is rotatably coupled to a pump frame by a first bearing, and wherein the eccentric drive device and the drive member are axially positioned inside the first bearing.
[0343] The rotor is rotatably coupled to a pump frame by a second bearing, and wherein the eccentric drive device and the drive member are axially positioned outside the second bearing.
[0344] The reciprocating pump is a double-displacement pump such that the reciprocating pump is configured to output fluid during each of an upward stroke and a downward stroke of the fluid displacement member.
[0345] In yet another example, a drive system for a fluid volume pump includes an electric motor, a drive device, a fluid displacement member, and a pump frame. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor. The stator and the rotor are disposed on an axis. The drive device is coupled to the rotor at a first end of the electric motor. The fluid displacement member is mechanically coupled to the drive device such that the electric motor experiences a pump load during pumping generated by the reciprocating motion of the fluid displacement member. The pump frame is mechanically coupled to the electric motor and is configured to support the fluid volume pump and the electric motor.
[0346] Additionally and / or alternatively, the drive system of the foregoing paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0347] One of the pump frame and the stator is coupled to the rotor at the first end by a first bearing that permits rotational movement of the rotor relative to one of the pump frame and the stator and supports the pump load, wherein the pump load is an axial load along the axis of reciprocating motion of the pump.
[0348] The pump frame is mechanically coupled to the stator at a rear end of the electric motor opposite the first end.
[0349] The rotor is coaxially disposed about the stator, and wherein the rotor is formed by a housing and a plurality of magnets on an inner circumferential surface of the housing.
[0350] The housing is coupled to an inner race of the first bearing, and the pump frame is coupled to an outer race of the first bearing.
[0351] A second bearing, the second bearing being disposed between the rotor and the stator adjacent the rear end to permit rotational movement of the rotor relative to the stator, the second bearing being positioned to withstand the pump load.
[0352] The rotor is coupled to an outer race of the second bearing, and the stator is coupled to an inner race of the second bearing.
[0353] The rotor is coupled to an inner race of the second bearing, and the stator is coupled to an outer race of the second bearing.
[0354] The rotor extends into a shaft of the stator at the first end.
[0355] A third bearing, the third bearing being disposed between the rotor and the shaft to permit rotational movement of the rotor relative to the stator and to support the rotor relative to the stator such that an air gap is maintained between the stator and a permanent magnet array disposed on the rotor.
[0356] The rotor is coupled to the inner ring of the third bearing, and the shaft is coupled to the outer ring of the third bearing.
[0357] The first bearing is located at a first radius from the axis of rotation of the electric motor, and the second bearing is located at a second radius from the axis of rotation, where the first radius is greater than the second radius.
[0358] The third bearing member is positioned at a third radius from the axis of rotation, where the third radius is greater than the second radius and less than the first radius.
[0359] The stator is coupled to the rotor at the first end by the first bearing, and wherein the stator is mechanically fixed to the pump frame at the first end, and wherein pump reaction forces generated by the fluid displacement member during pumping are transmitted to the pump frame via the drive means, the rotor, the first bearing, and the stator.
[0360] The stator is coupled to the rotor at a rear end opposite the first end of the electric motor by a second bearing, the second bearing allowing rotational movement of the rotor relative to the stator, and wherein pump reaction forces generated by the fluid displacement member during pumping are transmitted to the pump frame via the drive means, the rotor, the first bearing, the second bearing, and the stator.
[0361] In another example, a drive system for a reciprocating fluid displacement system includes an electric motor, a drive means, a fluid displacement member, and a pump frame. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor. The stator and the rotor are disposed on an axis. The drive means is coupled to the rotor at a first end of the electric motor. The fluid displacement member is mechanically coupled to the drive means, wherein the drive means converts a rotational output from the rotor into a linear reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member. The pump frame is mechanically coupled to the electric motor. Pump reaction forces generated by the fluid displacement member during pumping are transmitted to the pump frame via the drive means and the rotor.
[0362] Additionally and / or alternatively, the drive system of the preceding paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0363] A first bearing disposed between the rotor and one of the stator and the pump frame at the first end. The first bearing supports a pump load. The pump load is an axial load along the reciprocating motion axis of the pump.
[0364] The pump reaction force generated by the fluid displacement member during pumping is transmitted to the pump frame via the drive device, the rotor, and the first bearing.
[0365] The pump reaction force generated by the fluid displacement member during pumping is transmitted to the pump frame via the drive device, the rotor, the first bearing, and the stator.
[0366] A second bearing is provided between the rotor and the stator at the rear end of the electric motor opposite to the first end, and the second bearing is positioned to withstand the pump load.
[0367] The pump frame is mechanically fixed to the stator at the rear end and is completely separated from the stator at the first end, and wherein the pump reaction force generated by the fluid displacement member during pumping is transmitted to the pump frame via the drive device, the rotor, the second bearing, and the stator.
[0368] A third bearing is provided between the shaft of the rotor and the stator at the first end to provide rotational movement of the rotor relative to the stator and to maintain a gap between the stator and a plurality of permanent magnets provided on the rotor, wherein the rotor is coupled to the inner ring of the third bearing and the shaft is coupled to the outer ring of the third bearing.
[0369] The third bearing is axially disposed between the first bearing and the second bearing.
[0370] The pump frame is mechanically fixed to the stator at the first end, and wherein the pump reaction force generated by the fluid displacement member during pumping is transmitted to the pump frame via the drive device, the rotor, the second bearing, and the stator.
[0371] The first bearing is located at a first radius from the axis of rotation of the electric motor, and the second bearing is located at a second radius from the axis of rotation, wherein the first radius is greater than the second radius.
[0372] In yet another example, a pumping device includes a frame, at least two bearings, an electric motor, a drive device, and a pump. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor, and the rotor is configured to output a rotational movement. The rotor is supported by the at least two bearings, and the at least two bearings support the rotation of the rotor. The drive device is configured to receive the rotational movement and convert the rotational movement into a linear reciprocating movement. The pump includes a piston and a cylinder. The piston is configured to receive the linear reciprocating movement to reciprocate within the cylinder through an upward stroke and a downward stroke. When moving through the upward stroke, the piston receives a downward reaction force, and when moving through the downward stroke, the piston receives an upward reaction force. Both the upward reaction force and the downward reaction force travel through the drive device, the rotor, and then to the at least two bearings.
[0373] Additionally and / or alternatively, the pumping device of the foregoing paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0374] The at least two bearings transfer both the rotational force associated with the rotation of the rotor and the upward and downward reaction forces to the frame.
[0375] In yet another example, a drive system for powering a reciprocating pump to pump a fluid to produce a fluid spray includes an electric motor, an eccentric drive member, and a drive device. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor is configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The eccentric drive member extends from the rotor. The drive device is coupled to the eccentric drive, and is configured to drive the reciprocating movement of a fluid displacement member.
[0376] Additionally and / or alternatively, the drive system of the foregoing paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0377] The eccentric drive member is directly coupled to the rotor and directly coupled to the drive device to provide a 1:1 ratio of rotor rotation to the pump cycle of the fluid displacement member.
[0378] The eccentric drive member projects axially outward from an end of the rotor and is radially offset from the rotational axis.
[0379] The drive device is coupled to the eccentric drive member by a bearing that allows relative movement between the eccentric drive member and the drive device.
[0380] The eccentric drive member is integrally formed with the rotor.
[0381] The eccentric drive member extends into a hole formed in the body of the rotor and is fastened to the rotor within the hole.
[0382] The eccentric drive member includes a sleeve and a bolt, wherein the sleeve is received in the hole of the rotor and the bolt is received in the sleeve and threadedly fastened to the rotor.
[0383] The rotor is formed by a housing that extends around the stator, wherein the housing includes an array of permanent magnets on an inner circumferential surface of the body of the housing.
[0384] The housing includes a first cylindrical protrusion that extends axially along the axis of rotation and includes the eccentric drive member.
[0385] The first cylindrical protrusion extends axially from a first end of the housing, and wherein the housing further includes a second cylindrical protrusion that extends from the first end of the housing into a shaft of the stator in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction.
[0386] The eccentric drive member includes pins that extend into each of the first cylindrical protrusion and the second protrusion.
[0387] The eccentric drive member is formed of a non-ferrous metal material.
[0388] A pump frame, and wherein the first cylindrical protrusion is coupled to the pump frame.
[0389] The first cylindrical protrusion is coupled to the pump frame by a first bearing, wherein the first bearing permits rotational movement of the rotor relative to the pump frame.
[0390] The housing extends through the first bearing such that the eccentric drive member and the drive means are disposed on a side of the first bearing axially opposite to the stator.
[0391] There is no gear coupling the rotor and the fluid displacement member.
[0392] In yet another example, a method of driving a reciprocating pump for generating a pressurized fluid spray for spraying onto a surface includes: providing electrical power to an electric motor to cause rotation of a rotor about a rotational axis; providing a rotational output from the rotor to a drive device; and providing a linear reciprocating input to a fluid displacement member of the pump via the drive device to effect reciprocating movement of the fluid displacement member along a pump axis to pump fluid. The rotor is connected to the fluid displacement member via the drive device such that for one revolution of the rotor, the positive displacement pump performs one pump cycle.
[0393] Additionally and / or alternatively, the method of the preceding paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, additional components, and / or steps:
[0394] providing the rotational output to the drive device via an eccentric drive member coupled to and extending from the rotor, wherein the eccentric drive is configured to be radially offset from the rotational axis and rotate about the rotational axis.
[0395] In yet another example, a pumping system for pumping fluid to generate a pressurized fluid spray includes an electric motor, an eccentric drive member, a drive device, and a reciprocating pump. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor is configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The eccentric drive member extends from the rotor. The drive device is coupled to the eccentric drive member to receive a rotational output from the rotor. The reciprocating pump includes a fluid displacement member coupled to the drive device and a pump cylinder at least partially housing the fluid displacement member. The drive device is configured to receive the rotational output from the motor and convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion to drive reciprocating movement of the fluid displacement member.
[0396] Additionally and / or alternatively, the pumping system of the preceding paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0397] The eccentric drive member is directly coupled to the rotor and directly coupled to the drive device to provide a 1:1 ratio of rotor rotation to pump cycles of the fluid displacement member.
[0398] The eccentric drive projects axially outward from an end of the rotor and away from the stator, and wherein the eccentric drive member is radially offset from the rotational axis of the rotor.
[0399] The eccentric drive member is integrally formed with the body of the rotor.
[0400] The rotor is rotatably coupled to the pump frame by a first bearing, and wherein the eccentric driver and the drive member are positioned on an axially opposite side of the first bearing from the permanent magnet array of the rotor.
[0401] In another example, a drive system for a reciprocating fluid volume pump includes an electric motor, a drive device, and a fluid displacement member, the reciprocating fluid volume pump being configured to pump fluid for spraying of the fluid. The electric motor includes a stator defining an axis and a rotor coaxially disposed about the stator. The drive device is connected to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor. The fluid displacement member is mechanically coupled to the drive device. The drive device converts the rotational output into a linear reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member to power the pumping of the fluid displacement member.
[0402] Additionally and / or alternatively, the drive system of the preceding paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0403] The fluid displacement member is mechanically coupled to the drive device at a first axial end of the electric motor.
[0404] The electric motor further includes a second axial end, the electric motor being configured to receive power through the second axial end, wherein the second axial end is disposed axially opposite the first axial end along the axis.
[0405] A pump frame that mechanically supports the electric motor and the fluid displacement member.
[0406] The electric motor extends from the pump frame in a cantilever manner.
[0407] The pump frame is mechanically coupled to each of the rotor and the stator.
[0408] A support member connects the pump frame to a shaft of the stator at the second axial end such that the stator is fixed to the pump frame to prevent relative movement between the stator and the pump frame.
[0409] The support member extends from the pump frame to the shaft around an exterior of the rotor.
[0410] The rotor includes a housing and a permanent magnet array disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the housing.
[0411] The housing is rotatably coupled to the pump frame at a first axial end of the electric motor, wherein the pump frame supports the fluid displacement member.
[0412] The stator is fixed to the shaft, and wherein the housing completely radially overlaps the stator and the shaft at the first axial end, and at least partially radially overlaps the stator at the second axial end of the electric motor disposed opposite the first end along the axis.
[0413] The housing includes an opening at the second axial end such that the housing is closed at the first axial end and open at the second axial end.
[0414] The shaft axially extends outwardly through the opening and beyond the housing at the second axial end.
[0415] The pump frame is statically connected to a portion of the shaft disposed outside the housing such that the stator is fixed to the pump frame at the second axial end.
[0416] A pump frame that supports the electric motor and a first bearing. The electric motor is dynamically supported by the pump frame at a first axial end of the electric motor coupled to the drive device. The first bearing is disposed between the pump frame and the rotor at the first axial end to support the rotor on the pump frame and allow rotational movement of the rotor relative to the pump frame.
[0417] The rotor extends through the pump frame, and wherein the rotor is coupled to the inner ring of the bearing and the pump frame is coupled to the outer ring of the bearing.
[0418] The pump frame is mechanically coupled to the stator at a second axial end of the electric motor opposite the first axial end.
[0419] The rotor is formed by a cylindrical body having a first end wall at a first axial rotor end and a second end wall at a second axial rotor end opposite the first axial rotor end, wherein the first wall is closed to completely radially overlap the stator, and wherein the second wall includes an opening extending through the second wall and aligned along the axis.
[0420] In yet another example, a method of driving a reciprocating pump to pump a fluid to produce a fluid spray for spraying onto a surface includes: powering an electric motor to cause rotation of a rotor of the electric motor, the rotor being disposed externally and circumferentially of a stator of the electric motor; receiving a rotational output from the rotor at a drive device connected to the rotor; converting the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion by the drive device; and providing a linear reciprocating input to a fluid displacement member of the pump by the drive device, the fluid displacement member being connected to the drive device to cause the fluid displacement member to pump the fluid by the reciprocating motion.
[0421] Additionally and / or alternatively, the method of the preceding paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, additional components, and / or steps:
[0422] Receiving the rotational output from a first axial end of the electric motor and providing an electrical input to the electric motor to power the electric motor through a second axial end of the electric motor disposed opposite the first axial end.
[0423] Mechanically supporting the electric motor with a pump frame disposed at the first axial end and mechanically supporting the reciprocating pump with the pump frame.
[0424] Rotatably coupling the rotor to the pump frame at the first axial end and mechanically fixing the stator to the pump frame at the second axial end.
[0425] In yet another example, a fluid displacement device includes an electric motor, a drive device, a pump, and a pump frame. The electric motor includes a stator defining an axis and a rotor disposed circumferentially around the stator to rotate around the stator. The drive device is connected to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor and convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion. The pump includes a piston and a cylinder. The piston receives the linear reciprocating motion from the drive device to cause the piston to reciprocate within the cylinder. The cylinder and the stator are connected to the pump frame to stabilize the stator relative to the rotor and to stabilize the cylinder relative to the piston.
[0426] Additionally and / or alternatively, the fluid displacement device of the preceding paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0427] The pump frame is dynamically coupled to the rotor at a first axial end of the electric motor such that the rotor is movable relative to the pump frame, and the pump frame is statically coupled to a shaft of the stator at a second axial end of the electric motor opposite the first axial end such that the stator is fixed relative to the pump frame.
[0428] One or more electrical wires that extend into the stator at the second axial end, the one or more electrical wires providing power to operate the stator.
[0429] In yet another example, a pumping system includes an electric motor, a drive device, a pump, and a pump frame. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor. The stator and the rotor are disposed on an axis. The drive device is coupled to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor and convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion. The pump includes a piston and a cylinder, the piston receiving the linear reciprocating motion from the drive device to reciprocate the piston within the cylinder. The cylinder and the stator are connected to the pump frame to stabilize the stator relative to the rotor and to stabilize the cylinder relative to the piston. The pumping system may include any one of the features of the pumping systems or apparatuses of the preceding paragraphs, any one or more of the features cited herein and / or shown in any one or more of the figures.
[0430] In yet another example, a spraying machine includes: an electric motor including a stator and a rotor, the rotor configured to output a rotational motion; a drive device that converts the rotational motion output by the electric motor into a linear reciprocating motion; a pump including a piston configured to reciprocate linearly by the drive device; and a controller configured to output electrical energy to the electric motor to control operation of the electric motor.
[0431] Additionally and / or alternatively, the spraying machine of the preceding paragraph may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:
[0432] The controller causes the electric motor to reverse the direction of rotation of the rotor between two modes. In a first mode, the rotor rotates clockwise, thereby making a plurality of complete revolutions to drive the piston through a first plurality of pumping strokes. In a second mode, the rotor rotates counterclockwise, thereby making a plurality of complete revolutions to drive the piston through a second plurality of pumping strokes.
[0433] The controller causes the rotor to periodically switch between the first mode and the second mode.
[0434] The controller causes the rotor to periodically switch between the first mode and the second mode based on a time-based schedule.
[0435] The controller causes the rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on aborting the supply of electrical energy to the electric motor.
[0436] The controller causes the electric rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on turning the sprayer on and off.
[0437] The controller causes the rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on a stall of the rotor.
[0438] The switching between the first mode and the second mode is based on achieving a locked rotor condition.
[0439] The controller causes the rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on the rotational speed of the rotor.
[0440] The controller causes the rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on parameters of the spray fluid measured downstream of the pump.
[0441] The controller causes the electric rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on the measured parameters not satisfying the set pressure even when the piston reciprocates through the rotor over a predetermined period of time.
[0442] The parameter is pressure.
[0443] The controller causes the rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on the measured parameter not satisfying the set pressure.
[0444] The controller causes the electric motor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on the measured parameter not satisfying the set pressure when the piston reciprocates through the rotor over a predetermined period of time.
[0445] The controller is configured to deliver drive electrical energy to the electric motor when the rotor stalls due to the resistance of the spray fluid applied to the piston at a pressure level, and the controller is configured to continue delivering drive electrical energy to the electric motor such that the rotor is pushed forward when the rotor stalls and such that pressure continues to be applied to the piston through the rotor and the drive means, and when the spray fluid pressure drops, the rotor resumes rotation.
[0446] The pressure level is set by the user.
[0447] When the spraying fluid pressure drops below the pressure level, the rotor resumes rotation.
[0448] The controller is configured to abort supplying drive electrical energy to the electric motor based on the rotor stalling for a predetermined period of time.
[0449] The predetermined period of time is at least five minutes.
[0450] The fluid sensor is configured to monitor a parameter of the spraying fluid output by the pump. The controller is configured to monitor the parameter when the controller has aborted supplying drive electrical energy to the electric motor, and based on a change in the parameter, resume supplying electrical energy to the electric motor to rotate the rotor to operate the pump.
[0451] The controller is configured to abort supplying drive electrical energy to the electric motor based on the sensed temperature of the electric motor or the ambient air.
[0452] The temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature of the electric motor and / or the ambient air.
[0453] The controller causes the electric rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on a parameter of the electrical energy supplied to the motor exceeding a threshold.
[0454] The parameter is current.
[0455] The controller causes the electric rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on the measured parameter not meeting the set pressure within a predetermined period of time even when the piston reciprocates through the rotor.
[0456] The controller is configured to stall the rotor based on the resistance of the spraying fluid passing through the rotor.
[0457] The controller is configured to stall the rotor based on the resistance of the spraying fluid passing through the rotor at a pressure level.
[0458] The controller is configured to continue supplying electrical energy to the electric motor such that the rotor is pushed forward when the rotor stalls, so that pressure is continuously applied to the piston through the rotor and the drive means when the piston stalls.
[0459] The controller is configured to continue supplying electrical energy to the electric motor such that the rotor is pushed forward when the rotor stalls, so that pressure is continuously applied to the piston through the rotor and the drive means when the piston stalls, and when the spraying fluid pressure drops, the rotor resumes rotation.
[0460] The controller is configured to continue to deliver electrical energy to the electric motor such that the rotor is constantly pushed forward when the rotor stalls, such that pressure is continued to be applied to the piston through the rotor and the drive means when the piston stalls, and such that when the spraying fluid pressure drops below a pressure level due to the constant pushing of the rotor, the rotor resumes rotation, thereby causing the piston to overcome the lower pressure of the spraying fluid.
[0461] While the invention has been described with reference to (a) preferred embodiment(s), those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements thereof can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the basic scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A fluid volume pump assembly comprising: An electric motor, comprising: A stator; and A rotor, the stator and the rotor being disposed on an axis; A drive device, the drive device being coupled to the rotor at a first end of the electric motor; A pump, the pump comprising a fluid displacement member mechanically coupled to the drive device, wherein the drive device converts a rotational output into a reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member; A pump frame, the pump frame being mechanically attached to the electric motor, wherein the pump frame is mechanically connected to each of the rotor and the stator; and A support member, the support member connecting the pump frame to a shaft of the stator such that the stator is fixed relative to the pump frame, wherein the support member comprises: A connector, the connector extending from the pump frame across an exterior of the rotor, wherein the connector is radially separated from the rotor; and A frame end, the frame end extending radially from the connector to the shaft, wherein the frame end is axially spaced from the rotor, and wherein the frame end is in fixed contact with the shaft.
2. The pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The rotor is coaxially disposed around the stator.
3. The pump assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The electric motor further comprises a second end configured to receive power, wherein the second end is disposed along the axis opposite the first end.
4. The pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The support member is connected to the shaft at a second end of the electric motor opposite the first end along the axis.
5. The pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The support member extends from the pump frame to the shaft around an exterior of the rotor.
6. The pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The frame end includes at least one protrusion, wherein the at least one protrusion extends radially outward from the axis such that a distal end of the at least one protrusion is radially disposed outside the rotor, and wherein the connector is coupled to the at least one protrusion.
7. The pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The frame end includes a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions are symmetrically arranged around the axis of the electric motor.
8. The pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The frame end includes a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions are asymmetrically arranged around the axis of the electric motor.
9. The pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The pump frame includes at least one protrusion extending radially beyond the rotor, and wherein the connector is connected to the at least one protrusion of the pump frame.
10. The pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The pump frame includes a plurality of first protrusions, and the frame end includes a plurality of second protrusions, and wherein a plurality of connectors connect the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions.
11. The pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The connector is a tie rod.
12. The pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The connector is a substrate extending at least partially around a circumference of the rotor.
13. The pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The frame end is in fixed contact with at least one of a radially outer surface of the shaft and an end face of the shaft.
14. The pump assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The shaft is formed of a thermally conductive material to transfer heat from the stator to the frame end.
15. The pump assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: A first bearing disposed between the pump frame and the rotor at the first end to support the rotor and permit rotational movement of the rotor relative to the pump frame; and A second bearing disposed between the shaft and the rotor at the end of the electric motor opposite the first end to support the rotor and permit rotational movement of the rotor relative to the shaft.
16. The pump assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The pump frame and the frame end compress the first bearing and the second bearing therebetween to preload the first bearing and the second bearing.
17. The pump assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a control panel mechanically coupled to the end of the frame, wherein, The frame end is axially disposed between the electric motor and the control panel.
18. The pump assembly according to claim 17, wherein, The control panel extends in a cantilever manner from the frame end.
19. The pump assembly according to claim 17, wherein, A portion of the control panel coupled to the frame end is formed of a thermally conductive material to transfer heat from the control panel to the frame end.
20. The pump assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The rotor includes a housing and an array of permanent magnets on the inner circumferential surface of the housing, and wherein the housing is rotatably coupled to the pump frame at the first end of the electric motor, and the first end of the electric motor is coupled to the drive means.
21. The pump assembly according to claim 20, wherein, The stator is fixed to the shaft, and wherein the housing is completely radially overlapped with the stator and the shaft at the first end, and is at least partially radially overlapped with the stator at the second end of the electric motor disposed opposite the first end along the axis.
22. The pump assembly according to claim 21, wherein, The shaft axially extends outwardly beyond the housing at the second end.
23. The pump assembly according to claim 21, wherein, A support member connects the pump frame to the shaft such that the stator is fixed relative to the pump frame.
24. The pump assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an eccentric driver extending from the rotor, wherein, The eccentric driver is coupled to the rotor and to the drive means to provide a 1:1 ratio of rotor rotation to pump cycling.
25. The pump assembly according to claim 24, wherein, The eccentric driver axially projects outwardly from the axial end of the rotor and is radially offset from the axis of the rotor.
26. The pump assembly according to claim 24, wherein, The drive means is coupled to the eccentric driver through a bearing element, thereby permitting relative movement between the eccentric driver and the drive means.
27. The pump assembly according to claim 26, wherein, The eccentric driver is integrally formed with the rotor.
28. The pump assembly according to claim 26, wherein, The eccentric driver extends into a bore of the rotor and is fastened to the rotor.
29. A fluid volume pump assembly comprising: An electric motor including: A stator; and A rotor, the stator and the rotor being disposed on an axis; A drive means coupled to the rotor at the first end of the electric motor; A pump including a fluid displacement member mechanically coupled to the drive means, wherein the drive means converts a rotational output into a reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member; A pump frame mechanically attached to the electric motor, wherein the pump frame is mechanically connected to each of the rotor and the stator; A support member connecting the pump frame to the shaft of the stator such that the stator is fixed relative to the pump frame, and A first bearing, the first bearing being disposed between the pump frame and the rotor at the first end to support the rotor and permit rotational movement of the rotor relative to the pump frame, and to support a pump load, wherein the pump load is an axial load along the reciprocating movement axis of the fluid displacement member. Wherein, the support member includes: A connector extending from the pump frame across the exterior of the rotor, wherein the connector is radially separated from the rotor; and A frame end extending radially from the connector to the shaft, wherein the frame end is axially spaced from the rotor, and wherein the frame end is in fixed contact with the shaft.
30. The pump assembly according to claim 29, wherein, The rotor extends through the pump frame, and wherein the rotor is coupled to the inner race of the first bearing, and the pump frame is coupled to the outer race of the first bearing.
31. The pump assembly according to claim 30, further comprising a second bearing disposed between the rotor and the stator adjacent to a second end of the electric motor opposite the first end on the axis to permit rotational movement of the rotor relative to the stator.
32. The pump assembly according to claim 31, wherein, The rotor is coupled to the outer race of the second bearing, and the shaft of the stator is coupled to the inner race of the second bearing.
33. The pump assembly according to claim 31, wherein, The rotor is coupled to the inner race of the second bearing, and the stator is coupled to the outer race of the second bearing.
34. The pump assembly according to claim 32, wherein, The rotor extends into the shaft of the stator at the first end.
35. The pump assembly according to claim 34, further comprising a third bearing disposed between the rotor and the shaft to permit rotational movement of the rotor relative to the stator and to support the rotor relative to the stator so as to maintain an air gap between the stator and a permanent magnet array disposed on the rotor, wherein, The rotor is coupled to the inner race of the third bearing, and the shaft is coupled to the outer race of the third bearing.
36. The pump assembly according to claim 35, wherein, The first bearing is positioned at a first radial distance from the axis of the electric motor, and the second bearing is positioned at a second radial distance from the axis, wherein the first radial distance is greater than the second radial distance.
37. The pump assembly according to claim 30, wherein, The stator is coupled to the rotor at the first end by the first bearing, and wherein the stator is mechanically fixed to the pump frame at a second end of the electric motor opposite the first end on the axis of the electric motor, wherein pump reaction forces generated by the fluid displacement member during pumping are transmitted through the drive means, the rotor, the first bearing, and the stator to the pump frame.
38. The pump assembly according to claim 30, wherein, The pump frame is mechanically coupled to the shaft of the stator at a second end of the electric motor opposite the first end along the axis, wherein the second end is configured to receive an electrical input to supply power to the stator.
39. The pump assembly according to claim 38, wherein, The rotor is formed of a cylindrical body having a first end wall at the first end and a second end wall at the second end, wherein the first end wall is completely radially overlapped with the stator and the shaft at the first end, and wherein the shaft axially extends outward from the second end wall at the second end.
40. The pump assembly according to claim 39, wherein, No gear is provided between the rotor and the fluid displacement member.
41. A fluid volume pump assembly, comprising: An electric motor, comprising: A stator; and A rotor, with the stator and the rotor arranged on an axis; A drive device, which is coupled to the rotor at a first end of the electric motor; A pump, which includes a fluid displacement member mechanically coupled to the drive device, wherein the drive device converts a rotational output into a reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member; A pump frame, which is mechanically attached to the electric motor, wherein the pump frame is mechanically connected to each of the rotor and the stator; and A support member, which connects the pump frame to a shaft of the stator such that the stator is fixed relative to the pump frame, An eccentric driver extending from the rotor, wherein the eccentric driver is coupled to the rotor and coupled to the drive device to provide a 1:1 ratio of the rotor rotation to the pump cycle, wherein the drive device is coupled to the eccentric driver through a bearing element, thereby allowing relative movement between the eccentric driver and the drive device, wherein the eccentric driver extends into a hole of the rotor and is fastened to the rotor, the eccentric driver includes a sleeve and a bolt, wherein the sleeve is received in the hole of the rotor, and the bolt is received in the sleeve and is threadedly fastened to the rotor, and wherein a housing of the rotor includes a first cylindrical protrusion, and the first cylindrical protrusion includes the eccentric driver, wherein the support member includes: A connector, which extends from the pump frame across an exterior of the rotor, wherein the connector is radially separated from the rotor; and A frame end, which extends radially from the connector to the shaft, wherein the frame end is axially spaced from the rotor, and wherein the frame end is in fixed contact with the shaft.
42. The pump assembly according to claim 41, wherein, The rotor is coaxially arranged around the stator.
43. The pump assembly according to claim 42, wherein, The rotor is formed by the housing extending around the stator, wherein the housing has a permanent magnet array on an inner circumferential surface.
44. The pump assembly according to claim 41, wherein, The first cylindrical protrusion extends from a front end of the housing in a first axial direction, and wherein the housing further includes a second cylindrical protrusion, which extends from the front end of the housing in a second axial direction into the shaft of the stator.
45. The pump assembly according to claim 44, wherein, The eccentric driver includes pins extending into each of the first cylindrical protrusion and the second cylindrical protrusion.
46. The pump assembly according to claim 41, wherein, The first cylindrical protrusion is coupled to the pump frame through a first bearing, wherein the first bearing allows rotational movement of the rotor relative to the pump frame.
47. The pump assembly according to claim 46, wherein, The housing extends through the pump frame, and wherein the eccentric driver and the drive member are axially positioned outside the first bearing such that the first bearing is axially disposed between the eccentric driver and the stator.
48. The pump assembly according to claim 47, wherein, The eccentric driver and the drive device are axially positioned inside the first bearing.
49. A spraying machine, comprising a pump assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a controller configured to output electrical energy to the electric motor to control the operation of the electric motor, wherein, The fluid displacement member includes a piston configured to linearly reciprocate through the drive device.
50. The spraying machine according to claim 49, wherein, The controller causes the electric motor to reverse the direction of rotation of the rotor between two modes, where: In a first mode, the rotor rotates clockwise, thereby making a plurality of complete revolutions to drive the piston through a plurality of first pumping strokes, and In a second mode, the rotor rotates counterclockwise, thereby making a plurality of complete revolutions to drive the piston through a plurality of second pumping strokes.
51. The spraying machine according to claim 50, wherein, The controller causes the rotor to switch periodically between the first mode and the second mode.
52. The spraying machine according to claim 51, wherein, The controller causes the rotor to switch periodically between the first mode and the second mode based on a time-based schedule.
53. The spraying machine according to claim 50, wherein, The controller causes the rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on an interruption in the supply of electrical energy to the controller.
54. The spraying machine according to claim 50, wherein, The controller causes the rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on unplugging the sprayer from a power outlet.
55. The spraying machine according to claim 50, wherein, The controller causes the rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on a stall of the rotor.
56. The spraying machine according to claim 55, wherein, The switching between the first mode and the second mode is based on achieving a locked rotor condition.
57. The spraying machine according to claim 55, wherein, The switching between the first mode and the second mode is based on the motor current exceeding a threshold.
58. The spraying machine according to claim 50, wherein, The controller causes the rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on the rotational speed of the rotor.
59. The spraying machine according to claim 50, wherein, The controller causes the rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on a parameter of the spray fluid measured downstream of the pump.
60. The spraying machine according to claim 59, wherein, The parameter is pressure, and wherein the controller causes the rotor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on the measured parameter not meeting a set pressure.
61. The spraying machine according to claim 60, wherein, The controller causes the electric motor to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on the measured parameter not meeting the set pressure within a predetermined time period while the piston reciprocates through the rotor.
62. The spraying machine according to claim 49, wherein, The controller is configured to deliver drive electrical energy to the electric motor when the rotor stalls due to the resistance of the spray fluid applied to the piston at a pressure level, and wherein the controller is configured to continue delivering drive electrical energy to the electric motor such that the rotor is pushed forward while the rotor remains stalled, and such that pressure continues to be applied to the piston through the rotor and the drive means, and then when the spray fluid pressure downstream of the pump decreases, the rotor resumes rotation.
63. The spraying machine according to claim 62, wherein, The rotor stalls due to the interruption of spraying from the spray gun, and when the spray fluid pressure downstream of the pump decreases due to the resumption of spraying from the spray gun, the rotor resumes rotation from the stalled condition.
64. The spraying machine according to claim 62, wherein, The pressure level is set by the user.
65. The spraying machine according to claim 64, wherein, When the spray fluid pressure drops below the pressure level, the rotor resumes rotation.
66. The spraying machine according to claim 62, wherein, The controller is configured to interrupt the delivery of drive electrical energy to the electric motor based on the rotor stalling for a period of time.
67. The spraying machine according to claim 66, wherein, The period of time is a predetermined period of time.
68. The spraying machine according to claim 67, wherein, The period of time is greater than ten seconds.
69. The spraying machine according to claim 67, wherein, The period of time is greater than five minutes.
70. The spraying machine according to any one of claims 49 to 69, further comprising a fluid sensor configured to monitor a parameter of the spraying fluid output by the pump, wherein, The controller is configured to monitor the parameter when the controller has aborted delivering drive electrical energy to the electric motor, and based on a change in the parameter, resume delivering electrical energy to the electric motor to cause the rotor to rotate to operate the pump.
71. The spraying machine according to claim 62, wherein, The controller is configured to abort delivering drive electrical energy to the electric motor based on a sensed temperature.
72. The spraying machine according to claim 71, wherein, The temperature is the temperature of the electric motor.
73. The spraying machine according to claim 71, wherein, The temperature is the temperature of the ambient air.
74. The spraying machine according to claim 62, wherein, The controller is configured to provide a first electrical signal to a first phase of the electric motor when the rotor is rotating, and is configured to provide a second electrical signal to the first phase of the electric motor when the rotor stalls.
75. The spraying machine according to claim 74, wherein, The first electrical signal is sinusoidal and the second electrical signal is constant.
76. The spraying machine according to claim 74, wherein, The first electrical signal is an alternating current signal and the second electrical signal is a direct current signal.
77. The spraying machine according to claim 74, wherein, The first electrical signal is greater than the second electrical signal.
78. A method of driving a reciprocating pump, the method comprising: Providing electrical power to an electric motor to cause a rotor of the electric motor to rotate; Receiving a rotational output from the rotor at a drive means connected to the rotor; Converting the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion by the drive means; Providing a linear reciprocating input by the drive means to a fluid displacement member connected to the drive means to cause the fluid displacement member to pump fluid by reciprocating motion; and Mechanically supporting the reciprocating pump and the electric motor by a pump frame, wherein the pump frame is mechanically connected to each of a rotor and a stator of the electric motor; and wherein a support frame connects the pump frame to a shaft of the stator such that the stator is fixed relative to the pump frame, the support frame including a connector that extends from the pump frame across an exterior of the rotor, wherein the connector is radially separated from the rotor, and the support frame including a frame end that extends radially from the connector to the shaft, wherein the frame end is axially spaced from the rotor, and wherein the frame end is in fixed contact with the shaft; Rotatably supporting the rotor at a first end of the electric motor by a first bearing disposed between the pump frame and the rotor, and Supporting a pump load by the first bearing, wherein the pump load is an axial load along an axis of reciprocating motion of the fluid displacement member.
79. The method according to claim 78, further comprising: Receiving the rotational output from the first end of the electric motor; and Providing an electrical input to a second end of the electric motor opposite the first end.
80. The method according to claim 79, further comprising: Rotatably coupling the rotor to the pump frame at the first end; and Mechanically fixing the stator to the pump frame at the second end.
81. The method according to claim 80, further comprising: The rotational output is provided by an eccentric driver coupled to the rotor, wherein the position of the eccentric driver is offset from the axis of rotation, and wherein, for one revolution of the rotor, the fluid volume pump performs one pump cycle.
82. A pumping system comprising: An electric motor, comprising: A stator; and A rotor, the stator and the rotor being disposed on an axis; and A drive device, the drive device being coupled to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor and convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion; and A pump, the pump comprising a piston and a cylinder, the piston receiving the linear reciprocating motion from the drive device to cause the piston to reciprocate within the cylinder; A pump frame, the cylinder and the stator being connected to the pump frame to stabilize the stator relative to the rotor and the cylinder relative to the piston, the pump frame being mechanically coupled to the rotor at a first end of the electric motor and to a shaft of the stator at a second end of the electric motor on the axis opposite the first end, and wherein one or more electrical wires extend into the second end of the stator, the one or more electrical wires providing power to operate the stator; and A support member extending around the rotor to connect the pump frame to the shaft, wherein the support member comprises: A connector extending from the pump frame across the exterior of the rotor, wherein the connector is radially separated from the rotor; and A frame end extending from the connector to the shaft, wherein the frame end is axially separated from the rotor and is in fixed contact with the shaft.
83. The pumping system according to claim 82, wherein, The rotor is disposed around the stator, and wherein the rotor is formed by a cylindrical body having a first end wall at a first end of the electric motor and a second end wall at a second end of the electric motor opposite the first end, wherein the first end wall is completely radially overlapped with the stator and the shaft of the stator at the first end, and wherein the shaft extends axially outward from the second end wall at the second end.
84. A pumping system comprising: An electric motor, comprising: A stator; and A rotor, the stator and the rotor being disposed on an axis; wherein the rotor is disposed around the stator, and wherein the rotor is formed by a cylindrical body having a first end wall at a first end of the electric motor and a second end wall at a second end of the electric motor opposite the first end, wherein the first end wall is completely radially overlapped with the stator and the shaft of the stator at the first end, and wherein the shaft extends axially outward from the second end wall at the second end; and A drive device, the drive device being coupled to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor and convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion; A pump, the pump including a piston and a cylinder, the piston receiving the linear reciprocating motion from the drive means to reciprocate the piston within the cylinder; A pump frame to which the cylinder and the stator are connected to stabilize the stator relative to the rotor and to stabilize the cylinder relative to the piston, the pump frame being mechanically coupled to the rotor at a first end of the electric motor and mechanically coupled to the shaft at a second end of the electric motor, and wherein one or more electrical wires extend through the second end of the electric motor into the electric motor, the one or more electrical wires providing electrical power to operate the stator; and A support member extending around the rotor to connect the pump frame to the shaft, wherein the support member includes: A connector extending from the pump frame across the exterior of the rotor, wherein the connector is radially separated from the rotor; and A frame end extending from the connector to the shaft, wherein the frame end is axially separated from the rotor and the frame end is in fixed contact with the shaft.
85. The pumping system according to claim 84, further comprising a control panel having a controller configured to output electrical energy to the electric motor to control the operation of the electric motor, wherein, The control panel is mechanically coupled to the frame end, the frame end being disposed between the electric motor and the control panel, and wherein a portion of the control panel coupled to the frame end is formed of a conductive material to transfer heat from the control panel to the frame end.
86. A pumping system, comprising: An electric motor, including: A stator; and A rotor, the stator and the rotor being disposed on an axis; and A drive means coupled to the rotor to receive a rotational output from the rotor and convert the rotational output into a linear reciprocating motion; and A pump, the pump including a piston and a cylinder, the piston receiving the linear reciprocating motion from the drive means to reciprocate the piston within the cylinder; A pump frame to which the cylinder and the stator are connected to stabilize the stator relative to the rotor and to stabilize the cylinder relative to the piston; An eccentric driver extending from the rotor, wherein the eccentric driver is directly coupled to the rotor and directly coupled to the drive means to provide a 1:1 ratio of rotor rotation to pump cycle; A first bearing disposed between the pump frame and the rotor at a first end of the electric motor to support the rotor and allow rotational movement of the rotor relative to the pump frame; and A second bearing disposed between the shaft and the rotor at an end of the electric motor opposite the first end to support the rotor and allow rotational movement of the rotor relative to the shaft; and A support member extending around the rotor to connect the pump frame to the shaft, wherein the support member includes: A connector extending from the pump frame across the exterior of the rotor, wherein the connector is radially separated from the rotor; and A frame end, the frame end extending from the connector to the shaft, wherein the frame end is axially separated from the rotor and the frame end is in fixed contact with the shaft.
87. The pumping system according to claim 86, wherein, The eccentric driver projects axially outward from an end of the rotor and is offset from the axis of rotation of the rotor.
88. The pumping system according to claim 86, further comprising a first bearing disposed between the rotor and the pump frame, wherein, The rotor is rotatably coupled to the pump frame by the first bearing, and wherein the eccentric driver and the drive member are axially positioned outside the first bearing.
89. The pumping system according to claim 88, further comprising a second bearing disposed between the rotor and the stator at a second end of the electric motor opposite the first end of the electric motor on the axis.
90. The pumping system according to claim 89, further comprising a third bearing disposed between the rotor and the stator shaft at the first end to provide rotational movement of the rotor relative to the stator and to maintain a gap between the stator and a plurality of permanent magnets disposed on the rotor, wherein, The rotor is coupled to the inner race of the third bearing, and the shaft is coupled to the outer race of the third bearing.
91. A fluid volume pump, comprising: An electric motor having a first end and a second end, the electric motor comprising: A stator; and A rotor that rotates about an axis, the stator being radially located within the rotor such that the rotor rotates about the stator, the rotor including a housing having an opening at the second end of the electric motor, the housing containing a plurality of magnets that rotate with the housing; A stator support that extends through the opening to hold the stator stationary as the housing rotates about the stator; and A drive device that is connected to the rotor at the first end of the electric motor, the drive device being configured to convert the rotational output from the rotor into reciprocating motion, the drive device including one of an eccentric device and a component including a screw and a nut; A pump including a fluid displacement member coupled to the drive device to reciprocate by the drive device, the fluid displacement member being positioned closer to the first end of the electric motor compared to the distance to the second end of the electric motor; A pump frame mechanically connected to each of the rotor and the stator; and A support frame that connects the pump frame to the stator support of the stator such that the stator is fixed relative to the pump frame, the support frame including: A connector that extends from the pump frame across the exterior of the rotor, wherein the connector is radially separated from the rotor; and A frame end that extends from the connector to the stator support, wherein the frame end is axially separated from the rotor and the frame end is in fixed contact with the stator support.
92. The fluid volume pump according to claim 91, wherein, The drive device includes the screw and the nut, one of the nut and the screw rotating coaxially with the axis, and the fluid displacement member reciprocating coaxially with the axis.
93. The fluid volume pump according to claim 91, wherein, The drive device includes the eccentric device offset from the axis, the eccentric device being integrated into the housing of the rotor such that the eccentric device rotates about the axis.
94. A fluid sprayer, comprising: An electric motor, the electric motor including a stator and a rotor; A drive device, the drive device being connected to the rotor, the drive device being configured to convert a rotational output from the rotor into a reciprocating motion; A pump, the pump including a fluid displacement member, the fluid displacement member being coupled to the drive device to reciprocate through the drive device; A pump frame, the pump frame being mechanically connected to each of the rotor and the stator; A support frame, the support frame connecting the pump frame to a shaft of the stator such that the stator is fixed relative to the pump frame, the support frame including: A connector, the connector extending from the pump frame across an exterior of the rotor, wherein the connector is radially separated from the rotor; and A frame end, the frame end extending from the connector to the shaft, wherein the frame end is axially separated from the rotor and the frame end is in fixed contact with the shaft; A fluid outlet, the fluid outlet spraying the fluid output by the pump; A fluid sensor, the fluid sensor outputting a signal indicating a pressure of the fluid output by the pump; and A controller, the controller receiving the signal from the fluid sensor and outputting operating power to the stator, the operating power causing the rotor to rotate relative to the stator, the controller being configured to: When the signal indicates that the pressure of the fluid output by the pump is lower than a pressure set value, deliver a first level of operating power to the stator, the first level of operating power causing the rotor to reciprocate the fluid displacement member via the drive device; When the signal indicates that the pressure of the fluid output by the pump is at or above the pressure set value when the rotor and the fluid displacement member remain stalled when the fluid outlet is closed, deliver a second level of operating power to the stator, the second level of operating power causing the rotor to push against the drive device to cause the fluid displacement member to apply pressure to the fluid when the fluid outlet is closed and the rotor and the fluid displacement member remain stalled; 95. The fluid spraying machine according to claim 94, wherein, The first level of operating power is greater than the second level of operating power; 96. The fluid spraying machine according to any one of claims 94 or 95, wherein The controller is configured to: if, within a threshold amount of time, the rotor remains stalled and / or the signal indicates that the pressure of the fluid output by the pump remains at or above the pressure set value, abort delivering operating power to the rotor; 97. The fluid spraying machine according to claim 96, further comprising a motor sensor, the motor sensor outputting a parameter indicating rotor movement to the controller; 98. A fluid spraying machine, comprising: An electric motor, the electric motor including a stator and a rotor; A drive device, the drive device being connected to the rotor, the drive device being configured to convert a rotational output from the rotor into a reciprocating motion; A pump, the pump including a fluid displacement member, the fluid displacement member being coupled to the drive device to reciprocate through the drive device; A pump frame mechanically connected to each of the rotor and the stator; A support frame connecting the pump frame to the shaft of the stator such that the stator is fixed relative to the pump frame, the support frame including: A connector extending from the pump frame across the exterior of the rotor, wherein the connector is radially separated from the rotor; and A frame end extending from the connector to the shaft, wherein the frame end is axially separated from the rotor and the frame end is in fixed contact with the shaft; A fluid outlet spraying the fluid output by the pump; and A controller outputting operating power to the stator, the operating power causing the rotor to rotate relative to the stator, the controller being configured to cause the rotor to reverse the direction of rotation between two modes, wherein: In a first mode, the rotor rotates clockwise to make a plurality of consecutive complete revolutions to drive the fluid displacement member through a plurality of consecutive first pumping strokes, each pumping stroke including a fluid suction phase and a fluid output phase, in the suction phase the fluid displacement member moves in a first direction, and in the fluid output phase the fluid displacement member moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and In a second mode, the rotor rotates counterclockwise to make a plurality of consecutive complete revolutions to drive the fluid displacement member through a plurality of consecutive second pumping strokes, each pumping stroke including the fluid suction phase and the fluid output phase.
99. The fluid spraying machine according to claim 98, wherein, The controller is configured to switch between the first mode and the second mode based on the recognition of a condition.
100. The fluid spraying machine according to claim 99, wherein, The condition is a power failure of the fluid spraying machine.
101. The fluid spraying machine according to claim 99, wherein, The condition is an error event, the error event representing one of the following: the electric motor cannot rotate at an expected speed, the power delivered to the electric motor exceeds a threshold, or the expected pump output pressure cannot be achieved.
102. A spraying machine, comprising: A fluid volume pump assembly, the fluid volume pump assembly including: An electric motor, the electric motor including: A stator; and A rotor, the stator and the rotor being disposed on an axis; A drive device coupled to the rotor at a first end of the electric motor; A pump including a fluid displacement member mechanically coupled to the drive device, wherein the drive device converts a rotational output into a reciprocating input to the fluid displacement member; A pump frame mechanically attached to the electric motor, wherein the pump frame is mechanically connected to each of the rotor and the stator; and A support member connecting the pump frame to the shaft of the stator such that the stator is fixed relative to the pump frame, the support member including: A connector extending from the pump frame across the exterior of the rotor, wherein the connector is radially separated from the rotor; and A frame end, the frame end extending from the connector to the shaft, wherein the frame end is axially separated from the rotor and the frame end is in fixed contact with the shaft; and A controller configured to output electrical energy to the electric motor to control operation of the electric motor, wherein the fluid displacement member includes a piston configured to linearly reciprocate through the drive.
Citation Information
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