Seal assembly for a pump having a leakage path

Abstract

An assembly and method for draining leaked fluid from a pump housing is disclosed. The pump housing includes an internal mounting cavity, a valve mounted in the mounting cavity, and at least one housing passage extending to an outer surface of the pump housing. A valve passage is formed through a wall of the valve. An internal fluid seal is mounted on an inner surface of the valve forming a seal between the inner surface of the valve and a first surface of the mounting cavity. An external fluid seal is mounted on an outer surface of the valve forming a seal between the outer surface of the valve and a second surface of the mounting cavity. An internal leak path is formed through the internal fluid seal to the valve passage. The valve passage collects fluid leaked into the internal leak path. An external leak path is formed through the external fluid seal. The external leak path is in fluid communication with the valve passage and the housing passage. Fluid leaked in the external fluid seal and fluid contained in the valve passage are drained to the exterior of the pump housing through the housing passage.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to pumps. More specifically, the present invention relates to a seal assembly for a pump having a leakage path through the seal assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] Pumps are known and are commonly used to move fluids, for example coolant in a vehicle. One example is a cooling system with a water pump that is used to cool different electrical components of a vehicle. These vehicles are hybrid vehicles or pure electric vehicles, as vehicles with internal combustion engines do not comprise any electrical components that need to be cooled. Valves are used to ensure the distribution of coolant throughout the cooling system. Recently, pumps driven by electric motors have been designed to comprise integrated valves. The valves are arranged to be positioned by an electric actuator to control the flow from the pump through a plurality of outlets. In such integrated pump-valve assemblies using a rotary valve to switch the fluid from one outlet to another outlet, a stem / shaft is used to rotate the valve. A seal assembly is fitted to the valve stem / shaft to achieve a seal between the electric actuator of the valve and the fluid being pumped and directed by the valve.

[0003] Stem / shaft sealing is achieved by compressing a soft flexible material between the stem / shaft and the sealing surface of the bore of the stuffing box or the pump housing. The material chosen is usually softer than the valve components to reduce wear. The flexibility of the material is usually very large so that it can "flow" into the available space in the sealing surface. At a microscopic level, the flexible material must be able to flow into the surface finish irregularities of the stem / shaft and the sealing surface. From a valve mechanical design perspective, the valve stem / shaft should have a large diameter so as to be able to resist bending forces, have low stress due to actuation forces and torque. From a valve sealing perspective, the valve stem / shaft should be as small as possible to reduce the area of the potential leakage path and to save material around the sealing surface of the housing with the smallest sealing size. These two sets of objectives directly conflict and the final design is usually a compromise to achieve satisfactory performance. One compromise is to provide a channel for fluid to leak out of the pump due to degradation or failure of the sealing system. By controlling and directing the leakage flow, the leakage can be directed away from the electric pump motor or the electric valve actuator components of the pump that can be damaged due to fluid leakage. SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention relates to a seal assembly for a pump having a leakage path through the seal assembly.

[0005] In a first embodiment, a seal assembly for a pump having a leak path is disclosed. The assembly includes a pump housing having a cylindrical mounting cavity, a fluid inlet, at least one fluid outlet, and at least one housing passage extending to an outer surface of the pump housing. An impeller driven by a motor moves fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. A valve controls the flow of fluid through the fluid outlet. The valve includes an annular inner surface that abuts a first surface of the mounting cavity and an annular outer surface that abuts a second surface of the mounting cavity. At least one valve passage extends through the valve. An inner fluid seal is positioned around a perimeter of the inner surface of the valve to form a fluid seal between the inner surface of the valve and the first surface of the mounting cavity. The inner fluid seal includes an inner leak path in fluid communication with the valve passage. The valve passage collects fluid leaked in the inner fluid seal from the inner leak path. An outer fluid seal is disposed around a perimeter of the outer surface of the valve to form a fluid seal between the outer surface of the valve and the second surface of the mounting cavity. The outer fluid seal includes an outer leak path through the outer fluid seal that is in fluid communication with the valve passage and the housing passage. The outer leak path is configured to collect fluid leaked in the outer fluid seal and fluid contained in the valve passage and to vent the leaked fluid to the housing passage and to an exterior of the pump housing.

[0006] In a second embodiment, a method for venting leaked fluid from a pump housing is disclosed. The pump housing includes an internal mounting cavity, a valve mounted in the mounting cavity, and at least one housing passage extending to an outer surface of the pump housing. The method includes forming at least one valve passage through a wall of the valve and mounting an inner fluid seal on an inner surface of the valve to form a fluid seal between the inner surface of the valve and a first surface of the mounting cavity. The method further includes mounting an outer fluid seal on an outer surface of the valve that forms a fluid seal between the outer surface of the valve and a second surface of the mounting cavity. An inner leak path is formed through the inner fluid seal and to the valve passage. The valve passage collects fluid leaked in the inner leak path. The method further includes forming an outer leak path through the outer fluid seal that is in fluid communication with the valve passage and the housing passage. Fluid leaked in the outer fluid seal and fluid contained in the valve passage are vented to an exterior of the pump housing through the housing passage.

[0007] Other technical features can be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] For a more complete understanding of the present application, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] Figure 1 A perspective view of an assembled pump assembly of the present application is shown;

[0010] Figure 2 An exploded view of the pump assembly of the present invention is shown;

[0011] Figure 3 A cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the pump section of the present invention is shown;

[0012] Figure 4 A perspective view of the valve component of the present invention is shown;

[0013] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view through the valve component of the present invention is shown;

[0014] Figure 6 A perspective view of the valve component and actuator motor assembly of the present invention is shown;

[0015] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary sealing assembly of the present invention is shown;

[0016] Figure 8 A cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the pump assembly is shown, illustrating the leakage path channel of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view is shown through a portion of the assembled pump assembly of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 10A A perspective view of a first embodiment of the integral sealing gasket of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 10B The present invention is shown Figure 10A Cross-sectional view;

[0020] Figure 11 The present invention is shown Figure 10B The cross-sectional view of the integral sealing gasket is shown;

[0021] Figure 12 A cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the pump assembly is shown, illustrating the leakage path of the integral sealing gasket of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 13A A perspective view of a second embodiment of the integral sealing gasket of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 13B The present invention is shown Figure 13A Cross-sectional view;

[0024] Figure 14A A perspective view of a third embodiment of the integral sealing gasket of the present invention is shown; and

[0025] Figure 14B The present invention is shown Figure 14A A cross-sectional view of the structure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In this patent document, the accompanying drawings and various embodiments used to describe the principles of the invention are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the invention can be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.

[0027] An exemplary pump assembly includes a pump with a housing having an inlet, at least one outlet, and an impeller for moving fluid from the inlet to the outlet. A pump motor drives the impeller to move the fluid, and a rotary valve between the impeller and the outlet selectively controls the flow of fluid through the outlet.

[0028] Figure 1 An exemplary pump assembly 1 for pumping fluids such as coolant in a vehicle is shown. As will be understood, pump assembly 1 can also be used in non-vehicle applications. The exemplary pump assembly 1 is an integration of a pump and a valve for selectively controlling the fluid from pump assembly 1.

[0029] See again Figure 1 and Figure 2 Pump assembly 1 includes a pump motor portion 2 and a pump portion 4. Pump motor portion 2 includes a motor housing 6 in which a motor cavity 8 is formed. Pump motor housing 6 supports pump motor 10, and motor shaft 12 is mounted through an opening 11 in pump motor mounting plate 13. Mounting plate 13 includes a wall 21 extending circumferentially from a first surface 22 of mounting plate 13. Wall 21 includes a groove 23 extending along the outer periphery of wall portion 21. A resilient sealing element, such as an O-ring 24, is arranged to be mounted in the groove 23. A sealing member 14 is mounted within a sealing seat 19 molded on mounting plate 13. Impeller 16 includes a first blade plate 161 and a second blade plate 163, with a plurality of impeller blades accommodated between them. Impeller 16 is configured to be driven to rotate within pump portion 4 by motor shaft 12. Pump motor 10 includes an electrical connection 17 extending from the rear of motor 10 through the rear of motor housing 6. Electrical connection 17 is adapted to receive power from a remote power source to actuate and operate pump motor 10.

[0030] In this example, the mounting plate 13 is secured to the pump motor 10 using threaded fasteners 15 that extend through holes in the mounting plate 13 to engage threaded holes 18 on the surface of the pump motor 10. With the mounting plate 13 mounted on the pump motor 10, the mounting projections 20 located around the motor housing 6, the mounting plate 13, and the pump housing 31 are brought together and the wall 21 is mounted in the inner surface of the pump housing 31. The O-rings 24 seal the inner surface of the pump housing 31 and the wall 21. The mounting projections 20 are aligned with each other to assemble and secure the motor portion 2 to the pump portion 4 using suitable fasteners (not shown). It will be appreciated that other types of fastening devices or techniques can be used to secure the pump portion 4 and the motor portion 2 together.

[0031] In Figure 2 In the example shown, the pump housing 31 of the pump portion 4 is formed substantially cylindrical and includes an outer peripheral wall 32. A fluid inlet 36, for example a suction inlet for drawing in fluid, in this example coolant, is located at the center of the rotational axis of the pump housing 31. The pump housing 31 also includes at least one fluid outlet for expelling fluid from the pump portion 4. In this embodiment, two fluid outlets 38, 39 are shown. The first fluid outlet 38 and the second fluid outlet 39 extend from the wall 32 and are offset from each other in the axial direction, such that in this example the centers of the fluid outlets 38, 39 are oriented 90 degrees from each other. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the fluid outlets 38, 39 can be offset from each other at any other convenient angle. The fluid outlets 38, 39 are fluidly connected to the pump cavity 50.

[0032] Referring to Figures 2-5 The adjustable valve member 42 is located radially outward of the impeller 16 and inward of the pump cavity 50. The valve member 42 is arranged to adjustably direct fluid through the respective fluid outlets 38, 39. The valve member 42 includes an annular valve element 41 having a wall 45 with an outer wall surface 49 and an inner wall surface 46 and a rectangular opening 44 extending through the wall 45. In this example, the wall 45 of the valve element 41 extends helically from a generally thicker wall portion at a first end 47 of the opening 44 to a generally thinner wall portion at a second end 48 of the opening 44. The impeller 16 is arranged to rotate within the annular valve element 41 and the helical inner wall surface 46. The pump housing 31 includes a stop member 52 extending into the pump cavity 50. The valve element 41 also includes a stop surface 40 located at the first end 47 of the opening 44.

[0033] Figure 4 And 5An exemplary valve member 42 is shown isolated from the pump housing 31. The exemplary valve member 42 of the present application includes a cylindrical inlet member 47 at an upper section 43 of the valve member 42. The upper section 43 of the valve member 42 also includes an annular outer surface 56 and an internal passage 57 surrounded by an annular inner surface 58. The outer surface 56 of the upper section 43 includes an outer fluid seal 25 of a seal assembly. The outer fluid seal includes a first resilient annular seal member 60 and a second resilient annular seal member 61 separated by a spacer ring 62. The outer fluid seal 25 is positioned circumferentially around the perimeter of the outer surface 56. The passage 57 also includes an inner fluid seal 26 of the seal assembly that includes a third resilient annular seal member 70 and a second resilient annular seal member 71 separated by a spacer ring 72, as shown. Figure 5 The inner fluid seal 26 is positioned parallel and opposite the outer fluid seal 25. The outer fluid seal 25 and the inner fluid seal 26 are used to provide a fluid tight seal between the valve member 42 and the pump housing 31.

[0034] Referring back Figure 4 and 5 , the upper section 43 of the valve member 42 also includes an actuation ring 66 having a toothed belt 81 attached around the perimeter of the outer surface 56. As shown Figure 6 , the teeth of the belt 81 are arranged to mechanically connect to a worm gear member 84 that is connected to a shaft 82 of an actuator motor 80. The valve member 42 is rotatable about a central axis A to regulate fluid flow from the pump cavity 50 to the fluid outlets 38, 39, as will be explained in more detail below. In this regard, the valve member 42 can be considered a rotary valve.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 6 , the actuator motor 80 of the present application is arranged to be housed within an actuator motor housing 5 of the pump portion 4. The actuator motor housing 5 is integrally formed with the pump housing 31, for example by injection molding. The actuator motor 80 includes a motor shaft 82 connected to a worm gear member 84 that is engaged with the toothed belt 81 of the actuation ring 66. Rotation of the toothed belt 81 driven by the worm gear 84 causes the valve member 42 to rotate about the central axis A.

[0036] The actuator motor 80 is electrically connected to a remote controller using electrical connectors (not shown) through an electrical circuit portion 85 on a rear surface of the actuator motor 80. The controller selectively sends signals to the actuator motor 80 to cause rotation of the worm gear 84, thereby causing rotation of the valve member 42. As Figure 2As shown, the actuator motor 80 is secured to the actuator motor housing 5 by fasteners 86, which engage with threaded holes 87 on the front surface of the actuator motor 80, and a rear cover plate 88 is mounted on the circuit section 85. In operation, rotation of the valve member 42 selectively positions the opening 44 to divert fluid flow from the pump chamber 50 to the first or second fluid outlet 38, 39, or simultaneously to both fluid outlets 38, 39, thereby controlling the discharge of fluid from the pump section 4.

[0037] like Figure 9 As best shown, the pump housing 31 includes a cylindrical mounting cavity 150 extending internally within the pump housing 31 and defined by a wall 131. The mounting cavity 150 receives an upper section 43 of a valve member 42 therein. The mounting cavity 150 includes an annular upper support surface 152 and an annular lower support surface 154. An upper portion of an inner surface 58 of the valve member 42 traverses the support surface 152, and a lower portion of the inner surface 58 of the valve member 42 traverses the lower support surface 154. The upper section 43 of the valve member 42 is configured to fit within the mounting cavity 150 formed inside the pump housing 31. An internal passage 57 receives a tubular portion 136 of a fluid inlet 36 that guides low-pressure fluid to the impeller 16. First and second sealing members 60, 61 seal the first inner surface 133 of the mounting cavity 150. Third and fourth sealing members 70, 71 seal the second inner surface 138 of the mounting cavity 150. Sealing members 60, 61 and 70, 71 include O-rings made of, for example, an elastic material (e.g., ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber or the like). The spacer 62 of the external fluid seal 25 and the spacer 72 of the internal fluid seal 72 may also be made of EPDM rubber and rigid thermoplastics. This spacer serves to maintain the sealing members of the external fluid seal 25 and the internal fluid seal 26 in a suitable spaced-apart relationship.

[0038] Due to the rotation of valve member 42 within pump housing 31, the external and internal sealing components mounted to valve member 42 are prone to wear over time, and thus easily lead to fluid leakage between valve member 42 and pump housing 31. As previously explained, it is advantageous to provide a pathway for fluid leakage to the outside of the pump due to degradation or failure of the sealing system. By controlling and guiding the leakage flow, the leaked material can be directed away from the electric pump motor 10 and / or the electric valve actuator 80 and their electrical connections, which may be damaged due to fluid leakage. Since actuator motor 80 is housed within motor housing 5, and motor housing 5 is molded as an integral part of pump housing 31, any fluid leakage resulting from the failure of the first and second sealing elements due to the external fluid seal 25 and / or the internal fluid seal 26 may travel to actuator motor 80 and circuitry 85, potentially leading to failure of actuator motor 80.

[0039] Figure 7 The leakage path via the internal fluid seal 26 and the external fluid seal 25 of the present invention is shown. The external fluid seal 25 includes first and second sealing members 60, 61 and a spacer 62 located between the sealing members 60, 61. The sealing members 60, 61 seal relative to the outer surface 56 of the valve member 42 and the inner surface 133 of the mounting cavity 150. The outer surface 56 and the inner surface 133 are shown in dashed lines to illustrate the leakage path more clearly.

[0040] The internal fluid seal 26 is aligned with the external fluid seal 25 and accordingly includes second and third sealing members 70, 71 and a spacer 72 located between the sealing members 70, 71. The sealing members 70, 71 seal relative to the inner surface 58 of the valve member 42 and the lower support surface 154 of the mounting cavity 150. As described above, the inner surface 58 and the lower support surface 154 are shown in dashed lines to more clearly show the leakage path. The valve member 42 also includes a pair of cylindrical valve passages 110 extending through the upper segment 43 of the valve member 42 between the inner surface 58 and the outer surface 56. Each valve passage 110 is located between the spacers 62 and 72 and is positioned opposite each other on opposite sides of the valve member 42. Those skilled in the art will understand that the valve member 42 may include a single valve passage 110 extending through the upper segment 43 of the valve member 42 between the inner surface 58 and the outer surface 56. Additionally, the valve member 42 may include a plurality, for example three or more, valve passages 110 extending through the upper portion 43 of the valve member 42 between the inner surface 58 and the outer surface 56. For ease of understanding of the inventive concept, a pair of valve passages 110 are used in this disclosure.

[0041] The leakage path includes an internal leakage path comprising a first cavity 181 located between the lower support surface 154 of cavity 150 and the inner diameter of sealing members 70, 71, and a second cavity 182 located between the outer diameter of spacer 72, sealing members 70, 71, and the inner surface 58 of valve member 42. Fluid leaking from internal fluid seal 26 will travel along the internal leakage path and drain into one of the pair of valve passages 110.

[0042] The external leakage path includes a third cavity 183 located between the outer surface 56 of valve member 42 and the inner diameter of spacer 62 and sealing members 60, 61. A fourth cavity 184 is located between the outer diameter of sealing members 60, 61 of external fluid seal 25 and the inner surface 133 of mounting cavity 150. Fluid leaking between sealing members 60, 61 and the outer surface 56 of valve member 42, as well as any fluid contained in valve passage 110, is discharged through the external leakage path to housing passage 100, so as to discharge to the outer surface 32 of pump housing 31, such as... Figure 9As shown.

[0043] like Figure 8 As shown, the first and second chambers 181, 182 of the internal leakage path and the third and fourth chambers 183, 184 of the external leakage path, along with the housing passage 100, are held fixed within the pump housing 31. When the valve member 42 rotates to position the opening 44 at the fluid outlets 38, 39, each of the pair of valve passages 110 collects leaked fluid from the first and second chambers 181, 182 of the internal leakage path. The fluid collected by the valve passage 110 then moves to the third and fourth chambers 183, 184 of the external leakage path to discharge from one or both of the housing passages 100 to the outer surface 32 of the pump housing 31.

[0044] Any of the first to fourth chambers 181-184 can contain the initial source of a fluid leak. By traveling from one chamber to the corresponding chamber, the leaking fluid is allowed to migrate from the source chamber to either of the pair of housing passages 100. For example, leaks from either of the first and second chambers 181, 182 of an internal leak path will be discharged into one of the pair of valve passages 110 to migrate from the valve passage 110 to an external leak path. The third chamber 183 will allow the leaking fluid to migrate through the fourth chamber 184 into the housing passage 100.

[0045] Leakage from any cavity 183, 184 via an external leakage path will migrate and exit through one or more housing passages 100. It should be noted that... Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the alignment of the first and second chambers 181, 182 of the internal leakage path, valve passage 110, with the third and fourth chambers 183, 184 of the external leakage path. This illustration is for ease of explanation of the leakage paths of the invention. Actual alignment is unlikely to occur. Furthermore, Figure 9 Alignment between the first and second chambers 181, 182 of the internal leakage path, the valve passage 110, and the third and fourth chambers 183, 184 of the external leakage path and the housing passage 100 is also impossible. However, the aforementioned sealing assembly and leakage paths do not require linear alignment to provide the advantages taught and described in this invention.

[0046] Re-reference Figure 9The diagram shows a cross-sectional view through the assembled pump housing 31. This view shows a valve member 42 mounted within the pump housing cavity 50. An impeller 16 is shown located within the valve member 42, which rests above a mounting plate 13. An annular skirt 165, having a centrally located cylindrical cavity 167, extends from the impeller 16 into a sealing seat 19. The cavity 167 is axially aligned with an opening 11 in the mounting plate 13. The inner diameter of the cavity 167 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the motor shaft 12. The motor shaft 12 of the pump motor 10 extends through the opening 11 and is press-fitted into the cavity 167 to connect the impeller 16 to the motor shaft 12. A steel spring 141 biases an annular elastic wall 142 against the skirt 165 surrounding the motor shaft 12, thereby forming a fluid-tight seal between the wall 142 and the skirt 165 and preventing potential fluid infiltration from the pump housing 50 to the pump motor 10.

[0047] Mounting plate 13 also includes a shoulder 135 defined on the inner surface of wall 21, which is circumferentially positioned around mounting plate 13. A second shoulder 142 is circumferentially molded in the inner surface of valve element 41. Shoulder 135 is arranged to receive a first blade plate 161 therein, and shoulder 142 is arranged to receive a second blade plate 163 of impeller 16 therein. Shoulders 135 and 142 provide support surfaces to stabilize the rotation of impeller 16.

[0048] Now go to Figure 10A A perspective view of a first embodiment of an integrated sealing gasket 200 with a leakage path is shown. The integrated sealing gasket 200 includes a first (cross-section) lobed sealing member 210, a second lobed sealing member 211, and a rectangular spacer portion 212 positioned therebetween. The lobed sealing members 210 and 211 extend from opposite ends of the spacer portion 212. Figure 10B As can be most clearly seen in the cross-sectional view, the first and second sealing members 210, 211 and the spacer portion 212 are formed as an integral unit. A pair of cylindrical sealing channels 215, disposed opposite each other, extend through the spacer portion 212 from the inner surface 213 to the outer surface 214. Those skilled in the art will understand that a single sealing channel 215 may be provided extending through the spacer portion 212 from the inner surface 213 to the outer surface 214. For ease of understanding of the inventive concept, a pair of sealing channels 215 are used in this invention. The sealing members 210, 211 and the spacer portion 212 integral therewith are made of, for example, an elastomeric material (e.g., ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or the like). An integral sealing gasket 200 may be used to form an external fluid seal 25 and an internal fluid seal 26 for use with the valve member 42.

[0049] Figure 11The leakage path through the internal fluid seal 26 and external fluid seal 25 of the integral sealing gasket 200 is shown. The leakage path will be described using only one side of the fluid seals. The leakage path through the opposite side is shown as the side to be described. The external fluid seal 25 is composed of first and second annular sealing members 260, 261 and a spacer 262 integral with them. A cylindrical external seal channel 265 extends through the spacer 262. The sealing members 260, 261 seal relative to the outer surface 56 of the valve member 42 and the inner surface 133 of the mounting cavity 150. The outer surface 56 and the inner surface 133 are shown in dashed lines to more clearly illustrate the leakage path.

[0050] The internal fluid seal 26 is aligned with the external fluid seal 25 and is formed by a second annular sealing member 270, a third annular sealing member 271, and an integral spacer 272. A cylindrical internal sealing passage 275 extends through the spacer 272. The sealing members 270 and 271 seal relative to the inner surface 58 of the valve member 42 and the lower support surface 154 of the mounting cavity 150. As described above, the inner surface 58 and the lower support surface 154 are shown in dashed lines to more clearly show the leakage path. The valve member 42 also includes a pair of cylindrical valve passages 110 that extend through the upper section 43 of the valve member 42 between the inner surface 58 and the outer surface 56. Each of the pair of valve passages 110 is located between the spacers 262 and 272 and is positioned opposite each other on opposite sides of the valve member 42.

[0051] The internal leakage path includes a first cavity 281 circumferentially located between the lower support surface 154 of cavity 150 and the inner diameters of sealing members 270, 271, and the inner surface of spacer 275. A second cavity 282 is circumferentially formed between the outer diameters of sealing members 270, 271, the outer surface of spacer 272, and the inner surface 58 of valve member 42. Fluid leaking from the first cavity 281 migrates through the internal sealing passage 275 to the second cavity 282 for collection by valve passage 110.

[0052] The external leakage path includes a third cavity 283, which is circumferentially located between the outer surface 56 of the valve member 42 and the outer diameters of the sealing members 260, 261 and the inner surface of the spacer 262. A fourth cavity 284 is located between the outer diameters of the sealing members 260, 261, the outer surface of the spacer 262, and the inner surface 133 of the mounting cavity 150. Fluid in the third cavity 283 migrates to the fourth cavity 284 through the external sealing passage 265. Fluid leaking between the sealing members 260, 261 and the outer surface 56 of the valve member 42 is contained in cavity 283. Additionally, fluid contained in the valve passage 110 is discharged into the third cavity 283. Fluid in the third cavity 283 migrates to the fourth cavity 284 through the external sealing passage 265 to be discharged to the outer surface 32 of the pump housing 31 through one or more of the pair of housing passages 100, as... Figure 12 As shown.

[0053] like Figure 12 As shown, the internal leakage path formed by the first chamber 281 and the second chamber 282 and their associated internal sealing passages 275, and the external leakage path formed by the third chamber 283 and the fourth chamber 284 and their associated external sealing passages 265, are held fixed within the pump housing 31. When the valve member 42 rotates to position the opening 44 at the fluid outlets 38, 39, each valve passage 110 in the pair of valve passages collects any fluid contained in the second chamber 282 within the internal leakage path. The valve passage 110 collects fluid from the second chamber 282, which either originates from leaking sealing members 270, 271 and converges in the chamber 282, or migrates from the chamber 281 through the internal sealing passages 275. The fluid in the valve passage 110 drains into the third chamber 283, the external sealing passage 265, and reaches the fourth chamber 284. The fluid reaching the fourth chamber 284 can then be discharged from one or both housing passages 100 to the outer surface 32 of the pump housing 31.

[0054] Any of the first to fourth chambers 281-284 can contain the initial source of fluid leakage. The leaking fluid is allowed to migrate from the source chamber to either of the pair of housing passages 100 by traveling from one chamber to the corresponding chamber. For example, fluid leaking from the first chamber 281 will drain to the second chamber 282 via the internal seal passage 275. Fluid in the second chamber 282 drains into and is collected by one of the pair of valve passages 110. Valve passage 110 provides a discharge path to the third chamber 283. Fluid drained into the third chamber 283 will move to the fourth chamber 284 via the external seal passage 265 to be discharged from the pump housing through one or both housing passages 100.

[0055] Other forms and types of sealing gaskets may be used to provide the leakage path of the present invention. Figure 13AA second embodiment of the integral sealing gasket 300 is shown. The integral sealing gasket 300 includes a first quad ring sealing member 310 and a second quad ring sealing member 311, and a rectangular spacer portion 312 positioned therebetween. The quad ring seals provide four direct support points, resulting in twice the sealing surface area of ​​leaf-shaped or O-ring seals, and thus producing a more reliable seal. Additionally, the quad ring seals exhibit lower friction relative to the sealing surface and, due to their relatively square cross-section, resist helical twisting in applications requiring sealing of rotating or vibrating components. The quad ring sealing elements 310, 311 extend from opposite ends of the spacer portion 312.

[0056] As in Figure 13B As can be most clearly seen in the cross-sectional view, the first and second star-shaped rings 310, 311 and the spacer portion 312 form a single integral unit. One or more sealing channels 315 extend through the spacer portion 312 from the inner surface 313 to the outer surface 314 of the spacer. The sealing members 310, 311 and the spacer portion 312 are made of, for example, an elastomeric material (e.g., ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or the like). The integral sealing gasket 300 can be used to form an external fluid seal 25 and an internal fluid seal 26 for use with the valve member 42. In a second embodiment, the leakage paths through the internal fluid seal 26 and the external fluid seal 25 of the integral sealing gasket 300 are consistent with the above-described... Figure 11 The sealing gasket 200 shown is formed in the same manner.

[0057] Figure 14A A third embodiment of the integral sealing gasket 400 is shown. The integral sealing gasket 400 includes a first leaf-shaped sealing member 410 and a second star-shaped sealing member 411, and a rectangular spacer portion 412 therebetween. In this third embodiment, the advantages of the star-shaped seal are combined with the cost efficiency provided by the conventional leaf-shaped sealing member. The first leaf-shaped sealing member 410 and the star-shaped sealing member 411 each extend from opposite ends of the spacer portion 412.

[0058] As in Figure 14BAs can be most clearly seen in the cross-sectional view, the first leaf-shaped sealing member 410, the second star-shaped sealing member 411, and the spacer portion 412 are formed as an integral unit. One or more sealing channels 415 extend through the spacer portion 412 from the inner surface 413 to the outer surface 414. The leaf-shaped sealing member 410, the quad-lobed sealing member 411, and the spacer portion 412 are made of, for example, an elastomeric material (e.g., ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber or the like). The integral sealing gasket 400 can be used to form an external fluid seal 25 and an internal fluid seal 26 for use with the valve member 42. In this second embodiment, leakage channels through the internal fluid seal 26 and the external fluid seal 25 of the integral sealing gasket 400 are connected to the aforementioned... Figure 11 The integral sealing gasket 200 shown is formed in the same manner.

[0059] It may be advantageous to clarify the definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term “connected” and its derivatives include both direct and indirect connections. The terms “including” and “contains” and their derivatives mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning “and / or”. The phrase “associated” and its derivatives may mean including, being included, interconnected with, containing, being contained, connected to or connected with, coupled to or coupled with, connectable to, collaborating with, interleaved, juxtaposed, proximate, bound to or bound with, having its attributes, having a relationship with, etc. When used with a list of items, the phrase “at least one” means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and that only one item in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

[0060] The descriptions in this application should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function is a necessary or critical element that must be included within the scope of the claims. The scope of the patent subject matter is defined only by the permissible claims. Furthermore, none of the claims is intended to invoke 35 U.SC §112(f) against any of the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact words “apparatus for…” or “step for…” are explicitly used in a particular claim, followed by a participle phrase identifying the function. Terms used in the claims, such as (but not limited to) “mechanism,” “module,” “apparatus,” “unit,” “component,” “element,” “building,” “device,” “machine,” “system,” or “controller,” are understood and intended to refer to structures known to a person skilled in the art, as further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and are not intended to invoke 35 U.SC §112(f).

[0061] While certain embodiments and generally related methods have been described in this invention, variations and substitutions of these embodiments and methods will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description of exemplary embodiments does not limit or restrict the invention. Other changes, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A seal assembly for a pump having a leakage path, the seal assembly comprising: a pump housing having a cylindrical mounting cavity, a fluid inlet, at least one fluid outlet, and at least one housing passage extending to an outer surface of the pump housing; an impeller driven by a motor for moving fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet; a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the at least one fluid outlet, the valve including an annular inner surface, an annular outer surface, and at least one valve passage extending through the valve, the inner surface abutting a first surface of the mounting cavity, the outer surface abutting a second surface of the mounting cavity; an inner fluid seal positioned around a circumference of the inner surface of the valve forming a fluid seal between the inner surface of the valve and the first surface of the mounting cavity, the inner fluid seal including an inner leakage path in fluid communication with the valve passage, the valve passage collecting fluid leaked in the inner fluid seal from the inner leakage path; and an outer fluid seal positioned around a circumference of the outer surface of the valve forming a fluid seal between the outer surface of the valve and the second surface of the mounting cavity, the outer fluid seal including an outer leakage path through the outer fluid seal, the outer leakage path being in fluid communication with the valve passage and the housing passage, the outer leakage path collecting fluid leaked in the outer fluid seal and fluid contained in the valve passage and venting the leaked fluid to the housing passage and to an exterior of the pump housing.

2. The seal assembly of claim 1, wherein: the inner fluid seal includes a first annular seal member and a second annular seal member separated by a spacer ring; and the outer fluid seal includes a first annular seal member and a second annular seal member separated by a spacer ring.

3. The seal assembly of claim 2, wherein: the valve passage extends through the valve between the spacer ring of the inner fluid seal and the spacer ring of the outer fluid seal; and the inner leakage path includes a first cavity and a second cavity in fluid communication with each other through the inner fluid seal, the second cavity being in fluid communication with the valve passage, wherein fluid leaked in the inner fluid seal travels through the inner leakage path to be collected by the valve passage. the outer leakage path includes a third cavity and a fourth cavity in fluid communication with each other through the outer fluid seal, the third cavity being in fluid communication with the valve passage, wherein fluid leaked in the outer fluid seal travels through the outer leakage path, the third cavity further receiving fluid collected by the valve passage from the second cavity.

4. The seal assembly of claim 3, wherein, the fourth cavity receives leaked fluid from the third cavity, the housing passage being in fluid communication with the fourth cavity to vent the leaked fluid in the fourth cavity to an exterior of the pump housing.

5. The seal assembly of claim 4, wherein, 6. A seal assembly for a pump having a leakage path, the seal assembly comprising: ​ a pump housing having an annular mounting cavity, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and at least one housing passage extending to an exterior of the pump housing; an impeller driven by a motor for moving fluid from the fluid inlet to at least one fluid outlet; a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the fluid outlet, the valve further comprising an annular outer surface, an annular inner cavity defined by an inner surface, and at least one valve passage extending through the valve, the inner surface bearing against a first surface of the mounting cavity, the outer surface bearing against a second surface of the mounting cavity; an inner sealing gasket positioned about a perimeter of the inner surface of the valve forming a fluid seal between the inner surface of the valve and the first surface of the mounting cavity, the inner sealing gasket having at least one seal passage extending through the inner sealing gasket, the at least one seal passage of the inner sealing gasket forming a portion of an inner leakage path through the inner sealing gasket, the inner leakage path being in fluid communication with the valve passage, the valve passage collecting fluid leaking in the inner sealing gasket; and an outer sealing gasket positioned about a perimeter of the outer surface of the valve forming a fluid seal between the outer surface of the valve and the second surface of the mounting cavity, the outer sealing gasket having at least one seal passage extending through the outer sealing gasket, the at least one seal passage of the outer sealing gasket forming a portion of an outer leakage path through the outer sealing gasket, the outer leakage path being in fluid communication with the valve passage and the housing passage, the outer leakage path collecting fluid leaking in the outer sealing gasket and fluid contained in the valve passage, thereby expelling leaking fluid through the outer leakage path to the housing passage and to an exterior of the pump housing.

7. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein: the inner sealing gasket includes a first annular sealing member, a second annular sealing member, and a rectangular spacer portion integral with the first and second annular sealing members extending from opposite ends of the spacer portion, the seal passage of the inner sealing gasket extending through the spacer portion; and the outer sealing gasket includes a first annular sealing member, a second annular sealing member, and a rectangular spacer portion integral with the first and second annular sealing members extending from opposite ends of the spacer portion, the seal passage of the outer sealing gasket extending through the spacer portion of the outer sealing gasket. the at least one valve passage includes a plurality of valve passages extending through the valve between the spacer portion of the inner sealing gasket and the spacer portion of the outer sealing gasket, each of the inner and outer sealing gaskets including a pair of seal passages periodically aligned with one or more of the plurality of valve passages.

9. The seal assembly of claim 8, wherein:

8. The seal assembly of claim 7, wherein, ​ ​ The internal leak path includes a first cavity and a second cavity in fluid communication with the respective seal passage, the seal passage of the internal leak path being located between the first cavity and the second cavity, wherein fluid leaking in the internal seal gasket travels through the internal leak path to be collected from the second cavity into one or more of the plurality of valve passages; and The external leak path includes a third cavity and a fourth cavity in fluid communication with the respective seal passage, the seal passage of the external leak path being located between the third cavity and the fourth cavity, wherein fluid leaking in the external seal gasket and fluid collected by one or more of the plurality of valve passages migrates through the external leak path to the fourth cavity.

10. The seal assembly of claim 9, wherein, The fourth cavity receives leaking fluid from the third cavity, the housing passage being in fluid communication with the fourth cavity to vent leaking fluid in the fourth cavity to the outside of the pump housing.

11. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein, The internal seal gasket and the external seal gasket each include a first lobed ring sealing member and a second lobed ring sealing member and a rectangular spacer portion that forms a unitary unit with the first and second lobed ring sealing members extending from opposite ends of the spacer portion.

12. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein, The internal seal gasket and the external seal gasket each include a first star ring sealing member and a second star ring sealing member and a rectangular spacer portion that forms a unitary unit with the first and second star ring sealing members extending from opposite ends of the spacer portion.

13. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein, The internal seal gasket and the external seal gasket each include a first lobed ring sealing member and a second star ring sealing member and a rectangular spacer portion that forms a unitary unit with the first lobed ring sealing member and the second star ring sealing member extending from opposite ends of the spacer portion.

14. A method for venting leaking fluid from a pump housing, the pump housing including an internal mounting cavity, a valve mounted in the mounting cavity, and at least one housing passage extending to an outer surface of the pump housing, the method comprising: forming at least one valve passage through a wall of the valve; mounting an internal fluid seal on an inner surface of the valve, the internal fluid seal forming a fluid seal between the inner surface of the valve and a first surface of the mounting cavity; mounting an external fluid seal on an outer surface of the valve, the external fluid seal forming a fluid seal between the outer surface of the valve and a second surface of the mounting cavity; forming an internal leak path through the internal fluid seal; collecting fluid leaking in the internal fluid seal from the internal leak path with the valve passage; forming an external leak path through the external fluid seal, the external leak path being in fluid communication with the valve passage and the housing passage; collecting fluid leaking in the external fluid seal and fluid contained in the valve passage; and venting leaking fluid to the outside of the pump housing through the housing passage.

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