Lubricant sealed pump system, lubricant reservoir and method of manufacture

Abstract

Disclosed is a lubricant-sealed pump system comprising: a lubricant-sealed rotary vane pump configured to pump fluid from an inlet to an outlet; and a lubricant reservoir for holding and supplying lubricant to and receiving fluid discharged from the lubricant-sealed rotary vane pump during operation of the lubricant-sealed rotary vane pump. The lubricant reservoir includes a plurality of outer walls and an interior compartment attached to at least one of the outer walls, the interior compartment configured to receive and retain a filter for filtering lubricant from fluid discharged by the pump through the lubricant reservoir. One face of the lubricant reservoir includes an opening for receiving the interior compartment, the lubricant reservoir having a lid for covering the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the invention relates to lubricant or oil sealed pumps and, in particular embodiments, to lubricant reservoirs for such lubricant sealed pumps. Background Art

[0002] Pumps, and particularly rotary vane pumps, may be operated using a lubricant, such as oil, to provide both lubrication and sealing between the rotor and stator of the pump.

[0003] A lubricant reservoir is associated with the pump as a source of lubricant, which flows from the reservoir to the pump, and fluid from the pump is discharged through the reservoir via a mist filter within the reservoir, which is used to remove small droplets of lubricant from the gas to be discharged. Such lubricant reservoirs are usually formed as a single piece of aluminum and made by metal sand casting. There are holes in the reservoir wall for the inlet and outlet of lubricant and gas, and for receiving the mist filter. There is usually a compartment to hold the mist filter, and this adds cost and complexity to the casting.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a lubricant reservoir for a lubricant sealed pump that is simpler to manufacture. It would also be desirable to provide a lubricant reservoir for such a system in which access to the interior of the reservoir is facilitated. It would also be desirable for the reservoir to be able to maintain a pressure differential during operation of the pump. Utility Model Content

[0005] One aspect provides a lubricant sealed pump system, comprising: a lubricant sealed rotary vane pump configured to pump a fluid from an inlet to a discharge port; and a lubricant reservoir for retaining lubricant during operation of the lubricant sealed rotary vane pump and supplying lubricant to the lubricant sealed rotary vane pump and receiving fluid discharged from the lubricant sealed rotary vane pump; the lubricant reservoir comprises: a plurality of outer walls formed from a single piece of metal, the plurality of outer walls comprising a base and side walls; and an internal compartment formed as a separate component and mounted within the outer walls, the internal compartment being configured to receive a filter for filtering lubricant from the fluid discharged by the pump through the lubricant reservoir; wherein one face of the lubricant reservoir comprises an opening for receiving the internal compartment, the side wall defining the opening; and the lubricant reservoir comprises a cover for covering the opening.

[0006] Traditionally, lubricant reservoirs for lubricant sealed pumps have been made by casting them from metal, typically aluminum, so that they are of a robust structure, capable of withstanding the pressure differential between the pressure generated by the pump and the atmosphere, and resisting leakage. The lubricant reservoir for lubricant sealed pumps has an internal compartment for receiving a filter for filtering lubricant droplets from the gas exhausted from the pump. Forming a lubricant reservoir with an internal compartment by casting requires an inner core and makes the manufacturing process complex and expensive and may limit the casting process to sand casting.

[0007] To address this problem, a lubricant sealed pump system with a lubricant reservoir is proposed, in which an internal compartment for receiving and holding a filter is formed as a separate component, in some cases formed of a different material, such as plastic. The outer wall is formed of a single piece of metal for stability and resistance to leakage, and has an opening on one face to receive the internal compartment. The opening is defined by the side wall so that it extends across the entire face, so that the hollow interior of the box can be formed by a mold that can be slid out and reused without having to destroy it to remove it. In addition, it makes the interior of the reservoir more accessible and allows simple insertion and removal of the internal compartment.

[0008] The opening may be covered by an openable cover, and in some embodiments a sealingly closed removable cover.

[0009] In other embodiments, the internal compartment includes a cover for covering an opening in the internal compartment for receiving the filter and for covering the opening in the lubricant reservoir.

[0010] The opening in the reservoir may be closed by a cover on the inner compartment, the cover being configured to close both the inner compartment and the lubricant reservoir when the inner compartment is mounted to the reservoir.

[0011] The outer wall is formed from a single piece of metal, in some cases by extrusion, and in other embodiments the outer wall is formed by metal casting, such as gravity casting, low pressure die casting or other types of casting. Where casting is used, since the inner compartment is now a separate component, the outer wall of the lubricant reservoir can be cast without the need for an inner core, and the inner compartment can be added to the reservoir once the reservoir has been manufactured, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the reservoir.

[0012] In some embodiments, the lubricant reservoir is a sealed container that, when mounted to the pump, is capable of maintaining and withstanding the pressure differential created by the pump.The reservoir may have a substantially rectangular cross-section and have six walls or faces.

[0013] In some embodiments, the interior compartment may extend within an upper portion of the lubricant reservoir, and in some embodiments, within an upper half.

[0014] The lubricant sealed rotary vane pump may be a compressor, but in some embodiments the lubricant sealed rotary vane pump comprises a vacuum pump.

[0015] The upper face of the lubricant reservoir includes an opening. In some embodiments, the lubricant reservoir includes an openable, in some cases removable, cover for covering the open face, while in other embodiments, the open face may be closed by a cover on an internal compartment.

[0016] The reservoir comprises an opening for receiving the internal compartment, the opening comprising the entire face of the reservoir. This allows easy access to the filter and the interior of the reservoir, allowing it to be cleaned when necessary. The upper face makes removal of the cover simpler while the lubricant remains within the reservoir.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cover includes a lubricant inlet for supplying lubricant to the lubricant reservoir.

[0018] In some embodiments, there is a removable plug for selectively opening and closing the lubricant inlet.

[0019] It may be advantageous for the cover to be on an upper surface of the reservoir to provide the cover with an inlet for supplying lubricant to the reservoir, which inlet may be closed using a plug to seal the reservoir during operation of the pump.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cover includes at least one of: a handle for transporting or moving the pump; and a filter removal device for changing the filter.

[0021] It may be advantageous to provide the cover with a filter extraction device so that removing the cover also removes the filter, thereby facilitating its cleaning and / or replacement. Alternatively and / or additionally, it may be advantageous to have a handle on the cover, thereby facilitating the portability of the pump.

[0022] In some embodiments, the side wall of the internal compartment includes a flange portion extending outwardly from the side wall at an upper surface of the side wall; and wherein the side wall of the outer wall of the reservoir near the opening is configured to support the flange portion of the internal compartment.

[0023] One way in which the inner compartment can be mounted within the reservoir in a simple manner that can also allow it to be effectively sealed to the reservoir is to have a flange extending outwardly from the side wall of the inner compartment so that it can be mounted to rest on the side wall of the outer wall of the reservoir. It can rest on top of the side wall, or in some embodiments the side wall of the reservoir itself can have an outwardly extending portion so that it is mounted on that outwardly extending portion, and in this case the cover can rest not on the inner compartment, but on the upper side of the outwardly extending side wall of the lubricant reservoir.

[0024] As previously mentioned, the lubricant reservoir needs to be able to withstand the pressure differential generated by the pump, so where an internal compartment separate from the reservoir is used, a sealing device may be used to seal between the internal compartment and the reservoir. In some cases where the internal compartment has a flange portion, a sealing device may be used on one side, or in some cases, on both sides of the flange portion, thereby providing an effective seal between both the reservoir and the internal compartment and between the internal compartment and the cover. In this way, a lubricant reservoir with a removable cover and a separable insert may be provided that is able to withstand the pressure differential that a lubricant reservoir used in association with a lubricant sealed pump needs to withstand.

[0025] In some embodiments, the lubricant reservoir includes a discharge opening for discharging gas from the lubricant reservoir; and the lower portion of the internal compartment includes an outlet portion for discharging gas and lubricant that have passed through the filter, and the system also includes a sealing device for sealing between the outlet portion and a channel in the reservoir, wherein the channel provides a fluid flow path to the discharge opening and the lubricant collection tank.

[0026] In addition to the seal between the reservoir walls, the internal compartment may also be sealed to the drain of the lubricant reservoir, thereby providing the required fluid flow from the pump through the filter to the drain. There may also be a lubricant collection tank for collecting lubricant that has passed through the filter and coalesced to form larger droplets, which fall into the collection tank.

[0027] In some embodiments, the metal forming the outer wall is aluminum.

[0028] In some embodiments, the internal compartment includes an inlet portion for receiving the fluid discharged from the lubricant sealed rotary vane pump and an outlet portion for discharging gas and outputting lubricant that has passed through the filtering portion of the filter, and the internal compartment also includes an overpressure valve, which is configured to provide a flow path between the inlet portion and the outlet portion that bypasses the filtering portion of the filter in response to a pressure rise at the inlet above a predetermined level.

[0029] Having the internal compartment as a separate component through which the exhaust gases flow allows the overpressure valve, which might normally be located in a cast metal portion of the reservoir, to be located in the separate internal compartment, which may facilitate its manufacture and replacement (if necessary).

[0030] In some embodiments, the lubricant sealed pump system includes a filter within the internal compartment, and in some embodiments, the lubricant sealed pump system has a single filter.

[0031] In some embodiments, the lubricant reservoir includes a lubricant retaining portion and a pump engaging portion for attaching to the pump and for receiving the fluid discharged from the pump, the pump engaging portion including a face for sealing with the pump, the face including an opening and a surface surrounding the opening for receiving a connection device for attaching to the pump.

[0032] In some embodiments, the pump engagement portion includes a sidewall defining the opening.

[0033] A pump engaging portion configured to attach and seal to the pump receives fluid discharged from the pump. The fluid enters the lubricant reservoir through the portion and is directed through a filter to remove lubricant droplets before the gas is discharged from the reservoir. The pump engaging portion includes a sidewall and an opening for sealing to the pump, the opening being defined by the sidewall. This again allows this portion of the lubricant reservoir to be cast from a mold without the need for a core, thereby allowing the reservoir to be manufactured more cheaply.

[0034] In some embodiments, the pump engagement portion further comprises a support protrusion extending from a lower surface of the pump engagement portion, the support protrusion being configured to support the reservoir at a distance above the surface.

[0035] The pump engaging portion may include a surface for receiving a connection device for connecting to the pump, and in some cases, it may also include a support protrusion extending from the lower surface, the support protrusion being configured to support the lubricant reservoir above the surface. The feet extending from the base allow the base of the lubricant reservoir to be mounted slightly elevated above the surface to facilitate drainage, such as when the oil in the reservoir needs to be changed.

[0036] In some embodiments, the pump engagement portion extends from a sidewall of the lubricant retaining portion.

[0037] In some embodiments, the internal compartment includes a cover portion for covering the opening for receiving the filter, the cover portion being configured to cover an opening in the lubricant reservoir.

[0038] On the other hand, a lubricant reservoir for a lubricant sealed pump system according to one aspect is provided, the lubricant reservoir comprising: a lubricant retaining portion comprising a plurality of outer walls formed from a single piece of metal, the plurality of outer walls comprising a base and a side wall; a face of the lubricant retaining portion comprising an opening for receiving an internal compartment, the side wall defining the opening; and a pump engaging portion formed as an open box-type structure extending from one of the side walls of the lubricant retaining portion and comprising a side wall defining an opening in a pump engaging surface, the pump engaging surface being configured to seal with the pump.

[0039] In some embodiments, the pump engaging portion includes a surface surrounding the opening in the pump engaging surface for receiving a connection means for attaching the lubricant reservoir to a pump.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pump engagement portion further comprises a support protrusion extending from a lower surface of the pump engagement portion, the support protrusion being configured to support the reservoir at a distance above the surface.

[0041] Yet another aspect provides a method of manufacturing a lubricant reservoir according to the other aspect, the method comprising: forming a lubricant retaining portion of the lubricant reservoir as an open box-type structure having a base wall and a side wall, the side wall defining an opening; forming the pump engaging portion of the lubricant reservoir as an open box-type structure having a side wall extending from one of the side walls of the lubricant retaining portion, the side wall of the pump engaging portion defining an opening in a face configured for sealing with the pump; wherein the steps of forming the lubricant retaining portion and the pump engaging portion include casting so that the lubricant reservoir is formed as a single piece of metal.

[0042] In some embodiments, the method further includes inserting a separately formed internal compartment through the opening in the lubricant retaining portion such that the internal compartment is retained within the lubricant reservoir, the internal compartment being configured to receive a filter.

[0043] In some embodiments, the step of forming the open box structure includes casting the outer wall such that a side wall includes a drain opening and another side wall includes the pump engagement portion, and the drain opening includes a fluid passage and a lubricant collection tank associated therewith.

[0044] In some embodiments, the casting step does not require a core to form the hollow interior portion of the lubricant retaining and pump engaging portion.

[0045] In some embodiments, the method further comprises installing a sealing device between the outlet portion for discharging the gas and lubricant that have passed through the filter and the fluid passage.

[0046] The lubricant reservoir may then be mounted to a lubricant sealed rotary vane pump for use in a lubricant sealed rotary vane pump system.

[0047] Further particular and preferred aspects are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combinations other than those explicitly listed in the claims.

[0048] Where a device feature is described as being operable to provide a function, it will be understood that this includes device features that provide that function or that are adapted or configured to provide that function. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Embodiments of the present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0050] Figure 1 A lubricant reservoir according to the prior art is shown;

[0051] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a side view of a lubricant reservoir according to an embodiment;

[0052] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an end view of a lubricant reservoir according to an embodiment;

[0053] Figure 4 Schematically illustrating a lubricant sealed rotary vane pump with an integral lubricant reservoir according to an embodiment;

[0054] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a lubricant sealed rotary vane pump with an integral lubricant reservoir according to a related example;

[0055] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a side view of a lubricant reservoir according to another embodiment;

[0056] Figure 7 A flow chart illustrating steps in a method according to an embodiment is shown;

[0057] Figure 8 schematically illustrates a lubricant reservoir and how a mold may be removed to form the lubricant reservoir;

[0058] Fig. 9 shows a lubricant reservoir according to an embodiment; and

[0059] Fig.10 A cap for a lubricant reservoir is shown having a lubricant filling opening and a plug. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Before discussing the embodiments in more detail, an overview will first be provided.

[0061] Figure 1A lubricant reservoir 5 for a lubricant sealed rotary vane vacuum pump according to the prior art is shown; the lubricant reservoir 5 is formed of a cast metal shell and includes an internal compartment 10 for holding a mist filter 20 for filtering small droplets of lubricant from the gas flowing through the filter before the gas is discharged via an exhaust port 40. The lower part of the lubricant reservoir holds the lubricant 12, and during operation of the pump, the gas flows through a port 15 connected to the pump into the internal compartment 10 and through the internal channels in the mist filter 20. The gas will pass through the filtering portion 22, where the small droplets will gather and fall as larger droplets and be conveyed back into the bottom of the reservoir 5 via the oil collection port 50 to merge with the remaining lubricant 12. The gas, with the droplets substantially removed, will then be discharged through the exhaust port 40. If the filter 20 becomes clogged and blocked, the pressure inside the filter 20 will increase, and when the pressure reaches a certain value, the overpressure valve 30 inside the metal shell of the reservoir 5 will open and unfiltered gas will be output through the exhaust port 40. The lower portion of the figure shows the lubricant reservoir from the outside and illustrates the cast nature and monolithic form of the reservoir.

[0062] Figure 2 A lubricant reservoir 5 according to an embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the lubricant reservoir 5 has an upper internal compartment 10, which is formed as a separate component of plastic material and is mounted within the metal walls 8 of the reservoir. In this embodiment, these metal walls are formed by casting, and in some cases by metal sand casting as in prior art lubricant reservoirs. However, since there is no internal compartment, this can be done without the need for a core to define the internal compartment, and therefore, manufacturing can be simpler and cheaper. In addition, the cast lubricant reservoir is not formed as a sealed block, but as an open box-type container with a lid 60, which is mounted on the side walls 8 of the container and sealed to the side walls 8. In other embodiments, the lid can be sealed to the upper flange 11 of the internal compartment.

[0063] In some embodiments, the plastic inner compartment 10 includes a flange 11 extending between the side wall 8 and the lid 60. There may be sealing means, not shown, on either side of the flange 11 to provide an effective seal between the edge of the side wall and the inner compartment and between the inner compartment and the lid 60. Although not shown, the lid 60 may include a handle and / or a retaining means for holding the filter 20 so that when the lid is removed, the filter will also be removed.

[0064] In this embodiment, the plastic internal compartment 10 includes an overpressure valve 30 for providing an escape route for the gas flowing into the filter in the event that the filter portion 22 becomes clogged and the pressure within the filter increases. In this embodiment, the cast aluminum portion of the reservoir 5 includes a drain port 40 and a lubricant collection tank 50, which collects larger oil droplets leaving the internal compartment and returns them to the base of the lubricant reservoir. There is a port 15 that provides communication between the pump and the lubricant reservoir, from which the lubricant can flow to the pump and from which the pumped gas flows out, see arrow A. The gas will contain some vaporized lubricant droplets, which will then flow into the inlet 21 of the mist filter (see arrow B) and through the filter portion 22 to the drain port 40 (see arrow C). In the event that the filter portion becomes clogged, the overpressure valve 30 will open and the fluid will flow directly to the drain port 40. The lubricant filtered out of the gas will collect as droplets and flow (see arrow D) to the lubricant collection tank 50, where it will then fall back into the reservoir.

[0065] Figure 3 A side view of a lubricant reservoir 5 including oil or lubricant 12 and mist filter 22 is shown. In this embodiment, a port 15 is shown that communicates with a pump and it can be seen how lubricant can flow into the pump and gas can flow out. The mist filter 20 within the upper portion of the lubricant reservoir is also shown, which is held in an internal compartment 10, which in this embodiment is made of plastic and is mounted on the upper side walls of the reservoir via flanges 11. In some embodiments, these side walls 8 will have an enlarged portion so that they extend out and around the internal compartment so that a lid or container cover 60 is mounted on the upper surface of the side walls and there is a sealing device between the upper surface of the internal compartment 10 and the lower surface of the lid 60 and the lower surface of the flange 11 of the internal compartment 10 and the upper surface of the side walls 8.

[0066] Figure 4 Schematically shows a rotary vane lubricant seal pump 100 according to an embodiment including a rotor shaft 110 and a sliding rotary vane 120. The rotor including the shaft and the vanes is configured to rotate within a stator 130 to pump gas from an inlet 107 to an outlet 105, which is connected to a port entering a lubricant reservoir 5, and the gas entering the reservoir passes through a mist filter 20 and is discharged through an exhaust port not shown.

[0067] The lubricant reservoir 5 comprises a removable or openable cover 60 which in this embodiment covers an opening in an upper surface of the reservoir 5 .

[0068] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 An alternative example is shown in which the removable cover 60 of the lubricant reservoir 5 is located on a side wall instead of the upper wall.

[0069] Figure 6 Shows something like Figure 2 A side view of the lubricant reservoir 5 is shown, but showing the filter retaining means 62 on the cover 60 and showing various sealing means. The filter retaining means 62 is adapted to cooperate with the latching projections 24 which extend from the upper surface of the filter 20 and allow it to be retained by the cover 60 and removed with the cover. This can facilitate replacement of the filter.

[0070] The filter inlet 21 is sealed to the inner compartment at its inlet portion 18. A sealing arrangement 27 seals between the inlet portion 18 of the inner compartment 10 and the filter inlet 21 so that gas passes through the filter into the inner compartment.

[0071] There is also a sealing device 29 for sealing between the outlet portion 19 of the internal compartment 10 and the lubricant reservoir 5 at a portion including the drain port 40 and the lubricant collection tank 50, so that gas passing through the filter is prevented from leaking back into the lubricant reservoir, but is instead transmitted to the drain port 40.

[0072] The figure also shows two sealing means 28a and 28b respectively between the flange 11 of the inner compartment and the wall 8 of the lubricant reservoir and the cover 60. In this embodiment, the cover 60 is sealed to the inner compartment and is part of the inner compartment and is formed of the same material (i.e. plastic). In other embodiments, the cover 60 is formed of metal and is sealed to the outer wall 8 of the lubricant reservoir.

[0073] Figure 6 Also shown is a lubricant receiving passage 64 which extends through the cap 60 and is sealed by a plug 65. This passage may be used to supply lubricant to the reservoir as required.

[0074] Figure 7 A flow chart illustrating steps in a method according to an embodiment is shown.

[0075] In an initial step S10, metal casting may be used to form an open box-type structure that will form the basis of the lubricant retaining portion of the reservoir and an open box-type structure that forms the basis of the pump engaging portion. These portions may be formed from aluminum. The pump engaging portion of the lubricant reservoir may be formed as an open box-type structure extending from one of the side walls of the lubricant retaining portion.

[0076] Then at step S20, the internal compartment for holding the filter can be installed in the open box structure. It can be mounted to the outer wall using a sealing device. Then at step S30, the cover can be mounted to the open box via the sealing device to form a closed reservoir. In some cases, the sealing device that seals the cover to the reservoir can be placed between the wall and the cover of the open box structure, while in other cases, it can be placed between the flange on the internal compartment and the cover. Then at step S40, the lubricant reservoir can be installed to the lubricant sealed rotary vane pump. It should be noted that step S40 can be performed before either step S20 or S30.

[0077] A method for replacing a filter is also disclosed, wherein a step of removing a cover is performed. In some cases, this removes the filter, while in other cases, an additional step of removing the filter will be performed. A replacement filter may then be mounted to the cover or directly in the inner compartment, wherein there is no filter retaining means on the cover, and the cover may then be secured to the wall of the lubricant reservoir. In some cases, when replacing the filter, the sealing means between the inner compartment and the cover and the outer wall and the inner compartment may also be replaced.

[0078] Figure 8 The lubricant reservoir according to an embodiment is schematically shown on its side. The lubricant reservoir 15 includes a lubricant retaining portion 6 having a gas discharge opening 40 and a pump engaging portion 16 extending from a side wall of the lubricant retaining portion 6 and having an opening face 15 that is substantially perpendicular to the opening face of the lubricant retaining portion 6.

[0079] This figure schematically shows how a lubricant reservoir can be formed using casting, using three different molds or slides, and without the need for a core. The arrows indicate how the molds or slides can be removed after manufacturing. They can be slid out of place without the need to destroy them (which would be necessary if any of the openings had a cross-section smaller than the side walls forming the openings). The mold can then be reused to form another reservoir. In this embodiment, there are three molds that are removed in a direction substantially perpendicular to each other, leaving a reservoir shape with a hollow portion. This is possible because the cross-section of the opening faces is as large or larger than the cross-section of the hollow interior portion to which they lead.

[0080] Fig. 9A lubricant reservoir 5 is shown having a lubricant retaining portion 6 and a pump engaging portion 16 extending from the side wall of the retaining portion. The pump engaging portion 16 has an opening 15 in the face that seals with the pump. There are attachment points 17 on the surface surrounding the opening for cooperating with a connecting device to connect the reservoir to the pump in a sealed manner. There are also feet 14 extending from the lower surface of the pump engaging portion that help to keep the reservoir at a height above the surface, thereby facilitating draining and changing the lubricant (if necessary). There are also corresponding feet 14 extending from the lubricant retaining portion 6.

[0081] Fig.10 Schematically shown is a plug 65 sealing a lubricant receiving or inlet passage in a cap 60 which seals the lubricant reservoir.

[0082] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed herein in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be implemented therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0083] Reference numerals

[0084] 5 Lubricant reservoir

[0085] 6 Lubricant retaining part

[0086] 8 Sidewall

[0087] 10 internal compartments

[0088] 11 Flange

[0089] 12 Lubricant

[0090] 14 feet

[0091] 15 Port between reservoir and pump

[0092] 16 Pump joint part

[0093] 17 Connection Points

[0094] 18 Entrance section

[0095] 19Export section

[0096] 20 filters

[0097] 21 Filter inlet

[0098] 22 Filter part of the filter

[0099] 24 Latch

[0100] 27 Sealing device

[0101] 28a, b Sealing device

[0102] 29 Sealing device

[0103] 30 Overpressure valve

[0104] 40 Exhaust

[0105] 50 Lubricant collection tank

[0106] 60 removable covers

[0107] 62 filter holding device

[0108] 64 Lubricant receiving channel

[0109] 65 plug

[0110] 100 Lubricant Sealed Pump

[0111] 105 Pump outlet

[0112] 107 Pump inlet

[0113] 110 rotor shaft

[0114] 120 rotor blades

[0115] 130 stator

Claims

1. A lubricant sealed pump system, comprising: a lubricant sealed rotary vane pump configured to pump a fluid from an inlet to a discharge; as well as a lubricant reservoir for holding lubricant during operation of the lubricant sealed rotary vane pump and supplying lubricant to the lubricant sealed rotary vane pump and receiving fluid discharged from the lubricant sealed rotary vane pump; The lubricant reservoir comprises: a plurality of outer walls formed from a single piece of metal, the plurality of outer walls including a base and side walls; and an internal compartment formed as a separate component and mounted within the outer wall, the internal compartment being configured to receive a filter for filtering lubricant from the fluid discharged by the pump through the lubricant reservoir; wherein A face of the lubricant reservoir includes an opening for receiving the interior compartment, the sidewall defining the opening; and The lubricant reservoir includes a cover for covering the opening.

2. The lubricant sealed pump system according to claim 1, wherein: The interior compartment is formed from plastic.

3. A sealed lubricant pump system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The cover includes at least one of: at least one handle for moving the pump system; and A filter holding device is provided for holding the filter.

4. A sealed lubricant pump system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The one face of the lubricant reservoir includes an upper face.

5. The lubricant sealed pump system according to claim 4, wherein: The cover includes a lubricant inlet for supplying lubricant to the lubricant reservoir.

6. The lubricant sealed pump system of claim 5, further comprising a removable plug for selectively opening and closing the lubricant inlet.

7. A sealed lubricant pump system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The lubricant reservoir includes a lubricant retaining portion and a pump engaging portion for attaching to the pump and for receiving the fluid discharged from the pump, the pump engaging portion including a face for sealing with the pump, the face including an opening and a surface surrounding the opening for receiving a connection device for attaching to the pump.

8. The lubricant sealed pump according to claim 7, wherein: The pump engaging portion includes a sidewall defining the opening.

9. The lubricant sealed pump according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The pump engagement portion also includes a support protrusion extending from a lower surface of the pump engagement portion, the support protrusion being configured to support the reservoir at a distance above the surface.

10. The lubricant sealed pump according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The pump engagement portion extends from a side wall of the lubricant retaining portion.

11. A sealed lubricant pump system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The internal compartment includes the cover for covering an opening in the internal compartment for receiving the filter and the opening in the lubricant reservoir.

12. A lubricant reservoir for a lubricant sealed pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the lubricant reservoir comprising: a lubricant retaining portion including a plurality of outer walls formed from a single piece of metal, the plurality of outer walls including a base and side walls; One face of the lubricant retaining portion includes an opening for receiving the interior compartment, the sidewall defining the opening; as well as A pump engaging portion is formed as an open box-type structure extending from one of the side walls of the lubricant retaining portion and includes a side wall defining an opening in a pump engaging surface configured for sealing with the pump.

13. The lubricant reservoir of claim 12, wherein: The pump engaging portion includes a surface surrounding the opening in the pump engaging face for receiving a connection means for attaching the lubricant reservoir to a pump.

14. A lubricant reservoir according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The pump engagement portion also includes a support protrusion extending from a lower surface of a lower sidewall of the pump engagement portion, the support protrusion being configured to support the reservoir at a distance above the surface.

15. A method of manufacturing a lubricant reservoir according to any one of claims 12 to 14, the method comprising: forming said lubricant retaining portion of said lubricant reservoir as an open box-type structure having a base wall and a side wall, said side wall defining an opening; forming the pump engaging portion of the lubricant reservoir as an open box-type structure having a sidewall extending from one of the sidewalls of the lubricant retaining portion, the sidewall of the pump engaging portion defining an opening in a face configured for sealing with the pump; in The step of forming the lubricant retaining portion and pump engaging portion includes casting such that the lubricant reservoir is formed as a single piece of metal.

16. The method of manufacturing a lubricant reservoir according to claim 15, comprising: A separately formed internal compartment is inserted through the opening in the lubricant retaining portion such that the internal compartment is retained within the lubricant reservoir, the internal compartment being configured to receive a filter.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The step of forming the open box structure includes casting the outer wall such that a side wall includes a drain opening and another side wall includes the pump engagement portion, and the drain opening includes a fluid passage and a lubricant collection tank associated therewith.

18. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, the casting step requiring no core to form the hollow interior portion of the lubricant retaining and pump engaging portion.

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