Vacuum pump

Abstract

A vacuum pump includes: a motor; a pump coupled to the motor to receive torque from the motor; and a cradle including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid passage between the inlet port and the outlet port, the outlet port being fluidly connected to the pump. The vacuum pump also includes a first valve positioned within the fluid passageway and adjustable between an open state in which airflow induced by the pump is drawn through the inlet port and a closed state in which reverse airflow is prevented through the inlet port; and a second valve positioned within the fluid passage, in series with the first valve, and adjustable between an open state in which airflow induced by the pump is drawn through the inlet port, and a closed state in which reverse airflow is prevented from passing through the inlet port when the motor is deactivated.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 358,556 filed on July 6, 2022 and co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 243,344 filed on September 13, 2021, the entire contents of both provisional patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The utility model relates to a pump, and more particularly to a recovery pump and a vacuum pump used in a refrigeration system and an air-conditioning system. Background Art

[0004] A vacuum pump is typically used to remove atmospheric air and any entrained water vapor from an HVAC system (eg, a refrigeration circuit or an air conditioning circuit) before returning the refrigerant after any service has been performed. Utility Model Content

[0005] In one aspect, the utility model provides a vacuum pump, which includes: a motor; a pump, which is connected to the motor to receive torque from the motor; a bracket, which includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid passage between the inlet port and the outlet port, wherein the outlet port is fluidly connected to the inlet of the pump; a first valve, which is positioned in the fluid passage and can be adjusted between an open state and a closed state, in which the airflow induced by the pump is drawn through the inlet port, and in which the reverse airflow is prevented from passing through the inlet port; and a second valve, which is positioned in the fluid passage and connected in series with the first valve. The second valve can be adjusted between an open state and a closed state, in which the airflow induced by the pump is drawn through the inlet port, and in which the reverse airflow is prevented from passing through the inlet port when the motor is deactivated; wherein the first valve includes a ball, and wherein the rotation of the ball adjusts the first valve between the open state and the closed state.

[0006] In other aspects, the first valve includes a shaft coupled to the ball, and wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the ball.

[0007] In other aspects, the ball of the first valve includes a hole extending through the ball, and wherein in the open state, the hole is coaxially aligned with an axis defined by the fluid passageway, and in the closed state, the hole is not aligned with the axis defined by the fluid passageway.

[0008] In other aspects, the ball is a first ball, and wherein the second valve includes a second ball movable within the fluid pathway relative to the first ball.

[0009] In another aspect, the utility model provides a vacuum pump, which includes: a motor; a pump, which is connected to the motor to receive torque from the motor; a bracket, which includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid passage between the inlet port and the outlet port, and the outlet port is fluidly connected to the pump; a first valve, which is positioned in the fluid passage and includes a ball and a shaft connected to the ball; and a second valve, which is positioned in the fluid passage and connected in series with the first valve. Rotation of the shaft rotates the ball to adjust the first valve between an open state and a closed state, in which the airflow induced by the pump is drawn through the inlet port, and in which the reverse airflow is prevented from passing through the inlet port when the motor is deactivated.

[0010] In other aspects, the ball of the first valve includes a hole extending through the ball, and wherein in the open state, the hole is coaxially aligned with an axis defined by the fluid passageway, and in the closed state, the hole is not aligned with the axis defined by the fluid passageway.

[0011] On the other hand, the utility model provides a vacuum pump, which includes: a motor; a pump connected to the motor to receive torque from the motor; a bracket, which includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid passage between the inlet port and the outlet port, the outlet port fluid being connected to the pump; a first valve, which is positioned in the fluid passage and can be adjusted between an open state and a closed state, in which the airflow induced by the pump is drawn through the inlet port, and in which the reverse airflow is prevented from passing through the inlet port; and a second valve, which is positioned in the fluid passage and connected in series with the first valve, and includes a ball that can move along a plurality of ribs formed in the fluid passage to adjust the second valve between an open state and a closed state, in which the airflow induced by the pump is drawn through the inlet port, and in which the reverse airflow is prevented from passing through the inlet port when the motor is deactivated.

[0012] In other aspects, the ribs are disposed equidistant from one another on the surface of the fluid passageway.

[0013] In other aspects, the plurality of ribs are a plurality of first ribs, wherein the second valve further comprises a plurality of second ribs respectively connected to the plurality of first ribs, and wherein a first radial width of the plurality of first ribs is smaller than a second radial width of the plurality of second ribs.

[0014] In other aspects, the second valve further includes a seat defined by a plurality of angled segments disposed between the plurality of first ribs and the plurality of second ribs, wherein the angled segments transition the plurality of first ribs from the first radial width to the second radial width of the plurality of second ribs, and wherein the ball is capable of being supported on the seat when the second valve is in the open state.

[0015] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent by considering the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a recovery pump and a vacuum pump according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing that the recovery pump and the vacuum pump are in fluid communication with an HVAC system.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a vacuum pump.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a vacuum pump.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a ball valve of a vacuum pump.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of a ball valve of a vacuum pump according to another embodiment of the utility model.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of a check valve of a vacuum pump according to another embodiment of the utility model.

[0022] Before explaining any embodiment of the utility model in detail, it should be understood that the application of the utility model is not limited to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The utility model can have other embodiments and can be practiced or executed in a variety of different ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] refer to Figure 1 , an HVAC system (e.g., refrigeration circuit or air conditioning circuit 10) includes an evaporator 15, a compressor 20, a condenser 25, and an expansion valve 30. A refrigerant circulates through the refrigeration circuit 10, changing phases between liquid and vapor as it passes through the evaporator 15 and the condenser 25. Circuit 10 schematically illustrates a typical vapor compression refrigeration cycle well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. HVAC systems (e.g., the illustrated air conditioning circuit 10) are commonly found in residential properties, commercial properties, vehicles, and many other systems.

[0024] When service is to be performed on the air conditioning loop 10 of the HVAC system, any refrigerant is first drained or evacuated from each component 15, 20, 25, 30 and the interconnecting conduit lines 17, 22, 27, 32 using, for example, a recovery pump (not shown). The air conditioning loop 10 includes a port 35 to which a recovery pump and a vacuum pump 45 may be connected for removing atmospheric air and any entrained water vapor from the loop 10 before returning the refrigerant after any service has been performed.

[0025] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The vacuum pump 45 includes: a motor 65; a pump 70 driven by the motor 65, the motor being operable to perform suction; and an electronic control unit or controller 71 for controlling the operation of the motor 65. The inlet port 72 ( Figure 3 ) is coupled to port 35 of the air conditioning circuit 10 to draw refrigerant from the air conditioning circuit 10. In other embodiments, the vacuum pump 45 may be coupled to an alternative circuit.

[0026] The pump 70 of the illustrated embodiment is a rotary vane pump as is known in the art. The motor 65 is powered by an 18 volt lithium ion battery pack 75 ( Figure 2 ) is powered. In other embodiments, multiple battery packs 75 can achieve higher voltages (if used in series) or higher capacities (if operated in parallel). In still other embodiments, the battery packs 75 can include different nominal voltages (e.g., 12 volts, 24 volts, etc.). In still other embodiments, the vacuum pump 45 can include a power cord for connecting to an external power source (e.g., AC power via a wall outlet). The motor 65 shown is a brushless DC (e.g., BLDC) motor. However, in other embodiments of the vacuum pump 45, the motor 65 can be a brushed DC motor or an alternating current (i.e., AC) motor.

[0027] The vacuum pump 45 includes an inlet port 72 ( Figure 1 ) and an outlet port 78, the inlet port being used to draw atmosphere from the loop 10, and the outlet port being used to exhaust air and water vapor into the atmosphere. In use, the controller 71 activates the motor 65 (and therefore the pump 70) to draw a deep vacuum in the loop 10, thereby removing the air and any contaminants (e.g., water vapor, etc.) remaining in the loop 10. The air and contaminants are drawn through the port 35, through the inlet port 72 of the vacuum pump 45, and to the outlet port 78. The air and contaminants are then exhausted into the environment. In other embodiments, the air and contaminants may be stored in a tank.

[0028] refer to Figure 3, the vacuum pump 45 further includes a bracket 100, which is positioned between the pump 70 and the motor 65. The bracket 100 is a hollow body defining a fluid passage 102, which extends between the inlet port 72 on the bracket 100 and the pump 70. The bracket 100 also includes a bracket outlet 104 connected to the inlet fluid of the pump 70. The bracket 100 further includes a valve assembly 114, which has an integrated ball valve 116 and a check valve 120 located in series within the fluid passage 102 between the inlet port 72 and the bracket outlet 104. The ball valve 116 is positioned downstream of the inlet port 72 in the direction of air flow induced by the pump 70, and the check valve 120 is positioned downstream of the ball valve 116 in the direction of air flow induced by the pump 70. The ball valve 116 includes an inlet valve seat 108, an outlet valve seat 112 spaced apart from the inlet valve seat 108, and a ball 128 ( Figure 4 ). The ball 128 is disposed against each of the inlet valve seat 108 and the outlet valve seat 112, thereby forming a seal with each of the inlet valve seat 108 and the outlet valve seat 112. In some embodiments, the ball valve 116 may further include a threaded fitting 122 for threading the ball valve 116 into the bracket 100 ( Figure 3 ).

[0029] refer to Figure 4 , the ball valve 116 includes a manifold 129 having external threads 130 that align with threads disposed near the inlet port 72 in the fluid passage 102. The threads 130 seal the manifold to the inlet port 72. The manifold 129 abuts the inlet valve seat 108 such that the manifold 129 applies a constant force to the inlet valve seat 108.

[0030] Figure 5 A valve assembly 214 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The valve assembly 214 is similar to the valve assembly 114 described above and includes most of the same structure. And, as described above, the valve assembly 214 is disposed in the bracket 100. Features and elements similar to those of the valve assembly 114 are assigned the same reference numerals plus "100". It should be understood that features of the valve assembly 214 that are not explicitly described below have the same characteristics as the features of the valve assembly 114.

[0031] The valve assembly 214 includes a spring 200 disposed between the manifold 229 and the inlet valve seat 208, such that the spring 200 pushes the inlet valve seat 208 away from the manifold 229. The manifold 229 is coupled to the inlet port 72 via a fastener 204. The fastener 204 couples the arm 206 of the manifold 229 to the outer surface of the bracket 100. An O-ring 210 is disposed on an outer portion of the manifold 229, such that the manifold 229 is sealed by the inner surface 211 of the fluid passage 202. An O-ring 221 is additionally disposed on the inlet valve seat 208, such that a seal is formed between the inlet valve seat 208 and the inner surface 211 of the fluid passage 202. In some embodiments, an O-ring 224 may also be disposed on the outlet valve seat 212 to form a seal between the outlet valve seat 212 and the inner surface 211 of the fluid passage 202.

[0032] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the ball valve 116 further includes a stem (not shown) and a shaft 132 coupled to a ball 128, the ball including a hole 134 therethrough. The hole 134 passes through the ball 128, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the ball 128. The stem is pivotally coupled to the ball 128 via the shaft 132, which transmits rotational motion to the ball 128, so that rotation of the stem also rotates the ball 128. The ball 128 and the shaft 132 can rotate between an open position, in which the hole 134 on the ball 128 is coaxially aligned with the fluid passage 102 through the inlet valve seat 108 and the outlet valve seat 112 (consistent with the open state of the ball valve 116), and a closed position, in which the hole 134 on the ball 128 is not aligned with the fluid passage 102 through the inlet valve seat 108 and the outlet valve seat 112 (consistent with the closed state of the ball valve 116). In some embodiments, the open position is 90 degrees from the closed position.

[0033] In the open position, the ball 128 allows flow through the fluid passage 102 in the bracket 100, so that fluid can pass from the inlet port 72 through the ball 128 to the bracket outlet 104. In the closed position, the ball 128 is rotated so that the hole 134 is not aligned with the fluid passage 102 in the bracket 100, so that fluid cannot pass through the ball valve 116. When the stem and shaft 132 are rotated to a position between the open position and the closed position, the ball 128 is rotated into the partially open position so that a reduced volume flow rate of fluid can pass through the hole 134 relative to the (fully) open position. In other words, when the shaft 132 and the ball 128 move from the open position to the closed position, the fluid flow through the ball valve 116 is reduced.

[0034] Continue to refer Figure 3, the check valve 120 is positioned in a vertically oriented section of the fluid passage 102 in the bracket 100. The check valve 120 includes a ball 136 movable in the fluid passage 102 in the bracket 100. The ball 136 is movable between a closed position, in which the ball 136 abuts an internal seat 138 and an O-ring 139 in the fluid passage 102, and an open position, in which the ball 136 is spaced apart from the internal seat 138.

[0035] The check valve 120 includes ribs 140 formed in the fluid passage 102 for supporting the ball 126 in the fluid passage 102 when the ball 126 is in the open position. When the ball 126 is in the closed position, the ball 126 is spaced apart from the ribs 140. In some embodiments, the check valve 120 includes three ribs 140, which are arranged equidistant from each other on the surface of the fluid passage 102. In other embodiments, the check valve 120 may include more or less than three ribs 140. In yet other embodiments, the ribs 140 may not be equidistant from each other. The ribs 140 prevent the ball 136 from moving laterally in the fluid passage 102, and the ribs are vertically positioned along the inner surface 111 of the fluid passage 102 in the direction of fluid flow to form an annular gap or space between the ball 136 and the inner surface of the fluid passage 102. The space allows fluid to pass through the fluid passage 102 around the ball 136.

[0036] Figure 6 A valve assembly 314 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The valve assembly 314 is similar to the valve assembly 114 described above and includes most of the same structure. And, as described above, the valve assembly 314 is disposed in the bracket 100. Features and elements similar to those of the valve assembly 114 are assigned the same reference numerals plus "200". It should be understood that features of the valve assembly 314 that are not explicitly described below have the same characteristics as the features of the valve assembly 114.

[0037] The valve assembly 314 includes a check valve 320 that is located in series in the fluid passage 302 between the inlet port 72 and the bracket outlet 104. The check valve 320 includes small ribs 300 that are disposed between the ribs 340 in the fluid passage 302 and the outlet valve seat 312 to support the ball 336 in the fluid passage 302. In the depicted embodiment, the check valve 320 includes three small ribs 300 that are equidistant from each other on the inner surface 311 of the fluid passage 302. In other embodiments, the check valve 320 may include less than or more than three small ribs 300. In other embodiments, the small ribs 300 may not be equidistant from each other. The small ribs 300 are integrally connected to the ribs 140 so that the small ribs 300 and the ribs 340 form a continuous rib. The small ribs 300 define a radial width W1 that is less than the radial width W2 of the ribs 340. Each rib 340 includes an angled section 304 that reduces the width of the rib 340 from a radial width W2 to a radial width W1. The angled sections 304 of each rib 340 collectively form a seat for supporting the ball 336 when the ball 336 is in the open position. In other embodiments, the small rib 300 may be disconnected and separated from the rib 340. In other embodiments, the check valve 320 may not include the small rib 300.

[0038] During operation of the vacuum pump 45, depending on which of the valve assemblies 114, 214, 314 is used, the ball 136, 236, 336 can move between a closed position, in which the ball 136, 236, 336 abuts the internal seat 138, 238, 338 and the O-ring 139, 239, 339 to prevent fluid from flowing through the passage (consistent with the closed state of the check valve 120, 220, 320), and an open position, in which the ball 136, 236, 336 is spaced apart from the internal seat 138, 238, 338 and supported by the rib 140, 340 (consistent with the open state of the check valve 120, 220, 320). In the closed position, the ball 136, 236, 336 forms a seal with the internal seat 138, 238, 338 so that fluid cannot pass through the fluid passage 102, 202, 302. In the open position, the ball 136 , 236 , 336 is supported by or held against the ribs 140 , 340 and is spaced from the internal seat 138 , 238 , 338 in the fluid passage 102 , 202 , 302 so that fluid can pass around the ball 136 , 236 , 336 .

[0039] In response to the motor 65 being activated, with the ball valve 116, 216, 316 in the open position, the pump 70 is driven to induce airflow through the inlet port 72, the ball valve 116, 216, the check valve 120, 230, 320, and the bracket outlet 104 in sequence. The induced airflow and / or the weight of the ball 136, 236, 336 maintains the ball 136, 236, 336 in the open position against the ribs 140, 340 in the fluid passage 102, 202, 302 and away from the internal seat 138, 238, 338. When the motor 65 is deactivated, the induced airflow formed by the pump 70 stops, or when backflow occurs through the fluid passage 102, 202, 302, the ball 136, 236, 336 is pulled toward the internal seat 138, 238, 338 in the fluid passage 102, 202, 302, toward the closed position. In this position, fluid cannot flow back from the bracket outlet 104 toward the inlet port 72, thereby maintaining the circuit 10 in a vacuum after the vacuum pump 45 is deactivated. If a tighter seal is desired, the user can rotate the shaft 132, 232 of the ball valve 116, 216 to the closed position, thereby misaligning the hole 134, 234 in the ball 128, 228 with the fluid flow path 102, 202, 302 through the inlet valve seat 108, 208 and the outlet valve seat 112, 212. This forms a tighter seal between the inlet port 72 and the bracket outlet 104 because the ball valve 116, 236 and the check valve 120, 220, 320 are in series with each other and are all closed. When the vacuum pump 45 is not operating, the tighter seal prevents any backflow of air and contaminants from re-entering the circuit 10.

[0040] Since the vacuum pump 45 includes the ball valve 116, 216 and the check valve 120, 220, 320, debris and oil are prevented from re-entering the circuit 10 after maintenance has been performed and before the circuit 10 is refilled with new refrigerant. This is because the combination of the ball valve 116, 216 and the check valve 120, 220, 320 provides a more robust barrier between the circuit 10 and the bracket outlet 104 of the vacuum pump 45 than conventional vacuum pumps that are typically provided with a single valve to prevent such backflow.

[0041] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention described.

[0042] Various features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum pump, characterized in that: include: motor; a pump coupled to the motor to receive torque from the motor; a bracket comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid passage between the inlet port and the outlet port, the outlet port being fluidly connected to the pump; a first valve positioned within the fluid passageway and adjustable between an open state in which gas flow induced by the pump is drawn through the inlet port and a closed state in which reverse gas flow through the inlet port is prevented; as well as a second valve positioned within the fluid passage in series with the first valve and adjustable between an open state in which the gas flow induced by the pump is drawn through the inlet port and a closed state in which reverse gas flow is prevented through the inlet port when the motor is deactivated; Wherein, the first valve includes a ball, and wherein rotation of the ball adjusts the first valve between the open state and the closed state.

2. The vacuum pump according to claim 1, characterized in that When the first valve is in the open state or the closed state, the second valve can be in the closed state.

3. The vacuum pump according to claim 1, characterized in that The first valve includes a shaft coupled to the ball, and wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the ball.

4. The vacuum pump according to claim 3, characterized in that The ball of the first valve includes a bore extending therethrough, and wherein in the open state, the bore is coaxially aligned with an axis defined by the fluid passageway, and in the closed state, the bore is not aligned with the axis defined by the fluid passageway.

5. The vacuum pump according to claim 1, characterized in that The ball is a first ball, and wherein the second valve includes a second ball movable within the fluid passage relative to the first ball.

6. The vacuum pump according to claim 1, characterized in that The first valve is positioned downstream of the inlet port in the direction of air flow induced by the pump, and wherein the second valve is positioned downstream of the first valve in the direction of air flow induced by the pump.

7. A vacuum pump, characterized in that: include: motor; a pump coupled to the motor to receive torque from the motor; a bracket comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid passage between the inlet port and the outlet port, the outlet port being fluidly connected to the pump; a first valve positioned within the fluid passage and comprising a ball and a shaft coupled to the ball; as well as a second valve positioned within the fluid passage in series with the first valve, wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the ball to adjust the first valve between an open state in which airflow induced by the pump is drawn through the inlet port and a closed state in which reverse airflow is prevented through the inlet port when the motor is deactivated.

8. The vacuum pump according to claim 7, characterized in that The ball of the first valve includes a bore extending therethrough, and wherein in the open state, the bore is coaxially aligned with an axis defined by the fluid passageway, and in the closed state, the bore is not aligned with the axis defined by the fluid passageway.

9. The vacuum pump according to claim 7, characterized in that The first valve includes a manifold sealed with the inlet port and positioned in the fluid passageway.

10. The vacuum pump according to claim 9, characterized in that The ball of the first valve is positioned between an inlet valve seat and an outlet valve seat, and wherein the inlet valve seat and the outlet valve seat are positioned in the fluid passage.

11. The vacuum pump according to claim 10, characterized in that The manifold is threadably coupled to the inlet port.

12. The vacuum pump according to claim 10, characterized in that The manifold abuts the inlet valve seat, and wherein the manifold applies a constant force to the inlet valve seat.

13. The vacuum pump according to claim 10, characterized in that Further included is a spring disposed between the manifold and the inlet valve seat, wherein the spring biases the inlet valve seat away from the manifold.

14. The vacuum pump according to claim 10, characterized in that An O-ring is disposed on the inlet valve seat, and wherein the O-ring forms a seal between the inlet valve seat and a surface of the fluid passageway.

15. A vacuum pump, characterized in that: include: motor; a pump coupled to the motor to receive torque from the motor; a bracket comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid passage between the inlet port and the outlet port, the outlet port being fluidly connected to the pump; a first valve positioned within the fluid passageway and adjustable between an open state in which airflow induced by the pump is drawn through the inlet port and a closed state in which reverse airflow through the inlet port is prevented; and a second valve positioned within the fluid passage in series with the first valve, the second valve including a ball movable along a plurality of ribs formed in the fluid passage to adjust the second valve between an open state in which airflow induced by the pump is drawn through the inlet port and a closed state in which reverse airflow is prevented through the inlet port when the motor is deactivated.

16. The vacuum pump according to claim 15, characterized in that The ribs are arranged equidistant from each other on the surface of the fluid passage.

17. The vacuum pump according to claim 16, characterized in that The plurality of ribs are a plurality of first ribs, wherein the second valve further includes a plurality of second ribs respectively connected to the plurality of first ribs, and wherein a first radial width of the plurality of first ribs is smaller than a second radial width of the plurality of second ribs.

18. The vacuum pump according to claim 17, characterized in that The second valve further includes a seat defined by a plurality of angled segments disposed between the plurality of first ribs and the plurality of second ribs, wherein the angled segments transition the plurality of first ribs from the first radial width to the second radial width of the plurality of second ribs, and wherein the ball is capable of being supported on the seat when the second valve is in the open state.

19. The vacuum pump according to claim 15, characterized in that In the closed state, the ball abuts an inner seat of the second valve, and in the open state, the ball is spaced from the inner seat and supported by the ribs.

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