PUMP WITH SAFETY ELEMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pump, in particular a positive displacement pump for a liquid, such as oil. The pump can be designed, for example, as a vane pump or rotary vane pump, internal or external gear pump, pendulum vane pump, or roller cell pump. The pump is particularly suitable for installation in a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, and / or for supplying a consumer in a motor vehicle. The consumer can be, for example, an internal combustion engine, a transmission such as a steering gear, or an automatic transmission. A first aspect relates to the support of a spring that acts between a housing and a pump insert mounted in the housing. A second aspect relates to the combination of a seal with a spring acting between the housing and the pump insert. A third aspect relates to the sealing of pressure chambers of a multi-stroke pump from one another.Each of the mentioned aspects can, but does not necessarily have to, be combined with one or more of the other mentioned aspects or their further training.

[0002] From WO 2013 / 185751 A1, a so-called cartridge pump is known, comprising a pump assembly or pump insert consisting essentially of a rotor, a piston ring, a pressure plate, pressed-in pins, and a spring element. The rotor is rotatably mounted between the pressure plate and the side plate and is surrounded by the piston ring, which is also arranged between the pressure plate and the side plate. Several pressed-in pins, which are axially fixed and pressed into the pressure plate and penetrate the side plate and the piston ring, secure the pressure plate, the side plate, and the piston ring to each other in a rotationally and axially fixed manner. The spring element is attached to the pressure plate at the end face of the pressure plate facing away from the rotor. The pump insert is placed in a cup-shaped housing, with the spring element bearing against the bottom or an end wall of the cup-shaped housing.The housing is closed by a housing cover, which holds the pump insert in its installed position. The spring element is supported by two spring tongues against a cold-start plate, which in turn is supported by the pressure plate 17. The pump has a seal located between the end wall and the pressure plate, which seals a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber from each other, with the pressure chambers being located between the end wall and the pressure plate. The seal is a separate component from the spring element.

[0003] EP 0 415 089 A2 describes an axial seal with a locking ring and a sealing ring integrally attached to it. The locking ring consists of a thermoplastic with an extrusion-resistant core and a slightly compliant surface, which is pressed against the wall of the gap to be sealed due to the compressed sealing ring and the oil pressure. A pump insert arranged in a cup-shaped pump housing part has a pressure plate, with the axial seal positioned between the pressure plate and an end wall of the pump housing part. A valve spring, separate from the axial seal, acts between an end wall of the pump housing part and the pressure plate. The valve spring is supported on the pressure plate via a valve. The valve is supported centrally on the pressure plate, i.e., in the region of a rotational axis of a rotor of the pump insert.EP 0 415 089 A2 shows designs with one or more axial seals, wherein the axial seal(s) seal a suction-side area from a pressure-side area. The suction-side area and the pressure-side area are arranged between the end wall and the pressure plate.

[0004] US 6,358,020 B1 and US 6,499,964 B2 describe cartridge pumps in which a cam ring and two housing plates are positioned relative to each other by means of pins. US 6,499,964 B2 additionally proposes a disc spring that bears against one of the housing plates. DE 24 23 474 discloses a pump in which a cam ring and two pressure plates are held in a defined relative circumferential and radial position by means of retaining pins and secured against radial movement and rotation, with a compression spring bearing against one of the pressure plates.

[0005] The first aspect is based on the objective of minimizing adverse deformation of the pump cover and / or the end wall of the housing caused by spring force. The third aspect is based on the objective of providing a space-saving pump capable of supplying various fluid circuits with pressurized fluid.

[0006] The claimed invention is based on the objective of facilitating the installation of the pump insert into the receiving housing. This objective is achieved with the pump according to claim 1. The invention relates to a pump, in particular a positive displacement pump, such as a vane pump, rotary vane pump, gear pump, pendulum vane pump, or roller pump. The pump comprises a receiving housing, which forms a pot-shaped receiving chamber with an end wall and a circumferential wall, and a pump insert, which is arranged or inserted in the receiving chamber as a unit that can be handled separately from the receiving housing. The pump insert can be supported or centered on the circumferential wall of the pot-shaped receiving chamber or form at least one circumferential sealing gap with the circumferential wall. The pump insert can thus be guided by the circumferential wall.

[0007] The pump assembly comprises a housing that encloses a pump chamber. A rotor is rotatably arranged within the pump chamber about an axis of rotation relative to the housing. The pump includes the rotor and at least a first housing part, in particular a first housing cover, and a second housing part, in particular a second housing cover, between which the rotor is rotatably arranged about an axis of rotation relative to the first and second housing parts. The rotor can be directly or indirectly connected or connectable to a pump shaft for torque transmission, such as via a shaft-hub connection. When the pump shaft is rotated relative to the first and second housing parts, the rotor rotates with it. The rotor has recesses, in particular guides, such as slotted recesses or guides, in which conveying elements, such as vanes, slides, or rollers, are received for radial movement, in particular for slidability, about the axis of rotation.The conveying elements are mounted or supported by the rotor in such a way that they rotate with the rotor around its axis of rotation. In particular, each of the conveying elements is mounted in its guide so that it can be displaced with a single translational degree of freedom.

[0008] The pump shaft can extend through the housing and be rotatably mounted on the housing around its axis of rotation, for example, with a first section attached to the first housing part and a second section attached to the second housing part. An external structure for the shaft-hub connection can be formed between the first and second sections of the pump shaft. The rotor and the pump shaft can be connected in a torsionally rigid manner by means of, for example, a spur-toothed shaft-hub connection. The shaft-hub connection has internal teeth with multiple teeth and external teeth with multiple teeth that engage with the internal teeth.

[0009] A third housing part, namely a hub ring, is arranged between the first and second housing parts. The hub ring surrounds the rotor around its circumference. The hub ring can be a separate component from the first and second housing parts. Alternatively, the hub ring can be a section of the first housing part formed by the first housing part, or a section of the second housing part formed by the second housing part. The first housing part, the second housing part, or both can surround the rotor and, in particular, its conveying elements, for example, in a ring-like fashion if the hub ring is part of the first or second housing part.

[0010] The first housing part, the second housing part, and the piston ring enclose and define a pump chamber in which the rotor and the conveying elements are arranged. At least one conveying chamber is formed radially between the piston ring and the rotor, which is rotatably mounted between the first and second housing parts; for example, a first conveying chamber and a second conveying chamber in a double-stroke pump.

[0011] Between adjacent pumping elements, a pumping cell is formed, bounded circumferentially by an inner circumferential surface of the hub ring and in the direction of the axis of rotation by the first housing part on one side and the second housing part on the other. The volume of this cell changes depending on the rotational position of the rotor about its axis of rotation. The pump has a plurality of pumping elements and thus, in particular, an equal plurality of pumping cells formed between the pumping elements.

[0012] The inner circumference of the rotor ring has a contour along which the conveying elements slide as the rotor rotates. This contour is specifically designed so that the volumes of the conveying cells, which move through the conveying chamber due to the rotor's rotation, first increase and then decrease. With each complete rotation of the rotor, the conveying elements are moved at least once away from and then towards the axis of rotation. The pump can, for example, be a double-stroke design, meaning it has a first and a second conveying chamber, each of which the conveying elements or cells traverse once per complete rotation. This means that with each complete rotation, the conveying elements are alternately moved twice away from and twice towards the axis of rotation.During a rotation of the rotor, the volume of a conveying cell first increases and then decreases.

[0013] The pump or pump unit can have at least one inlet channel opening into the area of ​​the pumping chamber where the volume of the pumped cell expands, and at least one outlet channel opening into the area of ​​the pumping chamber where the volume of this pumped cell contracts. During the volume expansion of the pumped cell, the at least one inlet channel acts as a suction channel. During the volume contraction, the at least one outlet channel acts as a pressure channel. A single-stroke pump, for example, can have one inlet channel and one outlet channel. A double-stroke pump, for example, can have a common inlet channel for the first and second pumping chambers, a first outlet channel for the first pumping chamber, and a separate second outlet channel for the second pumping chamber.Alternatively, the pump insert can have a first inlet channel for the first pumping chamber and a separate second inlet channel for the second pumping chamber, and a first outlet channel for the first pumping chamber and a separate second outlet channel for the second pumping chamber, or a common outlet channel for both the first and second pumping chambers. The fluid pumped via the first pumping chamber can supply, for example, different or the same consumers as the fluid pumped via the second pumping chamber. When supplying different consumers, different pressure levels can arise between the first and second outlet channels, or between the first pressure chamber into which the first outlet channel empties and the second pressure chamber into which the second outlet channel empties. The pumping elements and / or the rotor each form a pressure gap with the first and second housing sections.The at least one inlet channel can be connected to, or be connected to, a fluid reservoir, such as an oil reservoir, and in particular be in fluid communication with it. For example, the at least one suction channel can open into a suction chamber, which can be formed, for example, between the receiving housing and the pump insert, in particular between the circumferential wall of the receiving housing and the pump insert, such as the piston ring. The at least one outlet channel can be connected to, for example, a fluid consumer, such as a gearbox, and be in fluid communication with it.

[0014] The pump insert has at least one positioning element that positions the second housing part relative to the first housing part with respect to its angular position about the axis of rotation. The at least one positioning element can be formed by the first housing part, in particular as a single piece or monolithically. Alternatively, the at least one positioning element can be formed as a separate part from the first housing part, which is anchored in the first housing part. For example, the positioning element can be screwed or pressed into the first housing part, i.e., positively and / or force-fit. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one positioning element can be materially bonded to the first housing part, such as by gluing, soldering, or welding. The first housing part can have a bore for each positioning element, into which one end of the positioning element is inserted and thereby anchored in the first housing part. For example,Two, three, four or even more positioning elements can be provided.

[0015] The at least one positioning element can be, in particular, pin-shaped or cylindrical. For example, the end of the positioning element opposite the anchored end can have the same outer diameter as the anchored end.

[0016] The second housing part, and in particular the hub ring, can be mounted on the at least one positioning element in a manner that prevents rotation about the axis of rotation. The at least one positioning element can extend through a recess provided for each positioning element in the second housing part, such as a bore or through-hole. The at least one positioning element can, for example, extend through a recess in the hub ring, which may be designed as a bore, slot, or the like. In particular, the at least one positioning element can project from the second housing part with its end opposite the end anchored in the first housing part, especially from the end face of the second housing part that faces the rotor or the end wall of the receiving housing.

[0017] The pump insert incorporates a spring. The spring is supported, for example, by the second housing part and by the base or end wall of the receiving housing. As mentioned, the receiving housing is cup-shaped. The circumferential wall of the receiving housing can extend around the rotor's axis of rotation. The end wall is positioned at the end of the circumferential wall, giving the receiving housing its cup shape. The spring, stretched between the end wall and the pump insert, tends to push the pump insert, particularly the second housing part, away from the end wall of the receiving housing.

[0018] The pump insert is prevented from falling out of the receiving housing, for example, by a cover or an axial locking element. The spring, which is tensioned during insertion, presses the pump insert, particularly the first housing part, against the axial locking element or the cover, preventing the spring from releasing. The axial locking element can, for example, be ring-shaped and inserted into an annular groove formed on the preferably cylindrical circumference of the receiving housing. The axial locking element can also be formed by a cover that at least partially or completely closes the opening.

[0019] The spring tensioned between the pump insert and the end wall exerts a force on the second housing part, pointing away from the end wall and acting particularly along, i.e., in the direction of the rotor's axis of rotation. This force presses the second housing part against the piston ring, which in turn presses the piston ring against the first housing part. The cover or axial locking element provides the abutment for this force. The spring force axially seals the piston ring against the first and second housing parts, allowing pressure to build up in the pumping chamber(s) when the pump starts.

[0020] The spring is attached to the at least one positioning element, in a manner that ensures it is not lost. The spring can be connected to the positioning element or the second housing part, for example, by a positive locking mechanism, particularly a snap-fit ​​or frictional locking mechanism, so that the spring is held against the at least one positioning element or the second housing part and preferably bears or can bear against the second housing part. Preferably, the spring is secured against rotation about the axis of rotation, in particular by a positive locking mechanism and / or a frictional locking mechanism, to the at least one positioning element or the second housing part. The spring can have or form at least one fastening element, in particular on or in the area of ​​a support section, with which the spring bears against the second housing part or against a part that bears directly or indirectly against the second housing part. For example,The at least one fastening element can serve as a support section, or a fastening element can be provided for each support section. The spring can be attached to, or be attached to, the at least one positioning element or the second housing part by means of the fastening element. The fastening element, which is designed, for example, for a positive-locking connection with its associated positioning element, can snap into place with the positioning element.

[0021] The at least one positioning element can have a recess, such as an annular groove, around its circumference, into which the at least one fastening element of the spring engages. Such an annular groove can be designed as a groove. For example, the at least one fastening element can be designed in the shape of a retaining washer or a circlip, similar to retaining washers for shafts according to DIN 6799 or retaining rings for shafts according to DIN 471, in particular with the difference that they are formed by the spring, i.e., they can be integrally formed on the support section.

[0022] According to the invention, the locking element is disc- or ring-shaped; in particular, it can be, for example, the locking washer designed according to DIN 6799 or the circlip designed according to DIN 471, i.e., it is not integrally formed with the spring and, for example, serves only to prevent the second housing part from being axially pulled away from the positioning element. According to the invention, the spring is attached to the positioning element, with the fastening element of the spring being mounted on the

[0023] The positioning element can be attached to the first housing part. In alternative embodiments not covered by the claim, the positioning element can, for example, be configured with a head, wherein the second housing part is enclosed between the first housing part and the head, thus preventing the second housing part from being pulled off the first housing part or the positioning element. In these embodiments, the spring can be attached to the second housing part or to the head, or enclosed between the head and the second housing part, with the spring's fastening element being attached to the positioning element.

[0024] In further embodiments, the recess can be an annular groove extending over the circumference of the cylindrical or pin-shaped positioning element, which has a width extending along the longitudinal axis of the positioning element such that the spring's fastening element is received in the annular groove with clearance along the longitudinal axis. This ensures that the support section or the fastening section of the spring is supported against the second housing part and not against a groove flank of the annular groove.

[0025] In embodiments where the spring is attached to the second housing part, the second housing part can have a groove on an inner or outer circumferential surface that at least partially or completely circumferentially around the axis of rotation of the rotor and is open inwards or outwards. The spring, i.e., one or more sections of the spring, is attached to the second housing part in the groove, and in particular, enclosed by the groove. The groove width is slightly greater than the thickness of the spring sections that are positioned in the groove for attachment. For example, the spring can be elastically compressed laterally to be inserted into the groove, with the spring being placed in close proximity to the groove and then released. Due to the elasticity of the spring, it returns to its original shape, causing the spring or sections thereof to snap into the groove and securely attach the spring to the second housing part.For example, in its relaxed state, the spring may have an oval shape or protrusions forming the aforementioned sections, with the circumferential groove or annular groove extending circularly around the axis of rotation.

[0026] The pump can have a pump shaft that is non-rotatably connected to the rotor and rotatable about the axis of rotation. The pump shaft can be rotatably mounted in at least the first housing part. Additionally, the pump shaft can be rotatably mounted in the second housing part, in particular in a sac-shaped recess or in a through-hole, especially a bore, through the second housing part. The sac-shaped recess has the advantage that the pump chamber is sealed against the end face of the second housing part facing away from the pump chamber. The through-hole has the advantage of being easy to manufacture and ensuring greater stability. The bearing(s) can be plain or roller bearings.

[0027] The pump shaft may have a structure, in particular external splines, for a shaft-hub connection with the rotor. The diameter of this structure may be larger than the inner diameter of the first and / or second housing parts or the bearings. The structure is thus enclosed between the first and second housing parts along the axis of rotation. This prevents the shaft from being pulled out of the fully assembled pump unit.

[0028] In particular, the first housing part, the second housing part, the piston ring, the rotor, the conveying elements, the positioning elements, the spring, and the pump shaft can essentially form the pump assembly, which can be handled as a single unit. By attaching the spring to at least one positioning element, the pump assembly is prevented from falling apart. The spring's mounting sections and / or the separate locking elements provide axial shaft locking, thus preventing the pump assembly from disintegrating.

[0029] Due to the simple handling of the pump insert, it can be received into the receiving housing, which can be formed, for example, by a gearbox housing for a motor vehicle, or inserted into the receiving housing, e.g., via an opening of the receiving housing opposite the end wall.

[0030] In further embodiments, a (second) seal, in particular a sealing ring, can be arranged between the second housing part and the receiving housing, in particular the circumferential wall, which seals a pressure chamber, formed essentially between the end wall and the second housing part, with respect to a suction chamber, formed between the circumferential wall and the first housing part and / or the lifting ring. For example, the pressure chamber can be connected to the at least one conveying chamber by means of the at least one outlet channel.

[0031] A (first) seal, in particular a sealing ring, can be arranged between the first housing part and the receiving housing, especially the circumferential wall, with the suction chamber being located between the first and second seals. The first seal can seal the suction chamber to the outside or towards the opening of the receiving housing.

[0032] Because the at least one pressure chamber is arranged between the end wall and the second housing part, the second housing part acts like a piston which, when the pressure in the pressure chamber increases, increases the force along or in the direction of the axis of rotation on the axial locking element or the cover and thus also presses the parts of the pump insert, in particular the first housing part, the second housing part and the stroke ring, sealingly against each other with an increasing force as the delivery pressure increases and in particular in addition to the force of the pre-tensioned spring.

[0033] According to the first aspect, the spring, which is resiliently arranged between the receiving housing and the second housing, is supported towards the second housing part essentially in an area that is aligned axially with the hub ring in the direction of the rotor's axis of rotation, and thereby, i.e., by being supported in alignment with the hub ring, presses the second housing part against the hub ring. "In alignment" means in an imaginary axial extension along the wall of the hub ring or in the direction of the axis of rotation. In WO 2013 / 185751 A1, the spring element, with its two spring tongues, is supported against a cold-start plate and in an area that lies outside the axial alignment with the hub ring, namely within the inner contour of the hub ring.The radial distance between the area where the spring is supported and the piston ring creates a moment that leads to a slight deformation of the cover. This, however, increases the friction between the rotor and the cover, or alternatively, necessitates a relatively large sealing gap, thus reducing the pump's efficiency. In the EP 0 415 089 A2, the valve spring is supported by the valve against the pressure plate, with this area also located within the inner dimensions of the piston ring. This can also lead to slight deformations in the cover. The support described in the first scenario prevents such deformations, thereby increasing the pump's efficiency.

[0034] In particular, the spring may have a spring structure made of metal, especially steel or spring steel, wherein the metal spring structure gives the spring its essential spring property along or in the direction of the axis of rotation. This is to be understood as meaning that the spring may, for example, be coated or overmolded with another material which also has a spring property, although this is negligible compared to the metal spring structure.

[0035] The spring can be supported directly or indirectly by the second housing part. For example, an intermediate part can be arranged between the second housing part and the spring, with the spring being supported by the intermediate part. In particular, the intermediate part can be supported by the second housing part, preferably also in a region that is aligned axially with the piston ring in the direction of the axis of rotation.

[0036] The intermediate part can, for example, be a so-called cold-start plate or a plate-shaped structure, such as a perforated (metal) sheet or a sieve structure. The intermediate part can, for example, be enclosed or arranged between the spring and the second housing part and / or be held or attached to the at least one positioning element, such as by having a recess or bore for each positioning element to which it is attached, through which the respective positioning element extends. The intermediate part can have at least one area with the sieve-shaped structure or at least one perforated area, such as one, two, or more such areas. The intermediate part is arranged, in particular, such that the liquid conveyed from the at least one conveying chamber flows through the at least one area. Through the—albeit also, for example,Due to the low flow resistance caused by the at least one area during flow, the pressure increases on the upstream side, i.e., on the side of the intermediate part which is subjected to the flow of liquid from the at least one conveying chamber.

[0037] On the upstream side of the intermediate section, the pump insert, in particular the second housing part, has at least one connecting channel that supplies the lower vane chambers—i.e., the chambers formed in the slots in which the vanes are guided and extending radially between one end of the respective vane and the bottom of the respective slot—with the fluid pumped from the at least one delivery chamber. The back pressure generated by the flow-through area of ​​the intermediate section causes the vanes to extend more quickly during a cold start and thus generally results in a faster pressure build-up by the pump.The intermediate part and / or the spring, on which the intermediate part can, for example, flexibly support itself, can alternatively or additionally be designed to be so flexibly compliant as to allow the intermediate part to lift off at least partially from the second housing part when a limit pressure is reached, allowing fluid from the conveying chamber to flow through a gap formed between the intermediate part and the second housing part.

[0038] For example, the spring, particularly with its end pointing towards the receiving housing or the end wall, can be supported essentially in an area on the receiving housing, especially on the end wall, which is arranged in axial alignment with the piston ring in the direction of the axis of rotation. An advantage of this is that deformation of the end wall by the spring force can be avoided. Another advantage is that the cross-section surrounding the spring, particularly in an annular form, has a relatively large diameter, in particular at least approximately the inner diameter or the smallest inner diameter of the piston ring. This advantageously ensures that the cross-section surrounded by the spring is relatively large and thus offers the possibility of arranging a seal, particularly an annular one, especially an axial seal, between the second housing part and the end wall of the receiving housing to provide a sealing surface, for example, to prevent leakage.to seal a second pressure chamber against a first pressure chamber. Accordingly, a sealing element can be arranged between the second housing part and the end wall of the receiving housing, which surrounds the pressure chamber, in particular in an annular form. In particular, the spring can be annular and at least partially surround a pressure chamber, in particular a first pressure chamber, which is connected to the conveying chamber, in particular the first conveying chamber, via the outlet channel formed by the second housing part, in particular the first outlet channel. In particular, the spring can be arranged in the first pressure chamber.

[0039] In particular, the seal, also referred to herein as the sealing element, can surround the second pressure chamber in an annular manner, with the first pressure chamber formed between the end wall of the receiving housing and the second housing part being sealed to the second pressure chamber by means of the sealing element. As already mentioned, the first pressure chamber can be connected to different fluid consumers via a first supply branch than the second pressure chamber, which is connected to fluid consumers via a second supply branch that is separate from the first supply branch. Alternatively, it is possible to supply one or more common fluid consumers with fluid from the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber via separate supply branches, namely the first supply branch and the second supply branch.

[0040] The spring arranged between the end wall and the second housing part can be, for example, a wave spring, a multi-waved spring washer, a tubular or bow spring, a grooved ring spring, a (metal) C-ring or a (metal) O-ring.

[0041] A multi-waved spring disc can have or consist of a spring structure made of metal, in particular steel, wherein the spring structure is formed from a flat or round material, which forms a ring, in particular a closed ring. The spring is wave-shaped, at least in the unloaded state, along the circumferential direction of the ring, i.e., corrugated or designed with multiple waves, in particular with multiple wave crests and wave troughs. The wave height extends along or in the direction of the axis of rotation or substantially perpendicular or normal to the plane spanned by the ring-shaped spring structure. The multi-waved spring has the advantage of being very space-saving.

[0042] A wave spring can have or consist of a spring structure formed from a flat or round material, which winds helically around a longitudinal axis along a circumferential direction, wherein the spring structure is corrugated in the circumferential direction or has multiple waves, i.e., multiple crests and troughs. The spring structure can wind partially, completely, or multiple times around the longitudinal axis, in particular in an approximately corrugated helical shape. Adjacent turns can abut or be connected to each other with their crests and troughs. That is, the crest of one turn rests against the trough of the next. The spring structure can have a starting turn and / or a ending turn, wherein the starting turn and / or the ending turn extend essentially flat around the longitudinal axis.The spring can be supported against the end wall and / or directly or indirectly against the second housing part by its initial coil and / or end coil. The initial coil and end coil ensure better contact, i.e., a more even distribution of the spring force across the supported parts. The spring's longitudinal axis is parallel to or lies on the axis of rotation. For example, the initial coil can incorporate the fastening element for attachment to the positioning element.

[0043] A (metal) C-ring or a (metal) O-ring is ring-shaped. The spring structure extends at least partially around the circumference of the spring's longitudinal axis. The spring's longitudinal axis is perpendicular to or normal to the surface spanned by the ring. The spring's longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to or lies on the axis of rotation of the rotor. The ring may be flat or substantially smooth around its circumference. The spring structure is C-shaped in cross-section (i.e., with an open contour) in the (metal) C-ring, and O-shaped in cross-section (i.e., with a closed contour) in the (metal) O-ring. A fastening element for attachment to the positioning element may be formed between adjacent sections having a C- or O-ring-shaped spring structure. The springs mentioned herein may have multiple fastening elements for multiple positioning elements.

[0044] In a second aspect of the invention, an annular sealing element (gasket or axial seal) is arranged between the end wall and the second housing part, in particular the sealing element generally described and / or in relation to the first aspect, which encloses a pressure chamber formed between the end wall and the second housing part, in particular the second pressure chamber, wherein the pressure chamber is connected via an outlet channel to a conveying chamber formed between the rotor and the stroke ring. The spring has a spring structure made of metal, in particular spring steel, which gives the spring its essential spring property, wherein the annular sealing element is attached to the spring structure, in particular in a captive manner. Thus, the spring and the sealing element can form a unit or integral unit that can be handled as a unit. For example,When attaching the spring to the second housing part or the at least one positioning element, the sealing element can also be positioned on the second housing part at the location designated for the sealing element. The advantage of this is that the spring and the sealing element can be attached to the pump insert in a single step. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the sealing element is fixed in place when the pump insert is placed in the receiving housing and cannot slip or fall out. This simplifies the assembly of the pump insert into the receiving housing. The sealing element can be attached to the spring element, for example, by overmolding or injection molding the sealing element onto the spring or the spring structure. Alternatively, the seal, referred to as the sealing element, can be positively attached to the spring structure, such as by pushing it on, or frictionally attached, such as by clamping.

[0045] The spring structure can, for example, include an additional ring-shaped section that forms part of the sealing element and is overmolded or coated with a sealing material, such as a polymer or elastomer. This additional ring-shaped section acts as a support structure, preventing extrusion or gap extrusion of the sealing material of the sealing element due to the pressure difference between the first and second pressure chambers.

[0046] The spring structure may have a further annular section, which is also overmolded or coated with the sealing material. This additional annular section may surround the rotor's axis of rotation, particularly the pump shaft when it extends through the second housing part, to seal the first pressure chamber and / or the second pressure chamber with respect to the pump shaft.

[0047] The seal or sealing element surrounding the second pressure chamber is preferably arranged eccentrically to the axis of rotation of the rotor, in particular in an area between the annular spring which at least partially surrounds the first pressure chamber and the pump shaft or an area which is arranged in axial alignment with the pump shaft in the direction of the axis of rotation.

[0048] In a third aspect, a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber are formed between the end wall and the second housing part, as described above. An annular sealing element, as previously described, is arranged between the end wall and the second housing part, enclosing the second pressure chamber and sealing it against the first. The first pressure chamber is connected via a first outlet channel to a first delivery chamber formed between the rotor and the hub ring, and the second pressure chamber is connected via a second outlet channel to a second delivery chamber formed between the rotor and the hub ring. This allows, as described above, different or shared consumers to be supplied with fluid via separate supply lines, whereby different pressures can develop in the first and second pressure chambers.

[0049] The invention has been described with reference to several examples and embodiments. One embodiment of a pump, in which the spring is attached to the at least one positioning element, is described with reference to the figures. These show: Figure 1 shows a section of a sectional view through a rotor axis, showing a pump insert inserted into a receiving housing; Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the pump insert made of Figure 1 through the axis of rotation, Figure 3 a perspective view of the pump insert from Figure 2Figures 4 and 5 show embodiments of a spring for the pump assembly; Figure 6 shows another embodiment of a spring for the pump assembly; Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a spring for the pump assembly with an O-ring-shaped cross-section; Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a spring for the pump assembly with a C-ring-shaped cross-section; Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a seal arranged between the pump assembly and the receiving housing; Figure 10 shows another embodiment of a seal; Figure 11 shows yet another embodiment of a seal; Figure 12 shows yet another embodiment of a seal; Figure 13 shows yet another embodiment of a seal; Figure 14 shows yet another embodiment of a seal; Figure 15 shows yet another embodiment of a seal; Figure 16 shows yet another embodiment of a seal; Figure 17 shows a pump insert in section along the axis of rotation of the rotor, wherein the pump insert is a spring.which is combined with a seal, Figure 18 shows a perspective view of the pump insert made of , Figure 17 Figure 19 shows the spring combined with the seal and Figure 20 shows an exemplary cross-section through a pump insert in the area of ​​the rotor.

[0050] The Figures 2 , 3 , 17 and 18 show pump inserts that can be inserted into a receiving housing, as in Figure 1 The pump, in particular the pump insert 1, comprises a spring 5, which is shown herein in various embodiments. The pump or the pump insert 1 can have a seal 9, in particular an axial seal, arranged between an end wall 20c of a receiving housing 20 and a second housing part 3. The seal 9 is shown partially combined with the spring 5 in various embodiments.

[0051] The pump or pump unit 1 has a rotor 4 which is connected to a pump shaft 10 in a rotationally fixed manner via a shaft-hub connection 30. The rotor 4 has recesses, in particular slot-shaped ones, which serve as guides. Each recess is associated with a conveying element 13, in particular a vane. The vane 13 is radially displaceable at its recess or away from and towards the axis of rotation D of the rotor 4, in particular guided with a single translational degree of freedom, and is displaceable back and forth, as e.g. Figure 20The vanes 13 rotate with the rotor 4. The pump 1 has an annular housing part, namely a hub ring 12. The hub ring 12 is enclosed between a first housing part 2 and a second housing part 3 and is rotationally fixed with respect to the first and second housing parts 2, 3. The space extending annularly around the pump shaft 10, which is surrounded by the inner circumference of the hub ring 12 and axially bounded by the second and third housing parts 2, 3, can also be referred to as the pump chamber 26. The rotor 4 and the vanes 13 are arranged in the pump chamber 26.

[0052] How best to Figure 20 As can be seen, at least one conveying chamber 27, 28 is formed radially between the rotor 4 and the hub ring 12. The embodiment shown here comprises two conveying chambers 27, 28, namely a first conveying chamber 27 and a second conveying chamber 28 ( Figure 20 ).

[0053] Between adjacent vanes 13, a pumping cell 29 is formed, the volume of which changes depending on the rotational position of the rotor 4 about its axis of rotation D. Since the pump has several vanes 13, it also has several pumping cells 29. Each of the pumping chambers 27, 28 contains several pumping cells 29.

[0054] The wings 13 and the rotor 4 form a first sealing gap with the first housing part 2 and a second sealing gap with the second housing part 3.

[0055] The piston ring 12 and / or the vanes 13 can be magnetized so that the vanes 13 bear against the inner circumferential surface of the piston ring 12 due to magnetic force, especially even when the rotor 4 is not rotating. This allows for early pressure build-up during start-up or cold start, i.e., when the pump shaft 10 begins to rotate. Alternatively or additionally, the vanes 13 can be pressed outwards, i.e., away from the axis of rotation of the rotor 4, against the inner circumferential surface of the piston ring 12 due to centrifugal force as the rotor rotates. The vanes 13, or each vane 13, form a third sealing gap with the inner circumferential surface of the piston ring 12.

[0056] The inner circumferential surface of the hub ring 12 has a contour that causes the vanes 13 to extend at least once (increasing the volume of the pumping chamber 29) and retract once (decreasing the volume of the pumping chamber 29) during a complete revolution of the rotor 4. The pump shown in the example is a double-stroke pump, i.e., with two pumping chambers 27, 28, whereby the vanes 13 extend once and retract once for each pumping chamber 27, 28 when they are moved through the pumping chamber 27, 28 by the rotation of the rotor 4. Thus, the vanes 13 extend, retract, extend, and retract again during a complete revolution of the rotor 4, or in other words, extend twice and retract twice. Between adjacent wings 13 a conveying cell 29 is formed, the volume of which increases or decreases by extending and retracting the wings 13 that define this conveying cell 29, namely depending on the contour of the inner circumferential surface of the lifting ring 12.

[0057] As especially from Figure 3 As can be seen, the pump insert 1 has a first outlet channel 3b and a second outlet channel 3c, wherein the first outlet channel 3b leads into a first pressure chamber 23b and a first delivery chamber 27 ( Figure 20 ) opens into the first conveying chamber 27 and the first pressure chamber 23b, thus connecting them in a fluid-carrying manner. The second outlet channel 3c opens into a second conveying chamber 28 and the second pressure chamber 23c, thereby connecting the second conveying chamber 28 ( Figure 20 ) and connects the second pressure chamber 23c with fluid. The first and second outlet channels 3b, 3c each open into the area of ​​their respective pumping chambers 27, 28, in which the volume of the pumping cells 29 decreases during the rotation of the rotor 4. This causes fluid located in the pumping cells 29, such as oil, to be displaced through the outlet channels 3b, 3c.

[0058] The pump insert 1 has a first inlet channel 2b and a second inlet channel 2c, wherein the first inlet channel 2b opens into the first pumping chamber 27 and a suction chamber 24, thus connecting the first pumping chamber 27 and the suction chamber 24 via a fluid-carrying connection, and wherein the second inlet channel 2c opens into the second pumping chamber 28 and the suction chamber 24 via a fluid-carrying connection. The first and second inlet channels 2b, 2c each open into the area of ​​their respective pumping chambers 27, 28, in which the volume of the pumping cells 29 increases during the rotation of the rotor 4. This causes fluid to be pumped or drawn through the first and second inlet channels 2b, 2c into the expanding pumping cell 29.

[0059] When the rotor 4 rotates, fluid, in particular liquid, is drawn through the channel 2b, 2c into the enlarging pumping cell 29 and transported to the area into which the outlet channel 3b, 3c opens, whereby the fluid is discharged from the then shrinking pumping cells 29 via the first outlet channel 3b or the second outlet channel 3c.

[0060] The pump insert 1 comprises at least one positioning element 6, in the example shown two positioned elements 6. The positioning elements 6 are pins or pin-shaped. The positioning element 6 is firmly anchored in the first housing part 2. The first housing part 2 has a blind bore 2a into which the pin-shaped positioning element 6 is pressed with one end.

[0061] The pin-shaped positioning element 6 positions the second housing part 3 and the hub ring 12 with respect to their angular positions about the axis of rotation D relative to the first housing part 2. The second housing part 3 and the hub ring 12 have recesses, through-holes, bores, or elongated slots, preferably with radial extension, through which the positioning element 6 extends. In the example shown, the hub ring 12 has a bore 12a for the first positioning element 6 and another bore 12a for the second positioning element 6. The second housing part 3 has a through-hole through which the positioning element 6 extends. The positioning element 6 projects with its pin-shaped second end beyond the end face facing away from the pump chamber 26. This projecting section of the positioning element 6 has a recess, such as an annular groove 6a, or at least a portion thereof, extending over the circumference of the positioning element 6.A locking or fastening element 5a of the spring 5 is arranged in the recess 6a, which is attached to the positioning element 6 or in the annular groove 6a, in particular by force-fit and / or form-fit. The fastening element 5a prevents the first housing part 2, the second housing part 3, and the lifting ring 12 from axially falling apart, or in other words, prevents the second housing part 3 and the lifting ring 12 from being pulled away from the positioning element 6. This also ensures that the spring 5 is securely attached to the pump insert 1, in particular to the positioning elements 6.

[0062] The pump shaft 10 is rotatably mounted on the first and second housing parts 2, 3, in particular by means of a plain bearing in each case. As an alternative to a pump shaft 10 supported at both ends, it can operate without the bearing in the second housing part 3 or only with the bearing in the first housing part 2, especially if the pump unit 1 is double-stroke, i.e., has two delivery chambers 27, 28 opposite each other with respect to the axis of rotation D. The forces caused by the pressures in the delivery chambers 27, 28 transverse to the axis of rotation D can, as a result, approximately cancel each other out.

[0063] Between the section of the pump shaft 10 rotatably mounted in the second housing part 3 and the section of the pump shaft 10 rotatably mounted on the first housing part 2, an external structure, such as external teeth on the pump shaft 10, is formed. This external structure engages with a corresponding internal structure, in particular internal teeth on the rotor 4, to form a shaft-hub connection 30. The outer diameter of the external structure of the pump shaft 10 is larger than the diameter of the section of the pump shaft 10 that is mounted in the first housing part 2 and / or in the second housing part 3. The pump shaft 10 is axially fixed between the first and second housing parts 2, 3, meaning that displacement of the pump shaft 10 along or in the direction of the axis of rotation D in either direction is essentially impossible.For this purpose, the outer diameter of the sections of the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 3, which support the pump shaft 10, is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer structure of the pump shaft 10.

[0064] The first housing part 2 has an annular pocket on its end face facing away from the pump chamber 26, in which a shaft seal 11 is arranged. The shaft seal 11 is fixed to the first housing part 2 in a rotationally fixed manner and forms a sealing gap with the pump shaft 10. The shaft seal 11 seals the pump chamber 26 to the outside.

[0065] The end of the pump shaft 10 opposite the end located in the area of ​​the spring 5 has an outer contour for a shaft-hub connection 30 with a drive gear, in particular a gear 21, especially a sprocket. The gear 21 is fixed against rotation on the pump shaft 10. The gear 21 can be driven by a chain, which in turn is driven by, for example, a crankshaft or another shaft that may be connected to, for example, a vehicle engine. For its attachment to the pump shaft 10, the gear 21 has, for example, an internal thread by which it is screwed to a shoulder on the pump shaft 10 via an external thread. An anti-rotation device mounted on the shaft 10 secures the gear 21 against unintentional loosening. Alternatively, the drive gear 21 can be joined to or attached to the pump shaft 10 by means of a press fit or other connection methods.

[0066] In the examples shown, the pump insert 1 is inserted into a pot-shaped receiving housing 20, such as a housing pot ( Figure 1 The receiving housing 20 has a circumferential wall 20d which surrounds one of the pump inserts 1 shown herein. Furthermore, the receiving housing 20 has an end wall 20c which is monolithically connected to the circumferential wall 20d, with the spring 5 being supported on the end wall 20c, in particular axially, i.e. in the direction of the axis of rotation D.

[0067] The pump insert 1 is held between the end wall 20c and an axial locking element, such as a screw, an axial locking ring, or a cover, such that the spring 5 is or remains under tension, in particular under or remaining under pressure. In particular, the axial locking element can bear against the first housing part 2 and / or hold the first housing part 2 against displacement along or in the direction of the axis of rotation D on the receiving housing 20.

[0068] Between the end wall 20c and a second seal 8, which is arranged in an annular groove formed on the outer circumference of the second housing part 3 and which forms a sealing gap with the circumferential wall 20d, the first pressure chamber 23b is formed, into which the fluid (liquid) pumped by the pump is conveyed. The pressure chamber 23b is in turn connected by means of a channel (not shown) to a fluid consumer, such as a lubricant consumer, in particular a gearbox. An annular seal 9 is arranged between the end wall 20c and the second housing part 3, which surrounds the second pressure chamber 23c in an annular manner and seals it with respect to the first pressure chamber 23b. The seal 9 thus forms a wall of the first pressure chamber 23b and the second pressure chamber 23c. The fluid pumped by the pump is conveyed into the second pressure chamber 23c. The second pressure chamber 23c is again connected to a fluid consumer, such as a pump, via a channel (not shown).connected to a lubricant consumer.

[0069] The seal 9 is arranged in a sealing groove or a sealing pocket of the second housing part 3, which annularly surrounds one end of the second outlet channel 3c, the base of the groove or pocket forming a sealing surface for the seal 9. The wall of the groove or pocket surrounding the seal annularly is spaced from the end wall 20c at a distance that is less than the height of the seal 9, in particular less than the height of the first ring 9a, which is described below. The first ring 9a, in particular its material, and / or the smaller gap width between the wall and the end wall 20c prevent gap extrusion of the seal 9. Gap extrusion can also be prevented by a support structure within the seal 9.

[0070] A suction chamber 24 is formed between the second seal 8 and the first seal 7, which is arranged in an annular groove on the outer circumference of the first housing part 2 and forms a sealing gap with the circumferential wall. Fluid is conveyed from this suction chamber 24 via the first delivery chamber 27 and the second delivery chamber 28 into the first pressure chamber 23b and the second pressure chamber 23c, respectively. The suction chamber 24 can be connected, for example, by means of a channel to a reservoir for the fluid, into which, for example, the fluid consumed by the user can flow back. As the fluid is conveyed, the pressure in the pressure chambers 23b and 23c increases with increasing rotational speed. This causes the second housing part 3, in addition to the spring preload, to clamp the piston ring 12 firmly between the first and second housing parts 2 and 3. This seals the first and second housing parts 2 and 3 and the piston ring 12 against each other.The connection between the axial locking element and the first housing part 2 is sufficiently strong to withstand the axial force on the axial locking element, such as that caused by the pressure in the pressure chambers 23b, 23c, i.e., it will not loosen. In the example shown, the axial locking element is a housing cover attached to the receiving housing 20, against which the first housing part 2 is axially supported.

[0071] Suitable springs 5 ​​include, for example, a suitably designed wave spring, a multi-waved spring washer, a coil or arc spring, a grooved ring spring, a metal O-ring, or a metal C-ring. If the spring 5 is to be attached to the positioning elements 6, the spring may have fastening elements 5a for attaching it to the positioning elements 6.

[0072] In Figure 4A first embodiment of a spring 5, designed as a corrugated ring spring, is shown. The corrugated ring spring 5 has an annular spring structure 5b which is corrugated around its circumference, i.e., it has several waves, i.e., wave crests and wave troughs. The wave crests can, for example, bear against the end wall 20c and the wave troughs against the second housing part 3. The wave height extends approximately parallel to the axis of rotation D. The spring 5 is made of a flat material, in particular by stamping. The spring 5 has several, here two, fastening elements 5a on its circumference in the form of recesses open towards the inner circumference, which can be arranged in the annular groove 6a of a positioning element 6. The thickness of the flat material of the spring 5 is less than the groove width of the annular groove 6a. The spring 5 made of Figure 5 is identical in this respect to spring 5 from Figure 4 The spring 5 from Figure 4It also features several inwardly projecting protrusions on its inner circumference. This allows the stress distribution within the spring to be more consistent during deformation, and the spring preload and spring rate to be adjusted to the requirements.

[0073] The spring 5 from Figure 6 essentially corresponds to the version from Figure 5 , wherein the spring structure 5b is made of Figure 6 more waves than the embodiment from Figure 5 exhibits, i.e., is more strongly corrugated. In addition, the spring structure 5b has a positioning element 5e which can engage in a corresponding recess of the second housing part 3 in order to attach the spring 5 correctly to the fastening elements 6.

[0074] Figure 7Figure 5 shows an annular spring 5 which has several tubular sections 5f around its circumference, in this example two tubular sections 5f. A fastening element 5a and, in particular, a flat section 5g, in which the fastening element 5a is formed, are arranged between adjacent tubular sections 5f. The fastening element 5a is a recess open towards the inner circumference of the ring. The thickness of the flat section 5g is less than the groove width of the annular groove 6a of the positioning element 6. The flat section 5g can be formed by compressing and plastically deforming a previously continuous tubular section 5f. In the example shown, there are two fastening elements 5a and thus two flat sections 5g. Furthermore, the spring 5 has two tubular sections 5f, which are each connected at their ends by a flat section 5g, which is provided with a fastening element 5a.

[0075] The embodiment from Figure 8 shows a spring 5, which is identical to the spring from Figure 7 is, with the exception of the design of the tubular sections 5f. The design from Figure 8 It features C-shaped sections 5h instead of a tubular section 5f. Otherwise, the design is based on... Figure 7 The C-shaped sections 5h each have a contour open in cross-section, namely a slot that extends over the circumference, in particular the inner circumference, of the annular spring structure.

[0076] The springs 5 ​​or spring structures 5b from the Figures 4 to 8 are preferably made of metal, in particular spring steel. Additionally, the springs 5 ​​can be coated or overmolded, in particular with a plastic, such as a polymer, elastomeric or thermoplastic material, or with a lacquer.

[0077] Figure 9Figure 1 shows an annular seal 9 comprising a first sealing ring 9a made of a first material and a second sealing ring 9b made of a second material. The first ring 9a and the second ring 9b can be integrally or integrally joined to one another, in particular by a material bond. The first ring 9a provides stability to the annular seal 9, while the second ring 9b primarily ensures the sealing function. Reference can be made here to EP 0 417 089 A2, which describes such integral sealing rings. Suitable materials for the first ring 9a include plastic, in particular a thermoplastic or thermoplastics, which can be selected with the necessary properties. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is particularly suitable, and its core strength can be further increased by embedded fibers, for example, glass fibers, so that the axial seal can withstand considerable pressures.Furthermore, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE) is a suitable material for the first ring, especially since this material is easy to process. Polyterephthalate is also well-suited for the intended purpose, as it vulcanizes well with the sealing ring. Polyamides, with or without glass fiber reinforcement, are also suitable for the intended purpose. The second ring 9b is preferably made of a plastic, in particular an elastomeric or rubber-elastic material, or elastomer, which is preferably easy to vulcanize, does not crack, and does not exhibit high notch sensitivity. The listed materials apply in particular, but not exclusively, to the embodiments described in the [references / documents]. Figures 10 , 11 , 15 and 16 , but can be used, for example, for all embodiments shown or described in the present application.

[0078] In Figure 9The first ring 9a has a V-shaped groove running along its circumference. A counterpart formed by the second ring, adapted to this groove shape, is arranged in the groove and is connected to the first ring 9a in the groove, in particular by vulcanization or bonding.

[0079] In Figure 10 The first ring 9a also has a V-shaped groove extending over its circumference, while the second ring 9b is an O-ring with a circular cross-section. The second ring 9b is also arranged in the V-shaped groove and is, in particular, metallurgically bonded to the first ring 9a. In the embodiment shown Figure 11 The first ring 9a has a flat surface facing the second ring 9b, on which the O-ring-shaped second ring 9b rests and to which the second ring 9b is bonded.

[0080] Figure 15Figure 1 shows a first ring 9a, which has a step around its annular circumference in which the second ring 9b, designed as an O-ring, is received. The second ring 9b is bonded to the first ring 9a. Optionally, the second ring 9b is loosely inserted into the first ring 9a, in particular into the step-shaped recess.

[0081] The end face of the seal opposite the end face formed by the second ring 9b has at least one groove circumferentially around the annular circumference of the first ring 9a. The groove is enclosed by a first circumferential, in particular inner, groove wall 9c and a second circumferential, in particular outer, groove wall 9d.

[0082] The first groove wall 9c is continuous around its circumference and is supported by its sealing surface, thus sealing the first pressure chamber 23b from the second pressure chamber 23c. The second groove wall 9d has several recesses around its circumference, which make it permeable to liquid, so that only the first groove wall 9c seals. The second groove wall 9d serves to support the seal against the sealing surface, preventing the seal 9 from tilting.

[0083] Alternatively, the second groove wall 9d can be continuous around the circumference and the first groove wall 9c can be provided with the multiple recesses, whereby the above description can be applied analogously to this design. Thus, the second groove wall 9d can primarily serve for sealing and the first groove wall 9c primarily for support.

[0084] Figure 16Figure 1 shows a seal 9, which consists of only one ring, such as the material for the aforementioned first ring 9a or the aforementioned second ring 9b, depending on the expected pressure difference between the first pressure chamber 23b and the second pressure chamber 23c. An end face of the seal is designed with a sealing lip having an inclined inner surface. This lip is inclined such that internal pressure in the second pressure chamber 23c exerts a force on the sealing lip, which presses at least partially against the sealing surface of the second housing part 3 or the end wall 20c. A plurality of recesses, extending, for example, along the height of the seal 5 or in the direction of the axis of rotation D, are arranged on the inner circumference.are open towards the inner circumference to ensure that the sealing lip, even if it is deformed in the mounted state of the pump insert 1 in the receiving housing 20, is pressurized with fluid from the second pressure chamber 23c to press it against its sealing surface, which is formed, for example, by the second housing part 3. The end face of the seal 9 opposite the sealing lip can be flat or even, or as shown in . Figure 15 be designed.

[0085] Figure 12 shows an annular seal 9 comprising a first ring 9a made of the aforementioned first material, alternatively of metal, in particular steel, which is substantially completely coated or overmolded over its surface with plastic, in particular the elastomeric or rubber-elastic or thermoplastic material, thereby forming a second ring 9b.

[0086] Figure 13Figure 1 shows an annular seal 9, which has a first ring 9a designed as an annularly circulating tube. The ring 9a can, for example, be made of a metallic spring material, in particular spring steel, as an alternative to the materials mentioned for the first ring 9a. The annularly circulating tube 9a can have a closed wall or, for example, be wound from a helical spring.

[0087] The first ring 9a is coated or overmolded with plastic, in particular an elastomeric, rubber-elastic, or thermoplastic material, over its outer circumference, thereby forming a second ring 9b that surrounds the first ring 9a. The tube 9a made of Figure 13 It can thus act as a spring and the coating or overmolding 9b as a seal 9. The same applies analogously to the version made of Figure 14 .

[0088] The execution from Figure 14Figure 1 shows a first ring 9a formed from a slotted tube or a C-shaped profile, which forms a closed ring. The slot of the C-shaped profile or the slotted tube 9a faces inwards and thus towards the second pressure chamber. The outer circumference of the first ring 9a is coated or overmolded with plastic, in particular an elastomeric, rubber-elastic, or thermoplastic material, resulting in a second ring 9b that at least partially surrounds the first ring 9a.

[0089] In the Figure 19 An embodiment of a spring 5 is shown, which is combined with a seal 9 and in the Figure 17 and 18 shown in connection with pump insert 1.

[0090] The spring 5 from Figure 19The spring structure 5b has an annular spring structure with a first spring structure ring 5k, which extends concentrically around the axis of rotation D. The spring structure 5b is made of metal, in particular steel, which gives the spring 5 its essential spring property in the direction of the axis of rotation D. The annular spring structure 5b has several arms 5d projecting inwards from the first spring structure ring 5k and distributed around its circumference, the inwardly projecting ends of which are freely extending. The arms 5c each have a contact surface 5d with which they bear against the end wall 20c. The underside of the first spring structure ring 5k of the spring structure 5b rests against the second housing part 3 in the area that is arranged in axial alignment with the hub ring 12 in the direction of the axis of rotation D. The first spring structure ring 5k has two fastening elements 5a, which are formed as through recesses, such as bores or elongated holes.The bore or slot is surrounded, at least over part of its circumference, by a wall which has a thickness extending along or in the direction of the axis of rotation D that is smaller than the groove width of the annular groove 6a of the positioning element 6. This allows part of this wall to snap into the annular groove 6a, thereby securing the spring 5 to the at least one positioning element 6 in a captive manner. For example, the spring structure ring 5k can be elastically compressed or expanded along an imaginary connecting line between the two fastening elements 5a to allow the positioning elements 6 to be inserted into the through recesses of the fastening elements 5a, and, upon release, to allow part of the wall to snap into the annular groove 6a.

[0091] The spring structure 5b has a second spring structure ring 5j, which surrounds the second pressure chamber 23c in an annular manner. Furthermore, the spring structure 5b has a third spring structure ring 5i, which extends around the axis of rotation D and is arranged within the first spring structure ring 5k, from which the arms 5d project. At least the second spring structure ring 5j, preferably and if present also the third spring structure ring 5i, and optionally also the first spring structure ring 5k, are coated or overmolded with plastic, in particular the elastomeric, rubber-elastic, or thermoplastic material, at least partially or completely, such that at least the ends of the second ring, which includes the second spring structure ring 5j, and of the third ring, which includes the third spring structure ring 5i, that point in the direction of the axis of rotation D are formed with a surface made of plastic, in particular the elastomeric, rubber-elastic, or thermoplastic material.Furthermore, the elastomeric, rubber-elastic, or thermoplastic material separates the second pressure chamber 23c from the first pressure chamber 23b. The second ring, with its overmolding or coating, can thus be defined as a seal 9. The third ring, with its coating or overmolding, seals the bore of the second housing part 3, in which a section of the pump shaft 10 is arranged, against the first pressure chamber 23b and the second pressure chamber 23c. The overmolding or coating of the third ring is supported by the second housing part 3 and, on the opposite side, by the housing wall 20c. Reference symbol list

[0092] 1 Pump insert 2 First housing part 2a Recess, such as blind bore 2 Top inlet channel 2c Second inlet channel 3 Second housing part 3a Recess, such as through hole 3 Top outlet channel 3c Second outlet channel 4 Rotor 5 Spring 5a Fastening element 5b Spring structure 5c Arm 5d Contact surface 5e Positioning element 5f Tubular section 5g Flat section 5h Slotted tubular section 5id Third spring structure ring 5j Second spring structure ring 5k Third spring structure ring 6 Positioning element / pin 6a Recess, such as ring groove 7. First seal / sealing ring 8. Second seal / sealing ring 9. Sealing element / seal / sealing ring / axial seal 9a. First ring 9b. Second ring 9c. First groove wall 9d. Second groove wall 10. Pump shaft 11. Shaft seal 12. Third housing part / stroke ring 12a. Recess 13 wings 20 Receiving housing, such as housing pot 20c End wall 20d Circumferential wall 20e Opening 21 Gear, such as sprocket 23. First pressure chamber 23. Second pressure chamber 24. Suction chamber 25. Receiving chamber 26. Pump chamber 27. First conveying chamber 28. Second conveying chamber 29. Conveying cell 30 shaft-hub connection D-axis of rotation

Claims

1. A pump, comprising: an accommodating housing (20) which forms a cup-shaped accommodating space (25) comprising an end-facing wall (20c) and a circumferential wall (20d); and a pump insert (1) which is inserted into the accommodating space (25) as a unit which can be handled separately from the accommodating housing (20), wherein the pump insert (1) comprises: - a rotor (4); - a first housing part (2) and a second housing part (3), between which the rotor (4) is arranged such that it can be rotated about a rotational axis (R) and relative to the first and second housing part (2, 3); - a stroke ring (12) which surrounds the rotor (4) and is arranged between the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (3); and - at least one positioning element (6), in particular a pin-shaped positioning element, such as for example two positioning elements (6), positioning the second housing part (3) with respect to its angular position about the rotational axis (R) relative to the first housing part (2), characterised in that - the at least one positioning element (6) comprises a cavity (6a) with which a disc-shaped or annular securing element engages which prevents the second housing part (3) from being axially removed from the at least one positioning element (6), and - the pump insert (1) comprises a spring (5) which is fastened to the at least one positioning element (6).

2. The pump according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the spring (5) is connected to the at least one positioning element (6) in a positive fit, such that the spring (5) is held on the at least one positioning element (6).

3. The pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pump is a vane cell pump, wherein the rotor (4) preferably comprises slot-shaped guides in which delivery elements, in particular vanes (13), are accommodated such that they can be shifted radially with respect to the rotational axis (R).

4. The pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first housing part (2), the second housing part (3) and the stroke ring (12) enclose and delineate a pump chamber (26) in which the rotor (4) and the delivery elements are arranged.

5. The pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pump is embodied for supplying different consumers and / or in that the pump insert (1), in particular the second housing part (3), comprises a first outlet channel (3b) and a second outlet channel (3c) and the pump is embodied for embodying different pressure levels between the first outlet channel (3b) and the second outlet channel (3c).

6. The pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pump is embodied as a twin-stroke pump, and a first delivery chamber (27) and a second delivery chamber (28) are formed between the stroke ring (12) and the rotor (4), wherein the pump preferably comprises a first pressure space (23b) and a second pressure space (23c), wherein the first delivery chamber (27) is connected to the first pressure space (23b) via the first outlet channel (3b) of the pump insert (1), and the second delivery chamber (28) is connected to the second pressure space (23c) via the second outlet channel (3c) of the pump insert (1).

7. The pump according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the pump insert (1) comprises a first inlet channel (2b) for the first delivery chamber (27) and a second inlet channel (2c) for the second delivery chamber (28), wherein the first and second inlet channels (2b, 2c) port into a suction space (24) which is formed between the circumferential wall (20d) of the accommodating housing (20) and the stroke ring (12).

8. The pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one positioning element (6) is formed as a part which is separate from and anchored in the first housing part (2).

9. The pump according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the end of the at least one positioning element (6) which lies opposite the end anchored in the first housing part (2) protrudes out of the second housing part (3).

10. The pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cavity (6a) with which the securing element engages is an annular groove or a clearance groove.

11. The pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pump, in particular the pump insert (1), comprises a pump shaft (10) which is non-rotationally connected to the rotor (4) and mounted such that it can be rotated in the first housing part (2) and in a blind cavity of the second housing part (3).

12. The pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a seal (8), in particular a sealing ring, which is arranged between the accommodating housing (20) and the second housing part (3) seals off a pressure space, in particular the first pressure space (23b), which is formed between the end-facing wall (20c) and the second housing part (3), in relation to the suction space (24) which is formed between the circumferential wall (20d) and the stroke ring (12).

13. The pump according to the preceding claim, characterised in that a first seal (7), in particular a sealing ring, is arranged between the first housing part (2) and the accommodating housing (20) or the circumferential wall (20d) of the accommodating housing (20), wherein the suction space (24) is formed between the first seal (7) and the seal (8), wherein the first seal (7) is preferably arranged in an annular groove arranged on the outer circumference of the first housing part (2) and forms a sealing gap with the circumferential wall (20d).

14. The pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a sealing element (9) which is arranged between the second housing part (3) and the end-facing wall (20c) of the accommodating housing (20) annularly surrounds a pressure space, in particular the second pressure space (23c).

15. The pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one positioning element (6) extends through a cavity in the second housing part (3), in particular a transit bore, one of which is provided for each positioning element (6), and / or through a cavity in the stroke ring (12), in particular a bore or transit bore.

16. The pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pump is configured for supplying an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, and the accommodating housing (20) is formed by a transmission housing.