A lubricant sealed pump system, a lubricant reservoir and method of manufacture

Abstract

A lubricant sealed pump system is disclosed that comprises a lubricant sealed rotary vane pump configured to pump fluid from an inlet to an exhaust; and a lubricant reservoir for retaining lubricant and for supplying lubricant to and receiving fluid to be exhausted from the lubricant sealed rotary vane pump during operation of the lubricant sealed rotary vane pump. The lubricant reservoir comprises a plurality of outer walls and an inner compartment attached to at least one of the outer walls, the inner compartment being configured to receive and retain a filter for filtering lubricant from the fluid to be exhausted by the pump through the lubricant reservoir. One face of the lubricant reservoir comprises an opening for receiving said inner compartment, the lubricant reservoir having a cover for covering said opening.

Description

[0001] A LUBRICANT SEALED PUMP SYSTEM, A LUBRICANT RESERVOIR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The field of the invention relates to lubricant or oil sealed pumps and in particular embodiments to the lubricant reservoirs for such lubricant sealed pumps.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Pumps and in particular rotary vane pumps may operate with a lubricant such as oil providing both lubrication and sealing between the rotor and the stator of the pump.

[0006] A lubricant reservoir is associated with the pump as the source of lubricant and lubricant flows from the reservoir to the pump and fluid from the pump is exhausted through the reservoir via a mist filter within the reservoir that acts to remove small droplets of lubricant from the gas to be exhausted. Such lubricant reservoirs are conventionally formed in a single piece from aluminium and are made by metal sand casting. There are apertures in the reservoir walls for the inlet and outlet of lubricant and gases and for receiving the mist filter. There is generally a compartment to retain the mist filter and this adds to the cost and complexity of the casting.

[0007] It would be desirable to provide a lubricant reservoir for a lubricant sealed pump that is simpler to manufacture. It would also be desirable to provide a lubricant reservoir for such a system where access to the interior of the reservoir is facilitated. It would also be desirable for the reservoir to be able to maintain a pressure difference during operation of the pump.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] One aspect provides a lubricant sealed pump system comprising: a lubricant sealed rotary vane pump configured to pump fluid from an inlet to an exhaust; and a lubricant reservoir for retaining lubricant and for supplying lubricant to and receiving fluid to be exhausted from said lubricant sealed rotary vane pump during operation of said lubricant sealed rotary vane pump; said lubricant reservoir comprising: a plurality of outer walls formed in a single piece of metal,, said plurality of outer walls comprising a base and side walls; and an inner compartment formed as a separate component and mounted within said outer walls, said inner compartment being configured to receive a filter for filtering lubricant from said fluid to be exhausted by said pump through said lubricant reservoir; wherein one face of said lubricant reservoir comprises an opening for receiving said inner compartment, said side walls defining said opening; and said lubricant reservoir comprises a cover for covering said opening.

[0010] Conventionally, a lubricant reservoir for a lubricant sealed pump has been made by casting it in metal, generally in aluminium, such that it is a robust structure, able to withstand pressure differences between the pressure generated by the pump and atmosphere and being resistant to leaks. Lubricant reservoirs for lubricant sealed pumps have an inner compartment for receiving a filter for filtering lubricant droplets from gas exhausted from the pump. Forming a lubricant reservoir with an inner compartment by casting requires an inner core and makes the manufacturing process complex and expensive and may limit the casting process to sand casting.

[0011] To address this a lubricant sealed pump system is proposed with a lubricant reservoir in which the inner compartment for receiving and retaining a filter is formed as a separate component, in some cases from a different material, such as plastic. The outer walls are formed of a single piece of metal for robustness and resistance to leaks and there is an opening on one face to receive the inner compartment. The opening is defined by the side walls such that it extends across a whole face enabling the hollow interior of the box to be formed by a mould that can be slid out and re-used, rather than requiring it to be broken to remove it. Furthermore, it makes the interior of the reservoir easier to access and allows the inner compartment to be simply inserted and removed. The opening may be covered by an openable cover, in some embodiments a removable cover that is sealed closed.

[0012] In other embodiments, the inner compartment comprises the cover for covering an opening in said inner compartment for receiving said filter and for covering said opening in said lubricant reservoir.

[0013] The opening in the reservoir may be closed by a cover on the inner compartment that is configured to both close the inner compartment and the lubricant reservoir when the inner compartment is mounted to the reservoir.

[0014] The outer walls are formed from a single piece of metal, in some cases by extruding and in other embodiments the outer walls are formed by metal casting such as gravity casting, low pressure die casting or other types of casting.

[0015] Where casting is used, as the inner compartment is now a separate piece the outer walls of the lubricant reservoir can be cast without the requirement for an inner core and the inner compartment can be added to the reservoir once the reservoir has been manufactured thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the reservoir.

[0016] In some embodiments, the lubricant reservoir is a sealed container which when mounted to the pump is able to maintain and withstand a pressure difference generated by the pump. The reservoir may have a substantially rectangular cross section and have six walls or faces.

[0017] In some embodiments, the inner compartment may extend within the upper portion of the lubricant reservoir in some embodiments within the upper half.

[0018] The lubricant sealed rotary vane pump may be a compressor but in some embodiments the lubricant sealed rotary vane pump comprises a vacuum pump. The upper face of said lubricant reservoir consists of an opening. In some embodiments, said lubricant reservoir comprising an openable in some cases removable cover for covering said open face, while in others the open face may be closed by a cover on the inner compartment.

[0019] The reservoir comprises an opening to receive the inner compartment the opening comprising a whole face of the reservoir. This allows easy access to the filter and to the interior of the reservoir allowing it to be cleaned where required. An upper face makes the removal of the cover while lubricant remains within the reservoir simpler.

[0020] In some embodiments, said cover comprises a lubricant inlet for supplying lubricant to said lubricant reservoir.

[0021] In some embodiments there is a removable plug for selectively opening and closing said lubricant inlet.

[0022] It may be advantageous where the cover is on an upper surface of the reservoir to provide the cover with an inlet for supplying lubricant to the reservoir, which inlet may be closed with a plug to seal the reservoir during operation of the pump.

[0023] In some embodiments, said cover comprises at least one of: a handle for carrying or moving the pump; and a filter extraction means for replacing the filter.

[0024] It may be advantageous to provide the cover with a filter extracting device such that removing the cover may also remove the filter facilitating its cleaning and / or replacement. Alternatively, and / or additionally it may be advantageous for there to be a handle on the cover facilitating the portability of the pump.

[0025] In some embodiments, side walls of said inner compartment comprise a flange portion extending outwardly from said side walls at an upper surface of said side walls; and wherein side walls of said outer walls of said reservoir close to said opening are configured to support said flange portion of said inner compartment.

[0026] One way in which the inner compartment may be mounted within the reservoir in a simple manner that may also allow it to be effectively sealed to the reservoir is to have flanges extending outwardly from the side walls of the inner compartment such that it can be mounted to rest on the side walls of the outer walls of the reservoir. It may rest on the top of the side walls or in some embodiments, the side walls of the reservoirs may themselves have an outwardly extending portion such that it is mounted on this outwardly extended portion and in this case the cover may rest not on the inner compartment but on the upper side of the outwardly extending side walls of the lubricant reservoir.

[0027] As noted previously, the lubricant reservoir needs to be able to withstand the pressure difference generated by the pump and as such, where an inner compartment that is separate to the reservoir is used then sealing means that seal between the inner compartment and the reservoir may be used. In some cases where the inner compartment has a flange portion then sealing means may be used on one side, or in some cases, on both sides of the flange portion providing an effective seal both between the reservoir and the inner compartment and also between the inner compartment and cover. In this way, a lubricant reservoir with a removable cover and separable insert can be provided that is able to withstand pressure differences that a lubricant reservoir used in association with a lubricant sealed pump is required to withstand.

[0028] In some embodiments, said lubricant reservoir comprises an exhaust opening for exhausting gas from said lubricant reservoir; and a lower portion of said inner compartment comprises an outlet portion for exhausting gas and lubricant that have passed through said filter, said system further comprising a sealing means for sealing between said outlet portion and a passage in said reservoir said passage providing fluid flow paths towards said exhaust opening and a lubricant collection pot. In addition to sealing between the reservoir walls, the inner compartment may also seal to the exhaust of the lubricant reservoir thereby providing the required fluid flow from the pump through the filter to the exhaust. There may also be a lubricant collection pot for collecting lubricant that has passed through the filter and has coalesced to form larger droplets, the lubricant droplets dropping down into the collection pot.

[0029] In some embodiments the metal forming the outer walls is aluminium.

[0030] In some embodiments, said inner compartment comprises an inlet portion for receiving said fluid to be exhausted from said lubricant sealed rotary vane pump and an outlet portion for exhausting gas and outputting lubricant that has passed through a filtering portion of said filter, said inner compartment further comprising an excess pressure valve configured to provide a flow path between said inlet portion and said outlet portion bypassing said filtering portion of said filter in response to a pressure at said inlet rising above a predetermined level.

[0031] Having the inner compartment as a separate component through which the exhaust gas flows, allows the excess pressure valve which may conventionally have been in the cast metal portion of the reservoir to be in the separate inner compartment, which may facilitate its manufacture and replacement if required.

[0032] In some embodiments the lubricant sealed pump system comprises a filter within the inner compartment in some embodiments the lubricant sealed pump system has a single filter.

[0033] In some embodiments, said lubricant reservoir comprises a lubricant retaining portion and a pump engaging portion for attaching to said pump and for receiving said fluid to be exhausted from said pump, said pump engaging portion comprising a face for sealing with said pump, said face comprising an opening and surfaces surrounding said opening for receiving connecting means for attaching to said pump.

[0034] In some embodiments, said pump engaging portion comprises side walls, said side walls defining said opening.

[0035] The pumping engaging portion that is configured to attach and seal to the pump receives fluid to be exhausted from the pump. The fluid enters the lubricant reservoir through this portion and is channelled through the filter to remove droplets of lubricant prior to the gas being exhausted from the reservoir. The pumping engaging portion comprises side walls and an opening for sealing to the pump, the opening being defined by the side walls. This again allows this portion of the lubricant reservoir to be cast from a mould without the requirement for a core allowing the manufacture of the reservoir to be less expensive.

[0036] In some embodiments, said pump engaging portion further comprises support protrusions extending from a lower surface of said pump engaging portion, said support protrusions being configured to support said reservoir at a distance above a surface.

[0037] The pumping engaging portion may comprise surfaces for receiving connecting means for connecting to the pump and in some cases it may also comprise support protrusions extending from a lower surface that are configured to support the lubricant reservoir above a surface. Allowing the base of the lubricant reservoir to be mounted sightly raised above a surface due to feet extending from the base facilitates drainage when, for example, the oil in the reservoir needs to be changed.

[0038] In some embodiments, said pump engaging portion extends from a side wall of said lubricant retaining portion. In some embodiments, said inner compartment comprises a cover portion for covering said opening for receiving said filter, said cover portion being configured for covering an opening in said lubricant reservoir.

[0039] A further aspect provides a lubricant reservoir for a lubricant sealed pump system according to one aspect, said lubricant reservoir comprising: a lubricant retaining portion comprising a plurality of outer walls formed in a single piece of metal, said plurality of outer walls comprising a base and side walls; one face of said lubricant retaining portion comprising an opening for receiving an inner compartment, said side walls defining said opening; and a pump engaging portion formed as an open box type structure extending from one of said side walls of said lubricant retaining portion and comprising side walls defining an opening in a pump engaging face configured for sealing with said pump.

[0040] In some embodiments, said pump engaging portion comprises surfaces surrounding said opening in said pump engaging face for receiving connecting means for attaching said lubricant reservoir to pump.

[0041] In some embodiments, said pump engaging portion further comprises support protrusions extending from a lower surface of said pump engaging portion, said support protrusions being configured to support said reservoir at a distance above a surface.

[0042] A yet further aspect provides a method of manufacturing a lubricant reservoir according to a further aspect, said method comprising: forming a lubricant retaining portion of said lubricant reservoir as an open box type structure with a base wall and side walls, said side walls defining an opening; forming said pump engaging portion of said lubricant reservoir as an open box type structure with side walls extending from one of said side walls of said lubricant retaining portion, said side walls of said pump engaging potion defining an opening in a face configured for sealing with said pump; wherein said steps of forming said lubricant retaining portion and pump engaging portion comprise casting, such that said lubricant reservoir is formed as a single piece of metal.

[0043] In some embodiments, said method further comprises: inserting a separately formed inner compartment configured to receive a filter through said opening in said lubricant retaining portion such that said inner compartment is retained within said lubricant reservoir.

[0044] In some embodiments, said step of forming said open box type structure comprises casting said outer walls such that a side wall comprises an exhaust opening and a further side wall comprises said pump engaging portion and said exhaust opening comprises a fluid passage and lubricant collection pot associated therewith.

[0045] In some embodiments, said step of casting requires no cores to form hollow inner portions of said lubricant retaining and pump engaging portions.

[0046] In some embodiments said method further comprises mounting sealing means between said outlet portion for exhausting gas and lubricant that have passed through said filter and said fluid passage.

[0047] The lubricant reservoir may then be mounted to a lubricant sealed rotary vane pump for the lubricant sealed rotary vane pump system.

[0048] Further particular and preferred aspects are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

[0049] Where an apparatus feature is described as being operable to provide a function, it will be appreciated that this includes an apparatus feature which provides that function or which is adapted or configured to provide that function. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described further, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 shows a lubricant reservoir according to the prior art;

[0052] Figure 2 schematically shows a side view of a lubricant reservoir according to an embodiment;

[0053] Figure 3 schematically shows an end view of a lubricant reservoir according to an embodiment;

[0054] Figure 4 schematically shows a lubricant-sealed rotary vane pump with integral lubricant reservoir according to an embodiment;

[0055] Figure 5 schematically shows a lubricant-sealed rotary vane pump with integral lubricant reservoir according to a related example;

[0056] Figure 6 schematically shows a side view of a lubricant reservoir according to a further embodiment;

[0057] Figure 7 shows a flow diagram illustrating steps in a method according to an embodiment;

[0058] Figure 8 schematically shows a lubricant reservoir and how moulds may be removed to form it;

[0059] Figure 9 shows a lubricant reservoir according to an embodiment; and

[0060] Figure 10 shows a cover for a lubricant reservoir with a lubricant filling opening and plug.

[0061] DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0062] Before discussing the embodiments in any more detail, first an overview will be provided.

[0063] Figure 1 shows a lubricant reservoir 5 for a lubricant sealed rotary vane vacuum pump according to the prior art; lubricant reservoir 5 is formed of a cast metal casing and comprises an inner compartment 10 for holding a mist filter 20 for filtering small drops of lubricant from the gas flowing through the filter prior to the gas being exhausted via exhaust 40. The lower portion of the lubricant reservoir holds the lubricant 12 and during operation of the pump gas flows through port 15 that connects with the pump into the inner compartment 10 and through an inner channel in the mist filter 20. The gas will pass through the filtering portion 22 where the small drops will amass and drop out as larger droplets and pass back via oil collection port 50 into the bottom of reservoir 5 joining the rest of the lubricant 12. The gas with the droplets substantially removed will then pass out through exhaust 40. If the filter 20 becomes clogged and blocked the pressure will rise within the filter 20 and when it reaches a certain value the excess pressure valve 30 that is within the metal casing of the reservoir 5 will open and the unfiltered gas will be output through exhaust 40. The lower portion of this figure shows the lubricant reservoir from the outside and shows the cast nature and single block form of the reservoir.

[0064] Figure 2 shows a lubricant reservoir 5 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, lubricant reservoir 5 has an upper inner compartment 10 that is formed as a separate component of a plastic material and is mounted within the metal walls 8 of the reservoir. These metal walls are in this embodiment formed by casting and in some cases by metal sand casting as in the lubricant reservoir of the prior art. However as there is no internal compartment this can be done without the requirement for a core to define the inner compartment and thus, manufacture can be simpler and cheaper. Furthermore, this cast lubricant reservoir is not formed as a sealed block but rather as an open box type container with a lid 60 that is mounted on the side walls 8 of the container and sealed to them. In other embodiments, the lid may seal to an upper flange 11 of the inner compartment.

[0065] In some embodiments, the plastic inner compartment 10 comprises a flange 11 which extends between the side walls 8 and the lid 60. There may be sealing means not shown on either side of the flange 11 providing an effective seal between the edge of the side walls and the inner compartment and between the inner compartment and the lid 60. Although not shown, the lid 60 may comprise a handle and / or a retaining means for retaining the filter 20, such that on removal of the lid, the filter will be removed too.

[0066] In this embodiment, the plastic inner compartment 10 comprises the excess pressure valve 30 for providing an escape route for gas flowing into the filter where the filtering portion 22 becomes clogged and pressure within the filter increases. In this embodiment, the cast aluminium portion of the reservoir 5 comprises an exhaust 40 and a lubricant collection pot 50 that collect the larger oil drops that exit the inner compartment and returns them to the base of the lubricant reservoir. There is a port 15 that provides communication between the pump and the lubricant reservoir and from which lubricant can flow to the pump and out of which comes the pumped gas see arrow A. This gas will contain some vapourised droplets of lubricant, which gas and droplets will then flow into the inlet 21 of the mist filter see arrow B, and through the filtering portion 22 to exhaust 40 see arrow C. Were the filtering portion to become blocked, the excess pressure valve 30 will open and the fluid will go directly to the exhaust 40. Lubricant filtered from the gas will collect as droplets and flow see arrow D to lubricant collection pot 50 whereupon it will drop back into the reservoir.

[0067] Figure 3 shows a side view of a lubricant reservoir 5 comprising oil or lubricant 12 and mist filter 22. In this embodiment, the port 15 that communicates with the pump is shown and it can be seen how lubricant could flow into the pump and gas out. The mist filter 20 within the upper portion of the lubricant reservoir is also shown and this is held within an inner compartment 10 that in this embodiment is formed of plastic and is mounted via flange 11 on the upper side walls of the reservoir. In some embodiments, these side walls 8 will have an enlarged portion such that they extend out and around the inner compartment so that the lid or container cover 60 is mounted on the upper surface of the side walls and there is a sealing means between the upper surface of the inner compartment 10 and the lower surface of the cover 60 and the lower surface of the flange 11 of the inner compartment 10 and the upper surface of the side walls 8. Figure 4 schematically shows a rotary vane lubricant sealed pump 100 according to an embodiment comprising a rotor shaft 110 and sliding rotary vanes 120. The rotor comprising the shaft and vanes is configured to rotate within stator 130 to pump gas from an inlet 107 to an outlet 105, the outlet 105 communicating with a port into the lubricant reservoir 5, the gas entering the reservoir passes through the mist filter 20 and out through an exhaust not shown.

[0068] The lubricant reservoir 5 comprises a removable or openable cover 60 which in this embodiment covers an opening in the upper surface of the reservoir 5.

[0069] Figure 5 shows an alternative example to that of Figure 4 where the removable cover 60 of the lubricant reservoir 5 is on a side wall rather than an upper wall.

[0070] Figure 6 shows a side view of the lubricant reservoir 5 similar to that shown in Figure 2 but showing a filter retaining means 62 on cover 60 and showing the various sealing means. Filter retaining means 62 are adapted to cooperate with latch protrusions 24 extending from an upper surface of the filter 20 and allowing it to be held by cover 60 and removed with the cover. This can facilitate replacement of the filter.

[0071] The filter inlet 21 is sealed to the inner compartment at the inlet portion 18 of the inner compartment. Sealing means 27 seals between the inlet portion 18 of the inner compartment 10 and the filter inlet 21 such that gas travels via the filter into the inner compartment.

[0072] There is also a sealing means 29 for sealing between the outlet portion 19 of the inner compartment 10 and the lubricant reservoir 5 at the portion comprising the exhaust 40 and the lubricant collection pot 50, so that gas passing through the filter is impeded from leaking back into the lubricant reservoir but rather passes to exhaust 40. This figure also shows the two sealing means 28a and 28b between the flange 11 of the inner compartment and the walls 8 of the lubricant reservoir and the cover 60 respectively. In this embodiment cover 60 seals to and is part of the inner compartment and is formed of the same material that is plastic. In other embodiments cover 60 is formed of metal and seals to the outer walls 8 of the lubricant reservoir.

[0073] Figure 6 also shows a lubricant receiving channel 64 which extends through the cover 60 and is sealed by plug 65. This channel can be used for supplying the reservoir with lubricant as required.

[0074] Figure 7 shows a flow diagram illustrating steps in a method according to an embodiment.

[0075] In an initial step S10 the open box type structure that will form the basis of the lubricant retaining portion of the reservoir and the open box type structure forming the basis of the pump engaging portion may be formed using metal casting. The portions may be formed in aluminium. The pump engaging portion of the lubricant reservoir may be formed as an open box type structure extending from one of the side walls of said lubricant retaining portion.

[0076] An inner compartment for holding a filter may then be mounted within the open box type structure at step S20. It may be mounted to the outer walls using sealing means. A cover may then be mounted via sealing means to the open box at step S30 to form a closed reservoir. In some cases the sealing means sealing the cover to the reservoir may lie beteem the walls of the open box type structure and the cover, while in others it may lie between a flange on the inner compartment and the cover. The lubricant reservoir may then be mounted to the lubricant sealed rotary vane pump at step S40. It should be noted that the step S40 may be performed before either of steps S20 or S30. A method for replacing the filter is also disclosed where a step of removing the cover is performed. In some cases, this removes the filter, while in others an additional step of removing the filter will be performed. A replacement filter can then be mounted to the cover or directly in the inner compartment where there is no filter retaining means on the cover and the cover can then be secured to the walls of the lubricant reservoir. In some cases the sealing means between the inner compartment and the cover and the outer walls and the inner compartment may also be replaced when the filter is replaced.

[0077] Figure 8 schematically shows a lubricant reservoir according to an embodiment lying on its side. Lubricant reservoir 15 comprises a lubricant retaining portion 6 having a gas exhaust opening 40 and a pump engaging portion 16 extending from a side wall of the lubricant retaining portion 6 and having an open face 15 that is substantially perpendicular to the open face of the lubricant retaining portion 6.

[0078] The Figure schematically shows how the lubricant reservoir may be formed using casting with three different moulds or slides, and without the requirement for cores. The arrows represent how the moulds or slides can be removed following manufacture. They can be slid out of position with no need to break them as would be the case if either of the openings had a smaller cross section than the side walls forming the openings. The moulds may then be re-used to form a further reservoir. In this embodiment there are three moulds that are removed in directions that are substantially perpendicular to each other leaving the reservoir shape with the hollow portions. This is possible as the open faces are as large as or larger in cross section than the cross section of the hollow interior portion that they open into.

[0079] Figure 9 shows a lubricant reservoir 5 with the lubricant retaining portion 6 and the pumping engaging portion 16 extending from a side wall of the retaining portion. The pumping engaging portion 16 has an opening 15 in the face that seals with the pump. On the surfaces surrounding the opening there are attaching points 17 for cooperating with connecting means to connect the reservoir in a sealed manner to the pump. There are also feet 14 extending from a lower surface of the pump engaging portion that help maintain the reservoir at a height above the surface facilitating the draining and the replacement of lubricant if required. There are also corresponding feet 14 extending from the lubricant retaining portion 6.

[0080] Figure 10 schematically shows the plug 65 sealing a lubricant receiving or inlet channel in a cover 60 that seals the lubricant reservoir.

[0081] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0082] REFERENCE SIGNS

[0083] 5 lubricant reservoir

[0084] 6 lubricant retaining portion

[0085] 8 side walls

[0086] 10 inner compartment

[0087] 11 flange

[0088] 12 lubricant

[0089] 14 feet

[0090] 15 port between reservoir and pump

[0091] 16 pump engaging portion

[0092] 17 connection pointsl 8 inlet portion

[0093] 19 outlet portion

[0094] 20 filter

[0095] 21 filter inlet

[0096] 22 filtering portion of filter

[0097] 24 latch

[0098] 27 sealing means

[0099] 28a, b sealing means

[0100] 29 sealing means

[0101] 30 excess pressure valve

[0102] 40 exhaust

[0103] 50 lubricant collection pot

[0104] 60 removable cover

[0105] 62 filter retaining means

[0106] 64 lubricant receiving channel

[0107] 65 Plug

[0108] 100 lubricant sealed pump

[0109] 105 pump outlet

[0110] 107 pump inlet

[0111] 110 rotor shaft

[0112] 120 rotor blades

[0113] 130 stator

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A lubricant sealed pump system comprising: a lubricant sealed rotary vane pump configured to pump fluid from an inlet to an exhaust; and a lubricant reservoir for retaining lubricant and for supplying lubricant to and receiving fluid to be exhausted from said lubricant sealed rotary vane pump during operation of said lubricant sealed rotary vane pump; said lubricant reservoir comprising: a plurality of outer walls formed in a single piece of metal,, said plurality of outer walls comprising a base and side walls; and,an inner compartment formed as a separate component and mounted within said outer walls, said inner compartment being configured to receive a filter for filtering lubricant from said fluid to be exhausted by said pump through said lubricant reservoir; wherein one face of said lubricant reservoir comprises an opening for receiving said inner compartment, said side walls defining said opening; and said lubricant reservoir comprises a cover for covering said opening.

2. A lubricant sealed pump system according to claim 1 , wherein said inner compartment is formed of plastic.

3. A lubricant sealed pump system according to any preceding claim, wherein said cover comprises at least one of: at least one handle for use in moving the pump system; a filter retaining means for retaining said filter.

4. A lubricant sealed pump system according to any preceding claim, wherein said one face of said lubricant reservoir comprises an upper face.

5. A lubricant sealed pump system according to claim 4, wherein said cover comprises a lubricant inlet for supplying lubricant to said lubricant reservoir.

6. A lubricant sealed pump system according to claim 5, further comprising a removable plug for selectively opening and closing said lubricant inlet.

7. A lubricant sealed pump system according to any preceding claim, said lubricant reservoir comprising a lubricant retaining portion and a pump engaging portion for attaching to said pump and for receiving said fluid to be exhausted from said pump, said pump engaging portion comprising a face for sealing with said pump, said face comprising an opening and surfaces surrounding said opening for receiving connecting means for attaching to said pump.

8. A lubricant sealed pump according to claim 7, wherein said pump engaging portion comprises side walls, said side walls defining said opening.

9. A lubricant sealed pump according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said pump engaging portion further comprises support protrusions extending from a lower surface of said pump engaging portion, said support protrusions being configured to support said reservoir at a distance above a surface.

10. A lubricant sealed pump according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein said pump engaging portion extends from a side wall of said lubricant retaining portion.

11. A lubricant sealed pump system according to any preceding claim, wherein said inner compartment comprises said cover for covering an opening in said inner compartment for receiving said filter and said opening in said lubricant reservoir.

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

13. A lubricant reservoir according to claim 12, wherein said pump engaging portion comprises surfaces surrounding said opening in said pump engaging face for receiving connecting means for attaching said lubricant reservoir to pump.

14. A lubricant reservoir according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said pump engaging portion further comprises support protrusions extending from a lower surface of a lower side wall of said pump engaging portion, said support protrusions being configured to support said reservoir at a distance above a surface.

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

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

17. A method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said step of forming said open box type structure comprises casting said outer walls such that a side wall comprises an exhaust opening and a further side wall comprise said pump engaging portion and said exhaust opening comprises a fluid passage and lubricant collection pot associated therewith.

18. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein said step of casting requires no cores to form hollow inner portions of said lubricant retaining and pump engaging portions.

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