Pump System

Abstract

A pump assembly including a shell, an inner casing adapted to pass a fluid therethrough, and an electric motor includes a stator and a rotor defined by a hollow body with a blade assembly for propelling the fluid, and the shell and / or inner casing can be configured to define a second fluid path around the inner casing. The inner casing can be configured to bypass fluid from the second fluid path to the interior of the inner casing for fluid contact with bearings at the ends of the rotor for cooling and lubrication. The inner casing can also be configured to receive the ends of the rotor with openings that include ring bearings that allow fluid flow through the bearings.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The entire disclosure of Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 202290269 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a pump and filter system.

[0003] The present invention is particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, conceived in conjunction with submersible in-line pumps and filter systems thereof. [Background technology]

[0004] The following discussion of the technical background is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. This discussion is not an admission or acknowledgement that any of the material referred to was or was part of the common general knowledge at the priority date of the application.

[0005] Pump systems adapted to operate immersed in a body of fluid require a complete sealing system to prevent fluid from entering the interior of the pump system.

[0006] Current pump systems, such as those used in swimming pools and ponds, have mechanical seals to prevent fluid from exiting the wetted end of the pump and, in the case of electric pumps, then potentially entering the bearings and motor.

[0007] All mechanical seals eventually fail due to normal wear and tear, typically due to weakening of the spring mechanism of the mechanical seal.

[0008] Furthermore, considering that the body of the pump system, which is immersed in the body of fluid, is completely sealed, heat (generated by the electric motor driving the fluid flow) remains trapped within the pump body and, over time, causes damage to the components that make up the pump system, such as bearings, seals, and electric motor.

[0009] Furthermore, the rotation of the rotor of the electric motor that drives the fluid flow is supported by bearings (such as flat rings that act as bearings or as antifriction bearings) that require constant lubrication and cooling. It has been difficult to provide a lubrication and cooling system for the pump that is fully immersed in the fluid during operation.

[0010] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed. Summary of the Invention

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pump assembly comprising a shell, an inner casing adapted to allow a fluid to pass therethrough, the inner casing comprising an interior space defining a first fluid path, and an electric motor disposed within the interior space and adapted for the fluid to traverse the electric motor for propulsion of the fluid, the electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor defined by a hollow body operatively connected to the stator for rotating the rotor during operation of the stator, the rotor comprising a blade assembly within the hollow body for rotation with the rotor for propulsion of the fluid across the pump assembly, and the shell and / or inner casing configured such that a second fluid path is defined around the inner casing for cooling the interior of the inner casing and the inner casing.

[0012] Preferably, the stator comprises a heat sink surrounding the stator.

[0013] Preferably, the heat sink includes fins that extend into the second fluid path.

[0014] Preferably, the heat sink is configured as cooling fins arranged in spaced apart relationship surrounding the stator.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pump assembly comprising a shell, an inner casing adapted to allow a fluid to pass therethrough, the inner casing comprising an interior space defining a first fluid path, and an electric motor disposed within the interior space and adapted for the fluid to traverse the electric motor for propulsion of the fluid across the electric motor, the electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor defined by a hollow body operatively connected to the stator for rotating the rotor during operation of the stator, the rotor comprising a blade assembly within the hollow body for rotation with the rotor for propulsion of the fluid across the pump assembly, the shell and / or inner casing configured such that a second fluid path is defined around the inner casing, the inner casing configured to divert a portion of the fluid in the second fluid path into the inner casing for fluid contacting bearings at the ends of the rotor for interaction therewith.

[0016] Preferably, the interaction includes lubrication and / or cooling of the bearing.

[0017] Preferably, the inner casing comprises a discharge section having a first inlet point and a first outlet point, and a suction section having a second inlet point and a second outlet point, the first inlet point and the second outlet point adapted to be joined to one another to define the inner casing.

[0018] Preferably, each of the sections includes a passageway longitudinally traversing each section to define a first fluid path.

[0019] Preferably, the discharge section includes a recess recessed into the first inlet point and the suction section includes a recess recessed into the second outlet point to define an interior space adapted to at least partially receive the electric motor when the discharge section and the suction section are joined together.

[0020] Preferably, the shell comprises a first jacket for receiving the discharge section and a second jacket for receiving the suction section, the first and second jackets adapted to be joined together to define the shell.

[0021] Preferably, the outer surface of each of the discharge and suction sections includes ribs disposed in spaced relation relative to one another around the outer surface.

[0022] Preferably, adjacent ribs define a plurality of second fluid paths, the second fluid paths having adjacent ribs as side walls and sections of the inner surface of the jacket located between adjacent ribs as a roof.

[0023] Preferably, the outer surface of the discharge section comprises a plurality of grooves, each groove extending longitudinally from a position adjacent a first exit point of the discharge section relative to a first entry point of the discharge section.

[0024] Preferably, an opening is provided adjacent the first exit point, the opening traversing the discharge section to allow fluid to flow therethrough.

[0025] Preferably, each groove has an open end at the periphery of the first entry point into the discharge section.

[0026] Preferably, each groove comprises a tube having a first end inserted into the opening for receiving fluid flowing through the pump body, the tube extending beyond the outer periphery of the first entry point to define a fluid pathway from the interior of the discharge section for delivering fluid to the suction section via the tube.

[0027] Preferably, the suction section comprises inlets arranged in spaced relation to each other around the periphery of the second exit point of the discharge section, the inlets adapted to receive an end section of a tube extending beyond the periphery of the first entry point of the discharge section.

[0028] Preferably, the recess in the suction section comprises a rim, the rim comprising a plurality of openings arranged in spaced relation to one another around the rim, each inlet being fluidly connected to a first opening via a passageway.

[0029] Preferably, the fluid exiting the first opening is delivered to the bearing for interaction with the bearing.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pump assembly comprising a shell, an inner casing adapted to allow a fluid to pass therethrough, the inner casing comprising an interior space defining a first fluid path, and an electric motor arranged within the interior space and adapted for the fluid to traverse the electric motor for propulsion of the fluid, the electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor defined by a hollow body operatively connected to the stator for rotating the rotor during operation of the stator, the rotor comprising a blade assembly within the hollow body for rotation with the rotor for propulsion of the fluid across the pump assembly from one end of the first fluid path to the other, the blade assembly being attached to an end of the inner casing.

[0031] In one configuration, the blade assembly is removably attached to one end of the body.

[0032] Preferably, the other end is provided with a rectifier.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pump assembly comprising a shell, an inner casing adapted to allow a fluid to pass therethrough, the inner space defining a first fluid path, and an electric motor disposed within the inner space and adapted for the fluid to pass across the electric motor for propulsion of the fluid, the electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor defined by a hollow body operatively connected to the stator for rotating the rotor during operation of the stator, the rotor comprising a blade assembly within the hollow body for rotation with the rotor for propulsion of the fluid across the pump assembly, the rotor comprising a hollow body having an outer surface facing an inner surface of the stator, the outer surface comprising at least one pocket adapted to receive at least one magnet.

[0034] Preferably, the pocket has an open end and is configured to slidably receive a magnet.

[0035] In a particular configuration, the exterior surface includes a plurality of pockets disposed in spaced relation to one another, each pocket including a curved magnet.

[0036] In certain configurations, there are at least four pockets for receiving magnets.

[0037] Preferably, there are at least four curved magnets.

[0038] In an alternative configuration, the pump assembly includes a discharge section incorporating an electric motor and a centrifugal outlet for receiving fluid exiting the discharge section and for discharging the fluid.

[0039] Preferably, the hollow body has an open end defining an outer periphery for receiving a bearing, such as a ceramic or ceramic / carbon fiber bearing.

[0040] In one configuration, a flow sensor may be provided within the jacket to detect any interruption of fluid flow within the pump assembly, which is particularly advantageous in certain configurations with carbon / ceramic bearings where the bearings need only operate while fluid flow is present.

[0041] Preferably, the outer periphery includes openings arranged in spaced relation to one another for receiving ballast for balancing the body of the rotor.

[0042] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pump assembly comprising a shell, an inner casing adapted to allow a fluid to pass therethrough, the inner casing comprising an interior space defining a first fluid path, and an electric motor arranged within the interior space and adapted for the fluid to traverse the electric motor for propulsion of the fluid, the electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor defined by a hollow body operatively connected to the stator for rotating the rotor during operation of the stator, the rotor comprising a blade assembly within the hollow body for rotation with the rotor for propulsion of the fluid across the pump assembly from one end of the first fluid path to the other, the hollow body having open ends to allow traversal of the fluid through the rotor, each end having a bearing to support rotation of the rotor within the inner casing.

[0043] Preferably, the inner casing includes opposing recesses for receiving ends of the rotor to support rotation of the rotor within the interior space.

[0044] Preferably, each recess includes a seal assembly for preventing fluid leakage from the interior space to an exterior of the interior space.

[0045] Preferably, the inner casing comprises a discharge section having a first inlet point and a first outlet point, and a suction section having a second inlet point and a second outlet point, the first inlet point and the second outlet point adapted to be joined to one another to define the inner casing.

[0046] Preferably, the discharge section and the suction section comprise recesses arranged opposite each other for receiving ends of a protective cylinder surrounding the rotor.

[0047] In one configuration, the seal assembly includes a flat gasket seated within a groove in the recess of each section, and a pair of spaced apart O-ring gaskets surrounding the ends of a protective cylinder received within the recess.

[0048] Preferably, each bearing abuts an end wall of a respective recess into which each end of the rotor is inserted.

[0049] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a filter unit comprising a body having a receiving section having an inlet and a first open end, and a discharge section having an outlet and a second open end and allowing fluid to flow through the body, the first open end and the second open end adapted to be joined together, the filter unit further comprising a filtration material sandwiched between the first open end and the second open end for extracting foreign matter from the fluid.

[0050] Preferably, the receiving section comprises a chamber for accommodating the foreign object.

[0051] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pump system comprising a pump assembly according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention and a filter unit according to the fifth aspect of the present invention fluidly connected to each other.

[0052] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for balancing a body adapted to rotate about its longitudinal axis, the body comprising first and second ends arranged in opposite spaced apart relationship to one another along the longitudinal axis, at least one of the first and second ends comprising an opening intended to extend longitudinally into a pump body, the method comprising: (a) introducing ballast into the opening; (b) rotating the body about its longitudinal axis to ensure proper balance of the body; repeating steps (a) and (b) until a suitable balance is achieved; Includes.

[0053] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a rotor operatively connected to a stator of an electric motor, the rotor comprising a body adapted to allow fluid flow through the body from one end of the body to the other, and a blade assembly secured to the rotor for propelling the fluid flow across the body of the rotor during rotation of the rotor, the blade assembly being attached to one of the ends of the body of the rotor.

[0054] Preferably, the other end is provided with a rectifier.

[0055] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric motor comprising a stator having a heat sink at least partially surrounding the stator, and a rotor for rotation within the stator, the rotor comprising a rotor according to the ninth aspect of the present invention.

[0056] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a centrifugal pump assembly comprising a shell having an interior space adapted to allow fluid flow from one end to the other, an impeller fluidly connected to the other end, and an electric motor disposed within the interior space and adapted to cause fluid to flow across the electric motor for propulsion of the fluid, the electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor operatively connected to the impeller and the stator for rotating the rotor during operation of the stator, the rotor comprising a blade assembly attached to the impeller for rotation with the rotor for propulsion of the fluid across the pump assembly, and the shell configured such that a fluid path is defined around the stator for cooling of the electric motor.

[0057] Preferably, the centrifugal pump assembly includes a centrifugal outlet attached to the other end of the shell for allowing fluid to exit the centrifugal pump assembly.

[0058] Further features of the present invention will be more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for purposes of illustrating the present invention and should not be understood as a limitation on the broad summary, disclosure, or description of the invention set forth above. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0059] [Figure 1] 1 is a side perspective view of a particular configuration of a pump assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a side perspective view of a particular configuration of a filter unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 3 is a side perspective view of a disassembled pump system including the pump assembly shown in FIG. 1 and the filter unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pump system shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the pump system shown in FIG. [Figure 6a] 2 is a perspective view of a particular configuration of a pump (in an open state) of the pump system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b is a front perspective view of the suction section of the pump shown in FIG. 6a. [Figure 7] 6b is a schematic perspective view of a particular configuration of rotors contained in the pump shown in FIG. 6a; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a particular configuration of a centrifugal pump system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view of a particular configuration of a rotor with an impeller housed in the centrifugal pump shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the discharge section of the centrifugal pump shown in FIG. 8 with the cover removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the suction section of the pump shown in FIG. 8, including an electric motor. [Figure 12]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the filter unit shown in FIG. 2 in an assembled state. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the filter unit shown in FIG. 2 in an exploded state. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one end of a particular configuration of a rotor for use in connection with the first and second embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the opposite end of the rotor shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is an enlarged side perspective view of the opposite end of the rotor shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 17] 15 is a perspective view of a particular configuration of the blade assembly of the rotor shown in FIG. 14. FIG. [Figure 18] 17 is a top perspective view of a particular configuration of a cover for the opposite end of the rotor shown in FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a particular configuration of the rotor shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 20] 1 illustrates a particular configuration of a seal assembly for a pump system. [Figure 21] 1 illustrates a particular configuration of a seal assembly for a pump system. [Figure 22] 1 illustrates a particular configuration of a seal assembly for a pump system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0060] The drawings depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of example only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods shown herein may be used without departing from the principles of the present invention as described herein.

[0061] 1 and 2 respectively show a particular configuration of a pump assembly 10 and a filter unit 12 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a pump system 14 in an exploded state, including the pump assembly 10 and the filter unit 12.

[0062] The pump assembly 10 is adapted to be immersed in a fluid and to propel the fluid contained therein to move the fluid from one location to another. Propulsion of the fluid occurs by the pump assembly 10 comprising a rotor assembly 16 (defined by a hollow body) housed within a passage 18 that traverses the pump assembly 10 from a discharge end 20 for receiving the fluid to a suction end 22, as shown in FIG. 4. The rotor assembly 16 comprises an electric motor 24 having a stator 25 within which is disposed a rotor 26 having a blade assembly 28 that propels the fluid contained within the passage 18 of the pump assembly 10 upon rotation of the rotor 26 (by virtue of an electromagnetic field generated by the coil windings of the stator 25, thus operatively connecting the rotor and stator).

[0063] Still referring to FIG. 4, the pump assembly 10 includes a shell 30 defining an interior space 32 for housing the electric motor 24 .

[0064] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the pump assembly 10. As shown in Figure 5, the pump assembly 10 includes two jackets 34 and 36, each having an interior space 38 and 40, which, when joined together, define the interior space 32 of the shell 30.

[0065] Each jacket 34 and 36 includes a rim 42 and 44 adapted to abut one another when the jackets 34 and 36 are joined together to define the shell 30. The rims 42 and 44 include a plurality of openings 46 disposed in spaced relation to one another for receiving screws 48 for fastening the jackets 34 and 36 together, thus sealing the interior space 32 from the outside.

[0066] Additionally, as previously mentioned, pump assembly 10 includes electric motor 24 within shell 30. As shown in Figure 5, electric motor 24 includes (1) rotor 26 surrounded by protective cylinder 50 that acts as a spacer (e.g., made from carbon fiber), and (2) stator 25 for receiving rotor 26 together with protective cylinder 50.

[0067] In certain configurations, a washer may be provided inside the recess 60 surrounding the bearing 88 to provide a spacer seal 50 .

[0068] The stator 25 includes a heat sink 27 for heat transfer resulting in cooling of the electric motor. In the particular configuration shown in Figure 5, the heat sink 27 is configured as cooling fins 29 (shown in Figure 4) arranged longitudinally in spaced relation to one another surrounding the stator 25.

[0069] Pump assembly 10 further comprises a pump body 52, shown in Figure 4 and exploded in Figures 5 and 6a, which includes electric motor 24. Pump body 52 comprises a shell 30 and an inner casing 53 housed within shell 30. Shell 30 and / or inner casing 53 are configured such that a passageway 70 (defining a second fluid path) is defined between the inner surface of shell 30 and the outer surface of inner casing 53 to allow fluid to flow not only around inner casing 53 but also through casing 53, which includes electric motor 24.

[0070] The fact that fluid can flow around the inner casing 53 is particularly advantageous because it allows for cooling of the inner casing, including its interior, such as the electric motor 24. Another advantage is that the fluid can be bypassed to the bearings 88.

[0071] In the particular configuration shown in the figures, the inner casing 53 comprises two sections, specifically a discharge section 54 and a suction section 56, adapted to be sealingly joined together for each seal assembly 132. Figures 20-22 show a particular configuration of the seal assembly 132. The seal assembly 132 comprises a plurality of gaskets, specifically a flat gasket 134 seated within a groove in the recess 60 of each section 54 and 56, and a pair of spaced apart O-ring gaskets that surround the ends of the protective cylinder 50 received within the recess 60.

[0072] 4 and 5, each of sections 54 and 56 includes a passageway 58 that longitudinally traverses sections 54 and 56 and a recess 60 that defines an interior space 32 adapted to receive electric motor 24. In particular, when pump body 52 is assembled, sections 54 and 56 are joined together such that electric motor 24 is sandwiched between sections 54 and 56 and at least partially contained within interior space 32.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 4 , recess 60 is configured to sandwich electric motor 24 between sections 54 and 56 of pump body 52 so that heat sink 27, and in particular cooling fins 29, extend from pump body 52 into contact with fluid flowing between the outer surfaces of sections 54 and 56 and the inner surfaces of jackets 34 and 36 (first fluid path) so that heat transfer occurs to prevent overheating of electric motor 24.

[0074] Additionally, a path 18 (first fluid path) for enabling fluid flow through pump assembly 10 is defined by a passage 58 when sections 54 and 56 are joined together. Passage 58 extends from an entry point 66 to an exit point 64 of sections 54 and 56.

[0075] Referring now to Figure 6a, the outer surface of each section 54 and 56 includes ribs 68 disposed in spaced relation relative to one another around the outer surface.

[0076] When the pump assembly is assembled, ribs 68 abut the inner surfaces of jackets 34 and 36, ensuring that sections 54 and 46 are concentrically disposed within jackets 34 and 36. In this manner, passages 70 are defined having adjacent ribs 68 as sidewalls and sections of the inner surfaces of sections 54 and 56 located between adjacent ribs 68 as a roof. Passages 70 provide a path (defining a second fluid path) for allowing fluid to pass over inner casing 53 for cooling inner casing 50 and electric motor 24, with cooling fins 29 extending into passages 70, as shown in FIG.

[0077] Additionally, the outer surface of discharge section 54 includes a plurality of grooves 72 recessed into the outer surface of section 54. Grooves 72 extend longitudinally from adjacent locations from exit point 64 of section 54 to entry point 66 of section 54. As shown in FIG. 6a, each groove 72 has (1) an opening 73 across section 54 (located adjacent exit point 64) and (2) an open end 75 at the periphery of entry point 66 of discharge section 54.

[0078] The fact that groove 72 has opening 73 and open end 75 allows a tube (inserted into groove 72, not shown for illustrative purposes) to have (1) one of its ends inserted into opening 73 and (2) its other end extending beyond the outer periphery of inlet point 66 to join with inlet 74 of suction section 56. Inlets 74 are disposed in spaced relation to one another around the outer periphery of outlet point 64 of discharge section 56.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 6b, the fact that one end of the tube is inserted into opening 73 allows fluid (from the second fluid path) to enter the tube and then pass through the tube and exit the tube at inlet 74 to be delivered to opening 78 in recess 60 of suction section 56 to apply pressure to bearing 88, as will be described later in this specification.

[0080] A corresponding fluid path is defined within suction section 56 extending from each inlet 74 to a respective opening 78 .

[0081] Grooves 72 and inlets 74 are disposed around the outer periphery of sections 54 and 56 such that each groove 72 has a mating inlet 74 aligned with one another. This allows the end section of the tube (disposed within groove 72) to extend beyond the outer periphery of section 54 for insertion into the mating inlet 74 (when sections 54 and 56 are joined together). In this manner, a fluid path is defined (by the tube positioned within groove 72) extending longitudinally from a location adjacent exit point 64 of discharge section 54 to inlet 74 located at exit point 67 of suction section 56. The tube may be conventional off-the-shelf tube having an inner diameter of 2.7 mm.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 6 b , FIG. 6 b shows a front perspective view of the entry point 64 of the suction section 56 .

[0083] As shown in Figure 6b, recess 60 includes a rim 76. Rim 76 includes a plurality of openings 78 disposed in spaced relation relative to one another around rim 76. Each inlet 74 (for receiving the end of each tube disposed within groove 72) is fluidly connected to a passageway terminating at each opening 78. In this manner, fluid passing through each tube is delivered to each mating inlet 74 and exits through opening 78.

[0084] The fluid exiting openings 78 is delivered to bearings 88 mounted on rotor 26 to pressurize the faces of bearings 88 and keep them slightly apart to reduce friction (FIG. 7 is a schematic of rotor 26). Because the pressure has only a slight lateral thrust, openings 78 cool and lubricate bearings 88 while the Venturi effect draws the fluid back into discharge section 54.

[0085] Bearing 88 may be a fully ceramic bearing, or a carbon / ceramic, or stainless steel / Teflon bearing. A flow sensor may be provided within jacket 34 to detect any interruption of fluid flow within pump assembly 10. This is particularly advantageous in certain configurations with carbon / ceramic bearings where bearing 88 needs to operate only while fluid flow is present.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the rotor 26.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, rotor 26 includes a cylindrical hollow body 80 defining a passageway 82 that allows fluid to enter body 80 through one end 86 and exit through the other end 84 when pump assembly 10 is operating. Disposed within passageway 82 are blade assemblies 28 fixed to the inner surface of body 80 of rotor 26 such that blade assemblies 28 rotate with body 80 during operation of stator 25 of electric motor 24. In this manner, fluid entering discharge section 54 is propelled by blade assemblies 28 and exits through suction section 56. An opening 90 (see FIG. 6b) is provided to allow a cable to be connected to electric motor 24.

[0088] 14, the body 80 of the rotor 26 includes, at each end 84 and 86, a circular bearing 88 mounted around the periphery of each end 84 and 86. The bearings 88 support the rotation of the rotor 26 within the inner casing.

[0089] Ends 84 and 86 are open-ended and surrounded by bearings 88, allowing fluid to traverse rotor 26 during operation of pump assembly 10. This configuration of rotor 26 having an opening with bearings 88 (particularly flat ring bearings 88 as shown in FIG. 7) surrounding open ends 84 and 86 is particularly advantageous because it avoids the need for mechanical seals used in conventional pumps. The lifespan of these particular types of mechanical seals is known to be relatively short, particularly depending on the particular composition of the fluid and particles immersed in the fluid driven by the pump.

[0090] Each recess 60 includes a seal assembly (such as seal assembly 132 shown in Figures 20-22) for preventing fluid leakage from the interior space to the exterior of the interior space.

[0091] Additionally, the exterior surface of body 80 includes pockets 92 disposed in spaced relation relative to one another around the exterior surface of body 80 .

[0092] Pockets 92 are adapted to receive permanent magnets 128 (see FIG. 19) for driving rotational motion of rotor 26 by the electromagnetic fields generated by the coils of stator 25 .

[0093] In the configuration shown in FIG. 19, pocket 90 has an open end and is configured to slidably receive magnet 128 .

[0094] 8-11, which illustrate a particular configuration of a pump assembly 94 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Pump assembly 94 includes a receiving section 95 (adapted to receive electric motor 24, as shown in FIG. 11 ) and a centrifugal outlet 96 for receiving fluid exiting receiving section 95 and discharging the fluid (after being propelled) through outlet 97. This particular configuration of pump assembly 94 illustrates that electric motor 24 (with rotor assembly 16) according to this embodiment of the invention can be retrofitted to other pumps, such as centrifugal pumps.

[0096] The electric motor 24 housed in the receiving section 95 comprises a rotor 98 (see FIG. 9 ) having the rotor 26 described with reference to this embodiment of the invention, and an impeller 99 that rotates with the rotor 26 (during operation of the electric motor 24) and is connected to a discharge end 100 of the rotor 26 for receiving the propelled fluid exiting the rotor 26. The impeller 99 (which functions much like the impeller of a centrifugal pump) changes the direction of the fluid flow upon receiving the propelled fluid so that the fluid exits through an outlet 97 that, in this particular configuration, is oriented perpendicular to the fluid flow as the fluid entered the pump assembly 94.

[0097] 12 and 13, which illustrate a particular configuration of a filter unit 102 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The filter unit 12 includes a body 104 having a receiving section 106 and a discharge section 108. The receiving section 106 includes an inlet 110 for receiving the fluid to be filtered. The discharge section 108 includes an outlet 112 for discharging the filtered fluid.

[0099] As shown in Figure 13, each of receiving section 106 and discharge section 108 is configured as a hemisphere having an open end 114. To fluidly connect both sections 106 and 108, sections 106 and 108 are joined together to define filter unit 12 as shown in Figure 12, allowing fluid to traverse filter unit 12 for fluid filtration purposes. Filtration occurs via a filter medium 116 sandwiched between receiving section 110 and discharge section 112.

[0100] The particular configuration shown in Figures 2, 3, 12, and 13 depicts filter unit 12 as being configured as an ellipsoid, however, receiving section 106 and discharge section 108 may be configured to have any shape with open ends that can be joined to fluidly connect sections 110 and 112.

[0101] The pump assembly 10 and the filter unit 10 can be fluidly connected to one another (as shown in FIG. 3 ) to define a pump system 14 adapted to be immersed in a body of fluid that enables filtering of the fluid through the filter unit 12 and subsequent propulsion of the fluid through the pump assembly 10.

[0102] 14-18, which illustrate alternative configurations of rotor assembly 16. Rotor assembly 16 includes blade assembly 28 as shown in FIG. 17. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 14-18, blade assembly 28 is attached to one end of rotor assembly 16, and the opposite end of rotor assembly 16 includes cover 31. Cover 31 may be configured as a rectifier.

[0103] Blade assembly 28 may be removably attached to rotor assembly 16 allowing different types of blade assemblies 28 to be used depending on the particular situation in which pump assembly 10 may be used.

[0104] Referring now to Figures 15 and 16, as shown in these figures, the rotor assembly 16 comprises a plurality of openings 118 arranged in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another around a periphery 120 of the end of the rotor 26 comprising the blade assembly 28.

[0105] A plurality of openings 118 are recessed longitudinally into the body 122 of the rotor 26. This is particularly advantageous because it allows for balancing of the rotor 26t such that rotation of the body 122 of the rotor 26t occurs about the longitudinal axis of the rotor 26t, avoiding precession of the rotor 26t during rotation. In particular, a method for balancing the rotor 26t includes inserting, for example, into the particular openings 118 for balancing the rotor 26t, sections of cylindrical rods (i.e., ballast) adapted to be received by the openings 118, by repeatedly (1) adding ballast to the particular openings 118 and (2) rotating the rotor 16 to verify that the rotor 16t is properly balanced. The cylindrical rods may be stainless steel grub screws or extra-thick stainless steel wire cut to a precisely measured length and pressed into place for high-speed balancing purposes. Referring to FIG. 19, FIG. 19 illustrates the rotor 26 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. 19, the outer surface 124 of the rotor 26 includes a plurality of pockets 126 disposed in spaced relation relative to one another around the body 122. In one configuration, the pockets are pre-formed and adapted to receive curved magnets.

[0106] Each pocket 126 is adapted to receive a magnet 128, as shown in Figure 19, that defines a permanent magnet assembly of rotor 26 for rotation of rotor 26 when immersed in the electromagnetic field generated by stator 25 with rotor assembly 16. In certain configurations, magnet 128 may be completely enclosed by the outer surface of rotor 26.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 9, each pocket 90 has an open end 130 and is configured to slidably receive a magnet 128 .

[0108] Such modifications and variations as would be apparent to one skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0109] For example, for the sake of brevity, the description of the embodiment will be directed to a pump assembly 10 including all the features of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention included in the summary of the present invention.

[0110] However, it is meant that each pump assembly 10 defined in one particular aspect of the present invention can stand on its own without the features of the pump assemblies defined in any or all of the other aspects of the present invention, except for the particular aspect of the present invention. Accordingly, the description of the embodiments supports each particular pump assembly defined in the first through sixth aspects of the present invention. This is particularly true because one skilled in the art can manufacture any pump assembly defined in any one of the first through sixth aspects of the present invention without undue experimentation.

[0111] Furthermore, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the disclosed embodiments. By way of example, the apparatus and methods according to the present invention may be suitable.

[0112] The language used herein has been chosen primarily for ease of reading and descriptive purposes, and may not be chosen to delineate or limit the subject matter of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but by any claims issuing on an application based thereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

[0113] The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the exemplary embodiments can be embodied in many different forms, and that none of these should be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0114] Such variations are not to be considered a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0115] The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the particular order described or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of execution. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0116] References to positional descriptions and spatially relative terms such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like should be interpreted in the context of the embodiments shown in the figures and should not be construed as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the terms, but rather as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0117] Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. As used herein, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply sequence or order unless clearly indicated by context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0118] When an element is referred to as being "on" or "engaged," "connected," or "coupled" to another element / layer, it is understood that it may be directly on the other element / layer, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element / layer, or that there may be intervening elements / layers. Other words used to describe relationships between elements / layers should be interpreted similarly (e.g., "between," "adjacent"). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0119] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprise," "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," or variations thereof, are inclusive and thus specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

Claims

1. 1. A pump assembly comprising: a shell; an inner casing adapted to allow a fluid to pass therethrough, the inner casing comprising an interior space defining a first fluid path; and an electric motor disposed within the interior space and adapted for fluid to traverse across the electric motor for propulsion of the fluid, the electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor defined by a hollow body operatively connected to the stator for rotating the rotor during operation of the stator, the rotor comprising a blade assembly within the hollow body for rotation with the rotor for propulsion of the fluid across the pump assembly; and the shell and / or the inner casing configured such that a second fluid path is defined around the inner casing for cooling the inner casing and an interior of the inner casing.

2. The pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the stator includes a heat sink surrounding the stator.

3. The pump assembly of claim 2 , wherein the heat sink comprises fins extending into the second fluid path.

4. 4. A pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein the heat sink is configured as cooling fins arranged in spaced relation to one another surrounding the stator.

5. 1. A pump assembly comprising: a shell; an inner casing adapted to allow a fluid to pass therethrough, the inner casing comprising an interior space defining a first fluid path; and an electric motor disposed within the interior space and adapted for fluid to traverse across the electric motor for propulsion of the fluid, the electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor defined by a hollow body operatively connected to the stator for rotating the rotor during operation of the stator, the rotor comprising a blade assembly within the hollow body for rotation with the rotor for propulsion of the fluid across the pump assembly; the shell and / or the inner casing configured such that a second fluid path is defined around the inner casing, the inner casing configured to divert a portion of the fluid in the second fluid path to an interior of the inner casing for fluid contacting a bearing at an end of the rotor for interaction therewith.

6. The pump assembly of claim 5 , wherein the interaction includes lubrication and / or cooling of the bearing.

7. 7. The pump assembly of claim 5 or 6, wherein the inner casing comprises a discharge section having a first inlet point and a first outlet point, and a suction section having a second inlet point and a second outlet point, the first inlet point and the second outlet point adapted to be joined together to define the inner casing.

8. The pump assembly of claim 7 , wherein each of the sections includes a passageway longitudinally traversing each section to define the first fluid path.

9. 9. The pump assembly of claim 7 or 8, wherein the exhaust section includes a recess recessed to the first inlet point and the suction section includes a recess recessed to the second outlet point to define the interior space adapted to at least partially receive the electric motor when the exhaust section and the suction section are joined together.

10. 10. The pump assembly of claim 7, wherein the shell comprises a first jacket for receiving the discharge section and a second jacket for receiving the suction section, the first and second jackets adapted to be joined together to define the shell.

11. 11. A pump assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein an outer surface of each of the discharge and suction sections is provided with ribs disposed in spaced relation relative to one another around the outer surface.

12. 12. The pump assembly of claim 11, wherein adjacent ribs define a plurality of the second fluid paths, the second fluid paths having the adjacent ribs as sidewalls and the sections of the inner surface of the jacket located between the adjacent ribs as a roof.

13. 13. A pump assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the outer surface of the exhaust section comprises a plurality of grooves, each groove extending longitudinally from a position adjacent the first exit point of the exhaust portion relative to the first inlet point of the exhaust section.

14. 14. A pump assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein an opening is provided adjacent the first exit point, the opening traversing the discharge section and allowing fluid to flow therethrough.

15. 15. A pump assembly according to claim 13 or 14, wherein each groove has an open end at the periphery of the first entry point of the discharge section.

16. 16. A pump assembly as described in claim 14 or 15, wherein each groove comprises a tube having a first end inserted into the opening to receive fluid flowing through the pump body, the tube extending beyond the outer periphery of the first entry point to define a fluid path from the interior of the exhaust section to deliver fluid to the suction section via the tube.

17. 17. The pump assembly of claim 16, wherein the suction section includes inlets arranged in spaced relation to one another around the outer periphery of the second exit point of the discharge section, the inlets adapted to receive an end section of the tube extending beyond the outer periphery of the first inlet point of the discharge section.

18. 18. The pump assembly of claim 17, wherein the recess in the suction section includes a rim and a plurality of openings disposed in spaced relation relative to one another around the rim, each inlet fluidly connected to a first opening via a passageway.

19. 19. The pump assembly of claim 18, wherein the fluid exiting the opening is delivered to a bearing mounted to an end of the hollow body of the rotor for interaction with the bearing.

20. 1. A pump assembly comprising: a shell; an inner casing adapted to allow a fluid to pass therethrough, the inner casing having an interior space defining a first fluid path; and an electric motor disposed within the interior space and adapted for fluid to traverse the electric motor for propulsion of the fluid, the electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor defined by a hollow body operatively connected to the stator for rotating the rotor during operation of the stator, the rotor comprising a blade assembly within the hollow body for rotation with the rotor for propulsion of the fluid across the pump assembly from one end of the first fluid path to the other, the blade assembly being attached to an end of the inner casing.

21. 21. The pump assembly of claim 20, wherein the blade assembly is removably attached to the one end of the body.

22. 22. A pump assembly as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the other end comprises a flow rectifier.

23. 1. A pump assembly comprising: a shell; an inner casing adapted to allow a fluid to pass therethrough, the inner casing comprising an interior space defining a first fluid path; and an electric motor disposed within the interior space and adapted for fluid to traverse across the electric motor for propulsion of the fluid, the electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor defined by a hollow body operatively connected to the stator for rotating the rotor during operation of the stator, the rotor comprising a blade assembly within the hollow body for rotation with the rotor for propulsion of the fluid across the pump assembly, the rotor comprising a hollow body having an outer surface facing an inner surface of the stator, the outer surface comprising at least one pocket adapted to receive at least one magnet.

24. 24. The pump assembly of claim 23, wherein the pocket includes an open end and is configured to slidably receive the magnet.

25. 25. A pump assembly according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the outer surface comprises a plurality of pockets disposed in spaced relation to one another, each pocket comprising a curved magnet.

26. 26. A pump assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein there are at least four pockets for receiving the magnets.

27. 27. A pump assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein there are at least four curved magnets.

28. 28. A pump assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 27, comprising the discharge section incorporating the electric motor, and a centrifugal outlet for receiving the fluid exiting the discharge section and for discharging the fluid.

29. 29. A pump assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the hollow body includes an open end defining an outer periphery for receiving a bearing, such as a ceramic or ceramic / carbon fibre bearing.

30. 10. A pump assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a flow sensor within the jacket for detecting any interruption of fluid flow within the pump assembly.

31. 31. A pump assembly as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the outer periphery includes openings arranged in spaced relation to each other for receiving ballast for balancing the body of the rotor.

32. 1. A pump assembly comprising: a shell; an inner casing adapted to allow a fluid to pass therethrough, the inner casing having an interior space defining a first fluid path; and an electric motor disposed within the interior space and adapted for fluid to traverse across the electric motor for propulsion of the fluid, the electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor defined by a hollow body operatively connected to the stator for rotating the rotor during operation of the stator, the rotor comprising a blade assembly within the hollow body for rotation with the rotor for propulsion of the fluid across the pump assembly from one end of the first fluid path to the other, the hollow body having open ends to allow traversal of the fluid through the rotor, each end having a bearing to support rotation of the rotor within the inner casing.

33. 33. The pump assembly of claim 32, wherein the inner casing includes opposing recesses for receiving ends of the rotor to support rotation of the rotor within the interior space.

34. 34. The pump assembly of claim 33, wherein each recess includes a seal assembly for preventing fluid leakage from the interior space to an exterior of the interior space.

35. 35. A pump assembly as described in any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the inner casing comprises a discharge section having a first inlet point and a first outlet point, and a suction section having a second inlet point and a second outlet point, the first inlet point and the second outlet point adapted to be joined to one another to define the inner casing.

36. 36. A pump assembly as claimed in claim 35, wherein the exhaust section and the suction section include recesses arranged opposite each other for receiving ends of a protective cylinder surrounding the rotor.

37. 37. A pump assembly as described in claim 35 or 36, wherein the seal assembly comprises a flat gasket seated within a groove in the recess of each section, and a pair of spaced apart O-ring gaskets surrounding the ends of the protective cylinder received within the recesses.

38. 38. A pump assembly as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 37, wherein each bearing abuts an end wall of the respective recess into which each end of the rotor is inserted.

39. 1. A filter unit comprising: a body having a receiving section having an inlet and a first open end; and a discharge section having an outlet and a second open end, the discharge section allowing fluid to flow through the body, the first open end and the second open end adapted to be joined together, the filter unit further comprising a filtration material sandwiched between the first open end and the second open end for extracting contaminants from the fluid.

40. 40. The filter unit of claim 39, wherein the receiving section comprises a chamber for accommodating the foreign matter.

41. 41. A pump system, comprising a pump assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 38 and a filter unit as defined in claim 39 or 40, fluidly connected to each other.

42. 1. A method for balancing a body adapted to rotate about its longitudinal axis, the body having first and second ends disposed in opposite spaced apart relationship along the longitudinal axis, at least one of the first and second ends including an opening intended to extend longitudinally into the pump body, the method comprising: (a) introducing ballast into the opening; (b) rotating the body about the longitudinal axis to verify proper balance of the body; repeating steps (a) and (b) until a suitable balance is achieved; A method comprising:

43. 1. A rotor operatively connected to a stator of an electric motor, the rotor comprising: a body adapted to permit fluid flow through the body from one end to the other; and a blade assembly secured to the rotor for urging the fluid flow across the body of the rotor during rotation of the rotor, the blade assembly being attached to one of the ends of the body of the rotor.

44. 44. A rotor as claimed in claim 43, wherein the other end comprises a flow rectifier.

45. 45. An electric motor comprising a stator having a heat sink at least partially surrounding the stator, and a rotor for rotation within the stator, the rotor comprising a rotor according to claim 43 or 44.

46. 1. A centrifugal pump assembly comprising: a shell having an interior space adapted to permit fluid flow from one end to the other; an impeller fluidly connected to the other end; and an electric motor disposed within the interior space and adapted to move fluid across the electric motor for propulsion of the fluid, the electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor operatively connected to the impeller and the stator for rotating the rotor during operation of the stator, the rotor comprising a blade assembly attached to the impeller for rotation with the rotor for propulsion of the fluid across the pump assembly; and the shell configured such that a fluid path is defined around the stator for cooling the electric motor.

47. 47. The centrifugal pump assembly of claim 46, wherein the centrifugal pump assembly includes a centrifugal outlet attached to the other end of the shell for allowing fluid to exit the centrifugal pump assembly.

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