Pumps for evaporative emission systems

Abstract

The rotary vane pump includes a housing including first and second plates secured to opposite first and second sides of an intermediate plate. The intermediate plate includes a bore and an inlet port and an outlet port. The first and second sides have first and second passages fluidly communicating with the inlet port and the outlet port, respectively. The first and second passages are fluidly communicating with the bore. The intermediate plate is reversible relative to the first and second plates. A rotor is disposed within the bore. The rotor supports slidable vanes configured to pump fluid between the inlet and outlet ports.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to rotary vane pumps used, for example, to create vacuum or pressure conditions during leak testing procedures in evaporative emission systems of gasoline powered vehicles.

[0002] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 910,708, filed October 4, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Evaporative emissions systems have long been required on gasoline powered vehicles. The system must be leak tested during the vehicle's start-up procedure to ensure that fuel vapors do not leak into the atmosphere. A pump is used to create a vacuum or to pressurize the system. An external filter is used to prevent contamination that could damage the pump or other components of the system during operation. Various valves may be closed during this test procedure to maintain system pressure, and the pressure is monitored to determine if there are any leaks.

[0004] Pumps used in such systems can be relatively expensive as many of the pump's dimensions are critical and require machining. Additionally, when multiple plate configurations are used, the plates are unique to each other. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, a rotary vane pump includes a housing including first and second plates secured to opposing first and second sides, respectively, of a middle plate. The middle plate includes a bore, an inlet port, and an outlet port. The first and second sides each have first and second passages in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet ports, respectively. The first and second passages are in fluid communication with the bore. The middle plate is reversible relative to the first and second plates. A rotor is disposed within the bore. The rotor supports slidable vanes configured to pump fluid between the inlet and outlet ports.

[0006] In a further embodiment of any of the above, at least one of the first and second sides includes a pocket having a filter, the pocket being fluidly disposed in one of the first and second passages.

[0007] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first and second plates and the middle plate include holes with fasteners arranged to fasten the first and second plates to the middle plate. A motor is attached to the first plate.

[0008] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first and second plates and the middle plate include locating holes configured to receive pins during a rotary pump assembly procedure.

[0009] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the bore is elliptical.The rotor separates the bore into first and second cavities in fluid communication with the first and second passages, respectively.

[0010] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the bore is circular and provides a single cavity having a crescent shape.

[0011] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first and second plates and the intermediate plate are plastic, and the first and second sides abut the first and second plates, respectively, without providing an additional seal structure between the first and second plates.

[0012] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first and second sides include first and second surfaces, respectively, that are not machined.

[0013] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first and second surfaces are provided by injection molding.

[0014] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the intermediate plate is symmetrical between positions 180° apart about an axis.

[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, an evaporative emission system includes an evaporative component. A pump is fluidly connected to the evaporative component. The pump includes a housing including first and second plates secured to opposing first and second sides, respectively, of a mid-plate. The mid-plate includes a bore and an inlet port and an outlet port. The first and second sides each have first and second passages in fluid communication with the inlet port and the outlet port, respectively. The first and second passages are in fluid communication with the bore. The mid-plate is reversible relative to the first and second plates. A rotor is disposed within the bore. The rotor supports vanes configured to pump fluid between the inlet and outlet ports. A controller is in communication with the pump. The controller is configured to maintain pressure in the system during a leak testing procedure.

[0016] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the evaporation components include at least one of a charcoal canister and a fuel tank and include at least one valve that is placed in a closed position during the leak detection procedure.

[0017] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the at least one valve is a check valve and another valve, the check valve being disposed downstream of the outlet port.

[0018] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the system comprises a pressure gauge in communication with the controller and configured to monitor system pressure during the leak testing procedure.

[0019] In a further embodiment of any of the above, at least one of the first and second sides includes a pocket having a filter, the pocket being fluidly disposed in one of the first and second passages.

[0020] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first and second plates and the middle plate are plastic. The first and second sides abut the first and second plates, respectively, without an additional seal structure between the first and second plates. The first and second sides include first and second surfaces, respectively, that are not machined.

[0021] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the intermediate plate is symmetric about an axis between positions 180° apart.

[0022] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of assembling a rotary vane pump includes positioning a first plate into abutting engagement with either a first side or a second side of an intermediate plate, the intermediate plate being reversible relative to the first plate. The method also includes positioning a rotor having slidable vanes in a bore in the intermediate plate. The method further includes positioning a second plate into abutting engagement with the other of the first and second sides. The method further includes securing the first and second plates around the intermediate plate and the rotor.

[0023] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the method includes attaching a motor to the first plate, the motor being coupled to the rotor.

[0024] In a further embodiment of any of the above, at least one of the first and second sides includes a pocket having a filter.

[0025] The present disclosure can be further understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic of portions of an exemplary evaporative fuel system.

[0027] [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example rotary vane pump according to the present disclosure.

[0028] [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the pump of FIG. 2A taken along line 2B-2B.

[0029] [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 shows an elevational view of the pump with the first plate removed to expose the rotor in the middle plate.

[0030] [Figure 3B] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an intermediate plate with a filter attached thereto.

[0031] [Figure 4A] FIG. 3C is a first perspective side view of the intermediate plate shown in FIG. 3B. [Figure 4B] FIG. 3C is a second perspective side view of the midplate shown in FIG. 3B.

[0032] [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a single cavity pump with a circular bore in the midplate.

[0033] [Figure 6] 5. The opposite side of the intermediate plate to that shown in FIG.

[0034] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the above paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings include any of their various aspects or respective individual features, which may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in relation to one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible. Like reference numbers and names in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] 1 illustrates generally a portion of an exemplary evaporative fuel system 10. System 10 includes a fuel tank 12 having a fuel filler 14 with a filler cap 16. A fuel pump 18 delivers gasoline from the fuel tank 12 to an internal combustion engine 20, for example.

[0036] System 10 is configured to capture and regulate the flow of fuel vapors within the system. In one example, a fuel tank isolation valve 24 is fluidly disposed between fuel tank 12 and a charcoal canister 22, which captures and stores fuel vapors for subsequent use by engine 20. A purge valve 26 is fluidly connected between charcoal canister 22 and engine 20. Controller 11 adjusts the position of purge valve 26 to selectively provide fuel vapors to engine 20 during operation for utilization.

[0037] The integrity of the system 10 must be tested periodically. One type of system 10 employs a leak detection module (LDM) 28, which can be used to evacuate and / or pressurize the system, for example, using a pressure transducer 30, to determine if a leak is present. In one example of a leak testing procedure, the purge valve 26 is closed and the controller 11 activates the leak detection module 28 to pressurize the system. A change in pressure detected by the pressure transducer 30, monitored by the controller 11, indicates a leak.

[0038] An example of a leak detection module 28 is shown in more detail in Figure 2A. Module 28 includes a pump 32 that receives atmospheric air via an inlet port 34. The pump provides pressurized air to an outlet port 36, which may be provided via a check valve 38 to the charcoal canister 22 or other evaporative component of system 10.

[0039] The pump 32 has a housing 40 constructed from first and second plates 42, 44 fixed to either side of an intermediate plate 46. In this example, the inlet port 34 and the outlet port 36 are provided at the edge of the intermediate plate 46, rather than being provided on one or both of the first and second plates 42, 44. Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the intermediate plate 46 has a first side 46a adjacent to and abutting the first plate 42, and a second side 46b adjacent to and abutting the second plate 44. In this example, the first and second sides 46a, 46b abut and engage the first and second plates 42, 44 without providing an additional sealing structure (e.g., a gasket or sealant) between the first and second plates. A motor 48 is attached to the first plate and drives a rotor 52 housed in a bore 62 of the intermediate plate 46 via a shaft 50 to rotate.

[0040] In this example, the first, second and middle plates 42, 44, 46 are constructed of a plastic material, such as nylon or polypropylene, e.g., graphite or Teflon filled. In one example, the plastic is injection molded, which provides a surface with identifiable characteristics indicative of the molding process (e.g., shrinkage and flow lines). The plates 42, 44, 46 include at least two locating holes 54 each configured to temporarily receive a penetration pin during assembly of the pump 32 to precisely align the plates with one another. A plurality of fasteners 56 are received in fastener holes 58 in the first, second and middle plates 42, 44, 46. Ends 60 of the fasteners 56, which in this example may be metal, are plastically deformed to securely hold the first and second plates 42, 44 in a clamped relationship about the middle plate 46. Threaded fasteners, rivets or other types of fasteners may also be used.

[0041] The exemplary pump 32 is of rotary vane configuration. Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, an elliptical bore 62 is shown. The rotor 52 includes a number of slots 64 about its periphery. The slots 64 slidably receive vanes 66 that are movable within the slots to seal the periphery of the bore 62 from centrifugal forces, as is known in rotary vane pumps. For the elliptical bore 62, two cavities 80, 82 are provided to form a two chamber configuration that balances pressure across the rotor 52.

[0042] 4A, the intermediate plate 46 is reversible such that either side 46a, 46b may mate with either of the first and second plates 42, 44. That is, the intermediate plate 46 is symmetrical about axis A such that the first and second surfaces 72a, 72b provided by the first and second sides 46a, 46b, respectively, and their corresponding fluid passages, are the same when rotated 180° about axis A. In one example, these surfaces 72a, 72b are not machined (i.e., as molded without lapping) because the disclosed pump configuration is sufficiently leak-tight that more precise surfaces are not required. However, machining may be used to further seal the pump if desired.

[0043] On the first side 46a 1. 3A and 4A . The first passage 74a includes a first passage 76a that is fluidly connected to the peripheral side V of the first cavity 80 and a second passage 78a that is fluidly connected to the peripheral side V of the second cavity 82. The pocket 68a is fluidly disposed in the first passage 74a between the inlet port 34 and the bore 62.

[0044] Similarly, a second passage 74b on the second side 46b fluidly connects the outlet 36 to the bore 62, as shown in FIG. 4B. The second passage 74b is a second passage 74b that is fluidly connected to the pressure side P of the second cavity 82. 1 and a second passage 78b fluidly connected to the pressure side P of the first cavity 80. The pocket 68b is fluidly disposed in the second passage 74b between the outlet port 36 and the bore 62.

[0045] At least one of the pockets 68a, 68b contains a filter 70 (e.g., foam), although both pockets 68a, 68b may contain a filter 70 if desired. In this manner, contaminants are filtered from the system 10 and no external lines or fittings are required since an internal filter is contained within the pump 32. The LDM 28 does not require protection against ISO ultrafine dust (1-22 microns) due to the lack of a calibrated orifice that is incorporated into some types of leak detection pumps. The types of foam filter elements that may be incorporated into the LDM 28 may not prevent the ingress of ultrafine dust into the pump assembly. However, this is not a risk to pump performance due to the relatively low concentration of dust compared to the amount of air passing through the pump 32.

[0046] Another rotating vane configuration is shown in Figure 5, which shows an intermediate plate 146 with a circular bore 162 with a single crescent-shaped cavity. In this example, a first side 146a and a first surface 172a thereof have a first passage 174a that fluidly connects the pocket 68a to the circumferential side v of the bore 162. The intermediate plate 146 is reversible. As shown in Figure 6, a second side 146b and a second surface 172b thereof have a second passage 174b that fluidly connects the pocket 68b to the pressure side P of the bore 162.

[0047] During manufacture of the pump, the first plate 42 is positioned to abuttingly engage either the first side 46a or the second side 46b of the intermediate plate 46. That is, the intermediate plate is reversible relative to the first and second plates 42, 44. The rotor 52 is positioned within the bore 62 with the slidable vanes 66. The second plate 44 is positioned to abuttingly engage the other of the first and second sides 46b, 46c. The first and second plates 42, 44 are secured around the intermediate plate 46 and the rotor 52. The motor 48 is attached to the first plate 42, coupling the motor 48 to the rotor 52.

[0048] Also, while a particular arrangement of components is disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, it should be understood that other configurations would benefit therefrom. Although a particular sequence of steps has been shown, described and claimed, it should be understood that the steps may be performed in any order, separated or combined, unless otherwise indicated, and still benefit from the invention.

[0049] Although the different examples have specific components shown, embodiments of the invention are not limited to these specific combinations. Some of the components or features from one of the examples can also be used in combination with features or components from another one of the examples. For example, the disclosed pumps may be used in applications other than vehicle evaporative systems.

[0050] While exemplary embodiments have been disclosed, a person of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of the following claims, and for that reason the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

Claims

1. a housing including first and second plates secured to first and second opposing sides, respectively, of an intermediate plate, the intermediate plate including a bore and an inlet port and an outlet port, the first and second sides having first and second passages in fluid communication with the inlet port and the outlet port, the first and second passages in fluid communication with the bore, the intermediate plate being reversible relative to the first and second plates; a rotor disposed within the bore, the rotor supporting slidable vanes configured to pump fluid between the inlet port and the outlet port; Equipped with A rotary vane pump, wherein the intermediate plate is symmetrical between positions 180° apart about an axis that is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the rotor and parallel to the inlet port and the outlet port.

2. 2. The rotary vane pump of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second sides includes a pocket having a filter, the pocket being fluidly disposed in one of the first and second passages.

3. 2. The rotary vane pump of claim 1, wherein the first and second plates and the intermediate plate include holes with fasteners positioned to fasten the first and second plates to the intermediate plate, and a motor attached to the first plate.

4. The rotary vane pump of claim 3 , wherein the first and second plates and the intermediate plate include locating holes configured to receive pins during a rotary pump assembly procedure.

5. 2. The rotary vane pump of claim 1, wherein said bore is elliptical in shape and said rotor separates said bore into first and second cavities in fluid communication with first and second passages, respectively, provided in said first and second passages, respectively.

6. 2. The rotary vane pump of claim 1, wherein said bore is circular and provides a single cavity having a crescent shape.

7. 2. The rotary vane pump of claim 1, wherein the first and second plates and the intermediate plate are plastic, and the first and second sides abut the first and second plates, respectively, without providing an additional seal structure between the first and second plates.

8. 8. The rotary vane pump of claim 7, wherein said first and second sides include first and second surfaces, respectively, that are not machined.

9. 9. The rotary vane pump of claim 8, wherein the first and second surfaces are provided by injection molding.

10. an evaporation component; a pump fluidly connected to the evaporation component; a controller in communication with the pump, the controller being configured to maintain pressure in the system during a leak testing procedure; 1. An evaporative emission system comprising: The pump comprises: a housing including first and second plates secured to first and second opposing sides, respectively, of an intermediate plate, the intermediate plate including a bore and an inlet port and an outlet port, the first and second sides having first and second passages in fluid communication with the inlet port and the outlet port, the first and second passages in fluid communication with the bore, the intermediate plate being reversible relative to the first and second plates; a rotor disposed within the bore, the rotor supporting vanes configured to pump fluid between the inlet port and the outlet port; Including, An evaporative emission system, wherein the intermediate plate is symmetrical between positions 180° apart about an axis that is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the rotor and parallel to the inlet and outlet ports.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the evaporation components include at least one of a charcoal canister and a fuel tank and include at least one valve that is placed in a closed position during the leak testing procedure.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the at least one valve is a check valve and another valve, the check valve being disposed downstream of the outlet port.

13. The system of claim 10 , further comprising a pressure gauge in communication with the controller and configured to monitor system pressure during the leak testing procedure.

14. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second sides includes a pocket having a filter, the pocket being fluidly disposed in one of the first and second passages.

15. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first and second plates and the middle plate are plastic, the first and second sides abut the first and second plates, respectively, without an additional seal structure between the first and second plates, and the first and second sides include first and second surfaces, respectively, that are not machined.

16. 1. A method of assembling a rotary vane pump, comprising the steps of: positioning a first plate into abutting engagement with either a first side or a second side of an intermediate plate, said intermediate plate being reversible relative to said first plate, said intermediate plate including a bore and an inlet port and an outlet port, said first and second sides having first and second passages in fluid communication with said inlet port and said outlet port, respectively, said first and second passages in fluid communication with said bore; placing a rotor having slidable vanes in a bore in the intermediate plate; positioning a second plate in abutting engagement with the other of the first and second sides; fastening the first and second plates around the intermediate plate and the rotor; Including, The method of claim 1, wherein the intermediate plate is symmetrical between positions 180° apart about an axis that is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the rotor and parallel to the inlet and outlet ports.

17. Attaching a motor to the first plate; The method of claim 16 , wherein the motor is coupled to the rotor.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first and second sides includes a pocket having a filter.

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