Electric pump with housing gasket

Abstract

An electric pump comprises a pump body defining a hollow housing volume and a pumping assembly arranged in the hollow housing volume; the electric pump further comprises a housing gasket interposed between the pump body and a pumping assembly and defining a housing lumen extending along an extension axis adapted to at least partially contain the pumping assembly; the housing gasket defines a hydraulic separation between an intake zone and a delivery zone of the electric pump.

Description

[0001] ELECTRIC PUMP WITH HOUSING GASKET DESCRIPTION

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of hydraulic pumps, in particular, in the field of electric vane pumps.

[0004] In detail, the present invention refers to an electric positive displacement vane pump provided with a housing gasket.

[0005] Electric pumps, and more generally hydraulic pumps for moving fluids, essentially consist of a pump body and a pumping body.

[0006] Generally, the pump body is constructed as a kind of container provided with a plurality of accesses. In detail, there is an intake inlet duct, also called inlet, a delivery duct, also called outlet, and an opening in an end thereof. In particular, the latter is used for inserting pumping components inside the pump body.

[0007] The aforesaid opening is then sealed by means of a cover which, assisted by one or more gaskets and a fastening system, performs the functions of holding in place and confining the internal components of the pump, as well as guaranteeing the hydraulic seal of the pump itself.

[0008] In order to achieve hydraulic performance, an intake zone and a delivery zone must be distinguished inside the pump. Specifically, in the intake zone, the pressure value must be low in order to create an intake of the fluid from the intake duct where the fluid to be moved is located. The delivery zone is instead characterised by high pressure values in order to have an effective pumping action.

[0009] In order to guarantee a high hydraulic performance of the pump, or electric pump, the delivery and intake zones must be as independent of each other as possible so that there is no internal recirculation of the fluid and thus a reduction in the performance of the pump itself. In particular, vane pumps models intended for use in hot or cold beverage preparation apparatuses (coffee, flavoured drinks, carbonated drinks, etc.) and the movement or filtration of water, with particular reference to human consumption, are highly dependent on the dimensional accuracy in the manufacturing of the components and their assembly.

[0010] In this type of pump, an expedient commonly adopted to ensure hydraulic separation between the intake and delivery zones is to manufacture the internal components with a very high degree of precision. In other words, the components are manufactured with minimum dimensional tolerances in order to create couplings which ensure minimum clearance. Thereby, an attempt is made to minimise the amount of fluid that passes through the slits created by the dimensional tolerances and recirculates inside the pump.

[0011] Disadvantageously, this solution has critical issues in that pump component designs must be provided, which are associated with manufacturing complications.

[0012] Disadvantageously, manufacturing couplings with minimal clearance to ensure a hydraulic separation of the intake and delivery zones, and thus good pump efficiency, entails a considerable increase in the cost associated with the pump, as the manufacturing precision of the individual constituent parts is crucial.

[0013] The technical task of the present invention is therefore to provided an electric pump for moving fluids which is capable of overcoming the drawbacks emerging from the prior art.

[0014] The aim of the present invention is in particular to provide an electric pump that can reduce the relative costs associated with the manufacturing thereof. Therefore, the aim of the present invention is to provide an electric pump that is more economical with respect to the alternatives currently on the market.

[0015] The defined technical task and the specified aim are substantially achieved by an electric pump for moving fluids comprising the technical characteristics set forth in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

[0016] In particular, the present invention refers to an electric pump for moving fluids comprising a pump body defining a hollow housing volume and a pumping assembly arranged in the aforesaid hollow volume. In particular, the electric pump further comprises a housing gasket in the hollow volume. The housing gasket is arranged between the pump housing and the pumping assembly and defines a housing lumen extending along an extension axis.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, the housing lumen is adapted to at least partially contain the pumping assembly.

[0018] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the housing gasket defines a hydraulic separation of a delivery zone and an intake zone of the electric pump.

[0019] Advantageously, the interposition of the housing gasket between the pump body and the pumping assembly allows the constituent components of the pump to be manufactured with wide dimensional tolerances, as the hydraulic separation between the intake and delivery zone of the pump will be guaranteed by the presence of the housing gasket. Furthermore, the housing gasket ensures a proper housing of the internal components of the electric pump and at the same time allows a small mobility between the movable and fixed parts of the pump in order to facilitate assembly and proper operation.

[0020] Advantageously, providing simpler construction designs to manufacture makes it possible to obtain an electric pump characterised by lower associated production costs.

[0021] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the indicative and therefore non-limiting description of an embodiment of an electric pump.

[0022] Such a description will be set forth herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided for merely indicative and therefore nonlimiting purposes, wherein:

[0023] - Figure 1 represents an exploded view of the electric pump which is the subject matter of the present disclosure; - Figure 2 represents a perspective view of the housing gasket;

[0024] - Figure 3 represents a sectional perspective view of the pump body;

[0025] - Figure 4 represents a sectional perspective view of the electric pump;

[0026] - Figure 5 represents a sectional front view of the electric pump.

[0027] With reference to the attached figures, the reference numeral 1 indicates an electric pump for moving fluids as a whole, which will be indicated in the present disclosure as 'electric pump 1 '.

[0028] With reference to the attached figures, the electric pump 1 for moving fluids comprises a pump body 2, which defines a hollow housing volume 3, and a pumping assembly 4 arranged in the aforesaid hollow volume 3. In particular, the electric pump 1 further comprises a housing gasket 5 positioned internally in the hollow volume 3 which is interposed between the pump body 2 and the pumping assembly 4. The housing gasket 5 defines a housing lumen 6 which extends along an axis 'X' and is adapted to at least partially contain the pumping assembly 4. Furthermore, the housing gasket 5 defines a hydraulic separation of an intake zone 17 and a delivery zone 18 of the electric pump 1 .

[0029] Advantageously, providing for the use of the housing gasket 5 allows to manufacture the pump body 2 and pumping assembly 4 with larger dimensional tolerances, while still guaranteeing a hydraulic separation between the intake zone 17 and the delivery zone 18 thanks to the interposition of the housing gasket 5 between the pump body 2 and the pumping assembly 4. In fact, the presence of the housing gasket 5 minimises the clearance between the pump body 2 and the pumping assembly 4, thus preventing fluid recirculation inside the electric pump 1 . Therefore, the maximisation of the efficiency of the electric pump 1 is guaranteed.

[0030] Advantageously, the housing gasket 5 makes it possible to obtain an electric pump 1 whose components do not need to have special tolerances. In other words, it is possible to manufacture the pump body 2 with simplified designs that do not require excessively complicated precision machining, while still not sacrificing pump performance and efficiency thanks to the presence of the housing gasket 5. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an electric pump 1 characterised by lower costs with respect to commercially available vane pumps.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electric pump 1 is a positive displacement vane pump.

[0032] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the housing gasket 5 comprises a plurality of inserts 7 and a plurality of bars 8. In detail, the plurality of bars 8 has equal conformation in terms of shape and size and the plurality of inserts 7 is placed at a relative distance defined by the interposition of the plurality of bars 8 extending along a parallel direction with respect to the extension axis 'X'. In other words, two or more inserts 7 are spaced apart from each other thanks to the interposition of a plurality of bars 8 all parallel to each other.

[0033] Preferably, the plurality of inserts 7 are of ring and / or hollow cylinder conformation while the bars 8 are of a conformation which in the jargon of the present invention and referring to the appended exemplifying figures can be defined as 'tapered' or 'elongated'.

[0034] Advantageously, the inserts 7 of ring and / or hollow cylinder conformation allow to define axial accesses for accessing the housing lumen 6 in which the pumping assembly 4 can be at least partially positioned during the assembly of the electric pump 1 .

[0035] Preferably, the housing gasket 5 comprises a first insert 7a and a second insert 7b.

[0036] Each bar 8 of the plurality of bars 8 has a first end 8a and a second end 8b. Specifically, the first end 8a of each bar 8 is connected to the first insert 7a and the second end 8b of each bar 8 is connected to the second insert 7b. In other words, the housing gasket 5 has a cage or drum conformation. That is, the arrangement of the bars 8 along a parallel direction with respect to the extension axis 'X' and their connection with the inserts (7a, 7b) gives the housing gasket 5 a conformation similar to that of a cylindrical cage with a hollow volume having the inserts 7a and 7b as bases and a lateral surface defined by the plurality of bars 8.

[0037] As represented, for example, in the attached figures, the first insert 7a has a hollow cylinder conformation while the second insert 7b has a ring conformation. Advantageously, the hollow cylinder conformation of the first insert 7a allows to avoid unwanted reciprocal movements of the electric pump 1 components.

[0038] Preferably, the arrangement of the bars 8 defines a lateral surface of the housing gasket 5 provided with a plurality of cavities 9 suitable for the passage of fluids moved by the electric pump 1. In other words, the arrangement of the plurality of bars 8 is such that it defines a plurality of cavities 9 that allow the fluid to flow from the intake duct present in the pump body 2 towards the pumping assembly 4. Similarly, the cavities 9 allow the passage of the fluid pumped by the pumping assembly 4 into the delivery duct present in the pump body 2.

[0039] According to an aspect of the present invention, the first insert 7a and the second insert 7b define an axial access portion to the housing volume 6 for the pumping assembly 4 and the plurality of cavities 9 define lateral access portions for the passage of the fluid.

[0040] Advantageously, the structure of the housing gasket 5 is such that the housing lumen 6 is accessible both axially and radially. In particular, the axial access allows the pumping assembly 4 to be positioned in the hollow volume 3 and the housing lumen 6 during the assembly of the electric pump 1 . The plurality of cavities 9 instead allows the normal operation of the electric vane pump 1 , i.e., it allows to have a correct passage of fluids inside the electric pump 1 itself.

[0041] Preferably, the housing gasket 5 is arranged on an inner surface 10 of the pump body 2.

[0042] Even more preferably, the housing gasket 5 is arranged peripherally with respect to the hollow volume 3 adapted to accommodate the pumping assembly 4. Therefore, the housing gasket 5 is located interposed between the pump body 2 and the pumping assembly 4.

[0043] Advantageously, the housing gasket 5 thus arranged can minimise the clearance present between the pump body 2 and the pumping assembly 4, ensuring that fluid recirculation inside the electric pump 1 is minimised or eliminated. In other words, the housing gasket 5 arranged as described above creates a physical separation of the intake zone 17 and the delivery zone 18, preventing fluid from flowing out of the delivery zone 18 and returning into the intake zone 17. At the same time, the housing gasket 5 allows a small relative mobility between the constituent components of the electric pump 1 so as to ensure ease of assembly and proper pump operation.

[0044] According to an aspect of the present invention, the inner surface 10 of the pump body 2 has a plurality of grooves 11 suitable for housing the plurality of bars 8 of the housing gasket 5.

[0045] Advantageously, the grooves 11 allow the housing gasket 11 to be held in a correct position, ensuring proper operation of the electric pump 1 .

[0046] Advantageously, the grooves 11 prevent a rotation and / or displacement of the housing gasket 5.

[0047] In particular, each groove 11 is adapted to house a respective bar 8. In detail, a greater number of grooves 11 , and therefore a greater number of bars 8, are arranged near the inlet and outlet ducts so as to ensure an optimal hydraulic separation between the intake 17 and delivery 18 zones. As represented in the attached figures, there are three grooves 11 present and therefore three bars 8 near the inlet and outlet ducts. Preferably a greater number of grooves 11 and bars 8 are possible in order to separate the delivery zone 17 from the intake zone 18.

[0048] According to an aspect of the present invention, the pump body 2 comprises a head 12 comprising a closure assembly 13 in turn comprising an O-ring 14, a closure cover 15 and an elastic seeger 16.

[0049] Advantageously, through the head 12 it is possible to house the pumping assembly 4 in the hollow volume 3 and then seal the electric pump 1 by means of the closure assembly 13 that can be mounted on head 12.

[0050] Advantageously, the closure assembly 13 carries out the functions of holding in place and confining the inner components of the electric pump 1 while at the same time providing hydraulic sealing.

[0051] Advantageously, by removing the closure assembly 13, it is possible to access the pumping assembly 4, the hollow volume 3 and the housing gasket 5, ensuring the possibility of carrying out maintenance, if necessary.

[0052] Preferably, the pump body 2 has a plurality of seats in the head 12 suitable for the positioning of the closure assembly 13.

[0053] In detail, the O-ring 14 is interposed and abutted with the pumping assembly 4 and the closure cover 15. The elastic seeger 16 is instead responsible for holding the closure cover 15 in position.

[0054] Advantageously, the O-ring 14 and the elastic seeger 16 guarantee a hydraulic seal of the electric pump 1 .

[0055] Advantageously, the electric pump 1 which is the subject matter of the present disclosure allows to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0056] In particular, thanks to the structure illustrated so far (and claimed below), the electric pump 1 is associated with lower production costs as the presence of the housing gasket 5 allows the constituent parts of the pump to be manufactured while providing greater dimensional tolerances with respect to those commonly used. Therefore, the electric pump 1 is a cheaper alternative with respect to equivalent products present on the market.

[0057] Furthermore, the electric pump 1 can easily be assembled, and finally, the interposition of the housing gasket 5 between the pump body 2 and the pumping assembly 4 ensures the hydraulic separation between the intake zone 17 and the delivery zone 18 of the electric pump 1. Therefore, the possibility of fluid recirculation inside the electric pump 1 is minimised or eliminated, ensuring the maximisation of pumping efficiency.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Electric pump (1 ) for moving fluids comprising:- a pump body (2) defining a hollow housing volume (3); and- a pumping assembly (4) arranged in said hollow housing volume (3), characterised in that it further comprises a housing gasket (5) in said hollow volume (3) interposed between said pump body (2) and said pumping assembly (4), wherein said housing gasket (5) defines:- a housing lumen (6) extending along an extension axis (X) adapted to contain at least part of said pumping assembly (4); and- a hydraulic separation of an intake zone (17) and a delivery zone (18) of the electric pump (1 ).

2. Electric pump (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said housing gasket (5) comprises a plurality of inserts (7) and a plurality of bars (8), wherein said plurality of bars (8) have equal conformation in terms of shape and size, and wherein said plurality of inserts (7) are placed at a relative distance defined by the interposition of said plurality of bars (8) extending along a parallel direction with respect to said extension axis (X).

3. Electric pump (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of inserts(7) is of ring and / or hollow cylinder conformation and said plurality of bars(8) is of tapered conformation.

4. Electric pump (1 ) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said housing gasket (5) comprises a first insert (7a) and a second insert (7b) and wherein each bar (8) of the plurality of bars (8) has a first end (8a) and a second end (8b); said first end (8a) of each bar (8) is connected to said first insert (7a) and said second end (8b) is connected to said second insert (7b).

5. Electric pump (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein said first insert (7a) and said second insert (7b) define an axial access portion to said housing lumen (6) for said pumping assembly (4) and said plurality of cavities (9) define lateral access portions for the passage of fluid.

6. Electric pump (1 ) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said first insert (7a) has a hollow cylinder conformation and said second insert (7b) has a ringconformation.

7. Electric pump (1 ) according to one or more of claims 2 to 5, wherein the arrangement of said bars (8) defines a lateral surface of said housing gasket (5) provided with a plurality of cavities (9) suitable for the passage of fluids moved by the electric pump (1 ).

8. Electric pump (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said housing gasket (5) is arranged on an inner surface (10) of said pump body (2).

9. Electric pump (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein said inner surface (10) has a plurality of grooves (11 ) suitable for housing said plurality of bars (8).

10. Electric pump (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said housing gasket (5) is arranged peripherally with respect to said hollow volume (3) adapted to accommodate said pumping assembly (4).

11. Electric pump (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said pump body (2) comprises a head (12) comprising a closure assembly (13) comprising an O-ring (14), a closure cover (15) and an elastic seeger (16).

12. Electric pump (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said pump body (2) has a plurality of seats in said head (12) which are suitable for positioning said closure assembly (13).

13. Electric pump (1 ) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said O-ring (14) is interposed between and in contact with said pumping assembly (4) and said closure cover (15), and wherein said elastic seeger (16) is suitable for holding said closure cover (15) in position.

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