US2832291A - Electromagnetic pump - Google Patents

Description

April 29 1958 I s. GORSKQ 2,832,291

ELECTROMAGNETIC PUMP Filed June 17, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 29, 1958 s. GORSKO ELECTROMAGNETIC PUMP Filed June 17, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ELECTROMAGNETIC PUMP Stanley Gorsko, Chicago, Ill.

Application June 1'7, 1954, Serial No. 437,474

6 Claims. ((11. 103-53) This invention pertains to fluid pump particularly useful in connection with transferring of fluids at uniform pressures. Though the pump is of a positive reciprocating type, nevertheless the unique arrangement of the underlying elements provides a substantially steady flow of the fluid without marked pulsation.

It therefore is an object of this invention to provide a novel and unique arrangement of parts in a suitable combination to provide a substantially pulse free and uniform pressure flow of the fluid.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device that is comparatively simple to make at an economical cost of production.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an electromagnetic pump for moving fluids at preselected pressure.

A still further and additional object of this invention is to provide a pumping mechanism that though set for delivery of a fluid at a preselected initial pressure, can be adjusted to deliver fluid at diflerent pressures while in actual operation and use, particularly in connection with internal combustion engines so that the engine will receive the proper amount of fluid fuel to yield the maximum in horsepower output and efficiency.

A still another object of my invention is to provide a reciprocating fuel pump that may be used in any position and still provide fluid under pressure.

Another but not final object of my invention is to provide a pumping device capable of delivering a fluid of different pressures depending upon the position in which the said pump is mounted.

These and other objects, extensions, modifications, variations and adaptations will be obvious to one skilled in this art particularly in view of the lucid and definitive description given hereinbelow in the disclosure of the fundamental concepts underlying the principles of my invention in one of its preferred embodiments, and which are further illustrated in the annexed drawing forming a part of this disclosure, solely for sake of clarity but Without any direct or implied intention to be limited solely to such preferred embodiment, for it is unequivocally clear that the principles may be varied widely and still not depart from the spirit thereof, except as defined in the hereunto appended claims.

Therefore, in the drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical substantially mid-sectional view of one of the preferred cmbodiments of my improved pump.

Figure 2 is a section taken substantially along line 2-2 of Figure 1 showing the arrangement of the elements in the electromagnetic drive.

Figure 3 is an elevational view of a partial vertical section of Figure 2 showing the electrical contacts and make and break arrangement.

Figure 4 is a section taken a.ong lines 4--d of Figure 1, showing one of the check valve arrangements.

Figure 5 is a section taken along lines 5--5 of Figure 1 showing the screen and entry port.

For sake of clarity the reference characters used to identify each of the elements in the drawings forming a part of this disclosure, are also used hereinbelow with the same significance.

Essentially my improved pump comprises five sections or chambers, an inlet chamber 63, a suction chamber 74, a pressure chamber 88, storage-outlet chamber 94 and an actuating mechanism containing chamber 114. The relation of each chamber and the effect of each on the movement of a fluid through my improved fluid pump will become clear in view of the detailed description given hereinbelow.

My improved device comprises an external wall or housing 10 Within which are contained the following subassemblies: Athe fluid entry chamber; B-the fluid flow control means; C-fluid movement means; D--fiuid exit chamber and E-means for energizing the fluid movement means.

The tubular housing 10 has on the upper and lower ends thereof caps or covers 12 and M- respectively. Both covers serve for purposes of reenforcement and also to act as a seat for the sealing gasket 15 resting on an annular ring 18 having thereon a horizontal oflset or flange 20. The circumferential perimeters 22 of the covers 12 and 14 are pressed fitted over the housing wall 10 and rolled over and about the flange 2d. The annular ring 13 is preferably brazed or soldered to the housing tube I10. It, however, is obvious that other well known means can very well be employed to accomplish the same result of obtaining a fluid tight seal between the end plates 12 and M with the housing 16.

As an additional precautionary measure, particularly since the pumps may be used for pumping highly inflammable materials such as gasoline, there is provided in the top cover 12 an axially located aperture through which is inserted the shank 26 of the bolt 24 which traverses the distance Within the fluid exit chamber formed between the cover 12 and the horizontal partition 34.. The shank 26 is retained within the said partition 34 by means of complementary male and female threads 28 about its end and within the said partition. A suitable seal (not shown) is provided about the head 24 to prevent leakage of the fluid. The tip St or rather extension of the shank 26 has fastened thereto a helical spring 32 which acts as a snubber to absorb and cushion the force of the piston 108 reciprocating within the pump cylinder. The spring 32 is preferably of a preset compressive force value so that it can convert its dynamic load into a spring back for the piston.

The lower cover or end 14, likewise has an axially threaded machine screw 34 preferably having a hexagonal head. The shank 36 of the screw 34 is threaded 38 substantially through its entire length and a lock nut 40 retains the screw 34 in the desired fixed position. The ti of the screw 34% is in contact with the closed end 42 of inlet thimble which is in slidable juxtaposition within the well 46 of the casting 48a. Thus the position of the inlet thirnbie 44 can be adjusted within the well as of the casting 48a and consequently the pressure of the helical spring 50 resting on the upper part 52 can be varied and set to a preselected or desired compression by turning the head 34. If desired a suitable extension (not shown) such as a flexible shaft or electrical rotor can he provided to adjust the pressure of the spring by the operator from a distant point, as the dash of. a car, etc.

A fluid entry port or nipple 54 is provided within an aperture formed in a selected portion of the exterior housing It? to which the fluid source line (not shown) may be threadedly connected therewith. An internal transverse partition 56 is brazed in the selected position within the tubular housing to form between the said partition 56 and the cover 14 a fluid entry chamber 63., which is in direct communication with the inlet port or nipple 54, Within the inlet chamber 63 is placed the casting 49 whose top is fastened fixedly by suitable means 3 such as screws 58 to the partition 56, while its bottom portion or extension 48a is in contact with the cap 14.

An axial extension 48a of the casting 49, contains therein the previously described well or chamber 46. Within this chamber 46 and in slidab le juxtaposition therein, rides the thimble 44. The thimble 44 has in the perimeter a number of openings or apertures 60 which are of a smaller area than the apertures or openings 62 within the said extension 48a. The apertures 60 and 62 are so constructed as to be in substantial registry in order to i permit an uninterrupted communicating flow of fluid from the chamber 63 irrespective of the pressure exerted on the spring 50 by the screw 34. Circumscribing an area about the exterior of the said extension 48a is a bronze or brass screen or sieve 64 of fine mesh to remove solids and pre vent flow of immiscible liquid such as water entrained in a fluid fuel like gasoline.

Within the upper part or ceiling 52 of the thimble 44 is an aperture 66 into which projects the inverted hemispherical dome 6d of the check valve. A suitable cap 72 having apertures therein for flow of fluid retains the dome 68 in contacting engagement with the opening 66 by means of a compressed spring 70. Likewise, one end of the helical spring 50 rests on the foot section of the check valve cap 72.

Located within the casting 49in addition to the axially disposed chamber 46 which receives the thimble 44 and its check valve assembly 72 is an intercommunicating suction, L-shaped, chamber 74. This chamber is ofiset in relation to the axially disposed chamber 46. In the foot part of this chamber is a partition 76 which likewise supports a check valve assembly, comprising an aperture 78 in the said partition 76, a hemispherical dome valve 80, a restraining spring 82 and the apertured housing or cap 84 for the check valve assembly.

interconnecting the chamber 74 and chamber 88 is a tube 86, which is soldered or otherwise secured to the partitions 56 and 90. The partition '90 has its circumferential edges inturned to form a flange-like or tubular projection 92 to provide a bearing surface for solder or other means to obtain a liquid tight seal to the inner walls of the housing 10. It should be noted that the distance between partition 90 and 34 is relatively small and of such magnitude as to act as a dash board for liquid splashed against it by the double acting piston 108 on the return stroke or forced through the tube 86.

vThis type of construction is important. It prevents to a marked degree turbulent flow in the outlet 104 and provides for smooth, practically non surging flow of fluid to the carburator or to the appliance.

Another check valve assembly is also provided within the exit chamber 94 comprising the seat aperture 96, the valve hemisphere 98, the spring 100 and retaining hood or cap 102 having therein communicating openings through which the fluid may move into chamber 94 and onward through the exit port fitting or nipple 104.

It should be noted that the valve inserts 68, 80 and 98 can be of any material, but I find nylon moulded to the desired shape to be very satisfactory for it has a very long non-corrodable life.

Between the partitions 90 and 56, and in coaxial alignment with the chamber 46 within the casting extension 48a there is provided a cylindrical tube 106 which issuitably fastened to the said partitions to provide leakproof junctions therebetween. This tube 106 communicates between the chambers 88, the oflfset or L-shaped chamber 74 and the portion of the chamber 46 above the thimble 4-4.

A freely movable reciprocating piston 108 moves in slidable juxtaposition within the cylinder 106. On one end of the piston 108 is an annular shoulder 110 against which one end of the helical spring 50 abuts, while the screw 24 or to the piston 108 in the desired position. It snubs and prevents the piston 108 from hitting the transverse partition 34 or the end 30 of the screw 24.

The piston 108 is made of paramagnetic material, such as iron, suitable and well known alloys such as Alnico, etc. and is therefore affected by magnetic flux and will also attract magnetized materials.

Bounded between the partitions and 56 and the interior surfaces of the walls of the tubular housing 10 is a cavity 114 consisting preferably but not necessarily of two sections 114a and 114k. A gas tight dividing partition 116 is preferably provided but any suitable support for the motion control means may be used. Before mounting in position the cylinder 106 is inserted through the clectromagnet 116, which is of the type used in solenoid construction. The lead wire 118 connects one end of the electrical core winding with the binding post 120 mounted on the exterior wall 10 within an insulator washer 122. The other lead wire 124 from the other end of the electromagnet winding emerges preferably through a tight fitting hole into the upper part 114a of chamber 114. This lead 124 is connected to the arm 126, upon which is an extension 123 carrying on its tip the lower of the two make and break contact points 130.

About the tube 106 and above the partition 116 is a square piece of paramagnetic material like iron. This piece 130 has an aperture therein in axial alignment with the tube 106 and acts as a path for the magnetic flux created by the energization of the electromagnet 116. Attached in a pivoted relation to the sides of the square pie-cc 130 by means of pins 132 is a saddle or U-shaped channel 134 whose flanges 136 and 13S straddle or embrace the sides of the paramagnetic square 130. The web 140 of this channel 134 is formed into a U-shaped section. Within this section 140 is embraced a small permanent magnet 146 preferably formed from Alnico alloy. One end of the magnet 146 is curvilinearly shaped to fit the perimeter of the tube 106. Since the weight of the magnet 146 is designed to be relatively heavier than the weight of that portion of the saddle beyond the pivot pins 132, then the entire arm or flanges will move upwardly. A pair of make and break contacts 130 are attached to the pivoted arm or side 138 and to extension 128. When the weight of the magnet 146 trim the arms 136 and 138 upward the contact points 130 are spread apart and interrupt the flow of electricity coming from the terminal 120 through the coil of the electromagnet 116, the arm 126, extension 128 contact points 130, lead wire 142 and to the ground 144 to return to the battery or generator (not shown). In order to provide the minimum of effort to close the contact points 130, the weight of the magnet 146 may be counter balanced by additional mass of material such as the circular extension on the arm 136 or any other well known means for accomplishing the same result.

in actual operation, the weight of the magnet 146 al ways trips open and breaks apart the contact points 130. However the piston 1055 being of iron will attract the magnet 146 particularly when it is in the position near the portion of the tube 106 adjacent the magnet. This occurs since the piston 108 under the urging of the helical spring 50 is always normally adjacent to and in position to attract the magnet 146. The magnet 1&6 when attracted by the iron piston 108 swings upward and thus the arm 138 pivots about the pins 132 to close the con tacts 130 and permit the current to flow through the electromagnetic'coil 116. The coil 116 on energization creates a magnetic flux which attracts the piston or solenoid core 108 within its ilux area, and thus relieving the magnet 146 of its source of attraction. When this occurs the circuit is broken, the magnetic flux in the coil 116 is ended and the now free of magnetic flux attraction piston 108 is moved upward into juxtaposition of the magnet 146 by means of the spring 50 and thus again reestablishing the electromagnetic circuit to attract the piston 10S. Thus every time the piston 108 is moved a certain volume is displaced in the pressure chamber 88 while an equal volume is sucked into the suction chamber 74.

The check valves 68, 8t? and 98 thus control the flow of fluid whenever there is a forward and positive displacement. When the piston moves downwardly, thus closing check valve 68, opening check valve 80 while check valve 98 is just fluttering since there is a positive pressure within the chamber When the circuit is broken, the piston 188 under the urging of the spring 50 is returned to the position near the magnet and thus forcing any fluid in that portion of the tube 106 into the chamber 88 and through check valve 98 since check valve 80 is closed. The fluid passing valve 98 enters chamber 94 which under normal conditions of operation is normally full of fluid though it may at times and under some conditions particularly where installed in the vertical position as illustrated, contain some air which will function like a hydraulic ram and force the fluid through the outlet 104.

However, it is evident that this type of pump will function regardless of its position. In its normal position, as illustrated, the pressure exerted on the fluid is the pressure of the spring returning the piston less the weight of the piston which is moving against the effect of gravity. If mounted in an horizontal position the effect of gravity is minimized and thus the pressure behind the fluid is somewhat greater, and it is the greatest when the pump is mounted in an upside down position, for in this position the gravitational pull on the mass of the plunger 108 is added to the urging of the spring 50. Thus three pressures can be obtained with the same setting depending on the position in which the pump is mounted.

However, once the pump is mounted and should the pressure of the fluid fed into the system be unsuitable for eflicient operation, then the lock nut 40 may be released, the proper adjustment made on the screw 36 through the head 34 so that the pressure of spring 50 may be changed to the desired level and then locked into that level by means of the lock nut 40. Such adjustments are particularly desirable when the engine or device is op erating under unusually light or unusually heavy conditions.

Though this invention in its preferred embodiment has been adapted to for use with liquid fuels, it can nevertheless be employed for pumping gaseous fluids equally as well. In order to provide a more efficient mode for transferring gaseous fluids, I have provided around the perimeter of the piston 108 at preselected positions a series of circular recesses 109 into which rings 111 are inserted to provide a tighter fit between the piston and the walls of the tube 106. Clearly it is obvious that as many as desired of such rings may be provided to obtain the utmost in efliciency when pumping either gaseous or even liquid fluids.

It is evident that one skilled in this art may make a number of changes which nevertheless will be included within the fundamental concepts of my invention and within the spirit of the hereunto appended claims defining my invention.

I claim:

1. An electromagnetic fluid pump comprising a container, an inlet port and an outlet port in said container, a transverse partition located within said container about one end thereof to form an inlet chamber, therein in communication with said inlet port, another transverse partition located within said container about the other end thereof to form therein an outlet chamber in communication with said outlet port, a mechanism containing chamber within that portion of said container between the said transverse partitions, a drive mechanism means mounted within said mechanism containing chamber, tubular passageways for fluid within said mechanism containing chamber in communication through said partitions with said inlet and said outlet chambers, a fluid motivating chamber in said tubular passageways, a communicating channel between said inlet chamber and said fluid motivating chamber and another communicating channel between said motivating chamber and said outlet chamber respectively; check valve means mounted respectively in said communicating channels between said inlet and outlet chambers; the said fluid motivating chamber comprising an intake section and an outflow section, a reciprocating plunger mounted coaxially in one of said passageways to permit unidirectional flow of fluid under pressure of said plunger from the said intake section to the outflow section within said fluid motivating chamber; and an electromagnet within said mechanism containing chamber mounted in juxtaposition and operatable on said reciprocating plunger.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the said inlet chamber comprises an annular partition extending coaxially to the floor of said inlet chamber, a cylinder adjustably slidable within said partition, a means to adjust the level of said cylinder, a coil spring seated on said cylinder which can be adjustably tensioned, apertures in registry in the walls of said hollow cylinder and said partition whereby liquid in the inlet chamber flows freely therethrough irrespective of the level of said cylinder, and a check valve in one end of said cylinder to permit therethrough flow of fluid under suction within the adjacent portion in the said fluid motivating chamber.

3. In the device of claim 2 wherein the said means to adjust the level of said cylinder is a thumb screw protruding through the base of said chamber.

4. In the device of claim 1, a detent within one of said passageways coaxially aligned to limit forward movement of said plunger, a helical spring operating on said plunger in one of said passageways to apply pressure on said plunger, the said pressure adjustably controllable by means protruding through the end of the pump, a check valve means in every additional channel of communication at the inlet thereof, and a check valve means permitting therethrough flow of fluid to the outlet chamber under pressure.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the said detent is a spring whereby the plunger can abut against.

6. In the device of claim 1 wherein the said drive mechanism contained in said chamber whereby said an electromagnet is mounted coaxially about the said communication channel containing the plunger, a break-and-make circuit means mounted about same said channel, the said break-and-make circuit means comprising a U-shaped saddle, a pivot means to permit up-and-down movement of said U-shaped saddle about said same channel, a permanent magnet mounted about the web of said saddle in juxtaposition with the coaxially aligned communication channel, whereby when the plunger is in the vicinity of said magnet, the said magnet is attracted thereby and thus closing the contact.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 496,331 Van Depoele Apr. 25, 1893 2,473,726 Payne June 21, 1949 2,533,164 Dickey et al. Dec. 5, 1950 2,578,902 Smith Dec. 18, 1951

Images