Vacuum pumps

Abstract

A vacuum pump, particularly for automotive use, comprises a stator ( 2 ) and a rotor ( 24 ) mounted to be rotatable about an axis. The rotor ( 24 ) is connected to a first circular section annular member ( 18 ) coaxial with the axis, the outer surface of which constitutes the bearing surface of a pulley or gearwhell, in particular a multi-V pulley. The first circular section annular member ( 18 ) defines a space in which the rotor and stator are accommodated.

1 . An automotive vacuum pump comprising a stationary stator and a rotor mounted to be rotatable about an axis with respect to the stator, the rotor being accommodated within the stator and connected to a first circular section annular member coaxial with the axis, the outer surface of which constitutes the bearing surface of a pulley or gearwheel, the first circular section annular member defining a space in which the rotor and stator are substantially accommodated.  
   
   
       2 . A pump as claimed in  claim 1  in which the rotor is afforded by a first end plate assembly comprising a first plate extending in a radial plane and connected to one end of the rotor and to the first annular member.  
   
   
       3 . A pump as claimed in  claim 1  in which the stator is afforded by a second end plate assembly comprising a second plate which extends in a radial plane and through which extend a rotary shaft connected to the rotor and inlet and outlet openings and connected to the outer edge of which is a second circular section annular member, which fits within the first annular member.  
   
   
       4 . A pump as claimed in  claim 1  which is of eccentric rotor sliding vane type.  
   
   
       5 . A pump as claimed in  claim 4  in which the stator comprises an eccentric circular space, which is defined within the second end plate assembly and rotatably accommodates the rotor, the rotor carrying the sliding vanes.  
   
   
       6 . A pump as claimed in  claim 4  in which the rotor comprises an eccentric circular space, which is defined within the first plate assembly and accommodates the stator, the stator carrying the sliding vanes.  
   
   
       7 . A pump as claimed in  claim 1  in which the outer surface of the first circular section annular member constitutes the bearing surface of a multi-V pulley.