Fluid device with flexible ring

摘要

A fluid device includes a housing defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A variable displacement assembly is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The variable displacement assembly includes a rotor assembly, a flexible ring, and a plurality of ring supports. The rotor assembly includes a rotor having a plurality of reciprocating members. The flexible ring is disposed about the rotor assembly. The flexible ring includes an inner surface, which is adapted for engagement with the plurality of reciprocating members, and an outer surface. The plurality of ring supports is disposed about the flexible ring. Each of the plurality of ring supports includes a support portion and a pivot portion about which the ring support selectively pivots. The support portion is adapted for engagement with the outer surface of the flexible ring.

主权项

1. A variable displacement assembly for use in a fluid device, the variable fluid displacement assembly comprising:
a flexible ring, the flexible ring having an inner surface and an outer surface; a plurality of linearly actuated control pistons oppositely disposed from one another about the outer surface of the flexible ring; and a plurality of ring supports disposed about the outer surface of the flexible ring, wherein each of the plurality of ring supports includes a support portion adapted for engagement with the outer surface of the flexible ring and a central pivot portion that defines a central pivot axis about which the ring support selectively pivots, wherein the pivoting of the ring support about the central pivot portion moves the flexible ring between a relaxed position and a displaced position, the central pivot portions being arranged between and in an alternating arrangement with the plurality of control pistons; and the flexible ring being rotatable relative to the ring supports and the support portions of the ring supports providing bearing surfaces against which the flexible ring rotates.