BEAD GASKET

Abstract

A bead gasket for sealing off an axial joint between a first component and a second component, the bead gasket including a first bead loop surrounds a first inner region in an axial view and includes a bead end face for an axial contact with one of the components; a passage for fluid which is located in the first inner region, wherein the first bead loop is a smallest bead loop surrounding the passage; and a first rigidifying structure which extends from the first bead loop into the first inner region in the axial view in order to rigidify the first bead loop.

Claims

1.-18. (canceled)

19. A bead gasket for sealing off an axial joint between a first component and a second component, the bead gasket comprising: (a) a first bead loop which surrounds a first inner region in an axial view and comprises a bead end face for an axial contact with one of the components; (b) a passage for fluid which is located in the first inner region, (c) wherein the first bead loop is a smallest bead loop surrounding the passage; and (d) a first rigidifying structure which extends from the first bead loop into the first inner region in the axial view in order to rigidify the first bead loop.

20. The bead gasket according to claim 19, comprising: a second bead loop which surrounds a second inner region located next to the first inner region in the axial view and comprises a bead end face for an axial contact with one of the components; and a passage for fluid which is located in the second inner region.

21. The bead gasket according to claim 20, comprising a second rigidifying structure which extends from the second bead loop into the second inner region in order to rigidify the second bead loop.

22. The bead gasket according to claim 19, comprising a third bead loop which surrounds a third inner region comprising a passage for the fluid in the axial view and comprises a bead end face for an axial contact with the other of the components, wherein the first bead loop and the third bead loop are arranged axially one above the other, preferably one directly above the other, the first inner region and the third inner region overlap in the axial view, and the bead end face of the first bead loop faces axially away from the bead end face of the third bead loop. the bead gasket according to any one of the immediately preceding three claims, comprising a third rigidifying structure which extends from the third bead loop into the third inner region in order to rigidify the third bead loop.

23. The bead gasket according to claim 22, comprising a third rigidifying structure which extends from the third bead loop into the third inner region in order to rigidify the third bead loop.

24. The bead gasket according to claim 22, wherein the first bead loop and the third bead loop splay axially away from each other towards the respectively surrounded inner region and the respective bead end face, such that an elongated axial spring displacement is obtained between these bead end faces.

25. The bead gasket according to claim 19, comprising: a first gasket layer which comprises the first bead loop, the first inner region and the first rigidifying structure; and a second gasket layer comprising a third bead loop which surrounds a third inner region in which a passage for the fluid is located, wherein the gasket layers lie axially one above the other, preferably one immediately on top of the other, the third bead loop comprises a bead end face for an axial contact with the other of the components, wherein said bead end face faces axially away from the bead end face of the first bead loop, and the first inner region and the third inner region overlap in the axial view.

26. The bead gasket according to claim 20, comprising: a first gasket layer which comprises the first bead loop, the first inner region and the first rigidifying structure; and a second gasket layer comprising a third bead loop which surrounds a third inner region in which a passage for the fluid is located, wherein the gasket layers lie axially one above the other, preferably one immediately on top of the other, the third bead loop comprises a bead end face for an axial contact with the other of the components, wherein said bead end face faces axially away from the bead end face of the first bead loop, and the first inner region and the third inner region overlap in the axial view, wherein the first gasket layer comprises the second bead loop and the second inner region.

27. The bead gasket according to claim 25, comprising a third rigidifying structure which extends from the third bead loop into the third inner region in order to rigidify the third bead loop.

28. The bead gasket according to claim 25, wherein the first bead loop and the third bead loop splay axially away from each other towards the respectively surrounded inner region and the respective bead end face, such that an elongated axial spring displacement is obtained between these bead end faces.

29. The bead gasket according to claim 19, wherein the respective rigidifying structure is disc-shaped or bowl-shaped.

30. The bead gasket according to claim 19, wherein the respective rigidifying structure comprises multiple passages, which are separated from each other and jointly surrounded by the assigned bead loop, next to each other in an axial plan view.

31. The bead gasket according to claim 19, wherein the respective rigidifying structure extends over at least the majority of the inner circumference of the corresponding bead loop over a breadth, being a radial breadth in the axial view, which corresponds at least to the radial breadth of the corresponding bead loop.

32. A pump for applying fluid to an assembly, for example a gearbox, the pump comprising: (a) a pump housing featuring: a circumferential wall, which surrounds a delivery chamber of the pump; and a first end-face wall and second end-face wall which delineate the delivery chamber on its end-face sides; (b) an inlet for the fluid on a low-pressure side of the pump housing and an outlet through which fluid on a high-pressure side of the pump housing can be delivered out of the delivery chamber; (c) a delivery member, which can be moved in the delivery chamber, for delivering the fluid from the low-pressure side to the high-pressure side; and (d) a bead gasket comprising a first bead loop which surrounds a first inner region of the bead gasket, through which the fluid can axially flow, and surrounds the outlet or the delivery chamber in an axial contact on the end-face side with respect to the first bead loop, in order to seal it off, in an axial view onto the bead gasket.

33. The pump according to claim 32, wherein the outlet emerges on an outer end-face side of the first end-face wall which faces away from the delivery chamber, and the bead gasket is held on the pump housing such that it axially faces the outer end-face side of the first end-face wall and preferably abuts the outer end-face side of the first end-face wall in axial contact, to seal off the outlet.

34. The pump according to claim 32, wherein the bead gasket comprises a third bead loop which surrounds a third inner region of the bead gasket, through which the fluid can flow, in the axial view, wherein the first inner region and the third inner region overlap in the axial view, and an outer bead end face of the first bead loop which surrounds the outlet axially faces the pump housing and faces axially away from an outer bead end face of the third bead loop.

35. The pump according to claim 32, wherein the pump is arranged on an accommodating device, the accommodating device comprises an end-face wall, preferably the base of a well, which lies axially opposite the outlet and comprises a pressure port, and the third bead loop surrounds the pressure port in axial contact with the end-face wall of the accommodating device, such that the outlet is connected to the pressure port in a fluid seal.

36. The pump according to claim 32, wherein when the pump is assembled, the bead gasket exerts an axial spring force on the pump housing via the first bead loop either in an indirect line of force to a spring device or in a direct line of force.

37. The pump according to claim 32, wherein the pump is a gear pump and/or a lubricant pump and/or coolant pump or a vacuum pump for a motor vehicle or a gear pump for a device for generating energy, for example a wind turbine.

38. The pump according to claim 32, wherein the bead gasket comprises: (a) a first bead loop which surrounds a first inner region in an axial view and comprises a bead end face for an axial contact with one of the components; (b) a passage for fluid which is located in the first inner region, (c) wherein the first bead loop is a smallest bead loop surrounding the passage; and (d) a first rigidifying structure which extends from the first bead loop into the first inner region in the axial view in order to rigidify the first bead loop, wherein the first rigidifying structure which seals off the outlet overlaps with the outlet in the axial view, and the first rigidifying structure which seals off the delivery chamber overlaps with the delivery chamber in the axial view, such that the fluid flows onto the first rigidifying structure when the pump is in operation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0124] An example embodiment of the invention is explained below on the basis of figures. Features disclosed by the example embodiment, each individually and in any combination of features, advantageously develops the subject-matter of the claims, the aspects and the embodiments also described above. There is shown:

[0125] FIG. 1 a pump in an axial view onto a delivery chamber of the pump;

[0126] FIG. 2 the pump in an isometric view onto an end-face side on which a bead gasket in accordance with an aspect of the invention is arranged;

[0127] FIG. 3 the pump in an axial view onto the bead gasket;

[0128] FIG. 4 the pump in a longitudinal section;

[0129] FIG. 5 an arrangement of the pump in an accommodating well of an accommodating device, in a longitudinal section;

[0130] FIG. 6 the bead gasket in a longitudinal section;

[0131] FIG. 7 a region of the bead gasket in the longitudinal section of FIG. 6;

[0132] FIG. 8 the bead gasket in an isometric representation;

[0133] FIG. 9 the bead gasket in a longitudinal section, in an isometric representation;

[0134] FIG. 10 the axial joint between the pump and the accommodating device, which is sealed off by means of the bead gasket, in an enlarged representation; and

[0135] FIG. 11 a force/displacement diagram for the rigidified bead gasket as compared to a non-rigidified bead gasket (a reference gasket).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0136] FIG. 1 shows a pump in an axial view onto a pump housing 1. A delivery chamber 5 is formed in the pump housing 1. The pump housing 1 comprises a circumferential wall 2, which surrounds the delivery chamber 5, and end-face walls which axially delineate the delivery chamber 5 on its two end-face sides and of which one end-face wall 4 can be seen. The other of the end-face walls has been removed in FIG. 1, such that there is an unobstructed view into the delivery chamber 5.

[0137] The pump is embodied as a rotary pump and comprises a rotor 10, which can be rotated about a rotational axis R, and multiple vanes which are guided such that they can be moved radially or at least substantially in the radial direction in slots in the rotor 10, as is typical in vane cell pumps. The rotor 10 and the vanes 11 together form an impeller of the pump. An inner circumference of the circumferential wall 2 comprises a guiding surface for the vanes 11. As the rotor 10 rotates, the vanes 11 are pressed outwards against the guiding surface of the circumferential wall 2. As the rotor 10 rotates, the guiding surface determines how far the vanes 11 protrude beyond the outer circumference of the rotor 10. In the circumferential direction, the vanes 11 delineate delivery cells formed in the delivery chamber 5. The profile of the guiding surface of the circumferential wall 2 is selected such that as the rotor 10 rotates, the delivery cells periodically increase in size on a low-pressure side of the delivery chamber 5 and decrease in size again on a high-pressure side of the delivery chamber 5 in order to expel a fluid, which flows into the delivery chamber 5 through an inlet on the low-pressure side of the delivery chamber 5, at an increased pressure as a pressure fluid through a pressure outlet situated on the high-pressure side of the delivery chamber 5. In advantageous embodiments, the pump is designed to suction the fluid through the inlet, for example against the force of gravity.

[0138] The pump is a multi-flux pump—in the example embodiment, a dual-flux pump, i.e. it comprises a first working flux and a second working flux. The delivery chamber 5 correspondingly comprises a first inlet 6 and a first pressure outlet for the first working flux and a second inlet 7 and a second pressure outlet for the second working flux. When the pump is in operation, the rotor 10 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1, as indicated by a rotational direction arrow. The pressure outlets are arranged in the end-face wall which is not shown in FIG. 1. A first connecting channel which extends axially through the circumferential wall 2 on the high-pressure side of the first working flux is denoted by 8, and a second connecting channel which extends axially through the circumferential wall 2 on the high-pressure side of the second working flux is denoted by 9. The connecting channels 8 and 9 connect pressure spaces, formed in the region of the end-face wall 4, to the pressure outlets of the axially opposite end-face wall of the pump housing 1, which is not shown in FIG. 1.

[0139] FIG. 2 shows the pump pre-assembled, in an isometric view onto an outlet side of the pump on the end-face side. The outlet side is formed on an outer end-face side of the first end-face wall 3 which is not shown in FIG. 1 but can be seen in FIG. 2. An outlet gasket in the form of a bead gasket B, which is arranged on the outer end-face side of the end-face wall 3, covers the pressure outlets when the pump is pre-assembled. The first pressure outlet and the second pressure outlet emerge on the outer end-face side of the end-face wall 3. The connecting channels 8 and 9 which can be seen in FIG. 1 are assigned to the pressure outlets, wherein the connecting channel 8 emerges into the first pressure outlet which leads through the end-face wall 3, and the connecting channel 9 emerges into the second pressure outlet which likewise leads through the end-face wall 3.

[0140] The bead gasket B comprises multiple bead loops which each encircle an inner region of the bead gasket B in the form of a bead loop. A bead loop 25 and a bead loop 31 can be seen in FIG. 2. The bead loop 31 surrounds an inner region 32 of the bead gasket B which lies axially opposite the first pressure outlet and overlaps with it in an axial view. The bead loop 25 surrounds an inner region 26 of the bead gasket B which lies axially opposite the second pressure outlet and overlaps with it in an axial view.

[0141] The pump also comprises a spring device 40 which is formed by way of example as a corrugated annular spring. The spring device 40 is likewise arranged on the outer end-face side of the end-face wall 3. It exerts an axial spring force on the pump housing 1 when the pump is installed.

[0142] The circumferential wall 2 forms a closed ring, while each of the end-face walls 3 and 4 is plate-shaped. In a first angular range over which the low-pressure side of the first working flux extends, the circumferential wall 2 comprises a cavity on each of its two end-face sides, in order to form the first inlet 6. In another angular range, over which the low-pressure side of the second working flux extends, the circumferential wall 2 also comprises a second cavity on each of its two end-face sides, in order to form the second inlet 7. The fluid can flow into the delivery chamber 5 (FIG. 1) via the cavities on the end-face side of the circumferential wall 2, i.e. via the first inlet 6 and the second inlet 7. The circumferential wall 2 also comprises a cavity on its outer circumference in each of the angular range of the inlet 6 and the angular range of the inlet 7. The cavities on the circumference each extend axially from one cavity on the end-face side to the axially opposite other cavity on the end-face side. The cavities on the circumference connect the two cavities of the first inlet 6 on the end-face side and, on the opposite side, the two cavities of the first inlet 7 on the end-face side, such that a comparatively large-volume first inlet 6 and an equally large-volume second inlet 7 are obtained. The end-face walls 3 and 4 can each be provided with assigned cavities in order to increase the flow cross-section of the inlet 6 and the flow cross-section of the inlet 7.

[0143] FIG. 3 shows the pump in an axial view onto the bead gasket B. As already mentioned, the bead gasket B comprises the bead loop 31, which encircles the first pressure outlet in the axial view, and the bead loop 25 which encircles the second pressure outlet in the axial view.

[0144] FIGS. 2 and 3 show the end-face wall 4 comprising a flange which serves the purpose of assembling the pump. For simplicity, this flange is not shown in the axial view in FIG. 1.

[0145] FIG. 4 shows the pump pre-assembled, in the longitudinal section A-A indicated in FIG. 3. The pump housing 1 comprises the wall structures which have already been mentioned, namely the circumferential wall 2, the first end-face wall 3 and the second end-face wall 4 which together delineate the delivery chamber 5 (FIG. 1) over its circumference and axially on its end-face sides. Each of the end-face walls 3 and 4 abuts the circumferential wall 2 in an axial contact. The circumferential wall 2 can advantageously be joined loosely, i.e. not in a material fit, to the end-face walls 3 and 4.

[0146] The rotor 10 is non-rotationally connected to a drive shaft 12. The drive shaft 12 penetrates the end-face wall 4 and the rotor 10 and protrudes into a blind bore in the end-face wall 3. A drive portion of the drive shaft 12 protrudes beyond the end-face wall 4 and can be rotary-driven in this drive portion. A drive wheel, for example a belt disc for a belt drive, a chain wheel for a chain drive or a toothed wheel for a toothed wheel drive, can be non-rotationally connected to the drive shaft 12 in the drive portion. The shaft passage of the end-face wall 4 is sealed off by means of a shaft gasket 4a.

[0147] As already mentioned, the components of the pre-assembled pump are joined loosely to each other. The circumferential wall 2 and the end-face walls 3 and 4 are held together in an axial layered assemblage within the pre-assembled pump unit by means of a holding device. The holding device comprises at least one holder 13: in the example embodiment, it comprises a first holder 13 and a second holder 13. The respective holder 13 protrudes from the second end-face wall 4 in the axial direction in the shape of a rod, protrudes through the circumferential wall 2 in the axial direction and protrudes through or into the first end-face wall 3. In the example embodiment, one of the holders 13 protrudes through the first end-face wall 3, while the other holder 13 protrudes into a blind bore in the end-face wall 3. The holders 13 can be fixedly connected to the second end-face wall 4 in a frictional or material fit. The holder 13 which protrudes through the first end-face wall 3 is in a holding engagement, which is based on a positive fit, with the first end-face wall 3. The holding engagement is such that the holder 13 in question can be guided through a passage in the end-face wall 3, as viewed from the end-face wall 4, but can no longer be retracted once it has been guided through, for example due to a retainer.

[0148] During pre-assembly, the circumferential wall 2 and the first end-face wall 3 are slid along the holders 13 towards the end-face wall 4 until one of the holders 13 protrudes through the end-face wall 3 and passes into holding engagement with it or can be moved into holding engagement with it by the retainer. The other holder 13 serves to correctly position the circumferential wall 2 and the end-face wall 3 in terms of their rotational angular position.

[0149] The bead gasket B is held on the pump housing 1 on the outer end-face side of the end-face wall 3. In order to center it, the bead gasket B comprises a central passage 35 (FIG. 8) which during pre-assembly is slid onto an axial projection 3a on the outer end-face side of the end-face wall 3. When the pump is pre-assembled, the spring device 40 is likewise held on the outer end-face side of the end-face wall 3. The pump housing 1 which is held together as a loose layered assemblage by means of the holders 13, together with the bead gasket B and the spring device 40, forms the pre-assembled pump unit in the form of an assembly unit which is simple to assemble as a whole. This assembly unit also comprises a first sealing ring 14a, which is accommodated in a circumferential groove on the outer circumference of the end-face wall 4, and a second sealing ring 14b which is accommodated in a circumferential groove on the outer circumference of the end-face wall 3. The sealing rings 14a and 14b serve to seal off a low-pressure space which surrounds the assembled pump on its outer circumference.

[0150] FIG. 5 shows the pump assembled, wherein the pump itself is again shown in the section A-A from FIG. 3. The pump is arranged on an accommodating device 15. The pump is arranged in such a way that it protrudes into an accommodating well 16 of the accommodating device 15 with the bead gasket B first. The assembly flange of the end-face wall 4 of the pump abuts the accommodating device 15, and the pump is fastened on the accommodating device 15 in the region of the flange, for example by means of a screw connection.

[0151] The pump protrudes into the accommodating well 16 with its port side first, such that the outer end-face side of the end-face wall 3 lies opposite a base 17 of the accommodating well 16 at a slight axial distance, i.e. across an axial joint.

[0152] When the pump is assembled, the spring device 40 is axially supported on the base 17 of the well, and its spring force acts axially on the end-face wall 3. In this way, the spring force of the spring device 40 presses the end-face wall 3 against the circumferential wall 2 and presses the circumferential wall 2 against the end-face wall 4, thus obtaining an axially sealed and fixed assemblage of the end-face walls 3 and 4 and circumferential wall 2 and ensuring that the delivery chamber 5 (FIG. 1) is sealed off.

[0153] A low-pressure space 16a which is formed on the outer circumference of the pump housing 1 is delineated on its radially outer side by an inner circumferential wall of the accommodating well 16 and axially by the sealing rings 14a and 14b. When the pump is in operation, the fluid passes into the delivery chamber 5 (FIG. 1) via the low-pressure space 16a and the inlets 6 and 7 (FIGS. 1 and 2) which emerge in the low-pressure space 16a. A first pressure port 18 and a second pressure port 19, via which the fluid can be discharged in the axial direction, emerge at the base 17 of the well on the high-pressure side of the pump. As has already been described on the basis of FIG. 1, the fluid is discharged in the region of the first working flux via a first pressure outlet which leads through the end-face wall 3, and in the region of the second working flux via a second pressure outlet which likewise leads through the end-face wall 3. The connecting channels 8 and 9 which can be seen in FIG. 1 emerge into the assigned pressure outlets: the connecting channel 8 into the first pressure outlet, and the connecting channel 9 into the second pressure outlet. The first pressure outlet is therefore referred to in the following as the pressure outlet 8, and the second pressure outlet is therefore referred to in the following as the pressure outlet 9. The pressure outlets 8 and 9 extend axially through the end-face wall 3 and each emerge in a recess on the outer end-face side of the end-face wall 3. These recesses can be seen in FIG. 5 and are likewise referred to here as the first pressure outlet 8 and the second pressure outlet 9. The first pressure outlet 8 of the pump lies axially opposite the first pressure port 18. The second pressure outlet 9 of the pump lies opposite the second pressure port 19. When the pump is in operation, the fluid of the first working flux is discharged via the first pressure outlet 8 and the first pressure port 18. The fluid of the second working flux is discharged via the second pressure outlet 9 and the second pressure port 19.

[0154] The outlet gasket B is arranged in the axial joint remaining between the end-face wall 3 and the base 17 of the well and separates the first pressure outlet 8 and first pressure port 18 from the second pressure outlet 9 and second pressure port 19.

[0155] FIGS. 6 to 9 show the bead gasket B itself, separate from the pump. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal section extending through the central passage 35 of the bead gasket B which serves the purpose of mounting it on the end-face wall 3. FIG. 7 is an enlarged representation of a partial region of the longitudinal section from FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an isometric view onto the outer side of the bead gasket B which points away from the end-face wall 3 when the pump is pre-assembled and when the pump is assembled. FIG. 9 likewise shows the bead gasket B in an isometric view, but in a longitudinal section.

[0156] The bead gasket B comprises a first bead loop 21 which surrounds a first inner region 22. The bead loop 21 is a smallest bead loop in relation to the inner region 22 and encloses, i.e. completely surrounds, the inner region 22 in an axial plan view. The bead loop 21 is a half-bead, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 7, but also in the complete longitudinal section from FIG. 6 and in FIG. 9.

[0157] The first bead loop 21 is rigidified in the inner region 22 as compared to conventional bead loops. It is rigidified by means of a first rigidifying structure 24 which extends circumferentially from the inner edge of the bead loop 21 into the inner region 22. The rigidifying structure 24 is shaped as a planar, thin disc. It comprises a plurality of passages 23 which are arranged next to each other and through which the fluid can flow when the pump is in operation. The rigidifying structure 24 extends along the entire inner circumference of the bead loop 21 and uniformly rigidifies the bead loop 21 radially inwards over the entire inner circumference. The passages 23 are circular passage bores, but can also in principle have other cross-sectional shapes in modifications and can for example be elongated, straight or curved slots.

[0158] The bead gasket B also comprises the additional, second bead loop 25 which can already be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 and which surrounds the second inner region 26 in the axial view. The bead loop 25 forms a smallest bead loop in relation to the inner region 26 and encloses, i.e. completely surrounds, the inner region 26 in the axial view. The second bead loop 25 is a full bead. The bead loop 25 is again rigidified in its inner region 26. A second rigidifying structure 28, which like the first rigidifying structure 24 is shaped as a planar, thin disc, serves the purpose of rigidifying it. As can best be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rigidifying structure 28 again extends uniformly over the entire inner circumference of the bead loop 25 in order to uniformly rigidify it radially inwards over the inner circumference. Like the first rigidifying structure 24, the second rigidifying structure 28 is again provided with a plurality of passages 27, which are arranged next to each other, for the fluid delivered by the pump. The passages 27 are likewise shaped as circular passage bores, but can also have other cross-sectional shapes in modifications and can for example be shaped as elongated linear slots or elongated curved slots.

[0159] The first bead loop 21 and the second bead loop 25 are arranged next to each other in the axial view, such that the corresponding inner regions 22 and 26 are also arranged next to each other and at a distance from each other. In the example embodiment, the bead loops 21 and 25 also extend separately at a distance from each other. The central passage 35, which serves to center the bead gasket B on the pump housing 1, is for example situated between the bead loops 21 and 25.

[0160] The bead gasket B also comprises the additional, third bead loop 31 which can already be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 and which surrounds the additional, third inner region 32. The bead loop 31 is a smallest bead loop in relation to the inner region 32 and encloses, i.e. completely surrounds, the inner region 32 in the axial view. Like the bead loop 21, the bead loop 31 is rigidified radially inwards. A third rigidifying structure 34, which is shaped as a planar, thin disc, serves the purpose of rigidifying it. The third rigidifying structure 34 corresponds to the first rigidifying structure 24 and, like the first rigidifying structure 24, comprises passages 33 for the fluid. The statements made with respect to the passages 23 apply analogously to the passages 33. The passages 33 are axially flush with the passages 23, such that the fluid can flow through the bead gasket B in the axial direction by the shortest route in the region of the two inner regions 22 and 32. In modifications, the passages 33 can however also be offset in the radial direction with respect to the passages 23, in order to increase the flow resistance for the fluid, with the shape and number of the passages 22 and 33 being otherwise identical.

[0161] In the example embodiment, not only the first inner region 22 and third inner region 32 but also the first bead loop 21 and third bead loop 31 overlap, over their entire profile, in the axial view. Like the first bead loop 21, the third bead loop 31 is shaped as a half-bead. Starting from their outer circumference, the bead loops 21 and 31 splay away from each other in the axial direction towards the inner regions 22 and 32, thus increasing the axial spring displacement of the bead gasket B in the region of the bead loops 21 and 31 as compared to the respective individual bead 21 and 31. Increasing the axial spring displacement is advantageous with regard to compensating, as is desired, for variations in the axial width of the joint which is to be sealed off.

[0162] The bead gasket B is multi-layered. It comprises a first gasket layer 20 and a second gasket layer 30. The first bead loop 21 and the first rigidifying structure 24 are part of the first gasket layer 20. The second gasket layer 30 forms the third bead loop 31 and the third rigidifying structure 34. The gasket layers 20 and 30 lie one immediately on top of the other. They can advantageously be joined to each other in a material fit, for example by means of a welding or soldering or adhesive connection.

[0163] The first gasket layer 20 also forms the second bead loop 25 and its rigidifying structure 28.

[0164] The gasket layers 20 and 30 are metal sheet structures. They can in particular be sheet-steel structures and preferably spring-steel structures. In principle, however, the sheet structures can also be plastic structures, for example so-called organic sheet structures. Sheet steel is however preferred.

[0165] The outer circumference of the bead gasket B comprises tongues 29 which protrude outwards and serve to position the bead gasket B relative to the pump housing 1 and which co-operate with corresponding positioning elements on the pump housing 1, for example axial protrusions on the end-face wall 3. The tongues 29 can form a fitted assemblage with the end-face wall 3 or can engage the end-face wall 3 in a positive fit, preferably with no frictional fit. Additionally, the tongues 29 also serve to mount the bead gasket B on the pump housing 1. To this end, the tongues 29 can for example be screwed, soldered, welded, glued, etc. to the end-face wall 3. In the example embodiment, however, the tongues 29 grip behind the spring device 40, such that the bead gasket B is held on the pump housing 1, centered and positioned, when gripping behind the spring device 40.

[0166] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged representation of the region of the axial joint between the end-face wall 3 and the base 17 of the well. The bead gasket B is arranged in the joint and separates the first pressure outlet 8 and first pressure port 18 from the second pressure outlet 9 and second pressure port 19. The first bead loop 21 encloses the first pressure outlet 8 in a fluid seal. The third bead loop 31 encloses the first pressure port 18 in a fluid seal. In the example embodiment, the first pressure outlet 8 emerges in a recess on the outer end-face side of the end-face wall 3, as already mentioned. This recess is assigned to the first pressure outlet 8 and is therefore likewise denoted by the reference sign 8. The first bead loop 21 encloses the recess of the first pressure outlet 8 in a fluid seal. In order to seal it off, the first bead loop 21 abuts a circumferential edge 8a of the recess, i.e. a circumferential edge of the first pressure outlet 8, in a seal. The circumferential edge 8a encloses the first pressure outlet 8: in the example embodiment, it encloses the recess of the first pressure outlet 8 on the outer end-face side of the end-face wall 3 on which the pressure outlet 8 emerges. The third bead loop 31 abuts the circumferential edge of the first pressure port 18, which is formed by the base 17 of the well, in a seal. The bead loops 21 and 31 each press against the assigned circumferential edge 8a and 17 with an axial spring force.

[0167] The bead gasket B is advantageously installed with an axial biasing force. The biasing force is expediently selected such that it ensures a spring force which is sufficient for creating a seal under all installation conditions, i.e. in relation to the unavoidable component tolerances and installation tolerances and also in relation to the variations in the axial width of the joint associated with changes in temperature and/or pressure. In advantageous embodiments, the bead gasket B is designed in the region of the bead loops 21 and 31 such that it can compensate for variations in the axial joint width of at least 0.1 mm or at least 0.2 mm and preferably 0.3 mm or more, i.e. such that it ensures a sufficient seal across the respective range of variation in the axial joint width.

[0168] The second bead loop 25 can be configured such that it abuts a circumferential edge 9a, which surrounds the second pressure outlet 9, in a seal and simultaneously abuts the axially opposite base 17 of the well, where it surrounds the second pressure port 19, in a seal. In the example embodiment, however, the second bead loop 25 only abuts the outer end-face side of the end-face wall 3, i.e. the circumferential edge 9a mentioned, with a certain biasing force when the pump is assembled, and has no contact or at least no sealing contact with the base 17 of the well. It is advantageous if the bead gasket B presses against the circumferential edge 9a on the outer end-face side of the end-face wall 3 with a certain axial biasing force when the pump is assembled. The separation from the first pressure outlet 8 and first pressure port 18 is maintained by the first bead loop 21 and third bead loop 31. The separation from the low-pressure side of the pump, in particular from the low-pressure space 16a (FIG. 5), is ensured by the sealing ring 14b.

[0169] The inner regions 22 and 32 of the bead gasket B lie axially opposite the first pressure outlet 8 and first pressure port 18, and the inner region 26 of the bead gasket B lies axially opposite the second pressure outlet 9 and second pressure port 19. The inner regions 22 and 32 overlap the first pressure outlet 8 and first pressure port 18. The inner region 26 overlaps the second pressure outlet 9 and second pressure port 19. As is preferred, the inner regions 22 and 32 overlap the recess towards which the pressure outlet 8 on the outer end-face side of the end-face wall 3 widens. As is preferred, the inner region 26 overlaps the recess towards which the pressure outlet 9 on the outer end-face side of the end-face wall 3 widens. When the pump is in operation, the fluid is delivered through the pressure outlets 8 and 9 and dispersed over the inner regions 22, 32 and 26, which are enclosed by the bead loops 21, 31 and 25, in the region of the respectively assigned recess. The pressurized fluid then flows through the local passages 23, 33 and 27 (FIG. 9) provided in the respective rigidifying structure 24, 34 and 28 and is discharged via the respectively adjoining pressure port 18 and 19. The passages of the rigidifying structures ensure that the flow is evened out, and in particular that pressure spikes during cold operations are relieved and correspondingly viscous fluid is avoided. The rigidifying structures provide a flow resistance, so that the sub-vane grooves are quickly supplied with the pressure fluid during a cold start.

[0170] The bead gasket B can be subjected to an axial biasing force when the pump is initially assembled, such that it is elastically spring-deflected axially and exerts an axial spring force, corresponding to the biasing force, on the pump housing 1.

[0171] The bead gasket B can be arranged in an indirect line of force to a restoring device. The restoring device preferably absorbs the majority of the axial force which acts via the joint when the joint width is reduced. The bead gasket B can in particular be arranged in the indirect line of force to an axially acting spring device. In the example embodiment, the bead gasket B is arranged in an indirect line of force to the spring device 40. Alternatively, however, the bead gasket B can also be arranged in a direct line of force and solely exert an axial spring force on the pump housing 1, i.e. perform the function of the spring device 40 and replace it.

[0172] In the force/displacement diagram in FIG. 11, the rigidified bead gasket B is contrasted with a non-rigidified bead gasket (the reference gasket). Fi denotes the displacement-dependent force profile of the bead gasket B in the region of the first bead loop 21 and third bead loop 31. F.sub.2 denotes the displacement-dependent force profile of the reference gasket. The reference gasket corresponds to the bead gasket B in terms of the bead loops 21, 25 and 31 themselves, but does not comprise any rigidifying structure which protrudes into the flow cross-section of the fluid when the pump is pre-assembled or assembled and which therefore protrudes into the fluid, which flows onto it, when the pump is in operation. It is assumed in the diagram that the respective bead gasket is not exposed to a load, i.e. that no force other than gravity is acting on it, in its initial state.

[0173] The reference gasket counters an axial spring-deflection over a range of a few tenths of a millimeter with a comparatively small spring force and in practice buckles abruptly when its axial width is reduced by a particular amount. The rigidified bead gasket B, by contrast, can be installed with an axial biasing force which is at least as large as a minimum spring force necessary in order to ensure that a seal is created and larger than the spring force at which the reference gasket buckles. The minimum spring force is expediently related to a maximum axial joint width which can be established by the installation tolerances and operational conditions. Variations in the joint width which occur during operations due to changes in temperature and pressure pulses are however significantly smaller than the variations caused by the tolerance chains from pump to pump. The biasing force guarantees that at least the minimum spring force acts on the bead loops 21 and 31 at the maximum joint width. The biasing force is advantageously selected such that the pitch of the force-over-displacement curve is smaller than 45° or smaller than 30°. On the basis of the biasing force, the rigidified bead gasket B exhibits a comparatively large range within which the axial joint width can vary while the bead gasket B nonetheless does not lose its spring action, i.e. is at most insubstantially plastically deformed, and always presses against the circumferential edge which is to be respectively sealed off—in the example embodiment, the circumferential edge 9a and the base 17 of the well (FIG. 10)—with a sufficient spring force.