Pump impeller

Abstract

An impeller, which is rotatable about an axis, includes an inlet shroud and a backing plate. An inlet orifice is defined by the inlet shroud, and a plurality of outlet orifices are radially outward of the inlet orifice. A plurality of vanes are disposed between the inlet shroud and the backing plate. The vanes are formed integrally as one-piece with the inlet shroud.

1 . An impeller rotatable about an axis, comprising:
 an inlet shroud;   a backing plate;   an inlet orifice defined by the inlet shroud, and a plurality of outlet orifices radially outward of the inlet orifice; and   a plurality of vanes disposed between the inlet shroud and the backing plate, wherein the plurality of vanes are formed integrally as one-piece with the inlet shroud.   
     
     
         2 . The impeller of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a draft angle formed on the plurality of vanes from the inlet shroud to the backing plate, such that a first distance between a base end of the plurality of vanes is smaller than a second distance between a plate end of the plurality of vanes.   
     
     
         3 . The impeller of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a plurality of slots formed in the backing plate; and   a plurality of tabs formed on the plate end of the plurality of vanes, wherein the plurality of tabs are configured to mate with the plurality of slots.   
     
     
         4 . The impeller of  claim 3 , wherein the inlet shroud and the plurality of vanes are formed as one-piece by a single-action mold. 
     
     
         5 . The impeller of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 an annular ring formed on the opposing side of the backing plate from the plurality of vanes and connecting the plurality of tabs.   
     
     
         6 . The impeller of  claim 5 , wherein the annular ring is formed by overmolding the annular ring onto the backing plate and the plurality of tabs. 
     
     
         7 . An impeller rotatable about an axis, comprising:
 an inlet shroud;   a backing plate;   a driveshaft operatively attached to the backing plate, and configured to impart kinetic energy to the backing plate;   an inlet orifice defined by the inlet shroud, and a plurality of outlet orifices radially outward of the inlet orifice;   a plurality of vanes disposed between the inlet shroud and the backing plate, wherein the plurality of vanes are formed integrally as one-piece with the inlet shroud and the plurality of vanes, inlet shroud, and backing plate define the plurality of outlet orifices;   a plurality of slots formed in the backing plate; and   a plurality of tabs formed on a plate end of the plurality of vanes, wherein the plate end is adjacent the backing plate and the plurality of tabs are configured to mate with the plurality of slots.   
     
     
         8 . The impeller of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a draft angle formed on the plurality of vanes from the inlet shroud to the backing plate, such that a first distance between a base end of the plurality of vanes is smaller than a second distance between the plate end of the plurality of vanes.   
     
     
         9 . The impeller of  claim 8 , wherein the inlet shroud and the plurality of vanes are formed as one-piece by a single-action mold.