Figure 1: Vane-type motor

Figure 2: Vane type air motor

VANE-TYPE MOTORS
A typical vane-type air motor is shown in figure 1. This particular motor provides rotation in
only one direction. The rotating element is a slotted rotor which is mounted one drive
shaft. Each slot of the rotor is fitted with a freely sliding rectangular vane. The rotor and vanes
are enclosed in the housing, the inner surface of which is offset from the drive shaft axis. When
the rotor is in motion, the vanes tend to slide outward due to centrifugal force. The
distance the vanes slide is limited by the shape of the rotor housing. This motor operates on
the principle of differential areas. When compressed air is directed into the inlet port, its
pressure is exerted equally in all directions. Since area a (figure1) is greater than area B, the rotor
will turn counterclockwise. Each vane, in turn, assumes the No.1 and No.2 positions and the
rotor turns continuously. The potential energy of the compressed air is thus converted into
kinetic energy in the form of rotary motion and force. The air at reduced pressure is
exhausted to the atmosphere. The shaft of the motor is connected to the unit to be
actuated. Many vane-type motors are capable of providing rotation in either direction. A
motor of this design is shown in figure 2. This motor operates on the same principle as the vane
motor shown in figure 1. The two ports may be alternately used as inlet and outlet, thus
providing rotation in either direction. Note the springs in the slots of the rotor. Their purpose is
to hold the vanes against the housing during the initial starting of the motor,
since centrifugal force does not exist until the rotor begins to rotate.

Figure 1: Vane Hydraulic Motor

A vane motor is shown in Figure 1. Vane motors can be a good choice for a motor in high
speed applications. The vane motor rotates as hydraulic fluid at high pressure flows through
the motor to the outlet, or low pressure side of the pump. More vanes reduce output torque
ripple, but also lead to higher pump friction. The vanes are attached to the drive shaft and fit
closely to the housing ring (or cam ring) to minimize leakage. The vanes are pushed out by
hydraulic pressure, centrifugal force or springs (springs are shown in Figure 1). For vanes
which rely on centrifugal force to extend, the vanes are may be attached to the drive shaft (or
rotor) via a slot, which allows the vanes to rotate in the slot and also move slide in the radial
direction. As pressure is applied, the vanes will start to rotate the rotor (shaft). As speed is
increased, the vanes move outward in the slots and contact the wall, providing a seal on the
outer surface. The housing (or cam ring surface) can have a ramp shape to further reduce
pressure at the pump outlet this is possible because the rotor slot allows a vane to move
radially and rotate to adjust to the housing (or cam ring) shape. For vane motors that utilize
spring loaded vanes, the spring that helps to hold the vane against the housing (or cam ring) to
ensure sealing at low p across the pump. This helps the motor develop starting torque faster.

At higher speeds, centrifugal force helps hold the vanes out. The vane pump shown in Figure
1 has two ports, an inlet and outlet. It is possible to have a four port vane motor, which splits
the flow through two separate paths. A four port vane motor will have twice the torque, but
will operate at the speed as a similar sized two port vane motor. Inlets for a four port motor
will be at opposite ends of the motor to balance bearing loads. For vane motors, a valve can
control which port has high pressure and which port has low pressure, leading to a bidirectional motor. Vane motors are not as efficient as piston motors but are better suited to
high speed operation. Vane motors become less efficient at high inlet pressures (due to
potential for more slippage and leakage past the vanes). Vane motors are also more inefficient
at low speeds. Vane motors can be operated in a reversible (bi-directional) manner and will be
less noisy then other pump types. They will generally be less expensive than piston motors.

Function of vane motor

Vane motors consist essentially of a rotor which revolves in an eccentrically offset perforation
of the rotor cylinder. The vanes form working chambers, the volume of which increases in the
turn direction. As the compressed air expands, the pressure energy subsequently transforms
into kinetic energy, thereby producing the rotary motion.