Hydraulic pump

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydraulic pump (10), particularly a coolant pump, having a pump tank (14) arranged in a pump housing (30) and a rotor (12) supported at least partially in the pump tank (14) by means of a support device, which is rotatable about an axial direction (18). It is proposed that a deposition chamber (60) having at least one particle penetration opening (62) is arranged in the pump tank (14) in a region of the pump tank bottom (50) extending substantially radially.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to hydraulic pumps according to the preamble of independent claim 1, particularly coolant pumps. Background Technology

[0002] As is known from the background art, a rotor with an impeller is rotatably supported about an axial direction by means of a support device. During the operation of a hydraulic pump, the bearings and impeller themselves are frequently subjected to high wear, which can adversely affect the lifespan of such a pump. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention describes a hydraulic pump, particularly a coolant pump, comprising a pump tank arranged in a pump housing, and a rotor at least partially supported rotatably about an axial direction by means of a support device within the pump tank assembly. A sedimentation chamber with at least one particle penetration opening is provided in the pump tank, in a region extending substantially radially at the bottom of the tank. This has the advantage that contaminants contained in the coolant, particularly sand particles, metal particles, or plastic particles, can be efficiently removed from the coolant circulation. In this way, the lifespan and reliability of the hydraulic pump and other components of the fluid circulation are advantageously improved.

[0004] The fluid flowing through the hydraulic pump, in addition to its main flow direction between the inlet and outlet sleeves, also flows with a component through the pump tank of such a pump. Due to the rotation of the rotor within the pump tank, the flow in the pump tank has a directional flow component, which extends substantially circumferentially, particularly as a vortex-like volumetric flow. Thus, particles can flow from the vortex-like volumetric flow into the deposition chamber under the influence of centrifugal force. Furthermore, particles can be deposited into the deposition chamber by gravity through the particle penetration opening while the pump or rotor is stationary. This invention therefore allows for particularly efficient particle deposition not only before starting the hydraulic pump but also during its operation.

[0005] Within the scope of this invention, the sedimentation chamber should be understood as a hollow body with an inner chamber for containing particles. Here, the walls of the sedimentation chamber are capable of substantially containing particles that have penetrated through the particle penetration openings into the inner chamber. Therefore, it is also conceivable, for example, that, in addition to an impermeable embodiment, the walls can also be constructed to be semi-permeable or partially permeable, as long as the walls are capable of containing the particles to be filtered within the inner chamber. The inner chamber is preferably sized such that it can contain a particle quantity equivalent to approximately 7g of sand particles or the total amount of other particles.

[0006] Within the scope of this invention, particles should be understood in particular as particles with a size between 0.01 and 2 mm. Particles of this type discussed herein include, for example, sand particles, metal particles, or plastic particles. These particles, for example, are released from other components of the cooling cycle and enter the cooling cycle via the transport medium coolant. Particles of this type discussed herein can particularly be impurities such as sand particles or aluminum particles, which enter the cooling cycle, for example, from cylindrical blocks or heat exchangers manufactured by means of aluminum sand casting. The amount of particles released from components such as cylindrical blocks depends particularly on the process parameters of the casting process, but also on the cost of post-processing of the components used.

[0007] Advantageous improvements to the hydraulic pump can be achieved through the features listed in the dependent claims.

[0008] When one, advantageously at least two, particularly preferably at least three particle penetration openings are configured as particle penetration slits extending along a radial plane, the particles can be well accommodated.

[0009] Within the scope of this invention, the particle-penetrating gap can be particularly understood as a through opening having a height several times greater than its width. The particle-penetrating gap preferably has a width in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0010] An additional improvement is possible when the particle penetration opening extends substantially radially.

[0011] In this way, the particles can be well contained with minimal impact on the liquid flow in the flow-through region.

[0012] The particle containment is further improved when the particle penetration opening is constructed substantially in a circular segmental shape, particularly a helical segmental shape. Advantageously, the particle penetration opening extends largely along an imaginary circular or helical segment, which extends outward or toward the outer periphery of the pump housing, particularly from the central axis or axis of rotation. In a fluid rotating around the central axis, the test particle moves approximately from the inside out along such a circular or helical segmental trajectory. The particle penetration opening thus formed has a higher probability of containing particles.

[0013] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the deposition chamber has a chamber wall with an outer surface facing the rotor, wherein particle penetration slits are constructed in the chamber wall, and wherein the particle penetration slits are oriented relative to the outer surface of the chamber wall at an angle between 30° and 60°, particularly between 40° and 50°, and especially preferably 45°. In this way, particles can be efficiently retained in the deposition chamber. The orientation of the particle penetration slits at the angle α results in a larger opening cross-section for the particles, which are transported in turbulent or turbulent flow in the region at the bottom of the pump tank. The opening cross-section of the slits perpendicular to the outer surface of the chamber wall is correspondingly reduced, such that the probability of particles entering the chamber is greater than the probability of particles escaping the chamber.

[0014] When the outer surface of the chamber wall, formed by the sides of the particle penetration gap facing away from the pump shaft, forms an angle α between 30° and 60°, particularly between 40° and 50°, and especially preferably 45°, the efficiency in which particles can be retained in the deposition chamber can be further improved. In this way, it is possible to take into account that, due to the rotation of the pump, there is also a directional flow component in the turbulent flow of the fluid. The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening for such particles—which are transported in the directional flow component of the fluid—is advantageously increased by this angle α. In particular, the probability of particles entering the deposition chamber is advantageously increased in this way, relative to the escape probability.

[0015] According to a particularly simple and low-cost embodiment of the invention, the deposition chamber is configured in at least two parts, having a base section and a cover section, wherein the base section is constructed by the pump tank, and wherein the cover section is constructed by a cover element.

[0016] The structure can be further improved by constructing the cover element substantially disc-shaped and preferably extending substantially radially, wherein the cover element has a central opening for receiving the pump shaft. It is conceivable that the cover element is at least partially concave towards the rotor, particularly at least partially constructed in the shape of a paraboloid of revolution. This enables particularly advantageous flow dynamics.

[0017] A simple, stable, and reliable implementation of a hydraulic pump exists in the following case: the cover element is closed at its radially outer periphery by the inner wall of the pump tank, wherein, in particular, an interference fit is constructed between the radially outer periphery of the cover element and the inner wall of the pump tank. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Embodiments of the hydraulic pump are shown in the accompanying drawings and further explained in the following description.

[0019] in:

[0020] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a hydraulic pump according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A perspective view of a pump tank according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 3a , 3b Figure 3c shows a cover element of a pump tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In different design variations, the same components have the same reference numerals.

[0024] exist Figure 1 A hydraulic pump 10 is shown, which can be used, for example, as a water pump in the cooling cycle of a motor vehicle. The hydraulic pump 10 can also be used as an auxiliary water pump to cool booster air, the controller's battery, or other components of the motor vehicle. It is noted that... Figure 1 The hydraulic pump 10 is shown only schematically, as the structure and functionality of such a hydraulic pump are sufficiently known from the background art, and therefore will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity and simplicity.

[0025] To cool the equipment, approximately seven liters of coolant are typically provided in the cooling cycle of a motor vehicle. Here, the coolant in the cooling cycle typically contains impurities in the form of particles 11. These particles 11 can be, for example, sand particles, metal particles, or plastic particles. These particles 11, for example, detach from the components of the cooling cycle and are transported by the coolant medium to other components of the cooling cycle (e.g., the hydraulic pump 10). The type of particles 11 discussed here can be impurities such as sand particles, aluminum particles, or plastic particles, which arrive in the cooling cycle, for example, from cylindrical blocks or heat exchangers manufactured by means of aluminum sand casting. The amount of particles detached from components such as cylindrical blocks depends particularly on the process parameters of the casting process, but also on the cost of post-processing of the components used. Often acting in an abrasive manner, the detached particles and impurities flow as suspensions through the coolant cycle and can reach critical components of the coolant cycle. The particles in the cooling cycle pose a particular challenge to the lifespan of the support structure of the hydraulic pump 10 and the impeller 36.

[0026] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows an electrically driven unit with a rotor 12, which is at least partially arranged within the tank 14 of a hydraulic pump 10. A stator 16, operated by electronic components, has a plurality of coils arranged along the circumference of the rotor 12. These coils generate a rotating magnetic field during operation of the hydraulic pump 10, which causes the rotor 12 to rotate. Figure 1 As shown, the rotor 12 rotates about a rotational axis extending along the axial direction 18. For this purpose, the rotor 12 is rotatably supported on the pump shaft 22 by a support device 20 (not shown here). According to the invention... Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the pump shaft 22 extends substantially along the axial direction 18.

[0027] Such a support device 20 has at least one bearing. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bearing is constructed as a sliding bearing or a sliding bearing sleeve, particularly as a plastic-reinforced bearing sleeve. As already mentioned, particles 11 can now reach the support device of the rotor 12 in a manner that travels with the flow of the coolant, causing wear on the sliding bearing sleeve, which can negatively affect the overall lifespan of the hydraulic pump. The intrusion of particles 11 between the bearing sleeve and the pump shaft 22 can particularly adversely affect this lifespan.

[0028] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the pump shaft 22 is integrally constructed at the pump tank 14 in the sense of a fixed housing journal. The axis of rotation, according to the invention, extends axially 18 centrally through the pump shaft 22 in the sense of an infinitely extending imaginary straight line, and thus corresponds to the central axis of the pump shaft 22. Other embodiments are conceivable besides this integrally constructed pump shaft at the pump tank 14. For example, it is also conceivable that, according to the invention… Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, a recess is provided in the pump tank 14 into which the pump shaft 22 is connected for force transmission and, alternatively or additionally, is also form-fitted. To support the rotor 12, at least two sliding bearing sleeves are provided according to an advantageous improvement of the invention. A first sliding bearing sleeve is preferably arranged in the region of the free end 23 of the pump shaft 22, and a second sliding bearing sleeve is arranged in the region of the clamping member 21 of the pump shaft 22 within the pump tank 14.

[0029] If able to Figure 1 As can be seen, the hydraulic pump 10 has a pump housing 30, which can be advantageously manufactured using a plastic-spray casting method. Here, the pump housing 30 surrounds not only the rotor 12 but also the stator 16. As in... Figure 1 As can be clearly seen in the text, according to Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the pump housing 30 has a first housing element 32 and a second housing element 34. Here, the first housing element 32, together with the pump tank 14, encloses the wetted area that is traversed by fluid during operation. According to the embodiment of the invention shown here, the second housing element 34 at least surrounds the stator 16.

[0030] A pump impeller 36, configured as an impeller, is arranged within the first housing element 32 and is rotatably supported there. The pump impeller 36 particularly has blades, vanes, or elements that direct the incoming liquid toward the output of the hydraulic pump 10. According to the invention... Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the first housing element 32 is constructed as a single piece. However, two-piece or multi-piece housing embodiments are also conceivable. For example, if... Figure 1 As can be seen, the first housing element 32 has a central housing region 40, an inlet sleeve 42, and an outlet sleeve 44. When the hydraulic pump is operated, the liquid is introduced through the suction of the first housing element 32 of the pump housing 30—or the inlet sleeve 42—impacts the impeller 36 arranged in the central housing region 40, and is guided by the impeller toward the pressure—or the outlet sleeve 44.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the opening of the inlet sleeve extends substantially coaxially with the axial direction 18, while the pressure sleeve 20 is arranged radially or laterally relative to the axial direction 18 of the electric drive device of the hydraulic pump 10.

[0032] The rotor 12 has an electrical section and a hydraulic section. The electrical section forms the rotor structure of the electric drive unit of the hydraulic pump, while the hydraulic section constructs an impeller. The rotor 12 typically has a base and a support structure. Here, the support structure is preferably constructed using a hardenable medium injected by a jet casting method. Such a hardenable medium is typically a plastic, especially a thermosetting plastic. According to the invention... Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the pump wheel, or impeller, is injection molded together, thereby integrally constructing the support structure for the hydraulic and electrical sections. The type of substrate discussed herein is typically made of sheets. These sheets are usually made of sheet metal and joined together, for example, by stamping. However, the invention is not limited to such a plate-like rotor 12. More precisely, it is conceivable that the substrate of the rotor 12 is manufactured from a solid body. The electrical sections of the rotor 12, and in particular the rotor substrate, are arranged within the pump tank 14.

[0033] Figure 2A perspective view of the pump tank 14 is shown. The pump tank 14, or gap tank, is arranged between the rotor 12 and the stator 16. The pump tank 14 is generally torsionally connected to the first housing element 32 of the pump housing 30. The pump tank 14 has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape, wherein the pump tank 14 is closed at its end sides by a pump tank bottom 50 that extends substantially radially. The pump tank bottom 50 is arranged on a side facing away from the first housing element 32 and therefore away from the impeller 36. The cylindrical sidewalls of the pump tank 14 extend substantially axially 18. At a second end side facing away from the pump tank bottom 50, the pump tank 14 has a circumferential flange 52 that extends radially outward from a cylindrical section 54 of the pump tank 14. The pump tank 14 is preferably fastened to the first housing element 32 of the pump housing 30 in the region of the flange 52. The stator 16 is arranged radially outside the pump tank 14.

[0034] The pump shaft 22 is torsionally secured at the bottom 50 of the pump tank. If it is possible... Figure 2 As clearly seen in the image, a circumferential flange 21 is formed at the center of the bottom 50 of the pump tank. Figure 2 The circumferential flange 21 shown is essentially in the shape of a hollow column with a circular base, wherein the inner circumferential surface forms a housing for the pump shaft 22. The rotor 12 is supported on the pump shaft 22 by a support device (not shown here). In the installed state, a radially circumferential gap is formed between the rotor 12 and the inner wall 56 of the pump tank. During pump operation, liquid is vortexed through this gap toward the bottom 50 of the pump tank.

[0035] If able to Figure 2 As clearly seen, a deposition chamber 60 is constructed in the region of the bottom 50 of the pump tank. According to the invention... Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the deposition chamber 60 has a particle penetration opening 62. Apart from the particle penetration opening 62, the deposition chamber 60 is constructed as a substantially sealed chamber. Particles 11 in the liquid can flow into the deposition chamber 60 through the particle penetration opening 62 and are held there. The particles 11 can thus be deposited from the liquid particularly efficiently.

[0036] exist Figure 2The deposition chamber 60 shown is constructed in two parts. The deposition chamber has a basic section 70, which is constructed via a pump tank 14, particularly the bottom 50 of the pump tank, and partially via a cylindrical section 54 of the pump tank 14. Furthermore, the deposition chamber 60 has a covering section 72. Here, the covering section 72 is arranged on the basic section 70 such that a substantially enclosed deposition chamber 60 with an inner chamber 64 is formed for containing the particles 11. The covering section 72 is constructed by a separate covering element 71.

[0037] According to the present invention Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the cover element 71 is substantially disc-shaped. The cover element 71 abuts against the inner surface 56 of the pump wall of the pump tank 14 in a radially outward peripheral contact manner, thereby creating a closed chamber 64. Advantageously, the dimensions of the cover element 71 and the pump tank 14 are determined such that an interference fit is formed between the radially outward peripheral of the cover element 71 and the inner surface 56 of the pump wall.

[0038] According to pump tank 14 Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the covering element 71 has a substantially disk-shaped base surface. For example, if it is possible to... Figure 2 As is clearly visible, the cover element 71 has a central opening, particularly a drilled hole 73, for receiving the pump shaft 22. According to the embodiment of the invention shown here, the cover element is constructed as a planar, flat member and extends substantially radially. The pump tank bottom 50 and the cover element 71 preferably extend substantially parallel to each other. Here, the inner chamber 64 should be sized such that it can hold approximately 7g to 8g of sand, or an amount equivalent to the total amount of its different particles.

[0039] Before the hydraulic pump 10 is started, that is, while the rotor 12 is stationary, particles 11 can fall into the deposition chamber 60 by gravity through the particle penetration opening 62, where they are held in the inner chamber 64 of the deposition chamber 60, thus removing the particles from the volumetric flow of the fluid before the hydraulic pump 10 is started. During the operation of the hydraulic pump 10, the flow in the pump tank 14 is turbulent. Due to the rotation of the rotor 12 in the pump tank 14, the flow in the pump tank 14 also has a directional, substantially circumferentially extended flow component 90. Particles 11 still remaining in the fluid can flow into the deposition chamber through the particle penetration opening 62 under the influence of centrifugal force, advantageously. After the hydraulic pump 10 is turned off, particles 11 can fall back into the deposition chamber 60 based on the principle of deposition.

[0040] If able to Figure 2 As can be seen, the deposition chamber 60 is closed on the side facing the rotor 12 by a chamber wall 77. The chamber wall 77 has an outer surface 79 facing the rotor 12 or the pump wheel 36. According to the invention... Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the chamber wall 77 is constructed by a substantially disc-shaped covering element 71. The particle penetration opening 62 is constructed as a particle penetration slit in the chamber wall 77. The arrangement and orientation of the particle penetration opening 62 will be explained further below.

[0041] Figure 3a The invention is shown in Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment includes a cover element 71. For example, it is possible to... Figure 3a As clearly seen, the cover element 71 is constructed in a substantially disc-like shape and has a central through-hole 73 for receiving the pump shaft 22. The cover element 71 has three particle penetration openings 62 circumferentially. These particle penetration openings 62 are constructed as particle penetration slits extending radially. The slits completely penetrate the cover element 71 along the axial direction 18 in the sense of penetration openings. The slit width 100 is substantially constant along the extension. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different document.) Figure 3a As clearly seen, the particle penetration openings 62 are constructed in a substantially circular, segmental, and especially helical, segmental manner. Each particle penetration opening 62 preferably has an extension that extends radially outward along a helical trajectory from the midpoint 101 of the disc-shaped covering element 71. The radius R between each point of the particle penetration opening 62 and the midpoint 101 thus increases substantially, at least partially, proportionally to the arc length or helical length. The particle penetration openings 62 therefore substantially follow a logarithmic helical trajectory about the axis of rotation of the rotor 12. According to the invention... Figure 3a In the embodiment shown, the particle penetration openings 62 are arranged equidistantly around each other.

[0042] Figure 3b A perspective view of the covering element 71 is shown. As explained at the beginning, the rotational motion of the rotor 12 in the pump tank 14 causes a directional flow component 90 in addition to the turbulent flow. This directional flow component 90... Figure 3b It is shown in the image. For example, it can be seen in the image. Figure 3aAs clearly seen, the flow impacts the outer surface 80 of the chamber wall at an angle. To allow the particles 11 moving with the directional flow 90 to flow particularly easily through the particle penetration opening 62 into the deposition chamber 60, the particle penetration opening 62 substantially follows the direction of extension of the directional flow 90. The placement of the particle penetration opening 62 at the aforementioned angle α will be explained further below.

[0043] Figure 3c A cross-sectional view of the cover element 71 according to an advantageous embodiment is shown. The disc-shaped cover element has an outer surface 80 of the chamber wall facing away from the bottom 50 of the pump tank and an inner surface 80 of the chamber wall facing the bottom 50 of the pump tank. In order to prevent particles 11 from being washed out again from the inner chamber 64 of the deposition chamber 60, the particle penetration opening 62 passes through the cover element 71 not vertically, but at an angle α.

[0044] The inclined placement of the particle penetration opening 62 at the angle α results in, on the one hand, that particles moving through the pump tank 14 in a vortex-like volumetric flow can pass through the particle penetration opening 62 as easily as possible to reach the inner chamber 64 of the deposition chamber 60. The placement of the slit at the angle α, on the other hand, results in, a reduction in the slit width projected onto the radial plane relative to the actual slit width, and thus advantageously reduces the probability of the particles 11 escaping from the inner chamber 64 of the deposition chamber 60.

[0045] If able to Figure 3c As clearly seen, the particle penetration openings 62 are oriented at an angle α between 30° and 60°, particularly between 40° and 50°, and especially preferably 45°, relative to the outer surface 80 of the chamber wall. Here, the outer surface 80 of the chamber wall is formed at an angle α between 30° and 60°, particularly between 40° and 50°, and especially preferably 45°, by the sides 84 of the particle penetration openings 62 facing away from the pump shaft 14. The inclined particle penetration openings 62 thus substantially follow the flow direction 90 (…). Figure 3b This is to allow particles moving through the pump tank 14 in a vortex-like volumetric flow to pass through the particle penetration opening 62 as easily as possible into the inner chamber 64 of the deposition chamber 60.

Claims

1. A hydraulic pump (10) having a pump tank (14) arranged in a pump housing (30) and a rotor (12) at least partially supported in the pump tank (14) by means of a support device, rotatable about an axial direction (18), characterized in that, In the pump tank (14), a deposition chamber (60) having at least one particle penetration opening (62) is arranged in the region of the bottom (50) of the pump tank, which extends substantially radially. The at least one particle penetration opening (62) is configured as a particle penetration slit extending along a radial plane. The particle penetration opening (62) is basically constructed in a circular or spiral segmental shape. In the case where the rotor (12) is stationary, the particles (11) can fall into the deposition chamber (60) through the particle penetration opening (62) under the action of gravity.

2. The hydraulic pump (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The hydraulic pump (10) is a coolant pump.

3. The hydraulic pump (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two particle penetration openings (62) are constructed as particle penetration slits extending along a radial plane.

4. The hydraulic pump (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that At least three particle penetration openings (62) are constructed as particle penetration slits extending along a radial plane.

5. The hydraulic pump (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The particle penetration opening (62) extends substantially radially.

6. The hydraulic pump (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The deposition chamber (60) has a chamber wall (77) with an outer surface (79) facing the rotor (12), wherein the particle penetration slits (62) are constructed in the chamber wall (77), and wherein the particle penetration slits (62) are oriented relative to the outer surface of the chamber wall at an angle α between 30° and 60°.

7. The hydraulic pump (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The particles penetrate the slits (62) and are oriented at an angle α between 40° and 50° relative to the outer surface of the chamber wall.

8. The hydraulic pump (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The particles penetrate the gaps (62) and are oriented at an angle α of 45° relative to the outer surface of the chamber wall.

9. The hydraulic pump (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The deposition chamber (60) has a chamber wall (77) with an outer surface (79) facing the rotor (12), wherein the outer surface of the chamber wall forms an angle α between 30° and 60° on the side facing away from the pump shaft of the particle penetration gap (62).

10. The hydraulic pump (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that The outer surface of the chamber wall forms an angle α between 40° and 50° on the side away from the pump shaft using the particle penetration gap (62).

11. The hydraulic pump (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The outer surface of the chamber wall is formed by the particle penetration gap (62) on the side away from the pump shaft, forming an angle α of 45°.

12. The hydraulic pump (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The deposition chamber (60) is constructed in at least two parts, having a basic section (70) and a cover section (72), wherein the basic section (70) is constructed by the pump tank (14), and wherein the cover section (72) is constructed by a cover element (71).

13. The hydraulic pump (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The cover element (71) is constructed in a substantially disc shape and extends substantially radially, wherein the cover element (71) has a central opening (73) for receiving the pump shaft (22).

14. The hydraulic pump (10) of claim 12, characterized in that, The cover element (71) is closed at its radially outer periphery by the inner wall (56) of the pump tank (14), wherein an interference fit is formed between the radially outer periphery of the cover element (71) and the inner wall (56) of the pump tank (14).

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