water pump

Abstract

The present invention discloses a water pump, which includes a rotor, a rotating shaft and a casing. The water pump also includes: a ratchet assembly, which allows the rotating shaft to rotate unidirectionally only in a first direction, and the first direction is opposite to the direction of the rotor during normal operation; a planetary gear assembly, which includes a first gear, a second gear and a ring gear, the first gear is connected to the rotating shaft, the second gear is meshed with the first gear, the ring gear has internal teeth, and the ring gear is internally meshed with the second gear, and the planetary gear assembly and the rotating shaft can move axially; a limiting assembly, which includes a first limiting member and a second limiting member, which are respectively arranged on the rotor and the ring gear, and the first limiting member and the second limiting member cooperate when the planetary gear assembly and the rotating shaft move to a preset position along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the first limiting member and the second limiting member cooperate, and the first limiting member and the second limiting member can limit the rotation of the rotor when they cooperate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of pumps and valves, and in particular to a water pump. Background Art

[0002] Compared to AC water pumps, brushless DC water pumps are smaller, have a longer lifespan, and are quieter. They also feature built-in smart chips for adjustable speed and signal feedback, making them standard equipment for zero-cold-water gas water heaters. Due to regional variations in water quality and varying plumbing conditions, even with filters installed at the water inlet of gas water heaters, some fine sediment or other impurities can still enter the pump body and become lodged in the gap between the pump's shaft and rotor. If the pump is not operated for extended periods, these impurities, soaking in water for extended periods, can become sticky and adhere to the shaft and rotor. When the pump is started, if the rotor's torque is unable to break free from the adhesion, the rotor will be unable to rotate relative to the shaft, causing the pump to become stuck and unable to start. Repair and maintenance of the adhesion between the rotor and shaft is necessary.

[0003] The common practice in the prior art is to disassemble the water pump and force the rotor to rotate while fixing the shaft to break the adhesion. This is troublesome, time-consuming and labor-intensive. Moreover, since the water pump has high sealing requirements, improper disassembly and assembly may cause the risk of water leakage in the later stage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a water pump in order to overcome the defect in the prior art that the water pump is inconvenient to repair when it is stuck.

[0005] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical solutions: a water pump comprising a rotor, a rotating shaft and a housing, the water pump further comprising:

[0006] a ratchet assembly, the ratchet assembly allowing the shaft to rotate unidirectionally only in a first direction, the first direction being opposite to a direction in which the rotor normally rotates;

[0007] a planetary gear assembly comprising a first gear, a second gear, and a ring gear, wherein the first gear is connected to the rotating shaft, the second gear is meshed with the first gear, the ring gear has internal teeth, and the ring gear is internally meshed with the second gear, and the planetary gear assembly and the rotating shaft are capable of axial movement;

[0008] A limit assembly, wherein the limit assembly includes a first limit member and a second limit member, wherein the first limit member and the second limit member are respectively arranged on the rotor and the ring gear, and when the planetary gear assembly and the rotating shaft move to a preset position along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the first limit member and the second limit member cooperate, and when the first limit member and the second limit member cooperate, they can limit the rotation of the rotor.

[0009] In this solution, when the water pump is operating normally, the shaft is restricted by the ratchet assembly and does not rotate, and the rotor rotates in the forward direction during normal operation; after the shaft and rotor of the water pump are stuck, the planetary gear assembly and the shaft are moved to a preset position by applying a force. Due to the unidirectional rotation characteristic of the ratchet assembly, the shaft can be driven to rotate in a first direction. Due to the action of the bonding force, the shaft and the rotor rotate in the opposite direction along the first direction. Due to the meshing action of the first gear, the second gear and the ring gear, the ring gear rotates in the forward direction (opposite to the first direction). At this time, the first limit member and the second limit member are in a mating state, and the movement directions of the ring gear and the rotor are opposite. The rotor and the shaft are subjected to opposite forces respectively. The generated force can break the bonding force between the rotor and the shaft, thereby releasing the stuck state of the rotor. There is no need to disassemble the water pump, which saves time and effort and makes maintenance more convenient.

[0010] Preferably, the water pump includes an adjustment channel, the adjustment channel is used for inserting a tool, and the tool is used to apply a first force to move the rotating shaft and the planetary gear assembly to the preset position.

[0011] In this solution, the structure is set up so that the position of the rotating shaft and the planetary gear can be adjusted by inserting a tool into the adjustment channel without applying an additional driving mechanism, and the structure is simpler.

[0012] Preferably, the adjustment channel is opened along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the first force acts on the rotating shaft.

[0013] In this solution, the circumferential freedom of the rotating shaft is restricted, and the force is more stable. When the first force drives the rotating shaft to move axially, the rotating shaft will not deviate, thereby improving the stability of the structure.

[0014] Preferably, the tool is capable of driving the rotating shaft to rotate along a first direction.

[0015] In this solution, no additional driving structure is added inside the water pump, and the structure is simpler; using external force to drive the rotating shaft can ensure that the opposing forces acting on the rotor and the rotating shaft are sufficient to break the adhesion, thereby accurately repairing the water pump.

[0016] Preferably, the water pump further comprises a reset assembly, wherein the reset assembly is fixed on the housing and connected to the rotating shaft, and the reset assembly is used to apply a second force to the rotating shaft away from the preset position.

[0017] In this solution, after the water pump is repaired, the reset component can drive the shaft to return to the position of the water pump in normal operation without applying additional force, thereby improving the automation level of the water pump.

[0018] Preferably, the reset assembly includes a telescopic portion, which can be telescoped along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the ratchet assembly includes a first ratchet and a second ratchet that cooperate with each other, and the first ratchet and the second ratchet are respectively arranged on the end surface of the telescopic portion and the end surface of the rotating shaft.

[0019] In this solution, the axial expansion and contraction of the telescopic portion can not only allow the rotating shaft to move axially, but also exert a certain axial force on the ratchet assembly, so that when the rotating shaft rotates in a first direction, the first ratchet and the second ratchet can overcome the axial force and lift the telescopic portion. Conversely, when the rotating shaft rotates in the direction of normal operation of the rotor, the axial force causes the first ratchet and the second ratchet to be stuck together, thereby limiting the rotation of the rotating shaft and realizing unidirectional rotation of the rotating shaft. By integrating the reset assembly and the ratchet assembly together, the structure is more compact.

[0020] Preferably, the telescopic portion includes a first spring and a telescopic member, one end of the first spring is fixed to the housing, and the other end of the first spring is connected to the telescopic member.

[0021] In this solution, the elastic force of the first spring is used to realize the telescopic function of the telescopic portion along the axial direction, thereby improving the reliability of the movement of the rotating shaft and making the structure simpler.

[0022] Preferably, the telescopic member has a sleeve portion at one end away from the rotating shaft, and the first spring is sleeved on the sleeve portion.

[0023] In this solution, the sleeve portion is sleeved in the first spring, and the circumference of the sleeve portion is also limited by the first spring, which reduces the offset when the telescopic member moves and improves reliability.

[0024] Preferably, the water pump includes a driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism can drive the rotor or the rotating shaft to rotate.

[0025] In this solution, the driving mechanism of the water pump itself is used to drive the rotor or the rotating shaft, thereby reducing the use of external force and improving the automation level of the water pump.

[0026] Preferably, the number of teeth of the first gear is smaller than the number of teeth of the second gear.

[0027] In this solution, by increasing the transmission ratio of the first gear and the second gear, the torque of the ring gear rotation is increased. When the first limit member and the second limit member are in a mating state, the opposite forces acting on the rotor and the rotating shaft are increased, thereby better breaking the bonding force.

[0028] Preferably, there are at least two of the first limiting members and the second limiting members.

[0029] In this solution, the plurality of first limiting members and second limiting members can disperse the force, thereby avoiding structural damage caused by concentrated force and improving reliability.

[0030] Preferably, at least two of the first limiting members are evenly distributed along the circumference of the rotor, and at least two of the second limiting members are evenly distributed along the circumference of the ring gear.

[0031] In this solution, this structural arrangement makes the forces on the first limiting member and the second limiting member more uniform, further improving reliability.

[0032] Preferably, the first position-limiting member is a groove, and the second position-limiting member is a stopper, or the first position-limiting member is a stopper, and the second position-limiting member is a groove.

[0033] The positive and progressive effects of the present invention are that: when the water pump is operating normally, the rotating shaft is restricted by the ratchet assembly and does not rotate, and the rotor rotates in the normal direction; after the rotating shaft and rotor of the water pump are stuck, the planetary gear assembly and the rotating shaft are moved to a preset position by applying a force. Due to the unidirectional rotation characteristic of the ratchet assembly, the rotating shaft can be driven to rotate in the first direction. Due to the action of the bonding force, the rotating shaft and the rotor rotate in the opposite direction along the first direction together. Due to the meshing action of the first gear, the second gear and the ring gear, the ring gear rotates in the positive direction (opposite to the first direction). At this time, the first limiter and the second limiter are in a mating state, and the movement directions of the ring gear and the rotor are opposite. The rotor and the rotating shaft are respectively subjected to opposite forces. The generated forces can break the bonding force between the rotor and the rotating shaft, thereby releasing the stuck state of the rotor without disassembling the water pump; and by increasing the transmission ratio of the first gear and the second gear, the torque of the ring gear rotation is increased, and the opposite forces applied to the rotor and the rotating shaft are increased, thereby better breaking the bonding force, saving time and effort, and making maintenance more convenient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a water pump according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along AA.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the rotor, planetary gear assembly, reset assembly and ratchet assembly of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the rotating shaft of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the reset assembly of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6Schematic diagram of the structure of a planetary gear assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the gear ring of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of the plug according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Description of Reference Numerals

[0043] Rotor 1

[0044] Reel 2

[0045] Shell 3

[0046] Ratchet assembly 4

[0047] First ratchet 41

[0048] Second ratchet 42

[0049] Planetary gear assembly 5

[0050] First gear 51

[0051] Second gear 52

[0052] Ring gear 53

[0053] Limit component 6

[0054] First limiting member 61

[0055] Second limiting member 62

[0056] Reset component 7

[0057] Telescopic portion 71

[0058] First spring 711

[0059] Telescopic part 712

[0060] Sleeve part 7121

[0061] Plug 81

[0062] Adjustment channel 82

[0063] Second spring 9

[0064] First direction B DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The present invention is further described below by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the examples.

[0066] like Figures 1-8As shown, this embodiment discloses a water pump, which includes a rotor 1, a rotating shaft 2 and a housing 3. The water pump also includes: a ratchet assembly 4, which allows the rotating shaft 2 to rotate unidirectionally only in a first direction B, which is opposite to the direction of normal operation of the rotor 1; a planetary gear assembly 5, which includes a first gear 51, a second gear 52 and a ring gear 53, the first gear 51 is connected to the rotating shaft 2, the second gear 52 is meshed with the first gear 51, and the ring gear 53 has internal teeth, which is internally meshed with the second gear 52, so that the planetary gear assembly 5 and the rotating shaft 2 can move in the axial direction; a limiting assembly 6, which includes a first limiting member 61 and a second limiting member 62, which are respectively provided on the rotor 1 and the ring gear 53. When the planetary gear assembly 5 and the rotating shaft 2 move to a preset position along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 2, the first limiting member 61 and the second limiting member 62 cooperate, and the first limiting member 61 and the second limiting member 62 cooperate to limit the rotation of the rotor 1.

[0067] When the water pump is operating normally, the shaft 2 is restricted by the ratchet assembly 4 and does not rotate, and the rotor 1 rotates in the normal direction; after the shaft 2 and the rotor 1 of the water pump are stuck, the planetary gear assembly 5 and the shaft 2 are moved to the preset position by applying a force. Due to the unidirectional rotation characteristics of the ratchet assembly 4, the shaft 2 can be driven to rotate in the first direction B. Due to the bonding force, the shaft 2 and the rotor 1 rotate in the opposite direction along the first direction B. Due to the meshing action of the first gear 51, the second gear 52 and the ring gear 53, the ring gear 53 rotates in the positive direction (opposite to the first direction B). At this time, the first limit member 61 and the second limit member 62 are in a mating state, and the movement directions of the ring gear 53 and the rotor 1 are opposite. The rotor 1 and the shaft 2 are subjected to opposite forces respectively. The generated force can break the bonding force between the rotor 1 and the shaft 2, thereby releasing the stuck state of the rotor 1. There is no need to disassemble the water pump, which saves time and effort and makes maintenance more convenient.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, the water pump includes an adjustment channel 82 for inserting a tool, which is used to apply a first force to move the rotating shaft 2 and the planetary gear assembly 5 to a predetermined position. Using a tool inserted into adjustment channel 82 to adjust the position of the rotating shaft 2 and the planetary gears eliminates the need for an additional drive mechanism, resulting in a simpler structure. Of course, in alternative embodiments, a linear motor could be added to the water pump to drive the movement of the rotating shaft 2 and the planetary gear assembly 5.

[0069] Specifically, if Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, the rotating shaft 2 is provided with a limiting portion, wherein the limiting portion is respectively arranged on both sides of the first gear 51 along the axial direction. The limiting portion and the first gear 51 form a limiting groove, and the teeth of the second gear 52 are retained in the limiting groove. When the rotating shaft 2 moves axially, the limiting portion exerts a force on the teeth of the second gear 52, causing the second gear 52 to move with the rotating shaft 2. To enhance the reset effect, the water pump further includes a second spring 9, which is disposed between the planetary gear assembly 5 and the rotor 1. That is, the two ends of the second spring 9 are respectively connected to the gasket below the rotor 1 and the rotating shaft 2. After the tool is removed, the second spring 9 exerts a force on the rotating shaft 2 to reset it.

[0070] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the adjustment channel 82 extends axially along the rotating shaft 2, and the first force acts on the rotating shaft 2. The circumferential freedom of the rotating shaft 2 is restricted, resulting in a more stable force. When the first force drives the rotating shaft 2 axially, the rotating shaft 2 does not deflect, thereby improving structural stability. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the adjustment channel 82 can also extend toward the planetary gear assembly 5, and the position of the rotating shaft 2 can be adjusted by driving the planetary gear assembly 5 and driving the rotating shaft 2.

[0071] Specifically, the tool can drive the rotating shaft 2 to rotate in a first direction B or an opposite second direction. This eliminates the need for an additional drive mechanism within the water pump, resulting in a simpler structure. Using an external force to drive the rotating shaft 2 ensures that the opposing forces acting on the rotor 1 and the rotating shaft 2 are sufficient to break the adhesion, thereby accurately repairing the water pump. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the water pump's own drive mechanism can also be used to drive the rotating shaft 2 or rotor 1 to rotate in the first direction B.

[0072] Specifically, if Figure 2 As shown, a plug 81 is provided at the bottom of the water pump. When the water pump is operating normally, the plug 81 detachably blocks the adjustment channel 82 through a thread. When the water pump is stuck, the plug 81 is removed and a tool can be inserted into the adjustment channel 82 to adjust the position of the rotating shaft 2 and the planetary gear.

[0073] like Figure 3-Figure 5 As shown, the water pump also includes a reset assembly 7, which is fixed to the housing 3 and connected to the rotating shaft 2. The reset assembly 7 is used to apply a second force to the rotating shaft 2 away from the preset position. After the water pump is repaired, the reset assembly 7 can drive the rotating shaft 2 back to the position in normal operation without applying additional force, thereby improving the automation level of the water pump. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the reset assembly 7 can also be omitted. After the water pump is repaired, the rotating shaft 2 or the planetary gear assembly 5 can be manually driven to reset.

[0074] like Figure 3-Figure 5As shown, the reset assembly 7 includes a telescopic portion 71 that can extend and retract along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 2. The ratchet assembly 4 includes a first ratchet tooth 41 and a second ratchet tooth 42 that cooperate with each other. The first ratchet tooth 41 and the second ratchet tooth 42 are respectively provided on the end surface of the telescopic portion 71 and the end surface of the rotating shaft 2. The axial extension and retraction of the telescopic portion 71 not only allows the rotating shaft 2 to move axially, but also exerts a certain axial force on the ratchet assembly 4. When the rotating shaft 2 rotates in the first direction B, the first ratchet tooth 41 and the second ratchet tooth 42 can overcome this axial force and lift the telescopic portion 71. Conversely, when the rotating shaft 2 rotates in the direction of normal operation of the rotor 1, this axial force causes the first ratchet tooth 41 and the second ratchet tooth 42 to engage together, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotating shaft 2 and achieving unidirectional rotation of the rotating shaft 2. By integrating the reset assembly 7 and the ratchet assembly 4, the structure is more compact. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the reset assembly 7 and the ratchet assembly 4 can also be provided separately, that is, ratchet teeth can be provided on the circumference of the rotating shaft 2, and pawls that cooperate with the ratchet teeth can be provided.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, the telescopic portion 71 includes a first spring 711 and a telescopic member 712. One end of the first spring 711 is fixed to the housing 3, and the other end of the first spring 711 is connected to the telescopic member 712. The elastic force of the first spring 711 is utilized to achieve the telescopic function of the telescopic portion 71 along the axial direction, thereby improving the reliability of the movement of the rotating shaft 2 and simplifying the structure.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, the end of the telescopic member 712 away from the rotating shaft 2 has a sleeve portion 7121, and the first spring 711 is mounted on the sleeve portion 7121. The sleeve portion 7121 is mounted within the first spring 711, and the circumferential direction of the sleeve portion 7121 is also limited by the first spring 711, thereby reducing the deviation of the telescopic member 712 during movement and improving reliability. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the sleeve portion 7121 can also be omitted.

[0077] In this embodiment, the water pump includes a driving mechanism, which can drive the rotor 1 or the rotating shaft 2 to rotate in the first direction B. Specifically, the driving mechanism is the stator of the water pump, which drives the rotor 1 or the rotating shaft 2 to rotate in the first direction B (reverse rotation) by changing the direction of the magnetic field. The driving mechanism of the water pump itself is used to drive the rotor 1 or the rotating shaft 2, thereby reducing the use of external force and improving the automation level of the water pump.

[0078] like Figure 6As shown, the number of teeth on the first gear 51 is smaller than that on the second gear 52. By increasing the transmission ratio between the first gear 51 and the second gear 52, the torque of the ring gear 53 is increased. When the first stopper 61 and the second stopper 62 are engaged, the opposing forces acting on the rotor 1 and the rotating shaft 2 are increased, thereby better breaking the adhesion. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the number of teeth on the first gear 51 may be greater than or equal to the number of teeth on the second gear 52.

[0079] Specifically, there are three first stoppers 61 and three second stoppers 62. In other alternative embodiments, the first stoppers 61 and the second stoppers 62 may be provided in other numbers, two or more. Multiple first stoppers 61 and second stoppers 62 can disperse the applied force, avoid structural damage caused by concentrated applied force, and improve reliability. Of course, one first stopper 61 and one second stopper 62 may also be provided.

[0080] Specifically, the three first limiting members 61 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the rotor 1, and the three second limiting members 62 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the ring gear 53. The first limiting members 61 and the second limiting members 62 are subjected to more uniform forces, further improving reliability.

[0081] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the first limiting member 61 is a groove and the second limiting member 62 is a block. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the first limiting member 61 can also be a block and the second limiting member 62 can be a groove. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the first limiting member and the second limiting member can also be a ratchet and a pawl, or other structures that can cooperate to achieve limiting.

[0082] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely illustrative and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, and such changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water pump comprising a rotor, a rotating shaft and a housing, characterized in that: The water pump also includes: a ratchet assembly, the ratchet assembly allowing the shaft to rotate unidirectionally only in a first direction, the first direction being opposite to a direction in which the rotor normally rotates; a planetary gear assembly comprising a first gear, a second gear, and a ring gear, wherein the first gear is connected to the rotating shaft, the second gear is meshed with the first gear, the ring gear has internal teeth, and the ring gear is internally meshed with the second gear, and the planetary gear assembly and the rotating shaft are capable of axial movement; a limiting assembly, the limiting assembly comprising a first limiting member and a second limiting member, the first limiting member and the second limiting member being respectively disposed on the rotor and the ring gear, and engaging with each other when the planetary gear assembly and the rotating shaft move to a preset position along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the first limiting member and the second limiting member engaging with each other can limit the rotation of the rotor; An adjustment channel is provided, wherein the adjustment channel is used for inserting a tool, and the tool is used for applying a first force to move the rotating shaft and the planetary gear assembly to the preset position.

2. The water pump according to claim 1, characterized in that The adjustment channel is opened along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the first acting force acts on the rotating shaft.

3. The water pump according to claim 2, characterized in that The tool can drive the rotating shaft to rotate.

4. The water pump according to claim 1, wherein The water pump further includes a reset assembly, which is fixed on the housing and connected to the rotating shaft. The reset assembly is used to apply a second force to the rotating shaft away from the preset position.

5. The water pump according to claim 4, characterized in that The reset assembly includes a telescopic portion that can be telescoped along the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The ratchet assembly includes a first ratchet and a second ratchet that cooperate with each other. The first ratchet and the second ratchet are respectively arranged on the end surface of the telescopic portion and the end surface of the rotating shaft.

6. The water pump according to claim 5, characterized in that The telescopic portion includes a first spring and a telescopic member, one end of the first spring is fixed on the housing, and the other end of the first spring is connected to the telescopic member.

7. The water pump according to claim 6, characterized in that One end of the telescopic member away from the rotating shaft has a sleeve portion, and the first spring is sleeved on the sleeve portion.

8. The water pump according to claim 1, wherein The water pump includes a driving mechanism, which can drive the rotor or the rotating shaft to rotate in a first direction.

9. The water pump according to claim 1, wherein The number of teeth of the first gear is smaller than the number of teeth of the second gear.

10. The water pump according to claim 1, wherein There are at least two of the first limiting members and the second limiting members.

11. The water pump according to claim 10, wherein At least two of the first limiting members are evenly distributed along the circumference of the rotor, and at least two of the second limiting members are evenly distributed along the circumference of the ring gear.

12. The water pump according to claim 1, wherein The first position-limiting member is a groove, and the second position-limiting member is a stopper, or the first position-limiting member is a stopper, and the second position-limiting member is a groove.

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