Automotive fluid pump device with mounting device for automotive fluid pump device

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle fluid pump arrangement, in particular a motor vehicle fluid pump arrangement with a vibration-decoupled mounting arrangement for mounting a motor vehicle fluid pump unit to a motor vehicle mounting structure. The motor vehicle fluid pump arrangement (10) comprises a pump unit (15) and a mounting arrangement (20) for supporting and mounting the pump unit (15). The mounting arrangement (20) comprises a ring-shaped vibration-decoupled support part (22) which radially surrounds and supports the pump unit (15). The support part (22) has an axial stop face (25) which cooperates with a corresponding pump unit axial stop face (17) for axially stopping the pump unit in an axial mounting direction (M) and has a mounting part (27) for attaching the mounting arrangement (20) to a corresponding motor vehicle mounting structure (50), wherein the ring-shaped support part (22) has a tensioned friction-enhancing longitudinal lip ring (30) which encloses the pump unit in a pocket-like manner for frictionally locking the pump unit (15) in an axial dismounting direction (D). Thereby, the pump unit (15) is fixed by the mounting arrangement (20) in radial and axial direction without any additional fixing means.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an automotive fluid pump device, and more particularly to an automotive fluid pump device with a vibration decoupling mounting device for mounting an automotive fluid pump unit onto a motor vehicle mounting structure.

[0002] This pumping device includes a pump unit, preferably an electric pump unit, for circulating fluid within the fluid circuit of a motor vehicle for water circulation. The pumping device also includes a mounting device for mounting the pump unit to a vehicle frame or internal combustion engine. The mounting device is equipped with a vibration decoupling body that is attached to the vehicle frame and supports the pump unit. The vibration decoupling body is made of a relatively flexible material so that vibrations associated with the pump unit are not transmitted to the vehicle frame or internal combustion engine, and vice versa, resulting in relatively low noise emission levels. Typically, the decoupling body is annular and radially surrounds and supports the pump unit.

[0003] For example, such a pump assembly is disclosed in document DE 10 201 6 209 204A1. Here, the annular opening of the vibration decoupling body is press-fitted onto the corresponding circumferential surface of the pump unit housing, such that the pump unit is supported by the decoupling body in a force-locked manner. Since the decoupling body must be relatively flexible to provide effective vibration decoupling, the force-locked connection can only support relatively small axial forces. Therefore, the pump unit housing is provided with radially projecting support protrusions that axially contact the decoupling body to provide additional form-locked axial support for the pump unit at the decoupling body. The support protrusions are provided on two axial sides of the decoupling body to provide support in two axial directions. However, the decoupling body must be installed onto the pump unit during the assembly of the pump unit housing, and in particular, cannot be installed onto a fully assembled pump unit. As a result, the decoupling body installation step must be integrated into the pump unit assembly process, leading to complex assembly of the pump assembly.

[0004] Document WO 2020 / 083495 A1 discloses a mounting device having a flexible decoupling body for mounting a fully assembled pump unit onto a motor vehicle mounting structure. The pump unit is inserted into the decoupling body and axially secured by a shape-locking connection using an axial stop surface at the decoupling body and a corresponding stop surface at the pump unit. This shape-locking connection secures the pump unit in a first axial mounting direction. In a second axial disassembly direction, the pump unit is additionally secured by a separate retaining clip.

[0005] However, all of these fixing methods known from the prior art require additional fixing components and / or complex installation processes to connect the pump unit to the decoupling body.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide an automotive fluid pump device that provides a reliable and cost-effective vibration decoupling installation of the pump unit to the vehicle frame, and can be assembled in a simple manner.

[0007] This objective is achieved by a motor vehicle pump device having the features of the present invention, namely, an automotive fluid pump device having a pump unit and a mounting device for supporting and mounting the pump unit, the mounting device comprising:

[0008] A ring-shaped vibration decoupling support component that radially surrounds and supports the pump unit.

[0009] The support member has an axial stop surface that mates with a corresponding pump unit axial stop surface to axially stop the pump unit along the axial mounting direction, and has mounting components for attaching the mounting device to a corresponding motor vehicle mounting structure, wherein...

[0010] The annular support member has a tensioned, friction-enhanced longitudinal lip ring that sac-like surrounds the pump unit to frictionally lock the pump unit in the axial disassembly direction. The inner circumference of the lip ring is at least 5% smaller than the outer circumference of the pump unit mounting portion before the pump unit is assembled with the mounting device. The lip ring is designed to flip in the mounting direction during the assembly of the pump unit and the support member and to seamlessly fit the pump unit mounting portion.

[0011] The motor vehicle pump device according to the invention has a pump unit for circulating working fluid in the motor vehicle fluid circuit. Preferably, the pump unit is electrically driven by an electric motor, rather than mechanically driven by an internal combustion engine. The pump unit can particularly be an electric water pump for circulating water in the motor vehicle heating or cooling circuit.

[0012] The automotive fluid pump device according to the invention also includes a mounting device for mounting the pump unit to a vehicle frame. The mounting device includes an annular vibration decoupling support member that extends substantially in the transverse plane of the pump unit. The support member radially surrounds and supports the pump unit. The support member has a transverse annular opening corresponding to the shape of the pump unit mounting portion, such that the pump unit is radially supported by the support member substantially along its entire circumference.

[0013] Preferably, the support member radially surrounds the electric motor of the electric pump unit, such that the center of mass of the pump unit is substantially located within the support member. The mounting device also includes mounting components for attaching the mounting device to the vehicle mounting structure. The pump unit is supported on the vehicle frame only by the mounting device and, in particular, does not directly contact the vehicle frame. Preferably, the support member is made of a relatively soft and elastic material, such as rubber, silicone, SEBS, EPDM, or any other elastomer, so that the vibration decoupling support member can compensate for vibrations of the vehicle frame.

[0014] The support component is provided with an axial stop surface, which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pump unit. The pump unit is provided with a corresponding stop surface, which cooperates with the axial stop surface of the support to fix the pump in the first axial insertion direction, i.e., the installation direction. The support component is also provided with a tensioned friction-enhancing longitudinal lip ring, which acts in a pressure sleeve manner. The elastic lip ring surrounds the pump unit and applies a normal force to the external pump unit mounting portion, thereby applying a frictional force between the lip ring and the pump unit, which frictionally locks the pump unit in the axial disassembly direction.

[0015] Preferably, before the pump unit is assembled with the mounting device, the inner circumference of the lip ring is at least 5% smaller than the outer circumference of the pump unit mounting portion. In this pre-assembled state, the lip ring extends substantially radially inward from the opening of the support member and is preferably slightly conical. The conical lip ring tapers gradually in the mounting direction, guiding the pump unit during insertion. Because the inner diameter of the lip ring is smaller than the outer diameter of the pump unit mounting portion, the lip ring flips in the mounting direction during the assembly of the pump unit with the support member and fits seamlessly into the pump unit mounting portion. This deformation tensions the lip ring, so that a relatively high normal force acting on the mounting portion is provided by the lip ring, which is substantially higher than the normal force of a conventional press-fit connection. The resulting frictional force is sufficient to axially fix the pump unit within the support member against any usual axial displacement force. As a result, the support member fixes the pump unit in two axial directions, namely the mounting direction and the disassembly direction, without any additional fixing devices such as clips or screws. Therefore, in the assembled state, the lip ring is substantially completely axially oriented and contacts the outer surface of the pump unit and the inner surface of the ring opening.

[0016] Because the friction between the tensioned lip ring and the pump unit mounting portion is higher than the friction between the inner surface of the lip ring and the ring opening, if the pump unit shifts in the disassembly direction, the lip ring will not slide on the outer surface of the pump unit mounting portion, but rather on the inner surface of the ring opening. The bladder-like lip ring remains in contact with the pump unit and thus folds in a corrugated manner, causing the lip ring to lock within the ring opening of the support and preventing further displacement of the pump unit. Therefore, the locking of the friction-locking lip ring in the disassembly direction provides a form-locking connection without requiring any undercutting on the pump unit housing.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the automotive fluid pump assembly according to the invention, the lip ring is an integrated part of the resilient support component. The lip ring is integrally formed on the resilient support body, for example, on the inner surface of the ring opening. Therefore, the pump unit is radially supported and axially secured by a single component in both the mounting and dismounting directions, eliminating the need for additional fastening devices to connect the lip ring to the support component. This integrated design results in relatively low production costs because no additional assembly steps are required to axially secure the pump unit with clips or screws. The integrated lip ring allows for a relatively compact design of the support component, thereby allowing for a compact design of the mounting device, which is particularly advantageous for automotive applications of the pump assembly.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the corresponding mounting portions of the annular support and the pump unit are circular. The circular shape generally allows for adaptive orientation of the tangentially oriented pump outlet, even after the pump unit has been installed in the vehicle. Thus, the mounting device and the pump unit can be applied to different vehicles in different mounting positions, providing a universal mounting device. Furthermore, the circular shape simplifies the installation process of the pump unit and the support component. Due to the friction between the lip ring and the pump unit, the rotation of the pump unit during installation simplifies the insertion of the pump unit into the annular support component.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the axial support stop surface is provided with a crenellated structure comprising a plurality of axially extending protrusions. The protrusions of the crenellated structure are preferably arranged at equal angles along the circumference of the support member, defining a plurality of pump receptacles therebetween. The stop surface of the pump unit is provided with a corresponding crenellated structure, defined, for example, by bolt seats of the pump unit housing. In the installed state of the pump assembly, the bolt seats of the pump unit housing engage the pump receptacles, preventing the pump unit from rotating within the support member. As a result, the pump unit has a defined and stable rotational orientation relative to the support member and therefore relative to the vehicle frame. Thus, the crenellated structure provides simple anti-rotation protection for the pump unit.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrical plug and socket of the electric pump unit extends axially from the axial front end surface of the pump unit. The axial front end surface is defined at the end of the pump unit that is axially opposite to the volute of the pump housing. The pump is first inserted into the annular opening of the support member at its front end, such that the axial front end surface is oriented toward the mounting direction. The electrical plug and socket are arranged such that they do not extend radially beyond the pump unit mounting portion, and more preferably are arranged at a radial distance from the pump unit mounting portion, such that the lip ring is not damaged by the plug and socket during assembly of the pump unit and the support member. Typically, the lip ring provides sufficient friction to the pump unit to prevent displacement of the pump unit during axial insertion of the electrical plug into the socket.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the circular lip ring is at least 5% smaller than the diameter of the pump unit mounting portion before the pump unit is assembled with the mounting device. The final tension of the circular lip ring due to radial expansion allows for a uniform normal force distribution along the entire circumference of the circular pump unit mounting portion, resulting in reliable axial fixation of the pump unit. Furthermore, the circular lip ring is more effective in securing the lip ring to its proper position caused by axial displacement of the pump unit in the disassembly direction.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting component for attaching the mounting device to the vehicle mounting structure is an integrated portion of the annular support component. Therefore, compared to multi-piece mounting devices, the complete mounting device is defined by a single low-cost component, reducing manufacturing and assembly costs. For example, the mounting device is attached to the vehicle mounting structure via a threaded connection using an integrally formed screw hole within the mounting component, eliminating the need for additional machining of the screw hole in the mounting device. Furthermore, no additional assembly steps are required to connect the mounting component and the support component. The overall design provides a very compact and simple mounting device with reliable and adequate fixation of the pump unit and effective vibration decoupling of the pump unit from the vehicle mounting structure.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein...

[0024] Figure 1a A perspective view of an automotive fluid pump assembly with a pump unit and mounting device in a disassembled state is shown.

[0025] Figure 1b A perspective view of the automotive fluid pump assembly shown in Figure 1 in its assembled state is displayed.

[0026] Figure 2a A cross-sectional top view of the automotive fluid pump unit in Figure 1, in a disassembled state, is shown.

[0027] Figure 2b A cross-sectional top view of the automotive fluid pump unit in Figure 1 is shown in its assembled state.

[0028] Figure 1a , 1b Images 2a and 2b illustrate embodiments of an automotive fluid pump device 10 according to the present invention. The automotive fluid pump device 10 includes an electric water circulation pump unit 15 and a mounting device 20 for attaching the pump unit 15 to an automotive mounting structure 50. Figure 1a and 2a As shown, the mounting device 20 includes an annular vibration decoupling support component 22 with a circular ring opening 35.

[0029] The electric pump unit 15 includes a cylindrical pump unit mounting portion 18, which is inserted into the circular annular opening 35 of the support member 22 for fixing the pump unit 15 axially and radially. Figure 1b and 2b As shown, the cylindrical support body 23 radially surrounds the inserted pump unit mounting portion 18, thereby radially supporting the pump unit 15.

[0030] The support member 22 is made of an elastomer to provide vibration decoupling between the pump unit 15 and the vehicle mounting structure 50. The mounting device 20 also includes a mounting member 27, which is an integrated portion of the circular annular support member 22. Figure 1a and 1b As shown, the mounting component 27 has a flat rectangular mounting surface 28 that is arranged perpendicular to the centerline of the pump unit and contacts the vehicle mounting structure 50. The mounting component 27 also has two screw holes 26 for mounting the mounting device 20 to the vehicle mounting structure 50 via a threaded connection. To reinforce the mounting device, a reinforcing rib 24 extending laterally in the transverse pump unit plane is provided in the transition area between the support component 22 and the mounting component 27. This reinforcing rib 24 is tangentially formed on the columnar support component 22 and connects to the connecting flange 29 of the mounting component 27 on both sides of the screw holes 26.

[0031] Figure 1a and 2a A disassembled automotive fluid pump assembly 10 is shown, illustrating a slightly conical, substantially radially inwardly extending circular lip ring 30' disposed on the inner side of the support member ring opening 35. This lip ring 30' is integrated with the support member 22. The lip ring 30' extends radially inwardly from the radially inner side of the support member 22 and axially along the pump unit's mounting direction M, such that the lip ring 30' gradually tapers in the mounting direction M relative to its connection area 32 with the support member 22. Figure 2a As shown, the inner diameter dL of the lip ring 30′ is 10% smaller than the outer diameter dP of the pump unit mounting portion 18.

[0032] The axial front end surface 16 defines the axial end of the pump opposite the pump volute or tangentially oriented fluid outlet 19. When the pump unit 15 is first inserted along the mounting direction M with the axial front end surface 16 in place, the lip ring 30' flips along the mounting direction M, changing from a substantially radial orientation to a purely axial and longitudinal orientation. Due to the conical shape of the lip ring 30' and its taper in the mounting direction, the pump unit mounting portion 18 is guided into the annular opening 35, and the lip ring 30' deforms into a bladder-like extrusion sleeve that seamlessly fits the housing surface of the pump unit mounting portion 18. Figure 2b As shown, due to the radial expansion of the inner diameter dL of the pump unit mounting portion 18 to the outer diameter dP, the bladder-shaped lip ring 30 extends axially along the mounting direction M and is tensioned.

[0033] Due to the tension of the lip ring 30, the free end 34 of the lip ring 30 provides a relatively high normal force oriented radially inward relative to the pump unit mounting portion 18, compared to a conventional pure press-fit connection. The longitudinal extension of the lip ring 30 in the axial mounting direction M, combined with the relatively high friction between the lip ring 30 and the pump unit 15, provides a locking effect, which additionally secures the pump unit 15 in the disassembly direction D. If the pump unit 15 shifts in the disassembly direction D, the lip ring 30 deforms in a corrugated manner and locks between the support member 22 and the pump unit mounting portion 18, thereby effectively preventing the pump unit 15 from shifting in the disassembly direction.

[0034] The support member 22 has an axial stop surface 25 at its axial end, which faces the disassembly direction D. The axial stop surface 25 of the support member mates with a corresponding axial stop surface 17 at the pump unit 15. The pump unit stop surface 17 is oriented relative to the support member stop surface 25, i.e., oriented in the installation direction M, so that the pump unit 15 is axially stopped by a form-fit connection, thus axially fixing the pump unit 15 in the installation direction M. Figure 2b As shown.

[0035] The axial stop surface 25 of the support component 22 is provided with a crenellated structure 21, which includes a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions 38 extending axially along the disassembly direction D and arranged at equal angles around the circumference of the support component body 23, such as... Figure 1a As shown. The protrusions 38 are arranged concentrically relative to the annular opening 35 of the support member and define the first member of the rotation blocking structure of the substantially cylindrical pump unit 15. The crenellated structure 21 defines a plurality of axial receiving portions 39 between the protrusions 38 for receiving cylindrical and axially oriented bolt seats 14 that are circumferentially angularly arranged and radially extend beyond the pump unit mounting surface 18 of the pump unit 15. Figure 1b As shown, the corresponding crenellated structure 21 of the support component 22 locks the bolt seat 14, thereby preventing the pump unit 15 from rotating within the ring opening 35 of the support component.

[0036] Pump unit 15 is provided with an electrical plug and socket 40, which extends axially from the front end surface 16 of pump unit 15 along the mounting direction M. The plug and socket 40 is radially offset relative to the centerline of pump unit 15, but also offset from the outer edge of the front end surface 16, such that the plug and socket do not damage the radially inwardly extending lip ring 30' during insertion of pump unit 15 into support member 22, for example... Figure 1a As shown.

[0037] The electrical plug (not shown) is inserted in the axial disassembly direction D. The friction-enhancing lip ring 30 provides sufficient axial fixation of the pump unit 15 in the disassembly direction D due to the relatively high friction between the lip ring 30 and the pump unit mounting portion 18, as well as the locking of the lip ring 30 caused by slight displacement of the pump unit 15 in the axial direction, so that the axial insertion does not move the pump unit 15 accordingly.

Claims

1. An automotive fluid pump arrangement (10) having a pump unit (15) and a mounting arrangement (20) for supporting and mounting the pump unit (15), the mounting arrangement (20) comprising: an annular, vibration-decoupled support member (22) radially surrounding and supporting the pump unit (15), the support member (22) having an axial stop face (25) cooperating with a corresponding pump unit axial stop face (17) for axially stopping the pump unit in an axial mounting direction (M) and having a mounting member (27) for attaching the mounting arrangement (20) to a corresponding motor vehicle mounting structure (50), wherein the annular support member (22) has a tensioned, friction-enhanced longitudinal lip ring (30) which circumferentially surrounds the pump unit for frictionally locking the pump unit (15) in an axial dismounting direction (D), wherein an inner circumference of the lip ring (30') is at least 5% smaller than an outer circumference of a pump unit mounting portion (18) before the pump unit (15) is assembled with the mounting arrangement (20), and wherein the lip ring (30') is designed to be flipped over in the mounting direction (M) during assembly of the pump unit (15) with the support member (22) and to seamlessly adapt to the pump unit mounting portion (18).

2. The automotive fluid pump apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein, the lip ring (30') is conical before the pump unit (15) is assembled with the mounting arrangement (20).

3. The automotive fluid pump arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lip ring (30, 30') is an integrated part of the support member (22).

4. The automotive fluid pump arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lip ring (30, 30') axially extends in the mounting direction (M) of the pump unit as seen from its connection zone (32) to the support member (22).

5. The automotive fluid pump apparatus (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the annular support member (22) and the corresponding mounting portion (18) of the pump unit are circular.

6. The automotive fluid pump apparatus (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the axial support member stop face (25) and the pump unit stop face (17) are correspondingly battlemented to provide a form-fit connection for anti-rotation protection of the pump unit (15) provided with a tangential pump outlet (19).

7. The automotive fluid pump arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an electrical plug socket (40) axially extends from an axial front end surface (16) of the pump unit (15).

8. The automotive fluid pump apparatus (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the diameter (dL) of the lip ring (30') is at least 5% smaller than the diameter (dP) of the pump unit mounting portion (18) before the pump unit (15) is assembled with the mounting arrangement (20).

9. The automotive fluid pump apparatus (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the mounting member (27) is an integrated part of the support member (22).

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