Pump set

Abstract

The invention is a pump pack (1) for a cooling system of an operating pack of a vehicle, extending along an axis (X-X) and comprising: i) an impeller assembly (2) rotatable about the axis (X-X); ii) an electric machine (3) comprising a rotor (31) engaged with the impeller assembly (2) and comprising a stator (32); iii) an electronic command panel (4) for commanding the motor (3); iv) a pump body (5) comprising a first element (51), an intermediate element (52) and a second element (53), where the coupling between the first element (51) and the intermediate element (52) defines a first chamber (500 ') or a wet chamber, where the coupling between the intermediate element (52) and the second element (53) defines a second chamber (500') or a dry chamber, where the impeller assembly (2) is housed in the first chamber (500 '), and where the impeller assembly (2) is housed in the second chamber (500'). The stator (32) and the electronic command panel (4) are housed in the second chamber (500 ''); iv) a plurality of electrical connection groups (6) wherein each electrical connection group (6) comprises a stator arrangement (63) engaged and electrically connected to the stator (32) and a panel arrangement (64) engaged and electrically connected to the electronic command panel (4) wherein the stator arrangement (63) comprises a radially elastically yielding connection portion (634) such that the connection portion (634) is in a compressed configuration when the stator arrangement (63) is in contact with the panel arrangement (64).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a pump assembly for a cooling system of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In the present disclosure, the term "vehicle" relates to any mobile device without any limitation as to type or size, ie a motorcycle, a car or a tractor trailer.

[0003] In other words, the invention relates to the automotive field and in particular to a thermal management system of an operating group of a vehicle.

[0004] In particular, in the present disclosure, an "operating group" refers to a specific component or group of components used to perform a given operation necessary for vehicle movement. In a preferred embodiment, the "operating group" includes, for example, an endothermic motor group, an electric motor group, or a hybrid motor group.

[0005] In a further embodiment, the “operating group” includes other vehicle components, which are mechanical components (eg a transmission group) or electrical components (eg a “battery group” or an “electric machine”).

[0006] In the prior art, a plurality of embodiments of pump groups for operating a cooling system of a group are known, which embodiments differ by the type of actuation.

[0007] In particular, the pump set of the invention suitable for this case is of the electrically actuated type. In other words, the pump set of the invention comprises at least one motor that directs the rotational movement of the impeller assembly included therein, thereby commanding the movement of the cooling liquid flowing in the cooling system fluidically connectable to the pump set. In addition, the pump set comprises an electronic command panel suitable for commanding the operation of the motor according to the needs of the vehicle, while also managing abnormal or emergency situations.

[0008] Various technical solutions for pump groups comprising an electronic command panel and an electric drive with an electric motor are known.

[0009] A typical problem in such products is the need for an electrical connection between the motor and the electronic command panel that is correct and certain over time and that can be easily implemented.

[0010] In practice, embodiments are known in which the connection between the stator and the electronic command panel is correct and deterministic over time (i.e. does not undergo breakage or detachment, for example due to vibrations transmitted to the pump group), which is a critical point of the assembly, requiring complex and expensive manufacturing operations to be performed. Summary of the invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a pump group for the cooling system of an operating group of a vehicle which solves this typical problem of the prior art. In other words, the object of the present invention is to provide a pump group whose connection between the stator and the electronic command board is always correct and certain over time and which is achieved above all by a simple group operation.

[0012] This object is achieved by a pump assembly according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to preferred structural variants having further advantageous aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The object of the present invention will now be described in detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 shows a side view of a pump unit in an assembled configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 Shown along Figure 1 An axial cross-sectional view of the pump unit taken at section AA;

[0016] Figure 2a yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of an area of ​​the pump unit;

[0017] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Two perspective views according to a preferred embodiment are shown, with some parts separated from some components included in the pump unit of the invention;

[0018] Figure 4 is a side view of some of the components assembled together as included in the pump unit of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the above-mentioned figures, reference numeral 1 denotes as a whole a pump group for a cooling system of an operating group of a vehicle, for example of the internal combustion type.

[0020] The pump unit 1 according to the invention extends mainly longitudinally with respect to the axis XX.

[0021] According to the invention, the pump unit 1 comprises an impeller assembly 2 rotatable relative to an axis XX, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0022] According to the invention, the pump unit 1 comprises an electric motor 3 comprising a rotor 31 engaged with the impeller assembly 2 and a stator 32 circumferentially surrounding the rotor 31 .

[0023] Preferably, the motor 3 is of brushless type.

[0024] Preferably, the rotor 31 is of the permanent magnet type.

[0025] According to the invention, the pump group 1 comprises an electronic command panel 4 for commanding the electric motor 3 .

[0026] Preferably, the electronic command panel 4 is located axially away from the impeller assembly 2 .

[0027] According to the invention, the pump unit 1 comprises a pump body 5 for supporting and housing the components. In practice, the pump body 5 can be fluidly connected to a pipe of a cooling system in which a cooling liquid moved by the pump unit 1 flows.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the "cooling liquid" is a water-based liquid, for example, a solution comprising water and ethylene glycol.

[0029] According to another preferred embodiment, the "cooling liquid" is an oil-based liquid.

[0030] The pump body 5 comprises a first element 51, an intermediate element 52 and a second element 53. In other words, the pump body 5 comprises three distinct elements which define the pump body 5 when assembled.

[0031] According to the invention, the connection between the first element 51 and the intermediate element 52 delimits a first chamber 500 ′ or wet chamber.

[0032] According to the invention, the connection between the intermediate element 52 and the second element 53 defines a second chamber 500 ″ or dry chamber. In practice, the two chambers are sealed from each other.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the first element 51 , the intermediate element 52 and the second element 53 are mutually engaged along the axis XX, wherein the intermediate element 52 is sandwiched between the first element 51 and the second element 53 .

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the first element 51 and the second element 53 are mutually engaged along the axis XX, and the intermediate element 52 is housed in a space defined by the first element and the second element.

[0035] According to the invention, said intermediate element 52 comprises a side wall 522 extending parallel to the axis XX.

[0036] Furthermore, the intermediate element 52 includes a top wall 521 and a bottom wall 523 .

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the pump body 5 is made of a material selected from the polymer family.

[0038] Preferably, the pump body 5 is made of PPS GF40, PA 6.10 or PBT GF20.

[0039] According to the present invention, the impeller assembly 2 and the rotor 31 are housed in the first chamber 500'. On the other hand, the stator 32 and the electronic command panel 4 are housed in the second chamber 500".

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the pump unit 1 comprises a stationary shaft 8 housed in the first chamber 500 ′.

[0041] Preferably, the fixed shaft 8 is made of a material selected from a steel alloy, preferably a chrome steel alloy.

[0042] The fixing shaft 8 extends along the axis XX between a first end 81 and a second end 82 integrally connected to the bottom wall 523 .

[0043] In other words, the fixed shaft 8 is cantilevered relative to the bottom wall 523 .

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the second end 82 is engaged with the bottom wall 523 by a geometric interference coupling.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the impeller assembly 2 includes a blade element 20 and a rotating shaft 21 assembled to the fixed shaft 4 , the rotating shaft being engaged with the blade element 20 and the rotor 31 .

[0046] In other words, the blade element 20 is engaged with the rotation shaft 21 such that a rotation of the rotation shaft 21 causes a rotation of the blade element 20 .

[0047] According to the invention, the pump unit 1 further comprises a fixing bushing 9 positioned at the end of the fixing shaft 8 , the fixing bushing preferably being integrally engaged with the first end 81 to provide an axial seat for the impeller assembly 2 .

[0048] Preferably, the axial bushing 9 is cylindrical, conical or flanged in shape.

[0049] Preferably, the axial bushing 9 is fixed to the fixed shaft 8 in geometric interference engagement therewith.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the blade element 20 is positioned between said top wall 521 and the first element 51 .

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the first element 51 comprises an inlet opening 511 on the axis XX and a radial outlet 512 , wherein the first element 51 is shaped so as to define a volute 510 .

[0052] According to the invention, the pump assembly 1 comprises a plurality of electrical connection groups 6 .

[0053] Preferably, the pump set 1 comprises a plurality of electrical connection groups 6, the number of which is equal to the number of phases of the stator 32. Preferably, the pump set 1 comprises three electrical connection groups 6. Preferably, the electrical connection groups 6 are positioned angularly spaced apart from each other. Preferably, the electrical connection groups 6 are positioned angularly spaced apart from each other at different angles.

[0054] Each electrical connection group 6 includes a stator device 63 and a panel device 64 which are engaged with and electrically connected to the stator 32 and the electronic command panel 4, respectively.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the stator device 63 is loaded on the stator 32 and protrudes from the stator in the radial direction. Preferably, in fact, the stator device 63 does not protrude in the axial direction and is therefore axially lower than the windings included in the stator 32.

[0056] Preferably, the panel device 64 protrudes from the electronic command panel 4 in the axial direction.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the stator arrangement 63 comprises a radially elastically yielding connection portion 634 such that said connection portion 634 is in a compressed configuration when the stator arrangement 63 and the panel arrangement 64 are in contact.

[0058] In other words, the stator device 63 and the panel device 64 are adapted to engage with each other in the axial direction, and in said engagement, the panel device 64 has the connection portion 634 radially pressed into the panel device.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection portion 634 includes a connection apex 634 ′ and two segments 634 ″ extending from the connection apex 634 ′, such that when the connection apex 634 ′ is engaged with the panel device 64 , the two segments 634 ″ are compressed.

[0060] Preferably, the two segments 634" extend from the connecting apex 634' in a substantially radial direction.

[0061] In other words, the stator device 63 is an element whose shape imparts elastic yield characteristics.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, the stator device 63 comprises a hollow end 630 engaged by a portion of the stator cable 320, adapted to electrically connect the stator 32 to the stator device 63. In other words, the stator cable 320 received in said cable end 630 performs stator winding termination.

[0063] Preferably, the hollow end 630 is a wing 631 which is folded upon itself to define a hollow area 630'. The stator cable 320 extends through the hollow area 630'.

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting portion 634 comprises three mutually separated and elastically yielding sections 6340. Preferably, each section elastically yields independently of the other sections.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the panel arrangement 64 is substantially "U" shaped. Preferably, the two legs of the "U" are of different lengths, as shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Preferably, the panel device 64 includes a panel contact end 641 that is engaged and electrically connected to the electronic command panel 4, and a connection end 642 that can be engaged by (or engaged with) the connection portion 634. Preferably, the panel contact end 641 is adjacent to the axis XX, and the connection end 642 is away from the axis XX. In one embodiment, the panel device 64 extends along the axis XX and includes the panel contact end 641 that is engaged and electrically connected to the electronic command panel 4 and the connection end 642 that is spaced apart from the electronic command panel 4 along the axis XX. Preferably, when the stator 32 is inserted into the second element 53, the operating part of the stator 32 causes the connecting part 634 of the stator device 63 to perform an elastic deformation or movement action, for example in a radial direction relative to the axis XX, preferably performed by at least one segment 634", preferably performed by at least one segment 6340. Preferably, the operating part of the stator 32 makes the connecting part 634 of the stator device 63 electrically contact with the connecting end 642 of the panel device 64. Preferably, the operating part is an electrically insulating part of the stator 32, that is, it prevents electrical conduction, for example it is a supporting part of the stator winding. For example, this feature is Figure 2 and Figure 2a Shown in.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the panel contact terminal 641 is engaged with the electronic command panel 4 by crossing it. Preferably, the panel contact terminal 641 is of a press-fit type, so no special welding operation is required to engage the electronic command panel 4.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection end 642 is located on the second element 53. That is, the connection end 642 is supported by the side wall of the second element 53 in the radial direction.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the stator arrangement 63 is a single metal part which is appropriately bent.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, the stator device 63 is obtained by specially cut and folded metal sheet.

[0071] Preferably, the stator device 63 is made of a metal material, for example, copper or a copper alloy, such as copper-tin or copper-iron after tinning.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, the panel assembly 64 is a single metal component that is appropriately bent.

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment, the panel means 64 are obtained by specially cut and bent metal sheets.

[0074] Preferably, the panel device 64 is made of a metal material, such as copper or a copper alloy, such as copper-nickel-silicon, and is tin-plated.

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment, the stator 32 radially engages the second element 53. In other words, the peripheral wall of the stator 32 rests on the side walls of the second element 53.

[0076] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection portion 634 is elastically yieldable so that when the stator 32 is radially engaged with the second element 52, said connection portion 634 is in a preloaded configuration.

[0077] According to the invention, the operation for assembling the pump unit 1 comprises: mounting the electronic command panel 4 in the second element 53; arranging the panel means 64 on the second element 53 (being co-molded therewith) and engaging them when inserting the electronic command panel 4. Preferably, it can further be checked optically whether all press-fits are correctly inserted into the holes of the electronic command panel 4. Then, the stator 32 is inserted in the axial direction and the corresponding stator means 63 are mounted thereto.

[0078] Preferably, the stator 32 is axially inserted into the second element 53 so as to elastically preload the corresponding connecting portion 634 .

[0079] Preferably, the axial insertion of the stator 32 in the second element 53 up to the axial limit stop corresponds to a correct positioning of the stator in the second element 53. Preferably, such a position corresponds to the engagement of the stator with an adjacent step comprised in the second element 53.

[0080] Preferably, in this assembled position, the connecting portion 634 is engaged and radially pressed by the corresponding panel device 64 .

[0081] Innovatively, the pump unit achieves its intended purpose to a large extent by overcoming the typical problems of the prior art.

[0082] Advantageously, in fact, through the set of electrical connections, the stator and the electronic command panel are in safe electrical contact.

[0083] Advantageously, in fact, by means of the electrical connection set, the stator and the electronic command panel are ensured to make electrical contact over time.

[0084] Advantageously, in fact, by means of the electrical connection set, the electrical contacting between the stator and the electronic command panel is performed in a simple, intuitive and error-proof manner.

[0085] Advantageously, by connecting the groups electrically, any group tolerances can be recovered.

[0086] Advantageously, the electrical contact between the stator and the stator arrangement is simple, safe and reliable over time.

[0087] Advantageously, the electrical contact between the electronic command panel and the panel device is simple, safe and reliable over time.

[0088] Advantageously, the pump assembly has a simple construction.

[0089] Obviously, in order to meet possible needs, those skilled in the art may make changes to the invention described above, all of which are included in the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pump group (1) for a cooling system of an operating group of a vehicle, the pump group extending along an axis (XX) and comprising: i) an impeller assembly (2) rotatable about said axis (XX); ii) a motor (3) comprising a rotor (31) engaged with the impeller assembly (2) and a stator (32) circumferentially surrounding the rotor (31); iii) an electronic command panel (4) for commanding the electric motor (3) and positioned in the end region of the pump unit (1); iv) a pump body (5) comprising a first element (51), an intermediate element (52) and a second element (53), wherein the connection between the first element (51) and the intermediate element (52) defines a first chamber (500') or a wet chamber, wherein the connection between the intermediate element (52) and the second element (53) defines a second chamber (500') or a dry chamber, wherein the impeller assembly (2) is accommodated in the first chamber (500'), and wherein the stator (32) and the electronic command panel (4) are accommodated in the second chamber (500"); iv) a plurality of electrical connection groups (6), preferably equal in number to the number of stator phases, wherein each of said electrical connection groups (6) comprises a stator device (63) engaged and electrically connected to said stator (32) and a panel device (64) engaged and electrically connected to said electronic command panel (4), wherein said stator device (63) comprises a radially elastically yielding connection portion (634) such that said connection portion (634) is in a compressed configuration when said stator device (63) is in contact with said panel device (64).

2. The pump assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting portion (634) includes a connecting apex (634') and two segments (634") extending from the connecting apex (634'), such that when the connecting apex (634') is engaged with the panel device (64), the segments (634") are compressed.

3. Pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The stator device (63) and the panel device (64) are each a folded single metal part.

4. The pump assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein: Both the stator device (63) and the panel device (64) are made of conductive material, for example, the stator device and the panel device are made of metal material, preferably copper or copper alloy.

5. Pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The stator arrangement (63) comprises a cable end (630) engaged by a stator cable (320) and adapted to electrically connect the stator (32) to the stator arrangement (63), wherein the cable end (630) is a wing (631) folded upon itself to define a hollow area (630').

6. Pump unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The connecting portion (634) includes a plurality of segments (6340) separated from each other and capable of elastic yielding, preferably including three segments.

7. Pump unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The panel device (64) is substantially "U"-shaped, comprising a panel contact terminal (641) engaged with and electrically connected to the electronic command panel (4) and also comprising a connection terminal (642) engageable by the connection portion (634).

8. The pump assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The connection end (642) is positioned on the second element (53).

9. Pump unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The stator (32) radially engages the second element (53).

10. Pump unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The connecting portion (634) is elastically yieldable such that when the stator (32) is radially engaged with the second element (53), the connecting portion (634) is in a preloaded configuration.

11. Pump unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The intermediate element (52) comprises: a top wall (521); a side wall (522) parallel to the axis (XX) and positioned between the rotor (31) and the stator (32); and a bottom wall (523), wherein the pump unit (1) further comprises a fixed shaft (8) positioned along the axis (XX) and securely engaged with the bottom wall (523), wherein the impeller assembly (2) and the rotor (31) are free to rotate on the fixed shaft (8).

12. A pump unit (1) according to claim 11, comprising a fixed bushing (9) positioned at the end of the fixed shaft (8) to provide axial support to the impeller assembly (2).

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