Fluid pump

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid pump (1) for conveying a fluid for a motor vehicle. The fluid pump (1) has a stator housing (4) and a pump housing (5), which are separated from one another in a fluid-tight manner by means of a separating device (8). The separating device (8) comprises a support plate (14) made of metal and a connecting element (15) made of plastic. The separating device (8) is non-detachably connected to the stator housing (4) and the pump housing (5) via the connecting element (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid pump for conveying fluid in a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] In a fluid pump, the pump unit for conveying fluid is driven by an electric motor. For this purpose, the motor shaft is driven to the impeller of the pump unit. Here, the pump housing of the pump unit and the stator housing of the motor must be fluid-tightly separated from each other. Typically, this is achieved by a separation device that is securely and fluid-tightly connected to the stator housing and pump housing throughout the entire service life of the fluid pump. Typically, the stator housing and pump housing are helically connected, and the connection is sealed by a seal. However, the helical connection disadvantageously requires additional installation space and hinders the attachment of the fluid pump (e.g., by means of clamps) to other load-bearing components. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved or at least alternative implementation of this type of fluid pump, which overcomes the described disadvantages.

[0004] This objective is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the corresponding dependent claims.

[0005] The present invention is based on the following basic concept: to connect the separation device to the pump housing and stator housing in an inseparable or non-removable and fluid-tight manner.

[0006] The fluid pump according to the invention is configured and / or designed for use in motor vehicles to deliver fluid. The fluid pump has an electric motor with a stator housing and a pump unit with a pump housing. Furthermore, the fluid pump includes a separating device that axially fluid-tightly separates the stator housing and the pump housing about the longitudinal central axis of the fluid pump. According to the invention, the separating device has a metal support plate oriented transversely to the longitudinal central axis and a plastic connecting element locked to the support plate material. The separating device is non-detachably or inseparably connected to a first plastic connecting region of the stator housing and a second plastic connecting region of the pump housing via the connecting element.

[0007] The electric motor specifically comprises a shaft, a rotor to which it is torsionally connected, and a stator to which it is torsionally connected, a stator housing. Here, the shaft defines a longitudinal central axis and is rotatable about this longitudinal central axis. Therefore, the longitudinal central axis forms the axis of rotation of the shaft. The shaft of the electric motor is also preferably torsionally connected to a pump rotor, particularly an impeller, for conveying fluid. Thus, when the shaft rotates, the impeller can rotate and convey fluid.

[0008] The support plate is preferably oriented transversely to the longitudinal central axis, such that the support plate faces the stator housing with a first side and the pump housing with a second side. Preferably, the support plate points with its first side toward the pump rotor of the pump unit. Preferably, the support plate points with its second side toward the stator and rotor. The support plate, especially with reference to the longitudinal central axis, is arranged axially alongside the rotor and stator.

[0009] The support plate can be made of aluminum, for example. Connecting elements can be injection molded onto the support plate and thus locked to the support plate material. The connecting elements can be, in particular, annular and spaced around the longitudinal central axis of the fluid pump. By non-detachably or inseparably connecting the connecting elements of the separator to the stator housing and pump housing, a fluid-sealed and robust connection can be achieved between the pump housing and stator housing throughout the fluid pump's service life. This eliminates the need for a helical connection between the pump housing and stator housing, thus reducing the fluid pump's installation space requirements. Furthermore, the additional seal between the wet area of ​​the pump housing or fluid pump and the dry area of ​​the stator housing or fluid pump can be eliminated. This reduces the cost of the fluid pump.

[0010] The connecting elements, the first connection area of ​​the stator housing, and the second connection area of ​​the pump housing are made of plastic, thus providing a wide range of joining methods for non-detachable or inseparable connection of the separator to the stator housing and the pump housing. The connecting elements of the separator and the first connection area of ​​the stator housing can be joined non-detachably, for example, by means of heat-modified shape locking or by means of ultrasonic welding materials. The connecting elements of the separator and the second connection area of ​​the pump housing can be joined non-detachably, for example, by means of rotational welding materials.

[0011] In one possible embodiment of the fluid pump, the pump housing may have an outlet pipe oriented tangentially and / or radially outward about the longitudinal central axis. The connecting elements of the separator may be formed rotationally symmetrically, at least in the region adjacent to the pump housing, and a second connecting region of the pump housing may also be formed rotationally symmetrically. The second connecting region of the pump housing and the connecting elements of the separator may be connected, for example, by means of a rotary weld material, in a locking and non-detachable manner. Here, the outlet pipe can be arranged relative to the connector of the electric motor formed on the stator housing at any rotational position about the longitudinal central axis. In other words, any angular position can be achieved or selected between the outlet pipe of the pump housing and the connector of the electric motor. Thus, the fluid pump can be adapted to different requirements regarding the available installation space in the vehicle or regarding the orientation of the fluid pump relative to other components of the vehicle. Here, for two fluid pumps with different angular positions between the outlet pipe of the pump housing and the connector of the electric motor, the same pump housing, the same stator housing, and the same separator are used. This, in particular, reduces manufacturing costs when adapting the fluid pump to different requirements.

[0012] In one possible embodiment of the fluid pump, the connecting element of the separating device may have a first connecting section arranged on the stator side and a second connecting section arranged on the pump housing side. Here, the first and second connecting sections may be arranged on the edge side of the support plate and around the longitudinal central axis. The first and / or second connecting sections may be particularly annular and spaced around the longitudinal central axis of the fluid pump. The first and second connecting sections may integrally transition into each other. In other words, the first and second connecting sections may be integral or formed from a single material. The first connecting section is arranged on the stator side and may be formed, for example, by a connecting surface of the connecting element facing the stator and / or a section of the connecting element that axially protrudes or is oriented from the support plate towards the stator. The second connecting section is arranged on the pump housing side and may be formed, for example, by a connecting surface of the connecting element facing the pump housing and / or a section of the connecting element that axially protrudes or is oriented from the support plate towards the pump housing.

[0013] The first connecting section may extend axially about the longitudinal central axis. In other words, the first connecting section may protrude from the support plate toward the stator housing, and particularly regionally demarcate the internal space of the electric motor outwards. The first connecting section of the connecting element of the separating device may have at least two regions that extend axially about the longitudinal central axis and are axially adjacent to each other and transition into one another. Here, each of these regions is radially outwardly offset from each other as the distance from the support plate of the separating device increases. In other words, the first connecting section of the connecting element of the separating device may be configured in a stepped shape. The second connecting section may extend transversely to the longitudinal central axis.

[0014] The connecting element of the separator may have a first coating made of plastic, the thickness of which is preferably at most 1.5 mm, more preferably at most 1 mm, even more preferably at most 0.7 mm, particularly preferably less than 0.5 mm, and especially at least 0.3 mm. This first coating may completely cover the first side of the support plate facing the stator housing and integrally transition into the first connecting section of the connecting element. Alternatively, the support plate of the separator may be at least regionally free of plastic on the first side facing the stator housing. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting element of the separator may have a second coating made of plastic, the thickness of which is preferably at most 1.5 mm, more preferably at most 1 mm, even more preferably at most 0.7 mm, particularly preferably less than 0.5 mm, and especially at least 0.3 mm. This second coating may completely cover the second side of the support plate facing the pump housing and integrally transition into the second connecting section of the connecting element. Alternatively, the support plate of the separator may be at least regionally free of plastic on the second side facing the pump housing.

[0015] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the support plate can be completely covered by the first coating on the first side facing the stator housing, while there is no plastic on the second side facing the pump housing. Here, the first coating can integrally transition into the first connecting section, and the first connecting section can integrally transition into the second connecting section, so that the connecting element is integrally formed or is formed from a single material. In this embodiment, the transition between the metal of the support plate and the plastic of the connecting element is located on the second side of the support plate, or inside the pump housing, or in the wet area of ​​the fluid pump. This eliminates leakage between the pump housing and the stator housing, or between the wet and dry areas of the fluid pump.

[0016] In the second embodiment, the support plate may be completely covered by the second coating on the second side facing the pump housing, while there is no plastic on the first side facing the stator housing. Here, the second coating integrally transitions into the second connection section, and the second connection section integrally transitions into the first connection section, so that the connecting element is integrally formed or is formed from a single material. In this embodiment, the transition between the metal of the support plate and the plastic of the connecting element is located on the first side of the support plate, inside the stator housing, or in the dry area of ​​the fluid pump. This eliminates leakage between the pump housing and the stator housing or between the wet and dry areas of the fluid pump.

[0017] In the third embodiment, the support plate is completely covered by a first coating on the first side facing the stator housing and completely covered by a second coating on the second side facing the pump housing. Here, the first coating integrally transitions into the first connecting section, the first connecting section integrally transitions into the second connecting section, and the second connecting section integrally transitions into the second coating, thus the connecting element is integrally formed or made of a single material. In this embodiment, there is no transition area between the metal of the support plate and the plastic of the connecting element. This eliminates leakage between the pump housing and the stator housing, or between the wet and dry areas of the fluid pump.

[0018] In the fourth embodiment, the support plate may be without plastic on the first side facing the stator housing and the second side facing the pump housing. In this embodiment, the transition between the metal of the support plate and the plastic of the connecting element is located on the first side of the support plate, inside the stator housing, or in the dry region of the fluid pump, and another transition between the metal of the support plate and the plastic of the connecting element is located on the second side of the support plate, inside the pump housing, or in the wet region of the fluid pump. This eliminates leakage between the pump housing and the stator housing or between the wet and dry regions of the fluid pump.

[0019] Here, the support plate of the separator may have a region on its first side facing the stator housing that is at least regionally free of plastic. The fluid pump may then have a circuit board, which may be arranged on the first side of the support plate in the region free of plastic for heat transfer. Thus, the heat generated in the circuit board during fluid pump operation can be dissipated through the support plate, and the circuit board can be cooled. Therefore, the circuit board can be arranged in the stator housing or in the dry area of ​​the fluid pump and cooled by the metal support plate.

[0020] The separator can have an opening, and the circuit board can have an opening corresponding to that opening in the separator. The openings in the separator and the circuit board can be designed such that the shaft of the electric motor can extend through these openings from the stator housing into the pump housing. This allows for a compact design of the fluid pump.

[0021] To achieve the largest possible contact area between the circuit board and the carrier plate, the carrier plate can have at least one receiving space on a first side in an area without plastic. Then, at least one component arranged on the carrier plate side of the circuit board can extend into this at least one receiving space. Thus, even if the circuit board has protrusions or unevenness on the carrier plate side, a large contact area can be achieved on the carrier plate, thereby enabling effective cooling of the circuit board.

[0022] The receiving space can be formed, for example, by an axially non-through recess in the support plate. This further maintains a fluid-tight separation between the wet area of ​​the pump housing or fluid pump and the dry area of ​​the stator housing or fluid pump. Alternatively, the receiving space can be formed by an axially through opening in the support plate. In this configuration of the receiving structure, the connecting element of the separating device can have a second coating made of plastic on the second side of the support plate facing the pump housing, which spans and closes the through opening in the support plate. This allows the through opening in the support plate to be fluid-tightly closed, and further maintains a fluid-tight separation between the wet area of ​​the pump housing or fluid pump and the dry area of ​​the stator housing or fluid pump.

[0023] In conjunction with this invention, the terms "axial," "radial," and "surround" always refer to the longitudinal central axis of the fluid pump. In this context, "non-removable or inseparable connection" means a connection that cannot be disassembled without damage, i.e., without damaging or destroying at least one connecting mating member.

[0024] Other important features and advantages are derived from the dependent claims, the drawings, and the description of the drawings based on the drawings.

[0025] It goes without saying that the features described above and below can be used not only in the given combinations, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail below, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0027] The attached figures schematically illustrate: Figure 1 A view of a fluid pump having an electric motor and a pump unit according to the present invention; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the fluid pump according to the invention in the region of the separating device; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the separation device of the fluid pump according to the invention in a first embodiment; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the separation device of the fluid pump according to the invention in a second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1A view of a fluid pump 1 having an electric motor 2 and a pump unit 3 according to the present invention is shown. Here, the electric motor 2 has a stator housing 4, and the pump unit 3 has a pump housing 5. The motor 2 also includes a connector 6 formed on the stator housing 4 for connecting the electric motor 2 to another external component. The pump housing 5 includes an inlet pipe 7a and an outlet pipe 7b. Here, the inlet pipe 7a is axially oriented about the longitudinal central axis LA of the fluid pump 1, and the outlet pipe 7b is tangentially or radially outwardly oriented about the longitudinal central axis LA. Here, the outlet pipe 7b is oriented relative to the connector 6 formed on the stator housing 4 in a defined rotational or angular position.

[0029] Here, the stator housing 4 and the pump housing 5 are arranged axially adjacent about the longitudinal central axis LA and fluidly separated from each other by means of a partition device 8. Here, the stator housing 4 and the pump housing 5 are respectively non-detachably connected to the partition device 8, as shown below. Figure 2 Detailed explanation. Therefore, a spiral connection is not required. Here, the separating device 8 fluid-tightly separates the wet area of ​​the pump housing 5 or fluid pump 1 from the dry area of ​​the stator housing 4 or fluid pump 1. Therefore, no additional seal is required inside the fluid pump 1.

[0030] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the fluid pump 1 according to the invention is shown in the region of the partition device 8. The partition device 8 is formed in a first embodiment. Figure 2 As can be seen, the electric motor 2 has a shaft 9, a rotor 10 to which it is torsionally connected, and a stator 11 to which it is torsionally connected, the stator housing 4. Here, the shaft 9 defines a longitudinal central axis LA and can rotate about the longitudinal central axis LA. Therefore, the longitudinal central axis LA forms the axis of rotation of the shaft 9.

[0031] Here, the separator 8 is oriented transversely to the longitudinal central axis LA, wherein the shaft 9 extends from the stator housing 4 into the pump housing 5 through the opening 12 of the separator 8. In addition to the pump housing 5, the pump unit 3 also has an impeller 13, which is torsionally connected to the shaft 9 of the electric motor 2. Thus, when the shaft 9 rotates, the impeller 13 can rotate and transport fluid.

[0032] Here, the separator 8 has a support plate 14 made of metal (e.g., aluminum), which is oriented transversely to the longitudinal central axis LA. The support plate 14 is arranged such that its first side 14a faces the stator housing 4 and its second side 14b faces the pump housing 5. Furthermore, the separator 8 has a connecting element 15 made of plastic. The connecting element 15 is materially locked to the support plate 14 and can be, for example, injection molded onto the support plate 14. Here, the connecting element 15 includes a first connecting section 16a facing the stator housing 4 and a second connecting section 16b facing the pump housing 5. Here, the connecting sections 16a and 16b are integrally transitioned into each other or integrally formed.

[0033] Here, the first connecting section 16a is formed around the longitudinal central axis LA and extends axially toward the stator housing 4. The connecting plane between the first connecting section 16a and the stator housing 4 is oriented around and parallel to the longitudinal central axis LA. Here, the first connecting section 16a regionally defines the internal space of the motor 2 outward. The first connecting section 16a is non-detachably connected to the plastic connecting area 17a of the stator housing 4 (here by means of heat modification). For this purpose, a pin 23a is constructed in the first connecting section 16a, and an opening 23b for the pin 23a is constructed in the connecting area 17a. Here, the pin 23a extends axially into the opening 23b and is heat-modified or heat-filled. Alternatively, the first connecting section 16a and the connecting area 17a of the stator housing 4 can be non-detachably connected by means of ultrasonic welding.

[0034] The second connecting section 16b is formed around the longitudinal central axis LA and extends transversely to the longitudinal central axis LA. The connecting plane between the connecting section 16b and the pump housing 5 is oriented transversely to the longitudinal central axis LA. Here, the connecting area 17b of the second connecting section 16b and the pump housing 5 is non-detachably connected. This non-detachable connection is achieved, in particular, by means of rotary welding. See also... Figure 1 Depending on the requirements, the angle between the connector 6 of the electric motor 2 and the outlet pipe 7b of the pump housing 5 can be adjusted.

[0035] Furthermore, the connecting element 15 includes a coating 19b disposed on the second side 14b of the support plate 14. Here, the coating 19b completely covers the second side 14b of the support plate 14 and transitions integrally or seamlessly into the second connecting section 16b. Here, the first side 14a of the support plate 14 is constructed without plastic. A transition portion 20 between the plastic of the connecting element 15 and the metal of the support plate 14 is disposed on the first side 14a of the support plate 14.

[0036] The fluid pump 1 also includes a circuit board 21, which is arranged on the first side 14a of the support plate 14 in a heat transfer manner. Since the first side 14a of the support plate 14 is not made of plastic, the circuit board 21 has direct contact with the metal of the support plate 14 and can therefore be cooled more effectively. Here, the circuit board 21 has an opening 22, which is associated with the opening 12 of the partition device 8. The shaft 9 of the electric motor 2 passes through this opening 22.

[0037] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the separator 8 of the fluid pump 1 according to the invention is shown in a first embodiment. In the first embodiment, as described above... Figure 2As shown and described, the connecting element 15 has a second coating 19b on the second side 14b of the support plate 14. Here, the first side 14a of the support plate 14 remains without plastic. The transition portion 20 between the plastic of the connecting element 15 and the metal of the support plate 14 is arranged on the first side 14a of the support plate 14.

[0038] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the separator 8 of the fluid pump 1 according to the invention is shown in a second embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment of the separator 8, the connecting element 15 here does not have a second coating 19b on the second side 14b of the support plate 14, and the second side 14b of the support plate 14 is not plastic. The first coating 19a of the connecting element 15 is arranged on the first side 14a of the support plate 14. Here, the transition portion 20 between the plastic of the connecting element 15 and the metal of the support plate 14 is arranged on the second side 14b of the support plate 14.

Claims

1. A fluid pump (1) for conveying fluid, said fluid pump being used in a motor vehicle, in, The fluid pump (1) has an electric motor (2) with a stator housing (4) and a pump unit (3) with a pump housing (5). The fluid pump (1) has a separation device (8) that axially separates the stator housing (4) and the pump housing (5) in a fluid-tight manner about the longitudinal central axis (LA) of the fluid pump. Its features are, The separating device (8) has a metal support plate (14) oriented transversely to the longitudinal central axis (LA) and a plastic connecting element (15) locked to the material of the support plate (14). The separating device (8) is non-detachably connected to the first connection area (17a) of the stator housing (4) made of plastic and the second connection area (17b) of the pump housing (5) made of plastic via the connecting element (15).

2. The fluid pump (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The connecting element (15) of the separating device (8) and the first connecting area (17a) of the stator housing (4) are non-detachably connected by means of heat modification or ultrasonic welding.

3. The fluid pump (1) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The connecting element (15) of the separating device (8) and the second connecting area (17b) of the pump housing (5) are non-detachably connected by rotary welding.

4. The fluid pump (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The pump housing (5) has an outlet nozzle (7b) oriented tangentially and / or radially outward about the longitudinal central axis (LA). The connecting element (15) of the separating device (8) is formed rotationally symmetrically at least in the region adjacent to the pump housing (5), and the second connecting region (17b) of the pump housing (5) is formed rotationally symmetrically. The connecting element (15) of the separating device (8) and the second connecting area (17b) of the pump housing (5) are non-detachably connected by rotary welding, wherein the outlet pipe (7b) can be arranged relative to the plug (6) of the electric motor (2) formed on the stator housing (4) at any rotational position about the longitudinal central axis (LA).

5. The fluid pump (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The connecting element (15) of the separating device (8) has a first connecting section (16a) arranged on the stator side, wherein the first connecting section (16a) is arranged on the edge side of the bearing plate (14) and around the longitudinal central axis (LA). The connecting element (15) of the separating device (8) has a second connecting section (16b) arranged on the pump housing side, wherein the second connecting section (16b) is arranged on the edge side of the bearing plate (14) and around the longitudinal central axis (LA), and The first connecting segment (16a) and the second connecting segment (16b) are integrated into each other.

6. The fluid pump (1) according to claim 5. Its features are, The first connecting section (16a) of the connecting element (15) of the separating device (8) extends axially about the longitudinal central axis (LA), and / or The first connecting section (16a) of the connecting element (15) of the separating device (8) has at least two regions that extend axially about the longitudinal central axis (LA) and are axially adjacent to and transition into each other about the longitudinal central axis (LA), wherein each region is radially outwardly offset from each other as the distance from the bearing plate (14) increases, and / or The second connecting section (16b) of the connecting element (15) of the separating device (8) extends laterally to the longitudinal central axis (LA).

7. The fluid pump (1) according to claim 5 or 6. Its features are, The connecting element (15) of the separating device (8) has a first coating (19a) made of plastic, preferably having a thickness of less than 1.5 mm, wherein the first coating (19a) completely covers the first side (14a) of the support plate (14) facing the stator housing (4) and integrally transitions into the first connecting section (16a) of the connecting element (15), and / or The connecting element (15) of the separating device (8) has a second coating (19b) made of plastic, the second coating preferably having a thickness of less than 1.5 mm, wherein the second coating (19b) completely covers the second side (14b) of the support plate (14) facing the pump housing (5) and integrally transitions into the second connecting section (16b) of the connecting element (15).

8. The fluid pump (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The support plate (14) of the partition device (8) facing the stator housing (4) is at least partially free of plastic, and / or The support plate (14) of the partition device (8) is at least partially free of plastic on the second side (14b) facing the pump housing (5).

9. The fluid pump (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The support plate (14) of the partition device (8) has a region on the first side (14a) facing the stator housing (4) that is at least partially free of plastic, and The fluid pump (1) has a circuit board (21), and the circuit board (21) is arranged on the first side (14a) of the support plate (14) in a heat transfer manner in the area without plastic, such that the heat generated in the circuit board (21) during the operation of the fluid pump (1) can be discharged through the support plate (14) and the circuit board (21) can be cooled.

10. The fluid pump (1) according to claim 9. Its features are, The separating device (8) has an opening (12) for allowing the shaft (9) of the electric motor (2) to extend from the stator housing (4) into the pump housing (5), and The circuit board (21) has an opening (22) corresponding to the opening (12) of the partition device (8) for allowing the shaft (9) of the electric motor (2) to extend from the stator housing (4) into the pump housing (5).

11. The fluid pump (1) according to claim 9 or 10. Its features are, The carrier plate (14) has at least one receiving space on the first side (14a) in the area without plastic for allowing at least one element of the circuit board (21) arranged on the carrier plate side of the circuit board (21) to extend into.

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