Cylinder for an electric water pump, electric water pump and method for manufacturing a cylinder for an electric water pump

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sleeve for an electric water pump, an electric water pump and a method for manufacturing a sleeve for an electric water pump. The electric water pump comprises an impeller driven by an electric motor. The impeller and the electric motor are enclosed by a volute housing and a corresponding cover. The electric motor comprises a rotor, a stator and an electric control unit. The sleeve is interposed between the rotor and the stator to prevent cooling fluid from contacting the stator and / or other components of the electric water pump. The sleeve comprises a main body and a heat conducting element in a heat energy exchange relationship with the electric control unit and / or the cooling fluid. The sleeve is manufactured by using at least one deformation process to couple the main body and the heat conducting element together.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 797,613, filed April 30, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to water pumps, and more specifically to electric water pumps having sleeves made using a deformation process. Background Technology

[0004] A conventional electric water pump includes a motor, which comprises a stator, a rotor, and an electrical control unit. The rotor communicates with an impeller to move a fluid, such as a coolant. Fluid enters the pump through an inlet in the volute housing, contacts the impeller, and moves through an outlet in the volute housing. The rotor and stator are contained within a housing communicating with the volute housing. The rotor and stator are separated by a magnetic air gap through which magnetic flux can pass to cause rotational motion of the rotor during operation. The rotor typically rotates in the fluid (wet side), while the stator or electronics, or both, can be damaged by fluid entering the dry section of the pump. Therefore, the electrical control unit and stator are isolated from the fluid during operation to maintain operation and prevent damage to the electrical control unit and stator.

[0005] A wet liner or sleeve with a radiator (“wet sleeve”) can be used in conventional water pumps to protect the electrical control unit from the fluid. Existing wet sleeves are typically: i) a one-piece metal design for low power density and thermal requirements, where cost takes precedence over efficiency; ii) a one-piece plastic design that avoids eddy currents that reduce motor torque and efficiency but provides poorer thermal performance, albeit at a lower cost; or iii) a hybrid plastic-metal design intended to provide a balance between performance requirements and practical packaging constraints. In typical water pumps, the wet sleeve can also be a structural component supporting the motor shaft and / or rotor, which increases design complexity. For high-power applications, a metal housing that contacts the fluid, electrical control unit, and stator is typically used to transfer heat to the fluid. However, these metal housings do not extend into the magnetic air gap between the stator and rotor to avoid generating eddy currents that would adversely affect the motor's torque and efficiency. The metal housing typically transfers heat generated by the electrical control unit and stator to the fluid by contacting the fluid at the non-pumping end of the wet sleeve in the case of a sealed end, or by contacting the fluid near the pumping element in the case of an unsealed wet sleeve.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to develop an electric water pump with a sleeve made using at least one deformation process, wherein the sleeve maintains the performance and efficiency of the water pump while reducing complexity, package size and weight, and minimizing manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Consistent with the subject matter described herein, a novel electric water pump has been designed with a sleeve made using at least one deformation process, wherein the sleeve maintains the pump's performance and efficiency while reducing complexity, package size and weight and minimizing manufacturing costs.

[0008] In one embodiment, the sleeve used for the electric water pump includes: a body; a heat-conducting element coupled to the body, wherein the heat-conducting element deforms after installation to mechanically attach to the body; and at least one sealing element disposed between the body and the heat-conducting element to form a substantially fluid-tight seal.

[0009] In another embodiment, the electric water pump includes: a housing; a motor disposed in the housing, the motor including a moving part, a stationary part, and an electrical control unit; and a sleeve disposed in the housing, the sleeve including: a body; a heat-conducting element coupled to the body, wherein the heat-conducting element deforms after installation to mechanically attach to the body; and at least one sealing element disposed between the body and the heat-conducting element to form a substantially fluid-tight seal.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a sleeve for an electric water pump includes: providing a body; providing a heat-conducting element; positioning the heat-conducting element on the body; and deforming at least a portion of the heat-conducting element to connect the heat-conducting element to the body.

[0011] As one aspect of some implementations, the body is made of one or more plastic materials.

[0012] As one aspect of some implementations, the heat-conducting element is made of one or more thermally conductive materials.

[0013] As part of some implementations, the heat-conducting element is made of one or more thermally conductive non-metallic materials and / or one or more thermally conductive metallic materials.

[0014] As one aspect of some implementations, the body includes at least one protrusion extending radially outward from its outer circumferential surface, the at least one protrusion forming an annular groove and an annular seat.

[0015] As one aspect of some implementations, the body includes an annular groove configured to receive a portion of a heat-conducting element therein.

[0016] As one aspect of some implementations, the body includes an annular seat configured to receive at least one sealing element therein.

[0017] As part of some implementations, at least one sealing element provides a radial sealing effect or an axial sealing effect.

[0018] As one aspect of some implementations, the heat-conducting element forms the closed end of the sleeve.

[0019] As one aspect of some implementations, the heat conduction element is configured to be in direct contact with the cooling fluid circulating within the electric water pump.

[0020] As one aspect of some implementations, the outer peripheral edge of the heat-conducting element is bent inward into an annular groove formed in the body to connect the heat-conducting element to the body.

[0021] As one aspect of some implementations, the heat-conducting element includes one or more radial slits formed in its outer peripheral portion.

[0022] As part of some implementations, the heat-conducting element is in a heat exchange relationship with the electrical control unit and / or the cooling fluid circulating within the housing.

[0023] As one aspect of some implementations, the electric water pump also includes a heat-conducting material disposed between the sleeve and the electrical control unit.

[0024] As one aspect of some implementations, the sleeve separates the fluid chamber that houses the moving parts from the non-fluid chamber that houses the electrical control unit.

[0025] As one aspect of some implementations, at least a portion of the sleeve is inserted between the moving part and the stationary part of the motor.

[0026] As one aspect of some implementations, the heat-conducting element is connected to the body through one or more of a roll forming process, a pressing process, a bending process, a riveting process, and a trapping process.

[0027] As an aspect of some implementations, the method further includes positioning at least one sealing element between the body and the heat-conducting element before attaching the heat-conducting element to the body.

[0028] Other application areas will become apparent from the description provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this invention are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not for all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view of an electric water pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the electric water pump includes a sleeve, the sleeve including a body, a heat conduction element connected to the body, and at least one sealing element disposed between the body and the heat conduction element;

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of an electric water pump, showing the heat conduction element of the pump's sleeve after installation but before the deformation process;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the electric water pump, where the heat conduction element of the pump's sleeve is shown after the installation and deformation process.

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figures 1A to 3 An exploded view of the sleeve before the deformation process;

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figures 1A to 4 A partially enlarged side-view perspective of the main body of the sleeve;

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figures 1A to 4 A bottom-view perspective of the heat conduction element of the sleeve before the deformation process;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged side perspective view of the sleeve of an electric water pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the heat conduction element and the main body of the sleeve of the electric water pump are connected together by a crimping process; and

[0037] Figure 8 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of an electric water pump according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the sealing element of the sleeve of the electric water pump is a pre-formed sealing element and / or a liquid sealing element, and the sealing effect is vertical. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following technical description of the subject matter, manufacture, and use of one or more of the subjects of this disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or use of any particular disclosure claimed in this application, in other applications that may claim priority to this application, or in any patent granted under this application. Regarding the disclosed methods, the order of the presented steps is essentially exemplary, and therefore the order of steps may differ in various embodiments. As used herein, “a” and “an” indicate the presence of “at least one” item; where possible, multiple such items may be present. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description should be understood to be modified by the word “about” when describing the broadest scope of the technology, and all geometric and spatial descriptive terms should be understood to be modified by the word “substantially.” When applied to numerical values, “about” indicates some slight imprecision in the calculation or measurement of a permissible value (approximately to the exact value; about or reasonably close to the value; approximate). If for some reason the imprecision provided by “about” and / or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in this art in such a general sense, then “about” and / or “substantially” as used herein at least indicates a variation that may be caused by the measurement or use of such parameters by common methods.

[0039] Unless otherwise expressly indicated, all documents referenced in this detailed description, including patents, patent applications, and scientific literature, are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between the incorporated documents and this detailed description, this detailed description shall prevail.

[0040] Although the open-ended term "comprising" is used herein as a non-limiting term, such as including, containing, or having, to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, alternatively, more restrictive terms such as "consisting of" or "mainly composed of" may be used to describe embodiments. Therefore, for any given embodiment describing materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments constituting or mainly constituting such materials, components, or process steps, excluding additional materials, components, or processes (for those constituting such materials, components, or process steps) and excluding additional materials, components, or processes that significantly affect the characteristics of the embodiment (for those substantially constituting such materials, components, or process steps), even if such additional materials, components, or processes are not explicitly described in this application. For example, a description of the composition or process of elements A, B, and C specifically contemplates embodiments constituting and mainly constituting A, B, and C, excluding element D, which may be described in the art, even if element D is not explicitly described herein as excluded.

[0041] As mentioned herein, unless otherwise stated, all percentages of composition are by weight of the total composition. Unless otherwise stated, the disclosure of a range includes endpoints and encompasses all distinct values ​​and further subdivisions within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” includes both A and B. The disclosure of values ​​and ranges of values ​​for a particular parameter (e.g., quantity, weight percentage, etc.) does not exclude other values ​​and ranges of values ​​available herein. It is contemplated that two or more specific exemplary values ​​for a given parameter may define endpoints within a range of values ​​that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein as having a value A and also exemplified herein as having a value Z, it is contemplated that parameter X may have a range of values ​​from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is contemplated that the disclosure of two or more ranges of values ​​for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping, or distinct) includes all possible combinations of ranges of values ​​that may be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed range. For example, if the parameter X is exemplified in this document as having a value in the range of 1 to 10, 2 to 9, or 3 to 8, it is also conceivable that the parameter X could have values ​​in other ranges, including 1 to 9, 1 to 8, 1 to 3, 1 to 2, 2 to 10, 2 to 8, 2 to 3, 3 to 10, 3 to 9, etc.

[0042] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “joined to,” “connected to,” or “attached to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, joined to, connected to, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly attached to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0043] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply any order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0044] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc., are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, spatial relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” to other elements or features will be oriented “above” to other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can include both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0045] Figures 1A to 3 An electric water pump 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some embodiments, the electric water pump 10 includes an impeller 12 driven by a motor 14. A volute housing 16 and a corresponding cover 18 (in...) Figure 1A (As shown in the figure) Other components (e.g., bushings, one or more sealing elements, etc.) of the enclosed impeller 12, motor 14, and electric water pump 10 are constructed. The volute housing 16 and cover 18 can be joined together by any suitable means and methods, such as mechanical (e.g., fasteners), chemical, etc. The volute housing 16 includes a fluid inlet 28 for receiving the inflow of cooling fluid and a fluid outlet (not depicted) for distributing the outflow of cooling fluid from the volute housing 16. As illustrated, the impeller 12 is disposed in the volute housing 16, and more specifically, in the flow path of the cooling fluid, which fluidly connects the fluid inlet 28 and the fluid outlet. A power connection 32 may be formed in the volute housing 16 and / or cover 18 to supply current to the motor 14.

[0046] As shown, the motor 14 includes a rotor 34 (i.e., a moving part), a stator 36 (i.e., a stationary part) surrounding the rotor 34, and an electrical control unit (ECU) 38 (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)) disposed adjacent to the stator 36 opposite to the impeller 12. The rotor 34 and the stator 36 may be spaced apart by a magnetic air gap A. The rotation of the rotor 34 about the shaft 39 is caused by the interaction between the windings of the stator 36 and the rotor magnets, the windings of the stator 36 generating a magnetic field when current is supplied, and the rotor magnets generating torque about the axis of the rotor 34. The rotor 34 may be operatively coupled to the impeller 12 to cause the impeller 12 to rotate about the shaft 39 for moving cooling fluid through the electric water pump 10. It should be understood that the impeller 12 and the rotor 34 may be formed as separate and distinct components or combined into an integral structure. The axial position of the impeller 12 along the shaft 39 may be held by a volute housing 16 and / or bushing 22.

[0047] Sleeve 40 can be used to define a fluid chamber 42 and a non-fluid chamber 44 within the electric water pump 10. The fluid chamber 42 can be in fluid communication with a fluid inlet 28 and a fluid outlet of the volute housing 16 to allow circulation of cooling fluid through the fluid inlet 28 and the fluid outlet. In some embodiments, sleeve 40 can be inserted between the rotor 34 and the stator 36. This configuration allows cooling fluid within the fluid chamber 42 to circulate around the rotor 34 while preventing the cooling fluid from contacting the stator 36 and / or the ECU 38, as well as other internal components of the electric water pump 10 located in the non-fluid chamber 44. Such isolation is critical because the water-based cooling fluid is conductive and contact could cause a short circuit in the stator 36 and / or the ECU 38. Sleeve 40 is also configured to maintain the magnetic air gap A between the rotor 34 and the stator 36 at a minimum feasible size.

[0048] In some embodiments, the sleeve 40 includes a body 46, a heat-conducting element 48, and at least one sealing element 49. The heat-conducting element 48 may exchange heat with the ECU 38 and / or cooling fluid. In some embodiments, the sleeve 40 also includes a shaft 39. It should be understood that, if desired, the body 46, shaft 39, and heat-conducting element 48 may be integrally formed as a single structure. As a non-limiting example, the body 46 may be formed of lightweight and / or plastic materials, the heat-conducting element 48 may be formed of one or more metals, resins (e.g., synthetic resins), and / or ceramic materials, and the shaft 39 may be formed of a metallic material. Preferably, the heat-conducting element 48 may be formed of one or more thermally conductive materials, such as thermally conductive metallic materials (e.g., aluminum or aluminum alloys, etc.), thermally conductive non-metallic materials (e.g., synthetic resins, ceramic materials, etc.), and / or blends or mixtures thereof. The body 46, heat-conducting element 48, and shaft 39 may be directly or indirectly joined together by any suitable mechanical and / or chemical means and methods. In some embodiments, the heat-conducting element 48 is spaced apart from the shaft 39 such that there is no contact between the heat-conducting element 48 and the shaft 39. It should be understood that each of the body 46, the heat-conducting element 48, and the shaft 39 may have any suitable size, shape, and configuration to form the desired sleeve 40 for use in the electric water pump 10.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the body 46 and the heat-conducting element 48 are joined together using a deformation process. Advantageously, the deformation process allows the heat-conducting element 48 to be easily incorporated into and interlocked with the body 46, which provides a larger contact area for cooling the ECU 38 and reduces complexity, packaging, size, and weight, while also minimizing the manufacturing cost of the sleeve 40 and thus the electric water pump 10. Other benefits of using a deformation process to join the body 46 and the heat-conducting element 48 include, but are not limited to: increased durability and design flexibility of the sleeve 40, increased axial and / or radial support for the heat-conducting element 48, and reduced assembly requirements by eliminating the need for additional mechanical and / or chemical fasteners.

[0050] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5In the embodiment of the sleeve 40 shown, the body 46 includes one or more outer wall portions 50, an outer hub portion 52, a continuous web portion 54 extending between one or more outer wall portions 50 and the outer hub portion 52, an inner hub portion 56 configured to surround a shaft 39, and one or more web portions 58 extending between the outer hub portion 52 and the inner hub portion 56. The one or more outer wall portions 50, the outer hub portion 52, and the web portion 54 form a generally U-shaped annular channel 60 to receive at least a portion of the stator 36 within the annular channel 60. The portions 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 of the body 46, the heat-conducting element 48, and / or the shaft 39 may be combined to form an integral sleeve 40. It should be understood that various other designs of the body 46 can be used for the sleeve 40. For example, if desired, the body 46 may be formed without the annular channel 60.

[0051] The outer hub portion 52 extends axially through a magnetic air gap A, which positions the rotor 34 about the shaft 39 within the outer hub portion 52 and positions the stator 36 within the annular channel 60. As depicted, the outer hub portion 52 is radially and / or axially spaced from the rotor 34 and impeller 12 to allow free rotation of the rotor 34 and impeller 12. The outer circumferential surfaces of one or more outer wall portions 50 may sealably engage the inner circumferential surfaces of the volute housing 16 and / or the inner circumferential surfaces 68 of the cover 18 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the outer circumferential surfaces of the outer wall portions 50 and the inner circumferential surfaces of the volute housing 16 and / or the inner circumferential surfaces 68 of the cover 18, and to prevent cooling fluid from leaking from the fluid chamber 42 into the non-fluid chamber 44. One or more sealing elements 62 may be used to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the sleeve 40, the volute housing 16, and / or the cover 18.

[0052] An annular protrusion 64 may be formed in the body 46, and more specifically, in the outer circumferential surface of the outer hub portion 52 of the body 46. The annular protrusion 64 extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the outer hub portion 52, which forms an annular seat 66 and an annular groove 68 in the body 46.

[0053] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As best viewed, the heat transfer element 48 forms the closed end of the outer hub portion 52 to allow direct contact between the heat transfer element 48 and the cooling fluid circulating in the fluid chamber 42, resulting in increased heat dissipation capacity. In some cases, the heat transfer element 48 may also be adjacent to or in direct contact with the ECU 38 to facilitate the transfer of heat from the ECU 38 to the cooling fluid. In some cases, the heat transfer element 48 may be axially spaced from the ECU 38 to allow a thermally conductive material 69 (e.g., a paste) to be disposed between the heat transfer element 48 and the ECU 38 to further enhance the transfer of heat from the ECU 38 to the cooling fluid. A sealing element 49 may be disposed in an annular seat 66 between the body 46 and the heat transfer element 48 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the body 46 and the heat transfer element 48 and to prevent cooling fluid from leaking from the fluid chamber 42 into the non-fluid chamber 44.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the heat-conducting element 48 is typically a disc-shaped member 70. It should be understood that the heat-conducting element 48 can be formed, for example, by any suitable process, such as a stamping process. By using a stamping process, the manufacturing time and cost of producing the heat-conducting element 48 are significantly reduced. The outer peripheral portion 72 of the member 70 can be flipped upwards to form an annular edge. Therefore, the heat-conducting element 48 can serve as a "cap" for the body 46 of the sleeve 40. During the installation of the heat-conducting element 48, the member 70 is positioned on the body 46, as... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. Subsequently, at least a portion of the member 70 and / or the outer hub portion 52 can be deformed to connect the heat-conducting element 48 to the body 46. In a particular embodiment, the outer peripheral edge 74 of the member 70 can be as shown in the diagram. Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 3 The inward bending shown is received and held within the annular groove 68, thereby attaching the heat-conducting element 48 to the outer hub portion 52 of the body 46. It should be understood that any suitable deformation process can be used to attach the heat-conducting element 48 to the body 46 and form the sleeve 40. The heat-conducting element 48 can be deformed using a partial pressing process, a roll forming process such as a hinged roll forming process, or other discrete or continuous deformation processes to secure the heat-conducting element 48 to the body 46 of the sleeve 40. Although the figures illustrate the heat-conducting element 48 undergoing a deformation process, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the body 46 (e.g., by riveting or welding) or both the body 46 and the heat-conducting element 48 can undergo at least one deformation process to attach the heat-conducting element 48 to the body 46.

[0055] In yet another implementation, such as Figure 7As shown, the heat-conducting element 48 may include intermittent radial slits 75 in the outer peripheral portion 72 of the member 70, which may deform to be retained in at least one groove (e.g., annular groove 68) formed in the body 46, thereby connecting the heat-conducting element 48 to the body 46 and forming a sleeve 40. It should be understood that any suitable sealing element 49 may be used in such an embodiment.

[0056] Furthermore, component 70 may also include a generally planar surface 76 and an opposite generally planar surface 78. As shown, planar surface 76 may be configured to contact ECU 38 or heat-conducting material 69, and planar surface 78 may be configured to contact cooling fluid. It should be understood that at least one of planar surfaces 76 and 78 may include one or more heat transfer elements 79 (e.g., protrusions, recesses, beads, ribs, etc.) formed thereon to enhance heat exchange from ECU 38 to cooling fluid. If desired, planar surface 78 may also be directly coupled to shaft 39. In some embodiments, gap B may be formed between planar surface 78 and body 46 to allow cooling fluid to flow between planar surface 78 and body 46. In some embodiments, an annular array of spaced-apart protrusions 80 and / or annular lips 82 may be formed on body 46 to provide support for heat-conducting element 48, but still allow cooling fluid to flow in gap B between heat-conducting element 48 and body 46.

[0057] During operation, cooling fluid flows around impeller 12 into fluid inlet 28, through fluid chamber 42, and out from fluid outlet. Advantageously, the shape, size, and configuration of sleeve 40 allow the flow of cooling fluid to directly contact the planar surface 78 of heat transfer element 48. Therefore, heat transfer from ECU 38 through heat transfer element 48 to cooling fluid is optimized. As described above herein, motor 14 causes rotation of rotor 34 and impeller 12, resulting in cooling fluid flow through electric water pump 10.

[0058] Figure 8 An electric water pump 10' including a sleeve 40' according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The electric water pump 10' and the sleeve 40' are the same as those described herein and Figures 1A to 6 Similar structures of the electric water pump 10 and sleeve 40 depicted are identified by the same reference numerals and include a single-stroke symbol ('). Unless otherwise stated, the components in this second embodiment function in a manner similar to their corresponding components in the first embodiment. The electric water pump 10' and sleeve 40' are substantially similar Figures 1A to 6The electric water pump 10 and sleeve 40 shown are except that the sealing element 149 is a pre-formed sealing element and / or a liquid sealing element, and the sealing effect of the sealing element 149 in the sleeve 40' is axial, rather than radial as provided by the sealing element 49 in the sleeve 40.

[0059] Exemplary embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and to fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatuses, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, that the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and none of these should be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications, and variations can be made to some embodiments, materials, compositions, and methods within the scope of this art, resulting in substantially similar outcomes.

Claims

1. A sleeve for an electric water pump, the sleeve comprising: main body; A heat-conducting element, the heat-conducting element being coupled to the body, wherein the heat-conducting element deforms after installation to mechanically attach to the body; as well as At least one sealing element is disposed between the body and the heat-conducting element to form a substantially fluid-tight seal.

2. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein, The main body is made of one or more plastic materials.

3. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein, The heat-conducting element is made of one or more heat-conducting materials.

4. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein, The heat-conducting element is made of one or more thermally conductive non-metallic materials and / or one or more thermally conductive metallic materials.

5. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein, The body includes at least one protrusion extending radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the body, the at least one protrusion forming an annular groove and an annular seat.

6. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein, The body includes an annular groove configured to receive a portion of the heat-conducting element within the annular groove.

7. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein, The body includes an annular seat configured to receive the at least one sealing element.

8. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one sealing element provides a radial sealing effect or an axial sealing effect.

9. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein, The heat-conducting element forms the closed end of the sleeve.

10. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein, The heat conduction element is configured to be in direct contact with the cooling fluid circulating inside the electric water pump.

11. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein, The outer peripheral edge of the heat-conducting element is bent inward into an annular groove formed in the body to connect the heat-conducting element to the body.

12. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein, The heat-conducting element includes one or more radial slits formed in the outer peripheral portion of the heat-conducting element.

13. An electric water pump, the electric water pump comprising: case; An electric motor, which is disposed in the housing, includes a moving part, a fixed part, and an electrical control unit; as well as A sleeve, the sleeve being disposed within the housing, the sleeve comprising: main body; A heat-conducting element, said heat-conducting element being coupled to the body, wherein said heat-conducting element deforms after installation to mechanically attach to the body; and At least one sealing element is disposed between the body and the heat-conducting element to form a substantially fluid-tight seal.

14. The electric water pump according to claim 13, wherein, The heat conduction element exchanges heat with the electrical control unit and / or the cooling fluid circulating within the housing.

15. The electric water pump according to claim 13 further includes a heat-conducting material disposed between the sleeve and the electrical control unit.

16. The electric water pump according to claim 13, wherein, The sleeve separates the fluid chamber housing the moving component from the non-fluid chamber housing the electrical control unit.

17. The electric water pump according to claim 13, wherein, At least a portion of the sleeve is inserted between the moving part and the fixed part of the motor.

18. A method for manufacturing a sleeve for an electric water pump, the method comprising: Provider; Provide heat conduction elements; Position the heat-conducting element on the main body; as well as At least a portion of the heat-conducting element is deformed to connect the heat-conducting element to the body.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The heat-conducting element is connected to the body through one or more of a roll forming process, a pressing process, a bending process, a riveting process, and a capture process.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising positioning at least one sealing element between the body and the heat-conducting element before coupling the heat-conducting element to the body.

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