Water pump structure for automobile cooling system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a water pump structure for an automobile cooling system, which comprises a pump head, a pump seat and an impeller mounted in the pump head, and is characterized in that an integrally formed cylinder is assembled on one side of the pump head, and a butt joint flow channel is cast in the cylinder. A centrifugal pump cavity is formed in the pump base, a water supply flow channel and a water outlet are machined in the pump base cavity, an inner counter bore for installing the cylinder is formed between the water supply flow channel and the water outlet, and after the pump head cylinder assembly is installed, one side face of the butt joint flow channel of the cylinder is smoothly communicated with the water supply flow channel, and the other side face of the butt joint flow channel of the cylinder is smoothly communicated with the water outlet. And an internal runner unobstructed structure is formed. According to the scheme, the pump efficiency of the water pump is higher at the same rotating speed; according to the scheme, the water pump does not leak due to aging, abrasion or high-pressure impact of the sealing ring under the working condition of a high-pressure and high-temperature cooling system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive engine water pumps, and in particular to a water pump structure for an automotive cooling system. Background Technology

[0002] The automotive engine cooling system is a crucial component ensuring the engine operates efficiently and stably within a suitable temperature range. The coolant pump, as the core power component of this system, is responsible for driving the coolant (usually a mixture of water and antifreeze) to circulate between high-temperature components such as the engine block and cylinder head, and the radiator, continuously removing excess heat. Its reliability, efficiency, and durability directly affect the overall performance and lifespan of the engine.

[0003] In existing technologies, especially in cooling water pumps used in high-performance vehicles (such as BMW cars), refer to Figure 6-8 A common design employs a volute centrifugal pump structure that integrates flow regulation. This structure typically includes a movable valve core 9 (or water valve) controlled by a drive device (such as a pneumatic actuator). The flow rate of coolant through the pump body is adjusted by changing the swing angle or position of the flap 8 within the valve core, thereby achieving dynamic control of the cooling intensity. Specifically, this structure has separate valve chambers and valve cores. The valve core moves within the valve chamber, and the two are sealed by a dynamic sealing ring. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The rotating shaft 4 has a dynamic sealing ring between it and the end cover 2. Meanwhile, the valve chamber itself is sealed by an end cover, while the end cover 2 and the pump body 1 are sealed by a static sealing ring 5. Additionally, the valve core end or related parts may also have a sealing element 9 for auxiliary installation or positioning.

[0004] However, in practical applications, especially under the high pressure and high temperature conditions of the cooling system generated by the engine operating under high load, the above-mentioned traditional split-type flow regulation structure has revealed several significant defects:

[0005] First, because the valve core 9 needs to move, its dynamic sealing ring is under high pressure alternating stress for a long time, which is prone to wear and aging, leading to sealing failure and causing coolant leakage.

[0006] Secondly, the static seal at the valve chamber end cover also faces high pressure challenges and is a common leakage point. The failure of these two seals is the main reason for the high failure rate of this type of water pump.

[0007] Secondly, the split structure of the valve core, valve chamber, and end cap inevitably results in steps or abrupt changes in cross-section in the internal coolant flow channel, creating flow "dead zones" or eddies, increasing flow resistance, and reducing the fluid delivery efficiency of the water pump. Finally, in some designs, the sealing rings used for positioning or disassembling the valve core end may be difficult to remove due to jamming or deformation when the water pump needs maintenance or replacement, increasing maintenance difficulty and cost.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a new type of automotive engine cooling water pump structure that can fundamentally solve the problems of poor sealing reliability, high flow resistance, and inconvenient maintenance.

[0009] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, this utility model proposes an improvement. Utility Model Content

[0010] The present invention proposes a water pump structure for an automotive cooling system, which solves the aforementioned problems existing in the use of the prior art.

[0011] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0012] A water pump structure for an automotive cooling system includes a pump head, a pump base, and an impeller installed inside the pump head. The pump head is characterized by an integrally formed column assembled on one side, with a casting-in flow channel inside the column. The pump base contains a centrifugal pump chamber, within which a water supply channel and an outlet are machined. An internal countersunk hole for mounting the column is located between the water supply channel and the outlet. After the pump head column assembly is installed, one side of the column's flow channel smoothly connects to the water supply channel, and the other side smoothly connects to the outlet, forming an unobstructed internal flow channel structure.

[0013] Preferably, the docking channel of the column has an upper channel platform and a lower channel platform with a height difference. The upper channel platform is smoothly connected to the water supply channel, and the lower channel platform is smoothly connected to the water outlet.

[0014] Preferably, the water supply channel has a smooth inner surface.

[0015] In summary, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: the original split flow regulation structure, which includes an independent movable valve core and a valve chamber cover, is improved into an integrated water supply channel that is directly machined inside the pump body.

[0016] Cancel the dynamic sealing ring between the movable valve core and the valve cavity, and the static sealing ring between the valve cavity end cover and the pump body;

[0017] Ideally, the shape of the water supply channel is designed to ensure a smooth transition of its inner wall, eliminating internal steps.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the improved water pump structure for an automotive cooling system provided by this invention brings the following significant advantages:

[0019] 1. By eliminating the separate moving valve core and valve cavity structure and replacing them with a one-piece molded water supply channel, the two weakest leakage points in the original structure—the dynamic and static sealing rings—are completely eliminated. This prevents the water pump from leaking due to sealing ring aging, wear, or high-pressure impact under high-pressure and high-temperature cooling system conditions, thus fundamentally solving the core problem of the high failure rate of the original structure and resulting in a qualitative leap in the overall reliability and service life of the water pump.

[0020] 2. The optimized flow channel design allows for a smooth and continuous transition within the coolant flow channels, completely eliminating the steps, dead angles, and abrupt changes in cross-section inherent in the original split structure. This significantly reduces local resistance (flow resistance) to coolant flow, improving the pump's head and flow characteristics. Under the same input power, the pump can deliver coolant more efficiently, contributing to a more stable and energy-efficient operation of the engine cooling system, indirectly improving overall vehicle energy efficiency.

[0021] 3. Significantly simplified structure, reduced manufacturing costs, and lower failure risk: By eliminating the complex valve core, valve chamber, end cover, multiple sealing rings, and related drive and positioning structures, the overall structure of the water pump is greatly simplified. This not only reduces the number of parts, lowers material costs and assembly complexity, but also improves the inherent reliability of the product by reducing potential failure points.

[0022] 4. By eliminating the auxiliary sealing ring located at the end of the valve core in the original design, which was prone to jamming, and simplifying the overall structure, the disassembly process is simpler and more reliable when the water pump needs to be replaced or maintained. This avoids the risk of old parts being difficult to remove or damaging the mounting surface, and reduces maintenance time and potential subsequent costs.

[0023] In summary, this improved solution achieves comprehensive optimization of reliability, efficiency, maintainability, and economy through structural innovation. In practical market applications, this design has proven to reduce related failure rates, providing customers with significantly superior use value and lower total lifecycle costs compared to traditional products, demonstrating strong market competitiveness and promotional value. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a water pump structure for an automotive cooling system according to this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water supply channel inside the pump chamber.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a column.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flow channel after the column is installed.

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the water pump structure in a conventional automotive cooling system.

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the structure in which the flow channel forms a step after the valve core is installed.

[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the valve core structure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following will refer to the appendix in the embodiments of this utility model. Figure 1-5 The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model are clearly and completely described herein. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model. Example

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment discloses a water pump structure for an automotive cooling system, including a pump base 101, a pump head 100, and an impeller installed inside the pump head. The impeller structure is prior art and will not be described in detail. An integrally formed column 102 is machined on one side of the pump head 100. The inside of the column 102 is machined into a docking flow channel 103. A pump cavity is machined inside the pump base, and a water supply flow channel 104 and a water outlet 106 are formed in the pump cavity. An inner countersunk hole 105 for mounting the column is machined between the water supply flow channel 104 and the water outlet 106. One side of the docking flow channel of the column 102 is smoothly connected to the water supply flow channel, and the other side is smoothly connected to the water outlet, forming an unobstructed internal flow channel structure.

[0035] The drawbacks of the original split-type water valve structure are addressed through structural improvements. It defines a new integrated flow channel structure, specifically embodied in:

[0036] Eliminating dynamic sealing leakage points: The function of the valve core, which originally required movement, was solidified into an integrally formed column and internal flow channel on the pump cover, completely eliminating moving parts and their inevitable dynamic sealing rings, thus solving the major fault of high-pressure leakage caused by wear and aging in this area.

[0037] The design of "pump head column connecting to flow channel - pump base water supply channel - pump chamber - outlet" ensures that the coolant's path from inlet to outlet is a continuous, fixed channel without obstruction from moving parts, avoiding abrupt changes in flow path and dead zones caused by the opening and closing of the original valves. This provides structural protection for reducing flow resistance and improving the pump's hydraulic efficiency.

[0038] During manufacturing, the pump head is formed in one piece using a die-casting mold or by die-casting aluminum alloy. The side columns and internal connecting channels are formed directly during the die-casting process without subsequent splicing.

[0039] The pump base (which can be die-cast aluminum alloy) is also machined using a mold, with an inner countersunk hole for mounting the column machined on the pump cavity side, ensuring that the outlet surface of the water supply channel and the outlet of the water outlet are precisely aligned with the bottom or side surface of the inner countersunk hole.

[0040] During assembly, the pump head column is inserted into the inner countersunk hole of the pump base and fixed by precision fitting or fasteners, so that one end of the column's connecting flow channel is aligned with the water supply flow port and the other end is aligned with the water outlet, achieving a "smooth connection" in physical connection, thus forming a complete coolant passage without internal movement obstacles.

[0041] The column has an upper flow channel platform 1031 and a lower flow channel platform 1032 with a height difference. The upper flow channel platform 1031 is smoothly connected to the water supply channel, and the lower flow channel platform 1032 is smoothly connected to the water outlet.

[0042] By designing an "upper flow channel platform" and a "lower flow channel platform" with a height difference, the coolant is cleverly guided to complete the spatial turning and transfer from the pump body's water supply channel to the impeller pump cavity's suction side as it flows through the interior of the column. The specific structural form of "smooth connection" is defined; it is not a simple straight-through, but a spatially gradual flow channel design that conforms to fluid dynamics and reduces eddy currents and impact losses. This height-difference structure is formed in a single mold step.

[0043] Preferably, the water supply channel has a smooth inner surface. A smooth inner surface significantly reduces frictional resistance along the flow path of the coolant, which is one of the key details for improving pump efficiency (achieving higher head or flow rate).

[0044] Preferably, a sealing ring is installed on the column body installed inside the inner countersunk hole.

[0045] Although the internal dynamic seal is eliminated, the mating interface between the pump cover column and the countersunk hole in the pump body still needs to prevent high-pressure coolant from leaking outwards along this assembly gap. This claim explicitly uses a sealing ring to solve this static sealing problem. The sealing ring here is only used to solve the sealing between stationary components (static sealing), and this solution does not require a valve core structure, so there is essentially no problem with easy damage.

[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A water pump structure for an automotive cooling system, comprising a pump head, a pump base, and an impeller installed inside the pump head, characterized in that: An integrally formed column is assembled on one side of the pump head, and the inside of the column is cast with a docking flow channel; the pump base has a centrifugal pump chamber, and a water supply channel and a water outlet are machined in the pump base chamber. There is an inner countersunk hole for the installation of the column between the water supply channel and the water outlet. After the pump head column assembly is installed, one side of the column faces the water supply channel and is smoothly connected, and the other side faces the water outlet and is smoothly connected, forming an unobstructed internal flow channel structure.

2. The water pump structure for an automotive cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The column has an upper flow channel and a lower flow channel with a height difference. The upper flow channel is smoothly connected to the water supply channel, and the lower flow channel is smoothly connected to the water outlet.

3. The water pump structure for an automotive cooling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The water supply channel has a smooth inner surface structure.

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