Pump

Abstract

Pump (1) with a housing (105) with a suction-side first fluid inlet (4, 106), with a suction-side second fluid inlet (5, 107) and with a pressure-side fluid outlet (6, 108), with a first pump unit (2, 101) and with a second pump unit (3, 102), wherein the first pump unit (2, 101) is hydraulically connected in parallel to the second pump unit (3, 102), wherein the first fluid inlet (4, 106) forms a fluid connection with the first pump unit (2, 101) and the second fluid inlet (5, 107) forms a fluid connection with the second pump unit (3, 102), and wherein the pressure-side fluid outlet (6, 108) of the housing (105) each forms a fluid connection with the first and with the second pump unit (2, 101;3, 102), wherein a fluid reservoir (9) is further provided, wherein the first suction line (7, 110) projects into the fluid reservoir at a first position (10) and wherein the second suction line (8, 111) projects into the fluid reservoir (9) at a second position (11), wherein the first position (10) is spaced from the second position (11) and wherein the first suction line (7, 110) projects into the fluid reservoir (9) to a first depth (T1) and the second suction line (8, 111) projects into the fluid reservoir (9) to a second depth (T2), wherein the first depth (T1) is smaller, greater or equal to the second depth (T2).;

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pump, in particular a pump for supplying lubricating oil to a motor vehicle engine.

[0002] The lubricating oil supply of a motor vehicle engine places high demands on the pump, as the lubricating oil supply is crucial for the engine's functionality. In combustion engines, the lubricating oil supply must be constantly maintained to ensure that the engine components, which move at high speeds, can operate undamaged and for a long time.

[0003] DE 103 26 887 A1 discloses a multi-stage oil pump in which each stage is designed as an oil pump, and each of the oil pumps of the respective stage has its own drive device, allowing the respective oil pump to be operated independently of other oil pumps. However, this has the disadvantage of significantly increasing costs, because the drive device itself is relatively expensive.

[0004] DE 10 2012 112 722 A1 discloses a pump unit consisting of a first pump and a second pump, which is intended for supplying an internal combustion engine with lubricant. The first pump is a pump that delivers a variable volume flow, while the second pump is designed to deliver a constant volume flow. Both pumps are housed in a common housing and are fed from the same fluid inlet of the housing on the suction side. This feeding of the two pumps from one fluid inlet can be disadvantageous, particularly in high-performance engines, because the oil supply of such high-performance engines could be negatively affected.

[0005] DE 195 02 235 A1 discloses an oil supply system with at least one pressure- and / or volume-dependently controllable pump and with an oil pan from which the pump sucks oil.

[0006] DE 10 2005 032 226 A1 discloses a lubricant supply system with a first lubricant feed pump and a second lubricant feed pump.

[0007] US 2012 / 0 164 001 A1 discloses a wind turbine with fluid displacement means which has sufficient pumping capacity even at low rotor speeds.

[0008] US 2 550 967 A discloses a lubricant supply device with a gear pump.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a pump which is improved over the prior art and improves the oil balance, particularly in a high-performance engine.

[0010] The problem is solved with the features of claim 1.

[0011] One embodiment of the invention relates to a pump having a housing with a first suction-side fluid inlet, with a second suction-side fluid inlet, and with a pressure-side fluid outlet, with a first pump unit and with a second pump unit, wherein the first pump unit is hydraulically connected in parallel to the second pump unit, wherein the first fluid inlet forms a fluid connection with the first pump unit and the second fluid inlet forms a fluid connection with the second pump unit, and wherein the fluid outlet of the housing forms a fluid connection with the first and with the second pump unit. This ensures that the fluid, which is preferably oil or lubricant, can be sucked in from different locations or sources in order to optimize the fluid balance.This makes it possible for oil to be extracted from a sump at different positions or from different, possibly even separate, areas of a sump.

[0012] It is particularly advantageous if a first intake line is connected to the first fluid inlet and / or a second intake line is connected to the second fluid inlet. The fluid can then be sucked in accordingly by means of the intake line(s), which preferably occurs from different positions or areas.

[0013] It is also advantageous if the first intake line is arranged and configured hydraulically independently of the second intake line. Hydraulically independent means that the fluid in the first intake line is not connected to the fluid in the second intake line, i.e., the two intake lines are separated from each other.

[0014] According to the invention, a fluid reservoir is provided, wherein the first intake line extends into the fluid reservoir at a first position, and wherein the second intake line extends into the fluid reservoir at a second position, wherein the first position is spaced from the second position. This allows the fluid to be removed from different positions or areas, which may also be separated from one another if necessary. The fluid drawn in by the first intake line may also have different properties than the fluid drawn in by the second intake line, such as, for example, a different temperature.

[0015] According to the invention, the first suction line extends into the fluid reservoir to a first depth and the second suction line extends into the fluid reservoir to a second depth, wherein the first depth is smaller, larger or equal to the second depth.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous if the first intake line has a first cross-section through which fluid can flow and the second intake line has a second cross-section through which fluid can flow, wherein the first cross-section is smaller, larger or equal to the second cross-section.

[0017] It is also advantageous if the housing has a modular design and comprises a first housing part that houses the first pump unit and a second housing part that houses the second pump unit, wherein the first fluid inlet is arranged on the first housing part and the second fluid inlet is arranged on the second housing part. This facilitates assembly and allows for an optimized arrangement of the fluid inlets and outlets.

[0018] Furthermore, it is also advantageous if the first pump unit is a pump unit with a constant flow rate and the second pump unit is a pump unit with a variably adjustable flow rate. This results in a stable total flow rate with adjustable flow rate.

[0019] It is also advantageous if the first pump unit and the second pump unit can be driven by a single drive element. This ensures that the two pumps run together and pump one fluid, optimizing drive costs.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if the first pump unit has a constant volume flow at a constant drive speed of the drive element.

[0021] It is also advantageous if the second pump unit has a variably adjustable volume flow at a constant drive speed of the drive element.

[0022] It is also useful if the variably adjustable flow rate of the second pump unit can be adjusted from positive flow rates down to zero. This allows the flow rate to be optimally adjusted, which results in addition to the constant flow rate of the other pump unit.

[0023] It is also advantageous if the variably adjustable flow rate of the second pump unit can be adjusted from positive flow rates to negative flow rates with flow reversal. This can also result in total flow rates that are smaller than the constant flow rate of the other pump unit.

[0024] It is also advantageous if the first pump unit is a gear pump, such as an external gear pump or an internal gear pump, wherein the pump element is at least one gear. This pump unit configured in this way is optimized for the tasks at hand and can be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0025] It is also advantageous, particularly, if the second pump unit is a vane pump, with the pump element being at least an impeller. Alternatively, the second pump unit is designed as a pendulum-slide pump or an axially displaceable external gear pump, or as another variable pump type. This type of pump unit is also optimized for the tasks at hand and, while offering good controllability, can also be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0026] The invention is explained in detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic view of the pump according to the invention, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the pump, and Fig. 3 a partially cutaway view of the pump according to Fig. 2.

[0027] The Fig. 1 shows a circuit diagram of a pump 1 with a first pump unit 2 and with a second pump unit 3. The pump 1 has a suction-side first fluid inlet 4 and a suction-side second fluid inlet 5, wherein a pressure-side fluid outlet 6 is also provided.

[0028] The two pump units 2, 3 are arranged and hydraulically interconnected in parallel. The first pump unit 2 is a pump unit with a constant flow rate, and the second pump unit 3 is a pump unit with a variably adjustable flow rate. A pump unit with a constant flow rate is a pump unit that produces a constant flow rate at a constant drive speed of a drive element. However, the flow rate can also be variable at a variable drive speed of the drive element.

[0029] A pump unit with variably adjustable flow rate is a pump unit in which a variably adjustable flow rate can be controlled at a constant drive speed of a drive element. The flow rate can also be variable at a variable drive speed of the drive element.

[0030] It is particularly preferred if the variably adjustable volume flow of the second pump unit 3 is adjustable such that it can be adjusted or controlled from positive volume flow values ​​down to zero. The upper limit for the adjustable positive volume flow values ​​represents the maximum volume flow of the second pump unit.

[0031] It is also particularly advantageous if the variably adjustable volume flow of the second pump unit 3 can be adjusted or controlled from positive volume flow values, i.e. from the maximum volume flow, to even negative volume flow values ​​with a volume flow reversal.

[0032] The second pump unit 3 is designed to be adjustable in such a way that a positive volume flow value can be set, so that a volume flow in one direction can be controlled by the pump, whereby in another operating state, negative volume flow values ​​can also be controlled. This means a volume flow reversal, so that, starting from a positive volume flow between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, these reverse their function upon volume flow reversal to a fluid outlet or a fluid inlet, so that with negative volume flow values, the fluid volume can be pumped through the pump unit in the opposite direction.

[0033] The Fig. 1 further shows that the first pump unit 2 has a first fluid inlet 4 and the second pump unit 3 has a second fluid inlet 5. These two fluid inlets are hydraulically separated from one another and not connected to one another. A respective suction line 7, 8 is connected to the respective fluid inlet 4, 5, such that a first suction line 7 is connected to the first fluid inlet 4 and / or a second suction line 8 is connected to the second fluid inlet 5. The suction lines 7, 8 are designed such that the first suction line 7 is arranged and designed hydraulically independently of the second suction line 8.

[0034] The Fig. 1 further shows a fluid reservoir 9, wherein the first intake line 7 extends into the fluid reservoir 9 at a first position 10 and the second intake line 8 extends into the fluid reservoir 9 at a second position 11, wherein the first position 10 is arranged at a distance from the second position 11. This ensures that the two intake lines 7, 8 can draw in fluid from different areas. These two areas can certainly be separated from each other or they can be fluidically connected.

[0035] It may also be advantageous if the first suction line 7 extends into the fluid reservoir 9 to a first depth T1 and the second suction line 8 extends into the fluid reservoir 9 to a second depth T2, wherein the first depth T1 is smaller, larger or equal to the second depth T2.

[0036] Also in Fig. 1 that the first intake line 7 has a first fluid-flowable cross-section Q1 and the second intake line 8 has a second fluid-flowable cross-section Q2, wherein the first cross-section Q1 is smaller, larger or equal to the second cross-section Q2.

[0037] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional representation of a pump 100 comprising a first pump unit 101 and a second pump unit 102. The first pump unit 101 has a first housing part 103, while the second pump unit 102 has a second housing part 104. The housing parts 103 and 104 together, optionally with other components, form the housing 105 of the pump 100.

[0038] The first housing part 103 houses the first pump unit 101 and the second housing part 104 houses the second pump unit 102. The first pump unit 101 is designed as a gear pump and is designed with a constant volume flow, wherein the second pump unit 102 is a vane pump whose volume flow can be variably adjusted.

[0039] Thus, the first pump unit 101 can be an external gear pump with two meshing gears. The vane pump can also have an impeller that can be adjusted by means of an adjusting element.

[0040] The pump 100 thus represents a pump which represents a fully variable vane pump as the second pump unit 102 with a parallel-connected external gear pump as the first pump unit 101, in which the vane pump can optionally be designed such that it can convey a positive and also a negative volume flow, i.e. can operate a reverse conveying.

[0041] If the pump is used as an oil feed pump, the external gear pump can pump oil as a pump with a constant volume flow. During operation, if too much oil is pumped by the external gear pump, the excess oil can be pumped back internally in the pump by the variable vane pump, resulting in a smaller volume flow of the pump than that caused by the external gear pump.

[0042] The flow rate is limited by an energy-efficient bypass control rather than by a shutoff. The oil pressure can thus be regulated across the entire temperature and speed range of the pump.

[0043] The term oil represents the general term lubricant.

[0044] It is in Fig. 2 also shows that the pump 100 is formed with a housing 105 having a first fluid inlet 106 on the suction side and a second fluid inlet 107 on the suction side, with a pressure-side fluid outlet 108 also being provided. This pressure-side fluid outlet 108 can also be distributed across various openings.

[0045] The pump 100 has a first pump unit 101 and a second pump unit 102, wherein the first pump unit 101 is hydraulically connected in parallel to the second pump unit 102. A first fluid inlet 106 is also in fluid communication with the first pump unit 101, and a second fluid inlet 107 is in fluid communication with the second pump unit 102, wherein the fluid outlet 108 of the housing 105 is in fluid communication with the first and second pump units 101, 102, respectively.

[0046] The Fig. 2 shows that the housing 105 is modular and has a first housing part 103 which houses the first pump unit 101 and a second housing part 104 which houses the second pump unit 102, wherein the first fluid inlet 106 is arranged on the first housing part 103 and the second fluid inlet 107 is arranged on the second housing part 104.

[0047] For operation of the pump 100, it is advantageous if the first pump unit 101 is a pump unit with a constant volume flow and the second pump unit 102 is a pump unit with a variably adjustable volume flow.

[0048] Also in Fig. 2 that the first pump unit 101 and the second pump unit 102 can be driven by a drive element 109, in particular by a single, common drive element 109.

[0049] The first pump unit 101 is advantageously a gear pump, such as in particular an external gear pump or an internal gear pump, wherein the pump element of the first pump unit 101 is at least one gear.

[0050] The second pump unit 102 is a vane pump, wherein the pump element of the second pump unit 102 is at least one impeller.

[0051] The Fig. 2 and Fig.3 shows that the first pump unit 101 has a first fluid inlet 106 and the second pump unit 102 has a second fluid inlet 107. These two fluid inlets 106, 107 are hydraulically separated from one another and not connected to one another on the input side. A respective suction line 110, 111 is connected to the respective fluid inlet 106, 107, such that a first suction line 110 is connected to the first fluid inlet 106 and / or a second suction line 111 is connected to the second fluid inlet 107. The suction lines 110, 111 are designed such that the first suction line 110 is arranged and designed hydraulically independently of the second suction line 111.

[0052] Thus, a first fluid stream 112 flows through the first intake line 110, and a second fluid stream 113 flows through the second intake line 111 into the pump 100. The intake volumes through the two intake lines 110, 111 can be quite different. The intake channels in the housing 105 are separated, for example, by means of a cover 114. List of reference symbols 1 pump 2 first pump unit 3 second pump unit 4 first fluid inlet 5 second fluid inlet 6 pressure-side fluid outlet 7 first intake line 8 second intake line 9 Fluid reservoir 10 first position 11 second position 100 pump 101 first pump unit 102 second pump unit 103 first housing part 104 second housing part 105 housings 106 first fluid inlet 107 second fluid inlet 108 pressure-side fluid outlet 109 Drive element 110 first intake line 111 second intake line 112 first fluid stream 113 second fluid stream 114 lids

Claims

[1] Pump (1) with a housing (105) with a suction-side first fluid inlet (4, 106), with a suction-side second fluid inlet (5, 107) and with a pressure-side fluid outlet (6, 108), with a first pump unit (2, 101) and with a second pump unit (3, 102), wherein the first pump unit (2, 101) is hydraulically connected in parallel to the second pump unit (3, 102), wherein the first fluid inlet (4, 106) forms a fluid connection with the first pump unit (2, 101) and the second fluid inlet (5, 107) forms a fluid connection with the second pump unit (3, 102), and wherein the pressure-side fluid outlet (6, 108) of the housing (105) each forms a fluid connection with the first and with the second pump unit (2, 101;3, 102), wherein a fluid reservoir (9) is further provided, wherein the first suction line (7, 110) projects into the fluid reservoir at a first position (10) and wherein the second suction line (8, 111) projects into the fluid reservoir (9) at a second position (11), wherein the first position (10) is spaced from the second position (11) and wherein the first suction line (7, 110) projects into the fluid reservoir (9) to a first depth (T1) and the second suction line (8, 111) projects into the fluid reservoir (9) to a second depth (T2), wherein the first depth (T1) is smaller, greater or equal to the second depth (T2). [2] Pump (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that a first suction line (7, 110) is connected to the first fluid inlet (4, 106) and / or a second suction line (8, 111) is connected to the second fluid inlet (5, 107). [3] Pump (1) according to claim 2, characterized bythat the first intake line (7, 110) is arranged and designed hydraulically independently of the second intake line (8, 111). [4] Pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the first intake line (7, 110) has a first cross-section (Q1) through which fluid can flow and the second intake line (8, 111) has a second cross-section (Q2) through which fluid can flow, wherein the first cross-section (Q1) is smaller, larger or equal to the second cross-section (Q2). [5] Pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the housing (105) is of modular construction and has a first housing part (103) which houses the first pump unit (2, 101) and a second housing part (104) which houses the second pump unit (3, 102), wherein the first fluid inlet (4, 106) is arranged on the first housing part (103) and the second fluid inlet (5, 107) is arranged on the second housing part (104). [6] Pump (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first pump unit (2, 101) is a pump unit with a constant volume flow and the second pump unit (3, 102) is a pump unit with a variably adjustable volume flow. [7] Pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first pump unit (2, 101) and the second pump unit (3, 102) can be driven by a drive element (109). [8] Pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first pump unit (2, 101) has a constant volume flow at a constant drive speed of the drive element (109). [9] Pump (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second pump unit (3, 102) has a variably adjustable volume flow at a constant drive speed of the drive element (109). [10] Pump (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the variably adjustable volume flow of the second pump unit (3, 102) can be adjusted from positive volume flow values down to zero. [11] Pump (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the variably adjustable volume flow of the second pump unit (3, 102) can be adjusted from positive volume flow values to negative volume flow values with volume flow reversal. [12] Pump (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first pump unit (2, 101) is a gear pump, such as in particular an external gear pump or an internal gear pump, wherein the pump element is at least one gear. [13] Pump (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second pump unit (3, 102) is a vane pump, wherein the pump element is at least one impeller.

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