Contact body for at least one liquid pump in motor vehicles

Abstract

Contact body (1) for at least one liquid pump in motor vehicles, comprising a damping element (2) having an inner surface (3) within which a liquid pump (23) can be held, an outer surface (4), and a target body (5), wherein the damping element (2) has at least one projection (6) on its outer surface (4) with at least one receiving contour (9, 10) for the target body (5), and wherein the at least one projection (6) rests flat on a region (B) of the target body (5), wherein at least one second receiving contour (10) is provided, which is formed in two parts by a first and second contour element (13, 14), wherein the two contour elements (13, 14) have a different and asymmetrical shape.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a contact body for at least one liquid pump in motor vehicles according to claim 1.

[0002] It is known to use liquid pumps, for example, to transport coolant within a motor vehicle. In this context, brackets for liquid pumps already exist, in whose receiving openings the liquid pumps can be accommodated in order to hold them in position. Elastic damping elements are preferably used as such brackets in order to minimize transmitted vibrations at the pump. This can be a major problem, especially with rigid brackets, as sound, for example, can be transmitted into the vehicle cabin, which can be disturbing to the occupants. However, the brackets or damping elements with the accommodated liquid pumps must be fixed in a suitable manner at the place of use in the motor vehicle, for example by screwing them to the body. In most cases, however, the damping elements themselves should not be attached directly to the vehicle.For this reason, so-called target bodies can be used as intermediate elements between the damping element and the intended mounting location in the vehicle. It must be ensured that the damping element can be securely, firmly, and stably connected to the target body without causing excessive assembly effort.

[0003] DE 10 2018 101 761 A1 discloses a housing arrangement for a blower motor, in particular for a motor vehicle air conditioning system, comprising a blower motor, through the underside and top of which a rotational axis for fastening a blower wheel runs, a first housing part for receiving the blower motor, a second housing part for covering the blower motor received in the first housing part and vibration decoupling elements which are arranged between the blower motor and the first and second housing parts, wherein a first vibration decoupling unit is arranged circumferentially between the underside of the blower motor and the inner base of the first housing part, a second vibration decoupling unit is arranged circumferentially between the top side of the blower motor and the inside of the second housing part and the spring stiffness of the first and second vibration decoupling unit is approximately constant in the axial, radial and / or normal direction.

[0004] From DE 10 2015 212 408 A1 a holder for fastening an aggregate, in particular a pump, to a motor vehicle is known, wherein the holder has a first damping element which has an inner region provided for receiving the aggregate, wherein a second damping element is provided with an inner region which is connected to the first damping element by means of at least one connecting element, and wherein the second damping element has at least one means which enables the aggregate to be attached to the vehicle, wherein the first damping element is arranged at least partially in the inner region of the second damping element.

[0005] DE 10 2017 216 217 A1 discloses a holding device for fastening an assembly, in particular a pump, to a motor vehicle, comprising an elastomer holder for receiving the assembly. The elastomer holder is designed as an elongated element and the ends of which are connected to one another by a holding means to form an enclosing element, in particular in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. The holding means is an insert arranged in the region of the ends of the elongated element. A bore is formed on the elastomer holder in the region of the ends, into which bore a receiving bolt arranged on the insert engages in a form-fitting manner. At least one extruded damping element is arranged on the insert.

[0006] The object of the invention is to propose a device that enables the secure and stable mounting of fluid pumps in motor vehicles. In particular, a device is to be proposed that comprises a damping element and suitable means for easily, securely, and stably securing the supported fluid pump in the motor vehicle. The production and assembly costs are to be kept as low as possible.

[0007] This object is achieved by a contact body according to the features of patent claim 1.

[0008] A contact body for at least one fluid pump in motor vehicles comprises a damping element having an inner surface within which a fluid pump can be mounted, an outer surface, and a target body. The damping element has at least one projection on its outer surface with at least one receiving contour for the target body. The at least one projection rests flatly on a region of the target body. At least one second receiving contour is provided, which is formed in two parts by a first and second contour element, wherein the two contour elements have a different and asymmetrical shape.

[0009] The contact body according to the invention advantageously enables the attachment of a fluid pump in motor vehicles, which can be held securely and vibration-resistant within the damping element. The target body serves as an intermediate element between the damping element and the final attachment point in the motor vehicle and can be specifically designed depending on requirements. At least one, preferably at least two projections on the damping element mean that there are no limits to the needs-based design of the receiving contour(s), in particular through an optimized surface area of ​​the projection that can be provided. The receiving contour serves as a centering element and provides a positive fit to the target body as a counterpart. The receiving contour can be optimally designed with regard to the shape of the target body in order to securely accommodate it and fix it with a minimized risk of slipping out.The target body, in turn, can be adapted to the specific fixing options in a wide variety of motor vehicles, depending on requirements. This advantageously allows the mounting of fluid pumps individually depending on the conditions of the respective vehicle type. The flat contact of the target body on the projection promotes a stable connection to the damping element. Undesired forces acting on the target body during vehicle use are minimized by the extended contact surface with sufficiently high preload. Preferably, at least two projections on the damping element advantageously lead to an even better contact surface for the target body. Easy installation of the target body in the receiving contour is advantageously enabled, as the target body only needs to be inserted. A stable and secure connection is nevertheless guaranteed.The other end of the target body (or several ends) can be screwed to the vehicle body, for example. The receiving contour can be incorporated or created during the manufacturing process (e.g., during injection molding) or added subsequently by removing material (punching, milling, or similar).

[0010] The different shape of the contour elements of the second receiving contour (especially compared to the first receiving contour) allows for individual adaptation of the receiving contours with regard to the shape of the target bodies and thus with regard to a specific application. On the other hand, it supports error-free assembly, as the target body can only be inserted into the receiving contour in a specific mounting direction and on a specific side (Poka-Yoke principle).

[0011] The projections can preferably have first receiving contours on one projection of the damping element and second receiving contours on another projection of the damping element. It is also conceivable to form only first or only second receiving contours, depending on the characteristics of the fastening points in the motor vehicle.

[0012] The contour elements are provided on or in the second receiving contour. The contour elements are preferably designed differently and / or asymmetrically to one another. This can mean, for example, that the first contour element has a completely different shape than the second contour element. For example, it is possible for the first contour element to be substantially elongated or rod-shaped and the second contour element to have a substantially round or arc-like shape. Fork-like, meander-like, wave-like, hook-like, bent, or other shapes known to those skilled in the art are also conceivable. In principle, a symmetrical shape, for example two mirrored arcs, would also be possible. Overall, the embodiment advantageously ensures that the receiving contour is designed in a way that prevents confusion.

[0013] In the exemplary embodiment, the two contour elements are not connected, but rather are (superficially) separate and thus (superficially) two-part. It would also be conceivable to provide both contour elements with a connecting plane so that they form a continuous contour element or a continuous receiving contour. However, the separation of the two contour elements forms a kind of bridge or web made of the material of the damping element's projection, which advantageously benefits the stiffening.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the damping element has a continuous annular contour with chamfers and / or rounded edges on its inner surface. A round and uninterrupted inner diameter enables greater surface pressure on the fluid pump and greater stability.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, the damping element comprises at least one recess extending from the inner surface to the outer surface. Preferably, several recesses are provided distributed around the circumference, which correspond to counterparts on the pump (e.g., screws). The recesses serve to improve fixation and prevent accidental disassembly; the counterpart snaps into the recesses (locking hook principle). However, it is also conceivable to omit these recesses at all, with the resulting advantage that the liquid pump remains rotatable during assembly.

[0016] At least one first receiving contour can be provided, which has legs that are symmetrically connected or formed with one another via a connecting bridge. The target body can also have a symmetrical contour, by means of which it can be held within this receiving contour. The first receiving contour thus has a continuous, uninterrupted contour, which can, for example, extend over the majority of the projection.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, an axial undercut is formed within the projection. This corresponds to the target body for better fixation and prevents accidental disassembly according to the locking hook principle and positive locking.

[0018] It can be provided that at least one receiving contour is provided with rounded portions and / or insertion chamfers. Such a contour benefits the mounting of the target body by providing improved centering capabilities. The risk of slipping (or slipping out) is minimized.

[0019] Furthermore, the target body can have at least one balcony that corresponds to the projection. The balcony can be provided at one end (or at several ends) of the target body, with the end forming an enlarged surface at least in sections. This surface facilitates the contact of the target body with the projection of the damping element due to an enlarged contact area. The balcony can be shaped in various ways, for example, as a semicircle or square. This can depend on the specific requirements of the respective motor vehicle.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the target body comprises fastening arms that are positively and / or non-positively connected to the at least one receiving contour. The target body can have several, at least two, fastening arms, which are preferably formed integrally with the target body, but can also be formed in two parts. This allows the target body to be adapted to the number of receiving contours on their respective projections of the damping element. Thus, the target body can have two fastening arms, each end of which can be inserted into a receiving contour.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the fastening arms on the axial end faces essentially have the shape of the corresponding receiving contour. This advantageously enables a secure and stable mounting of the target body via the fastening arms within the receiving contour(s).

[0022] It can advantageously be provided that a fluid pump is accommodated in the inner surface of the damping element in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. The inner surface can be adapted accordingly with regard to its surface structure and diameter in order to be able to support the fluid pump accordingly.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be provided that wing elements with screw eyes are formed on the target body for attachment to a counter-contour on a motor vehicle. The counter-contour can, for example, be a threaded block in the engine compartment or the like, to which the screw eyes of the wing elements of the target body can be screwed. Preferably, several wing elements are provided, but a single wing element is also conceivable.

[0024] The fastening can of course also be carried out using other force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting methods on the correspondingly designed counter contour.

[0025] In particular, the contact body is designed to accommodate a plurality of fluid pumps. Advantageously, the contact body can thus accommodate multiple pumps via a damping element or via multiple (preferably connected) damping elements, whereby the contact body also has the other advantageous configurations described above in this case. Consequently, multiple pumps can be mounted in parallel in a simple and straightforward manner.

[0026] The damping element is preferably made of an elastic material and the target body of a thermo-resistant material.

[0027] A rigid damping element for a fluid pump is usually undesirable, as this would result in unwanted vibrations being transmitted to the pump. This subjects the fluid pump and its components to constant stress, which impacts its overall service life and promotes premature failure. Furthermore, a rigid mount can lead to increased noise, for example due to vibration being transmitted to the vehicle body, which can be disruptive to the vehicle occupants. The damping element, or rather its material, can be selected to be sufficiently stable while reducing vibrations from the fluid pump and shocks from the vehicle. At the same time, however, it should also be selected to exhibit minimal deflection to avoid causing damage to the installation space.This advantageously promotes acoustic decoupling of the fluid pump, absorbing impulse loads. Furthermore, the elastic properties of the mounting are beneficial, as the fluid pump can be inserted more easily.

[0028] The thermo-resistant material of the target body reduces shrinkage and / or expansion of the target body and thus prevents the target body from slipping out of the receiving contour of the damping element.

[0029] Suitable materials are well known to the expert and can be selected according to the intended use. Examples include elastomers, other plastics, metals, or steel structures.

[0030] The invention is not limited to the embodiments mentioned. Rather, it encompasses all embodiments that can be implemented within the scope of expert practice and with minor modifications by a person skilled in the art.

[0031] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 an exemplary overview representation of a contact body with a accommodated liquid pump according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 a detailed view of a damping element according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 a detailed view of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a further detailed view from Fig. 2; Fig. 5 a sectional view of Fig. 4.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary overview of a contact body (1) with a fluid pump (23) accommodated according to one embodiment. The contact body (1) can hold a fluid pump in a motor vehicle and securely fix it, for example by screwing it to the interior of the motor vehicle using a suitable mating contour (not shown). This mating contour can, for example, comprise a thread for a screw connection. The fluid pump (23) can, for example, transport cooling water, but all possible fluids used in the automotive sector are conceivable. By adapting the contact body (1), it is also possible to hold two or more fluid pumps (23) parallel to one another. The contact body (1) comprises a damping element (2) made of preferably elastic material, on or within the inner surface (3) of which the fluid pump (23) is arranged.By appropriately designing the inner surface (3), for example, by an annular contour (7) with chamfers and / or curves or by adapting the diameter of the damping element (2), or by providing an uninterrupted structure on the inner surface (3), the holding of the liquid pump (23) can be advantageously improved. In particular, by form-fitting, but also by frictional locking. Recesses (8) can also be provided on the damping element, which can correspond to corresponding features on the liquid pump (23) (for example, screw domes of the liquid pump). The liquid pump (23) can thus be arranged in the damping element in a rotationally secure manner and locked with radial and axial securing. Only a single recess (8) can be provided, or it is also conceivable to provide no recess (8) at all, in order to be able to arrange the liquid pump (23) in a rotationally secure manner, if desired.The recesses (8) extend from the inner surface (3) and the outer surface (4) of the damping element (2).

[0033] The contact body (1) has a target body (5) that can act as an intermediate element between the damping element (2) and a counter contour (fixing location) in the motor vehicle. The target body (5) can, for example, be a metal holder or consist of another, heat-resistant material and comprises one or more wing elements (21) with screw eyes (22), with which the contact body (1) can be fastened in the installation space of the motor vehicle by means of the target body (5). The target body (5) can be pre-defined according to the motor vehicle type, and the contact body (1) can be adapted accordingly. The contact body is usually screwed into a suitable location in the motor vehicle.

[0034] The damping element (2) has on its outer surface (4) at least one projection (6) with at least one receiving contour (9, 10) for the target body. In the embodiment of the Fig. 1, only the first receiving contour (9) on a projection (6) is visible, although this should not be understood as limiting. Only first receiving contours (9) or only second receiving contours (10) or first and second receiving contours (9, 10) can be provided on two projections (6) - which are preferably formed integrally with the damping element (2). In the preferred embodiment, the contact body (1) has a damping element (2) with two projections (6), which have a first receiving contour (9) on one projection (6) and a second receiving contour (10) on the second projection (6), and each corresponding to a fastening arm (20) of the target body (5).The fastening arms (20) are preferably located at the ends (or at the end) of the target body (5) in the region of the damping element (2) and, as can be seen on the axial end faces (20), comprise a shape corresponding to the respective receiving contour (9, 10) in order to be mounted and held securely and stably in the latter.

[0035] According to this embodiment, the target body (5) has at least one balcony (18) provided on or on a region of the target body (5) and forming an enlarged support surface with a region (B) of the damping element (2). This advantageously promotes a flat resting surface of the damping element (2) on the target body (5). For example, two balconies (18) are provided to enable resting on two sides of the damping element (2).

[0036] The contact body (1) according to the invention preferably comprises an elastically designed damping element (2).

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows a detailed view of a damping element (2) according to an embodiment with a first receiving contour (9) on a projection (6) of the damping element (2) and a second receiving contour (10) on a further projection (6) of the damping element (2). Also visible is the annular contour (7), which in the exemplary embodiment is formed without interruption on the inner surface (3) of the damping element (2).

[0038] As in connection with the more detailed view of the first recording contour (9) in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the first receiving contour (9) according to this exemplary embodiment has two legs (11) that are symmetrically connected to one another via a connecting bridge (12), more precisely, forming a mirror-symmetrical and / or uninterrupted receiving contour (9). The precise configuration of the legs can be chosen as desired.

[0039] As in the Fig. 2 in conjunction with the more detailed view of the second recording contour (10) in Fig. As can also be seen in Figure 4, the second receiving contour (10) according to this exemplary embodiment has a first contour element (13) and a second contour element (14). The contour elements (13, 14) are preferably designed differently and asymmetrically to one another. In the exemplary embodiment, the first contour element (13) essentially has an arcuate or fork-shaped shape and the second contour element (14) essentially has an elongated shape and is not designed as a continuous receiving contour. However, completely different shapes are also conceivable, such as fork-like, meander-shaped, wave-like, hook-like, bent or other shapes known to those skilled in the art.

[0040] The fact that a first receiving contour (9) is symmetrical and a second receiving contour (10) is asymmetrical advantageously supports quick and error-free mounting of the target body (5) on or in the damping element (2). Alternatively, only a symmetrical or an asymmetrical receiving contour (9, 10) can be provided.

[0041] For example, the receiving contours (9, 10) can be provided or created during the manufacturing process of the damping element (2) or can be subsequently added by removing material. The receiving contours (9, 10) have rounded portions (16) and insertion bevels (17) to facilitate the assembly of the fastening arms (19) of the target body (5).

[0042] As already described, the axial end faces (20) of the fastening arms (19) have the shapes corresponding to the first and / or second receiving contours (9, 10) in order to be able to mount the target body (5) in the damping element (2) in a manner that is safe from confusion and simply without the need for force.

[0043] Fig. 5 also shows a sectional view of Fig.4, i.e. a representation of a projection (6) of the damping element (2) with a second receiving contour (10) within which the fastening arms (19) of the target body (5) are arranged, wherein the contact between the target body (5) and the projection (6) occurs via the area (B). The different configurations of the fastening arms (19) on the axial end faces (20) can be seen with regard to the asymmetrically designed contour elements (13, 14) of the second receiving contour (10). The fastening arms (19) can be advantageously fixed and secured by means of axial undercuts (15) provided in the second receiving contour (10). The risk of accidental disassembly is minimized.

[0044] The liquid pump is designed to transport water, coolant, oil or any other liquid and is not specifically restricted in this regard. List of reference symbols 1 contact body 2 Damping element 3 inner surface 4 Exterior surface 5 target bodies 6 Overhang 7 annular contour 8 recess 9 first recording contour 10 second recording contour 11 legs 12 connecting bridge 13 first contour element 14 second contour element 15 axial undercut 16 Rounding 17 insertion bevel 18 Balcony 19 Mounting arm 20 axial front side 21 wing element 22 screw eye 23 Liquid pump B Area of ​​the target body

Claims

[1] Contact body (1) for at least one liquid pump in motor vehicles, comprising a damping element (2) which has an inner surface (3), within which a liquid pump (23) can be held, an outer surface (4), and a target body (5), wherein the damping element (2) has at least one projection (6) with at least one receiving contour (9, 10) for the target body (5) on its outer surface (4), and wherein the at least one projection (6) rests flatly on a region (B) of the target body (5), wherein at least one second receiving contour (10) is provided, which is formed in two parts by a first and second contour element (13, 14), wherein the two contour elements (13, 14) have a different and asymmetrical shape to one another. [2] Contact body according to claim 1, wherein the damping element (2) has on its inner surface (3) an uninterrupted annular contour (7) with chamfers and / or roundings. [3] Contact body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the damping element (2) comprises at least one recess (8) extending from the inner surface (3) to the outer surface (4). [4] Contact body according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one first receiving contour (9) is provided which has legs (11) which are symmetrically connected to one another via a connecting bridge (12). [5] Contact body according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an axial undercut (15) is formed within the projection (6). [6] Contact body according to one of the preceding claims, wherein roundings (16) and / or insertion bevels (17) are formed on at least one receiving contour (9, 10). [7] Contact body according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the target body (5) has at least one balcony (18) corresponding to the projection (6). [8] Contact body according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the target body (5) comprises fastening arms (19) which are connected to the at least one receiving contour (9, 10) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. [9] Contact body according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening arms (19) on the axial end faces (20) have substantially the shape of the corresponding receiving contour (9, 10). [10] Contact body according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a liquid pump is received in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner in the inner surface (3) of the damping element (2). [11] Contact body according to one of the preceding claims, wherein wing elements (21) with screw eyes (22) for fastening to a counter contour on a motor vehicle are formed on the target body (5). [12] Contact body according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact body (1) is designed to accommodate a plurality of liquid pumps. [13] Contact body according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping element (2) is formed from an elastic material and the target body (5) is formed from a thermo-resistant material.

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