Fluid pump, in particular coolant pump in a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid pump (10), in particular a coolant pump in a vehicle, comprising a connection element (80), in particular a plug connection for at least one electrical operating means, in particular a power supply connection, wherein the connection element (80) has a plurality of contacting elements (100a, 100b, 100c) spaced apart from one another and arranged in an electrically insulating connection housing (84). It is proposed that, in order to increase the creepage path (122), at least one connection housing section (105a, 105b) arranged between two adjacent contacting elements (100a, 100b, 100c) has at least one first creepage structure (110a, 110b), in particular a depression and / or elevation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fluid pump, in particular a coolant pump, an electronics housing for a fluid pump and a method for producing an electronics housing of a fluid pump. State of the art

[0002] Fluid pumps with a pressure compensation element are already known from the prior art. The pressure compensation element is manufactured as a separate component and is connected to the fluid pump as a complete assembly. It is also state of the art for such pressure compensation elements to have sealing elements to ensure a tight connection after the assemblies have been joined. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a fluid pump, in particular a coolant pump in a vehicle, comprising an electronics housing for accommodating a circuit board and comprising at least one pressure compensation element. It is proposed that the pressure compensation element be integrated into the electronics housing, in particular, be overmolded.

[0004] In the context of the present invention, the creepage distance refers to the shortest path of the surface or lateral surface arranged between two electrical contacting elements.

[0005] Due to the creepage structure, which is structured in such a way that it has a larger surface area compared to a flat plane and thus also a longer creepage distance, a short circuit and the associated material damage can be prevented in a particularly advantageous manner while simultaneously maintaining a small distance between the contact elements. This makes it possible to provide a particularly space-saving and simultaneously secure electrical connection for a fluid pump. The present connection element has the advantage that, in the event of a corresponding voltage difference, particularly in the range of 12 V DC, and the ingress of moisture, a thermal event such as a short circuit and the associated material damage can be particularly advantageously prevented.

[0006] In the context of the present invention, a creeping structure is understood to mean a structured, corrugated, or curved surface that deviates from a flat, level connection between the two contacting elements. The creeping structure is preferably formed by elevations and / or depressions on the surface of the terminal housing section arranged between the contacting elements.

[0007] The fluid pump has a connection element containing a plurality of contact elements arranged in an insulating housing. To increase the creepage distance and ensure the safety of the pump, a connection housing section between adjacent contact elements is equipped with a first creepage structure, which can be designed as a recess or elevation.

[0008] The connection housing is mainly made of plastic, and the contact elements that are tapered around the housing ensure that possible leakage currents are reduced.

[0009] According to an advantageous development, the first creepage structure is designed as a U- or V-shaped recess to enable a longer creepage path and minimize creepage currents. Preferably, the distance between adjacent contact elements is smaller than the creepage path of the first creepage structure between them to ensure that a creepage current can flow through the recess.

[0010] A preferred embodiment provides that the legs of the V-shaped recess of the first creepage structure have a length greater than 1.5 mm, and that the distance between adjacent contact elements is less than 3 mm and the creepage distance is greater than 3 mm. This ensures that the creepage distance is particularly long to minimize damage.

[0011] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the contacting elements are arranged centrally within a one-piece, pyramid-shaped creepage dome in order to counteract possible leakage currents.

[0012] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, at least two, preferably at least three contacting elements are arranged in the connection housing designed as a plug housing in order to ensure a stable connection of the electrical equipment.

[0013] Preferably, the contacting elements each comprise a contacting section, a circuit board section for contacting a circuit board of the fluid pump, and a connecting section, wherein the circuit board section is formed with a tapered edge in an electronics housing. This ensures a stable connection of the electrical equipment.

[0014] According to an advantageous development of the invention, an electronics housing section arranged between two adjacent circuit board sections has a second creepage structure in order to minimize creepage currents between the circuit board sections.

[0015] Preferably, the first and second creep structures are substantially congruent in shape to one another, the most common form being a V-shaped depression with two legs and a central section.

[0016] Preferably, the electronics housing section containing the second creepage structure has a first creepage recess, in particular a creepage through-hole. The connecting section of at least one contact element is preferably arranged at least partially in a second creepage recess to reduce the leakage current in the vicinity of the connecting section. This ensures a more stable connection.

[0017] Preferably, the present invention can provide a space-saving and secure electrical connection for a fluid pump, which is particularly designed to protect against short circuits and material damage when the contact elements are closely spaced. The structured, corrugated, or curved surface between the contact elements increases the surface area and extends the creepage distance, and a combination of different embodiments ensures a stable connection of the electrical equipment.

[0018] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fluid pump is a component of a thermal management module. Such a thermal management module preferably has a central fluid distribution unit, which forms the core element of a fluid circuit, in particular a coolant and / or refrigerant circuit in a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle. A thermal management module preferably has a plurality of fluid pumps and / or valves. For example, a valve could be provided to direct the flow of the coolant. For example, a fluid pump could be provided to move and / or accelerate and / or circulate a coolant. In the thermal management module, the fluid distribution unit serves as a distribution or collection point for the fluid, in particular the coolant or refrigerant, within the fluid circuit.The main function of the fluid distribution unit is to control the flow of fluid and direct it to various parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, the radiator, heating or cooling elements, and other components that require temperature regulation. According to an advantageous development of the invention, the fluid distribution unit has a plurality of fluid handling elements, in particular fluid channels and / or fluid inlet and outlet ports, to distribute the fluid to various areas within the thermal management system.

[0019] A "thermal management module" is understood to mean, in particular, an assembly that performs a cooling function, in particular at least partially, wherein the carrier fluid is designed as a coolant. In particular, the coolant is intended to absorb and dissipate heat from the component to be cooled, in particular the drive. In particular, the pre-integrated thermal management module forms a single, prefabricated component with which all components included in the thermal management module can preferably be installed in the vehicle in a single assembly step. drawing

[0020] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate two exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0021] They show: Fig. 1 an exploded view of a possible design of a fluid pump. Fig. 2 an embodiment of a second housing part 34 in a plan view, Fig. 3 a connection element of a fluid pump in a perspective view, Fig. 4a shows a section through a connecting element, Fig. 4b an enlarged section A from Fig. 4a, Fig. 5a an extended section of a fluid pump with a connection element and a section of the adjacent electronics housing in a plan view Fig. 5b a rear view of the illustration from Fig. 5a.

[0022] In the figures, identical components are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0023] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the basic structure of a fluid pump 10, which can be used, for example, as a water pump device in a cooling circuit of a motor vehicle. As an auxiliary water pump, the fluid pump 10 can also serve to cool charge air, a battery, a control unit, or other components of the motor vehicle.

[0024] It is noted that the fluid pump 10 in Fig. 1 is only shown schematically, since the structure and functionality of such a fluid pump 10 are sufficiently known from the prior art, so that for the sake of brevity and simplicity of the description, a detailed description of the fluid pump 10, in particular of the electric drive 30 of such a liquid pump 10, is omitted here.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a fluid pump 10. The fluid pump has a pump housing 30. The pump housing 30 has, according to the Fig. 2, the pump housing part comprises at least a first pump housing part 32, a second pump housing part 34, and a third pump housing part 36. The first pump housing part 32 preferably has at least one intake port 40 and one outlet port 42 for the fluid and is preferably designed to accommodate an impeller or impeller 44 of the fluid pump 10. The pump housing parts 32, 34, 36 are preferably fixed to one another by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection. It is also conceivable for the pump housing parts 32, 34, 36 to be connected to one another by means of a material fit.

[0026] The impeller or vane 44 of the fluid pump 10 is driven by a drive unit. The drive unit is preferably designed as an electric motor and preferably comprises at least one rotor and one stator. The rotor and stator are preferably arranged in the second pump housing part 34. The fluid pump 10 further comprises a circuit board 50. The circuit board 50 is arranged in an electronics housing 52.

[0027] The electronics housing 52 is preferably designed to be substantially fluid-tight and has an electronics receiving section 54 and an electronics housing cover 56. According to the Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, the third housing part 36 is designed as an electronics housing cover 56.

[0028] The electronics receiving section 54 is according to the Fig. 1, the electronics receiving section 54 is formed as part of the second pump housing part 34. To separate the rotor and / or stator chamber from the electronics receiving chamber, the electronics receiving section 54 has an electronics receiving base 58, which is preferably arranged as a partition wall within the second housing part 34.

[0029] The electronics housing 54 is preferably formed laterally by a circumferential electronics housing side wall 60. The electronics housing 54 thus has a substantially pot-shaped contour, in the interior of which the printed circuit board (PCB) 50 is arranged and which is closed by the electronics housing cover 56. The rotor and / or stator is preferably arranged at least partially in the side of the second pump housing part 34 facing away from the printed circuit board 50. The printed circuit board 50 is preferably inserted into the electronics housing section 54. The electronics housing section 54 is then closed with the electronics housing cover 56. The electronics housing base 58 is preferably arranged in a parting plane 62 and separates the electronics compartment from the rotor and / or stator compartment.

[0030] Preferably, the second housing part comprising the electronics receiving section 54 and the rotor and / or stator housing is formed in one piece, in particular as a plastic injection-molded part. Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, the second housing part 34 has a connection housing 80 with a plug connection 82. The plug connection 82 preferably serves to supply power to the fluid pump 10.

[0031] In Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a second housing part 34 in a plan view. Fig. 2 shows the top view of the electronics housing 54 of the electronics housing 52 without the electronics housing cover 56. As in Fig. 2, the electronics housing 54 has a substantially pot-shaped contour for receiving a printed circuit board 50. The electronics housing space is formed by an electronics housing base 58, which is preferably arranged as a partition wall within the second housing part 34, and a substantially circumferential electronics housing side wall 60. A connection element 80 with a connection housing 84 is arranged on the electronics housing 52. The connection housing 84 is preferably formed in one piece with the electronics housing 84. Preferably, the second housing part 34 is formed in one piece. Preferably, the electronics housing 52 and the connection housing 84 are made of plastic, in particular as a plastic injection-molded part. The connection element has, according to the Fig. 2, the connector housing 84 has three contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c. The contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c are preferably injection-molded onto the connection housing 84 and the electronics housing 52 using an injection molding process.

[0032] The contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c preferably each have a contacting section 102a, 102b, 102c, which protrude at least partially through the connection housing 84, so that they can be contacted by an electrical device, in particular a power supply connection. The contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c preferably also have a printed circuit board section 106a, 106b, 106c, which protrude at least partially through the electronics housing, in particular the electronics housing receiving base 58, so that they can be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 50. The contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c preferably further comprise a connecting section 104a, 104b, 104c, which is preferably arranged between the respective contacting section 102a, 102b, 102c and the circuit board section 106a, 106b, 106c and connects these sections to one another.Preferably, the contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c are each formed in one piece, in particular from an electrically conductive material.

[0033] In Fig. 3 shows a connection element 80 with a connection housing 84. According to the Fig. 3, the connection element 80 has three contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c, which are each formed at a distance from one another in the connection housing 84. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, the contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c are formed by injection molding from the plastic of the connection housing 84.

[0034] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the connection housing 84 has a guide contour 86 for coupling an electrical device. Preferably, the connection housing section 105a, 105b arranged between two adjacent contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c has at least one first creepage structure 110a, 110b. According to the Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, the first creepage structure 110a, 110b is formed as a recess, in particular as a substantially V-shaped recess. Preferably, the first creepage structure 110a, 110b of the terminal housing sections 105a, 105b is injection-molded onto the terminal housing 84 and is preferably formed from plastic.

[0035] According to the Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, the contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c are thus each arranged within, preferably centrally within, a creepage dome 112a, 112b, 112c. The creepage domes 112a, 112b, 112c preferably each have a substantially pyramidal shape. The creepage domes 112a, 112b, 112c are preferably co-formed by the V-shaped recess.

[0036] In Fig. 4a shows a section through a corresponding connection element 80. Between each of two adjacent contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c, which are arranged in a connection housing 84, a connection housing section 105a, 105b is arranged. The connection housing section 105a, 105b has a first creepage contour 110a, 110b. The creepage contour 110a, 110b is formed as a V-shaped recess. The V-shaped creepage contour 110a, 110b in the electrically insulating housing material advantageously increases the creepage path between the closely spaced contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c. The contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c each have a contacting section 102a, 102b, 102c which, according to an advantageous development of the invention, extend substantially in the axial direction, in particular substantially parallel to one another.

[0037] In Fig. 4b is an enlarged section A of Fig. 4a. As in Fig. 4b, the distance 120 between two adjacent contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c is smaller or shorter than the creepage path 122 of the first creepage structure 110a between the two adjacent contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c. The first creepage contour 110a has, according to the Fig. 4b, the V-shaped contour is substantially V-shaped. The V-shaped recess has, according to the Fig. 4b has two legs 124a, 124b. The V-shaped recess is preferably essentially isosceles.

[0038] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the distance 120 between two adjacent contact elements 100a, 100b, 100c is less than 3 mm, and the creepage path 122, i.e., the path on the surface of the housing material of the first creepage structure between the two adjacent contact elements 100a, 100b, 100c, is greater than 3 mm. According to an advantageous development of the invention, the legs 124a, 124b of the substantially V-shaped recess of the first creepage structure 110 have a length 125a, 125b greater than 1.5 mm.

[0039] The Fig. 5 shows an expanded section of a fluid pump containing the connection element 80 and parts of the adjacent electronics housing 52. According to a preferred embodiment of the fluid pump 10, the contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c are designed to have a contacting section 102a, 102b, 102c for electrically contacting the electrical equipment, a printed circuit board section 106a, 106b, 106c for contacting a printed circuit board 50 of the fluid pump 10, and a connecting section 202a, 202b, 202c between the printed circuit board section 106a, 106b, 106c and the contacting section 102a, 102b, 102c. The arrangement of the contacting section 102a, 102b, 102c in the connection housing 84 and the first creepage structure 110a, 110b in the area of ​​the contacting section 102a, 102b, 102c are already shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b has been described in more detail, which is why it will not be discussed further here.

[0040] The contacting elements 100a, 100b, 100c are preferably formed in one piece. As in Fig.As can be seen in Figure 5a, the circuit board section 106a, 106b, 106c is arranged in an electronics housing 52, in particular, it is overmolded by the latter. This has the advantage of minimizing the space required inside the fluid pump 10 and protecting the electronics. An electronics housing section 210a, 210b arranged between two adjacent circuit board sections 106a, 106b, 106c has a second creepage structure 220a, 220b. This second creepage structure 220a, 220b serves to maintain the necessary distance between electrical conductors and prevent breakdown of electrical fields. Preferably, the second creepage structure 220a, 220b is formed as a substantially V-shaped depression with two opposite legs 224a, 224b and a central portion 230a, 230b arranged between the legs 224a, 224b.

[0041] This shape ensures that the second creepage structure 220a, 220b has a sufficient distance. In the region of the central section 230a, 230b of the second creepage structure 220a, 220b, the electronics housing section 210a, 210b has a first creepage recess 240a, 240b, in particular a through-opening. This creepage recess 240a, 240b prevents the electric field from breaking through. The connecting section 202a, 202b of at least one contacting element 100a, 100b, 100c is at least partially arranged in a second creepage recess 250a, 250b.

[0042] The first creepage groove 240a, 240b serves to conduct the leakage current from the surface of the insulator to the interior of the housing. This prevents the leakage current from causing damage to the electronic components. The connecting section 202a, 202b is at least partially arranged in the second creepage groove 250a, 250b to reduce the leakage current. This ensures a secure connection and reduces the risk of damage caused by creepage currents. Overall, the creepage grooves 240a, 240b, 250a, 250b in the fluid pump ensure secure insulation and minimize the risk of leakage currents that could cause damage to the electronic components.

Claims

[1] Fluid pump (10), in particular a coolant pump in a vehicle, comprising a connection element (80), in particular a plug connection for at least one electrical operating means, in particular a power supply connection, wherein the connection element (80) has a plurality of mutually spaced contact elements (100a, 100b, 100c) which are arranged in an electrically insulating connection housing (84), characterized by in that, in order to increase the creepage path (122), at least one connection housing section (105a, 105b) arranged between two adjacent contacting elements (100a, 100b, 100c) has at least one first creepage structure (110a, 110b), in particular a depression and / or elevation. [2] Fluid pump (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the connection housing (84) is essentially at least partially made of plastic, wherein the contacting elements (110a, 100b, 100c) are formed so as to be tapered by the connection housing (84). [3] Fluid pump (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first creep structure (110a, 110b) is formed as a substantially U- and / or V-shaped depression. [4] Fluid pump (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the distance (120) between two adjacent contacting elements is smaller than the creepage path (122) of the first creepage structure (110a, 110b) between the two adjacent contacting elements (100a, 100b, 100c). [5] Fluid pump (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the distance (120) between two adjacent contacting elements (100a, 100b, 100c) is less than 3mm and the creepage path (122) of the first creeping structure (110a, 110b) between the two adjacent contacting elements (110a, 100b, 100c) is greater than 3mm, wherein preferably each leg (124a, 124b) of the substantially V-shaped depression of the first creeping structure (110a, 110b) has a length (126a, 125b) greater than 1.5mm. [6] Fluid pump (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the contacting elements (100a, 100b, 100c) are arranged within, preferably centrally within, a substantially pyramid-shaped creepage dome (112a, 112b, 112c). [7] Fluid pump (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least two, preferably at least three contacting elements (100a, 100b, 100c) are arranged in the connection housing (84), in particular in a connection housing (84) designed as a plug housing. [8] Fluid pump (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the contacting elements (100a, 100b, 100c) each have a contacting section (102a, 102b, 102c) for electrically contacting the electrical equipment, a printed circuit board section (106a, 106b) for contacting a printed circuit board (50) of the fluid pump (10) and a connecting section (202a, 202b) between the printed circuit board section (106a, 106b) and the contacting section (102a, 102b, 102c), wherein the printed circuit board section (106a, 106b) is arranged in an electronics housing (52), in particular is designed to be pointed. [9] Fluid pump (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an electronics housing section (210a, 210b) arranged between two adjacent circuit board sections (106a, 106b) has a second creepage structure (220a, 220b). [10] Fluid pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first creeping structure (110a, 110b) and the second creeping structure (220a, 220b) are formed substantially congruent in shape to one another, wherein the second creeping structure (220a, 220b) is preferably formed as a substantially V-shaped depression having two opposite legs (224a, 224b) and a central section (230a, 230b) arranged between the legs (224a, 224b). [11] Fluid pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in the region of the central section (230a, 230b) of the second creepage structure (220a, 220b) the electronics housing section (210a, 210b) has a first creepage recess (240a, 240b), in particular a creepage passage opening. [12] Fluid pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting section (202a, 202b) of at least one contacting element (100a, 100b, 100c) is arranged at least partially in a second creepage recess (250a, 250b).

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