Cooling pump assembly adjustable via cam element

Abstract

An adjustable cooling pump assembly (1) for a cooling system of an internal combustion engine comprises a pump body (2), a rotor (3), and a shaft (5) connected to the rotor (3) and designed to rotate it about an axis (XX). The pump assembly (1) includes adjusting means (10) suitable for adjusting the quantity of fluid moved by the rotor (3), comprising: (i) a locking element (100) movable along the axis (XX) between a closed position, in which it surrounds the rotor (3) and blocks the flow of cooling fluid, and an open position offset from the closed position, in which it allows the flow of fluid; (ii) a cam element (200) located in the pump body (2) such that the displacement of the locking element (100) corresponds to a movement of the cam element.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable cooling pump for a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine and a cooling circuit comprising the same.

[0002] In the field of automotive and motorcycle technology, solutions have been known for some time that deal with the regulation of the cooling process of the internal combustion engine and / or other components included in vehicles.

[0003] In particular, it is known that in some steps, such as starting the engine, cooling of the engine is not necessary or is required to a lesser extent.

[0004] The prior art discloses embodiments of adjustable pump assemblies in which the flow of a fluid is regulated by means of suitable regulating means, for example, by completely or partially blocking it. In particular, the regulating means comprise a blocking element suitable for placement between the rotor and the discharge channel of the pump assemblies, thereby completely or partially blocking the flow of fluid toward the discharge channel.

[0005] In other words, according to some known embodiments, the blocking elements are suitable for being arranged, as required, in a closed position in which they block the passage of the cooling liquid towards the discharge channel and an open position in which the passage of the cooling liquid is permitted.

[0006] In the state of the art, these blocking elements are often called “gate valves”.

[0007] The type of adjustment means and in particular the movement and adjustment of the positions of the locking elements is of particular importance in such pump groups in order to achieve effective and instantaneous adjustment of the circulation of the cooling liquid.

[0008] In the prior art, adjustment means for moving the locking elements include pneumatic systems that utilize pressurized or negatively compressed air. Prior art pump assemblies control or regulate the pressures and negative pressures by providing special chambers within their pump bodies that are suitable for pressurizing and negatively pressurizing the air.

[0009] DE 10 2008 006 451 A1 discloses a coolant pump with an integrated control valve for a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine, which has a pump housing, a control valve integrated into the pump housing for controlling or regulating a coolant flow through the cooling circuit, and an actuating member for actuating the control valve, wherein the delivery capacity of the coolant pump can be varied with the aid of the actuating member.

[0010] DE 10 2008 059 462 A1 discloses a radial pump with an impeller rotatably mounted in a housing, with a split ring slide which is designed to be axially movable between the impeller and an outlet region, wherein the split ring slide is rotatably mounted about the axis of the impeller and axially displaceably mounted in the housing, wherein a thread-like or ramp-like guide is arranged between the split ring slide and the housing and wherein the split ring slide is connected to a rotating device.

[0011] DE 102010 010 223 A1 describes a radial pump with an impeller mounted in a housing, with a split ring valve which is designed to be axially movable between the impeller and an outlet region, wherein at least one first sealing element is arranged between the split ring valve and the housing or a part fixed to the housing, wherein the first sealing element, in a closed position of the split ring valve, lies in sealing contact with a first sealing surface formed by the housing or the part fixed to the housing.

[0012] DE 102010 025 013 A1 describes a radial pump with an impeller mounted in a housing via a shaft, with a split ring valve designed to be axially movable between the impeller and an outlet area, and with an actuating element for actuating the split ring valve. A mechanical force deflection element is arranged between the actuating element and the split ring valve. To ensure reliable operation in the simplest possible manner, the split ring valve is secured against rotation, with a piston rod (12) of the actuating element preferably acting transversely on the force deflection element.

[0013] One problem associated with pump assemblies therefore concerns the movement of the locking elements, as well as the control and regulation of the pressures and negative pressures of the air within them. In other words, the pump assemblies must provide and control specific chambers within them, in which pressurized and / or negatively compressed air acts on the respective locking element throughout their operating life.

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable cooling pump assembly that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In other words, the pump assembly according to the present invention is capable of accomplishing the movement of the locking element using mechanical components, thus eliminating the need to provide airtight chambers within the pump body and a pneumatic system for moving the locking element within the pump assembly.

[0015] The object is achieved by the pump group claimed in claim 1 and the cooling circuit claimed in claim 13. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiment modifications in which further advantageous effects occur.

[0016] The subject of the present invention is described below in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is composed as follows.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a perspective view in separated parts showing the adjustable cooling pump to which the present invention relates, according to a possible embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b are two cross sections of the pump group of Fig. 1, in which the locking element included in the pump group is in an open position or in a closed position.

[0019] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b are two perspective views of the pump group of Fig. 1, in which the locking element included in the pump group is in an open position or in a closed position.

[0020] In the drawing introduced above, reference numeral 1 generally designates an adjustable cooling pump group according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0021] The adjustable cooling pump group 1 is suitable for circulating a predefined amount of coolant in a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine, for example, of a motor vehicle or motorcycle. The adjustable cooling pump group 1, to which the present invention relates, is suitable for regulating the flow of coolant to the engine and is particularly suitable for moving a predetermined amount of coolant as needed. In other words, the cooling pump group 1 allows the amount of circulating coolant to be adjusted depending on the temperature of the coolant and the operating phase or operating state of the engine (for example, depending on whether it is in the start-up phase or whether it is already in full operation).

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the pump assembly 1 comprises a pump body 2, which has at least one inlet channel upstream and one outlet channel downstream. The cooling fluid enters the pump body 2 from the inlet channel and then exits the outlet channel.

[0023] The pump group 1 further comprises a rotor 3 which is arranged in a rotor chamber 20 formed in the pump body 2 between the input channel and the output channel and is suitable for moving the cooling liquid towards the output channel.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the rotor 3 is of the radial type, wherein the input channel is joined to the radial rotor 3 at the front end, i.e. towards the center of rotation thereof, while the output channel is positioned tangentially thereto.

[0025] Preferably, the pumping group 1 comprises a shaft 5 connected to the rotor 3 and suitable for rotating it about an axis XX.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the rotor 3 is in practice connected to one end of the shaft 5, while at the other end drive means, such as a pulley and a belt and / or an electric motor (not shown), or directly an electric motor with adjustable rotation (not shown) are connected.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the pump 1 comprises, for regulating the flow towards the rotor 3, adjustment means 10 suitable for adjusting the flow of the cooling liquid moved by the rotor 3 towards the discharge channel, in other words suitable for regulating the circulation of the cooling liquid in the cooling circuit as a function of the cooling requirements of the engine and / or preferably as a function of the temperature of the cooling liquid.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the adjustment means 10 comprise a blocking element 100 which is displaceable along the axis XX between a closed position in which it surrounds the rotor 3 and blocks the passage of the cooling liquid towards the discharge channel, and an open position offset with respect to the closed position in which it allows the passage of the liquid.

[0029] Preferably, the locking element 100 is housed in the rotor chamber 20 and is adapted to be displaced within the same.

[0030] Preferably, the rotor chamber 20 comprises a locking element accommodation chamber 25 extending along the axis XX and adapted to receive the locking element 100 arranged in the open position.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the rotor chamber 25 is arranged on the opposite side to the input channel, for example behind the rotor 3.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking element 100 has an axially symmetric shape.

[0033] Preferably, the locking element 100 comprises a bottom wall 120 and a closure wall 110 extending axially at a height from the bottom wall 120 for defining a rotor housing 150 suitable for housing the rotor 3 when the locking element 100 is arranged in the closed position.

[0034] In other words, the locking element 100, in the closed position, is suitable for receiving the rotor 3 in order to be arranged between the rotor 3 and the dispensing channel, in particular with the closure wall 110.

[0035] This means that the blocking element 100 is suitable to be arranged with the closure wall 110 in a radial position between the rotor 3 and the discharge channel.

[0036] In other words, the locking element 100, which moves along the axis XX between the open position and the closed position, positions itself as a “dam” between the rotor 3 and the discharge channel.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking element 100 further comprises a lip 125, which preferably extends radially outward, for example, from the bottom wall 120. Preferably, the lip 125 is adapted, when the locking element 100 is in the closed position, to engage with a stop 251 of the locking element accommodation chamber 25 extending inside it. Preferably, the stop 251 also extends radially, but inwardly, i.e., toward the axis XX.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the adjustment means 10 comprise a cam element 200 such that a movement thereof corresponds to the displacement of the locking element 100.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the cam element 200 is adapted to rotate, wherein the rotation of the cam element 200 corresponds to the displacement of the locking element 100.

[0040] Preferably, the cam element 200 is housed in the pump body 2. Preferably, the cam element 200 is positioned around the shaft 5 on the opposite side to the input channel, for example, behind the rotor 3.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the cam element 200 is adapted to engage the locking element 100 at its bottom wall 120.

[0042] Preferably, the pump body 2 comprises an adjustment cavity 28 suitable for accommodating the cam element 200.

[0043] The adjustment cavity 28 is positioned along the axis XX on a side opposite to the rotor chamber 200, in other words on the side opposite to the input channel, in still other words behind the rotor 3.

[0044] Preferably, the adjustment cavity 28 comprises at least one opening 281 which allows communication between the adjustment cavity 28 and the rotor chamber 20 and, if applicable, the locking element accommodation chamber 25, that is to say, which allows engagement between the cam element 200 and the locking element 100.

[0045] Preferably, the cam element 200 has an annular extension and has its center on the axis XX.

[0046] Preferably, the cam element 200 extends 360° and has its center on the axis XX.

[0047] Preferably, the cam element 200 has a through cavity in its interior which is suitable for accommodating the shaft 5 in its interior.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the cam member 200 includes a contoured engagement side 201 including at least one protrusion 210 and at least one depression 220 for engaging the locking member 100 and moving it along the axis XX.

[0049] In other words, the locking element 100 is arranged in the closed or open position depending on the spatial position of the cam element 200 and therefore the position of the elevation 210.

[0050] Preferably, the engagement side 201 comprises a plurality of elevations 210.

[0051] Preferably, in the embodiment in which the cam element 200 has a ring shape, the protrusions 210 are mutually equally spaced angularly. Preferably, the number of protrusions 210 is 3.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the adjustment means 10 comprises engagement means 400 positioned between the cam element 200 and the locking element 100 suitable for enabling mutual engagement between the cam element 200 and the locking element 100.

[0053] In other words, the engagement means 400 are adapted to be positioned between the cam element 200 and the locking element 100 and thus to transmit the movement of the cam element 200 to the locking element 100 in order to effect the movements thereof described above.

[0054] Preferably, the engagement means 400 are adapted to move parallel to the axis XX.

[0055] The engagement means 400 are adapted to extend at a height through the openings 281 of the mounting cavity 28 and therefore to be displaced parallel to the axis XX depending on the positioning of the cam element 200.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, the engagement means 400 comprise at least one engagement pin 401, which is preferably attached to the locking element 100 in such a way that both move synchronously along the axis XX under the action of the movement, preferably in the form of a rotation, of the cam element 200.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the engagement pin 401 comprises an engagement end 411 adapted to engage with the cam member 200 and in particular the engagement side 201 thereof.

[0058] The engaging end 411 of the pin 401 is therefore acted upon depending on the position of the cam element 200 and is displaced depending on the engagement of the engaging end 411 with the projections 210 or the recesses 220.

[0059] In other words, the pin 401 extending across the opening 281 has its engaging end 411 disposed in the adjustment cavity 28, while the other opposite end, referred to as the locking end 412, is disposed in the rotor chamber 20 and is particularly attached to the locking member 100, preferably to the bottom wall 120 thereof.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the number of engagement pins 401 is the same as the number of protrusions 210, so that each pin 401 is acted upon by a respective protrusion 210.

[0061] Preferably, when the engagement pins 401 engage or are engaged by the respective protrusions 210, the locking element 100 is arranged in the closed position. This is in contrast to those embodiments in which the engagement pins 401 engage or are engaged by the surfaces of the recesses 220, in which case the locking element 100 is positioned in the open position.

[0062] In other words, the contour or outline and pattern of the engagement side 201 are designed such that a protrusion 210 protrudes from the recess 220. As a result, in the vicinity of the protrusion 210, the space within the adjustment cavity 28 for the engagement means 400 is smaller than the space otherwise present in the vicinity of the recess 220.

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, the adjustment means 400 further comprise elastic means 402 acting on the engagement pin 401 to hold the locking element 100 in an open position.

[0064] In other words, the elastic means 402 are adapted to act on the engagement pin 401 in such a way that, when there is no axial loading by a protrusion 210, a displacement occurs in the space within the adjustment cavity 28 within the recess 220.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, an elastic means 402, such as a spring, is arranged on each pin 401.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, the elastic means 402 are accommodated in the adjustment cavity 28.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the cam element 200 comprises, opposite or opposite to the engagement side 201, a control or regulating side 202 which can be actuated in such a way that it sets the cam element 200 in movement, preferably in rotation.

[0068] In some embodiments, the rotation of the cam element 200 is enabled by the presence of a bearing 250. Preferably, the bearing 250 is disposed between the pump body 2 and the cam element 200 to enable rotation of the cam element 200 relative to the pump body 2. Preferably, the bearing 250 is also housed in the adjustment cavity 28.

[0069] Preferably, the pump group 1 comprises actuating means 30 for moving the cam element 200.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the actuating means 30 comprise an actuating rod 300 which is linearly displaceable upon instruction.

[0071] In particular, on the control or regulating side 202, the cam element 200 comprises a protruding control or regulating pin 222 that can be connected to the actuating rod 300. As a result, a displacement of the actuating rod 300 corresponds to a movement of the cam element 200, for example, a rotation about the axis XX.

[0072] Preferably, the pump group 1 comprises the actuating means 30, which are arranged on the outside of the pump body 2, that is to say, for example, fixed or fastened thereto on the outside.

[0073] In some embodiments, the pump group 1 also comprises detection means sensitive to the temperature of the liquid, wherein the actuating means 30 are operatively connected to the detection means such that they move the cam element and the locking element according to the detected temperature.

[0074] In other words, the detection means are adapted for at least a portion thereof to be in contact with the cooling liquid, which in turn is under the influence of the temperature thereof.

[0075] Depending on the temperature experienced by the detection means, the positioning of the blocking element 100 in a preferred position is controlled or regulated by the actuating means 30 under the direct action of the cam element 200, thereby enabling, partially enabling or preventing the passage of the cooling liquid towards the discharge channel.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the actuating means comprise mechanical, electrical or pressure / negative pressure based systems adapted to act on the actuating rod 300 to move it transversely.

[0077] The present invention also relates to a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine comprising an adjustable cooling pump group 1 according to the above description.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the pump group 1 further comprises special sealing elements that are particularly suitable for preventing the cooling fluid from leaking out of the rotor chamber 20. In particular, a special seal is fitted to each opening 281 to minimize or prevent the cooling fluid from leaking between the rotor chamber 20 and the adjustment cavity 28. In any case, the leakage is already further limited by the engagement of the locking element 100, for example, with the lip 125 thereof, with the walls of the rotor chamber 20.

[0079] In still other embodiments, a membrane, for example elastically deformable, is accommodated within the adjustment cavity 28 and is suitable for being arranged between the cam element 200 and the engagement means 400 in order to minimize or prevent the leakage of the cooling liquid into the adjustment cavity 28 or, in some embodiments, outside thereof in order to retain any cooling liquid that has leaked therein.

[0080] Preferably, embodiments are also provided in which more than one discharge channel is present within the pump body 2, as a result of which the blocking element 100 in such embodiments is suitable for blocking or partially blocking the flow of the cooling liquid towards the discharge channels.

[0081] What is new is that the cooling pump group and the cooling circuit in which it is used are suitable for solving the problems of the state of the art described at the beginning.

[0082] Advantageously, in the cooling pump group according to the present invention, the regulation of the flow of the liquid is not carried out by means of a blocking element moved by pressurized and negatively compressed air, but in such a way that the movement of the blocking element is effected mechanically.

[0083] A further advantageous aspect arises from the fact that the pump proves to be extremely flexible, for example with regard to its installation. In particular, the pump group is suitable for being adapted to and controlled by a variety of control systems and units. In other words, the pump group is suitable for being connected to control systems and units of all types, such systems and units being suitable for controlling the movement of the cam element, for example by moving the actuating rod. Advantageously, regardless of the type of control systems and units, the locking element can be moved into the open and closed positions.

[0084] A further advantageous aspect is the fact that the control systems or units may be capable of controlling the movement of the cam element and thus of the locking element into a preferred intermediate position between the closed position and the open position.

[0085] Advantageously, in the pump assembly according to the present invention, the interaction between the cam member and the locking member enables accurate movement and positioning of the locking member even over time.

[0086] A further advantage is that the production of the pump body is greatly simplified.

[0087] A further advantage is the minimization of the phenomenon of coolant leakage, which is usually a disadvantage in state-of-the-art solutions.

[0088] Another advantageous aspect is the simplicity and economy of the pump group according to the present invention.

[0089] Advantageously, as a result of the special sealing means between the locking element and the cam element, the leakage of the coolant is minimized or completely prevented, so that the cam element never comes into contact with the coolant and is therefore not exposed to wear or destruction.

[0090] A person skilled in the art may modify the above-described embodiments of the cooling pump assembly and cooling circuit to meet specific requirements by replacing elements with other functionally equivalent elements. Such modifications are also within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

[0091] In addition, any modification described as belonging to one possible embodiment may be practiced independently of the other embodiments described herein.

Claims

[1] Adjustable cooling pump group (1) suitable for moving a predefined quantity of cooling liquid for a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine, comprising: a pump body (2) comprising an input channel and an output channel and extending along an axis (XX), further comprising a rotor chamber (20) between the input channel and the output channel and an adjustment cavity (28) positioned along the axis (XX) on a side opposite or opposite to the rotor chamber (20); a rotor (3) suitable for moving the cooling liquid towards the discharge channel; a shaft (5) connected to the rotor (3) and suitable for rotating the rotor about the axis (XX); Adjusting means (10) suitable for adjusting the amount of cooling liquid moved towards the discharge channel by the rotor (3) and comprising: (i) a blocking element (100) housed in the rotor chamber (20) and displaceable along the axis (XX) between a closed position in which it surrounds the rotor (3) and blocks the passage of the cooling liquid to the discharge channel, and an open position offset with respect to the closed position in which it allows the passage of the liquid; (ii) a cam element (200) housed in the adjustment cavity (28) positioned on the opposite side to the input channel behind the rotor (3) and around the shaft (5) such that the displacement of the locking element (100) corresponds to a rotation of the cam element (200); wherein the adjustment cavity (28) comprises at least one opening (281) to allow communication between the adjustment cavity (28) and the rotor chamber (20) and optionally a locking element accommodation chamber (25) allowing engagement of the cam element (200) and the locking element (100). [2] Cooling pump group (1) according to claim 1, wherein the rotor chamber (20) comprises a locking element accommodation chamber (25) extending along the axis (XX) on the side opposite to the input channel behind the rotor (3) and suitable for receiving the locking element (100) arranged in the open position. [3] Cooling pump group (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (100) having an axially symmetric shape comprises: a bottom wall (120) suitable to be engaged by the cam element (200), and a closure wall (110) extending axially at a height from the bottom wall (120) for defining a rotor housing (150) suitable for housing the rotor (3) when the locking element (100) is arranged in the closed position. [4] Cooling pump group (1) according to claim 3, wherein the locking element (100) comprises a lip (125) extending outwardly, for example, from the bottom wall (120) and, when the locking element (100) is in the closed position, is adapted to engage an abutment (251) of the locking element accommodation chamber (25) extending inwardly therefrom. [5] Cooling pump group (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cam element (200) has an annular extension and has its center on the axis (XX), thereby identifying a shaped engagement side (201) comprising at least one elevation (210) and at least one depression (220) for engaging the locking element (100) and moving it along the axis (XX), and an instruction side (202) suitable for being actuated so as to set the cam element (200) in movement, preferably in rotation. [6] Cooling pump group (1) according to claim 5, wherein the engagement side (201) comprises a plurality of elevations (210) which are equally spaced from one another in terms of angle. [7] Cooling pump group (1) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the number of elevations (210) is 3. [8] Cooling pump group (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment means (10) comprise engagement means (400) positioned between the cam element (200) and the locking element (100), preferably passing through the apertures (281) of the adjustment cavity (28) and capable of displacement parallel to the axis (XX), where they engage on one side with the locking element (100) and on the other with the cam element (200). [9] Cooling pump group (1) according to claim 8, wherein the engagement means (400) comprise: at least one engagement pin (401) mounted on the locking element (100) such that both move synchronously along the axis (XX) upon rotation of the cam element (200), and elastic means (402) acting on the engagement pin (401) to hold the locking element (100) in the open position. [10] Cooling pump group (1) according to claim 9, wherein the engagement pin (401) comprises an engagement end (411) suitable for engagement with the cam element (200) and in particular the engagement side (201) thereof, to be arranged in offset depending on the engagement of the engagement end (411) with the projections (210) or the recesses (220). [11] Cooling pump group (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the number of engagement pins (401) is equal to the number of projections (210), wherein when the engagement pins (401) are engaged with the respective projections (210), the locking element (100) is arranged in the closed position, whereas when the engagement pins (401) are engaged with the recesses (220), the locking element (100) is arranged in the open position. [12] Cooling pump group (1) according to one of claims 5 to 11, comprising actuating means (30) for moving the cam element (200), wherein the actuating means (30) comprises an actuating rod (300) which is linearly displaceable on instruction, and the cam element (200) comprises on the instruction side (202) a projecting instruction pin (222) which is connectable to the actuating rod (300). [13] Cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine, comprising a cooling pump group (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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