PUMP WITH ELECTRONICS HOUSING MOUNTED ON THE MOTOR HOUSING

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pump comprising a drive motor with a motor housing and at least one electronics housing, wherein a flat intermediate piece is inserted between the electronics housing and the motor housing of the drive motor.

[0002] Modern pumps, especially centrifugal pumps, are often operated with variable speed control. The control and regulation electronics required for this are becoming increasingly complex and are often housed within a separate electronics housing, which is attached to the circumference or front of the motor housing. Motor operation requires an electrical connection between the electronics and the motor, especially the stator. The corresponding cable connections must be adequately sealed from the environment to prevent short circuits and cable corrosion. At the same time, however, the pump assembly process should be kept as simple as possible.

[0003] Pump development must also take into account the European Union's requirement for well-thought-out recycling concepts to avoid electronic waste. Current heating circulating pumps are designed so that if a component, such as the electronics, fails, the entire pump head—that is, the drive motor, impeller, and electronics—must always be replaced. However, it is desirable that future pump designs allow for easy replacement of individual components, such as the electronics.

[0004] The document DE10005505A1 discloses an electronics housing for an electrically driven pump and the document DE102019206641A1 discloses an electric brake motor with a contact device.

[0005] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to demonstrate a new design concept that allows the simplest possible connection between the electronics housing and the motor housing.

[0006] This object is achieved by a pump according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the pump are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the invention, a flat intermediate piece is inserted between the electronics housing and the motor housing. This intermediate piece has one or more metal inserts extending through the intermediate piece and providing an electrical connection between the electronics housing and the drive motor. The intermediate piece thus forms a type of connection adapter for the electrical contact between the drive motor and the pump electronics for controlling or regulating the motor. At the same time, the intermediate piece can also form a mechanical connection adapter.

[0008] To simplify the assembly process when attaching the electronics housing to or on the motor housing, it can be provided to first attach the intermediate piece to the motor housing. In order to ensure that the embedded metal inserts of the intermediate piece come into contact with the corresponding connections in the motor housing without any problems, the intermediate piece has an opening in the area of ​​at least one metal insert to form a viewing window. Through this viewing window, the fitter can observe and check the position of the metal inserts of the intermediate piece relative to the connection points in the motor housing, i.e. the viewing window offers the fitter direct visual contact without additional aids to the metal inserts as they are brought closer to the corresponding connections in the motor housing until they are connected or contacted. The following description mainly refers to the case in which the intermediate piece is first mounted on the motor housing.However, the basic idea of ​​the invention, which involves providing the viewing window, is also applicable to an embodiment of the invention that provides for upstream mounting of the intermediate piece on the electronics housing. The following explanations therefore also apply to such an embodiment.

[0009] One or more metal inserts can be arranged side by side, extending, in particular, parallel to each other through the spacer. Arrangement along a common circular line or a straight line is possible, but the metal inserts can also be offset from each other in the radial direction of the circular spacer. The circular shape of the spacer is useful when the spacer is used for attachment to the front face of the motor housing. The radius of the spacer is logically adapted to the radius of the front face.

[0010] The one or more metal inserts preferably serve to extend the stator terminals of the electric motor. In the case of a three-phase electric motor, for example, exactly three metal inserts are provided. These are preferably arranged next to each other on a circular line and extend parallel to each other from the motor housing toward the electronics housing.

[0011] Optionally, the spacer provides an additional sealing effect to seal the interface area between the motor and electronics housing from the environment. In particular, additional sealing elements can be inserted between the motor housing and the spacer and / or the spacer and the electronics housing. Suitable grooves are ideally provided on the motor housing and / or the spacer and / or the electronics housing for inserting the sealing elements. For example, sealing elements or sealing rings can be inserted into an annular groove near the outer circumference of the motor housing front face and / or the spacer and / or the electronics housing.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an apron can project from at least one side of the intermediate piece. In particular, the apron extends parallel to at least one metal insert. Ideally, this apron extends between the metal insert and the peripheral edge of the intermediate piece. During assembly of the intermediate piece, the apron protrudes into the interior of the motor housing or the electronics housing. The apron provides separate protection for the exposed metal inserts. For example, the apron can electrically insulate the one or more metal inserts, in particular from the electrically conductive wall of the motor housing.

[0013] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one support element projects from the side of the intermediate piece facing the electronics housing, which serves as a bearing point for receiving at least one component of the electronics housing, in particular for receiving at least one circuit board. The one or more metal inserts can extend within the support element or be embedded within a wall of the support element, wherein the one or more metal inserts are exposed at the outer end of the support element for contacting corresponding connection points in the electronics housing.

[0014] The female part of the metal inserts of the intermediate piece, preferably the one for connecting the motor, can be designed as flat plug receptacles that can be plugged onto matching flat plugs in the motor housing. However, it is equally conceivable for the metal inserts to form flat plugs at the ends that can be plugged into the matching flat plug receptacles within the motor connection.

[0015] It is particularly advantageous if the width of the flat plug receptacles, i.e. the width of the sleeve, is larger than the width of the corresponding flat plugs. The sleeve width is preferably in the range of 5%-20%, more preferably in the range of 7%-15%, larger than the width of the flat plugs. The larger dimensioning results in a certain play between the sleeve and plug, so that certain deviations in the relative position of the flat plugs or flat plug receptacles to the motor housing can be compensated for. For example, it can happen that the connections of the electric motor are offset by a certain angle around the motor axis of rotation from the expected standard position. Such an offset can be compensated to a certain extent by the resulting play.

[0016] To connect the electronics housing to the motor housing, the electronics housing is attached to the intermediate piece already mounted on the motor side. The electronics housing can be constructed in several parts. During pump assembly, the base part of the electronics housing is first attached. In the next step, at least one electronics board is inserted into the base part, simultaneously making contact with the metal inserts of the intermediate piece.

[0017] To simplify the connection step between the intermediate piece and the electronics housing, one or more centering pins can be provided, projecting from the side of the intermediate piece facing the electronics housing. These pins can be inserted through suitable holes in the base of the electronics housing. Ideally, the centering pins are located in the area of ​​the metal inserts; more preferably, they are part of the support element.

[0018] If the centering pins are sufficiently long, they can also be used to pre-center the electronic board by being able to pass through holes in the board.

[0019] The base part of the electronics housing can be a heat sink and made of a thermally conductive material, particularly aluminum. In this case, the intermediate piece provides thermal and electrical decoupling between the motor housing and the electronics housing.

[0020] The electronics housing component, particularly the heat sink, can be secured to the electric motor using one or more screw connections, which, starting from the base, can be screwed through aligned holes in the spacer into matching threads on the front of the motor. To ensure access to the screw connections even when the circuit board is in place, the circuit board can be provided with openings that allow access to the screw heads even when the circuit board is installed. This allows the electronics housing to be removed from the drive motor without removing the circuit board. It also ensures the installation of a new electronics housing including the electronics, whereby the electronics housing and circuit board can already be pre-assembled.

[0021] The pump is preferably a centrifugal pump, particularly preferably an inline pump. The pump can be designed as a wet-running pump and / or a heating circulation pump.

[0022] Further advantages and features of the invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment shown in the individual figures. They show: Figures 1a to 1c: different views of the intermediate piece of a pump according to the invention, Figures 2 to 5: perspective side views of the pump according to the invention during the assembly process and Figure 6: a sectional view in the connection area between the motor housing and the electronics housing with the intermediate piece inserted.

[0023] The Figures 1a to 1c show different perspective views of the intermediate piece 10 to be inserted between the motor housing 1 and the electronics housing 2. Figure 1a shows a top view of the underside of the circular intermediate piece 10, which in the assembled position rests against the front side of the motor housing 1. In the two Figures 1b and 1c the top side of the intermediate piece can be seen, on which the electronics housing 2 is placed.

[0024] The intermediate piece 10 is made of a thermally and electrically non-conductive material, for example, plastic. At least three metal inserts 15 are embedded in the intermediate piece 10, by means of which an electrical connection is to be provided between the electrical connections of the stator in the motor housing 1 and the pump electronics within the electronics housing 2. The corresponding connection points for connecting the stator connections represent the female part of a plug connection and are designed as flat plug sleeves 15a, which are connected to corresponding flat plugs 1a of the stator (see Figure 6 ) inside the motor housing 1.

[0025] Between the outer edge of the intermediate piece 10 and the metal inserts 15, an apron 11 extends vertically from the upper side of the intermediate piece and parallel to the flat plug sleeves 15a in the direction of the motor housing 1. The apron projects beyond the free end of the flat plug sleeves 15a and, when the intermediate piece 10 and the motor housing 1 are joined, dips into the interior of the motor housing 1, whereby the flat plug sleeves 15a are simultaneously insulated from the housing wall of the motor housing 1.

[0026] A further apron 12 is located on a circular radius slightly offset from the apron 11, but also extends parallel to the apron 12 vertically from the surface of the intermediate piece 10 in the direction of the motor housing 1. The apron 12 also dips into the motor housing and serves to insulate the star switching point of the motor.

[0027] The two locking lugs 17, offset by 180°, penetrate the corresponding openings 1b during assembly on the motor housing 1 and engage with matching locking edges inside the housing, ensuring that the intermediate piece 10 is securely locked in position on the motor housing 1. The holes 19 serve to pass through screws for additional fixation.

[0028] On the top side of the intermediate piece 10, which is in the Figures 1b and 1cAs shown, a support element 13 extends perpendicularly from the intermediate piece surface. This support element is formed by two radially offset and parallel walls 13a, 13b and ribs 13c extending therebetween. Within the outer wall 13b, the metal inserts 15 run parallel to each other. At the free end of the support element 13, the metal inserts 15 protrude from the wall 13b and form exposed flat plugs 15b for contacting matching slots 23 of the electronic circuit board 20.

[0029] The support element 13 serves to protect and stabilize the metal inserts 15. Pin-like extensions are provided at the edges, forming a total of three centering pins 14 that are inserted through matching holes in the circuit board 20 and center it within the housing 2. The centering pins 14 are also stabilized and protected by the support element. Optionally, the support element can also be used to hold and store the electronic circuit board 20.

[0030] Another centering pin 18 is offset by 180° from the support element 13 and also extends in the direction of the electronics housing 2. This positioning pin 18 serves to center the attached electronics housing 2, which in this case is formed from a heat sink resting on the intermediate piece 10 and a housing cover (not shown). The heat sink forms the base part of the electronics housing. The positioning pin 18 penetrates the heat sink resting on the intermediate piece 10 and extends into the interior of the electronics housing 2. The heat sink includes an opening through which the support element 13 can extend into the interior of the housing. Together with the positioning pin 18, the support element 13 ensures precise alignment of the electronics housing 2 with the intermediate piece 10 and indirectly with the motor housing 1.

[0031] The intermediate piece 10 further comprises a radially inner opening 16 to the support element 13 as a viewing opening, through which the fitter can see the flat piece sleeves 15a and check the connection with the flat plugs 1a when placing the intermediate piece 10 on the motor housing 1.

[0032] The assembly process is chronologically divided into Figures 2 to 5 shown. Figure 2shows the hydraulic part 3 of the pump 3 according to the invention, which is exemplified here as a heating circulation pump. The drive motor 1 is connected to the hydraulic part 3 via four screw connections. It can be seen here that a recess with the exposed flat plugs 1a of the stator is provided on the front side of the motor housing 1. The intermediate piece 10, whose circular surface is adapted to the front side of the electric motor housing 1, is then placed on the front side of the motor housing 1, with the flat plug sleeves 15a of the intermediate piece 10 being plugged onto the flat plugs 1a of the stator, which the installer can check through the viewing window 16.

[0033] At the same time, the apron 11 is inserted into the recess of the motor housing 1 and simultaneously ensures electrical insulation of the contact points created between the stator and the intermediate piece 10 from the metallic motor housing wall.

[0034] A key aspect is that the width of the flat piece sleeves 15a is larger than the width of the flat plugs 1a, ensuring sufficient clearance and thus assembly tolerance when assembling the intermediate piece 10 and the electric motor housing 1. In particular, deviations in the actual position of at least one of the flat plugs from a standard position relative to the motor housing 1 can be compensated for.

[0035] If the intermediate piece 10 is placed on the front side of the motor housing 1, the heat sink of the electronics housing 2 can be mounted on the intermediate piece 10.

[0036] Again Figure 4 As can be seen, the support element 13 extends through a precisely fitting opening in the bottom of the heat sink, so that the heat sink as well as the corresponding contact points 15b for the stator connection are freely located in the interior of the heat sink.

[0037] The electronics board 20 can then be inserted into the heat sink 2, which is simplified by the centering pins 14 inserted through the holes in the board 20. Furthermore, the electronics board 20 rests on the support element 13.

[0038] With the board 20 inserted, screws can be screwed through the holes 22 of the electronics board 20 into the threads 1b of the motor housing through the holes of the heat sink and the intermediate piece 10, whereby the entire electronics housing 2 can be screwed to the motor housing 1. Figure 6shows another sectional view along the motor axis in the area of ​​the connection point between the electronics housing 2 and the motor housing 1. The closed contact points between the flat plugs 1a and the flat plug sleeves 15a of the intermediate piece 10 can be seen here. On the other side, the flat plugs 15b of the intermediate piece 10 are plugged into corresponding contact points 23 of the circuit board 20, so that electrical contact between the stator and the electronics is ensured.

[0039] A further advantage, in addition to the simplified assembly of the entire pump assembly, is that in the event of a defect in the electronics, the circuit board 20 along with the electronics housing 2 can be easily removed from the motor by unscrewing the screws and replaced with a spare part. Due to the simplified plug connection and the use of the intermediate piece 10, such a replacement of the electronics board or the entire electronics housing is theoretically possible even for non-technical personnel, because with the inventive assembly, the circuit board does not have to be removed separately; instead, the entire electronics housing, including the integrated circuit board, is replaced.The pre-centering of the electronics housing by the support element 13 and the circuit board 20 already contained in the electronics housing by means of the centering pins 14 ensures that the flat plugs 15b of the intermediate piece 10 are properly inserted into the contact points 23 of the circuit board 20.

Claims

1. Pump comprising a drive motor having a motor housing (1) and comprising at least one electronics housing (2), wherein a flat intermediate piece (10) is inserted between the electronics housing (2) and the motor housing (1) of the drive motor, characterized in that the intermediate piece (10) has one or more integrated metal inserts (15) which extend through the intermediate piece (10) and provide an electrical connection between the electronics housing (2) and the drive motor, wherein the intermediate piece (10) has a viewing window (16) in the region of at least one metal insert (15) in order to allow sight of the contact closure of the at least one metal insert (15) with the corresponding connection (1a, 23) of the drive motor or the electronics inside the electronics housing (2) when fitting the intermediate piece (10) on the motor housing (1) or the electronics housing (2).

2. Pump according to Claim 1, characterized in that several metal inserts (15) are arranged next to each other on a circular line or a straight line.

3. Pump according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate piece (10) is a flat, circular plate, which is arranged on an end face of the motor housing (1).

4. Pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a skirt (11, 12) projects from at least one side of the intermediate piece (10), in particular parallel to at least one metal insert (15).

5. Pump according to Claim 4, characterized in that the at least one skirt (11, 12) protrudes into the motor housing (1) or the electronics housing (2).

6. Pump according to Claim 5, characterized in that the at least one skirt (11) protrudes into an opening in the motor housing (1), as a result of which the corresponding connection (1a, 15a) in the motor housing (1) is electrically insulated from a wall of the motor housing.

7. Pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal inserts (15) form female or male plug-in connections (15a), in particular flat plug-in sleeves or flat plugs, for connection to the corresponding connection of the motor housing (1), wherein the width of the flat plug-in sleeve is preferably between 5%-20%, in particular 7% to 15%, greater than the width of the corresponding flat plug (1a).

8. Pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more centring pins (14), which are guided through corresponding holes in an electronics board (20), project from the side of the intermediate piece (10) facing the electronics housing (2).

9. Pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one supporting element (13), which extends through a recess of the electronics housing bottom into the interior of the electronics housing (2) and optionally forms a bearing point for receiving an electronics board (20), is formed on the side of the intermediate piece (10) facing the electronics housing (2), wherein the one or more metal inserts (15) are preferably embedded in a wall (13b) of the supporting element (13) and exit at the free end of the supporting element.

10. Pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronics housing (2) at least partially consists of a metallic heat sink, wherein the heat sink can be fitted on the motor housing (1) and thermal and / or electrical insulation is provided between the motor housing (1) and the heat sink by means of the intermediate piece (10).

11. Pump according to Claim 10, characterized in that the electronics housing (2), in particular the heat sink, is connected by means of one or more screws which are guided through the intermediate piece (10), wherein the screw heads are ideally accessible through holes (22) within the circuit board (20), so that disassembly of the heat sink is possible with the circuit board (20) inserted.

12. Pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump is a centrifugal pump, preferably an in-line pump, particularly preferably a heating circulation pump.