Pump with rotary valve

Abstract

A pump assembly is disclosed that includes a pump including a pump housing having a fluid inlet. At least one fluid outlet extends from the pump housing. An impeller driven by a motor is mounted to the pump housing arranged to move fluid from the fluid inlet to the at least one fluid outlet. A valve rotatably mounted between the impeller and the at least one fluid outlet selectively controls the flow of fluid through the at least one fluid outlet.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[0001] The present disclosure is directed generally to pumps. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to pumps having integrated valves that facilitate control of flow from the pump. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Pumps for moving fluids such as coolants in vehicles are known and commonly used. One example is a cooling system with a water pump used for cooling various electrical components of the vehicle. These are hybrid or pure electric vehicles, because vehicles with an internal combustion engine do not have any electrical components that need to be cooled. Valves are used to ensure the distribution of the coolant throughout the cooling system. Each valve requires an electrically controlled actuator and a holder on the vehicle component, which results in high component costs. It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a pump with integrated valves that can control the flow from the pump through multiple outlets using a minimal set of components. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003]

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a pump having an integrated valve that facilitates control of flow from the pump. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In a first embodiment, a pump assembly is disclosed that includes a pump including a pump housing having a fluid inlet. At least one fluid outlet extends from the pump housing. An impeller driven by a motor is mounted to the pump housing arranged to move fluid from the fluid inlet to the at least one fluid outlet. A valve rotatably mounted between the impeller and the at least one fluid outlet selectively controls flow of fluid through the at least one fluid outlet.

[0005] In a second embodiment, a method is disclosed for controlling a pump assembly including a pump including a pump housing having a fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet extending from the pump housing, the method including moving a fluid from the fluid inlet to the at least one fluid outlet using an impeller driven by a motor, the method further including selectively moving a valve rotatably mounted between the impeller and the at least one fluid outlet to control the flow of fluid through the at least one fluid outlet.

[0006]

[0006] Other technical features may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, descriptions and claims.

[0007] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled pump assembly of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the pump assembly of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]

[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a pump section of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a valve member of the present disclosure; [Diagram 5]

[0012] 1 is a cross-sectional view through a valve member of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a valve member and actuator motor assembly of the present disclosure; [Figure 7A]

[0014] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pump assembly of the present disclosure with a valve member in a first position. [Figure 7B]

[0015] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pump assembly of the present disclosure with a valve member in a second position. [Figure 7C]

[0016] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pump assembly of the present disclosure with a valve member in a third position. [Figure 8]

[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view through a portion of an assembled pump assembly of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008]

[0018] The drawings discussed below in this patent document and the various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the invention are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the invention may be implemented in any type of appropriately configured device or system.

[0009]

[0019] An exemplary pump assembly includes a pump including a housing having an inlet, at least one outlet, and an impeller for moving a fluid from the inlet to the outlet. A pump motor drives the impeller to move the fluid, and a rotary valve between the impeller and the outlet selectively controls the flow of the fluid through the outlet.

[0010]

[0020] 1 illustrates an exemplary pump assembly 1 for pumping a fluid, such as a refrigerant, in a vehicle. As can be appreciated, the pump assembly 1 can be used in applications other than vehicles. The exemplary pump assembly 1 is an integrated pump and valve for selectively controlling flow from the pump assembly 1.

[0011]

[0021] Referring again to FIG. 1 and also to FIG. 2, pump assembly 1 includes pump motor section 2 and pump section 4. Pump motor section 2 includes motor housing 6 forming motor cavity 8 therein. Pump motor housing 6 supports pump motor 10, with motor shaft 12 mounted through opening 11 in pump motor mounting plate 13. Mounting plate 13 includes wall section 21 extending circumferentially from first face 22 of mounting plate 13. Wall section 21 includes groove 23 extending along an outer periphery of wall section 21. A resilient sealing element, such as O-ring 24, is positioned to be mounted within groove 23. Sealing member 14 is mounted within sealing seat 19 molded in mounting plate 13. Impeller 16 includes first and second vane plates 161 and 163 that house a plurality of impeller vanes therebetween. Impeller 16 is configured to be driven by motor shaft 12 to be rotatable within pump section 4. The pump motor 10 includes an electrical connection 17 that extends from a rear portion of the motor 10 through a rear portion of the motor housing 6. The electrical connection 17 is adapted to receive electrical power from a remotely located power source to energize and operate the pump motor 10.

[0012]

[0022] The mounting plate 13 is secured to the pump motor 10 using threaded fasteners 15, in this embodiment, that extend through holes in the mounting plate 13 and engage threaded holes 18 on the face of the pump motor 10. The mounting plate 13 and pump housing 31 are held together by the mounting plate 13 attached to mounting tabs 20 of the pump motor 10 located around the motor housing 6, with the wall 21 seated within the inner surface of the pump housing 31. An O-ring 24 seals the inner surface of the pump housing 31 to the wall 21. The mounting tabs 20 are aligned relative to one another to assemble and secure the motor section 2 to the pump section 4 using suitable fasteners (not shown). As can be appreciated, other types of fastening devices or techniques can be used to secure the pump section 4 and motor section 2 together.

[0013]

[0023] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the pump housing 31 of the pump section 4 is essentially cylindrically formed and includes a peripheral outer wall 32. A fluid inlet 36, e.g., a suction inlet for drawing in a fluid, in this embodiment a refrigerant, is centrally located with respect to the axis of rotation of the pump housing 31. The pump housing 31 also includes at least one fluid outlet for discharging the fluid from the pump section 4. In this embodiment, two fluid outlets 38, 39 are illustrated. A first fluid outlet 38 and a second fluid outlet 39 extend from the wall 32 and are axially offset from one another such that the centers of the fluid outlets 38, 39 are oriented at a 90 degree angle from the other in this embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the fluid outlets 38, 39 may be offset from one another at any other convenient angle. The fluid outlets 38, 39 are fluidly connected to a pump cavity 50.

[0014]

[0024] 2-5, an adjustable valve member 42 is positioned radially outside the impeller 16 and inside the pump cavity 50. The valve member 42 is positioned to adjustably direct fluid through the respective fluid outlets 38, 39. The valve member 42 is comprised of an annular valve element 41 having a wall 45 having an outer wall surface 49 and an inner wall surface 46, and a rectangular opening 44 extending through the wall 45. In this embodiment, the wall 45 of the valve element 41 is spiraled from a generally thick wall section at a first end 47 of the opening 44 to a generally thin wall section at a second end 48 of the opening 44. The impeller 16 is positioned to rotate inside the annular valve element 41 and the spiral inner wall surface 46. The pump housing 31 includes a stop member 52 extending into the cavity 50. The valve element 41 further includes a stop surface 40 located at the first end 47 of the opening 44.

[0015]

[0025] 4 and 5 show an exemplary valve member 42 separated from the pump housing 31. The exemplary valve member 42 of the present disclosure includes a cylindrical inlet member 47 located on the upper section 43 of the valve member 42. The upper section 43 of the valve member 42 further includes an annular outer surface 56 and an interior passageway 57 surrounded by an annular inner surface 58. The outer surface 56 of the upper section 43 includes an outer sealing assembly 25 comprised of first and second resilient sealing members 60, 61 spaced apart by a spacer 62. The outer sealing assembly 25 is located circumferentially around the periphery of the outer surface 56. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the passageway 57 further includes an inner sealing assembly 26 comprised of third and fourth sealing members 70, 71 spaced apart by a spacer 72. The inner sealing assembly 26 is located parallel to and diametrically opposite the outer sealing assembly 25. The outer and inner sealing assemblies are used to provide a fluid-tight seal between the valve member 42 and the pump housing 31.

[0016]

[0026] 8, the upper section 43 of the valve member 42 is positioned for assembly within an annular mounting cavity 150 formed inside the pump housing 31. The internal passage 57 receives the tubular portion 136 of the fluid inlet 36, which delivers low pressure fluid to the impeller 16. First and second sealing members 60, 61 seal against an inner surface 133 of the mounting cavity 150. Third and fourth sealing members 70, 71 seal against a face 138 of the mounting cavity 150. The sealing members 60, 61 and 70, 71 are comprised of O-rings made from a resilient material, such as, for example, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber.

[0017]

[0027] 4 and 5, the upper section 43 of the valve member 42 further includes an actuation ring 66 having a splined tooth gear band 81 mounted about the periphery of the outer surface 56. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the teeth of the gear band 81 are arranged to be mechanically connected to a worm gear member 84 mounted to a shaft 82 of an actuator motor 80. The valve member 42 is rotatable about a central axis A to regulate the flow of fluid from the pump cavity 50 to the fluid outlets 38, 39, as will be described in more detail below. In this regard, the valve member 42 may be considered to be a rotary valve.

[0018]

[0028] 1 and 6, an actuator motor 80 of the present disclosure is positioned to be housed within the actuator motor housing 5 of the pump section 4. The actuator motor housing 5 is integrally formed with the pump housing 31, such as by injection molding. The actuator motor 80 includes a motor shaft 82 attached to a worm gear member 84 that engages a gear band 81 of the actuation ring 66. Rotation of the gear band 81 by the worm gear 84 results in rotation of the valve member 42 about a central axis A.

[0019]

[0029] The actuator motor 80 is electrically connected to a remotely located controller through an electrical circuit section 85 on the rear face of the actuator motor 80 using an electrical connector (not shown). The controller selectively signals the actuator motor 80 to rotate the worm gear 84, thereby causing rotation of the valve member 42. As shown in FIG. 2, the actuator motor 80 is secured to the actuator motor housing 5 using fasteners 86 that engage threaded holes 87 located on the front face of the actuator motor 80, and a rear cover plate 88 is installed to cover the electrical section 85.

[0020]

[0030] In operation, rotation of the valve member 42 selectively positions the opening 44 to redirect fluid flow from the pump cavity 50 to either the first or second fluid outlets 38, 39, or simultaneously to both fluid outlets 38, 39, thereby controlling the discharge of fluid from the pump section 4.

[0021]

[0031] 7A-7C, the operation of the valve member 42 will now be described. As shown, the pump cavity 50 of the pump housing 31 includes an impeller 16 driven by the pump motor 10 to rotate within the valve member 42. The impeller 16 receives fluid from the fluid inlet 36 through a tubular portion 136 extending through a cavity 57 of the valve member 42. The impeller 16 drives the fluid introduced into the pump cavity 50. In FIG. 7A, the actuator 80 selectively rotates the actuation ring 66 of the valve member 42 in a counterclockwise direction to position the opening 44 in a first position aligned with the second fluid outlet 39. The stopper surface 40 located at the first end 47 of the opening 44 engages and stops in contact with the stopper member 52, providing a clear indication of the alignment of the opening 44 with the second fluid outlet 39. In the first position, the fluid driven by the impeller 16 is generally redirected through the first fluid outlet 39. The wall 45 of the valve member 42 blocks the first fluid outlet 38 , blocking the flow of fluid to the first fluid outlet 38 .

[0022]

[0032] 7B, fluid is expelled from the first fluid outlet 38 by the actuator 80 rotating the actuation ring 66 of the valve member 42 in a clockwise direction to a second position that aligns the opening 44 with the first fluid outlet 38. In the second position, an end portion of the second end 48 of the opening 44 engages and stops in contact with the stop member 52, providing a positive indication of the alignment of the opening 44 with the first fluid outlet 38. In the second position, fluid driven by the impeller 16 is directed generally through the first fluid outlet 38. The wall portion 45 blocks the second fluid outlet 39, blocking the flow of fluid to the second fluid outlet 39.

[0023]

[0033] In FIG. 7C, the actuator 80 selectively rotates the actuation ring 66 to position the opening 44 in a third position located between the first fluid outlet 38 and the second fluid outlet 39, causing the fluid driven by the impeller 16 to exit through both fluid outlets 38 and 39. FIG. 7C illustrates the opening 44 in a location where the fluid flow is shared between the fluid outlets 38, 39. That is, in the third position, the opening 44 allows approximately half of the volume of the fluid driven by the impeller 16 to exit through the first fluid outlet 38 and approximately the other half of the volume of the fluid to exit through the second fluid outlet 39. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other ratios of exit flow may be exited from the fluid outlets 38, 39 based on the location of the opening 44. For example, the actuator 80 may selectively rotate the actuation ring 66 to position the opening 44 to direct 60 percent of the fluid flow through the first fluid outlet 38 and 40 percent through the second fluid outlet 39. Thus, by controlling the position of opening 44, valve member 42 not only selectively controls which fluid outlet(s) fluid is discharged from, but also controls the amount of fluid discharged from both fluid outlets 38, 39.

[0024]

[0034] 8, a cross-sectional view through the assembled pump housing 31 is illustrated. This view shows the valve member 42 mounted within the pump housing cavity 50. The impeller 16 is illustrated positioned within the valve member 42 resting on the mounting plate 13. An annular skirt 165 having a centrally located cylindrical cavity 167 extends from the impeller 16 into the sealing seat 19. The cavity 167 is axially aligned with the opening 11 in the mounting plate 13. The inner diameter of the cavity 167 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the motor shaft 12. The motor shaft 12 of the pump motor 10 extends through the opening 11 and is press-fit into the cavity 167 to attach the impeller 16 to the motor shaft 12. The steel spring 141 biases the annular elastomeric wall portion 142 against a skirt portion 165 that surrounds the motor shaft 12 to create a fluid-tight seal between the wall portion 142 and the skirt portion 165 to prevent any fluid that may enter from the pump cavity 50 from reaching the pump motor 10.

[0025]

[0035] The pump housing 31 further includes an annular mounting cavity 150 defined in the wall 131 and extending into the interior of the pump housing 31. The mounting cavity 150 receives the upper section 43 of the valve member 42 therein. The mounting cavity 150 includes an upper annular bearing surface 152 and a lower annular bearing surface 154. An upper portion of the inner surface 58 of the valve member 42 intersects the upper bearing surface 152 and a lower portion of the inner surface 58 of the valve member 42 intersects the lower bearing surface 154.

[0026]

[0036] The mounting plate 13 further includes a shoulder 135 defined on the inner surface of the wall 21 located circumferentially around the mounting plate 13. A second shoulder 142 is circumferentially molded on the inner surface of the valve element 41. The shoulder 135 is positioned to receive a first vane 161 of the impeller 16 therein, and the shoulder 142 is positioned to receive a second vane 163 therein. The shoulders 135, 142 provide bearing surfaces to stabilize the rotation of the impeller 16.

[0027]

[0037] It may be advantageous to provide definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term "communicate" and its derivatives encompass direct and indirect communication. The terms "include" and "comprise" and their derivatives refer to open-ended inclusion. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning "and / or." The phrase "associated with" and its derivatives may mean "include," "be included within," "interconnect with," "contain," "be contained within," "connect to or with," "couple to or with," "be communicable with," "cooperate with," "interleave," "juxtapose," "be proximate to," "be bound to or with," "have," "have a property of," "have a relationship to or with," and the like. The phrase "at least one of," when used in conjunction with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and that only one item in the list may be required. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

[0028]

[0038] The description in this application should not be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is a required or critical element that must be included in the scope of the claims. The scope of the claimed subject matter is defined solely by the allowed claims. Moreover, no claim is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) against any of the appended claims or claim elements unless the precise words "means for" or "step for" are expressly used in a particular claim, followed by a participial phrase identifying the function. The use of terms such as "mechanism," "module," "device," "unit," "part," "element," "member," "apparatus," "machine," "system," or "controller" in the claims, but not limited thereto, is understood and intended to refer to structures known to those skilled in the art, as further modified or enhanced by features of the claims themselves, and is not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

[0029]

[0039] Although the present disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally related methods, modifications and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description of exemplary embodiments does not define or constrain the present disclosure. Other variations, substitutions and alterations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A pump assembly comprising: a pump including a pump housing having a fluid inlet; at least one fluid outlet extending from the pump housing; an impeller for moving fluid from the fluid inlet to the at least one fluid outlet; A motor for driving the impeller; a valve member rotatably mounted between the impeller and the at least one fluid outlet for selectively controlling fluid flow through the at least one fluid outlet; A pump assembly comprising:

2. The pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the valve member includes a valve element having an annular wall having at least one opening extending therethrough.

3. 3. The pump assembly of claim 2, wherein the valve element wall has an inner surface that convolutes like a spiral from a thicker wall section at a first end of the opening to a thinner wall section at a second end of the opening.

4. The pump assembly of claim 3 , wherein the impeller is disposed to rotate within a convoluted inner surface of the valve element that directs fluid flow from the fluid inlet through the opening.

5. The pump assembly of claim 2 , further comprising an actuation ring attached to the valve member, the actuation ring effecting movement of the valve member.

6. The pump assembly of claim 5 , wherein the actuation ring comprises a gear band.

7. 7. The pump assembly of claim 6, further comprising an actuator motor having a worm gear engaged with said gear band, said actuator motor driving said actuation ring to rotate said valve member and said valve element.

8. 8. The pump assembly of claim 7, wherein the pump assembly includes a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet, and the actuator motor selectively drives the valve element to rotatably move the valve element between a first position in which the first fluid outlet is blocked by a wall of the valve element and the opening is located at the second fluid outlet, and a second position in which the second fluid outlet is blocked by a wall of the valve element and the opening is located at the first fluid outlet.

9. The pump assembly of claim 8 , wherein the valve member is rotatably movable to a third position that positions the opening between the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet.

10. 9. The pump assembly of claim 8, wherein the pump housing further includes a stop member extending toward the valve element, the opening including a stop surface at a first end of the opening, and in the first position, the stop surface of the opening engages the stop member, and in the second position, an end portion of a second end of the opening engages the stop member.

11. The pump assembly includes: a pump motor mounting plate attached to the pump motor, the pump motor mounting plate including a wall portion located circumferentially around the pump motor mounting plate and defining a first shoulder; a second shoulder formed circumferentially on the inner surface of the valve element; Including, The impeller includes a first blade and a second blade, 2. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the first vane is fitted within the first shoulder and the second vane is fitted within the second shoulder.

12. The pump housing includes: An annular mounting cavity having an upper bearing surface and a lower bearing surface Including, The valve member further includes an interior cavity defined by an interior surface; 2. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein an upper portion of the valve member inner surface rotatably traverses the upper bearing surface and a lower portion of the valve member inner surface rotatably traverses the lower bearing surface.

13. The valve member is an annular upper section including the interior cavity and the inner surface, and further including an annular outer surface; an outer seal assembly positioned circumferentially around a periphery of the outer surface; an inner sealing assembly positioned circumferentially around a periphery of the inner surface, the inner sealing assembly positioned parallel to the outer sealing assembly; The pump assembly of claim 12 further comprising:

14. The assembly comprises: a motor shaft attached to the pump motor; a sealing seat formed on the pump motor mounting plate, the sealing seat having a sealing member mounted to the sealing seat; a skirt extending from the impeller into the sealing seat, the skirt including a cavity arranged to receive the motor shaft to drive the impeller, the sealing member sealing against the skirt; The pump assembly of claim 11 , comprising:

15. 1. A method for controlling fluid flow from a pump assembly including a pump including a pump housing having a fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet extending from the pump housing, the method comprising: moving fluid from the fluid inlet to the at least one fluid outlet using an impeller; Driving the impeller with a motor; selectively moving a valve member rotatably mounted between the impeller and the at least one fluid outlet to control fluid flow through the at least one fluid outlet. A method comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein selectively moving the valve member comprises positioning at least one opening in the valve member at a location between the impeller and the at least one fluid outlet to control the flow of the fluid through the at least one fluid outlet.

17. The method of claim 15 , wherein selectively moving the valve member comprises using an actuator motor to rotate the valve member.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the valve member has an inner surface that convolutes like a spiral from a thicker wall section at a first end of the opening to a thinner wall section at a second end of the opening.

19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the impeller is arranged to rotate inside the volute of the valve member.

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