Drainage pump
The drainage pump design addresses the issue of contact noise by using pressing sections to stabilize the cover and housing in both axial and radial directions, effectively reducing noise from snap-fit vibrations.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FUJIKOKI MFG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-01
AI Technical Summary
The snap-fit structure in drainage pumps, where the cover and housing are engaged in the axial direction of the rotary impeller, fails to suppress axial relative movement, leading to potential contact noise due to vibrations from motor rotation, especially when there is an axial gap in the snap-fit part.
A drainage pump design that includes a housing portion with pressing sections that press the sealing component in both axial and radial directions, suppressing relative movement between the cover and housing, thereby reducing contact noise from the snap-fit portion.
The design effectively suppresses contact noise from the snap-fit part by stabilizing the cover and housing through axial and radial pressing, even during motor vibrations.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drainage pump.
Background Art
[0002] In a drainage pump, a rotary impeller that sucks up water by being rotated by a motor and discharges it to the outside is housed in a pump chamber, and a structure is disclosed in which a cover and a housing that constitute the pump chamber are coupled to each other by a snap fit (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2010-275972 and 2013-167234). The water tightness between the cover and the housing is ensured by a seal part (O-ring).
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0003] The above-described snap fit is a structure in which the cover and the housing are engaged in the axial direction of the rotary impeller (pump body). Here, if the seal part is structured to abut only in the radial direction of the housing against the cover and the housing, the reaction force of the seal part does not act in the axial direction, so the axial relative movement between the cover and the housing cannot be suppressed by the seal part. In addition, if there is an axial gap in the snap fit part, contact noise may occur from the snap fit part when vibration occurs due to the rotation of the motor.
[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress the generation of contact noise from the snap fit part in a drainage pump.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] A drain pump according to the first embodiment comprises a rotating blade, a cover, a housing which together with the cover constitutes a pump chamber housing the rotating blade and is snap-fitted to the cover in the axial direction of the rotating blade, an annular sealing component, and a housing portion which is formed by the cover and the housing and located outside the pump chamber in the radial direction of the rotating blade, and houses the annular sealing component, wherein the housing portion has a pressing portion which presses the sealing component in the axial and radial directions.
[0006] In this drain pump, the sealing component that seals the space between the cover and the housing is housed in a housing. This housing has a pressing section that presses the sealing component against the rotating blades in the axial and radial directions. In other words, the sealing component is pressed and held by the pressing section in the axial and radial directions of the rotating blades. This suppresses the relative movement of the cover and housing in the axial and radial directions of the rotating blades. Therefore, even if vibrations are generated by the rotation of the motor, the generation of contact noise from the snap-fit portion is suppressed.
[0007] A second embodiment is a drainage pump according to the first embodiment, wherein the pressing portion is provided at multiple locations in the circumferential direction along the rotational direction of the rotating blade.
[0008] A third embodiment is a drainage pump according to the first embodiment, wherein the pressing portion is provided over the entire circumferential area along the rotational direction of the rotating blade.
[0009] In this drain pump, the sealing component that seals the space between the cover and the housing is housed in a housing. This housing has a pressing section that presses the sealing component against the rotating blades in the axial and radial directions, extending over the entire circumferential area along the direction of rotation of the rotating blades. In other words, the sealing component is pressed and held in place by the pressing section over the entire circumferential area of the housing, in the axial and radial directions of the rotating blades. This suppresses the relative movement of the cover and housing in the axial and radial directions of the rotating blades. Therefore, even if vibrations occur due to the rotation of the motor, the generation of contact noise from the snap-fit portion is suppressed.
[0010] The fourth embodiment is a drain pump according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein at least one of the portion of the cover constituting the pressing portion and the portion of the housing constituting the pressing portion has a conical surface.
[0011] In this drainage pump, the conical surface can press the sealing component against the rotating blades in both the axial and radial directions.
[0012] A fifth embodiment is a drain pump according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the portion of the cover constituting the pressing part has an outer peripheral surface along the axial direction and a lower surface intersecting the axial direction, the portion of the housing constituting the pressing part has a conical inner surface facing the outer peripheral surface and the lower surface, and the sealing component is in contact with the outer peripheral surface, the lower surface and the conical inner surface.
[0013] In this drain pump, the sealing components contact the outer and lower surfaces of the cover and the conical inner surface of the housing, thereby suppressing the relative movement of the cover and housing in the axial and radial directions of the motor. As a result, even if vibrations occur due to the rotation of the motor, the generation of contact noise from the snap-fit parts is suppressed.
[0014] The sixth embodiment is a drain pump according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the portion of the housing constituting the pressing portion has an inner circumferential surface along the axial direction and an upper surface intersecting the axial direction, the portion of the cover constituting the pressing portion has a conical outer surface facing the inner circumferential surface and the upper surface, and the sealing component is in contact with the inner circumferential surface, the upper surface and the conical outer surface.
[0015] In this drain pump, the sealing components contact the inner and upper surfaces of the housing with the conical outer surface of the cover, thereby suppressing relative movement between the cover and housing in the axial and radial directions of the motor. As a result, even if vibrations occur due to the rotation of the motor, the generation of contact noise from the snap-fit parts is suppressed.
[0016] The seventh embodiment is a drain pump according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the portion of the cover constituting the pressing part has an outer circumferential surface along the axial direction and a lower surface intersecting the axial direction, the portion of the housing constituting the pressing part has an inner circumferential surface along the axial direction and an upper surface intersecting the axial direction, and the sealing part is formed in a cross shape in cross shape and is in contact with the outer circumferential surface, the lower surface, the inner circumferential surface and the upper surface.
[0017] In this drainage pump, a seal component formed in a cross shape in cross-section contacts the outer and lower surfaces of the cover with the inner and upper surfaces of the housing, thereby suppressing relative movement between the cover and housing in the axial and radial directions of the motor. As a result, even if vibration occurs due to the rotation of the motor, the generation of contact noise from the snap-fit portion is suppressed.
[0018] The eighth aspect is a drain pump according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the portion of the cover constituting the pressing part has an outer circumferential surface along the axial direction and a lower surface intersecting the axial direction, the portion of the housing constituting the pressing part has an inner circumferential surface along the axial direction with a smaller axial dimension than the outer circumferential surface and an upper surface intersecting the axial direction, the seal component abuts against the outer circumferential surface, the lower surface, the inner circumferential surface and the upper surface, and between the cover and the housing, expansion A space is provided to allow deformation of the sealing component as a result.
[0019] In this drain pump, the sealing components contact the outer and lower surfaces of the cover and the inner and upper surfaces of the housing, thereby suppressing the relative movement of the cover and housing in the axial and radial directions of the motor. Therefore, even if vibration occurs due to the motor's rotation, the generation of contact noise from the snap-fit portion is suppressed. Furthermore, the space provided between the cover and housing allows for deformation of the sealing components due to thermal expansion. [Effects of the Invention]
[0020] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the generation of contact noise from the snap-fit part in the drainage pump.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0021] [Figure 1] It is a front view showing the drainage pump according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an exploded front view showing the drainage pump according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the mounting state of the O-ring according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the mounting state of the O-ring according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the mounting state of the O-ring according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the mounting state of the O-ring according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the mounting state of the O-ring according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the mounting state of the O-ring according to the sixth embodiment.
Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
[0022] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing mean the same or similar components. In the embodiments described below, duplicate explanations and reference numerals may be omitted. Also, the drawings used in the following explanations are all schematic, and the dimensional relationships of each element shown in the drawings, the ratios of each element, etc. do not necessarily match the actual ones. Also, the dimensional relationships of each element and the ratios of each element do not necessarily match among multiple drawings.
[0023] In the drawing, the X-direction of the arrow indicates the axial direction of the motor 16, which will be described later, and the R-direction of the arrow indicates the radial direction of the motor 16. In this embodiment, the axial direction of the motor 16 is the same as the axial direction of the rotating blades 51, which will be described later, and the vertical direction of the drain pump 1, and the radial direction of the motor 16 is the same as the radial direction of the rotating blades 51. Of the vertical directions, the side of the cover 10, which will be described later, is upward, and the side of the suction port 18 of the housing 12, which will be described later, is downward.
[0024] [First Embodiment] In Figures 1 to 4, the drain pump 1 according to this embodiment is for sucking up drain water accumulated in a drain pan and draining it outside. This drain pump 1 has a motor unit 15 and a pump body 50. The drain pump 1 uses the motor unit 15 to drive the pump body 50 to suck up water and drain it. In this embodiment, the drain pump 1 has a cover 10. The cover 10 constitutes part of the motor unit 15 and part of the pump body 50. The cover 10 has an upper cover 30 and a lower cover 20. The upper cover 30 constitutes part of the motor unit 15. The lower cover 20 constitutes part of the pump body 50.
[0025] The motor unit 15 includes a motor 16 and an upper cover 30 that houses the motor 16.
[0026] The pump body 50 includes a rotating impeller 51, a lower cover 20, a housing 12, an O-ring 14 as an example of a sealing component, and a housing 40.
[0027] The lower cover 20 is an example of a cover provided at the opening at the upper end of the housing 12. The lower cover 20 is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical synthetic resin member attached to the upper part (upper opening) of the housing 12 via an O-ring 14. The bottom of the lower cover 20 forms the upper surface of the pump chamber. The lower cover 20 is provided with an engaged portion 22B into which a snap-fit arm 22A provided on the housing 12 engages. The lower cover 20 is detachably attached to the housing 12 by a snap-fit function that utilizes the elastic force of the snap-fit arm 22A.
[0028] A motor 16, consisting of a stator and rotor, is mounted on the upper part of the lower cover 20. A lead wire outlet 24 for drawing lead wires from the motor 16 is exposed to the outside. The drive shaft of the motor 16 is connected to the rotation shaft of the rotating blades 51 located in the pump chamber 21. A hole is formed in the bottom of the lower cover 20 for arranging a transmission member that transmits the rotation of the motor 16 to the rotating blades 51.
[0029] A short cylindrical synthetic resin upper cover (also called a motor cover) 30 with a ceiling section is attached to the upper part (upper opening) of the lower cover 20, covering the upper side of the motor 16. The upper cover 30 can be attached to the lower cover 20 detachably by a snap-fit function that utilizes the elastic force of snap-fit arms 26 provided on the upper cover 30. The upper cover 30 is provided with multiple mounting sections 28 for installing the drain pump 1 at the mounting location.
[0030] The housing 12 is a component made of, for example, synthetic resin, that forms the pump chamber and is connected to the lower cover 20 by a snap-fit 22 in the axial direction X of the motor 16. The housing 12 houses the rotating blades 51. The rotating blades 51 are driven by the motor 16 to rotate, thereby drawing up water and discharging it to the outside. The housing 12 has a tubular suction port 18 located at the bottom of the pump chamber and a tubular discharge port 19 extending laterally from the pump chamber.
[0031] Multiple snap-fit arms 22A are provided at several circumferential locations on the upper edge of the housing 12. Each snap-fit arm 22A has an elastically displaceable claw portion that allows for engagement and disengagement with the engaged portion 22B of the lower cover 20. The snap-fit 22 is formed by the snap-fit arms 22A and the engaged portion 22B of the lower cover 20.
[0032] In Figure 3, the O-ring 14 is pressed and clamped between the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 in the axial direction X and radial direction R of the motor 16, respectively, and is a component that seals the space between the lower cover 20 and the housing 12.
[0033] The housing 12 and lower cover 20 configured in this way have a spigot structure. As a spigot structure, the lower cover 20 has a cylindrical portion 41 on, for example, the outer circumference of its lower surface 20B. The outer circumference of the housing 12 is configured to accommodate the cylindrical portion 41 when the lower cover 20 is attached to the housing 12 to form the pump chamber 21. The housing 12 has, for example, a recess 42 as a structure to accommodate the cylindrical portion 41.
[0034] The housing section 40 is located outside the pump chamber 21 in the radial direction of the rotating blades 51, and is composed of the housing 12 and the lower cover 20, and is the part that houses the O-ring 14. The housing section 40 is provided, for example, in the spigot section, which is the part where the spigot structure is provided. The housing section 40 includes, for example, a cylindrical section 41 and its periphery provided on one of the lower surface 20B of the lower cover 20 and the upper surface 12B of the housing 12, and an annular recess 42 provided on the other that houses part or all of the cylindrical section 41. In this embodiment, as an example, the cylindrical section 41 is formed on the lower surface 20B of the lower cover 20, and the recess 42 is formed on the upper surface 12B of the housing 12. In this embodiment, the recess 42 is composed of the upper edge of the housing 12 and the space inside it. When the lower cover 20 is assembled to the housing 12, the cylindrical section 41 of the lower cover 20 is positioned inside the upper edge of the housing 12 which serves as the recess 42. The upper surface 12B of the housing 12 is the surface facing the lower cover 20 in the axial direction X of the motor 16.
[0035] The housing section 40 has, for example, at least three pressing sections in the circumferential direction along the rotation direction of the rotating blade 51, which press the O-ring 14 in the axial direction X and radial direction R. Of the at least three pressing sections, the housing section 40 presses the O-ring 14 in the radial direction R between two adjacent pressing sections in the circumferential direction. In other words, the housing section 40 presses the O-ring 14 in the radial direction R over the entire circumferential direction along the rotation direction of the rotating blade 51. In this way, by the housing section 40 pressing the O-ring 14 in the radial direction R over the entire circumferential direction along the rotation direction of the rotating blade 51, water is sealed between the housing 12 and the lower cover 20 by the O-ring 14. The housing section 40 presses the O-ring 14 in the axial direction X at at least three locations in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, the housing section 40 can be configured so that the entire circumferential direction along the rotation direction of the rotating blade 51 is a pressing section. In this embodiment, the entire area of the housing section 40 in the circumferential direction along the rotational direction of the rotating blade 51 is configured as a pressing section.
[0036] The portion constituting the housing 40 of the lower cover 20 has, as an example of a pressing portion, an outer circumferential surface 20A of a cylindrical portion 41 and a lower surface 20B that intersects with the axial direction X. The outer circumferential surface 20A is, for example, a surface along the axial direction X. The outer circumferential surface 20A is, for example, parallel to the axial direction X. As an example, the outer circumferential surface 20A and the lower surface 20B are perpendicular. The lower surface 20B of the lower cover 20 is the surface facing the housing 12 in the axial direction X of the motor 16.
[0037] Furthermore, the portion constituting the housing 40 of the housing 12 has a conical inner surface 12C facing the outer peripheral surface 20A and the lower surface 20B of the lower cover 20, as an example of a pressing portion. The conical inner surface 12C is the inner peripheral surface of the recess 42 and extends continuously around the circumference in the direction of rotation of the rotating blade 51. The conical inner surface 12C constitutes a part of the recess 42.
[0038] The O-ring 14 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 20A, the lower surface 20B of the lower cover 20, and the conical inner surface 12C of the housing 12. A reaction force F1 acts from the O-ring 14 to the conical inner surface 12C of the housing 12. The reaction force F1 can be decomposed into an axial component F1x and a radial component F1r. In other words, reaction forces act from the O-ring 14 to the housing 12 in both the axial direction (X) and the radial direction (R).
[0039] Furthermore, a radial reaction force F2r acts on the outer circumferential surface 20A of the lower cover 20 from the O-ring 14. An axial reaction force F2x acts on the lower surface 20B of the lower cover 20 from the O-ring 14. In other words, axial reaction forces X and radial reaction forces R act on the lower cover 20 from the O-ring 14.
[0040] In this manner, the O-ring 14 is pressed and clamped by the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 in the axial direction X and the radial direction R, respectively.
[0041] In the axial direction X, a gap S is formed between the lower cover 20 and the housing 12. By forming this gap S, the axial gap X between the snap-fit arm 22A and the engaged portion 22B of the snap-fit 22 is reduced (see Figure 1).
[0042] (action) This embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be explained below. In Figure 3, in the drain pump 1 according to this embodiment, an O-ring 14 that seals the space between the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 is housed in a housing 40. The entire circumferential area of this housing 40, along the rotational direction of the rotating blade 51, is configured as a pressing area that presses the O-ring 14 in the axial direction X and radial direction R of the rotating blade 51. In other words, the O-ring 14 is pressed and clamped by the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 in the axial direction X and radial direction R, respectively, across the entire circumferential area of the housing 40. Specifically, the O-ring 14 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 20A and the lower surface 20B of the lower cover 20 and the conical inner surface 12C of the housing 12. Furthermore, the axial gap X, i.e., rattle, between the snap-fit arm 22A and the engaged portion 22B of the snap-fit 22 is suppressed. Therefore, relative movement between the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 in the axial direction X and radial direction R is suppressed. Therefore, even if vibrations are generated by the rotation of the motor 16, the generation of contact noise from the snap-fit 22 is suppressed.
[0043] [Second Embodiment] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the drain pump 2. In this embodiment, the housing section 40 is configured as a pressing section over its entire circumferential area along the rotational direction of the rotating blades 51, and presses the O-ring 14 in the axial X and radial R directions over its entire circumferential area.
[0044] In Figure 4, the drain pump 2 according to this embodiment has a housing 12 which, as an example of a pressing portion, has an inner circumferential surface 12A of a recess 42 and an upper surface 12B that intersects with the axial direction X. The inner circumferential surface 12A is, for example, aligned with the axial direction X. Axial axis It is parallel to X. The inner circumferential surface 12A and the upper surface 12B are, for example, perpendicular. The inner circumferential surface 12A and the upper surface 12B constitute a recess 42. The lower cover 20 has a conical outer surface 20C of a cylindrical portion 41 that faces the inner circumferential surface 12A and the upper surface 12B, as an example of a pressing portion. The O-ring 14 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface 12A, the upper surface 12B and the conical outer surface 20C.
[0045] A reaction force F2 acts from the O-ring 14 to the conical outer surface 20C of the lower cover 20. The reaction force F2 can be decomposed into an axial component F2x and a radial component F2r. In other words, reaction forces act from the O-ring 14 to the lower cover 20 in both the axial direction (X) and the radial direction (R).
[0046] Furthermore, a radial reaction force F1r acts from the O-ring 14 to the inner circumferential surface 12A of the housing 12. An axial reaction force F1x acts from the O-ring 14 to the upper surface 12B of the housing 12. In other words, axial and radial reaction forces act from the O-ring 14 to the lower cover 20.
[0047] In this manner, the O-ring 14 is pressed and clamped by the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 in the axial direction X and the radial direction R, respectively.
[0048] In this embodiment, the O-ring 14 contacts the inner circumferential surface 12A and upper surface 12B of the housing 12 and the conical outer surface 20C of the lower cover 20, thereby suppressing relative movement between the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 in the axial direction X and radial direction R. Therefore, even if vibration is generated by the rotation of the motor 16, the generation of contact noise from the snap-fit 22 is suppressed.
[0049] The other parts are the same as in the first embodiment, so we will omit their explanation.
[0050] Figure 5 shows the drainage pump. 3 A third embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the housing portion 40 is configured as a pressing portion over its entire circumferential area along the rotational direction of the rotating blade 51, and presses the O-ring 14 in the axial X and radial R directions over its entire circumferential area.
[0051] In Figure 5, in the drain pump 3 according to this embodiment, as an example of the pressing part, the lower cover 20 has a conical outer surface 20C of a cylindrical portion 41, and the housing 12 has a conical inner surface 12C. The conical outer surface 20C faces the conical inner surface 12C. The conical inner surface 12C constitutes part of the recess 42. The O-ring 14 is in contact with the conical outer surface 20C and the conical inner surface 12C.
[0052] A reaction force F2 acts from the O-ring 14 to the conical outer surface 20C of the lower cover 20. The reaction force F2 can be decomposed into an axial component F2x and a radial component F2r. In other words, reaction forces act from the O-ring 14 to the lower cover 20 in both the axial direction (X) and the radial direction (R).
[0053] A reaction force F1 acts from the O-ring 14 to the conical inner surface 12C of the housing 12. The reaction force F1 can be decomposed into an axial component F1x and a radial component F1r. In other words, reaction forces act from the O-ring 14 to the housing 12 in both the axial direction (X) and the radial direction (R).
[0054] In this manner, the O-ring 14 is pressed and clamped by the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 in the axial direction X and the radial direction R, respectively.
[0055] In this embodiment, the O-ring 14 is located on the lower cover 20 of By contacting the outer surface 20C of the cone with the inner surface 12C of the cone of the housing 12, relative movement between the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 in the axial direction X and radial direction R is suppressed. Therefore, even if vibration is generated by the rotation of the motor 16, the generation of contact noise from the snap-fit 22 is suppressed.
[0056] The other parts are the same as in the first embodiment, so we will omit their explanation.
[0057] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 6 shows the drainage pump. 4A fourth embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the housing portion 40 is configured as a pressing portion over its entire circumferential area along the rotational direction of the rotating blade 51, and presses the O-ring 14 in the axial X and radial R directions over its entire circumferential area.
[0058] In Figure 6, the drain pump 4 according to this embodiment has a lower cover 20 which, as an example of a pressing portion, has an outer circumferential surface 20A of a cylindrical portion 41 and a lower surface 20B that intersects with the axial direction X. The outer circumferential surface 20A is, for example, along the axial direction X. The outer circumferential surface 20A is, for example, parallel to the axial direction X. The outer circumferential surface 20A and the lower surface 20B are, for example, perpendicular. The housing 12 also has an inner circumferential surface 12A of a recess 42 and an upper surface 12B that intersects with the axial direction X, as an example of a pressing portion. The inner circumferential surface 12A is, for example, along the axial direction X. The inner circumferential surface 12A is, for example, parallel to the axial direction X. The inner circumferential surface 12A and the upper surface 12B are, for example, perpendicular.
[0059] The O-ring 14 is formed in a cross shape in cross-section and is in contact with the outer surface 20A, the bottom surface 20B, the inner surface 12A, and the top surface 12B. A radial reaction force F1r acts from the O-ring 14 to the inner surface 12A of the housing 12. An axial reaction force F1x acts from the O-ring 14 to the top surface 12B of the housing 12. In other words, axial reaction forces X and radial reaction forces act from the O-ring 14 to the lower cover 20.
[0060] Furthermore, a radial reaction force F2r acts on the outer circumferential surface 20A of the lower cover 20 from the O-ring 14. A axial reaction force F2x acts on the lower surface 20B of the lower cover 20 from the O-ring 14. In other words, axial reaction forces X and radial reaction forces act on the lower cover 20 from the O-ring 14. In this way, the O-ring 14 is pressed and clamped against the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 in the axial X and radial R directions, respectively.
[0061] In this embodiment, the O-ring 14, which is formed in a cross shape in cross-section, contacts the outer circumferential surface 20A and the lower surface 20B of the lower cover 20 and the inner circumferential surface 12A and the upper surface 12B of the housing 12, thereby suppressing the relative movement of the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 in the axial direction X and radial direction R. Therefore, even if vibration is generated by the rotation of the motor 16, the generation of contact noise from the snap-fit 22 is suppressed.
[0062] [Fifth Embodiment] Figure 7 shows the drainage pump. 5 A fifth embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the housing portion 40 is configured as a pressing portion over its entire circumferential area along the rotational direction of the rotating blade 51, and presses the O-ring 14 in the axial X and radial R directions over its entire circumferential area.
[0063] In Figure 7, in the drain pump 5 according to this embodiment, the lower cover 20 has, as an example of a pressing portion, an outer circumferential surface 20A of a cylindrical portion 41 and a lower surface 20B that intersects with the axial direction X. The outer circumferential surface 20A is, for example, a surface along the axial direction X. The outer circumferential surface 20A is, for example, parallel to the axial direction X. The outer circumferential surface 20A and the lower surface 20B are, for example, perpendicular. The housing 12 also has, as an example of a pressing portion, an inner circumferential surface 12A that is along the axial direction X and has a smaller dimension in the axial direction X than the outer circumferential surface 20A, and an upper surface 12B that intersects with the axial direction X. In this embodiment, the upper surface 12B is formed as a conical surface that gradually slopes inward in the radial direction R. Note that the upper surface 12B is not limited to a conical surface. In other examples, it may be a surface perpendicular to the axial direction X.
[0064] The O-ring 14 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 20A and the lower surface 20B of the lower cover 20, and with the inner circumferential surface 12A and the upper surface 12B of the housing 12, respectively.
[0065] A radial reaction force F1r acts from the O-ring 14 to the inner circumferential surface 12A of the housing 12. An axial reaction force F1x acts from the O-ring 14 to the upper surface 12B of the housing 12. In other words, from the O-ring 14 Housing 12Reaction forces act in the axial direction X and the radial direction R. Note that if the upper surface 12B is a conical surface, not only the axial reaction force F1x but also the radial reaction force R acts on the upper surface 12B (not shown).
[0066] Furthermore, a radial reaction force F2r acts on the outer circumferential surface 20A of the lower cover 20 from the O-ring 14. A axial reaction force F2x acts on the lower surface 20B of the lower cover 20 from the O-ring 14. In other words, axial reaction forces X and radial reaction forces act on the lower cover 20 from the O-ring 14. In this way, the O-ring 14 is pressed and clamped against the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 in the axial X and radial R directions, respectively.
[0067] A space 32 is provided between the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 to allow deformation of the O-ring 14.
[0068] In this embodiment, the O-ring 14 contacts the outer circumferential surface 20A and the lower surface 20B of the lower cover 20 and the inner circumferential surface 12A and the upper surface 12B of the housing 12, thereby suppressing relative movement between the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 in the axial direction X and radial direction R. Therefore, even if vibration is generated by the rotation of the motor 16, the generation of contact noise from the snap-fit 22 is suppressed. In addition, the space 32 provided between the lower cover 20 and the housing 12 allows for deformation of the O-ring 14 due to expansion. Note that the expansion of the O-ring 14 refers to thermal expansion and swelling. Depending on the material of the O-ring 14, it may be thermal expansion or swelling.
[0069] The other parts are the same as in the first embodiment, so we will omit their explanation.
[0070] [Sixth Embodiment] Figure 8 shows the drainage pump. 6A sixth embodiment is shown. In the first to fifth embodiments described above, the housing 12 and the lower cover 20 have a spigot structure, with a cylindrical portion 41 formed in the lower cover 20 and a recess 42 formed in the housing 12 for arranging the cylindrical portion 41. However, the spigot structure is not limited to a structure in which a cylindrical portion 41 is formed in the lower cover 20 and a recess 42 is formed in the housing 12. In other examples, the cylindrical portion 41 of the spigot structure may be formed in the housing 12, and the shape for arranging the cylindrical portion 41 (recess 42) may be formed in the lower cover 20. This example will be described in this embodiment.
[0071] In Figure 8, in the drain pump 6 according to this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 41 is formed on the upper surface 12B of the housing 12, and the recess 42 is formed on the lower surface 20B of the lower cover 20. In this embodiment, the housing portion 40 is configured as a pressing portion over the entire circumferential direction along the rotation direction of the rotating blades 51, and the O-ring 14 is pressed over the entire circumferential direction in the axial direction X and radial direction R.
[0072] The portion constituting the housing 40 of the housing 12 has, as an example of a pressing portion, an outer circumferential surface 12D of a cylindrical portion 41 and an upper surface 12B that intersects with the axial direction X. The outer circumferential surface 12D is, for example, along the axial direction X. The outer circumferential surface 12D is, for example, parallel to the axial direction X. The outer circumferential surface 12D and the upper surface 12B are, for example, perpendicular. The portion constituting the housing 40 of the lower cover 20 has, as an example of a pressing portion, a conical inner surface 20D that faces the outer circumferential surface 12D and the upper surface 12B of the housing 12. The conical inner surface 20D is the inner circumferential surface of the recess 42.
[0073] The O-ring 14 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 12D, the upper surface 12B of the housing 12, and the conical inner surface 20D of the lower cover 20. A reaction force F2 acts from the O-ring 14 to the conical inner surface 20D of the lower cover 20. The reaction force F2 can be decomposed into an axial component F2x and a radial component F2r. In other words, reaction forces act from the O-ring 14 to the lower cover 20 in both the axial direction (X) and the radial direction (R).
[0074] Furthermore, a radial reaction force F1r acts from the O-ring 14 to the outer circumferential surface 12D of the housing 12. An axial reaction force F1x acts from the O-ring 14 to the upper surface 12B of the housing 12. In other words, axial and radial reaction forces act from the O-ring 14 to the housing 12.
[0075] Thus, the O-ring 14 is pressed and held between the housing 12 and the lower cover 20 in the axial direction X and the radial direction R, respectively.
[0076] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, relative movement between the housing 12 and the lower cover 20 in the axial direction X and radial direction R is suppressed. Therefore, even if vibration is generated by the rotation of the motor 16, the generation of contact noise from the snap-fit 22 is suppressed.
[0077] The other parts are the same as in the first embodiment, so we will omit their explanation.
[0078] [Other embodiments] Although an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the above, and it is of course possible to implement it in various modified forms without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.
[0079] In the above example, the housing portion 40 is configured such that its entire circumferential area is a pressing portion that presses the O-ring 14 against the rotating blade 51 in the axial and radial directions. That is, the housing portion 40 has a pressing portion that presses the O-ring 14 against the rotating blade 51 in the axial and radial directions over its entire circumferential area. However, the housing portion 40 is not limited to having a pressing portion over its entire circumferential area along the rotational direction of the rotating blade 51. In other examples, the housing portion 40 may have a configuration in which it has pressing portions at two or more locations (multiple locations) in the circumferential area along the rotational direction of the rotating blade 51, as shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, that press the O-ring 14 against the rotating blade 51 in the axial and radial directions. It is preferable that the pressing portions provided at multiple locations are spaced apart in the circumferential direction so that the lower cover 20 can be stably positioned relative to the housing 12. The pressing portions provided at multiple locations may be spaced apart at equal intervals (equal angular intervals) in the circumferential direction, for example. Furthermore, the space between two circumferentially adjacent pressing portions of the housing portion 40 is configured to clamp the O-ring 14 in the radial direction R by pressing the O-ring 14 in the radial direction R of the rotating blade 51.
[0080] Thus, even though the housing 40 has a configuration in which there are multiple pressing parts in the circumferential direction along the rotation direction of the rotating blades 51, the O-ring 14 is clamped radially R over the entire circumferential area, so that water is sealed between the housing 12 and the lower cover 20 by the O-ring 14.
[0081] In a configuration where multiple pressing parts are provided, the position and size (circumferential length) of each of the multiple pressing parts are set to a position and size that allows the lower cover 20 to be stabilized relative to the housing 12. The size (circumferential length) of each of the multiple pressing parts is not limited to being the same. They may be of different lengths.
[0082] When there is only one pressing portion, it is not limited to being formed in an annular shape over the entire area of the housing portion 40. The pressing portion may, for example, be C-shaped in plan view. When there is only one pressing portion, the position and size (circumferential length) of that single pressing portion are set to be such that the lower cover 20 can be stabilized relative to the housing 12.
[0083] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-91050, filed on 3 June 2022, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference.
Claims
1. Rotating blades and, The cover and, Together with the cover, a housing constitutes a pump chamber that houses the rotating blades, and the housing is connected to the cover by a snap fit in the axial direction of the rotating blades. Annular sealing component, Outward from the pump chamber in the radial direction of the rotating blade, there is a housing portion formed by the cover and the housing that accommodates the annular sealing component, Equipped with, The housing portion has a pressing portion that presses the sealing component in the axial direction and the radial direction, At least one of the portion of the cover that constitutes the pressing portion and the portion of the housing that constitutes the pressing portion has a conical surface, The axial component of the reaction force generated by the sealing component with respect to the conical surface acts to pull the housing and the cover apart in the axial direction. Drainage pump.
2. The drain pump according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion is provided at multiple locations in the circumferential direction along the rotational direction of the rotating blade.
3. The drain pump according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion is provided over the entire circumferential area along the rotational direction of the rotating blade.
4. The portion of the cover that constitutes the pressing part has an outer circumferential surface along the axial direction and a lower surface that intersects with the axial direction. The portion of the housing that constitutes the pressing part has a conical inner surface facing the outer circumferential surface and the lower surface, The drain pump according to claim 1, wherein the sealing component is in contact with the outer circumferential surface, the lower surface, and the inner surface of the cone.
5. The portion of the housing that constitutes the pressing portion has an inner circumferential surface along the axial direction and an upper surface that intersects with the axial direction. The portion of the cover that constitutes the pressing part has a conical outer surface facing the inner circumferential surface and the upper surface, The drain pump according to claim 1, wherein the sealing component is in contact with the inner circumferential surface, the upper surface, and the outer surface of the cone.