Electric pump system and method

Abstract

To provide methods and structures that help manage the transfer of heat and assessment of fluid temperature in electric pump systems.SOLUTION: An electric pump system and a method of operating the same involve pumping a fluid through a fluid passageway 1114 defined in a mechanical pump 202 from a pump inlet 1116 to a hollow shaft 706 of a motor 204, through the hollow shaft to an internal motor cavity 1108 defined by a housing 404 of the motor, and through another fluid passageway 1126 defined in the motor housing and mechanical pump that leads to a pump outlet 208. The system and method further involve pumping the fluid through another fluid passageway defined in the mechanical pump from yet another pump inlet 1124 to the pump outlet. The temperature of fluid exiting the hollow shaft can be assessed and used by an electronic control unit (ECU) 206 of the electric pump system to control the same.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This PCT application claims priority to U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 15 / 944,841, filed Apr. 4, 2018, entitled "ELECTRIC PUMP S YSTEM AND METHOD" and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 527,699, filed Jun. 30, 2017, entitled "ELECTRIC PUMP SYST EM AND METHOD". U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 15 / 944, 841, filed Apr. 4, 2018, entitled "ELECTRIC PUMP SYS TEM AND METHOD" claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 527,699, filed Jun. 30, 2017, entitled "ELECTRIC PUMP SYS TEM AND METHOD", and both are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and made a part of this PCT application for all purposes.

[0002] This PCT application is related to U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 15 / 637,313, filed Jun. 29, {2017}, entitled "SYSTEM AND MET HOD FOR MONITORING STRESS CYCLES", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003]

[0004] The present invention relates to an electric pump system, and more particularly, to heat transfer and fluid temperature evaluation in an electric pump system as used in a vehicle drive system.

Background Art

[0004] For example, an electric pump system in the drive system of an electric vehicle is a traction motor. To cool and lubricate the bearings, rotor and stator of a traction motor. It can be used to supply oil. Such an electric pump system Typically, electronics for controlling mechanical pumps, electric motors, and electric pump systems. Includes equipment. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The challenges associated with designing such electric pump systems include achieving desirable flow characteristics. This includes the design of the pump system. Conventional oil pumps do not monitor the condition of the oil, therefore Therefore, because the condition of the oil, pump, and motor cannot be checked individually, the oil is checked regularly. It needs to be replaced. A further by-product is that any temperature sensor can be used in conventional pump systems. Because it is located either on the outside or in the area representing the oil flowing through the pump, it is partially Conventional oil pumps are not designed to accurately determine temperature (and accurately determine This means that it cannot be determined. Furthermore, conventional oil pumps are often Large and cumbersome due to the mounting mechanism of different parts, and a larger physical for the pump. It requires space. Therefore, it is designed to operate in conjunction with an electric motor. There is a need for an oil pump, especially an electric pump system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure addresses the difficulties in operating cooling and lubrication systems, particularly electric power Methods and structures that help manage the evaluation of heat transfer and fluid temperature in a pump system. To provide construction.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an electronic control unit, a mechanical pump, and a first side and a second side In a device including a motor having a side, the motor includes a stator and a hollow shaft The rotor and the housing surrounding the stator and rotor are included, and the electronic control unit is, A mechanical pump is connected to the first side of the motor, and a hollow shaft is connected to the second side of the motor. The first pump inlet defines the shaft inlet and shaft outlet, and the mechanical pump is located at the first pump inlet. The housing defines the first fluid passage to the shaft inlet, and defines the internal motor cavity. The shaft outlet is in fluid communication with the internal motor cavity, and the mechanical pump is connected from the second pump inlet. A second fluid passage to the pump outlet is defined, and the motor housing and mechanical pump are connected to the third A third fluid passage is defined from the internal motor cavity to the pump outlet via the pump inlet. Placement is provided.

[0008] In some embodiments of the apparatus relating to the above-described aspects or any other aspects of the present disclosure Multiple arbitrary operations and features can be employed. One arbitrary feature is electronic The control unit further includes a thermistor for measuring the temperature of the fluid exiting the shaft. This is the case. Another optional feature is that the housing has a bypass that communicates fluid with the internal motor cavity. This means defining the entrance. Other optional features include the second fluid passage and the third fluid. This means that at least part of the passage is common. Any other feature is a mechanical pump. One notable feature is that the engine is a jetoline. Another notable feature is that the electronically controlled unit is mechanical. It means including a microcontroller that controls the pump. Any other feature is the electricity It means that the electronic control unit includes cooling ribs.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, in a method of pumping fluid in an electric pump system, from a first pump inlet to a shaft inlet through a first fluid passage, through the hollow shaft of the motor from the shaft inlet to the shaft outlet, into the internal motor cavity of the electric pump system in fluid communication with the shaft outlet, from the second pump inlet of the mechanical pump to the pump outlet of the mechanical pump through a second fluid passage, from the internal motor cavity through a third pump inlet to the pump outlet through a third fluid passage defined in the motor housing of the electric pump system and the mechanical pump, a method is provided that includes pumping fluid.

[0010] In some embodiments of the method according to the above-described aspect of the present disclosure or any other aspect thereof, a plurality of arbitrary operations and features can be employed. One arbitrary feature is to measure the temperature of the fluid exiting the hollow shaft. Another arbitrary feature is to supply fluid to the internal motor cavity through a bypass inlet defined in the motor housing of the motor. Another arbitrary feature is to include pumping fluid from the bypass inlet to the internal motor cavity. Another arbitrary feature is that the mechanical pump includes a gerotor. Another arbitrary feature is to control the mechanical pump by an electronic control unit including a microcontroller.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a mechanical pump, an electronic control unit, a first side and a second In a system including a motor having a side, the motor has a stator and a hollow The rotor includes a shaft, and the stator and housing around the rotor are electronically controlled The unit is connected to the first side of the motor, and the mechanical pump is connected to the second side of the motor. The hollow shaft defines the shaft inlet and shaft outlet, and the mechanical pump is the first The housing defines the first fluid passage from the pump inlet to the shaft inlet, and the internal motor The cavity is defined, the shaft outlet is in fluid communication with the internal motor cavity, and the mechanical pump is second Defines a second fluid passage from the pump inlet to the pump outlet, and connects the motor housing and mechanical The pump has a third fluid passage from the internal motor cavity to the pump outlet via the third pump inlet. The heat exchanger is defined as being in fluid communication with the pump outlet, and the oil reservoir is in the first pump inlet. A system is provided which is in fluid communication with a second pump inlet.

[0012] In some embodiments of the methods relating to the above-described aspects of this disclosure or any other aspects thereof Multiple arbitrary operations and features can be employed. One arbitrary feature is electronic The control unit further includes a thermistor for measuring the temperature of the fluid exiting the shaft. This is the case. Another optional feature is that the housing has a bypass that communicates fluid with the internal motor cavity. This means defining the entrance. Other optional features include the second fluid passage and the third fluid. This means that at least part of the passage is common. Any other feature is a mechanical pump. One notable feature is that the engine is a jetoline. Another notable feature is that the electronically controlled unit is mechanical. This means it includes a microcontroller that controls the pump. Any other features include the electric This means the sub-control unit includes cooling ribs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This shows the basic components of the cooling and lubrication systems in electric vehicles.

[0014] [Figure 2A] This shows a front perspective view of the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment. [Figure 2B] This shows a rear perspective view of the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment.

[0015] [Figure 3A] This shows a rear view of the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A shows a side cross-sectional view of the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment, along the cutting line AA.

[0016] [Figure 4A] The diagram shows a side cross-sectional view of the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment, particularly illustrating the mounting of the components of the electric pump system. [Figure 4B] A perspective view of the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment is shown, particularly illustrating the mounting of the components of the electric pump system.

[0017] [Figure 5] A partial side cross-sectional view of the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment is shown, and in particular the seal of the electric pump system is shown.

[0018] [Figure 6A] This shows a front view of a jettor used in an electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment. [Figure 6B] This shows a side view of a jettor used in an electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment.

[0019] [Figure 7A] This shows an end view of an electric motor used in the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment. [Figure 7B] Figure 7A shows a side cross-sectional view of an electric motor used in the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment, along the cutting line BB.

[0020] [Figure 8] A partial side cross-sectional view of an electric pump system is shown, and a shaft used in the electric pump system according to a particularly disclosed embodiment is shown.

[0021] [Figure 9A] This shows a rear view of the electronic control unit (ECU) used in the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment. [Figure 9B] This shows a side view of an electronic control unit (ECU) used in an electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment. [Figure 9C] Figure 9A shows a side cross-sectional view of an electronic control unit (ECU) used in an electric pump system according to a disclosed embodiment, along the cutting line CC.

[0022] [Figure 10A] This shows an end view of the ECU side of the ECU electronic equipment according to the disclosed embodiment. [Figure 10B] This shows a side view of the ECU electronic equipment according to the disclosed embodiment. [Figure 10C] This shows a motor-side end view of the ECU electronic equipment according to the disclosed embodiment.

[0023] [Figure 11] This shows a side cross-sectional view of the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment.

[0024] [Figure 12]A side cross-sectional view of the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment is shown, particularly showing the first fluid passage.

[0025] [Figure 13] A side cross-sectional view of the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment is shown, particularly showing the second fluid passage.

[0026] [Figure 14] A side cross-sectional view of the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment is shown, particularly showing the third fluid passage.

[0027] [Figure 15] Figures 11 to 14 show cross-sectional views of the end sections of the electric pump system.

[0028] [Figure 16] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Figure 1 shows the various components of the electric drive unit of an electric vehicle, for example, O Cooling and lubrication according to disclosed embodiments used for circulating fluids such as lubricants. This shows a schematic diagram of system 100. Subsequent explanations of other diagrams refer to the components in Figure 1. They may be related and identified in those figures using a common numbering system. It may refer to a porn. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein are oil-based. While within the context of the system, other fluids may be used. For example, in specific applications or pumps. Use any fluid that provides appropriate lubrication, heat transfer, and flow characteristics for the size. That's fine.

[0030] Includes a sump or dry sump system (oil reservoir outside the drive unit). Starting from the oil reservoir 102, the oil flows through the mesh filter 104. It flows through to the electric pump system 106. The pumped from the electric pump system 106 The oil passes through the oil filter 108 and the heat exchanger 110 and connects to the motor 112. The first branch is divided between the other branch which leads to gearbox 114. These oils flow back into oil reservoir 102.

[0031] This specification describes various operational problems with the cooling and lubrication system 100. This will be explained in conjunction with the form. One operational problem is the heat exchange within the electric pump system 106. Related to this, other operational problems include evaluating the oil temperature in the cooling and lubrication system 100. Regarding value and control. Oil temperature is related to heat transfer in the heat exchanger 110, i.e., vehicle It can be controlled by heat exchange between the coolant and oil. Firmware or The software typically includes the engine control unit (ECU) and, not shown in Figure 1. Controls the electric pump system 106.

[0032] Figures 2A and 2B show, respectively, an electric pump system 1 according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 2A shows a front and rear perspective view of the 06. In particular, Figure 2A shows the mechanical pump 202 The image shows an electric motor 204 and an electronic control unit (ECU) 206. Pump outlet 208, ECU housing 210 with integrated design, and electric pump system To connect the mechanical pump 202 of 106 to the electric motor 204 (especially the motor housing) The pump bolt 212 is also shown. These elements will be explained in more detail below. Figure 2B also shows the mechanical pump 202, the electric motor 204, and the ECU 206. The ECU 206, which has cooling ribs 214, is shown in Figure 2B. Only one is labeled in that way. Further details are provided below. Bypass entrance 216 is also indicated.

[0033] Figures 3A and 3B show, respectively, an electric pump system 1 according to the disclosed embodiment. The rear view of 06 and the side section view along the cutting line AA in Figure 3A are shown. The figure shows the ECU206 with cooling ribs 214. The side section view in Figure 3B is mechanical. The image shows pump 202, electric motor 204, and ECU 206.

[0034] Figures 4A and 4B show the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment, respectively. Side cross-sectional and perspective views are shown, particularly illustrating the mounting of components in the electric pump system. As shown in Figure 4A, the ECU206 uses clip 406 to connect the motor housing. It is attached to the Zing 404. Figure 4A shows only one such clip. However, as shown in Figure 4B, multiple clips can also be used. G404 is the alignment mechanism 408 of the motor housing 404 and the pump bolt 21 It is further attached to the pump housing 402 using 2. One pump bolt 21 Although only two are shown, the electric pump system includes multiple such pump bolts. But that's fine. As shown there, the pump bolt 212 has its head inside the motor cavity It is located inside the motor housing 404. Such an arrangement allows the oil to By reducing the size of the pump package, higher performance (i.e., for example, This results in an optimized electric pump system with better efficiency and greater flow rate. It is possible. The motor housing 404 and the pump housing 402 are made of cast metal. It is also acceptable to do so. As described above, Figure 4B shows the ECU 206 connected to the motor housing 404. It shows multiple clips 406. Specifically, on the outside of the electric pump system 106 Clips 40 are positioned around the motor housing 404 so that they can be visually confirmed. 6 is shown. Sufficient clips to connect ECU206 to motor housing 404 In some cases, bolts are not needed.

[0035] Figure 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment, in particular the electric This shows the seal of the pump system. As shown in Figure 5, the electric pump system 106 They are sealed using radial O-rings 502, 504, 506, and 508. O-ring 502 is an internal O-ring for sealing the ECU206. O-ring 50 4 provides a seal to the surroundings. O-rings 506 and 508 are electric pump system These are located on both sides of the pressure outlet of the Tem, which will be described in more detail below.

[0036] Figures 6A and 6B show the parts that can be made into the mechanical pump 202, respectively. The front and side views of the rotor 600 are shown. As shown in Figure 6A, the rotor 60 0 is one of six teeth, one of which is indicated by reference numeral 602, and one of which is It has seven cavities indicated by reference numeral 604. Disclosed embodiment (Figure 6B) According to the diagram, the outer diameter 606 of the jeta 600 is larger than the width 608, but in a specific case A rotor is provided as an example, and the mechanical pump 202 is not limited to that. Without any mechanical positive displacement pump configuration or jettor having different tooth counts, displacements, etc. It can include.

[0037] Figures 7A and 7B are end views of the electric motor 204 used in the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment and Figure 7 A The diagram shows a side section view along the cutting line BB. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the electric motor 204 includes a rotor 704 and a stator winding, one of which is labeled by reference numeral 702. The rotor 704 includes a hollow shaft 706 that allows oil to flow through the shaft. In other embodiments, the rotor 704 includes a solid shaft, and the oil may flow into the motor cavity through other paths.

[0038] Figure 8 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the electric pump system, and is particularly relevant to the disclosed embodiment. This shows the shaft used there. As shown there, a hollow shaft 7 06 extends into the mechanical pump 202 via the rotor 704 of the electric motor 204. According to one embodiment, the rotor 704 is press-fitted onto the hollow shaft 706. 706 is supported by two sliding bearings 808 and 810, which in this example, The gap between them is tightly optimized for the selected lubricant and operating point. Two alternating left and right adjacent surfaces with extremely high surface quality and low tolerances to control the condition. Including the contacting surfaces.

[0039] Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C show, respectively, the electric pump according to the disclosed embodiment. The rear view, side view, and cutting line CC of the ECU206 used in the stem are shown in Figure 9A. A side cross-sectional view is shown. The cooling rib 214 is located on the ECU cover 902 (or part thereof). The cooling rib 214 is attached to the ECU cover 902 from the electronics. It provides a thermal interface that dissipates heat to the surroundings. Also, one of them is labeled 904. A capacitor and one or more transistors labeled 906 (MOSFETs) The microchip 908 is shown. The ECU controls temperature, pump speed, and pump Information such as current composition, oil pressure, and other information can be obtained. The information obtained by U monitors the health of the oil pump and the overall drive unit. It can be supplied to a proprietary algorithm that monitors the situation. The algorithm monitors the oil change. When it is necessary to perform maintenance or when the drivetrain needs repair, etc., we provide service indicators. It can be provided.

[0040] Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C show an ECU-side end view, a side view, and a motor-side end view of the ECU electronics according to the disclosed embodiment, respectively. As shown in Figure 10A, from the ECU side, the ECU electronics 1000 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 1002 and electrical components, one of which is labeled 1004. The electrical components may include a processor or microcontroller for running firmware and / or software, a communication transceiver, a current sensing component, a motor control unit, a gate driver, and a capacitor, one of which is labeled 1008. Other electronic components include a thermistor 101 for measuring the temperature of the PCB 1002 and the electrical components. 6This temperature may include the "printed circuit board assembly" (PCBA) temperature. The side view in Figure 10B shows the mounting legs 1006 supporting the PCB 1002. As shown in Figure 10C, from the motor side, the ECU electronics 1000 may include a processor or microcontroller 1012 for controlling the pump system, motor control integrated circuit 1014, and oil temperature thermistor 1016. The ECU electronics 1000 may further include bootloader software for the purpose of loading software updates.

[0041] Figure 11 shows a side cross-sectional view of an electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment. As shown there, the electric motor 204 (can also be called the first side) )Having an ECU side 1102 and a pump side 1104 (which can also be called the second side) The ECU 206 is connected to the ECU side 1102, and the pump side 1104 is connected to the ECU 206. The mechanical pump 202 is connected. Also connected are the rotor 704 and the stator 11. The motor housing 404 positioned around 06 is also shown, thereby the motor The fluid flows through the rotor 704 and stator 1106 within the wug 404. The internal motor cavity 1108 is defined. The rotor 704 includes a hollow shaft 706. The stator 1106 includes end windings 702. The hollow shaft 706 has a shaft inlet 1 Defines 110 and the shaft exit 1112.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the mechanical pump 202 is connected to the auxiliary pump inlet 1116. A fluid passage 1114 is defined through the shaft inlet 1110. The hollow shaft 706 The fluid entering the shaft inlet 1110 is in fluid communication with the internal motor cavity 1108. Next, the shaft exit 1112. Then, the internal motor cavity 1108 is at the pump inlet 1124. It is in fluid communication with the mechanical pump 202 and motor housing 404. Fluid passage 1 from the internal motor cavity 1108 to the pump outlet 208 via the pump inlet 1124 Define 126.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the oil temperature thermistor 1016 is located at the shaft outlet 1112 The temperature of the fluid present is determined before it is substantially heated by the electric pump system 106. A direct or traceable relationship (i.e., the temperature measured in the thermistor is equal to x) In this case, the temperature of the fluid at the outlet can be determined by y = function f(x). It is positioned adjacent to the shaft outlet 1112 so that it can be done. Despite the specific arrangement of the oil temperature thermistor 1016, the oil temperature thermistor 101 6 can be placed anywhere on the ECU206. In the specific example in Figure 10C, The oil temperature thermistor 1016 is located near the mounting leg 1006, and this mounting Leg 1006 can be used to transfer heat to ECU 206. Therefore The oil temperature thermistor 1016 is located near the mounting leg 1006 and the mounting leg 1006. To read the temperature of high-conductivity and thermally conductive materials in the ECU traces (not shown) It can be used.

[0044] Figure 11 also shows a bypass inlet 216 that is in fluid communication with the internal motor cavity 1108. The bypass inlet 216 prevents oil from flowing through the shaft inlet 1110. In case of blockage in the pump, this allows oil to flow into the internal motor cavity 1108. In other words, if a blockage occurs, the oil will still flow through the bypass inlet 216. This allows the water to flow to the pump outlet 208, thereby powering the electric motor and other components. It can provide lubrication to the tents. Although not specifically shown in Figure 11, as needed Therefore, in order to allow oil to flow into the internal motor cavity 1108, the ECU206 and A small circumferential gap may also exist between the motor housing 404 and the motor housing. According to the embodiment described, the hollow shaft 706 can be replaced with a solid shaft. In that case, either or both of the bypass inlet 216 and the circumferential gap are internal. It can be used to supply oil to the cavity 1108. Alternatively, it can be used as an electric port. The pump system 106 uses the bypass inlet 216 and / or the circumferential gap. It is not necessary; instead, rely on the hollow shaft 706 to supply the internal motor cavity 1108 Send the email.

[0045] Furthermore, Figure 11 shows the mechanical pump 202 and the main pump inlet 1120 A fluid passage 1 extends from the gerotor 600 to the pump outlet 208. 115 is also shown. Therefore, parts of the fluid passages 1115 and 1126 are common. It may be present (i.e., via the jeta 600 to the pump outlet 208).

[0046] Fluid passage 1115 can also be called the first fluid passage. Main pump inlet 1 120 can also be called the first pump inlet. Fluid passage 1126 is also It can also be called the second fluid passage. Pump inlet 1124 is also called the second pump inlet It can also be called a mouth. Fluid passage 1114 is also called a third fluid passage. This is possible. The auxiliary pump inlet 1116 can also be called the third pump inlet. ru.

[0047] Figures 12 to 14 are side cross-sectional views of the electric pump system 106 according to the disclosed embodiment. This is shown. Figure 12 is a disclosure detailing the first oil passage utilizing the first fluid passage. Figure 12 shows a side cross-sectional view of the electric pump system 106 according to the embodiment described above. It enters the electric pump system 106 via the main pump inlet 1120, and the jettor 600 This indicates a first oil passage containing oil that flows through and exits from the pump outlet 208.

[0048] Figure 13 shows an arbitrary number of fluid passages utilizing the second fluid passage 1126 and the third fluid passage 1114. Side view of the electric pump system 106 according to the disclosed embodiment detailing the two oil passages A view is shown. In particular, Figure 13 shows that oil flows through the auxiliary pump inlet 1116 to the electric pump. It enters the system 106, flows to the shaft inlet 1110, and exits the shaft outlet 1112 into the interior It enters the motor cavity 1108, passes through the stator 1106 and rotor 704, and finally the motor The water enters the pump inlet 1124 via the hoist housing 404 and through the pump rotor 600. This shows the second oil passage exiting from pump outlet 208.

[0049] Figure 14 details an optional third oil passage utilizing the second fluid passage 1126. Figure 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of the electric pump system 106 according to the embodiment described. In particular, Figure 1 4. Oil enters the electric pump system 106 via the bypass inlet 216, stator Flows through 1106 and rotor 704, and through motor housing 404 to pump inlet 112 Entering 4, it shows a third oil passage that exits the pump outlet 208 via the jetter 600. As mentioned above with respect to Figure 11, the oil is also used with the ECU206 and Mo It is received through the circumferential gap between the housing 404 and bypass inlet 2. It can follow a similar path to the oil flowing into the motor housing 404 via 16. ru.

[0050] Figure 15 shows the electric pump system 106, auxiliary pump inlet 1116, and main pump inlet 112 Figures 11 to 14 show cross-sectional end views of the electric pump system, including the 0 and pump outlet 208. They are doing it.

[0051] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric pump system according to the disclosed embodiment. Referring to Figures 11 to 14, Figure 16 shows an electric pump according to the disclosed embodiment. This describes a method for pumping fluid through a stem. According to this method, the oil is supplied in three ways. It is pumped along different paths. Through the first path, the oil is pumped to the main inlet of the mechanical pump. It is received there, flows through the first jetter inlet, and exits from the pump outlet (ste (P-1602). If necessary, oil is received at the auxiliary inlet of the mechanical pump. Then, via the second path, the hollow shaft passes from the shaft inlet to the shaft outlet, inside It enters the motor cavity, passes through the motor housing, enters the second jetoter inlet, and exits the pump outlet. Exit from (step 1604). If necessary, oil is added at the bypass inlet. And / or accepted through the circumferential gap between the ECU and the motor housing, If necessary, it flows into the internal motor cavity via a third path and through the motor housing to the second path. Enter the jeter inlet and exit through the pump outlet (step 1606).

[0052] The advantages of the system and method of the disclosed embodiment are that the fluid exits the hollow shaft 706 At that time, there is little heat absorbed by the fluid from the operation of the electric pump system 106. Therefore, by measuring at this point, the ECU206 is electric The fluid can be accurately read before it is substantially heated by the pump system 106. However, this requires a communication channel to relay information to the ECU206, which increases costs. Sensors located near or at the pump inlet add complexity and additional points of failure. It is not necessary to use the fluid before it is substantially heated by the electric pump system 106. Temperature information is important because it indicates how much heat needs to be removed from the fluid, and related information. To determine what changes to make to the vehicle's operation (for example, reducing torque) It can be used.

[0053] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, low-speed rotating gears require specific materials to adhere to their surface. It requires oil with a certain viscosity. For example, much higher viscosity oil is needed in the low-speed gear stage before the gear stage mentioned above. Gears of the same size with a high rotational speed will have a much higher centrifugal force, so the particles that adhere to the gear surface will not stick. Sometimes oils at different temperatures are needed for this purpose. If the temperature is the same, two different oils Because this oil temperature cannot be used in the gearbox, much more is needed for high-speed rotating gears. A variety of oils and many orifices can be used.

[0054] According to the embodiments described herein, the fluid temperature affects the efficiency of the associated electric drive unit. In order to improve the vehicle's cooling and lubrication system, we try to control and optimize it. It can be used. Specifically, the fluid temperature can be controlled to achieve specific lubrication characteristics. It can be controlled. For example, the higher the oil temperature, the less drag and hydraulic power it reduces. The viscosity is reduced to allow the fluid to be pumped under pressure, which can improve efficiency. However, if the oil gets too hot, it will no longer provide sufficient cooling.

[0055] The fluid temperature reading characteristics of the oil pump indicate the overall fluid temperature within the electric drive unit system. It can monitor the healthy condition and performance. For example, if the oil gets too hot, Oil that gets too hot can damage some components of the drive unit or / And because it can shorten the lifespan, the oil pump will tell you that something is wrong. It can warn the car's computer.

[0056] In other words, the fluid temperature is used to monitor the health and performance of the drive unit. It can be used for various purposes. In addition to temperature, the ECU can also control pump speed, pump current composition, and oil. Pressure, or other information such as other data can be obtained. And by the ECU The information obtained is used to monitor the health of the oil pump and the overall drive unit. It can be supplied to its own algorithm. The algorithm does not need oil changes. To provide service indicators, such as when there is a problem or when the drivetrain needs repair. It is possible.

[0057] The above specification described this disclosure with reference to specific embodiments. However, As businesses should understand, the various embodiments disclosed herein are in line with the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It can be modified or implemented in various other ways without deviating from the framework. Therefore, this explanation should be considered illustrative and not related to the disclosed systems, methods, and components. This document teaches those skilled in the art how to configure and use various embodiments of computer program products. This is for the purpose of [details omitted]. The forms of disclosure shown and described herein are representative examples. It should be understood that this should be interpreted as a form of application. Equivalent elements, materials, and processes Alternatively, the steps may be substitutes for those representatively exemplified and described herein. This is possible. Furthermore, certain features of this disclosure can be used independently of the use of other features. This can be done, and all of this will become clear to a person skilled in the art after benefiting from this explanation of the disclosure. It is likely.

[0058] As used herein, the terms "comprises" and "comprises" are used to mean "comprises" or "comprises." mprising), includes, includes "to have," "to possess," "to have," or any variation of these in any context. This is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process with a list of elements Products, articles, or devices are not necessarily limited to those elements alone. , processes, products, articles, or equipment not explicitly listed or otherwise specified It may include other elements specific to the placement. Furthermore, it is not explicitly stated that it does not. Unless otherwise specified, "or" refers to a comprehensive OR, not an exclusive OR. The condition "A or B" is satisfied by one of the following: A is true ( (and exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0059] Steps, actions, or calculations may be presented in a specific order, but this order is not necessarily different. This may be modified in some embodiments. In some embodiments, multiple embodiments are described herein. To the extent that the steps are shown as consecutive, such as in an alternative embodiment Some combinations of steps may be performed simultaneously. A series of actions may be interrupted, paused, canceled, or controlled by other processes. It is possible.

[0060] One or more of the elements depicted in the drawing / figure are also useful according to a specific purpose. Thus, it can be implemented in a more separated or integrated way, or in certain cases, It should also be understood that the content may be deleted or rendered as unplayable.

Claims

1. A method for pumping fluid in an electric pump system (106), wherein the electric pump system (106) comprises a mechanical pump (202) and a motor, the motor comprising a stator (1106), a rotor (704) having a hollow shaft (706), and a motor housing (210, 402, 404) defining an internal motor cavity (1108), wherein the fluid is in direct contact with the stator and the rotor within the internal motor cavity (1108), and the method is as follows: The steps include pumping fluid along a first fluid path through a first fluid passage (1115) from the first pump inlet (1120) of the mechanical pump to the pump outlet (208) of the mechanical pump, A step of pumping fluid along a second fluid passage through a second fluid passage (1126) from the internal motor cavity to the pump outlet via a second pump inlet (1124) of the mechanical pump, wherein the fluid along the second fluid passage flows from the shaft inlet (1110) to the shaft outlet (1112) through the hollow shaft of the rotor, is discharged into the internal motor cavity, passes through the stator and the rotor, and flows through the motor housing to the second fluid passage (1126), The steps include measuring the temperature of the fluid exiting the hollow shaft via a temperature sensor (1016) positioned adjacent to the shaft outlet, before substantial heating by the motor, A step of determining how much heat needs to be removed from the fluid using information regarding the temperature of the fluid exiting the hollow shaft, Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical pump is controlled via a microcontroller included in an electrical control unit.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is a thermistor.

4. The fluid is oil, The method according to claim 1, wherein the second fluid passage provides an oil passage that passes through at least the hollow shaft and the internal motor cavity in sequence.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical pump is a jettor.

6. The electric pump system is used in the drive system of a vehicle, The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining further includes making changes to the operation of the vehicle related to the electric pump system.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein modifying the operation of the vehicle includes reducing the torque of the motor.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein modifying the operation of the vehicle includes generating a warning.

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