Water pump

Abstract

The water pump of the present invention relates to a water pump comprising: a casing having an inlet formed at the beginning of a flow channel for fluid to flow in and an outlet formed at the end of a flow channel for fluid to be discharged; a regenerative impeller rotatably provided in an impeller receiving space inside the casing; a return channel connecting the outlet and the beginning of the flow channel; and a relief valve installed on the return channel and opening when the fluid pressure in the outlet rises above a preset pressure to allow the fluid in the outlet to flow into the beginning of the flow channel.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water pump that pumps fluid by the rotation of an impeller. Background Technology

[0002] A water pump is a device used to circulate coolant to an engine or heater for purposes such as engine cooling or cabin heating. These water pumps are broadly classified into mechanical water pumps and electric water pumps.

[0003] FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional electric water pump.

[0004] As described above, a conventional electric water pump may comprise an upper casing (10), a lower casing (20), a motor housing (30), an impeller (40), a stator (50), and a rotor (60). An inlet (10a) through which fluid is introduced is formed in the upper casing (10). The upper casing (10) and the lower casing (20) each have an impeller mounting groove (11, 21) formed concavely so that the impeller (40) is rotatably seated therein, and a discharge channel (12, 22) is formed concavely on the outer side of the impeller mounting groove (11, 21) in the radial direction so that the fluid discharged from the impeller flows and is pressurized. Additionally, the discharge channels (12, 22) are formed to extend along the circumferential direction, and the ends of the discharge channels (12, 22) are connected to discharge ports that allow fluid to be discharged to the outside of the upper casing (10) and the lower casing (20). Here, a centrifugal impeller (40) may be used.

[0005] However, centrifugal pumps equipped with such conventional centrifugal impellers have relatively low flow rates and efficiency when fluids need to be discharged at high pressure, making them difficult to use for such applications. Furthermore, while increasing the impeller's rotational speed is required to discharge fluids at high pressure, this has the disadvantage of resulting in increased noise.

[0006] In addition, although water pumps equipped with regenerative impellers have high fluid discharge pressure, the discharge pressure continues to rise as the flow rate of the discharged fluid gradually decreases while the impeller's rotational speed is maintained; therefore, the water pump may be damaged due to the high fluid pressure. Prior art literature

[0007] KR 10-1457816 B1 (2014.10.28.) "Electric Water Pump" The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the problems described above, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a water pump that improves safety by preventing an excessive pressure rise of the fluid discharged from a water pump equipped with a regenerative impeller. means of solving the problem

[0009] A water pump of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose may comprise: a casing having an impeller receiving space formed therein for accommodating an impeller, a flow channel formed along the circumference through which fluid flows, an inlet formed at the beginning of the flow channel for fluid to flow in, and an outlet formed at the end of the flow channel for fluid to be discharged; a regenerative impeller rotatably provided in the impeller receiving space of the casing, having a plurality of blades positioned at a location corresponding to the flow channel; a return flow path connecting the outlet and the beginning of the flow channel; and a relief valve installed on the return flow path, which opens when the fluid pressure in the outlet rises above a preset pressure to allow the fluid in the outlet to flow into the beginning of the flow channel.

[0010] Additionally, the return channel may include a first return channel formed by branching off from the outlet section and extending; and a second return channel formed to intersect the first return channel, connecting the first return channel and the beginning of the flow channel.

[0011] Additionally, the device further includes a valve housing coupled to the first return path, and the relief valve can be inserted and coupled inside the valve housing.

[0012] Additionally, the valve housing includes a cylinder inserted inside the first return passage and a flange formed at one end of the cylinder, wherein the flange is formed to protrude radially outward and inwardly, respectively, and the radially outward end of the flange is supported by being caught on the end of the first return passage, and the relief valve can be supported by being caught on one end of the radially inward end of the flange.

[0013] Additionally, the relief valve may include: a valve plate disposed at one end; a plurality of hooks extending from the valve plate toward the other end and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, each having a catch formed at its other end; an elastic member fitted to the outside of the plurality of hooks and interposed between the catch and the valve plate; and a sealing member interposed between the elastic member and the valve plate.

[0014] In addition, the elastic member may be positioned and clamped between the radially inner end of the flange of the valve housing and the catch portion of the plurality of hooks, and the sealing member may be positioned and pressurized and contacted between the radially inner end of the flange of the valve housing and the valve plate.

[0015] In addition, a plurality of hooks of the relief valve may have through slots formed that penetrate the radial inner and outer surfaces.

[0016] In addition, the inner side surrounded by the plurality of hooks is formed hollow, and the plurality of hooks can be formed with three or more.

[0017] Additionally, a plurality of hooks of the relief valve may be inserted into the first return path, and the valve plate of the relief valve may be disposed in the second return path.

[0018] In addition, it may further include a drive unit coupled to the casing and connected to the regenerative impeller to drive the regenerative impeller. Effects of the invention

[0019] The water pump of the present invention utilizes a regenerative impeller, which enables high fluid discharge pressure at relatively low rotational speeds and prevents excessive pressure rise of the discharged fluid, thereby offering the advantage of improved safety. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0020] FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional electric water pump. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view showing the casing and regenerative impeller of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a regenerative impeller of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5 and 6 are a planar cross-sectional view and a partial enlarged view showing the state in which the relief valve of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention is closed. FIGS. 7 and 8 are a planar cross-sectional view and a partial enlarged view showing the relief valve of a water pump in an open state according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are perspective views showing a relief valve of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention and a state in which the relief valve is installed in a return path. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0021] Hereinafter, the water pump of the present invention having the configuration as described above will be explained in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0022] FIGS. 2 to 4 are perspective views showing a water pump, casing, and regenerative impeller according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 5 and 6 are a plan cross-sectional view and a partial enlarged view showing the relief valve of the water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed state, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are a plan cross-sectional view and a partial enlarged view showing the relief valve in an open state.

[0023] As described above, a water pump according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a casing (100), a regenerative impeller (200), a return path (300), and a relief valve (500), and may further include a valve housing (400) and a driving unit (600).

[0024] The casing (100) may be formed in the shape of a chamber, and an impeller receiving space may be formed so that an impeller (200) can be accommodated inside. For example, the casing (100) may be formed in a structure in which an upper casing and a lower casing are combined. In addition, a flow channel (110) through which fluid flows along the circumference is formed inside the casing (100), an inlet section (120) through which fluid flows is formed at the beginning end (111) of the flow channel, and an outlet section (130) through which fluid is discharged is formed at the end end of the flow channel.

[0025] The regenerative impeller (200) may be rotatably provided in the impeller receiving space of the casing (100). For example, the regenerative impeller (200) may include a body (210) and a plurality of blades (220). A plurality of blades (220) may be formed extending radially outward from the outer surface of the disc-shaped body (210), and the plurality of blades (220) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction. The plurality of blades (220) may be formed in a shape that gradually widens outward in the height direction relative to the center in the height direction as they move in the rotational direction of the regenerative impeller. That is, as illustrated, the plurality of blades (220) may be formed in a "<" shape. Additionally, the regenerative impeller (200) may further include a side ring (230) connecting the radially outer ends of the plurality of blades (220).

[0026] The return path (300) is connected to the outlet section (130) and the starting end (111) of the flow channel, and the outlet section (130) and the starting end (111) of the flow channel can be connected by the return path (300). For example, the return path (300) may include a first return path (310) that branches off from the outlet section (130) and extends outwardly from the starting end (111) of the flow channel, and a second return path (320) that extends outwardly in a radial direction from the starting end (111) of the flow channel. The first return path (310) is connected to the second return path (320), and the first return path (310) is formed to intersect with the second return path (320), forming an approximately "L"-shaped structure. Thus, the fluid discharged through the outlet section (130) can flow into the starting end (111) of the flow channel by passing through the first return path (310) and the second return path (320) in sequence.

[0027] The valve housing (400) is inserted and coupled inside the first return path (310), and a relief valve (500) may be inserted and coupled inside the valve housing (400). For example, the valve housing (400) may include a cylinder (410) and a flange (420). The cylinder (410) may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the cylinder (410) may be inserted inside the first return path (310). The flange (420) may be formed integrally with the cylinder (410) at one end of the cylinder (410), and the flange (420) may protrude radially outward from the cylinder (410) and may protrude radially inward from the cylinder (410). The portion of the flange (420) that protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the cylinder (410) may be supported by being caught at the end of the first return path (310). And a relief valve (500) can be supported by being caught on the flange (420) portion that protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of the cylinder (410).

[0028] The relief valve (500) can be installed on the return path (300), and the relief valve (500) can be inserted and coupled inside the valve housing (400). The relief valve (500) opens when the fluid pressure in the outlet section (130) rises above a preset pressure, so that the fluid in the outlet section (130) can flow through the return path (300) to the starting end (111) of the flow channel by means of the relief valve (500).

[0029] The drive unit (600) can be coupled to the casing (100), and the drive shaft of the drive unit (600) can be coupled to the regenerative impeller (200) so that the regenerative impeller (200) can rotate.

[0030] Thus, the water pump of the present invention is equipped with a regenerative impeller, allowing it to obtain high fluid discharge pressure at a relatively low rotational speed, and the operation of the relief valve can prevent the fluid pressure inside the water pump from rising excessively, thereby improving safety and reliability.

[0031] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are perspective views showing a relief valve of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention and a state in which the relief valve is installed in a return path.

[0032] As described, the relief valve (500) may include a valve plate (510), a plurality of hooks (520), an elastic member (530), and a sealing member (540). For example, the valve plate (510) may be formed in the shape of a disc, and the valve plate (510) may be positioned at one end. The plurality of hooks (520) may be formed extending from the valve plate (510) toward the other side, and a catch portion (521) may be formed at the other end of each of the plurality of hooks (520), so that the catch portion (521) may protrude radially outward from the outer surface of the plurality of hooks (520). Additionally, the end of the catch portion (521) may be chamfered to facilitate inserting the plurality of hooks (520) into the interior of the cylinder (410) through the hole of the flange (420). The plurality of hooks (520) may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction. For example, the plurality of hooks (520) may be formed in three or more numbers, and the plurality of hooks (520) may be arranged at 120-degree intervals. Thus, it may be easy to insert the plurality of hooks (520) through the holes of the flange (420). Also, the inner side surrounded by the plurality of hooks (520) may be formed hollow. The plurality of hooks (520) are inserted into the cylinder (410) through the holes of the flange (420), so that the plurality of hooks (520) are placed on the first return path (310) and the valve plate (510) is placed on the second return path (320). The elastic member (530) may be, for example, a compression coil spring, and the elastic member (530) may be provided inside the cylinder (410). Additionally, the sealing member (540) is fitted to the outside of a plurality of hooks (520), and the sealing member (540) can be positioned to contact the valve plate (510).

[0033] Thus, after inserting the elastic member (530) into the cylinder (410), the sealing member (540) can be fitted onto the outer side of the plurality of hooks (520), and the plurality of hooks (520) can be inserted so as to penetrate the holes of the flange (420) and the elastic member (530). In this state, the elastic member (530) can be positioned and clamped between the radial inner end of the flange (420) of the valve housing (400) and the catch portion (521) of the plurality of hooks (520). And the sealing member (540) can be positioned between the radial inner end of the flange (420) and the valve plate (510) to be pressed and in contact.

[0034] Accordingly, when the fluid pressure at the outlet section (130) is less than a preset pressure, the relief valve (500) can be kept in a closed state by the elastic force of the elastic member (530). And when the fluid pressure at the outlet section (130) rises above a preset pressure, the elastic member (530) is compressed by the pressure of the fluid and the relief valve (500) is opened, so that the fluid at the outlet section (130) flows into the beginning end (111) of the flow channel through the space between the plurality of hooks (520), thereby preventing an excessive rise in fluid pressure inside the water pump.

[0035] Additionally, a through slot (522) penetrating the radial inner surface and the outer surface may be formed in a plurality of hooks (520) of the relief valve (500). Thus, when the relief valve (500) is opened, fluid can flow smoothly between the plurality of hooks (520) and through the through slot (522) formed in the plurality of hooks (520), thereby improving the responsiveness of the relief valve to the pressure of the fluid.

[0036] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and has a diverse scope of application. Furthermore, it is understood that anyone with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0037] 100 : Casing 110 : Flow channel 111: Start of the fluid channel 112: End of the fluid channel 120 : Entrance section 130 : Exit section 200 : Regenerative impeller 210 : Body 220 : Blade 230 : Side Ring 300 : Return Euro 310 : 1st Return Euro 320 : 2nd Return Euro 400 : Valve housing 410 : Cylinder 420 : Flange 500 : Relief valve 510 : Valve plate 520 : Hook 521 : Locking part 522 : Penetrating slot 530: Elastic member 540: Sealing member 600 : Drive unit

Claims

Claim 1 A casing having an impeller receiving space formed therein for accommodating an impeller, a flow channel formed along the circumference through which fluid flows, an inlet formed at the beginning of the flow channel for fluid inflow, and an outlet formed at the end of the flow channel for fluid discharge; a regenerative impeller rotatably provided in the impeller receiving space of the casing, with a plurality of blades arranged at positions corresponding to the flow channel; a return channel connecting the outlet and the beginning of the flow channel; and a relief valve installed on the return channel, which opens when the fluid pressure within the outlet rises above a preset pressure to allow fluid within the outlet to flow into the beginning of the flow channel; wherein the return channel comprises: a first return channel branched from and extended from the outlet; and a second return channel connecting the first return channel and the beginning of the flow channel, and formed to intersect with the first return channel. A water pump comprising: a valve housing coupled to the first return path; wherein the relief valve is inserted and coupled inside the valve housing; wherein the valve housing comprises a cylinder inserted inside the first return path and a flange formed at one end of the cylinder, wherein the flange is formed to protrude radially outward and inwardly, respectively, and the radially outward end of the flange is supported by being caught on the end of the first return path; wherein the relief valve is supported by being caught on the radially inward end of the flange, and wherein the relief valve comprises: a valve plate disposed at one end; a plurality of hooks extending from the valve plate toward the other end and arranged circumferentially spaced apart from each other, each having a catch formed at the other end; an elastic member fitted to the outside of the plurality of hooks and interposed between the catch and the valve plate; and a sealing member interposed between the elastic member and the valve plate; wherein a through slot is formed in the plurality of hooks of the relief valve, penetrating the radially inner surface and the outer surface. Claim 2 A casing having an impeller receiving space formed therein for accommodating an impeller, a flow channel formed along the circumference through which fluid flows, an inlet formed at the beginning of the flow channel for fluid inflow, and an outlet formed at the end of the flow channel for fluid discharge; a regenerative impeller rotatably provided in the impeller receiving space of the casing, with a plurality of blades arranged at positions corresponding to the flow channel; a return channel connecting the outlet and the beginning of the flow channel; and a relief valve installed on the return channel, which opens when the fluid pressure within the outlet rises above a preset pressure to allow fluid within the outlet to flow into the beginning of the flow channel; wherein the return channel comprises: a first return channel branched from and extended from the outlet; and a second return channel connecting the first return channel and the beginning of the flow channel, and formed to intersect with the first return channel. A water pump comprising: a valve housing coupled to the first return path; wherein the relief valve is inserted and coupled inside the valve housing; wherein the valve housing comprises a cylinder inserted inside the first return path and a flange formed at one end of the cylinder, wherein the flange is formed to protrude radially outward and inwardly, respectively, and the radially outward end of the flange is supported by being caught on the end of the first return path; wherein the relief valve is supported by being caught on one end of the radially inward end of the flange; wherein the relief valve comprises: a valve plate disposed at one end; a plurality of hooks extending from the valve plate toward the other end and arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, each having a catch formed at the other end; an elastic member fitted to the outside of the plurality of hooks and interposed between the catch and the valve plate; and a sealing member interposed between the elastic member and the valve plate; wherein the inner side surrounded by the plurality of hooks is formed to be hollow, and the plurality of hooks are formed in three or more numbers. Claim 3 A casing having an impeller receiving space formed therein for accommodating an impeller, a flow channel formed along the circumference through which fluid flows, an inlet formed at the beginning of the flow channel for fluid inflow, and an outlet formed at the end of the flow channel for fluid discharge; a regenerative impeller rotatably provided in the impeller receiving space of the casing, with a plurality of blades arranged at positions corresponding to the flow channel; a return channel connecting the outlet and the beginning of the flow channel; and a relief valve installed on the return channel, which opens when the fluid pressure within the outlet rises above a preset pressure to allow fluid within the outlet to flow into the beginning of the flow channel; wherein the return channel comprises: a first return channel branched from and extended from the outlet; and a second return channel connecting the first return channel and the beginning of the flow channel, and formed to intersect with the first return channel. The apparatus comprises a valve housing coupled to the first return path, wherein the relief valve is inserted and coupled inside the valve housing, the valve housing comprises a cylinder inserted inside the first return path and a flange formed at one end of the cylinder, wherein the flange is formed to protrude radially outward and inwardly, respectively, and the radially outward end of the flange is supported by being caught on the end of the first return path, and the relief valve is supported by being caught on one end of the radially inward end of the flange, and the relief valve comprises: a valve plate disposed at one end; a plurality of hooks extending from the valve plate toward the other end and arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, each having a catch formed at the other end; an elastic member fitted to the outside of the plurality of hooks and interposed between the catch and the valve plate; and a sealing member interposed between the elastic member and the valve plate.A water pump comprising, wherein the elastic member is disposed and clamped between the radially inner end of the flange of the valve housing and the catch portion of the plurality of hooks, and the sealing member is disposed and pressurized and contacted between the radially inner end of the flange of the valve housing and the valve plate, wherein the plurality of hooks of the relief valve are inserted into the first return path and the valve plate of the relief valve is disposed in the second return path. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A water pump according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic member is disposed and clamped between the radially inner end of the flange of the valve housing and the catch portion of the plurality of hooks, and the sealing member is disposed and pressurized and contacted between the radially inner end of the flange of the valve housing and the valve plate. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 A water pump according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner side surrounded by the plurality of hooks is formed hollow, and the plurality of hooks are formed in three or more. Claim 9 A water pump according to claim 6, characterized in that a plurality of hooks of the relief valve are inserted into the first return path, and the valve plate of the relief valve is disposed in the second return path. Claim 10 A water pump according to claim 1, further comprising a driving unit coupled to the casing and connected to the regenerative impeller to drive the regenerative impeller.

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