Water pump

Abstract

The present invention is a water pump comprising: a casing formed with an impeller receiving space, a flow channel, an inlet section, and an outlet section; and a regenerative impeller provided in the impeller receiving space, wherein an inflow communication channel is formed in the casing in communication with the inlet section, and the inflow communication channel connects a flow channel positioned above and a flow channel positioned below the regenerative impeller in the direction of the central axis, and a partition wall is formed in the inlet section to partition an internal flow path.

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, doing so leads to increased noise.

[0006] In addition, conventional fluid pumps equipped with regenerative impellers have a relatively high discharge pressure, but when fluid flows into the impeller side due to the rotation of the impeller and when fluid is discharged from the impeller, some of the pressurized fluid passes between the impeller blades, which has the disadvantage of reducing the efficiency of the water pump, causing noise and vibration, and causing cavitation. 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 applies a regenerative impeller to achieve higher fluid discharge pressure and improved efficiency compared to conventional centrifugal pumps, while also reducing noise and vibration and cavitation.

[0009] In addition, the present invention provides a water pump that allows fluid to flow into the upper and lower sides of the regenerative impeller when it flows into the regenerative impeller, respectively, while ensuring that the fluid flowing into the upper side and the fluid flowing into the lower side of the regenerative impeller do not mix with each other and can flow stably separated. means of solving the problem

[0010] A water pump of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises: a casing having an impeller receiving space formed therein for accommodating a regenerative impeller, a flow channel formed along the circumference for fluid flow, an inlet portion for fluid inflow, and an outlet portion for fluid discharge; and a regenerative impeller rotatably provided in the impeller receiving space of the casing, with a plurality of blades positioned at locations corresponding to the flow channel; wherein an inflow communication channel is formed in the casing in communication with the inlet portion, and the inflow communication channel connects the flow channel positioned above the regenerative impeller and the flow channel positioned below the regenerative impeller in the direction of the central axis, and a partition wall for partitioning an internal flow path may be formed in the inlet portion.

[0011] Additionally, the casing comprises an upper casing and a lower casing coupled to the upper casing to form an impeller receiving space inside, and the flow channel comprises an upper flow channel formed in the upper casing and a lower flow channel formed in the lower casing, and the inflow communication channel may include an upper inflow communication channel formed in the upper casing and connected to the upper flow channel, and a lower inflow communication channel formed in the lower casing and connected to the lower flow channel.

[0012] Additionally, the partition wall may be formed to guide a portion of the fluid flowing in through the inlet to the upper flow channel, and the partition wall may be formed to guide the remainder of the fluid flowing in through the inlet to the upper inlet communication channel.

[0013] Additionally, the inlet portion may be formed on the upper side of the upper casing in the direction of the central axis, and the inlet portion may be formed at a position corresponding to the upper flow channel in the radial direction.

[0014] In addition, the partition wall is formed parallel to the central axis direction along the inlet, and the lower end of the partition wall may be spaced apart from but adjacent to a plurality of blades of the regenerative impeller.

[0015] In addition, when viewed from the upper side of the upper casing, the partition wall may be formed to be inclined at an acute angle in a counterclockwise direction with respect to a radial reference line.

[0016] Additionally, the radially inner end of the partition wall may be positioned adjacent to the blade roots of a plurality of blades of the regenerative impeller, and the radially outer end of the partition wall may be positioned between the starting end of the upper inflow communication channel and the starting end of the upper flow channel, which are adjacent to each other.

[0017] Additionally, the casing comprises an upper casing and a lower casing coupled to the upper casing to form an impeller receiving space inside, and the flow channel comprises an upper flow channel formed in the upper casing and a lower flow channel formed in the lower casing, and a discharge communication channel is formed in the casing that communicates with the outlet section, and the discharge communication channel connects a flow channel positioned on the upper side and a flow channel positioned on the lower side of the regenerative impeller in the direction of the central axis, and the discharge communication channel may include an upper discharge communication channel formed in the upper casing and connected to the upper flow channel, and a lower discharge communication channel formed in the lower casing and connected to the lower flow channel.

[0018] In addition, the outlet portion is formed radially outward from the outer surface of the upper casing, and the outlet portion can be connected to the lower discharge communication channel and the upper discharge communication channel.

[0019] Additionally, it may further include a motor housing coupled to the casing; a stator provided inside the motor housing; and a rotor rotatably provided inside the motor housing, with one end coupled to the regenerative impeller and rotating together. Effects of the invention

[0020] The water pump of the present invention, by applying a regenerative impeller, has the advantages of higher fluid discharge pressure and improved efficiency compared to a conventional centrifugal pump with a centrifugal impeller, as well as reduced noise and vibration and reduced cavitation.

[0021] In addition, since the fluid flows into the upper and lower sides of the regenerative impeller respectively, and the two fluids can flow separately without mixing, there is an advantage in that the performance and efficiency of the water pump are improved and flow stability is enhanced. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional electric water pump. FIG. 2 is an assembly view of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a regenerative impeller of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an upper plan view of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the AA' cross-section of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the fluid flow viewed from above of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the upper fluid flow in a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the fluid flow on the lower side of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view showing the fluid discharge side of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] 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.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a regenerative impeller according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an upper plan view of a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the AA' cross-section of FIG. 5.

[0025] As described, a water pump according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a casing and a regenerative impeller (500), and the water pump may further include a motor housing (200), a rotor (400), and a stator (100).

[0026] The casing may be formed in the shape of a chamber, and an impeller receiving space may be formed so that a regenerative impeller (500) can be accommodated inside. For example, the casing may be formed in a structure in which an upper casing (600) and a lower casing (300) are combined. The lower casing (300) may be formed in a concave shape to accommodate the regenerative impeller (500), and the upper casing (600) may be formed in a cover shape that covers and blocks the upper side of the lower casing (300). A fluid channel may be formed inside the casing through which fluid flows. An upper fluid channel (601) may be formed concavely along the perimeter on the lower surface of the upper casing (600), and a lower fluid channel (301) may be formed concavely along the perimeter on the bottom surface of the lower casing (300), and the upper fluid channel (601) and the lower fluid channel (301) may be arranged facing each other. In addition, an inlet section (610) in the form of a pipe into which fluid flows is formed in the upper casing (600), and the inlet section (610) is connected to the beginning end of the upper flow channel (601) so that fluid can be connected. For example, the inlet section (610) is formed on the upper side of the upper casing (600) in the direction of the central axis, and the inlet section (610) is formed at a position corresponding to the upper flow channel (601) so that the inlet section (610) can be directly connected to the upper flow channel (601). An outlet section (620) into which fluid is discharged may be formed in the upper casing (600), and the outlet section (620) is connected to the end of the upper flow channel (601) so that fluid can be connected. In addition, an inflow communication channel may be formed in the casing, and the inflow communication channel may include an upper inflow communication channel (631) and a lower inflow communication channel (331). An upper inlet communication channel (631) may be formed in the upper casing (600). The inlet end of the upper inlet communication channel (631) may be connected to the inlet section (610), and the upper inlet communication channel (631) may be formed to extend radially outward from the bottom of the inlet section (610) and then extend downward.A lower inlet communication channel (331) may be formed in the lower casing (300). The lower inlet communication channel (331) may be connected to the lower flow channel (301), and the lower inlet communication channel (331) may be formed to extend radially outward from the lower flow channel (301) and then extend upward. The lower inlet communication channel (331) may meet and be connected to the upper inlet communication channel (631). That is, at the fluid inlet side where the inlet portion (610) is located, the upper flow channel (601) located on the upper side of the regenerative impeller (500) in the direction of the central axis and the lower flow channel (301) located on the lower side of the regenerative impeller (500) may be connected to each other by the upper inlet communication channel (631) and the lower inlet communication channel (331).

[0027] The regenerative impeller (500) may be rotatably provided in an impeller receiving space formed by the combination of an upper casing (600) and a lower casing (300). For example, the regenerative impeller (500) may include a body (510) and a plurality of blades (520). A plurality of blades (520) may be formed extending radially outward from the outer surface of a disc-shaped body (510), and the plurality of blades (520) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction. Additionally, a center guide (511) may protrude radially outward from the center of the central axis direction on the outer surface of the body (510), and the center guide (511) may be formed extending across the entire body (510) along the circumferential direction. The plurality of blades (520) may be formed in a shape that gradually spreads outward in both directions relative to the center of the central axis direction as they move in the rotational direction of the regenerative impeller. That is, as illustrated, a plurality of blades (520) can be formed in a "<" shape. The plurality of blades (520) can be positioned in a radial direction corresponding to the upper flow channel (601) and the lower flow channel (301). Additionally, a ring-shaped side ring (530) can be attached to the radially outer ends of the plurality of blades (520). Thus, the blade roots of the plurality of blades (520) can be connected to the outer surface of the body (510), and the blade ends of the plurality of blades (520) can be formed to be connected to the inner surface of the side ring (530).

[0028] Here, a partition wall (611) may be formed inside the inlet section (610), and the internal flow path of the inlet section (610) may be divided into two flow paths by the partition wall (611). For example, the partition wall (611) may be formed in a shape that is positioned parallel to the vertical direction, which is the direction of the central axis, and the lower end of the partition wall (611) may be positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from the plurality of blades (520) of the regenerative impeller (500).

[0029] FIGS. 7 to 9 are conceptual diagrams showing fluid flow viewed from above, fluid flow from above, and fluid flow from below in a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Thus, when the regenerative impeller (500) rotates, fluid flows in through the inlet (610), and the fluid is divided into two branches by the partition wall (611). A portion of the divided fluid is guided by the partition wall (611) and flows into the upper flow channel (601), which can then flow into the upper side of the regenerative impeller (500). The remainder of the divided fluid is guided by the partition wall (611) and flows into the upper inflow communication channel (631), and then flows through the lower inflow communication channel (331) to the lower flow channel (301) and then flows into the lower side of the regenerative impeller (500).

[0031] Accordingly, the fluid introduced through the inlet section (610) flows into the space between the multiple blades (520), and can flow into the upper and lower sides of the multiple blades (520), respectively, so that cross-flow, which is a flow of fluid passing from the upper space between the multiple blades (520) to the lower space, does not occur. More specifically, when the regenerative impeller (500) rotates, some of the fluid introduced through the inlet section (610) flows through the upper flow channel (601) of the upper casing (600) and flows into the upper space between the multiple blades (520). At this time, the fluid flows into the upper side in the direction of the center axis with respect to the center guide (511), and the introduced fluid generates a rotational flow on the upper side of the center guide (511). Then, the remainder of the fluid introduced through the inlet section (610) flows through the upper inlet communication channel (631), the lower inlet communication channel (331), and the lower flow channel (301) in sequence, and flows into the lower space between the multiple blades (520). At this time, the fluid flows into the lower side in the direction of the center axis relative to the center guide (511), and the introduced fluid generates a rotational flow at the lower side of the center guide (511). That is, the fluid introduced through the inlet section (610) flows into the space between the multiple blades (520), but can flow into the upper and lower sides of the multiple blades (520), respectively, so that cross-flow, which is a flow of fluid passing from the upper space to the lower space between the multiple blades (520), does not occur. Therefore, since cross-flow does not occur in the regenerative impeller (500), the energy loss resulting therefrom is reduced, and the efficiency of the water pump can be improved. In addition, since the water pump of the present invention is equipped with a regenerative impeller, the fluid discharge pressure is higher and efficiency is improved compared to a conventional centrifugal pump equipped with a centrifugal impeller, and noise and vibration are reduced and pressure drop is reduced, thereby reducing cavitation.In addition, fluids can be introduced into the upper and lower sides of the regenerative impeller, respectively, while the two fluids can be introduced separately without mixing, thereby improving the performance and efficiency of the water pump and enhancing flow stability.

[0032] Additionally, referring to FIG. 7, when the water pump according to the present invention is viewed from the upper side of the upper casing (600), the partition wall (611) may be formed to be inclined at an acute angle in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the radial reference line (700). Here, the radial reference line (700) may be a straight line connecting the center of the regenerative impeller (500) or the center of the upper casing (600) to the center of the inlet section (610) in the radial direction. For example, the angle of inclination (θ) of the partition wall (611) may be in the range of approximately 40 to 60 degrees. Additionally, the partition wall (611) may be arranged to pass through the center of the inlet section (610), and the partition wall (611) may be arranged to divide the flow cross-sectional area in a 1:1 ratio with respect to the inner diameter of the inlet section (610).

[0033] Thus, some of the fluid introduced through the inlet (610) can be easily introduced into the upper flow channel (601) and then into the upper space between the multiple blades (520) of the regenerative impeller (500). Additionally, the remainder of the fluid introduced through the inlet (610) can be easily introduced into the upper inflow communication channel (631). Accordingly, the fluid divided into two branches by the partition wall (611) can be easily introduced into the upper and lower sides of the regenerative impeller (500) respectively without mixing with each other, thereby further improving the performance and efficiency of the water pump.

[0034] Additionally, when the water pump according to the present invention is viewed from the upper side of the upper casing (600), the radially inner end of the partition wall (611) is positioned adjacent to the blade roots of a plurality of blades (520) of the regenerative impeller (500), and the radially outer end of the partition wall (611) can be positioned between the starting end of the upper inflow communication channel (631) and the starting end of the upper flow channel (601), which are adjacent to each other. Thus, it is easier for some of the fluid introduced through the inlet section (610) to flow into the upper flow channel (601), and it is easier for the remainder of the fluid introduced through the inlet section (610) to flow into the upper inflow communication channel (631).

[0035] Additionally, an upper discharge communication channel (632) may be formed in the upper casing (600). The upper discharge communication channel (632) may be connected to the upper flow channel (601), and the upper discharge communication channel (632) may be formed extending radially outward from the upper flow channel (601). A lower discharge communication channel (332) may be formed in the lower casing (300). The lower discharge communication channel (332) may be connected to the lower flow channel (301), and the lower discharge communication channel (332) may be formed extending radially outward from the lower flow channel (301). For example, an outlet section (620) may be formed radially outward from the outer surface of the upper casing (600), and the end of the upper discharge communication channel (632) and the end of the lower discharge communication channel (332) may be connected to the outlet section (620). Thus, the fluid discharged through the upper discharge communication channel (632) and the fluid discharged through the lower discharge communication channel (332) can be combined at the outlet section (620) and then discharged to the outside. Accordingly, since the fluid is discharged from the upper and lower sides of the regenerative impeller (500) respectively at the fluid discharge side, cross-flow passing from the lower space between the multiple blades (520) of the regenerative impeller (500) to the upper space (or from the upper space to the lower space) does not occur at the fluid discharge side, so energy loss is reduced and the performance and efficiency of the water pump can be improved.

[0036] Additionally, the motor housing (200) may be coupled to the lower side of the lower casing (300). The stator (100) is coupled to the motor housing (200). For example, the stator (100) may be formed integrally with the motor housing (200) by overmolding, or the stator (100) may be formed in a form embedded in the motor housing (200). A concave rotor receiving space may be formed in the central part of the motor housing (200). The rotor (400) may be received inside the motor housing (200), and the rotor (400) may be rotatably coupled to the motor housing (200) and the lower casing (300) by means of bushings, etc. A shaft may be formed on the central axis of the rotor (400), and one end of the shaft may be coupled to a regenerative impeller (500), and the rotor (400) may rotate together with the regenerative impeller (500).

[0037] 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

[0038] 100 : Status 200 : Motor housing 300: Lower casing 301: Lower flow channel 331: Lower inlet flue channel 332: Lower discharge flue channel 400 : Rotor 500 : Regenerative impeller 510 : Body 511 : Center Guide 520 : Blade 530 : Side ring 600: Upper casing 601: Upper flow channel 610 : Entrance 611 : Partition wall 620 : Exit section 631: Upper inlet flue channel 632: Upper discharge flue channel 700 : Radial reference line θ : Angle of inclination of the partition wall

Claims

Claim 1 A casing having an impeller receiving space formed therein for accommodating a regenerative impeller, a flow channel formed along the circumference for fluid flow, an inlet for fluid inflow, and an outlet for fluid discharge; and a regenerative impeller rotatably provided in the impeller receiving space of the casing, with a plurality of blades positioned at locations corresponding to the flow channel; A water device comprising: a casing having an inlet communication channel formed in communication with the inlet portion; the inlet communication channel connecting a flow channel positioned above and below the regenerative impeller in the direction of the central axis; a partition wall forming a partition of an internal flow path at the inlet portion; the casing comprising an upper casing and a lower casing coupled to the upper casing to form an impeller receiving space inside; the flow channel comprising an upper flow channel formed in the upper casing and a lower flow channel formed in the lower casing; the inlet communication channel comprising an upper inlet communication channel formed in the upper casing and connected to the upper flow channel, and a lower inlet communication channel formed in the lower casing and connected to the lower flow channel; the inlet portion being formed above the upper casing in the direction of the central axis, and the inlet portion being formed at a position corresponding to the upper flow channel in the radial direction; and when viewed from the upper side of the upper casing, the partition wall being formed at an acute angle in a counterclockwise direction with respect to a radial reference line. Pump. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A water pump according to claim 1, characterized in that the partition wall is formed to guide a portion of the fluid flowing in through the inlet to the upper flow channel, and the partition wall is formed to guide the remainder of the fluid flowing in through the inlet to the upper inlet communication channel. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 A water pump according to claim 1, characterized in that the partition wall is formed parallel to the central axis direction along the inlet section, and the lower end of the partition wall is spaced apart from and adjacent to a plurality of blades of the regenerative impeller. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A water pump according to claim 1, wherein the radially inner end of the partition wall is positioned adjacent to the blade roots of a plurality of blades of the regenerative impeller, and the radially outer end of the partition wall is positioned at a location adjacent to the starting end of the upper inflow communication channel and the starting end of the upper flow channel. Claim 8 A water pump according to claim 1, wherein the casing comprises an upper casing and a lower casing coupled to the upper casing to form an impeller receiving space inside, and the flow channel comprises an upper flow channel formed in the upper casing and a lower flow channel formed in the lower casing, wherein a discharge communication channel is formed in the casing in communication with the outlet portion, and the discharge communication channel connects a flow channel positioned above and a flow channel positioned below the regenerative impeller in the direction of the central axis, and the discharge communication channel comprises an upper discharge communication channel formed in the upper casing and connected to the upper flow channel, and a lower discharge communication channel formed in the lower casing and connected to the lower flow channel. Claim 9 A water pump according to claim 8, wherein the outlet portion is formed radially outward from the outer surface of the upper casing, and the outlet portion is connected to the lower discharge communication channel and the upper discharge communication channel. Claim 10 A water pump according to claim 1, further comprising: a motor housing coupled to the casing; a stator provided inside the motor housing; and a rotor rotatably provided inside the motor housing, with one end coupled to the regenerative impeller and rotating together.

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