PUMP ASSEMBLY.

Abstract

The invention of interest relates to a pump assembly (1) fluidically connectable to a cooling system of an operating assembly, such as an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or a vehicle battery pack. The pump assembly (1) comprises an impeller (2) and a shaft (3) on which the impeller (2) is integrally mounted. The pump assembly (1) also comprises an electric motor (4) comprising a rotor (41) integrally mounted on the shaft (3) and a stator (42). Furthermore, the pump assembly (1) includes an electronic control board (5) connected to the electric motor (4).Likewise, the pump assembly (1) comprises a pump body (6) comprising: a first housing (61) in which the impeller (2) is housed; a second housing (62) comprising an intermediate tubular wall (625) placed between the rotor (41) and the stator (42) in such a way as to define in the motor chamber (620) a rotor chamber (621) and a stator chamber (622) separated from each other and hermetically sealed to the fluids; a third housing (63) in which the electronic control board (5) is housed in a control chamber (630). The pump assembly (1) of the present invention has a quantity of oil in the stator chamber (622) and the control chamber (630) that cools the stator (42) and the electronic control panel (5) by convection, wherein the control chamber (630) and the stator chamber (622) are separated by a second separating wall (623) comprising at least one connection opening (623') that fluidly connects them.

Description

The invention of interest relates to a set of pumps for a vehicle cooling system. In the description of interest, the term vehicle means any means of locomotion comprising an internal combustion engine and also hybrid propulsion vehicles, without any limitation related to type or size, as well as a motor vehicle or an articulated vehicle. In other words, the present invention relates to the automotive sector and particularly to the thermal management system of a vehicle. Specifically, this cooling system is designed to cool an operational assembly of the vehicle. Specifically, in the invention of interest, an operating assembly means a component or set of components specific to the execution of a specific operation necessary for the movement of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the operating assembly comprises the motor assembly, for example, of the internal combustion or electric type. In other configurations, the operating assembly comprises other vehicle components, both mechanical, such as a transmission assembly, and electrical, such as a battery assembly included in the vehicle. In the prior art, many types of pump assemblies for a cooling system of an operating assembly are known, differing from each other in terms of size and drive type. Specifically, the pump assembly of the present invention falls within this context, having an electrical drive. In other words, the pump assembly of the present invention comprises at least one electric motor that governs the rotary motion of the impeller included therein. CAfrenn / eznz / E / YiAi thus controlling the movement of the coolant flowing in the cooling system to which the fluidically connectable pump assembly is connected. A plurality of technical solutions for pump assemblies comprising an electric drive are known, where the main problem of this type of pump assembly has been addressed: the need to effectively cool the electric motor of the pump assembly and its related components. Specifically, there are known pump assemblies where the coolant in the impeller housing is also used to cool the electric motor and its related components. More specifically, the prior art shows interest in using the coolant to cool the impeller itself. Furthermore, there are known types of pump assemblies that also address the problem related to stator cooling. In some models, the pumping assemblies have been designed to promote the cooling of the stator towards the external environment. In other configurations, however, a certain amount of oil is provided in the stator chamber to cool the housing by convection. An example of this pump assembly solution is shown, for instance, in document W02020 / 07562, submitted by the applicant. On the other hand, these methods have effective cooling of the rotor and / or stator, but they do not effectively cool the other parts of the pump assembly. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a set of pumps for a cooling system for an operating assembly of a vehicle that has effective cooling of all electronic control components, avoiding the problems mentioned above. This object is achieved by means of a pump assembly according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments having other advantageous aspects. CAfrenn / eznz / E / YiAi BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The object of the present invention is described in detail below, with the help of the accompanying drawings, where: - Figure 1 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a pumping assembly according to the present invention, in accordance with a possible embodiment, shown in a vertical operating position; - Figure 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a pump assembly according to the present invention, in accordance with a possible embodiment, shown in a horizontal operating position; - Figure 3 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a pump assembly according to the present invention, in accordance with a possible embodiment, shown in an inclined position. In the figures above, the numerical reference 1 designates, in its entirety, a Pump Assembly for a cooling system of an operating assembly of a vehicle, preferably for the cooling of the engine assembly, for example of the internal combustion type. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The pump assembly 1 that is the subject of the present invention extends mainly in length with respect to an axis XX. The pump assembly 1 that is the subject of the present invention comprises an impeller 2 that rotates about said axis XX. In other words, said impeller 2 has a center of rotation located on said axis XX. Preferably, impeller 2 is of the radial type, having a special shape to perform a suction action of the coolant, preferably in the axial direction, and a thrust action, preferably in the radial direction. In particular, the coolant is a water-based liquid, for example, a solution that CAfrenn / eznz / E / YiAi comprises water and glycol, which circulates in the vehicle cooling system to which the pump assembly 1, the object of the present invention, is fluidly connected. According to the present invention, the pump assembly 1 comprises a shaft 3 extending along the XX axis. Preferably, said shaft 3 comprises a rotating end 32 on which the impeller 2 is integrally mounted. According to the present invention, the Pump Assembly 1 comprises an electric motor 4 suitable for rotating the shaft 3. The electric motor 4 comprises a rotor 41 and a stator 42. According to a preferred embodiment, the rotor 41 and stator 42 are arranged concentrically with respect to the XX axis. According to the present invention, the rotor 41 is integrally mounted, for example keyed, on said shaft 3: the rotation of shaft 3 and in turn of the impeller 2 corresponds to the electronically controlled rotation of the rotor 41. The stator 42 axially and circumferentially surrounds the rotor 41. In particular, the stator 42 comprises a plurality of stator coils forming a stator. According to the present invention, the pump assembly 1 comprises an electronic control board 5 operatively connected to the motor shaft 3 and adapted to control its rotation around axis XX. In other words, the electronic board 5 controls the operation of the electric motor 4, and therefore the rotation of shaft 3 and, in turn, of the impeller 2. According to the present invention, the pump assembly 1 comprises a pump body 6 extending parallel to and primarily around the XX axis. The pump body 6 is suitable for housing the various operating components of the pump assembly 1 and is suitable for fluid connection to the vehicle's cooling system. According to the present invention, the pump body 6 comprises along the XX axis: - a first housing 61 in which the impeller 2 is housed in an impeller chamber 610; CRfrenn / eznz / E / YiAi - a second housing 62 in which the electric motor 4 is housed in a motor chamber 620; in particular, the motor chamber 620 houses the rotor 41 and the stator 42; - a third housing 63 where the control board 5 is housed in a control chamber 630. According to the present invention, the second housing 62 comprises an intermediate tubular wall 625 extending parallel to the X-X axis located between the rotor 41 and the stator 42. The intermediate tubular wall 625 divides a rotor chamber 621 and a stator chamber 622 in the second housing 62. In other words, the motor chamber 620 is divided into a rotor chamber 621 and a stator chamber 622. Preferably, the rotor chamber 621 and the stator chamber 622 are separated from each other in a fluid-tight manner. According to a preferred embodiment, said first housing 61, and particularly the impeller chamber 610 included therein, is fluidly connected to the cooling system ducts where the coolant flows. According to a preferred embodiment, the first housing 61 and the second housing 62 are separated by a first separating wall 624. Said first separating wall 624 axially defines and fluid-tightly seals the engine chamber 620. Preferably, said first separation wall 624 is contained within the first housing 61. In an alternative embodiment, the first separation wall 624 is contained within the second housing 62. In another embodiment, the first separating wall 624 consists of a part contained in the first housing 61 and a part contained in the second housing 62. Preferably, the first separation wall 624 is pierced by and supports well 3. CAfrenn / eznz / E / YiAi According to a preferred embodiment, the first separating wall 624 comprises at least one cooling hole 624' suitable for putting the rotor chamber 621 into fluid communication with the impeller chamber 61 so as to allow the coolant to flow also into said impeller chamber 61. According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate tubular wall 625 extends comprising a first end 625' close to the first casing 61, preferably fluid-tightly coupled with the first separating wall 624, and a second end 625 close to the second casing 62, fluid-tightly coupled with the second separating wall 623. According to the present invention, the control chamber 630 and the stator chamber 622 are separated by a second separating wall 623. Said second separating wall 623, together with the first separating wall 624, axially defines and fluid-tightens the motor chamber 620. In a first preferred embodiment, the second separating wall 623 is contained within the second housing 62. In a second preferred embodiment, the second separating wall 623 is comprised in the first housing 61. In another embodiment, the second separating wall 623 consists of a part included in the second housing 62 and a part included in the third housing 63. According to a preferred embodiment, the third housing 63 comprises a closing cover 635 suitable for hermetically sealing the control chamber 630, in which the electronic control board 5 is housed. In a preferred embodiment, the second housing 62 comprises an annular side wall 627 extending parallel to the XX axis. This side wall 627 also radially defines the motor chamber 620, preferably the stator chamber 622. Preferably, the side wall 627 is securely coupled with the first partition wall 624 and the second partition wall 623. CAfrenn / eznz / E / YiAi According to the present invention, the stator chamber 622 and the control chamber 630 contain a quantity of oil. Specifically, this quantity of oil at least partially fills the stator chamber 622 and the control chamber 630, thereby cooling the stator 42 and the electronic control board 5 by convection. In other words, the oil at least partially fills the free space present in the stator chamber 622, the space not occupied by the stator 42, and in the control chamber 630, the space not occupied by the electronic control board 5. According to the present invention, the oil and the coolant circulate in different portions of the pump assembly without ever mixing. Preferably, the oil is of the dielectric type. Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the second separating wall 623 comprises at least one connection opening 623' that seamlessly connects the control chamber 630 and the stator chamber 622. In other words, the at least one connection opening 623' is traversable by the oil present in the control chamber 630 and in the stator chamber 622 in both directions. According to a preferred embodiment, the second separating wall 623 comprises at least one connection opening 623' in a position distal to the XX axis. In other words, at least one connection opening 623' is located distal to the tubular wall 625. In further words, at least one connection opening 623' is located close to the side wall 627 of the second housing 62. According to a preferred embodiment, the second separating wall 623 comprises a plurality of connecting openings 623' angularly equidistant with respect to the XX axis. Preferably, the second partition wall 623 comprises at least three connecting openings 623' that are angularly equidistant. In this way, with respect to an imaginary plane on which the XX axis lies, at least one opening is positioned on one side. CAfrenn / eznz / E / YiAi In one modality variant, the second separating wall 623 comprises a plurality of connecting openings 623' comprising a first set of openings distal to the XX axis and a second set of openings proximal to the XX axis. According to a preferred embodiment, defined as a pair of distinct circles concentric to the XX axis, said second separating wall 623 comprises, for example, in each of the two circles, three angularly equidistant connecting openings 623'. In accordance with a preferred form, the electronic control board 5 is housed in the control chamber 630 in an area close to the second partition wall 623. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic control board 5 is anchored, for example glued or mechanically fixed, to the second partition wall 623. In other words, the electronic control board 5 is preferably in contact with said second partition wall 623. Preferably, this positioning of the electronic control board 5 implies a high heat exchange with said wall, favoring the cooling of the electronic control board 5. According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic control board 5 comprises at least one connecting tube 55 that axially passes through said electronic control board 5. According to a preferred embodiment, the oil flows in at least one connecting tube 55. According to a preferred embodiment, the oil flowing between the control chamber 630 and the stator chamber 622 flows in the connecting tube 55 without directional limitation. According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic control board 5 comprises a plurality of connecting tubes 55. CAfrenn / eznz / E / YiAi In a preferred embodiment, the number of connection tubes 55 is equal to the number of connection openings 623'. For example, in one embodiment, there are three connection openings 623' and three connection tubes 55. Preferably, the connection tubes 55 are positioned so that they face the connection openings 623'. According to a preferred embodiment, shaft 3 comprises an axial hole 300 that extends mainly along shaft XX. Preferably, the coolant flows through the inside of said axial hole 300. Preferably, the axial hole 300 passes along the axis 3. According to a preferred embodiment, the third housing 63 and the second housing 62 delimit an auxiliary cooling chamber 631 fluidly connected to the rotor chamber 621, such that said auxiliary cooling chamber 631 is also reached by coolant. According to a preferred embodiment, the coolant circulating through the axial hole 300 in shaft 3 reaches said auxiliary cooling chamber 631. In other words, the axial hole 300 connects the impeller chamber 610 and the auxiliary cooling chamber 631 in a fluid connection. According to the present invention, the quantity of oil and the position of the connection openings 623 and of the possible connection tubes 55 are such that they favor the convective heat exchange of the heat present in the stator chamber 622 and in the control chamber 630 towards the hydraulic part of the pump assembly 1. In other words, the quantity of oil and the position of the connection openings 623 and of the possible connection tubes 55 are such that they fill the stator chamber 622 and the control chamber 630 in such a way that they always wet at least one surface of a wall that defines a chamber where the coolant of the system flows, such as the impeller chamber 610 or the rotor chamber 621 or the auxiliary cooling chamber 631. CAfrenn / eznz / E / YiAi According to a preferred embodiment, the amount of oil and the position of the connection openings 623 and of any connection tube 55 is such that it favors the convective heat exchange of the heat present in the stator chamber 622 and in the control chamber 630 to the hydraulic part of the pump assembly 1 in any operating position the pump assembly 1 is placed in the vehicle. In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the pump assembly 1 is positionable in the vehicle in a vertical, horizontal, or inclined position, always having the same cooling modes. According to a preferred mode, the oil fills the stator chamber 622 so as to wet all free surfaces of the coils. In this mode, the entire stator 42 is in an oil bath. In accordance with a preferred mode, the oil fills the entire control chamber 630 so that it wets all surfaces of the electronic control board 5. That is, the electronic control board 5 is in an oil bath. According to the present invention, the presence of oil in the stator chamber 622 and in the control chamber ensures the cooling of the components contained therein by natural convection in the static passages of the vehicle, and by forced convection, for example in the moving passages of the vehicle. According to a preferred embodiment, the quantity of oil fills a part of the stator chamber 622 and a part of the control chamber 630, identifying a free surface, such that, with the pump assembly 1 subject to shocks, for example due to the movement of the vehicle, the oil has freedom of movement, favoring cooling by forced convection. In an innovative way, the pump assembly fully fulfills its intended purpose by overcoming the typical problems of the prior art. Advantageously, the pump assembly comprises convection oil and specific fluidic passages suitable to allow the oil to wet the components that are heated and the components to be cooled by the flow of coolant, thereby promoting convection cooling of said components. CAfrenn / eznz / E / YiAi Advantageously, the heat produced by the electronic components is effectively conducted and transmitted to the coolant. Advantageously, at least one connection opening allows for a pronounced movement of the oil between the chambers, improving the heat exchange of the entire pump assembly. Advantageously, the positioning of the connection openings allows oil to flow between the chambers regardless of the pump assembly's orientation. Also advantageously, the pump assembly can be positioned inside a vehicle in any orientation. Advantageously, in the pump assembly of the present invention, the insulating effect typically caused by air gaps is greatly reduced. Advantageously, the possibility of the air acting as an insulating barrier against the heat produced by the stator and / or the control panel is eliminated. Advantageously, the oil allows the pump assembly to operate at a uniform temperature. The presence of oil in the stator and drive chambers also contributes to this uniform temperature. Advantageously, the pump assembly of the present invention, with the same dimensions as a known pump assembly, has greater power. Advantageously, the pump assembly of the present invention, with the same power as a known pump assembly, has more compact dimensions. It will be clear that a person skilled in the art may make changes to the invention described above in order to satisfy incidental needs, all within the scope of protection as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A pump assembly (1) for a cooling system of an operating assembly of a vehicle, preferably the engine assembly, extending with respect to a shaft (XX), comprising: i) an impeller (2) rotating on the shaft (XX); ii) a shaft (3) extending along the shaft (XX) on which the impeller (2) is integrally mounted; ii) an electric motor (4) comprising a rotor (41) fixed to the shaft (3) and a stator (42) axially and circumferentially surrounding the rotor (41); iv) an electronic control panel (5) operatively connected to the electric motor (4); v) a pump body (6) comprising, in accordance with the shaft (XX): - a first housing (61) in which the impeller (2) is housed in an impeller chamber (610);- a second housing (62) in which the electric motor (4) is housed in a motor chamber (620), wherein the first housing (61) and the second housing (62) are separated by a first separating wall (624), wherein the second housing (62) comprises an intermediate tubular wall (625) extending parallel to the shaft (XX) positioned between the rotor (41) and the stator (42), said intermediate tubular wall (625) comprising a first end (625') fluid-tightly coupling the first separating wall (624), and a second end (625) fluid-tightly coupling the second separating wall (623), such that a rotor chamber (621) and a stator chamber (622) fluid-tightly separated from each other are defined in the motor chamber (620); - a third housing (63) where the electronic control board (5) is housed in a control chamber (630);wherein the control chamber (630) and the stator chamber (622) are separated by a second separating wall (623) comprising at least one connecting opening (623j) fluidly connecting the control chamber (630) and the stator chamber (622); wherein the stator chamber (622) and the control chamber (630) contain a quantity of oil that at least partially fills the control chamber (630) and at least partially fills the stator chamber (622) so that the stator (42) and the electronic control board (5) are cooled by convection; wherein the second separating wall (623) comprises a plurality of angularly equidistant connecting openings (623') traversed by the oil present in the control chamber (630) and in the stator chamber (622) in both directions.

2. The pump assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein said oil is of the dielectric type.

3. The pumping assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control board (5) is housed in the control chamber (630) in an area close to the second separation wall (623).

4. The pump assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second separating wall (623) comprises at least one connection opening (623') in a position distal to the shaft (XX).

5. The pumping assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second separating wall (623) comprises a first set of connection openings positioned distally with respect to the axis (XX) and a second set of connection openings positioned proximal to the axis (XX).

6. The pumping assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic control board (5) comprises at least one connecting tube (55) passing through said electronic control board (5), wherein oil flows through said connecting tube (55) to cool said electronic control board (5).

7. The pump assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing (61) and the second housing (62) are separated by a first separating wall (624), wherein the oil fills the stator chamber (622) to wet the first separating wall (624) at least partially.

8. The pump assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate tubular wall (625) extends comprising a first end (625') proximal to the first housing (61) and a second end (625) proximal to the third housing (63), wherein the oil fills the stator chamber (622) to wet the intermediate tubular wall (625) at least partially. CAfrenn / eznz / E / YiAi 9. The pump assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the third housing (63) and the second housing (62) delimit an auxiliary cooling chamber (631) fluidly connected to the rotor chamber (621) such that said auxiliary cooling chamber (631) is fluidly reached by the coolant.

10. The pump assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein the oil fills the control chamber (630) to wet the second separating wall (623) at least partially in an area close to the auxiliary cooling chamber (631).

11. The pump assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the third housing (63) comprises a closing cover (635) that hermetically seals the control chamber (630).

12. The pump assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotor chamber (621) is fluidly connected to the impeller chamber (61) so that the coolant flows into said rotor chamber (621).

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