Washer pump module

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a washer pump module comprising: a heater assembly including a heater part that includes a plurality of heaters, a body part that accommodates the heater part, and a first housing that encompasses the heater part and the body part; a connection assembly including a washer pump and a second housing that encompasses the washer pump; and a fixing assembly including a third housing that couples the heater assembly and the connection assembly and fixes same, and a liquid level measuring sensor that is coupled to and disposed in the third housing, wherein the first housing has a washer liquid inlet into which an external washer liquid flows, and the body part has a heating flow path for guiding that the washer liquid flowing in from the washer liquid inlet passes between the heaters and moves to the washer pump.

Description

Washer pump module

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a washer pump module.

[0002] In general, when it is difficult to secure forward visibility while driving due to foreign substances such as dust on the windshield of a car, the driver can keep the windshield clean by spraying washer fluid on the windshield and removing the foreign substances with the wiper.

[0003] Meanwhile, there is a growing trend of many vehicles being equipped with various sensors, but depending on the road environment (snow, rain, etc.), if dirt gets on the sensors or they accumulate, it becomes difficult for the sensors to operate properly, so the need for sensor cleaning using washer fluid is emerging.

[0004] This washer fluid is stored in a cold state in areas with sub-zero temperatures or in winter, so it cannot fully perform its function as a washer fluid. In addition, if the temperature drops significantly, the washer fluid freezes, rendering it unusable.

[0005] To overcome this, a device that heats the washer fluid is being installed in the reservoir tank that stores the washer fluid.

[0006] However, the conventional technology attaches functional parts such as a water level measuring sensor and a heater to the reservoir tank, but since these functional parts and the motor pump are attached separately and connected by wiring, there is a problem that wiring workability is low, and since a failure of the functional parts requires removing the reservoir tank itself, there is a problem that maintainability is low and maintenance costs increase.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a washer pump module that is easy to maintain by modularizing functional parts excluding the reservoir tank into one, and has improved efficiency by applying a heating path that controls the flow of washer fluid.

[0008] However, these tasks are exemplary and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby.

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention provides a washer pump module, comprising: a heater assembly including a heater unit including a plurality of heaters, a body unit accommodating the heater unit, a first housing surrounding the heater unit and the body unit, a connect assembly including a washer pump and a second housing surrounding the washer pump, and a third housing that couples and fixes the heater assembly and the connect assembly, and a fixing assembly including a water level measuring sensor coupled to and disposed in the third housing, wherein a washer fluid inlet for introducing external washer fluid is formed in the first housing, and a heating path is formed in the body unit for guiding the washer fluid introduced from the washer fluid inlet to pass between the heaters and move to the washer pump.

[0010] According to the problem solving means of the present invention described above, the washer pump module according to the embodiments of the present invention can improve maintainability by modularizing functional parts excluding the reservoir tank into one.

[0011] In addition, the washer pump module according to embodiments of the present invention can improve efficiency in heating the washer fluid by applying a heating path that primarily raises the temperature of the washer fluid by emitting heat from the housing of the heater assembly to the surrounding washer fluid and then controls the flow of the washer fluid introduced into the heater assembly.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washer pump module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the inside of a housing of a washer pump module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the washer pump module of Figure 2.

[0015] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the body portion of the heater assembly of Fig. 4.

[0017] Figure 6 is a front view of a washer pump module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the washer pump module of Fig. 6 taken along line A-A'.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a side view showing an example in which a washer pump module according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied to a reservoir tank.

[0020] One embodiment of the present invention provides a washer pump module, comprising: a heater assembly including a heater unit including a plurality of heaters, a body unit accommodating the heater unit, a first housing surrounding the heater unit and the body unit, a connect assembly including a washer pump and a second housing surrounding the washer pump, and a third housing that couples and fixes the heater assembly and the connect assembly, and a fixing assembly including a water level measuring sensor coupled to and disposed in the third housing, wherein a washer fluid inlet for introducing external washer fluid is formed in the first housing, and a heating path is formed in the body unit for guiding the washer fluid introduced from the washer fluid inlet to pass between the heaters and move to the washer pump.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, a heater receiving portion for receiving each of the plurality of heaters is formed on the outer surface of the body portion, and the heater receiving portions can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the outer surface of the body portion.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the body portion has a hollow formed inside in the longitudinal direction, and the heating oil path is formed along the outer surface of the body portion and can be connected to the hollow.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heating oil path is formed in a groove shape having a predetermined depth from the outer surface of the body part along the longitudinal direction of the body part, and the heating oil path can be secured by sealing an open portion of the groove when the body part and the first housing are combined.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first housing forms the washer fluid inlet at an end that is in contact with the fixed assembly, and the washer fluid sucked through the washer fluid inlet can pass through the heating passage.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heating oil may be formed in the longitudinal direction of the body portion.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the body portion may be formed of a thermally conductive material.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first housing may be formed of a thermally conductive material.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the water level measuring sensor may be coupled to a sensor holder coupled to one end of the third housing and placed on the heater assembly.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the washer pump module is coupled to a reservoir tank, the water level measuring sensor and the heater assembly may be disposed inside the reservoir tank and may be a part that is deposited in the washer fluid.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the washer pump module is coupled to a reservoir tank, the connect assembly may be placed outside the reservoir tank.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the body portion further includes a guide portion that guides a terminal that supplies current to the heater portion, and the guide portion can extend to the inside of the fixed assembly.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washer fluid inlet and the heating oil path may be formed on the left, right, and bottom of the heater assembly, and the water level measuring sensor may be placed on the top of the heater assembly.

[0033] Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims and detailed description of the invention.

[0034] Hereinafter, the following embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same drawing reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0035] These embodiments are capable of various modifications. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of these embodiments, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the detailed descriptions below, along with the drawings. However, these embodiments are not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various forms.

[0036] In the drawings, parts unrelated to the description are omitted to clearly explain the present invention, and similar parts are designated by similar drawing reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0037] In the examples below, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] In the examples below, terms such as “include” or “have” mean that a feature or component described in the specification exists, and do not exclude in advance the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0039] In the examples below, when a part such as a unit, region, or component is said to be on or above another part, this includes not only the case where it is directly above the other part, but also the case where another unit, region, component, etc. is interposed in between.

[0040] In the examples below, terms such as connect or combine do not necessarily mean a direct and / or fixed connection or combination of two members, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and do not exclude the presence of another member between the two members.

[0041] For convenience of explanation, the sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced. For example, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the following embodiments are not necessarily limited to those shown.

[0042]

[0043] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a washer pump module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of a housing of a washer pump module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the washer pump module (10) of Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a washer pump module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a heater assembly (100), a connect assembly (200), and a fixing assembly (300).

[0045] Here, the heater assembly (100) can serve to heat the washer fluid and supply the heated washer fluid to the washer pump (230).

[0046] Specifically, a heater assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a heater unit (130) including a plurality of heaters, a body unit (110) that accommodates the heater unit, and a first housing (120) that surrounds the heater unit (130) and the body unit (110).

[0047] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment of the present invention, the heater unit (130) may include a heater (131) and a heater cover (132).

[0048] Here, the heater (131) becomes a heat source of the heater assembly (100) and generates heat by applying current. The heater (131) may be a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater and may be formed of a thermistor having a characteristic in which the resistance increases rapidly when the temperature rises and reaches a certain temperature. That is, the heater (131) has a self-regulation function according to the ambient temperature and heat dissipation conditions when an appropriate voltage is applied, so that a certain temperature can be maintained without a separate controller. The material of the heating element of the PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater may be a material having a basic composition of BaTiO3 and adding La, Nb, Sr, Pb, and Mn, or a Zn-Ti-Ni-O based ceramic.

[0049] Meanwhile, the heater cover (132) is coupled to the heater (131) and can accommodate a heater O-ring (not shown). The heater O-ring (not shown) serves to block the inflow of washer fluid into the heater receiving portion (111).

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the body portion (110) accommodates the heater portion (130) and can be coupled with the first housing (120).

[0051] Specifically, a heater receiving portion (111) for receiving a plurality of heaters (131) is formed on the outer surface of the body portion (110), and the heater receiving portions (111) can be spaced apart from each other along the outer surface of the body portion (110). Here, the heater receiving portions (111) are formed in the longitudinal direction (x direction) of the body portion (110) and can be formed to have a certain depth from the outer surface of the body portion (110) so as to receive the entirety or a certain portion of the heater portion (130).

[0052] In addition, the body part (110) may further include a guide part (114) that guides a terminal (not shown) that supplies current to the heater (131). The guide part (114) may be formed to extend from a side of the body part (110) adjacent to the heater receiving part (111) toward the fixing assembly (300). The guide part (114) is formed in a tubular shape with an empty interior, so that the terminal (not shown) may pass through the guide part (114) and be connected to the heater (131).

[0053] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the body portion (110) may have a hollow space (113) formed therein in the longitudinal direction (x direction). Therefore, the body portion (110) may be largely divided into an outer surface portion and a hollow space (113) formed therein. This hollow space (113) is connected to the pump inlet (231) of the washer pump (230), so that the washer fluid may pass through the hollow space (113) and then be sucked into the pump inlet (231).

[0054] In a washer pump module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the body part (110) may include a heating path (112). This heating path (112) may guide washer fluid flowing from a washer fluid inlet (101) formed in a first housing (120) to pass through the heating path (112) formed between heater parts (130) and move to the washer pump (230).

[0055]

[0056] Below, the structure and role of the heating element (112) are described in detail.

[0057] Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the body portion (110) of the heater assembly (100) of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a front view of a washer pump module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the washer pump module (10) of Fig. 6 taken along line A-A'.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, in one embodiment of the present invention, a heating path (112) may be formed along the outer surface of the body portion (110) and connected to the hollow portion (113). The heating path (112) may be formed in a groove shape having a predetermined depth from the outer surface of the body portion (110) along the longitudinal direction of the body portion (110).

[0059] For example, the heating passage (112) may have a certain depth (D1) from the outer surface of the body portion (110) and a narrow width (W1) in the length direction. In addition, when the surface of the body portion (110) that comes into contact with the fixed assembly (300) is referred to as the back surface and the opposite surface as the front surface, the heating passage (112) may be formed to have a certain depth (D2) from the front surface of the body portion (110) at a portion that comes into contact with the front surface of the body portion (110). That is, the heating passage (112) may include the entire passage extending from the side surface of the body portion (110) to the interior of the hollow portion (113).

[0060] By the above structure, the washer fluid can flow in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 7. Specifically, the washer fluid introduced into the washer fluid inlet (101) flows along the heating path (112) formed longitudinally on the side of the body part (110), then bends and flows at the front of the body part (110), makes a U-turn toward the inside of the hollow (113), and flows toward the pump inlet (231).

[0061] In a washer pump module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, since a heating path (112) is formed between a plurality of heater receiving portions (111), washer fluid flowing along the heating path (112) can be gradually heated by the heat generated in the heater portion (130).

[0062] And when the washer fluid flows in a U-turn according to the heating path (112) structure described above, it stays around the heating element for a longer time than when it passes the heating element once, so the washer pump module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can effectively increase the temperature of the washer fluid.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the heating path (112) is formed in a groove shape having a predetermined depth from the outer surface of the body part (110) along the longitudinal direction of the body part (110), the heating path (112) can be secured as the body part (110) and the first housing (120) are combined to seal the open portion of the groove.

[0064] Referring again to FIG. 4, when the first housing (120) and the body part (110) are combined, the groove formed on the outer surface of the body part (110) is covered by the first housing (120), thereby forming a tubular space, thereby securing the heating path (112).

[0065] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the body part (110) may further include a guide part (116) in the hollow part (113). The guide part (116) may be formed along the longitudinal direction of the body part (110) and may be a plate-shaped protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the hollow part (113) toward the center. This guide part (116) may be formed on the inner surface of the hollow part (113) facing the position of the heating flow path (112) formed on the outer surface of the body part (110).

[0066] This guide part (116) can perform a function of guiding the washer fluid introduced into the hollow (113) to flow in the longitudinal direction of the body part (110).

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, the body portion (110) may be formed of a thermally conductive material. For example, the body portion (110) may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as copper, silver, or aluminum, similar to the material of a heat sink, or may be formed of an alloy thereof.

[0068] Through this, the washer pump module (10) can improve the efficiency of heating the washer fluid passing through the heating path (112) of the body part (110) because the heat emitted from the heater (131) is transferred to the body part (110).

[0069]

[0070] Referring back to FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first housing (120) of the heater assembly (100) may be formed with a washer fluid inlet (101) through which external washer fluid flows. The washer fluid inlet (101) may be formed in the shape of a hole or groove penetrating the outer surface and inner surface of the first housing (120) in a predetermined area. The predetermined area may be an area (121) formed at an end of the first housing (120) and having one side open. For example, the first housing (120) may form a washer fluid inlet (101) at an end that contacts the fixed assembly (300), and washer fluid sucked through the washer fluid inlet (101) may pass through the heating passage (112).

[0071] In addition, the first housing (120) can be tightly coupled with the body part (110) and the heater cover (132) in the remaining area except for the washer fluid inlet (101). Therefore, the first housing (120) can prevent the heater cover (132) from coming off and can block the inflow and outflow of washer fluid in the area except for the washer fluid inlet (101).

[0072] In one embodiment of the present invention, the washer fluid inlet (101) may be formed at an end of the first housing (120) and may be formed at a position corresponding to the heating path (112) of the body portion (110). As a result, the washer fluid in the reservoir tank may flow into the heating path (112) through the washer fluid inlet (101).

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first housing (120) may be formed of a thermally conductive material. For example, the first housing (120) may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as copper, silver, or aluminum, similar to the material of the heat sink, or may be formed of an alloy thereof. Additionally, the first housing (120) may be formed of the same material as the body portion (110).

[0074] Through this, the first housing (120) can receive heat from the internal heater unit (130) and body unit (110) and release the heat to the outside. That is, the washer fluid adjacent to the heater assembly (100) within the reservoir tank can receive the heat released from the first housing (120) and flow into the washer fluid inlet (101) with its temperature increased to a certain degree. Therefore, the efficiency of the heater assembly (100) for raising the temperature of the washer fluid can be improved.

[0075]

[0076] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, the connect assembly (200) may include a washer pump (230) and a second housing (210).

[0077] The second housing (210) has the function of storing the wires of each sub-component of the washer pump module (10) and may further include a connector (220). In addition, the second housing (210) may surround and protect the washer pump (230).

[0078] The washer pump (230) may serve to suck washer fluid that has passed through the heater assembly (100) and discharge it to the outside. In one embodiment of the present invention, the washer pump (230) may be a BLDC pump, but is not limited thereto.

[0079] The washer pump (230) includes a pump inlet (231), and the pump inlet (231) is coupled to be in contact with the hollow (113) of the heater assembly (100), so that washer fluid passing through the hollow (113) can flow into the washer pump (230) through the pump inlet (231).

[0080]

[0081] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, the fixed assembly (300) may include a third housing (320) and a water level measuring sensor (310).

[0082] The third housing (320) may act as an intermediary by connecting and fixing the heater assembly (100) and the connect assembly (200). In addition, the third housing (320) may include a sensor holder (340) that is connected to the water level measuring sensor (310).

[0083] The water level measuring sensor (310) may be coupled to a sensor holder (340) coupled to one end of the third housing and may be placed on the heater assembly (100). Specifically, the sensor holder (340) may be coupled to the upper end of the third housing (320) and may be formed to protrude from the third housing (320) toward the heater assembly (100). Accordingly, the heater assembly (100) may have a first receiving groove (115) formed at an end of the body portion (110) to accommodate the protruding area of ​​the sensor holder (340), and a second receiving groove (122) formed at an end of the first housing (120). In addition, when the first housing (120) is coupled to the body portion (110), the first receiving groove (115) may overlap the second receiving groove (122).

[0084] The water level measuring sensor (310) may be a capacitive sensor or a pressure measuring sensor. The capacitive sensor senses based on the principle of sensing changes in capacitance between electrodes mounted on the water level measuring sensor (310). That is, the remaining amount of the washer fluid is sensed by detecting changes in capacitance that occur between the washer fluid and the water level measuring sensor (310).

[0085] In addition, the pressure measurement sensor converts the pressure or pressure change measured by the sensor into an electronic signal and measures the water level by changing the pressure according to the water level in the reservoir tank.

[0086] Meanwhile, the sensor holder (340) accommodates the water level measurement sensor (310) and can be formed with a detachable structure for easy replacement.

[0087]

[0088] Figure 8 is a side view showing an example in which a washer pump module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied to a reservoir tank (20).

[0089] Referring to Fig. 8, when the washer pump module (10) is coupled to the reservoir tank (20), the water level measuring sensor (310) and the heater assembly (100) may be disposed inside the reservoir tank (20) and may be a part that is deposited in the washer fluid. In addition, the connect assembly (200) may be disposed outside the reservoir tank (20).

[0090] In other words, the heater assembly (100) and the water level measuring sensor (310) are located within the reservoir tank (20) based on the fixed assembly (300) and can be deposited in the washer fluid, but the fixed assembly (300) and the connect assembly (200) can be located outside the reservoir tank (20).

[0091] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the washer pump module (10) operates the heater (131) when it is determined through a vehicle outside temperature sensor or the like that the washer fluid is frozen or has unsuitable properties, thereby restoring the properties of the washer fluid inside the reservoir tank (20), and the washer pump (230) can form pressure and send the washer fluid with restored properties from the reservoir tank (20) to the destination (~final injection nozzle).

[0092] In carrying out the above process, the washer fluid level in the reservoir tank (20) can be continuously checked by the level measuring sensor (310) and information about the level can be transmitted.

[0093] The washer pump module according to embodiments of the present invention can improve maintainability by modularizing functional parts excluding the reservoir tank into one.

[0094] In addition, the washer pump module according to embodiments of the present invention can improve efficiency in heating the washer fluid by applying a heating path that primarily raises the temperature of the washer fluid by emitting heat from the housing of the heater assembly to the surrounding washer fluid and then controls the flow of the washer fluid introduced into the heater assembly.

[0095]

[0096] The present invention has been described above, focusing on preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the invention.

[0097] The present invention relates to a washer pump module, which can be used in a washer pump module in which functional parts excluding a reservoir tank are modularized into one and a heating path is applied.

Claims

1. A heater assembly including a heater section including a plurality of heaters, a body section accommodating the heater section, and a first housing surrounding the heater section and the body section; A connect assembly comprising a washer pump and a second housing surrounding the washer pump; and A fixing assembly including a third housing that fixes and couples the heater assembly and the connect assembly, and a water level measuring sensor that is coupled and arranged in the third housing; A washer fluid inlet is formed in the first housing above to allow external washer fluid to flow in, A washer pump module, wherein the body part includes a heating path formed between the heaters so that the washer fluid flowing in from the washer fluid inlet moves to the washer pump.

2. In paragraph 1, A heater receiving portion is formed on the outer surface of the above body portion to receive each of the plurality of heaters, A washer pump module in which the heater receiving portions are spaced apart from each other along the outer surface of the body portion.

3. In paragraph 1, The above body part has a hollow space formed inside in the longitudinal direction, A washer pump module in which the above heating oil is formed along the outer surface of the body and connected to the hollow portion.

4. In paragraph 1, The above heating oil is formed in a groove shape having a depth set in advance from the outer surface of the body part along the longitudinal direction of the body part, A washer pump module in which the above heating oil is secured by sealing the open portion of the groove by combining the body portion and the first housing.

5. In paragraph 1, The first housing forms the washer fluid inlet at the end that contacts the fixed assembly, A washer pump module in which washer fluid sucked through the washer fluid inlet passes through the heating passage.

6. In paragraph 5, A washer pump module in which the above heating oil is formed in the longitudinal direction of the body portion.

7. In paragraph 1, A washer pump module, wherein the above body portion is formed of a heat-conductive material.

8. In paragraph 1, A washer pump module, wherein the first housing is formed of a thermally conductive material.

9. In paragraph 1, A washer pump module in which the water level measuring sensor is coupled to a sensor holder coupled to one end of the third housing and is placed on the heater assembly.

10. In paragraph 9, A washer pump module, wherein when the washer pump module is coupled to a reservoir tank, the water level measuring sensor and the heater assembly are placed inside the reservoir tank.

11. In paragraph 1, A washer pump module, wherein when the above washer pump module is coupled to a reservoir tank, the connect assembly is disposed outside the reservoir tank.

12. In paragraph 1, The above body part further includes a guide part that guides a terminal that supplies current to the heater part, A washer pump module in which the above guide member extends to the inside of the above fixed assembly.

13. In paragraph 5, The washer fluid inlet and the heating oil are formed on the left, right, and bottom of the heater assembly, The washer pump module, wherein the water level measuring sensor is positioned at the top of the heater assembly.

14. In paragraph 3, A washer pump module, wherein the washer fluid moving from the washer fluid inlet to the heating passage moves in a first direction, and the washer fluid moving from the heating passage to the hollow passage moves in a second direction.

15. In paragraph 3, A washer pump module including a guide portion in the above hollow space.

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