Coolant pump with flow rate controlled by linear valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a coolant pump (1) wherein a thermo-actuator (20), with the ability of linear motion according to a temperature of a coolant within a body (10) being pumped to an outlet (12), moves a valve (40), the flow rate of said coolant is controlled upon said valve (40) blocking-unblocking said outlet (12) by means of the linear motion said valve (40) receives from said thermo-actuator (20) and thus, the energy efficiency is improved.

Description

[0001] COOLANT PUMP WITH FLOW RATE CONTROLLED BY LINEAR VALVE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a coolant pump with a linear valve capable of controlling the flow rate of an engine coolant.

[0004] More specifically, the present invention relates to a coolant pump wherein a thermo-actuator, with the ability of linear motion according to a temperature of a coolant within a body being pumped to an outlet, moves a valve, the flow rate of said coolant is controlled upon said valve blockingunblocking said outlet by means of the linear motion said valve receives from said thermo-actuator and thus, the energy efficiency is improved.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] The term coolant pump (water pump) refers to a member, which is coupled to the crankshaft of an engine usually via a belt or chain and which pumps a coolant owing to the drive it receives from the engine. If the water pump experiences malfunction or fails to operate for any reason, serious damage may occur in the engine as a result of excessive heating. Therefore, the water pump is an important part enabling an engine to run in a robust and safe manner.

[0007] In general, mechanical water pumps and electrical water pumps are generally used in engine cooling systems for vehicles. The mechanical water pumps are generally coupled to the crankshaft or the belt system of an engine and pump the coolant into the cooling system by means of the drive obtained from the engine. The electrical water pumps operate with electric motors and are used in the automobiles for the newer cooling systems that provide energy efficiency. The electronic water pumps have a more complex structure compared to that of the mechanical water pumps. The reason is that components such as sensors, electric motors, etc. are available in electrical pumps and that said components function in complex ways. On the other hand, the use of said electronic components increases the cost compared to a mechanical pump. The electronic components are likely to fail earlier compared to the mechanical pump parts. This is another factor contributing to the increase in costs.

[0008] EP1988293A2 discloses a coolant pump, which may be used to pump a coolant into an internal combustion engine. Said document discloses a coolant pump, the gasket for which is located at least partly inside a bearing of a pulley operating said coolant pump. According to said document, it is aimed to prevent the leakage of the coolant into the bearing.

[0009] JP2010038133A discloses a variable displacement water pump used in the cooling systems for the internal combustion engine and the like. According to the said document, it is aimed to control the water flow rate by way of altering the impeller dimensions.

[0010] JPH10122177A discloses a variable capacity water pump having the means developed to vary the circulation flow rate. According to said document, the water flow rate is controlled by way of altering the blade angles.

[0011] Considering their cost, the advantage of the electronic pumps over the mechanical pumps in terms of more efficient operation and fuel efficiency only neutralizes the overall situation. Consequently, considering the prior art and the above-mentioned drawbacks, a practical mechanical pump design is needed, which enables one to get rid of the cost of the electronic pumps and provides energy and fuel efficiency by enabling control over the flow rate.

[0012] Object and Brief Description of the Invention

[0013] An object of the invention is to provide a coolant pump, which does not occupy much space along a vertical axis, wherein a coolant being pumped to an outlet contacts by a greater extent a heatsensitive reservoir, i.e., the part of a thermo-actuator that detects the heat, and wherein a valve connected with said thermo-actuator, by moving together with said thermo-actuator, controls a flow rate of said coolant being pumped into an engine and thus, enables the energy efficiency.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a coolant pump, which includes a valve connected with a reservoir seat.

[0015] The present invention relates to a coolant pump wherein a thermo-actuator, with the ability of linear motion according to a temperature of a coolant within a body being pumped to an outlet, moves a valve, the flow rate of said coolant is controlled upon said valve blocking-unblocking said outlet by means of the linear motion said valve receives from said thermo-actuator and thus, the energy efficiency is improved.

[0016] A coolant pump comprising at least one body with at least one inlet, through which an engine coolant enters, and at least one outlet, through which pumped coolant exits, and at least one thermo-actuator with the components of at least one piston, which is able to move owing to a wax whose volume changes according to the temperature of the coolant, and at least one reservoir, which, owing to the heat-sensitive structure thereof, enables the volume of the wax inside thereof to change as a result of a heat exchange with the coolant, wherein the coolant pump, in order to provide the energy saving by controlling the flow rate of the coolant being pumped into an engine, comprises the components of

[0017] - at least one reservoir seat with at least one housing, into which the reservoir fits as a result of the motion of the thermo-actuator, and

[0018] - at least one valve, which is connected with the reservoir seat, blocks-unblocks the outlet by linearly moving together with said reservoir seat as a result of the pressure applied on the reservoir seat by the thermo-actuator that responds to the temperature of the coolant being pumped towards the outlet, and thus, allows the control over the flow rate by enabling the coolant to flow out of the outlet in a controlled manner.

[0019] Brief Description of the Figures

[0020] Figure-1 An angular front view of the coolant pump in the state where the piston is in the upper position

[0021] Figure-2 An angular front view of the coolant pump in the state where the piston is in the lower position

[0022] Figure-3 An exploded angular front view of the components of the coolant pump (the components providing the motion)

[0023] Figure-4a An angular front view of the components providing the motion (piston, spring, reservoir seat, and valve) in the state where the piston is in the upper position

[0024] Figure-4b A front view of the components providing the motion (piston, spring, reservoir seat, and valve) in the state where the piston is in the upper position

[0025] Figure-4c A top view of the components providing the motion (piston, spring, reservoir seat, and valve) in the state where the piston is in the upper position

[0026] Figure-5a An angular front view of the components providing the motion (piston, spring, reservoir seat, and valve) in the state where the piston is in the lower position

[0027] Figure-5b A front view of the components providing the motion (piston, spring, reservoir seat, and valve) in the state where the piston is in the lower position

[0028] Figure-5c A top view of the components providing the motion (piston, spring, reservoir seat, and valve) in the state where the piston is in the lower position Figure-6 A front view of the coolant pump in the state where the piston is in the upper position

[0029] Figure-7 A front view of the coolant pump in the state where the piston is in the lower position

[0030] Figure-8 A front sectional view of the coolant pump in the state where the piston is in the upper position

[0031] Figure-9 A front sectional view of the coolant pump in the state where the piston is in the lower position

[0032] Figure-10 A view depicting the direction of the coolant in the state where the valve is completely open

[0033] Figure-11 A view depicting the direction of the coolant in the state where the valve is partly open

[0034] Reference Numerals

[0035] I Coolant pump

[0036] 10 Body

[0037] II Inlet

[0038] 12 Outlet

[0039] 13 Piston holder

[0040] 14 Reservoir holder

[0041] 15 Valve seat

[0042] 16 Rail

[0043] 17 Channel

[0044] 20 Thermo-actuator

[0045] 21 Piston

[0046] 22 Reservoir

[0047] 30 Reservoir seat

[0048] 31 Housing

[0049] 32 Rivet hole

[0050] 40 Valve

[0051] 41 Carrier

[0052] 42 Tab

[0053] 50 Spring

[0054] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0055] The invention relates to a coolant pump (1 ) wherein a thermo-actuator (20), with the ability of linear motion according to a temperature of a coolant within a body (10) being pumped to an outlet (12), moves a valve (40), the flow rate of said coolant is controlled upon said valve (40) blockingunblocking said outlet (12) by means of the linear motion said valve (40) receives from said thermoactuator (20) and thus, the energy efficiency is improved. The invention basically consists of the components of a body (10), a thermo-actuator (20), a reservoir seat (30), a valve (40), and a spring (50). Said body (10) has the structures of at least one inlet (11 ), at least one outlet (12), at least one piston holder (13), at least one reservoir holder (14), at least one valve seat (15), at least one rail (16), and at least one channel (17) through which the coolant circulates. Said thermo-actuator (20) has the structures of at least one piston (21 ) and at least one reservoir (22). Said reservoir seat (30) has the structures of at least one housing (31) and at least one rivet hole (32). Said valve (40) has at least one carrier (41) and at least one tab (42).

[0056] Said body (10) has a structure that encloses, and houses all said members of the coolant pump (1). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body (10) is formed by two portions that are joined at the bottom and the top. Preferably, said body (10) comprises the inlet (11 ) and the outlet (12) for the coolants (water, etc.) in its upper portion; the structures of the coolant channel (17), the thermoactuator (20), the reservoir seat (30), the valve (40), and the spring (50) in its middle portion; and the coolant impeller in its lower portion.

[0057] Said inlet (11) refers to the structures like tubing, etc. via which the engine coolant enters and said outlet (12) refers to the structures like tubing, etc. via which the engine coolant exits, wherein it is possible to change the numbers and the geometries of the same according to the preference and the need. In the region (a chamber-like region) of the structure of the body (10) where said thermoactuator (20) is positioned, a piston holder (13) is present, into which the end of said piston (21) is engaged. Said piston holder (13) is preferably formed in the form of a protrusion with downward cylindrical geometry on the body (10). Preferably, said piston holder (13) guides said piston (21) via its upper end to enable the same to be fixed and prevent the same from shifting. In the region (a chamber-like region above the channel (17)) of the structure of the body (10) where said thermoactuator (20) is positioned, there is present a reservoir holder (14), which guides said reservoir (22). Said reservoir holder (14) is preferably formed in the form of a chamber with downward cylindrical geometry on the body (10). Preferably, said reservoir holder (14) guides said reservoir (22) to enable the same to be fixed and prevent the same from shifting. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the piston holder (13) is configured inside the reservoir holder (14). In the region (a region below the channel (17)) of the structure of the body (10) where said valve (40) moves, there is present a valve seat (15), into which said valve (40) fits. Said valve seat (15) is preferably formed in the form of a chamber with upward cylindrical geometry on the body (10). Preferably, said valve seat (15) guides said valve (40) to enable the same to be fixed and prevent the same from shifting. In the region of the structure of the body (10) where said valve (40) moves, there is present a rail (16), which guides the carriers (41 ) located on said valve (40) and permits the motion of said valve (40) along an axis. Said rail (16) is preferably formed in the form of a recess on the body (10), into which recess the carriers (41) may fit. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, two rails (16) are preferably used and said rails (16) are positioned opposite each other in the region where the channel (17) is located. Said coolant channel (17) is located in the middle portion of the body (10) and refers to the gap / path through which the coolant circulates.

[0058] Said thermo-actuator (20) has the components of a piston (21) with the ability of linear motion and a heat-sensitive reservoir (22). The heat-sensitive reservoir (22) enables the engine outlet temperature to be detected by means of the heat transfer taking place between the wax component and the coolant coming from the engine, via the reservoir wall. An increase in the temperature of the wax causes an increase in the volume of the wax, or, vice versa, a decrease in the temperature of the wax causes a decrease in the volume of the wax. The volume change in the wax compound enables the linear (upward and downward) motion of the piston (21), wherein said motion is transmitted via the reservoir seat (30) to the structure of the valve (40) to thereby enable said valve (40) to perform a linear motion along an axis. Said thermo-actuator (20) is fitted into a reservoir holder (14), which is formed as a protrusion of the body (10) above the coolant channel (17) present in said body (10) and which is formed with a circular geometry to enable the reservoir (22) to fit into the same.

[0059] Said reservoir seat (30) is positioned between the valve (40) and the thermo-actuator (20) and transmits the motion (linear) of said thermo-actuator (20) to said valve (40). Said reservoir seat (30) is preferably configured with a circular geometry wherein said reservoir seat (30) includes a cavity extending inward from the center of said circle. The portion of the reservoir seat (30) formed inwardly as a cavity is referred to as the housing (31). Said housing (31) is the portion into which the lower end of the thermo-actuator (20) fits. The reservoir seat (30) has rivet holes (32) formed at the locations near the side portions of said reservoir seat (30). Said rivet holes (32) constitute the portion through which said tabs (42) pass. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reservoir seat (30) and the valve (40) are connected as a result of the riveting of the tabs (42) that pass through the rivet holes (32).

[0060] Said valve (40) preferably has a hollow cylindrical geometry wherein one end of said cylinder is open. There are present two carriers (41), which are oppositely positioned in the (lid-like) upper portion of said cylinder structure and which are each configured as a protrusion with rectangular geometry. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carriers (41) are formed by cutting two opposing zones with rectangular geometry from the surface of the valve (40) with cylindrical structure and by bending the same upwardly (towards the reservoir seat (30)), wherein it is possible to form said carriers (41) via different methods (e.g., welding the parts with protrusion structure to the valve (40)) in different embodiments of the invention. In other words, the carriers (41 ) are each formed as a protrusion upwardly extending from the upper portion of the valve (40). The carriers (41) penetrate the structure of the rail (16) formed on the body (10) and the combined carrier (41)- rail (16) structure enables the valve (40) to be guided to move. On the end portions of said carriers

[0061] (41), there is present a tab (42) structure, which is intended to be passed through the rivet holes (32) and to enable the valve (40) and the reservoir seat (30) to be connected together. Said tab

[0062] (42) passes through the respective rivet hole (32) and thus enables the valve (40) to be connected with the reservoir seat (30). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reservoir seat (30) and the valve (40) are connected by way of passing the tabs (42) through the respective rivet holes (32) to thereby rivet said tabs (42). Said valve (40) moves as a result of the carriers (41) fitting into and being guided inside the rail (16). Said valve (40) moves as a result of the linear motion of said piston (21) and has a structure that enables said spring (50) to become compressed and released by means of the same motion. More specifically, the valve (40) is connected with said reservoir seat (30), blocks-unblocks (opens and closes) the outlet (12) by linearly moving together with said reservoir seat (30) as a result of the pressure applied on said reservoir seat (30) by the thermoactuator (20) that responds to the temperature of the coolant being pumped towards said outlet (12), and thus, allows the control over the flow rate by enabling the coolant to flow out of said outlet (12) in a controlled manner. In other words, said valve (40) moves linearly along with the motion of a thermo-actuator (20), said thermo-actuator (20) being able to linearly move according to the temperature of the coolant within the body (10) being pumped to the outlet (12), and thereby blocks-unblocks said outlet (12) and further allows the control over the flow rate by enabling the controlled passage of said coolant to said outlet (12).

[0063] Said spring (50) is positioned such that one end thereof fits into said valve seat (15) and the other end thereof fits into the cylindrical inner part of said valve (40). Said spring (50), by way being either compressed or released, enables the contact position between the reservoir seat (30)-valve (40) structure and the thermo-actuator (20) to be maintained upon the linear motion of said piston (21). Said spring (50) becomes compressed when the piston (21) moves upward and becomes released when said piston (21 ) moves downward and said spring (50) maintains the last position of the valve (40) while performing these motions.

[0064] According to the invention, in the case where the valve (40) is open by some extent (Figure 11), the coolant entering the coolant channel (17) via the inlet (11) circulates through the body (10). In the meantime, the reservoir (22), which is in contact with the coolant, begins to exchange heat with said coolant. The reservoir (22), having an elevated temperature, heats the wax inside, causing its volume to expand. The wax compound with increased volume pushes the piston (21) linearly (in the upward direction). The moving piston (21 ) applies pressure on the piston holder (13) and, as a result of said pressure, the thermo-actuator (20) moves linearly in the downward direction. The thermo-actuator (20), which moves in the downward direction, applies pressure on the housing (31) in the reservoir seat (30). As a result of this pressure, the reservoir seat (30) moves linearly in the downward direction and this motion is transmitted to the valve (40) via the carriers (41). The valve (40), due to the motion it obtains, begins its linear motion in the downward direction; i.e., said valve (40) opens to thereby allow the passage of more coolant. In general, the valve (40) moves along an axis that is the same as the axis for the motion of the thermo-actuator (20) and enables the flow rate to be regulated by enabling the coolant to move to the outlet (12) in a controlled manner. The spring (50), which is in contact with the lower portion (i.e., the inner part of the hollow cylindrical structure) of the valve (40), is compressed or released according to the motion of said valve (40). The spring (50), which is in contact with the valve (40), enables the contact position of said valve (40) to be maintained. The process described herein operates in the exact opposite way when the temperature of the coolant decreases. More specifically, the volume of the wax compound decreases upon a decrease in the temperature of the coolant, the piston (21) moves in the downward direction, the reservoir (22) thus moves in the upward direction, and upon this motion, the reservoir seat (30)-valve (40) structure moves upward, i.e., said valve (40) is closed, to thereby block the outlet (12) and the passage of the coolant is thus reduced. Here, it is possible for the valve (40) to be disposed at the positions where it is fully closed, fully open, open by a certain angle, or closed by a certain angle, depending on the temperature of the coolant.

[0065] In this description, the terms "top," "bottom," "upward," and "downward" used to indicate orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the figures and are provided solely for the sake of clarity and ease of explanation. They do not imply or specify that the mentioned device or element requires a specific orientation, is constructed in a particular direction, or operates in a certain manner, and therefore, they should not be understood as limitations of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A coolant pump (1) comprising at least one body (10) with at least one inlet (11), through which an engine coolant enters, and at least one outlet (12), through which pumped coolant exits, and at least one thermo-actuator (20) with the components of at least one piston (21), which is able to move owing to a wax whose volume changes according to the temperature of the coolant, and at least one reservoir (22), which, owing to the heat-sensitive structure thereof, enables the volume of the wax inside thereof to change as a result of a heat exchange with the coolant, characterized in that the coolant pump (1 ), in order to provide the energy saving by controlling the flow rate of the coolant being pumped into an engine, comprises the components of- at least one reservoir seat (30) with at least one housing (31), into which the reservoir (22) fits as a result of motion of the thermo-actuator (20), and- at least one valve (40), which is connected with the reservoir seat (30), blocksunblocks the outlet (12) by linearly moving together with the reservoir seat (30) as a result of the pressure applied on the reservoir seat (30) by the thermo-actuator (20) that responds to the temperature of the coolant being pumped towards the outlet (12), and thus, allows the control over the flow rate by enabling the coolant to flow out of the outlet (12) in a controlled manner.

2. The coolant pump (1) according to Claim 1 characterized in that said body (10) comprises at least one piston holder (13), which is formed with a cylindrical geometry on said body (10) and which guides an end of said piston (21) to fix said piston (21) and prevent said piston(21) from shifting.

3. The coolant pump (1) according to Claim 1 characterized in that said body (10) comprises at least one reservoir holder (14), which is formed with a cylindrical geometry on said body (10) and which guides said reservoir (22) to fix said reservoir (22) and prevent said reservoir(22) from shifting.

4. The coolant pump (1) according to Claim 1 characterized in that said body (10) comprises at least one valve seat (15), which is formed with a cylindrical geometry on said body (10) and which guides said valve (40) to fix said valve (40) and prevent said valve (40) from shifting.

5. The coolant pump (1) according to Claim 1 characterized in that said valve (40) comprises at least two carriers (41 ), which are each formed as a protrusion extending upward from the upper portion of said valve (40).

6. The coolant pump (1 ) according to Claims 1 and 5 characterized in that said carrier (41) comprises at least two tabs (42) formed on the end portions of said carrier (41) to enable the valve (40) and the reservoir seat (30) to be connected together.

7. The coolant pump (1) according to Claim 1 characterized in that said body (10) comprises at least two rails (16), which are each formed as a recess on said body (10) and which guide said carrier (41).

8. The coolant pump (1) according to Claim 1 characterized in that said valve (40) moves upon the carrier (41) being guided within the rail (16).

9. The coolant pump (1 ) according to Claim 1 characterized in that said reservoir seat (30) comprises at least one housing (31), one side of which is configured in a way to enable said reservoir (22) to fit from the top, and at least two rivet holes (32), which the tabs (42) available on said valve (40) may engage.

10. The coolant pump (1) according to Claim 1 characterized in that said valve (40) has a structure, which moves as a result of the linear motion of said piston (21 ) and which enables said spring (50) to become compressed and released by means of the same motion.

11. The coolant pump (1) according to Claim 1 characterized in that said valve (40) is connected with said reservoir seat (30) upon the tab (42) being riveted to the rivet hole (32).

12. The coolant pump (1 ) according to Claim 1 characterized in that said coolant pump (1) comprises at least one spring (50), wherein said at least one spring (50), by way of being compressed or released, enables the position of said valve (40) structure, with which said spring (50) is connected, to be maintained.

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