A pump assembly for circulating a liquid in an internal combustion engine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pump assembly (100) for circulating a liquid in an internal combustion engine. The pump assembly (100) comprises a pump (101), a pump cover (108), at least one of a plurality of passages and channels and a pressure relief mechanism. The pump is configured with a crankcase member (200). The pump cover (108) is adapted to cover the pump and a pump zone (202) of the crankcase member (200). The plurality of passages and channels are fluidically connected to the pump zone for circulating the liquid in the internal combustion engine. The pressure relief mechanism (112) is configured with the with the pump cover (108).

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] A PUMP ASSEMBLY FOR CIRCULATING A LIQUID IN AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pump assembly for circulating a lubricant in an internal combustion engine.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] In an internal combustion (IC) engine, lubricant, such as engine oil, is circulated to cool different parts of the IC engine, reduce friction and wear between moving parts of the IC engine, seal gaps between the piston rings and cylinder rings, clean carbon and debris from different parts of the IC engine and absorb shock and noise during operation of the IC engine.

[0007]

[0003] In the existing IC engine, several passages are provided in a crankcase for circulation of liquid such as lubricant / engine oil. The passages may be provided in either of the left crankcase member or the right crankcase member of the crankcase. Such passages are provided in close proximity of a pump configured with one of the left or right crankcase member. The pump circulates the liquid in the internal combustion engine. The pump sucks liquid from an oil sump provided in the crankcase of the internal combustion engine through a suction passage and supply the liquid for circulation in the IC engine through a discharge passage. In order to improve efficiency of the pump, there is known a liquid return technique having one or more return passages and pressure relief mechanism in which excess liquid discharged from the pump is returned to the suction passage or the liquid sump via the suction passage upon operation of the one or more pressure relief mechanism. However, such return passages and the pressure relief mechanism are provided in the crankcase i.e. away from the pump. The pressure relief mechanism is configured in a cavity formed in one of the left crankcase member and the right crankcase member. The return passages are long and bent at a plurality of locations. Such passages / cavities are generally formed in the crankcase member using machining such as drilling operations. Such construction of the return passages and housing to accommodate the pressure relief mechanism in the crankcase leads to several disadvantages. First, long return passages bent at several locations increase resistance to flow of liquid and efficiency of the pump deteriorates, which is undesirable. Also, manufacturing crankcase member with long return passages and the housing for the pressure relief mechanism increases the cost as well as complexity involved in manufacturing of the crankcase, which is also undesirable. Also, providing pressure relief mechanism and long return passages in the crankcase member increases size and weight of the crankcase member, which is also undesirable.

[0008]

[0004] In view thereof, there is a need-felt to overcome at least the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior arts.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010]

[0005] In one aspect of the invention, a pump assembly for circulating a liquid in an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The pump assembly comprises a pump, a pump cover, at least one of a plurality of passages and channels and a pressure relief mechanism. The pump is configured with a crankcase member. The pump cover is adapted to cover the pump and a pump zone of the crankcase member. The pump cover is detachably attached to the crankcase member. The at least one of the plurality of passages and channels are fluidically connected to the pump zone for circulating the liquid in the internal combustion engine. The pressure relief mechanism is configured with the pump cover.

[0011]

[0006] In an embodiment, at least one of the pump cover and the crankcase member comprises at least one of plurality of passages and channels.

[0012]

[0007] In an embodiment, the plurality of passages comprises at least one of a suction passage, a discharge passage, a surplus liquid inlet passage and a surplus liquid outlet passage.

[0008] In an embodiment, the plurality of channels comprises first channels and second channels. The first channels are adapted to abut with the second channels.

[0013]

[0009] In an embodiment, the plurality of first channels comprises at least one of a first suction channel, a first discharge channel, a first surplus liquid inlet channel and a first surplus liquid outlet channel. The plurality of second channels comprises at least one of a second suction channel, a second discharge channel, a second surplus liquid inlet channel and a second surplus liquid outlet channel.

[0014]

[0010] In an embodiment, the first suction channel is adapted to abut with the second suction channel to form a suction passage, the first discharge channel is adapted to abut with the second discharge channel to form a discharge passage, the first surplus liquid inlet channel is adapted to abut with the second surplus liquid inlet channel to form a surplus liquid inlet passage and the first surplus liquid outlet channel is adapted to abut with the second surplus liquid outlet channel to form a surplus liquid output passage.

[0015] [Oi l] In an embodiment, the second surplus inlet channel is fluidically connected to the second discharge channel, the second surplus outlet channel is fluidically connected to the second suction channel and wherein the second surplus inlet channel is fluidically connected to the second surplus outlet channel to allow flow of liquid from the surplus liquid inlet passage to the surplus liquid outlet passage.

[0016]

[0012] In an embodiment, the surplus liquid inlet passage is connected to the discharge passage and the surplus liquid outlet passage is connected to the suction passage.

[0017]

[0013] In an embodiment, the pump is adapted to suck the liquid from a liquid sump provided in the internal combustion engine and supply the liquid to the discharge passage via the suction passage with surplus liquid being directed to the surplus liquid inlet passage.

[0018]

[0014] In an embodiment, the pump cover comprises an enclosure to accommodate a spring loaded valve of the pressure relief mechanism. The enclosure comprises an inlet opening fluidically connected to the first surplus liquid inlet channel or first surplus liquid inlet passage and an outlet opening is fluidically connected to the first surplus liquid outlet channel or first surplus liquid outlet passage. The pressure relief mechanism is configured to selectively allow and block flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet opening though the enclosure.

[0019]

[0015] In an embodiment, the spring loaded valve is configured to move from a first position to a second position when pressure of the surplus liquid in the surplus liquid inlet passage exceeds a predefined threshold pressure value. The movement of the spring loaded valve from the first position to the second position allows flow of surplus liquid into the first surplus liquid outlet channel or the surplus liquid outlet passage from the first surplus liquid inlet channel or the surplus liquid inlet passage.

[0016] In an embodiment, the spring loaded valve is configured to move from the second position to the first position when pressure of the surplus liquid in the surplus liquid inlet passage is less than the predefined threshold pressure value. The movement of the spring loaded valve from the second position to the first position blocks flow of surplus liquid into the surplus liquid outlet passage or the first surplus liquid outlet channel from the surplus liquid inlet passage or first surplus liquid inlet channel.

[0020]

[0017] In an embodiment, the pump cover comprises a cavity to receive at least a portion of a rotor and a hole to receive a portion of a shaft of the pump. The shaft of the pump is extended through the crankcase member and driven by a crankshaft of the IC engine.

[0021]

[0018] In another aspect of the invention, an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The internal combustion engine comprises a crankcase member having a pump zone, a pump assembly and at least one of a plurality of passages and channels. The pump assembly comprises a pump cover and a pressure relief mechanism configured with the with the pump cover. The plurality of passages and channels are fluidically connected to the pump zone for circulating the liquid in the internal combustion engine.

[0022]

[0019] In an embodiment, the at least one of the pump cover and the crankcase member comprises the at least one of plurality of passages and channels.

[0023]

[0020] In an embodiment, the plurality of channels comprises first channels and second channels. The plurality of first channels comprises at least one of a first suction channel, a first discharge channel, a first surplus liquid inlet channel and a first surplus liquid outlet channel and the plurality of second channels comprises at least one of a second suction channel, a second discharge channel, a second surplus liquid inlet channel and a second surplus liquid outlet channel. The first suction channel is adapted to abut with the second suction channel to form a suction passage. The first discharge channel is adapted to abut with the second discharge channel to form a discharge passage. The first surplus liquid inlet channel is adapted to abut with the second surplus liquid inlet channel to form a surplus liquid inlet passage. The first surplus liquid outlet channel is adapted to abut with the second surplus liquid outlet channel to form a surplus liquid output passage.

[0024]

[0021] In an embodiment, the crankcase member is one of a right crankcase member and a left crankcase member.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026]

[0022] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0027] Figure 1 is a partially exploded view of crankcase member with a pump assembly for an internal combustion engine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates a pump cover with a pump rotor of the pump assembly 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the pump cover 108 without the pump rotor of the pump assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the pump cover 108 of the pump assembly 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates a crankcase member without a pump assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a crankcase member with a rotor of the pump assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a crankcase member with the pump assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034]

[0023] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.

[0035]

[0024] Figure 1 is a partially exploded view of crankcase member 200 with a pump assembly 100 for an internal combustion engine , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036]

[0025] As already known, a crankcase is an integral component of the internal combustion engine, providing housing and structural support for key engine components like crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons. It also contains liquid and / or engine oil and / or lubrication oil for the purpose of cooling and / or lubricating different components of the internal combustion engine. The crankcase is generally formed of crankcase members 200. In a non-limiting example, the crankcase comprises a right crankcase member and a left crankcase member. The lower portion of the crankcase is provided with a liquid sump which not only forms a lower enclosure of the internal combustion engine but also functions as a reservoir for storing liquid and / or engine oil and / or lubrication oil which can be circulated to cool and / or lubricate the different components of the internal combustion engine. In a nonlimiting example, the liquid is a coolant. In another non-limiting example, the liquid is a lubricant. The pump assembly 100 is used to circulate the liquid to other parts, such as cylinder block cylinder head etc., in the internal combustion engine. As shown in Figure 1, the pump assembly comprises a pump 106, a pump cover 108 and a pressure relief mechanism 112. The pump assembly 100 further comprises at least one of a plurality of passages and channels 110 which have been discussed in detail in subsequent paragraphs. The pump 106 is configured with one of the crankcase member 200. In a non-limiting example, the pump 106 is configured with a right crankcase member. In another non-limiting example, the pump 106 is configured with a left crankcase member. The pump 106 comprises a rotor 102 which is mounted on a shaft 104 supported by the crankcase member 200 and driven by a means such as, not being limited to, a crankshaft (not shown). However, this should not be construed as limiting and other means may also be used to drive the shaft 104. The pump cover 108 is detachably connected to the crankcase member 200 and is adapted to cover the pump 106 and a pump zone 202 (shown in Figure 5) of the crankcase member 200. The pressure relief mechanism 112 is configured with the pump cover 108. In a non-limiting example, the pressure relief mechanism 112 is detachably connected to the pump cover 108. In another non-limiting example, the pressure relief mechanism 112 is integrally formed with the pump cover 108.

[0037]

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a pump cover 108 with a pump rotor of the pump assembly 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the pump cover 108 without the pump rotor of the pump assembly 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the pump cover 108 of the pump assembly 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] In an embodiment, as shown, the pump cover 108 comprises a plurality of channels, which for the purposes of the present invention have been defined as first channels 110. The plurality of first channels 110 are adapted to abut with a plurality of second channels 210 provided in the pump zone 202 of the crankcase member 200 to form a plurality of passages for circulation of the liquid in the internal combustion engine. The plurality of first channels 110 comprises a first suction channel 110a, a first discharge channel 110b, a first surplus liquid inlet channel 110c and a first surplus liquid outlet channel HOd. Similarly, the plurality of second channels comprises a second suction channel 210a, a second discharge channel 210b, a second surplus liquid inlet channel 210c and a second surplus liquid outlet channel 210d. The first suction channel 110a is adapted to abut with the second suction channel 210a to form a suction passage. The first discharge channel 110b is adapted to abut with the second discharge channel 210b to form a discharge passage. The first surplus liquid inlet channel 110c is adapted to abut with the second surplus liquid inlet channel 210c to form a surplus liquid inlet passage. The first surplus liquid outlet channel HOd is adapted to abut with the second surplus liquid outlet channel 210d to form a surplus liquid outlet passage. The surplus liquid inlet passage is connected to the discharge passage and the surplus liquid outlet passage is connected to the suction passage. However, the above-mentioned construction of the pump cover 108 should not construed as limiting and other construction of the pump cover 108 are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0038]

[0028] In another embodiment, the pump cover 108 can comprise complete passages for circulation of the liquid in the internal combustion engine. In other words, the passages such as suction passage, discharge passage, surplus liquid inlet passage and the surplus liquid outlet passage can be formed in the pump cover 108 .

[0039]

[0029] In another embodiment, a combination of both passages and channels 110a, 110b, 110c, HOd can be formed in the pump cover 108 of the pump assembly 100. For example, the pump cover 108 of the pump assembly 100 can comprise a surplus liquid inlet passage, a surplus liquid outlet passage, a first suction channel 110a and a first discharge channel 110b. The first suction channel 110a and the first discharge channel 110b are adapted to abut with a second suction channel 210a and a second discharge channel 210b provided in the pump zone 202 of the crankcase member 200 to form suction passage and discharge passage. For instance, the first channels 110a, 110b, 110c, HOd can be provided in the pump assembly, corresponding second channels 210a, 210b, 201c, 201d can be provided in the pump zone 202 of the crankcase member 200 for forming passages for circulation of the liquid. This example should not be construed as limiting and other examples of the pump assembly 100 having a combination of channels and passages are well within the scope of the present invention. Also, it is not necessary that the passages and / or channels be formed in the pump cover 108 of the pump assembly 100. The pump assembly 100 may comprise additional member having the passages and / or at least one of the channels 110a, 110b, 110c, HOd, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d.

[0040]

[0030] In another embodiment, any combination of passages and channels 110 and 210 can be formed in the crankcase member 200.

[0041]

[0031] Figure 2 indicates the pump cover 108 with a rotor 102 of the pump 106, the rotor 102 being received in the pump cover 108 of the pump assembly. As shown in Figure 3, the pump cover 108 comprises a cavity 120 adapted to at least partially receive the rotor 102 of the pump 106. Figure 3 also illustrates a hole 118 in the cavity 120. The hole is adapted to receive the shaft 104 on which the rotor 102 is mounted. The shaft 104 is driven by one or more means such as, not being limited to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. Owing to the rotational movement of the shaft 104, the rotor 102 mounted on the shaft 104 rotates and suck the liquid from the liquid sump via the suction passage. As already described, the lower portion of the crankcase member 200 is partially submerged in the liquid sump and suction passage or the first and second suction channels 110a and 210a is fluidically connected to the liquid sump.

[0032] When the IC engine is running, the rotor 102 of the pump assembly 100 operates to suck liquid from the liquid sump into the suction passage and directs the same to the discharge passage which is, thereafter, circulated to different parts of the internal combustion engine. However, in certain scenarios, liquid / oil pressure in the discharge passage can be higher than the normal liquid / oil pressure or the amount of liquid / oil being sucked by the liquid pump can be more than the required amount which can increase the liquid / oil pressure in the discharge passage of the internal combustion engine. High liquid / oil pressure can result in excessive load on the pump, leading to reduced performance of the pump. In order to regulate the oil / liquid pressure in the discharge passage the surplus liquid supplied by the pump assembly 100 is directed to a surplus liquid inlet passage connected to the discharge passage. The pressure relief mechanism 112 of the pump assembly 100 allows the surplus liquid to flow from surplus liquid inlet passage to the surplus liquid outlet passage when the pressure of the surplus liquid in the surplus liquid inlet passage exceeds a pre-defined threshold pressure value. The pressure relief mechanism 112 of the pump assembly also blocks the flow of liquid from the surplus liquid inlet passage to the surplus liquid outlet passage when the pressure of the liquid in the surplus liquid inlet passage is less than the pre-defined threshold pressure value. This ensures that the required / optimum liquid / oil pressure in the oil flow passage of the IC engine is maintained to ensure supply of oil in different parts of the engine at the required pressure for proper lubrication of the engine parts.

[0042]

[0033] The pressure relief mechanism 112 comprises a spring loaded valve 116 accommodated in an enclosure 122 provided in the pump cover 108 of the pump assembly 100. As shown in Figure 3, the enclosure 122 comprises an inlet opening 122a fluidically connected to the first surplus liquid inlet channel 110c or surplus liquid inlet passage and an outlet opening 122b fluidically connected to the first surplus liquid outlet channel 1 lOd or surplus liquid outlet passage. The pressure relief mechanism 112 or the spring loaded valve 116 is configured to selectively allow and block flow of liquid between the inlet opening and the outlet opening through the enclosure 122, thereby selectively allowing and blocking flow of liquid between the first surplus liquid inlet channel 110c or surplus liquid inlet passage and the first surplus liquid outlet channel HOd or surplus liquid outlet passage. As shown in Figure 2, the spring loaded valve 116 is in a first position FP and blocks the flow of the surplus liquid from the first surplus liquid inlet channel 110c or surplus liquid inlet passage to the first surplus liquid outlet channel 1 lOd or surplus liquid outlet passage. At the first position FP, the pressure exerted by the surplus liquid on the spring loaded valve 116 is less than a pre-defined threshold pressure value. As shown in Figure 3, the spring loaded valve 116 moves from the first position FP to a second position SP to allow the flow of the surplus liquid from the first surplus liquid inlet channel HOc / surplus liquid inlet passage to the first surplus liquid outlet channel 1 lOd / surplus liquid outlet passage. When the pressure exerted by the surplus liquid, in the surplus liquid inlet passage, on the spring loaded valve 116 is more than the predefined threshold pressure value the spring loaded valve 116 moves to the second position SP from the first position FP. For instance, the spring loaded valve 116 moves to the second position SP from the first position FP when pressure of the surplus liquid in the surplus liquid inlet passage is greater than pressure exerted by a spring on the spring loaded poppet valve 116. The spring loaded valve 116 will return from the second position SP to the first position FP when the pressure exerted by the surplus liquid on the spring loaded valve 116 is less than the pre-defined threshold pressure value. For instance, the spring loaded valve 116 moves to the first position FP from the second position SP when pressure of the surplus liquid in the surplus liquid inlet passage is less than pressure exerted by the spring on the spring loaded poppet valve 116.

[0043]

[0034] In an embodiment, the pump cover 108 of the pump assembly 100 is detachably attached to the crankcase member 200 at a pre-defined location. In a nonlimiting example, the pre-defined location is below a crankshaft of the IC engine and a clutch gear mechanism and on side of a gear actuating mechanism. However, this should not be construed as limiting and other pre-defined locations for optimum functioning of the pump assembly 100 are well withing the scope of the present invention. In an embodiment, the pump cover 108 of the pump assembly 100 can detachably attached to the crankcase member 200 through threaded fasteners. The pump cover 108 includes mounting holes 111 to allow mounting of the pump cover 108.

[0044]

[0035] Figure 5 illustrates a crankcase member 200 without a pump assembly 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the crankcase member 200 comprises the pump zone 202 indicated by dashed lines. In a nonlimiting example, the crankcase member 200 is a left crankcase member of a crankcase of the IC engine. In a non-limiting example, the crankcase member 200 can be a right crankcase member of the crankcase of the IC engine. The pump zone 202 is an area on the crankcase member 200 which is fluidically connected to the at least one of the plurality of passages and / or plurality of channels 110a, 110b, 110c, HOd, 210a, 210b, 210c, 21 Od . In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the pump zone 202 can comprise the second suction channel 210a, the second discharge channel 210b, the second surplus liquid inlet channel 210c and the second surplus liquid outlet channel 210d. The second suction channel 210a is adapted to abut with the first suction channel 110a provided on the pump assembly 100 to form the suction passage. The second discharge channel 210b is adapted to abut with the first discharge channel 110b provided on the pump assembly 100 to form the discharge passage. The second surplus liquid inlet channel 210c is adapted to abut with a first surplus liquid inlet channel 110c provided on the pump assembly 100 to form the surplus liquid inlet passage. The second surplus liquid outlet channel 210d is adapted to abut with the first surplus liquid inlet channel HOd provided on the pump assembly 100 to form the surplus liquid outlet passage. In case the passages are formed in the pump assembly 100, the pump zone 202 may not have channels but simply perform the role of the receiving such passages and connecting such passages with any other passages for circulation of the liquid in the internal combustion engine. In case the pump assembly comprises a combination of passages and first channels, the second channels corresponding to first channels can be provided in the pump zone 202.

[0045]

[0036] The second surplus inlet channel 210c is connected to the second discharge channel 210b and the second surplus outlet channel 210d is connected to the second suction channel 210a. The second surplus inlet channel 210c is fluidically connected to the second surplus outlet channel 210d through the inlet opening 122a and the outlet opening 122b of the enclosure 122 of the pump cover, thereby allowing flow of liquid from the surplus liquid inlet passage to the surplus liquid outlet passage.

[0046]

[0037] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a crankcase member 200 with a rotor 102 of the pump assembly 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0047]

[0038] As shown, the rotor 102 of the pump assembly 100 is mounted on the shaft 104 which is supported by the crankcase member 200. The rotor 102 rotates with the shaft 104 to suck the liquid from the liquid sump and circulate the liquid in the internal combustion engine.

[0048]

[0039] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a crankcase member 200 with the pump assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0049]

[0040] As shown, the pump cover 108 of the pump assembly 100 is detachably attached to the crankcase member 200 at a pre-defined location. In a non-limiting example, the pre-defined location can be below a crankshaft of the IC engine and a clutch gear mechanism and on side of a gear actuating mechanism. However, this should not be construed as limiting and other pre-defined locations for optimum functioning of the pump assembly are well withing the scope of the present invention. Also, the pump cover 108 is detachably attached to the crankcase member by one or more fasteners F.

[0041] The claimed features of the present invention as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed features enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the technical problem of inefficient working of the pump assembly is solved by the present invention.

[0050]

[0042] In the present invention, suction channel / passage, discharge channel / passage, surplus liquid inlet channel / passage and surplus liquid outlet channel / passage are formed through the pump cover of the pump assembly, this eliminates requirement of machining of crankcase member to from such passages in the crankcase member, thereby reducing the material of the crankcase member. Also, this reduces the size and weight of the crankcase member as well as manufacturing cost.

[0051]

[0043] In the present invention, the pressure relief mechanism is configured with the pump assembly, this eliminates requirement of machining of crankcase member to form valve housing in the in the crankcase member, thereby reducing the material of the crankcase member. Also, this reduces the size and weight of the crankcase member.

[0052]

[0044] The present invention does not requires long passages with bents at plurality of locations, like suction passage, discharge passage, surplus liquid inlet passage and surplus liquid outlet passage with multiple bents in the existing crankcase member as such passages are formed though the pump cover and the crankcase member, this eliminates requirement of machining of the crankcase member to from such passages in the crankcase member and additional material in the crankcase member to from such long passages with bents. The passages for returning the surplus liquid are formed in the pump assembly which increases the efficiency of the pump assembly and reduces time, effort and cost in forming long return passages in the crankcase member.

[0053]

[0045] The present invention increases the efficiency of the pump assembly as well as reduce the size and weight of the crankcase.

[0046] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0054] List of Reference Numerals

[0055] 100-pump assembly

[0056] 102-rotor

[0057] 104- shaft

[0058] 106- pump

[0059] 108-pump cover

[0060] 110- first channels

[0061] 1 lOa-first suction channel

[0062] 1 lOb-first discharge channel

[0063] 110c- first surplus liquid inlet channel

[0064] 1 lOd-first surplus liquid outlet channel

[0065] 111- mounting holes

[0066] 112- pressure relief mechanism

[0067] 116- spring loaded valve

[0068] 118- hole

[0069] 120- cavity

[0070] 122- enclosure

[0071] 122a- inlet opening

[0072] 122b- outlet opening

[0073] 200- crankcase member

[0074] 202- pump zone 210- second channels

[0075] 210a-second suction channel

[0076] 2 lOb-second discharge channel

[0077] 210c- second surplus liquid inlet channel 210d-second surplus liquid outlet channel

[0078] FP- first position

[0079] SP- second position

[0080] F- fasteners

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A pump assembly (100) for circulating a liquid in an internal combustion engine, the pump assembly (100) comprising: a pump (101) configured with a crankcase member (200); a pump cover (108), the pump cover (108) adapted to cover the pump and a pump zone (202) of the crankcase member (200), the pump cover (108) being detachably attached to the crankcase member (200); at least one of a plurality of passages and channels (110a, 110b, 110c, HOd, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d), the plurality of passages and channels (110a, 110b, 110c, HOd, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) being fluidically connected to the pump zone (202) for circulating the liquid in the internal combustion engine; and a pressure relief mechanism (112) configured with the with the pump cover (108).

2. The pump assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the pump cover (108) and the crankcase member (200) comprises the at least one of plurality of passages and channels (110a, 110b, 110c, HOd, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d).

3. The pump assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of passages comprises at least one of a suction passage, a discharge passage, a surplus liquid inlet passage and a surplus liquid outlet passage.

4. The pump assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of channels comprises first channels (110a, 110b, 110c, HOd) and second channels (210a, 210b, 210c, 201d), the first channels (110a, 110b, 110c, HOd) adapted to abut with the second channels (210a, 210b, 210c, 201d).

5. The pump assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of first channels (110) comprises at least one of a first suction channel (110a), a firstdischarge channel (110b), a first surplus liquid inlet channel (110c) and a first surplus liquid outlet channel (HOd) and the plurality of second channels (200) comprises at least one of a second suction channel (210a), a second discharge channel (210b), a second surplus liquid inlet channel (210c) and a second surplus liquid outlet channel (210d).

6. The pump assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first suction channel (110a) being adapted to abut with the second suction channel (210a) to form a suction passage, the first discharge channel (110b) adapted to abut with the second discharge channel (210b) to form a discharge passage, the first surplus liquid inlet channel (110c) adapted to abut with the second surplus liquid inlet channel (210c) to form a surplus liquid inlet passage and the first surplus liquid outlet channel (HOd) adapted to abut with the second surplus liquid outlet channel (210d) to form a surplus liquid output passage.

7. The pump assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second surplus inlet channel (210c) is fluidically connected to the second discharge channel (210b), the second surplus outlet channel (210d) is fluidically connected to the second suction channel (210a), and wherein the second surplus inlet channel (210c) is fluidically connected to the second surplus outlet channel (210d) to allow flow of liquid from the surplus liquid inlet passage to the surplus liquid outlet passage.

8. The pump assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2 or claim 5, wherein the surplus liquid inlet passage being connected to the discharge passage and the surplus liquid outlet passage being connected to the suction passage.

9. The pump assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pump being adapted to suck the liquid from a liquid sump provided in the IC engine, and supply the liquid to the discharge passage via the suction passage with surplus liquid being directed to the surplus liquid inlet passage.

10. The pump assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pump cover comprises an enclosure (122) to accommodate a spring loaded valve (116) of the pressure relief mechanism (112), wherein the enclosure (122) comprises an inlet opening (122a) fluidically connected to the first surplus liquid inlet channel (110c) or first surplus liquid inlet passage, and an outlet opening (122b) fluidically connected to the first surplus liquid outlet channel (HOd) or first surplus liquid outlet passage, and wherein the pressure relief mechanism (112) is configured to selectively allow and block flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet opening (122a, 122b) though the enclosure (122).

11. The pump assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the spring loaded valve (116) is configured to move from a first position (FP) to a second position (SP) when pressure of the surplus liquid in the surplus liquid inlet passage exceeds a predefined threshold pressure value, the movement of the spring loaded valve (116) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) allows flow of surplus liquid into the first surplus liquid outlet channel (HOd) or the surplus liquid outlet passage from the first surplus liquid inlet channel (110c) or the surplus liquid inlet passage.

12. The pump assembly (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the spring loaded valve (116) is configured to move from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP) when pressure of the surplus liquid in the surplus liquid inlet passage is less than the predefined threshold pressure value, the movement of the spring loaded valve (116) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP) blocks flow of surplus liquid into the surplus liquid outlet passage or the first surplus liquid outlet channel (HOd) from the surplus liquid inlet passage or first surplus liquid inlet channel (110c).

13. The pump assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump cover (108) comprises a cavity (120) to receive at least a portion of a rotor (102), and a hole to receive a portion of a shaft (104) of the pump (101), wherein the shaft of the pump (101) is extended through the crankcase member (200) and driven by a crankshaft of the IC engine.

14. An internal combustion engine, comprising: a crankcase member (200), the crankcase member (200) comprising a pump zone (202); and a pump assembly (100) comprising a pump cover (106) and a pressure relief mechanism (112) configured with the pump cover (108); and at least one of a plurality of passages and channels (110a, 110b, 110c, HOd, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d), the plurality of passages and channels (110a, 110b, 110c, HOd, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) being fluidically connected to the pump zone (202) for circulating the liquid in the internal combustion engine.

15. The internal combustion engine as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least one of the pump cover (108) and the crankcase member (200) comprises the at least one of plurality of passages and channels (110a, 110b, 110c, HOd, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d).

16. The internal combustion engine as claimed in claim 15, wherein the plurality of channels comprises first channels (110) and second channels (210), the plurality of first channels (110) comprises at least one of a first suction channel (110a), a first discharge channel (110b), a first surplus liquid inlet channel (110c) and a first surplus liquid outlet channel (HOd) and the plurality of second channels (210) comprises at least one of a second suction channel (210a), a second discharge channel (210b), a second surplus liquid inlet channel (210c) and a second surplus liquid outlet channel (210d) wherein the first suction channel(110a) being adapted to abut with the second suction channel (210a) to form a suction passage, the first discharge channel (110b) being adapted to abut with the second discharge channel (210b) to form a discharge passage, the first surplus liquid inlet channel (110c) being adapted to abut with the second surplus liquid inlet channel (210c) to form a surplus liquid inlet passage and the first surplus liquid outlet channel (HOd) being adapted to abut with the second surplus liquid outlet channel (210d) to form a surplus liquid output passage.

17. The internal combustion engine as claimed in claim 16, wherein the crankcase member being one of: a right crankcase member and a left crankcase member.

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