pump

Abstract

This pump (1) comprises an inlet (42), an outlet (52), a flow path (FP) connecting the inlet (42) and the outlet (52) in the axial direction, and an impeller (6) disposed in the flow path (FP). The flow path (FP) extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction or a direction different from the direction intersecting the axial direction.

Description

Pump

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a centrifugal pump type pump device. In addition to this centrifugal pump type, an axial flow pump type, for example, is also widely known as a pump device.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-119428

[0004] The axial flow pump type can suck and discharge a large volume of fluid. In such an axial flow pump type, it is desired to increase the pressure of the pump.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and one of the problems is to provide a pump capable of increasing pressure.

[0006] The pump according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a suction port, a discharge port, a flow path connecting the suction port and the discharge port in the axial direction, and an impeller disposed in the flow path, and the flow path extends in a direction intersecting or different from the axial direction.

[0007] The pump according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a suction port, a discharge port, a flow path connecting the suction port and the discharge port in the axial direction, and an impeller disposed in the flow path, the flow path extends in a direction intersecting or different from the axial direction, and the impeller includes a plurality of curved blades.

[0008] The pump according to the third aspect of the present invention includes a suction port, a discharge port, a flow path connecting the suction port and the discharge port in the axial direction, and an impeller disposed in the flow path, the flow path extends in a direction intersecting or different from the axial direction, and the impeller includes a plurality of blades extending in the radial direction.

[0009] A pump according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises a housing having a suction port and a discharge port, a flow path connecting the suction port and the discharge port in the axial direction, and an impeller disposed in the flow path, wherein the flow path extends in a direction intersecting or different from the axial direction, the housing comprises a closed frame surrounding the impeller, and the flow path is formed between the impeller and the frame.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a pump comprising a suction port, a discharge port, a housing, a flow path connecting the suction port and the discharge port in the axial direction, and an impeller disposed in the flow path, wherein the flow path extends in a direction intersecting or different from the axial direction, a nozzle is provided at the discharge port, and the orientation of the nozzle relative to the housing can be changed.

[0011] This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of pump 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of pump 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of pump 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 in Figure 1. This is a cross-sectional view along line 5-5 in Figure 4. This is a cross-sectional view along line 6-6 in Figure 4. This is a perspective view of pump 1 with the first cover 4 removed. This is a cross-sectional view along line 8-8 in Figure 4. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of pump 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of impeller 6A and rotor 8 according to one specific example. This is a perspective cross-sectional view along line 11-11 in Figure 10.

[0012] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Figures 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views showing the structure of a pump 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This pump 1 is configured to transfer fluid by drawing in a fluid (e.g., liquid) from one side in the direction along the axis x (hereinafter referred to as the "axial direction") and discharging the fluid from the other side in the axial direction. The pump 1 is used, for example, to transfer a liquid, i.e., a coolant, for cooling an object that generates heat. The pump 1 is used, for example, by being immersed in the coolant.

[0013] In pump 1, one side is defined as the upper side and the other side as the lower side in the axial direction. The upper and lower sides in the axial direction do not necessarily coincide with the upper and lower sides in the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to axis x is defined as the radial direction. In this radial direction, the direction approaching axis x is defined as the inner circumference, and the direction moving away from axis x is defined as the outer circumference. In addition, a circumferential direction is defined around axis x. The clockwise and counterclockwise directions in the circumferential direction are defined as the direction when viewed from the upper side in the axial direction.

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the pump 1 seen from above in the axial direction, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pump 1 seen from below in the axial direction. In this example, the pump 1 includes a housing 2 having a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape in the axial direction. The housing 2 includes a case 3, a first cover 4 that covers the upper part of the case 3, and a second cover 5 that covers the lower part of the case 3. The case 3, the first cover 4, and the second cover 5 are each formed (injection molded) from a thermoplastic resin material, such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide).

[0015] The first cover 4 is attached to the case 3 by fastening members 21, such as one or more screws (see Figure 1). In this example, four fastening members 21 are used. The first cover 4 has a main body 41 and a suction port 42 formed in the main body 41. The main body 41 is formed in a generally flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The main body 41 defines, for example, an upper surface perpendicular to the axis x. The suction port 42 penetrates the main body 41 along the axis x at the center of this upper surface. The suction port 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, with the axis x as its central axis. The suction port 42 opens upward in the axial direction. Fluid is drawn into the housing 2 through this suction port 42.

[0016] The second cover 5 is attached to the case 3 by fastening members (not shown), such as one or more screws. The second cover 5 has a main body 51 and a discharge port 52 formed in the main body 51. The main body 51 is formed in a generally flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The main body 51 defines a bottom surface perpendicular to the axis x, for example. The discharge port 52 penetrates the main body 51 along the axis x, adjacent to one of the four corners of this bottom surface. The suction port 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a central axis parallel to the axis x, for example. The discharge port 52 opens downward in the axial direction. Fluid is discharged from the housing 2 through this discharge port 52.

[0017] In a plan view along the axial direction, the suction port 42 and the discharge port 52 are positioned at different locations in the radial direction. The suction port 42 is formed at the center of the main body 41 in a plan view along the axial direction. That is, the suction port 42 is formed at the position where a pair of diagonals of the rectangle on the upper surface of the main body 41 intersect. On the other hand, the discharge port 52 is formed adjacent to one of the four corners of the rectangle on the lower surface of the main body 51. Therefore, in a plan view, the discharge port 52 is positioned radially outward from the axis x relative to the suction port 42. In the radial direction, the discharge port 52 is positioned between the suction port 42 and one corner. Note that in a plan view, the suction port 42 and the discharge port 52 do not overlap each other.

[0018] In this example, a nozzle 22 is provided at the discharge port 52 of the second cover 5 (see Figure 2). The nozzle 22 is formed from, for example, a cylindrical member. In one example, the nozzle 22 has a first portion 22a that extends along an axis x1 that extends parallel to axis x, and a second portion 22b that extends in a direction intersecting (perpendicular to) axis x1. The nozzle 22 is attached to the discharge port 52 at the upper end of the first portion 22a. The opening at the end (tip) of the second portion 22b is oriented in a direction intersecting (perpendicular to) axis x1. The orientation of the nozzle 22 can be changed relative to the housing 2. Specifically, the nozzle 22 can change the orientation of the opening at the tip of the second portion 22a by rotating it around axis x1.

[0019] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of the pump 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line 4-4 in Figure 1. Referring together to Figures 1 to 4, the case 3 has a main body 31, an outer wall 32, an upper plate (first plate) 33, an inner wall 34, a lower plate (second plate) 35, and a holding part 36. The main body 31 is a base that extends in an annular shape around an axis x. In a plan view in the axial direction, the main body 31 has, for example, a rectangular outline having the same dimensions as the main body 41 of the first cover 4 and the main body 51 of the second cover 5. An annular outer wall 32 extends upward from the upper surface of the main body 31. The outer wall 32 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape centered on the axis x.

[0020] An annular upper plate 33 extends inward from the upper end of the outer wall 32. In this example, the upper plate 33 is formed in a flat shape along a plane that intersects (orthogonals) the axis x. An annular inner wall 34 extends downward from the inner end of the upper plate 33. The inner wall 34 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape centered on the axis x. The outer surface of the inner wall 34 faces the inner surface of the outer wall 32 directly or via other members. An annular lower plate 35 extends inward from the lower end of the inner wall 34. The lower plate 35 is formed in a flat shape along a plane that intersects (orthogonals) the axis x. A holding portion 36 extends downward from the inner end of the lower plate 35. In this example, the holding portion 36 is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the axis x.

[0021] Case 3 has one or more blocks 37a to 37d extending upward from the top surface of the main body 31 at the four corners of the main body 31 (see Figures 1 to 3). Blocks 37a to 37d are integrally formed with the main body 31. One block 37a is connected to the outer wall 32. On the other hand, block 37d is connected to the outer wall 32 and block 37a via one or more ribs 38 (see Figure 3). The ribs 38 extend upward from the main body 31 and connect the outer wall 32 and blocks 37a and 37d to each other. In this example, the ribs 38 are formed, for example, in the shape of a flat plate. In this example, the outer wall 32, blocks 37a to 37d and the ribs 38 are at the same height from the main body 31.

[0022] On the other hand, the first cover 4 has the aforementioned main body 41, a side wall 43, one or more blocks 44a to 44d, and one or more ribs 45. The side wall 43 extends annularly downward from the lower surface of the main body 41. The side wall 43 is integrally formed with the main body 41. The lower surface of the side wall 43 is received by the upper surface of the outer wall 32 of the case 3. The blocks 44a to 44d extend downward from the lower surface of the main body 41 at the four corners of the main body 41. The blocks 44a to 44d are integrally formed with the main body 41. The lower surfaces of the blocks 44a to 44d are each received by the upper surfaces of the corresponding blocks 37a to 37d. The rib 45 extends downward from the main body 41 and connects the side wall 43 and the blocks 44a and 44d to each other.

[0023] An internal space S is formed within the housing 2 by the case 3 and the first cover 4 (see Figure 4). The internal space S has a first space S1 formed by the inner surface of the upper plate 33 of the case 3 and the inner surfaces of the main body 41 and side walls 43 of the first case 4, and a second space S2 formed by the inner wall 34 and lower plate 35 of the first case 4. In this example, both the first space S1 and the second space S2 are generally cylindrical spaces centered on axis x. The first space S1 and the second space S2 are connected to each other. In the radial direction, the diameter (dimension) of the first space S1 is larger than the diameter (dimension) of the second space S2. On the other hand, in the axial direction, the size (width) of the first space S1 is smaller than the size (width) of the second space S2.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, an annular projection 32a is formed on the upper surface of the outer wall 32 of the case 3 around axis x. This projection 32a fits into an annular recess 43a formed on the lower surface of the side wall 43 of the first cover 4 around axis x. Both the projection 32a and the recess 43a are continuous around axis x without interruption. An elastic member 23, such as an O-ring, is placed between the upper surface of the projection 32a and the bottom surface of the recess 43a. The elastic member 23 is continuous without interruption. The elastic member 23 is made of, for example, fluororubber (FKM), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), silicone rubber (VMQ), etc. This elastic member 23 seals the space between the outer wall 32 and the side wall 43, sealing the first space S1 and the second space S2 from the outside.

[0025] A shaft 24 is fixed to the housing 2, which is located in the internal space S. The shaft 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, with an axis x as its center. The upper end of the shaft 24 is held by a holding part 46 which is integrated with the main body 41 of the first cover 4. Specifically, the upper end of the shaft 24 is supported and fixed by a recess 46a formed on the lower surface of the holding part 46. The holding part 46 is located below the suction port 42 within the main body 41. The holding part 46 is connected to the main body 41 by one or more spokes 47. In this example, three spokes 47 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis x. Each spoke 47 connects the upper end of the holding part 46 to the inner circumferential surface of the suction port 42.

[0026] On the other hand, the lower end of the shaft 24 is held by the holding portion 36 of the case 3. Specifically, the lower end of the shaft 24 is supported and fixed by a bottomed hole 36a formed in the holding portion 36. For fixing, the lower end of the shaft 24 is press-fitted into the hole (recess) 36a which has a bottom. In this example, since the holding portion 36 extends downward from the lower plate 35 of the case 3 in the axial direction, the shaft 24 extends below the lower plate 35. In this way, the shaft 24 is fixed to the housing 2. Note that instead of a hole 36a which has a bottom, the holding portion 36 may have a through hole that penetrates the holding portion 36 along the axis x.

[0027] An impeller 6 is housed in the first space S1 of the housing 2. The impeller 6 has a base 61, a shroud 62, and a plurality of blades 63. The impeller 6 is integrally formed by injection molding from a thermoplastic resin material, such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide). In this example, the base 61 is a plate-shaped member extending along a plane perpendicular to the axis x. The base 61 has a plane 61a on its surface. The plane 61a is defined by an annular plane around an axis x that intersects (is perpendicular to) the axis x. In a plan view in the axial direction, the outer peripheral end (hereinafter referred to as the "outer peripheral portion") 61b of the base 61 faces the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 43 of the first case 4.

[0028] The shroud 62 faces the plane 61a of the base 61 in the axial direction. In this example, the shroud 62 is a plate-shaped member formed in an annular shape around an axis x. The shroud 62 has an outer peripheral end (hereinafter referred to as the "outer peripheral portion") 62a and an inner peripheral end (hereinafter referred to as the "inner peripheral portion") 62b. In this example, the lower surface 62c of the shroud 62 facing the plane 61a is formed from an inclined surface that approaches the plane 61a as it moves from the inner peripheral portion 62b toward the outer peripheral portion 62a. In this example, the radial dimension of the outer peripheral portion 62a of the shroud 62 is set to be the same as the radial dimension of the outer peripheral portion 61b of the base 61. However, the radial dimensions of the outer peripheral portion 62a of the shroud 62 and the radial dimensions of the outer peripheral portion 61b of the base 61 may be different from each other.

[0029] In the impeller 6, an opening 64 is formed by the inner circumference 62b of the shroud 62. The opening 64 opens upward in the axial direction. The opening 64 is connected to the suction port 42 of the main body 41 of the first cover 4. In this example, the dimensions of the radial opening 64 are set to be the same as the dimensions of the radial suction port 42. Each blade 63 extends from the plane 61a of the base 61 to the shroud 62. That is, the base 61 and the shroud 62 are connected to multiple blades 63. Each blade 63 extends from the inner circumference 62b to the outer circumference 62a of the shroud 62. The specific shape of the blades 63 will be described later.

[0030] A motor 7 is incorporated into the housing 2, configured to rotate the impeller 6 around an axis x. The motor 7 has a rotor 8 and a stator 9. The rotor 8 is housed in a second space S2 of the housing 2. The rotor 8 is rotatably supported on a shaft 24 around an axis x. The rotor 8 has a rotor body 81, a magnet 82, and a bearing 83. The rotor body 81 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The rotor body 81 is integrally formed with the base 61 of the impeller 6. That is, the rotor body 81 is formed from a thermoplastic resin material, such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide).

[0031] The magnet 82 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the rotor body 81. In this example, the magnet 82 is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the axis x. The magnet 82 is, for example, a permanent magnet. The magnet 82 has, for example, alternating regions magnetized as south poles and regions magnetized as north poles in the circumferential direction. The outer circumferential surface of the magnet 82 faces the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall 34 of the case 3 with a predetermined gap between them. Multiple magnets 82 may be arranged, or they may be in a continuous ring shape in the circumferential direction. The bearing 83 is formed in a cylindrical shape along the axis x. The inner circumferential surface of the bearing 83 faces the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 24 with a predetermined gap between them. The bearing 83, i.e., the rotor 8, is configured to be rotatable about the axis x and movable vertically along the axis x. The bearing 83 is a so-called sliding bearing. In addition to a sliding bearing, a fluid bearing or a ball bearing may be used for the bearing 83.

[0032] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line 5-5 in Figure 4. Referring to both Figures 4 and 5, the stator 9 is located in an annular space between the outer wall 32 and the inner wall 34. In this example, the stator 9 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the inner wall 34. The stator 9 includes a stator core 91, a plurality of coils 92, and an insulator 93. The stator core 91 is formed from a laminate of a plurality of thin plates stacked in the axial direction. The laminate is formed from a plurality of stacked magnetic materials. The coils 92 are formed from windings, for example, of conductive wire (copper wire). The insulator 93 has the coils 92 wound around it and electrically insulates the stator core 91 from the plurality of coils 92. The insulator 93 is formed from an insulating material, for example, a resin material.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the stator core 91 has an annular portion 94, a plurality of teeth, i.e., magnetic pole portions 95, and a plurality of spokes 98 connecting the annular portion 94 and the plurality of magnetic pole portions 95. The annular portion 94 is defined in an annular shape around the axis x. Each spoke 98 protrudes inward from the inner surface of the annular portion 94. The inner surface of each magnetic pole portion 95 faces the outer surface of the magnet 82 via the inner wall 34 of the case 3, and a predetermined magnetic gap is formed between each magnetic pole portion 95 and the outer surface of the magnet 82. In this way, the stator 9 faces the rotor 8 in the radial direction. The windings of the coil 92 are wound around the insulator 93 that covers each magnetic pole portion 95. In this example, there are 12 magnetic pole portions 95, but the number of magnetic pole portions 95 can be any number, such as 6 or 18. The number of poles of the rotor body 81 of the rotor 8 can also be changed in accordance with the change in the number of magnetic pole portions 95.

[0034] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line 6-6 in Figure 4. Referring to Figures 4 to 6 together, the stator 9 has a substrate (circuit board) 96 and lead wires 97 drawn out from or electrically connected to the coils 92. As shown in Figure 6, in an axial plan view, the circuit board 96 is formed in a generally circular shape, for example. Electronic components (not shown), such as field-effect transistors (FETs), are mounted on the upper and lower surfaces of the circuit board 96. These electronic components are electrically connected to some of the coils 92 by terminals (not shown), for example. Also, one end of the lead wire 97 is electrically connected to the electronic components. On the other hand, the lead wire 97 is drawn out from the housing 2 and electrically connected to an external device (not shown). Power and signals are supplied from the external device to the electronic components and coils 92 via the lead wire 97.

[0035] Referring together to Figures 3, 4, and 6, the second cover 5 has a protrusion 53 that extends annularly upward from the upper surface of the main body 51. The protrusion 53 is formed in a circular shape in plan view. The dimensions of the protrusion 53 in the radial direction are set to be larger than the dimensions of the circuit board 96 in the radial direction. An elastic member 25, such as an O-ring, is sandwiched between the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 53 and the inner circumferential surfaces of the main body 31 and outer wall 32 of the case 3. The elastic member 25 extends continuously and without interruption around the axis x. The elastic member 25 is made of the same material as the elastic member 23. This elastic member 25 seals the space between the case 3 and the second cover 5, sealing the first space S1 and the second space S2 from the outside.

[0036] A through-hole 54 is formed in the main body 51 of the second cover 5, penetrating the main body 51 in the axial direction. The holding portion 36 of the case 3 is housed within this through-hole 54. As a result, the lower end of the holding portion 36 is exposed to the outer surface of the housing 2 (see Figure 2). An elastic member 26, such as an O-ring, is sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 54 and the outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 36. The elastic member 26 extends continuously and without interruption around the axis x. The elastic member 26 is made from the same material as the elastic members 23 and 25. This elastic member 26 seals the space between the case 3 and the second cover 5. In this way, the elastic members 25 and 26 seal the space within the housing 2 in which the stator 9 and the circuit board 96 are housed, and the first space S1 and the second space S2 are sealed from the outside.

[0037] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the holding portion 36 has one or more flow ports 36b that penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the holding portion 36 in the axial direction. In this example, three flow ports (fluid passages) 36b are arranged in the circumferential direction. The flow ports 36b connect the internal space S and the external space outside the housing 2 to each other. As shown in Figure 4, an annular washer 27 may be sandwiched between the upper surface of the holding portion 36 and the lower surface of the bearing 83. The washer 27 is attached to the shaft 24 so as not to rotate around the axis x. The washer 27 is made of a material with high wear resistance, for example.

[0038] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the pump 1 with the first cover 4 removed. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line 8-8 in Figure 4. Referring to Figures 4, 7, and 8 together, the impeller 6 has multiple blades 63 arranged in the circumferential direction. All blades 63 have the same shape and dimensions. Each blade 63 extends from the inner circumference 62b to the outer circumference 62a of the shroud 62, curving along the way. Each blade 63 extends, for example, in a clockwise direction from its inner circumference to its outer circumference in a spiral manner with respect to the radial direction (see Figure 8). The height of each blade 63 from the upper surface 61a of the base 61 decreases from the inner circumference to the outer circumference of the blade 63. This impeller 6 is a so-called radial flow impeller. The impeller 6 also rotates counterclockwise around the axis x.

[0039] As shown in Figures 4 and 8, the housing 2 comprises an annular frame 28 enclosed by the top plate 33 and outer wall 32 of the case 3 and the main body 41 and side wall 43 of the first cover 4. The inner surface of the frame 28 is formed by the inner surface of the case 3 and the inner surface of the first cover 4. The outer wall 32 forming the frame 28 has a through hole 39, which is located radially on the outer circumference relative to the impeller 6. In a plan view in the axial direction, this through hole 39 is formed at a position corresponding to the discharge port 52 formed in the main body 51 of the second cover 5. The side wall 43 of the first cover 4 forming the frame 28 has an inner circumferential surface 43b that faces the outer circumferential portions 61b and 62a of the impeller 6 in the radial direction. This inner circumferential surface 43b surrounds the through hole 39. The through hole 39 is located inside the inner circumferential surface 43b.

[0040] The side wall 43 of the first cover 4 that forms the frame 28 has a portion 29 that protrudes inward (into the internal space S) (see Figure 8). In this example, the protruding portion 29 forms a part of the side wall 43 of the first cover 4. The protruding portion 29 extends in the circumferential direction. In the radial direction, an opening 64, i.e., a suction port 42, is located on the impeller 6 side of the protruding portion 29, and in the radial direction, a through hole 39, i.e., a discharge port 52, is located on the side of the protruding portion 29 opposite to the impeller 6. Thus, the protruding portion 29 is formed by an inner surface 29a facing the impeller 6 and an inner surface 29b facing the discharge port 52. In the protruding portion 29, the inner surface 29a facing the impeller 6 and the inner surface 29b facing the discharge port 52 are connected. The inner surface 29a is continuous with the inner circumferential surface 43b of the side wall 43. Furthermore, the inner surface 29a may be part of the inner circumferential surface 43b of the side wall 43.

[0041] A predetermined gap G is formed radially between the protruding portion 29 and the outer peripheral portions 61b and 62a of the impeller 6. The gap G is similarly formed between the inner peripheral surface 43b of the side wall 43 and the outer peripheral portions 61b and 62a of the impeller 6. The size of this gap G increases at least partially as you move counterclockwise from the protruding portion 29 toward the through hole 39, i.e., the discharge port 52. In this way, radially, the inner peripheral surface 43b of the side wall 43 of the first cover 4 surrounds the impeller 6. Also, axially, the lower surface of the main body 41 of the first cover 4 and the upper surface of the upper plate 33 of the case 3 surround the impeller 6. In this way, the case 3 and the first cover 4, i.e., the frame 28, surround the impeller 6.

[0042] Thus, the frame 28 forms a flow path FP connecting the suction port 42 and the discharge port 52 in the axial direction. In this example, as indicated by the arrows in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the flow path FP is composed of a first portion FP1 to a sixth portion FP6. The first portion FP1 extends axially through the suction port 42 and the opening 64. The second portion FP2 extends radially through the circumferentially adjacent blades 63, 63 of the impeller 6. The third portion FP3 extends circumferentially through the outer periphery 61b, 62a of the impeller 6 and the inner circumferential surface 43b of the side wall 43. The fourth portion FP4 extends tangentially to a circle centered on axis x along the inner circumferential surface 43b of the side wall 43. The fifth portion FP5 extends parallel to the axial direction through the through hole 39. The sixth portion FP6 extends through the discharge port 52 and the nozzle 22 of the second cover 5.

[0043] Specifically, the flow path FP initially extends axially, then extends in a first direction (radial direction) intersecting the axial direction, then in a second direction (circumferential direction) intersecting the axial direction, then in a third direction (tangential direction) intersecting the axial direction, and finally extends axially again. The impeller 6 is positioned within this flow path FP. Thus, the flow path FP extends axially and in the first direction (radial direction), second direction (circumferential direction), and third direction (tangential direction) intersecting this axial direction. Note that the intersecting directions include not only the first direction (radial direction) intersecting in a plan view, but also, for example, the second direction (circumferential direction) or third direction (tangential direction) intersecting in a side view of axis x. Furthermore, the intersecting directions can be rephrased as different directions. That is, the first direction (radial direction), second direction (circumferential direction), and third direction (tangential direction) are all different directions with respect to the axial direction. Thus, the portion FP3 of the flow path FP surrounds at least a part of the impeller 6 in the radial direction. In other words, a portion FP3 of the flow path FP that extends in the circumferential direction is formed between the impeller 6 and the frame 28.

[0044] When using the pump 1, when an electric current is supplied to the coil 92 from an external device via the lead wire 97, due to the magnetic interaction between the coil 92 and the magnet 82, the rotor 8 rotates counterclockwise around the axis x. Due to the rotation of the rotor 8, that is, the plurality of blades 63, a liquid (fluid), that is, a coolant, is sucked from the suction port 42 into the first space S1. The sucked coolant passes through the first part FP1 in the axial direction and then through the second part FP2 in the radial direction. The coolant passes from the third part FP3 in the circumferential direction to the fourth part FP4 in the tangential direction along the inner peripheral surface 43b of the side wall 43. Then, the coolant is discharged from the tip of the nozzle 22 into the external space through the through hole 39 and the discharge port 52.

[0045] The coolant contains, for example, water. The water may contain other liquids. The other liquids include, for example, antifreeze liquids such as propylene glycol and ethylene glycol, and rust inhibitors. Also, in the pump 1, as the impeller 6 and the rotor 8 rotate, the coolant also flows into the second space S2 connected to the first space S1. In the second space S2, a part of the coolant returns to the first space S1, and another part of the coolant flows out of the housing 2 into the external space through the flow port 36b of the holding part 36. By leaking the coolant into the external space through the flow port 36b in this way, the retention of the coolant in the second space S2 can be suppressed.

[0046] In the pump 1 as described above, the flow path FP connects the suction port 42 and the discharge port 52 in the axial direction. That is, in the axial direction, the suction port 42 is arranged on the upper surface of the housing 2, while the discharge port 52 is arranged on the lower surface of the housing 2. Between the suction port 42 and the discharge port 52, at least a part of the flow path FP, that is, the part FP2 and the part FP3, extends in the radial direction and the circumferential direction that intersect the axial direction. In this way, a centrifugal pump is constituted by the impeller 6. Due to the action of this centrifugal pump, the coolant is transferred at a higher pressure in the flow path FP. In this way, in the pump 1, compared with an axial flow pump, the pressure can be increased, so the efficiency of the pump 1 can be improved.

[0047] Also, in the pump 1, a nozzle 22 is provided at the discharge port 52. The opening at the tip of the second portion 22b of the nozzle 22 is directed in a direction orthogonal to the axis x1. The nozzle 22 can change the direction of the opening at the tip of the first portion 22a by rotating around the axis x1. Therefore, for example, by configuring the nozzle 22 to be rotatable around the axis x1 by the flow of the coolant passing through the flow path FP, the nozzle 22 can be rotated around the axis x1 during the operation of the pump 1. Since the direction of the coolant discharged from the opening at the tip of the second portion 22b changes due to the rotation of the nozzle 22, the coolant can be stirred in the space where the pump 1 is disposed.

[0048] In the above-described first embodiment, the nozzle 22 has been described as having the first portion 22a and the second portion 22b. However, the nozzle 22 may have other shapes. The second portion 22b may extend, for example, in a direction intersecting the axis x1 from the tip of the first portion 22a. In one example, the second portion 22b may extend obliquely so as to move away from the axis x1 as it goes downward from the first portion 22a. Further, the formation of the second portion 22b may be omitted, and the first portion 22a may extend in a direction intersecting the axis x1 from the discharge port 52. Also, the nozzle 22 itself may be removed from the discharge port 52. In this case, the direction of the coolant flowing out from the discharge port 52 may be adjusted by adjusting the direction of the through hole 39 in the outer wall 32 of the case 3.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a pump 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The cross-section of FIG. 9 corresponds to the cross-section of FIG. 4. In this pump 1A, an impeller 6A according to a modified example is incorporated instead of the aforementioned impeller 6. The impeller 6A constitutes a mixed-flow impeller, as will be described later. FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of an impeller 6A and a rotor 8 according to a specific example. FIG. 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10. Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11 together, the impeller 6A according to the modified example has a base 61A, a shroud 62A, and a plurality of blades 63A. In addition, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configurations as those in the aforementioned first embodiment, and the overlapping descriptions here are omitted.

[0050] The base 61A has a generally frustoconical shape. An annular inclined surface 61c is formed on the surface of the base 61A. The inclined surface 61c is an inclined surface that approaches the upper surface of the upper plate 33 of the case 3 as it moves from the inner circumference 61b of the base 61A. The radial dimensions of the inner circumference portion of the inclined surface 61c generally coincide with the radial dimensions of the holding portion 46 of the first cover 4. On the other hand, the shroud 62A is a plate-shaped member that extends along a plane perpendicular to the axis x. An opening 64A is formed by the inner circumference 62b of the shroud 62A. In this example, the radial dimensions of the opening 64A are set to be larger than the radial dimensions of the suction port 42.

[0051] In particular, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the base 61A and the shroud 62A are connected to a plurality of blades 63A. Each blade 63A extends radially from the inner circumference to the outer circumference of the inclined surface 61c. Furthermore, each blade 63A has an upper end 63a that extends radially and is connected to the lower surface 62c of the shroud 62A, while its lower end 63b that extends in a direction inclined with respect to the lower surface 62c of the shroud 62A is connected to the lower surface 62c of the shroud 62A. Specifically, in each blade 63A, the inner circumference portions of the upper end 63a and the lower end 63b are connected at the inner circumference portion of the blade 63A. In a plan view in the axial direction, the upper end 63a and the lower end 63b move away from each other as they move toward the outer circumference and extend in different directions. Thus, each blade 63A has a twisted shape around an axis defined in the radial direction.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described above through the embodiments described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments above. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments described above. It will be clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0053] The embodiments described above are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. Furthermore, the embodiments described above do not limit the scope of application of the present invention, and the present invention may encompass anything as its target application. The components of the above embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate.

[0054] For example, the present invention includes differences that arise in the implementation of manufacturing tolerances, etc. Furthermore, components shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined to the extent that they do not conflict with the technical requirements. In addition, each component can be selectively combined as appropriate to achieve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and effects.

[0055] 1, 1A Pump, 2 Housing, 21 Fastening member, 22 Nozzle, 23 Elastic member, 24 Shaft, 25 Elastic member, 26 Elastic member, 27 Washer, 28 Frame, 29 Protruding part, 29a Inner surface, 29b Inner surface, 3 Case, 31 Main body, 32 Outer wall, 32a Annular protrusion, 33 Upper plate (first plate), 34 Inner wall, 35 Lower plate (second plate), 36 Holding part, 36a Hole with bottom (recess), 36b Flow port, 37a-37d Block, 38 Rib, 39 Through hole, 4 First cover, 41 Main body, 42 Suction port, 43 Side wall, 43a Tubular recess, 43b Inner circumferential surface, 44a-44d Block, 45 Rib, 46 Holding part, 46a Recess, 47 Spoke, 5 51 Second cover, 52 Main body, 52 Outlet, 53 Protrusion, 54 Through hole, 6, 6A Impeller, 61, 61A Base, 61a Flat surface, 61b Outer circumference, 61c Inclined surface, 62, 62A Shroud, 62a Outer circumference, 62b Inner circumference, 62c Bottom surface, 63, 63A Blades, 64A Opening, 7 Motor, 8 Rotor, 81 Main body, 82 Magnet, 83 Bearing, 9 Stator, 91 Stator core, 92 Coil, 93 Insulator, 94 Annular section, 95 Magnetic pole section, 96 Substrate (circuit board), 97 Lead wire, 98 Spoke, FP Flow path, G Gap

Claims

1. A pump comprising a suction port, a discharge port, a flow path connecting the suction port and the discharge port in the axial direction, and an impeller disposed in the flow path, wherein the flow path extends in a direction intersecting or different from the axial direction.

2. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the direction intersecting or different from the axial direction is the radial direction or the circumferential direction.

3. The pump according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a housing having the suction port and the discharge port, wherein a nozzle is provided in the discharge port, and the orientation of the nozzle relative to the housing can be changed.

4. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow path surrounds a part of the impeller.

5. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the suction port and the discharge port are located at different positions in the radial direction of the impeller.

6. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a liquid passes through the flow path.

7. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the impeller is a radial flow impeller.

8. The pump according to claim 7, wherein the impeller comprises a plurality of curved blades.

9. The pump according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the impeller comprises a base having a flat surface.

10. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the impeller is a mixed-flow impeller.

11. The pump according to claim 10, wherein the impeller comprises a plurality of radially extending blades.

12. The pump according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the impeller comprises a base having an annular inclined surface.

13. The pump according to claim 9 or 12, wherein the impeller comprises an annular shroud facing the base, and the base and the shroud are connected to the blades.

14. The pump according to claim 13, wherein the suction port is connected to an opening formed by the inner circumference of the annular shroud.

15. A pump according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a housing having a closed frame surrounding the impeller, wherein the flow path is formed between the impeller and the frame.

16. The pump according to claim 15, wherein the frame has a portion that protrudes inward, the suction port is positioned radially toward the impeller side with respect to the protruding portion, and the discharge port is positioned radially toward the opposite side of the impeller with respect to the protruding portion.

17. The pump according to claim 16, wherein the protruding portion of the frame extends in the circumferential direction, and a predetermined gap is formed between the outer circumference of the impeller and the protruding portion of the frame.

18. The pump according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the protruding portion is formed by an inner surface facing the impeller and an inner surface facing the discharge port.

19. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the discharge port is open in the axial direction.

20. The pump according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the housing comprises a case and a cover, and the inner surface of the frame is formed by the inner surface of the case and the inner surface of the cover.

21. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 20, comprising a motor for rotating the impeller.

22. A pump comprising a suction port and a discharge port, a flow path connecting the suction port and the discharge port in the axial direction, and an impeller disposed in the flow path, wherein the flow path extends in a direction intersecting or different from the axial direction, and the impeller comprises a plurality of curved blades.

23. A pump comprising a suction port and a discharge port, a flow path connecting the suction port and the discharge port in the axial direction, and an impeller disposed in the flow path, wherein the flow path extends in a direction intersecting or different from the axial direction, and the impeller comprises a plurality of blades extending in the radial direction.

24. A pump comprising: a housing having a suction port and a discharge port; a flow path connecting the suction port and the discharge port in the axial direction; and an impeller disposed in the flow path, wherein the flow path extends in a direction intersecting or different from the axial direction; the housing comprises a closed frame surrounding the impeller; and the flow path is formed between the impeller and the frame.

25. A pump comprising a suction port, a discharge port, a housing, a flow path connecting the suction port and the discharge port in the axial direction, and an impeller disposed in the flow path, wherein the flow path extends in a direction intersecting or different from the axial direction, a nozzle is provided at the discharge port, and the orientation of the nozzle relative to the housing can be changed.

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