DE212009000182U1 - Mechanical coolant pump, especially for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

Mechanical coolant pump, in particular for vehicles, comprising: a pump body (2) which can be connected to an inlet line of a cooling circuit and a supply or conveying line of the circuit; - A conveying element or pump wheel (4) which is arranged in the pump body and is suitable for drawing off a liquid from the input or inlet part and dispensing it under pressure to the conveying or delivery part by means of continuous rotation around a rotary shaft ; in which the pump body (2) contains a delivery or delivery chamber (6) downstream of the impeller (4) and a delivery or delivery line (8) which is connected to the delivery chamber (6) which is connected to the delivery line of the The cooling circuit can be connected, the delivery chamber (6) and the delivery line (8) not having any other openings to other lines; wherein the pump also comprises a closing or shut-off valve which is arranged between the delivery chamber (6) and the delivery line (8) in order to allow the passage in a closed configuration.

Description

The subject of this invention is a coolant pump, i. H. a pump for circulating a coolant in the cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine, in particular for vehicles.

Numerous examples of coolant pumps are well known, which are mechanically activated by a kinematic chain from the drive shaft or electrically by a separate electric motor.

This invention particularly, but not exclusively, relates to a mechanical action pump.

It is well known that when starting a vehicle, the coolant is at a low temperature near the temperature of the outside environment. In the same way are the elements of the engine, and in particular the cylinder head at a low temperature. Only after one period of operation do the elements of the engine, and thus the coolant, reach a high temperature, which tends to remain constant in accordance with optimum operation of the engine.

At startup, a mechanical pump supplies coolant to the engine at low temperature, thereby preventing rapid heating of the engine and prolonging the period of time after which optimum performance is achieved.

Some embodiments, for example, those in the document DE19921421A1 is illustrated provide a diverter valve at the pump delivery which operates in such a manner that when an engine temperature is low, a portion of the coolant is diverted to an outlet from which it is then sent back to the pump; When an engine temperature is high, the diverter valve directs the coolant toward the refrigeration cycle.

However, this pump with a diverter valve gives a poor performance because an amount of energy supplied to the pump is used for recirculation of the refrigerant which is not supplied to the refrigeration cycle.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a mechanical coolant pump, especially for vehicles, which meets the above requirements while overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art.

This purpose is achieved with a mechanical coolant pump, which is manufactured according to claim 1. The following claims describe variants of an embodiment.

The features and advantages of the pump according to this invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only and not of limitation, according to the accompanying figures, in which:

1a and 1b disclose a pump according to this invention and according to one embodiment each in a closed configuration and in an open configuration;

2a and 2 B discloses a pump according to this invention and according to another embodiment each in a configuration of closing and in an open configuration;

3a and 3b a pump according to this invention and according to yet another embodiment, each in a closed configuration and an open configuration;

4a and 4b illustrate a pump according to this invention and according to another embodiment each in a closed configuration and in an open configuration.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, reference designates 1 a total of a mechanical coolant pump, especially for vehicles, according to this invention.

The pump 1 includes a pump body 2 and a conveying element or impeller 4 which is in the pump body 2 is received, for example, a substantially circular shape.

The pump body 2 is connectable to the engine cooling circuit, and in particular to an upstream duct of a circuit from which the liquid is taken up, and connectable to a downstream duct of a circuit through which the fluid is supplied under pressure to the engine.

The conveying element or impeller 4 which is set in rotation about an impeller rotation shaft is such that it receives the liquid from the upstream circuit and sends it under pressure to the downstream circuit.

Downstream of the impeller, the pump body points 2 a delivery chamber 6 with a spiral course and a conveyor or delivery line 8th on which is from the delivery chamber 6 extends. The delivery chamber 6 and the support line 8th have no other openings toward other lines except the opening of the delivery line to the downstream line of the refrigeration cycle.

In particular, from a point on the edge or the edge of the impeller, progressing in the circumferential direction, the delivery chamber has a passage cross-section, which is radially and increasingly wider or wider, which with the delivery line 8th connects, which has a linear supply or delivery axis X, for example parallel to a tangent at a point of the impeller. Normal to the conveying axis X has the delivery line 8th in the direction of advancement of the liquid has an increasing average cross-section.

The pump 1 moreover comprises a shut-off valve which, for example, with a closure 10 is formed, which pivots about a rotary shutter shaft, which on command for limiting the passage of a liquid from the delivery chamber 6 to the support line 8th suitable is.

In particular, the shut-off valve is in a closing configuration for blocking the passage from the delivery chamber 6 to the support line 8th suitable for limiting or preferably preventing the passage of a liquid from the delivery chamber to the delivery line ( 1a ).

In other words, when the shut-off valve is in the closed configuration, the delivery chamber is 6 closed and the liquid remains therein, being acted upon or moved by the rotating impeller.

In the closed configuration, although an amount of liquid remains unchanged in the delivery line based on laboratory tests, almost all of them remain in the delivery chamber, undergoing vortex mixing due to the action of the impeller.

In a configuration of complete opening, the shut-off valve allows the passage of the largest possible amount of liquid from the delivery chamber to the delivery line (FIG. 1b ).

Preferably, between the angular position of the closing configuration and the angular position of the configuration of complete opening, the rotating shutter is pivoted about 45 °.

Preferably, in the configuration of complete opening, the closure is 10 aligned with the conveying shaft or axis X, wherein the passage of the largest possible amount of liquid from the delivery chamber to the delivery line is allowed.

The pump 1 Also includes sensors for identifying the operating condition of the vehicle, such as heat sensors that detect or record the coolant temperature or the temperature of the engine elements.

In addition, the pump includes 1 Activation means, which are suitable for operating the shut-off valve or acting on this, to take it from a closed configuration to an open configuration and / or vice versa or bring.

The activating means are operatively connected to the sensor means from which they receive signals relating to a working condition and to the shut-off valve for activation of the valve.

For example, the thermal sensor means registers the temperature of the engine elements and transmits the information to the activating means which, while the engine is cold, holds the shut-off valve in the closed configuration. Subsequent to the increase of a motor temperature or according to a predefined function, the activation means take the shut-off valve into the open configuration.

According to another embodiment, the activating means comprise a spring 12 which is suitable continuously on the closure 10 to keep it in the closed configuration ( 2a and 2 B ).

In yet another embodiment, the activating means comprises a linear actuator 14 , For example, the temperature-sensitive decreasing and increasing type or wax type. The actuator 14 is engaged with the closure 10 wherein it counteracts or resists the action of the spring.

At low temperatures, the actuator is retracted and the spring action closes the shut-off valve; at high temperatures, the actuator (for example, due to the expansion, which is subject to the wax body) is front and opens the shut-off valve by resisting the spring or counteracts.

In another embodiment, the activating agents comprise a double-acting actuator 16 which is around the lock 10 at a pivot point 18 is hinged, for example at one end thereof ( 3a and 3b ).

Preferably, the delivery line 8th a lateral bend 20 on to the ends of the actuator 16 and the closure 10 in a pivot point area 18 in the closed configuration of the valve ( 3b ).

In this way, in the closed configuration, we have a better interruption of a liquid passage, thereby improving pump performance, as the connection line of the closure coincides with a section 2 B the wall of the pump body 2 immediately upstream of the bend 20 located.

According to another embodiment, the activating means are structured in such a way as to act on the shut-off valve to normally keep it open. In other words, in the absence of external impacts, the activators hold the valve in the open configuration (FIG. 4a and 4b ).

For example, the activating means comprise a single-acting actuator 30 which can be activated when closing, which means that it provides a movement of the closure into the closing configuration under the action of a closing pressure ( 4b ).

The actuator 30 includes a spring 32 which acts against the pressure effect of closing the actuator, which means that it is compressed in such a way as to act constantly on the actuator to the shutter 10 into the position of an open configuration ( 4a ).

Advantageously, this structure means safe working conditions in the event of a failure (failsafe design), since without a closing pressure the shut-off valve is open, so that a coolant flow to the engine is ensured.

According to one embodiment, the closure is 10 a plate with a flat cross-section, ie on a plane at right angles to the axis of rotation of the impeller, substantially rectilinear ( 1a ).

Preferably, the closure 10 at the inlet of the delivery line 8th set or arranged, blocking the passage with the smallest cross-section.

According to another embodiment, the closure 10 at a pivot point 40 in the spiral section of the delivery chamber 6 hinged ( 2a . 3a . 4a ).

• – einen stromaufwärtigen geradlinigen Kanal bzw. Bereich 42, parallel zu einer Tangente auf das Pumpenrad, welcher die Förderkammer blockiert;
• b) einen zwischenliegenden gekrümmten bzw. gebogenen Kanal bzw. Bereich 44, welcher in einer Ventilschließkonfiguration nahe dem Pumpenrad ist und seinem gekrümmten Verlauf folgt; und
• c) einen stromabwärtigen geradlinigen Kanal bzw. Bereich 46, welcher in der Ventilschließkonfiguration nahe dem Abschnitt 2b der Pumpenkörperwand in der Leitung der Pumpe 8 ist.

According to one embodiment, the closure comprises 10 ( 2a ):

• An upstream rectilinear channel or region 42 parallel to a tangent to the impeller blocking the delivery chamber;
• b) an intermediate curved channel or region 44 which is in a valve-closing configuration near the impeller and follows its curved course; and
• c) a downstream rectilinear channel or region 46 which is in the valve closing configuration near the section 2 B the pump body wall in the line of the pump 8th is.

• a) einen stromaufwärtigen gekrümmten Kanal bzw. Bereich 52, welcher die Förderkammer blockiert, vorzugsweise konkav an der Seite der Förderkammer; in der Konfiguration eines vollständigen Öffnens ist dieser Bereich vorzugsweise parallel zu einem Kanal bzw. Bereich der Kante bzw. des Rands des Pumpenrads 4;
• b) einen geradlinigen Kanal bzw. Bereich 54, welcher in der Ventilschließkonfiguration an das Pumpenrad anliegt und in der Förderleitung endet.

According to another embodiment, the closure comprises 10 ( 3a . 4a ):

• a) an upstream curved channel or area 52 which blocks the delivery chamber, preferably concave on the side of the delivery chamber; in the configuration of complete opening, this area is preferably parallel to a channel or area of the edge of the pump wheel 4 ;
• b) a rectilinear channel or area 54 which abuts against the impeller in the valve-closing configuration and ends in the delivery line.

Preferably, the delivery chamber has a housing 60 for the end of the lock 10 For example, the end of the upstream curved channel or element 52 on.

Advantageously limited due to the delivery chamber housing 60 the valve considerably the liquid, which can pass in a closed configuration in the direction of the delivery line. Advantageously, moreover, in the open configuration, the passage of the liquid is facilitated in that the upstream curved channel follows the course of the impeller and does not obstruct the flow of the liquid.

• – Einstellen der Pumpe für einen Betrieb, wobei das Förderelement bzw. Pumpenrad in Drehung gehalten wird;
• – Feststellen bzw. Aufnehmen der Kühlmitteltemperatur;
• – wenn sich die Temperatur unter einer Schwellwerttemperatur befindet, Schließen der Förderkammer in Richtung zu der Förderleitung, wodurch eine geschlossene Förderkammer erzeugt wird und die Flüssigkeit darin zurückgehalten wird, wobei das Drehen des Pumpenrads fortgesetzt wird;
• – wenn die Temperatur höher als die Schwellwerttemperatur ist, Öffnen der Förderleitung, um ein Durchtreten einer Flüssigkeit zu erlauben.

The pump is operated as follows:

• - Setting the pump for operation, wherein the conveying element or impeller is kept in rotation;
• - Detecting or recording the coolant temperature;
• If the temperature is below a threshold temperature, closing the delivery chamber in the direction of the delivery line, whereby a closed delivery chamber is generated and the liquid is retained therein, wherein the rotation of the impeller is continued;
• If the temperature is higher than the threshold temperature, open the delivery line to allow passage of a liquid.

In an innovative way, the pump according to this invention overcomes disadvantages in the prior art.

In particular, it improves efficiency over well known pumps in that no energy is wasted in the recirculation of the liquid which does not reach the engine.

In an innovative way, it also speeds up the achievement of optimum engine heat conditions because it minimizes the amount of fluid delivered to the engine in the closed configuration.

In addition, and advantageously, in the configuration of a complete opening, the pump reduces load losses to the minimum, thereby facilitating operation at the correct delivery rate or performance.

The variants described above with reference to a specific figure should in fact be understood as being able to be combined with variants which are described in other figures.

Of course, one skilled in the art could make modifications to the pump described above to meet possible or equivalent requirements, but without going beyond the one protective context defined in the following claims.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19921421 A1 [0006]

Claims (14)

Mechanical coolant pump, in particular for vehicles, comprising: - a pump body ( 2 ), which is connectable to an inlet line of a cooling circuit and a delivery or delivery line of the circuit; A conveying element or impeller ( 4 ) disposed in the pump body and adapted for drawing off a liquid from the input part and discharging the same under pressure to the delivery part by means of a continuous rotation about a rotation shaft; in which the pump body ( 2 ) a delivery or delivery chamber ( 6 ) downstream of the impeller ( 4 ) and a delivery line ( 8th ), which with the delivery chamber ( 6 ), which is connectable to the delivery line of the cooling circuit, wherein the delivery chamber ( 6 ) and the support line ( 8th ) have no other openings to other lines; the pump further comprising a shut-off valve between the delivery chamber ( 6 ) and the support line ( 8th ) in order, in a closed configuration, to permit the passage of a liquid from the chamber ( 6 ) to the support line ( 8th ) to block or block, wherein the delivery chamber ( 6 ) is closed and the remaining liquid through the impeller ( 4 ) is stirred. Pump according to claim 2, in which the shut-off valve comprises a closure ( 10 ), which rotates about a shutter rotational axis, for example, parallel to the impeller rotation axis. A pump according to claim 1 or 2, comprising means for activating the shut-off valve. Pump according to claim 3, in which the activating means comprise: a spring ( 12 ) which constantly acts on the valve to hold it in the closed configuration; and - a linear actuator ( 14 ), for example, a wax-type or a decreasing and increasing type, which counteracts the action of the spring and is adapted to bring the valve in the open configuration. Pump according to Claim 3, in which the activating means comprise: - a double-acting linear actuator ( 16 ), which is connected to the shut-off valve. Pump according to claim 3, in which the activating means comprise: a single acting actuator ( 30 ), which can be activated in a closed position, ie in such a way that under the action of a closing pressure it causes the shut-off valve to be in the position of a closing configuration; and - a spring ( 32 ) operating against the closing pressure of the operating member, that is, compressed in such a manner as to constantly act on the operating member to bring the shut-off valve into the position of an open configuration. Pump according to one of the preceding claims, in which the shut-off valve comprises a closure ( 10 ) comprising a plate having a cross section of a rectilinear plane. Pump according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the shut-off valve has a closure ( 10 ), comprising: - a rectilinear upstream channel or region ( 42 ) parallel to a tangent to the impeller which blocks the delivery chamber; b) an intermediate curved channel or region ( 44 ) which is close to the impeller in the valve-closing configuration and follows its curved progression; and c) a rectilinear downstream channel or region ( 46 ), which in the valve closing configuration near a section ( 2 B ) of the pump body in the delivery line ( 8th ). Pump according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the shut-off valve has a closure ( 10 ) comprising: a) an upstream curved channel or region ( 52 ), which blocks the delivery chamber, preferably concave on the delivery chamber side and wherein the channel is preferably in the configuration of a complete opening parallel to a channel at the edge of the impeller ( 4 ); b) a rectilinear channel or region ( 54 ), which in the valve-closing configuration is tangential to the impeller and in the delivery line ( 8th ) ends. Pump according to one of the preceding claims, in which the delivery line ( 8th ) a lateral bend ( 20 ) to receive a portion of the closure valve in the closure configuration. Pump according to one of the preceding claims, in which the delivery chamber ( 6 ) a housing ( 60 ) for a portion of the shut-off valve in the closing configuration. Pump according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the delivery chamber ( 6 ) is bounded on the circumference by a wall of the pump body which surrounds the impeller, wherein it increasingly removed to for the delivery chamber to form a spiral-like course; and - the support line ( 8th ) has a straight axis parallel to a tangent of the impeller. A pump according to claim 3 and any one of the preceding claims comprising sensor means for verifying operation of the motor or pump operatively connected to the activating means. Pump according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shut-off valve is a closure ( 10 ), which comprises a connecting line, which in the closed configuration coincides with a section ( 2 B ) of the wall of the pump body ( 2 ) is located.

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