US20080149051A1 - Centrifugal fluid pump - Google Patents
Centrifugal fluid pump Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080149051A1 US20080149051A1 US11/644,065 US64406506A US2008149051A1 US 20080149051 A1 US20080149051 A1 US 20080149051A1 US 64406506 A US64406506 A US 64406506A US 2008149051 A1 US2008149051 A1 US 2008149051A1
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- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- shroud
- bore
- impeller
- pump
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01P5/00—Pumping cooling-air or liquid coolants
- F01P5/10—Pumping liquid coolant; Arrangements of coolant pumps
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/40—Casings; Connections of working fluid
- F04D29/42—Casings; Connections of working fluid for radial or helico-centrifugal pumps
- F04D29/426—Casings; Connections of working fluid for radial or helico-centrifugal pumps especially adapted for liquid pumps
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/60—Mounting; Assembling; Disassembling
- F04D29/605—Mounting; Assembling; Disassembling specially adapted for liquid pumps
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/60—Mounting; Assembling; Disassembling
- F04D29/62—Mounting; Assembling; Disassembling of radial or helico-centrifugal pumps
- F04D29/628—Mounting; Assembling; Disassembling of radial or helico-centrifugal pumps especially adapted for liquid pumps
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a centrifugal fluid pump for circulating fluid through an engine.
- a pump may be used to circulate fluid through an internal combustion engine's cooling system to control the operational temperature of the engine.
- a centrifugal fluid pump is one type of pump that can be used to circulate fluid through an engine's cooling system.
- a centrifugal fluid pump is one that discharges fluid radially from the impeller.
- Engines configured to receive a centrifugal fluid pump frequently include a discharge port, for example, a volute, formed in the engine block to receive the radially discharged fluid and to direct such fluid along a coolant path through the engine. The path leads back to the pump and the cycle begins again.
- Some engines have a bore defined in the engine block disposed along the coolant path to receive the fluid pump. This allows the fluid pump to be inserted into the coolant path.
- One problem encountered with this type of pump is the tendency of some of the fluid to flow from an area in the discharge port that is down stream of the impeller directly to an area in the pump that is upstream of the impeller, thereby bypassing the coolant path. This recirculation reduces the efficiency of the pump because fluid never goes through the engine.
- the present invention may include a centrifugal fluid pump for circulating fluids through an engine having a bore to receive the pump and a duct to direct fluid radially into the pump.
- the engine further has a block having a discharge port formed therein to receive fluid discharged from the pump.
- the centrifugal fluid pump comprises a body that is configured to be at least partially received within the bore, a shaft that is rotatably connected to the body, an impeller that is fixed to the shaft and rotatable therewith, the impeller being positioned to move fluid from the duct to the discharge port when the body is at least partially received within the bore, and a shroud supported on the body and positioned between the duct and the impeller when the body is at least partially received within the bore.
- the shroud may have an opening to permit the movement of the fluid from the duct to the impeller, and the shroud may be configured to engage an inner surface of the bore.
- the shroud remains stationary with respect to the bore as the shaft and the impeller rotate.
- the shroud and the bore cooperate to inhibit fluid that is received in the discharge port from flowing between the inner surface of the bore and the shroud to a position upstream of the shroud.
- the centrifugal fluid pump further includes a seal arrangement disposed along an outer surface of the shroud to form a seal between the outer surface of the shroud and the inner surface of the bore when the body is at least partially received within the bore. This further inhibits the fluid that is received in the discharge port from flowing between the inner surface of the bore and the outer surface of the shroud to a position upstream of the shroud.
- the seal arrangement includes an O-ring seal.
- an outer surface of the shroud defines a groove to receive the seal arrangement.
- the centrifugal fluid pump further comprises a wall defining a fluid receiving chamber.
- the wall may be connected to an upstream portion of the shroud and may have an inlet opening that is positioned to align with the duct when the body is at least partially received within the bore.
- the inlet opening permits the fluid to flow radially into the fluid receiving chamber from the duct.
- the centrifugal fluid pump further comprises a seal arrangement disposed along an outer surface of the wall. The seal arrangement may form a seal between the inner surface of the bore and the outer surface of the wall when the body is at least partially received within the bore.
- the seal inhibits the fluid that is received within the discharge port from flowing between the inner surface of the bore and the outer surface of the wall to the inlet opening.
- the seal arrangement may include an O-ring seal.
- the outer surface of the wall may define a groove to receive the seal arrangement.
- the centrifugal fluid pump may further comprise a seal arrangement that is disposed along an outer surface of the shroud to form a seal between the outer surface of the shroud and the inner surface of the bore when the housing is at least partially received within the bore.
- the centrifugal fluid pump may further comprise a wall defining a fluid receiving chamber. The wall may be connected to an upstream portion of the shroud and the wall may define an inlet opening that is positioned to align with the duct when the body is at least partially received within the bore. The inlet opening permits fluid to flow radially into the fluid receiving chamber from the duct.
- the seal arrangement inhibits the fluid that is received within the discharge port from flowing between the inner surface of the bore and the shroud to the inlet opening.
- a portion of the impeller is disposed in sufficiently close association with an outer surface of the shroud so as to inhibit fluid from flowing between the impeller and the outer surface of the shroud as the impeller rotates.
- a centrifugal fluid pump for circulating fluid through an engine.
- the engine has a bore to receive the pump and a fluid path to facilitate circulation of fluid through the engine.
- the engine further has a duct that is connected to the fluid path to direct fluid radially into the pump.
- the engine further has a block with a discharge port formed therein to receive the fluid that is discharged from the pump, the discharge port being connected to the fluid path.
- the centrifugal fluid pump includes a housing that is configured to be at least partially received within the bore.
- the housing has a wall that defines a fluid receiving chamber.
- the wall further defines an inlet to permit the radial flow of fluid into the fluid receiving chamber, the inlet aligning with the duct when the housing is at least partially received within the bore.
- the housing further has a shroud that is contiguous with the wall and disposed substantially transversely thereto. An inner surface of the shroud may define a portion of the fluid receiving chamber.
- the shroud includes an outlet to permit the flow of fluid out of the chamber.
- the centrifugal fluid pump further comprises an impeller assembly that is supported on the housing and rotatably connected thereto.
- the impeller assembly includes a bearing that is connected to the housing, a shaft that is rotatably supported on the bearing, and an impeller that is connected to the shaft, the impeller being disposed substantially adjacent to an outer surface of the shroud proximate to the outlet.
- the impeller may be configured to rotate with respect to the shroud and to draw fluid out of the outlet as the impeller rotates. Further, the impeller may be disposed proximate to the discharge port when the housing is at least partially received within the bore, the impeller being configured to move fluid into the discharge port as the impeller rotates.
- the shroud remains stationary with respect to the bore as the impeller rotates and a periphery of the shroud may be configured to engage an inner surface of the bore such that the periphery of the shroud and the inner surface of the bore cooperate to inhibit fluid from flowing upstream from the discharge port into the fluid receiving chamber.
- the centrifugal fluid pump of the second embodiment further comprises a seal arrangement that is disposed along the periphery of the shroud to form a seal between the periphery of the shroud and the inner surface of the bore when the housing is at least partially received within the bore to further inhibit the fluid that is received in the discharge port from flowing between the inner surface of the bore and the periphery of the shroud to a position that is upstream of the shroud.
- the periphery of the shroud defines a groove to receive the seal arrangement.
- the seal arrangement includes an O-ring seal.
- the periphery of the shroud defines a groove to receive the O-ring.
- the seal arrangement may be disposed along an outer surface of the wall to form a seal between the outer surface of the wall and the inner surface of the bore when the housing is at least partially received within the bore so as to further inhibit the fluid that is received in the discharge port from flowing between the inner surface of the bore and the outer surface of the wall to the inlet.
- the outer surface of the wall defines a groove to receive the seal arrangement.
- the seal arrangement includes an O-ring seal.
- the outer surface of the wall defines a groove to receive the O-ring seal.
- a portion of the impeller is disposed in sufficiently close association with the outer surface of the shroud to inhibit fluid from flowing between the impeller and the outer surface of the shroud as the impeller rotates.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a centrifugal fluid pump and an engine block
- FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of the centrifugal fluid pump received within the engine block
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of the engine block taken along the line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of the engine block and an embodiment of the centrifugal fluid pump received within a bore of the engine block taken along the line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 depicting a second embodiment of the centrifugal fluid pump.
- FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 depicting a third embodiment of the centrifugal fluid pump.
- FIG. 1 A centrifugal fluid pump 10 is shown in FIG. 1 .
- Centrifugal fluid pump 10 is configured to be received within an engine 12 , also shown in FIG. 1 .
- Engine 12 includes a coolant path 14 configured to contain and circulate fluid through the engine and a heat exchanger (not shown) to maintain the engine at a desired temperature during engine operation.
- Engine 12 further includes a bore 16 that is configured to at least partially receive the centrifugal fluid pump 10 .
- the bore 16 is disposed along coolant path 14 .
- Coolant path 14 includes a duct 18 for directing coolant radially into the bore 16 .
- Centrifugal fluid pump 10 includes a body or housing 20 having a wall 22 .
- the wall 22 defines a fluid receiving chamber 24 and an inlet 26 defined in the wall 22 to permit fluid to enter the fluid receiving chamber 24 .
- Centrifugal fluid pump 10 is configured to be at least partially received within bore 16 .
- inlet 26 aligns with duct 18 to allow fluid to flow radially from the coolant path 14 into the fluid receiving chamber 24 .
- centrifugal fluid pump 10 includes a shaft 28 that is rotatably connected at one end to the body 20 .
- impeller 30 is mounted to shaft 28 and configured to rotate together with shaft 28 with respect to body 20 .
- the rotation of impeller 30 causes fluid to move from the fluid receiving chamber 24 to the impeller 30 .
- As the fluid engages impeller 30 it is discharged radially from impeller 30 .
- Discharge port 32 is configured to receive the fluid that is radially discharged from impeller 30 and to redirect it along coolant path 14 .
- discharge port 32 is a volute which has generally spiral configuration and which is adapted to convert the radial motion of fluid discharged from impeller 30 to linear motion. Discharge ports having other configurations may also be utilized to receive the fluid discharged from impeller 30 .
- inlet 26 aligns with duct 18 to radially receive fluid into the fluid receiving chamber 24 .
- Impeller 30 is positioned at least partially within the discharge port 32 . Arranged in this manner, the coolant path 14 , including the duct 18 and the discharge port 32 together with the centrifugal fluid pump 10 , form a substantially closed path for the circulation of coolant through engine 12 .
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of engine 12 .
- the portion depicted is configured to receive a centrifugal fluid pump 10 within bore 16 .
- duct 18 opens into bore 16 to allow for the radial introduction of fluid.
- a rear portion of bore 16 opens to discharge port 32 to receive fluid discharged from centrifugal fluid pump 10 .
- Engine 12 includes holes 34 to permit centrifugal fluid pump 10 to be fastened to engine 12 .
- the bore 16 includes an internal surface 36 that is configured to receive the centrifugal fluid pump 10 when centrifugal fluid pump 10 is inserted into the bore 16 .
- FIG. 4 depicts a first embodiment of centrifugal fluid pump 10 at least partially received within bore 16 .
- centrifugal fluid pump 10 includes a body or housing 38 , a bearing 40 connected to the body 38 and an impeller shaft 42 rotatably connected to the body 38 by bearing 40 .
- a pulley hub 44 is connected to impeller shaft 42 and is configured for connection to a serpentine belt which may wrap around a portion of pulley hub 44 and which may cause pulley hub 44 to rotate as the serpentine belt moves.
- an apparatus other than a serpentine belt may be used to rotate pulley hub 44 .
- structures other than pulley hub 44 may be used to impart rotation to impeller shaft 42 .
- centrifugal fluid pump 10 may further include a flange 46 .
- Flange 46 engages an outer surface of engine 12 to control the depth of insertion of the centrifugal fluid pump 10 into the bore 16 .
- Flange 46 includes holes 48 which align with holes 34 when centrifugal fluid pump 10 is at least partially received within bore 16 .
- Bolt 50 passes through hole 48 and is received in hole 34 and, through threaded engagement with an interior surface of hole 34 , secures centrifugal fluid pump 10 to engine 12 .
- screws, other threaded fasteners or any other fastener effective to secure centrifugal fluid pump 10 to engine 12 may be used.
- Body 38 further includes a body seal groove 52 to receive a body seal 54 .
- Body seal 54 serves to fluidly seal the body 38 against an inner surface of bore 16 to prevent fluid from leaving the coolant path and leaking to an area outside of engine 12 .
- body seal 54 may be disposed on body 38 so as to contact engine 12 along an outer surface of engine 12 as opposed to an inner surface of bore 16 .
- body seal 54 may be a rubber o-ring.
- body seal 54 may be any type of seal effective to prevent fluid from leaving the coolant path and leaking to an area outside of engine 12 .
- centrifugal fluid pump 10 includes a wall 22 connected to the body 38 .
- the wall 22 defines the fluid receiving chamber 24 .
- Inlet 26 is defined in wall 22 and, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , aligned with duct 18 when centrifugal fluid pump 10 is at least partially received within bore 16 .
- An outer surface of wall 22 engages an inner surface of bore 16 when centrifugal fluid pump 10 is at least partially received within bore 16 .
- such engagement may be in the form of an interference fit.
- such engagement may take the form of a close association between the two surfaces, meaning that the two surfaces are disposed very close to one another.
- centrifugal fluid pump 10 may have neither wall 22 nor fluid receiving chamber 24 .
- the centrifugal fluid pump 10 illustrated in FIG. 4 further includes a shroud 60 connected to wall 22 . Through this connection to wall 22 , shroud 60 remains stationary with respect to body 38 . In embodiments lacking a wall 22 , shroud 60 may be connected to body 38 in a non-rotational fashion through other means such as posts, bands, beams, struts, braces, or any other member effective to attach shroud 60 to body 38 so that shroud 60 does not rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, an inner surface of shroud 60 defines a portion of fluid receiving chamber 24 . In other embodiments, the shroud 60 may be separate from the structure defining fluid receiving chamber 24 . Shroud 60 includes an opening or outlet 62 to permit fluid to flow out of the fluid receiving chamber 24 . As illustrated, impeller shaft 42 extends through the fluid receiving chamber 24 , protrudes through opening 62 and is disposed within the discharge port 32 .
- a periphery 64 of shroud 60 is illustrated in close association with the inner surface of bore 16 .
- the periphery 64 may be in contact with the inner surface of the bore at one or more locations around periphery 64 .
- the entire periphery 64 may be in contact with an inner surface of the bore 16 .
- portions of the periphery 64 may provide an interference fit with the inner surface of the bore 16 .
- the entire periphery 64 may provide an interference fit with the inner surface of the bore 16 .
- Impeller 66 is connected to impeller shaft 42 and is configured to rotate together with impeller shaft 42 .
- Impeller 66 includes vanes 68 which, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 , are disposed in close association with an outer surface of shroud 60 .
- vanes 68 may be disposed so as to provide a sliding contact with the outer surface of shroud 60 .
- impeller shaft 42 rotates with respect to body 38 causing impeller 66 to rotate.
- impeller 66 rotates, it pushes fluid radially away from impeller 66 into discharge port 32 .
- Discharge port 32 directs the moving fluid into the coolant path 14 which then circulates the fluid through engine 12 to duct 18 where the fluid passes through inlet 26 and enters fluid receiving chamber 24 . From the fluid receiving chamber 24 , the fluid is moved through opening 62 back to impeller 66 .
- the path of the fluid is indicated in FIG. 4 with arrows showing the direction of fluid travel.
- centrifugal fluid pump 10 moves fluid through engine 12 could be adversely impacted if fluid received within the discharge port 32 were to leak back to inlet 26 instead of entering the coolant path 14 .
- a shroud 60 that remains stationary, a very close association between the periphery 64 and an inner surface of the bore 16 can be provided so as to inhibit the fluid from leaking between the periphery 64 and an inner surface of the bore 16 back to inlet 26 .
- the efficiency of centrifugal pump 10 can be further improved by disposing vanes 68 in close association with an outer surface of shroud 60 .
- a close association can inhibit fluid from flowing between these components. Fluid that flows between vanes 68 and an outer surface of shroud 60 does not enter the coolant path 14 , but instead recirculates through impeller 66 .
- the narrower the gap is between vanes 68 and the outer surface of shroud 60 the less fluid will recirculate, and the greater will be the efficiency of the centrifugal fluid pump 10 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a centrifugal fluid pump 10 utilizing an additional seal to further inhibit fluid from leaking between the periphery 64 of shroud 60 and an inner surface of bore 16 .
- an O-ring seal 70 is received within O-ring seal groove 72 , both of which are disposed along the periphery 64 of the shroud 60 .
- O-ring 70 provides an interference fit against an inner surface of the bore 60 .
- O-ring seal 70 inhibits fluid from leaking from the discharge port 32 to inlet 26 . Seals other than O-ring seals may also be utilized.
- the seal arrangement may be disposed elsewhere on the centrifugal fluid pump 10 .
- an O-ring seal 74 is disposed within an O-ring seal groove 76 that is disposed along an outer surface of wall 22 .
- any fluid that leaks between periphery 64 of shroud 60 and an inner surface of bore 16 will be inhibited from reaching inlet 26 by O-ring seal 74 .
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Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a centrifugal fluid pump for circulating fluid through an engine.
- 2. Background Art
- Internal combustion engines use coolant systems to prevent overheating. A pump may be used to circulate fluid through an internal combustion engine's cooling system to control the operational temperature of the engine. A centrifugal fluid pump is one type of pump that can be used to circulate fluid through an engine's cooling system. A centrifugal fluid pump is one that discharges fluid radially from the impeller. Engines configured to receive a centrifugal fluid pump frequently include a discharge port, for example, a volute, formed in the engine block to receive the radially discharged fluid and to direct such fluid along a coolant path through the engine. The path leads back to the pump and the cycle begins again. Some engines have a bore defined in the engine block disposed along the coolant path to receive the fluid pump. This allows the fluid pump to be inserted into the coolant path.
- Some manufacturers make engines that are configured with a coolant path that directs fluid radially into a fluid pump. In such an arrangement, fluid flows radially into the centrifugal fluid pump from the engine's coolant path to a location that is upstream of an impeller. Fluid is then moved downstream into the discharge port by the impeller. One problem encountered with this type of pump is the tendency of some of the fluid to flow from an area in the discharge port that is down stream of the impeller directly to an area in the pump that is upstream of the impeller, thereby bypassing the coolant path. This recirculation reduces the efficiency of the pump because fluid never goes through the engine.
- Some manufacturers of centrifugal fluid pumps have attempted to counter this problem by attaching a shroud to the impeller shaft that rotates with the impeller in an attempt to create a barrier between the upstream and the downstream areas of the centrifugal fluid pump. Such rotating shrouds, however, still permit the flow of some coolant to an upstream location after being discharged into the discharge port because of a gap between a periphery of the shroud and the inner surface of the bore that is needed to permit the shroud to rotate. This and other problems are addressed by the present invention.
- In at least one embodiment, the present invention may include a centrifugal fluid pump for circulating fluids through an engine having a bore to receive the pump and a duct to direct fluid radially into the pump. The engine further has a block having a discharge port formed therein to receive fluid discharged from the pump. In such an arrangement, the centrifugal fluid pump comprises a body that is configured to be at least partially received within the bore, a shaft that is rotatably connected to the body, an impeller that is fixed to the shaft and rotatable therewith, the impeller being positioned to move fluid from the duct to the discharge port when the body is at least partially received within the bore, and a shroud supported on the body and positioned between the duct and the impeller when the body is at least partially received within the bore. The shroud may have an opening to permit the movement of the fluid from the duct to the impeller, and the shroud may be configured to engage an inner surface of the bore. The shroud remains stationary with respect to the bore as the shaft and the impeller rotate. In this arrangement, when the body is at least partially received within the bore, the shroud and the bore cooperate to inhibit fluid that is received in the discharge port from flowing between the inner surface of the bore and the shroud to a position upstream of the shroud.
- There are many ways to implement the first embodiment. In at least one implementation, the centrifugal fluid pump further includes a seal arrangement disposed along an outer surface of the shroud to form a seal between the outer surface of the shroud and the inner surface of the bore when the body is at least partially received within the bore. This further inhibits the fluid that is received in the discharge port from flowing between the inner surface of the bore and the outer surface of the shroud to a position upstream of the shroud. In at least one variation of this implementation, the seal arrangement includes an O-ring seal. In at least another variation of this implementation, an outer surface of the shroud defines a groove to receive the seal arrangement.
- In at least another implementation of the first embodiment, the centrifugal fluid pump further comprises a wall defining a fluid receiving chamber. The wall may be connected to an upstream portion of the shroud and may have an inlet opening that is positioned to align with the duct when the body is at least partially received within the bore. In this implementation, the inlet opening permits the fluid to flow radially into the fluid receiving chamber from the duct. In at least one variation of this implementation, the centrifugal fluid pump further comprises a seal arrangement disposed along an outer surface of the wall. The seal arrangement may form a seal between the inner surface of the bore and the outer surface of the wall when the body is at least partially received within the bore. In this arrangement, the seal inhibits the fluid that is received within the discharge port from flowing between the inner surface of the bore and the outer surface of the wall to the inlet opening. In a further variation of this implementation, the seal arrangement may include an O-ring seal. In a further variation of this implementation, the outer surface of the wall may define a groove to receive the seal arrangement.
- In at least another implementation of the first embodiment, the centrifugal fluid pump may further comprise a seal arrangement that is disposed along an outer surface of the shroud to form a seal between the outer surface of the shroud and the inner surface of the bore when the housing is at least partially received within the bore. The centrifugal fluid pump may further comprise a wall defining a fluid receiving chamber. The wall may be connected to an upstream portion of the shroud and the wall may define an inlet opening that is positioned to align with the duct when the body is at least partially received within the bore. The inlet opening permits fluid to flow radially into the fluid receiving chamber from the duct. In this implementation, the seal arrangement inhibits the fluid that is received within the discharge port from flowing between the inner surface of the bore and the shroud to the inlet opening.
- In at least another implementation of the first embodiment, a portion of the impeller is disposed in sufficiently close association with an outer surface of the shroud so as to inhibit fluid from flowing between the impeller and the outer surface of the shroud as the impeller rotates.
- In at least a second embodiment, a centrifugal fluid pump for circulating fluid through an engine is provided. The engine has a bore to receive the pump and a fluid path to facilitate circulation of fluid through the engine. The engine further has a duct that is connected to the fluid path to direct fluid radially into the pump. The engine further has a block with a discharge port formed therein to receive the fluid that is discharged from the pump, the discharge port being connected to the fluid path. In this arrangement, the centrifugal fluid pump includes a housing that is configured to be at least partially received within the bore. The housing has a wall that defines a fluid receiving chamber. The wall further defines an inlet to permit the radial flow of fluid into the fluid receiving chamber, the inlet aligning with the duct when the housing is at least partially received within the bore. The housing further has a shroud that is contiguous with the wall and disposed substantially transversely thereto. An inner surface of the shroud may define a portion of the fluid receiving chamber. The shroud includes an outlet to permit the flow of fluid out of the chamber. The centrifugal fluid pump further comprises an impeller assembly that is supported on the housing and rotatably connected thereto. The impeller assembly includes a bearing that is connected to the housing, a shaft that is rotatably supported on the bearing, and an impeller that is connected to the shaft, the impeller being disposed substantially adjacent to an outer surface of the shroud proximate to the outlet. The impeller may be configured to rotate with respect to the shroud and to draw fluid out of the outlet as the impeller rotates. Further, the impeller may be disposed proximate to the discharge port when the housing is at least partially received within the bore, the impeller being configured to move fluid into the discharge port as the impeller rotates. In at least this embodiment, the shroud remains stationary with respect to the bore as the impeller rotates and a periphery of the shroud may be configured to engage an inner surface of the bore such that the periphery of the shroud and the inner surface of the bore cooperate to inhibit fluid from flowing upstream from the discharge port into the fluid receiving chamber.
- There are many ways to implement the second embodiment. In least one implementation, the centrifugal fluid pump of the second embodiment further comprises a seal arrangement that is disposed along the periphery of the shroud to form a seal between the periphery of the shroud and the inner surface of the bore when the housing is at least partially received within the bore to further inhibit the fluid that is received in the discharge port from flowing between the inner surface of the bore and the periphery of the shroud to a position that is upstream of the shroud. In at least one variation of this implementation, the periphery of the shroud defines a groove to receive the seal arrangement. In at least another variation of this implementation, the seal arrangement includes an O-ring seal. In still another variation of this implementation, the periphery of the shroud defines a groove to receive the O-ring.
- In another implementation of the second embodiment, the seal arrangement may be disposed along an outer surface of the wall to form a seal between the outer surface of the wall and the inner surface of the bore when the housing is at least partially received within the bore so as to further inhibit the fluid that is received in the discharge port from flowing between the inner surface of the bore and the outer surface of the wall to the inlet. In at least one variation of this implementation, the outer surface of the wall defines a groove to receive the seal arrangement. In at least another variation of this implementation, the seal arrangement includes an O-ring seal. In still another variation of this implementation, the outer surface of the wall defines a groove to receive the O-ring seal.
- In at least another implementation of the second embodiment, a portion of the impeller is disposed in sufficiently close association with the outer surface of the shroud to inhibit fluid from flowing between the impeller and the outer surface of the shroud as the impeller rotates.
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FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a centrifugal fluid pump and an engine block; -
FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of the centrifugal fluid pump received within the engine block; -
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of the engine block taken along the line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of the engine block and an embodiment of the centrifugal fluid pump received within a bore of the engine block taken along the line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view ofFIG. 4 depicting a second embodiment of the centrifugal fluid pump; and -
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view ofFIG. 4 depicting a third embodiment of the centrifugal fluid pump. - A
centrifugal fluid pump 10 is shown inFIG. 1 .Centrifugal fluid pump 10 is configured to be received within anengine 12, also shown inFIG. 1 .Engine 12 includes acoolant path 14 configured to contain and circulate fluid through the engine and a heat exchanger (not shown) to maintain the engine at a desired temperature during engine operation.Engine 12 further includes abore 16 that is configured to at least partially receive thecentrifugal fluid pump 10. Thebore 16 is disposed alongcoolant path 14.Coolant path 14 includes aduct 18 for directing coolant radially into thebore 16. -
Centrifugal fluid pump 10 includes a body orhousing 20 having awall 22. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , thewall 22 defines afluid receiving chamber 24 and aninlet 26 defined in thewall 22 to permit fluid to enter thefluid receiving chamber 24.Centrifugal fluid pump 10 is configured to be at least partially received withinbore 16. When centrifugalfluid pump 10 is at least partially received withinbore 16,inlet 26 aligns withduct 18 to allow fluid to flow radially from thecoolant path 14 into thefluid receiving chamber 24. - In the illustrated embodiment,
centrifugal fluid pump 10 includes ashaft 28 that is rotatably connected at one end to thebody 20. At an opposite end,impeller 30 is mounted toshaft 28 and configured to rotate together withshaft 28 with respect tobody 20. The rotation ofimpeller 30 causes fluid to move from thefluid receiving chamber 24 to theimpeller 30. As the fluid engagesimpeller 30, it is discharged radially fromimpeller 30. - When
impeller 30 is at least partially received withinbore 16,impeller 30 is disposed proximate to dischargeport 32.Discharge port 32 is configured to receive the fluid that is radially discharged fromimpeller 30 and to redirect it alongcoolant path 14. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-6 , dischargeport 32 is a volute which has generally spiral configuration and which is adapted to convert the radial motion of fluid discharged fromimpeller 30 to linear motion. Discharge ports having other configurations may also be utilized to receive the fluid discharged fromimpeller 30. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , whencentrifugal fluid pump 10 is at least partially received withinbore 16,inlet 26 aligns withduct 18 to radially receive fluid into thefluid receiving chamber 24.Impeller 30 is positioned at least partially within thedischarge port 32. Arranged in this manner, thecoolant path 14, including theduct 18 and thedischarge port 32 together with thecentrifugal fluid pump 10, form a substantially closed path for the circulation of coolant throughengine 12. -
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion ofengine 12. The portion depicted is configured to receive acentrifugal fluid pump 10 withinbore 16. As illustrated,duct 18 opens intobore 16 to allow for the radial introduction of fluid. A rear portion ofbore 16 opens to dischargeport 32 to receive fluid discharged fromcentrifugal fluid pump 10.Engine 12 includesholes 34 to permitcentrifugal fluid pump 10 to be fastened toengine 12. Thebore 16 includes aninternal surface 36 that is configured to receive thecentrifugal fluid pump 10 whencentrifugal fluid pump 10 is inserted into thebore 16. -
FIG. 4 depicts a first embodiment of centrifugalfluid pump 10 at least partially received withinbore 16. As illustrated,centrifugal fluid pump 10 includes a body orhousing 38, a bearing 40 connected to thebody 38 and animpeller shaft 42 rotatably connected to thebody 38 by bearing 40. Apulley hub 44 is connected toimpeller shaft 42 and is configured for connection to a serpentine belt which may wrap around a portion ofpulley hub 44 and which may causepulley hub 44 to rotate as the serpentine belt moves. In other engines, an apparatus other than a serpentine belt may be used to rotatepulley hub 44. In other embodiments of the present invention, structures other thanpulley hub 44 may be used to impart rotation toimpeller shaft 42. - As illustrated,
centrifugal fluid pump 10 may further include aflange 46.Flange 46 engages an outer surface ofengine 12 to control the depth of insertion of thecentrifugal fluid pump 10 into thebore 16.Flange 46 includesholes 48 which align withholes 34 whencentrifugal fluid pump 10 is at least partially received withinbore 16.Bolt 50 passes throughhole 48 and is received inhole 34 and, through threaded engagement with an interior surface ofhole 34, secures centrifugalfluid pump 10 toengine 12. In other embodiments, screws, other threaded fasteners or any other fastener effective to securecentrifugal fluid pump 10 toengine 12 may be used. -
Body 38 further includes abody seal groove 52 to receive abody seal 54.Body seal 54 serves to fluidly seal thebody 38 against an inner surface ofbore 16 to prevent fluid from leaving the coolant path and leaking to an area outside ofengine 12. In other embodiments,body seal 54 may be disposed onbody 38 so as to contactengine 12 along an outer surface ofengine 12 as opposed to an inner surface ofbore 16. In at least one embodiment,body seal 54 may be a rubber o-ring. In other embodiments,body seal 54 may be any type of seal effective to prevent fluid from leaving the coolant path and leaking to an area outside ofengine 12. - As illustrated in
FIG. 4 ,centrifugal fluid pump 10 includes awall 22 connected to thebody 38. Thewall 22 defines thefluid receiving chamber 24.Inlet 26 is defined inwall 22 and, as illustrated inFIG. 4 , aligned withduct 18 whencentrifugal fluid pump 10 is at least partially received withinbore 16. An outer surface ofwall 22 engages an inner surface ofbore 16 whencentrifugal fluid pump 10 is at least partially received withinbore 16. In some embodiments, such engagement may be in the form of an interference fit. In other embodiments, such engagement may take the form of a close association between the two surfaces, meaning that the two surfaces are disposed very close to one another. In at least some embodiments, once centrifugalfluid pump 10 is at least partially received withinbore 16, and once centrifugalfluid pump 10 is fastened toengine 12,wall 22 remains stationary with respect to the inner surface ofbore 16. In other embodiments,centrifugal fluid pump 10 may have neitherwall 22 norfluid receiving chamber 24. - The
centrifugal fluid pump 10 illustrated inFIG. 4 further includes ashroud 60 connected to wall 22. Through this connection to wall 22,shroud 60 remains stationary with respect tobody 38. In embodiments lacking awall 22,shroud 60 may be connected tobody 38 in a non-rotational fashion through other means such as posts, bands, beams, struts, braces, or any other member effective to attachshroud 60 tobody 38 so thatshroud 60 does not rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, an inner surface ofshroud 60 defines a portion offluid receiving chamber 24. In other embodiments, theshroud 60 may be separate from the structure definingfluid receiving chamber 24.Shroud 60 includes an opening oroutlet 62 to permit fluid to flow out of thefluid receiving chamber 24. As illustrated,impeller shaft 42 extends through thefluid receiving chamber 24, protrudes throughopening 62 and is disposed within thedischarge port 32. - A
periphery 64 ofshroud 60 is illustrated in close association with the inner surface ofbore 16. In some embodiments, theperiphery 64 may be in contact with the inner surface of the bore at one or more locations aroundperiphery 64. In other embodiments, theentire periphery 64 may be in contact with an inner surface of thebore 16. In still other embodiments, portions of theperiphery 64 may provide an interference fit with the inner surface of thebore 16. In still other embodiments, theentire periphery 64 may provide an interference fit with the inner surface of thebore 16. -
Impeller 66 is connected toimpeller shaft 42 and is configured to rotate together withimpeller shaft 42.Impeller 66 includesvanes 68 which, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4 , are disposed in close association with an outer surface ofshroud 60. In some embodiments,vanes 68 may be disposed so as to provide a sliding contact with the outer surface ofshroud 60. - When a serpentine belt or other source of rotation is applied to
pulley hub 44,impeller shaft 42 rotates with respect tobody 38 causingimpeller 66 to rotate. Whenimpeller 66 rotates, it pushes fluid radially away fromimpeller 66 intodischarge port 32.Discharge port 32 directs the moving fluid into thecoolant path 14 which then circulates the fluid throughengine 12 toduct 18 where the fluid passes throughinlet 26 and entersfluid receiving chamber 24. From thefluid receiving chamber 24, the fluid is moved throughopening 62 back toimpeller 66. The path of the fluid is indicated inFIG. 4 with arrows showing the direction of fluid travel. - The efficiency with which
centrifugal fluid pump 10 moves fluid throughengine 12 could be adversely impacted if fluid received within thedischarge port 32 were to leak back toinlet 26 instead of entering thecoolant path 14. By providing ashroud 60 that remains stationary, a very close association between theperiphery 64 and an inner surface of thebore 16 can be provided so as to inhibit the fluid from leaking between theperiphery 64 and an inner surface of thebore 16 back toinlet 26. - The efficiency of
centrifugal pump 10 can be further improved by disposingvanes 68 in close association with an outer surface ofshroud 60. A close association can inhibit fluid from flowing between these components. Fluid that flows betweenvanes 68 and an outer surface ofshroud 60 does not enter thecoolant path 14, but instead recirculates throughimpeller 66. The narrower the gap is betweenvanes 68 and the outer surface ofshroud 60, the less fluid will recirculate, and the greater will be the efficiency of thecentrifugal fluid pump 10. - To further improve the efficiency of the
centrifugal fluid pump 10, an additional seal can be used.FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of acentrifugal fluid pump 10 utilizing an additional seal to further inhibit fluid from leaking between theperiphery 64 ofshroud 60 and an inner surface ofbore 16. In the illustrated embodiment, an O-ring seal 70 is received within O-ring seal groove 72, both of which are disposed along theperiphery 64 of theshroud 60. As illustrated, O-ring 70 provides an interference fit against an inner surface of thebore 60. Disposed around theentire periphery 64 ofshroud 60, O-ring seal 70 inhibits fluid from leaking from thedischarge port 32 toinlet 26. Seals other than O-ring seals may also be utilized. In still other embodiments, the seal arrangement may be disposed elsewhere on thecentrifugal fluid pump 10. For instance, as illustrated inFIG. 6 , an O-ring seal 74 is disposed within an O-ring seal groove 76 that is disposed along an outer surface ofwall 22. In the arrangement illustrated inFIG. 6 , any fluid that leaks betweenperiphery 64 ofshroud 60 and an inner surface ofbore 16 will be inhibited from reachinginlet 26 by O-ring seal 74. - While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/644,065 US20080149051A1 (en) | 2006-12-22 | 2006-12-22 | Centrifugal fluid pump |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/644,065 US20080149051A1 (en) | 2006-12-22 | 2006-12-22 | Centrifugal fluid pump |
Publications (1)
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US20080149051A1 true US20080149051A1 (en) | 2008-06-26 |
Family
ID=39541093
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/644,065 Abandoned US20080149051A1 (en) | 2006-12-22 | 2006-12-22 | Centrifugal fluid pump |
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US (1) | US20080149051A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20130213325A1 (en) * | 2010-11-10 | 2013-08-22 | Amotech Co., Ltd. | Water pump for vehicle |
US20150010392A1 (en) * | 2012-01-18 | 2015-01-08 | International Engine Intellectual Property Company Llc | Modular Water Pump |
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US20060067811A1 (en) * | 2004-09-20 | 2006-03-30 | Dean Thayer | Impeller with an abradable tip |
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US4155333A (en) * | 1977-04-07 | 1979-05-22 | Brunswick Corporation | Centrifugal water pump for internal combustion engines |
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US6978742B2 (en) * | 2001-06-20 | 2005-12-27 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Engine cooling water passage structure and gas/liquid separator for engine cooling system |
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US20130213325A1 (en) * | 2010-11-10 | 2013-08-22 | Amotech Co., Ltd. | Water pump for vehicle |
US20150010392A1 (en) * | 2012-01-18 | 2015-01-08 | International Engine Intellectual Property Company Llc | Modular Water Pump |
US9765683B2 (en) * | 2012-01-18 | 2017-09-19 | International Engine Intellectual Property Company, Llc. | Modular water pump |
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