WATER PUMP

Abstract

 The present disclosure relates to a water pump including a can in which a rotor is rotatably accommodated, the can including a shaft support portion on which a rotor shaft is supported, a motor housing in which the can and a stator are disposed, a controller housing coupled to one axial side of the motor housing, a pin at least partially disposed in the controller housing, the pin being configured to be moved in an axial direction and key-coupled to the rotor shaft when an external force is applied, and a flat spring at least partially disposed in the controller housing, coupled to the can, and configured to elastically support the pin, thereby resolving jamming caused by foreign substances by rotating the rotor shaft by pushing the pin by using a tool.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water pump, and more particularly, to a water pump capable of resolving jamming by applying an external force in case that jamming is caused by foreign substances remaining in a liquid.

[Background Art]

[0002] A water pump refers to a device used to allow a flow of a liquid or increase pressure of a liquid.

[0003] In general, the water pump uses a centrifugal force to allow an impeller, which rotates, to push the liquid outward in a radial direction from a center of the water pump. The centrifugal force, which is generated by the rotation of the impeller, provides a flow force that moves the liquid from a suction port to a discharge port of the water pump. During this process, a velocity of the liquid increases, which may create a high-pressure liquid.

[0004] Meanwhile, an electric water pump, which provides a rotational force of an impeller by using an electric motor, is widely used. The electric water pump may rotate a rotor by using an electromagnetic force between the rotor and a stator, and a shaft of the rotor and the impeller may rotate together, such that a centrifugal force may be generated.

[0005] However, the above-mentioned water pump may fail under operational environments. Specifically, in the case of a water pump used to circulate water in an air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) in order to perform heating and supply hot water, the water pump tends to be used intensively in the winter with low temperatures, and the usage of the water pump tends to remarkably decrease in the summer. Furthermore, in case that foreign substances, such as lime, are contained in water, water may evaporate, and the lime or the like may be hardened when the water pump is not used. When foreign substances are adhered between the shaft of the rotor and a bearing as described above, a phenomenon may occur in which the shaft cannot be rotated even though electric power is applied to the water pump.

[0006] In this regard, European Patent No. EP 2808547 B1 discloses a pump device capable of resolving (deblocking) jamming of a shaft of a rotor.

[0007] The pump device has a pin provided at one axial end of a can in which the rotor is accommodated. When a tool pushes and rotates the pin, the pin is coupled to a shaft of the rotor, and the pin rotates together with the shaft of the rotor, which may resolve jamming.

[0008] However, the pump device needs to be provided with a separate housing configured to guide an axial reciprocation of the pin, and a separate housing configured to seal the pin, which causes an increase in number of components.

[0009] In addition, there is a limitation in that an additional process, such as welding, is required to fix the can and the housings.

[0010] Meanwhile, European Patent No. EP 3379084 B1 discloses a hydraulic pump capable of resolving jamming by rotating a pin provided in a can.

[0011] However, in the pump, both the pin and a spring are disposed in the can, and the spring elastically supports a bearing and the pin, which causes a limitation in that structural instability occurs because both the spring and the bearing may move when an external force is applied.

[0012] In addition, during a process of assembling the pump, the spring needs to be assembled after the pin is assembled in the can, and a motor needs to be mounted after the bearing is assembled, which causes a limitation in that the assembling process is complicated, and a preload applied to the spring is unstable because of assembling errors.

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

[0013] The present disclosure has been made in an effort to solve the above-mentioned problem with the water pump in the related art, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a water pump capable of resolving jamming of a shaft caused by foreign substances contained in a liquid.

[0014] In addition, another object is to provide a water pump into which a tool may be easily inserted in order to resolve jamming of a shaft.

[0015] In addition, another object is to provide a water pump in which a component for resolving jamming may be uniformly assembled by a simple method.

[0016] In addition, another object is to provide a water pump in which a component for resolving jamming may be prevented from being damaged by leakage of a liquid.

[Technical Solution]

[0017] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, a water pump according to the present disclosure includes: a can in which a rotor is rotatably accommodated, the can including a shaft support portion on which a rotor shaft is supported; a motor housing in which the can and a stator are disposed; a controller housing coupled to one axial side of the motor housing; a pin at least partially disposed in the controller housing, the pin being configured to be moved in an axial direction and key-coupled to the rotor shaft when an external force is applied; and a flat spring at least partially disposed in the controller housing, coupled to the can, and configured to elastically support the pin.

[0018] In this case, the pin may include: a head portion formed with a tool coupling groove to which at least a part of a tool is coupled; a plunger portion extending in the axial direction from the head portion, formed to be smaller in diameter than the head portion, and inserted into the can; and a shaft coupling portion provided to be in contact with the rotor shaft.

[0019] In addition, the pin may further include an O-ring configured to seal a portion between an outer peripheral surface of the plunger portion and the can.

[0020] In addition, the pin may include a spring coupling portion disposed between the head portion and the plunger portion, formed to be smaller in diameter than the plunger portion, and coupled to the flat spring.

[0021] Meanwhile, the flat spring may include: a pin accommodation portion provided to be in contact with the pin and formed to allow at least a part of the pin to pass therethrough; and a can coupling portion bent and extending from the pin accommodation portion and coupled to the can.

[0022] In this case, the controller housing may include: a controller housing body; and a pin accommodation groove formed in a surface of the controller housing body directed toward the motor housing, the pin accommodation groove being configured to accommodate the pin.

[0023] In addition, the controller housing may further include a tool insertion hole formed in a surface of the controller housing body opposite to the pin accommodation groove, the tool insertion hole being configured to communicate with the pin accommodation groove.

[0024] Therefore, the pin accommodation groove may be exposed to the outside in a state in which the controller housing is separated from the motor housing.

[0025] In this case, an inner diameter of the tool insertion hole may be smaller than an inner diameter of the pin accommodation groove.

[0026] Meanwhile, the motor housing may include a spring accommodation groove in which at least a part of the flat spring is accommodated.

[0027] Meanwhile, the water pump according to the present disclosure may further include: a bearing part disposed between the shaft support portion and the rotor shaft.

[0028] Meanwhile, the can may include a pin guide portion extending from the shaft support portion and configured such that at least a part of the pin is movably coupled to the pin guide portion.

[0029] Therefore, the pin may rotate together with the rotor shaft when an external force is applied to the pin.

[Advantageous Effects]

[0030] As described above, according to the water pump according to the present disclosure, the tool may be inserted through the tool insertion hole formed in the controller housing, and the tool may rotate the rotor shaft by pushing the pin, thereby resolving jamming caused by foreign substances.

[0031] In addition, the pin accommodation groove is formed in the controller housing instead of the motor housing, such that the pin may be assembled by the simple process of inserting the pin into the controller housing and then coupling the controller housing and the motor housing.

[0032] In addition, the O-ring may be coupled between the pin and the motor housing, thereby preventing leakage of the liquid.

[Description of Drawings]

[0033] 

FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a water pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining a motor housing of the water pump according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining a controller housing of the water pump according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view when FIG. 5 is viewed in another direction.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view for explaining a pin and a flat spring of the water pump according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining a state in which the pin and the flat spring are coupled in the water pump according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[Mode for Invention]

[0034] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] The present disclosure may be variously modified and may have various embodiments, and particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings will be specifically described below. The description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the particular embodiments, but it should be interpreted that the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] In the description of the present disclosure, the terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements may not be limited by the terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from another constituent element. For example, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named the first component, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] The term "and/or" may include any and all combinations of a plurality of the related and listed items.

[0038] When one constituent element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to another constituent element, it should be understood that one constituent element can be coupled or connected directly to another constituent element, and an intervening constituent element can also be present between the constituent elements. When one constituent element is described as being "coupled directly to" or "connected directly to" another constituent element, it should be understood that no intervening constituent element is present between the constituent elements.

[0039] The terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless clearly described as different meanings in the context.

[0040] The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "containing," "has," "having" or other variations thereof are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or combinations thereof.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The terms such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary may be interpreted as having meanings consistent with meanings in the context of related technologies and may not be interpreted as ideal or excessively formal meanings unless explicitly defined in the present application.

[0042] Further, the following embodiments are provided to more completely explain the present disclosure to those skilled in the art, and shapes and sizes of elements illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated for a more apparent description.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a water pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1,

[0044] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining a motor housing of the water pump according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] A water pump 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0046] The water pump 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a motor part 100, a pumping part 200, a controller 300, and a deblocking part 400.

[0047] The controller 300 may be disposed at one axial side of the motor part 100, the pumping part 200 may be disposed at the other axial side of the motor part 100, and the deblocking part 400 may be disposed in a space formed by coupling the motor part 100 and the controller 300.

[0048] For convenience, based on the motor part 100, a direction in which the pumping part 200 is disposed may be referred to as an upward direction, and a direction in which the controller 300 is disposed may be referred to as a downward direction. Specifically, based on a longitudinal direction of a rotor shaft 141, the direction in which the pumping part 200 is disposed may be referred to as the upward direction, and the direction in which the controller 300 is disposed may be referred to as the downward direction.

[0049] The motor part 100 may be coupled to the pumping part 200 and provide a rotational force to the pumping part 200.

[0050] The motor part 100 includes a motor housing 110, a stator 120, a can 130, and a rotor 140.

[0051] The motor housing 110 may form an external appearance of the motor part 100. For example, the motor housing 110 may be formed in the shape of an approximately quadrangular block.

[0052] The stator 120 may be accommodated in the motor housing 110. Specifically, the motor housing 110 may be formed by molding a bulk molding compound (BMC) to completely surround the stator 120 and include an outer wall 111, an inner wall 112, a lower surface 113, and an upper surface 114. In addition, the can 130 may be disposed in an internal space of the inner wall 112.

[0053] Meanwhile, the motor housing 110 of the present disclosure further includes a coupling guide portion 115. The coupling guide portion 115 may protrude and extend downward from a base 113. The coupling guide portion 115 may protrude in a hollow shape from the base 113 so that a flat spring 420 may pass through the coupling guide portion 115. For example, the coupling guide portion 115 may protrude from the base 113 and have a quadrangular shape having two opposite longitudinal curved ends.

[0054] Therefore, the flat spring 420 may pass through the motor housing 110 along the coupling guide portion 115 and be coupled to the can 130.

[0055] The stator 120 may be fixedly coupled in the motor housing 110 and rotate the rotor 140, which will be described below, by receiving electric power and using an electromagnetic force. In this case, the stator 120 and the rotor 140 may be applied to various types of publicly-known electric motors, and a detailed description will be omitted.

[0056] Meanwhile, the can 130 is coupled to the motor housing 110. The can 130 may be coupled radially inside the inner wall 112.

[0057] The rotor 140 may be rotatably accommodated in the can 130. The can 130 may support the rotor shaft 141.

[0058] The can 130 includes a can body 131 and a flange 131a.

[0059] The can body 131 may be formed such that the rotor 140 is accommodated in the can body 131. For example, the can body 131 may be formed in the shape of a cylindrical pot. In this case, a shaft support portion 132 is formed at one axial side (lower side) end of the can body 131, and a lower bearing 133 is disposed between the rotor shaft 141 and the shaft support portion 132. The other axial side (upper side) end of the can body 131 may be connected to the flange 131a. The flange 131a may be coupled to the other axial end of the motor housing 110. Specifically, the flange 131a may be bent and extend radially outward from the other axial end of the can body 131 and cover the upper surface 114 of the motor housing 110. Therefore, there is an advantage in that a coupling force between the can 130 and the motor housing 110 may be enhanced, and the coupling force may be maintained even though a rotational vibration of the rotor 140 occurs.

[0060] Meanwhile, the flat spring 420 may be coupled to a lower surface of the can body 131 of the present disclosure. In this case, a spring fixing groove may be formed in the lower surface of the can body 131 to fix the flat spring 420. A fixing member, such as a screw or a piece, which penetrates the flat spring 420, may be inserted and coupled into the spring fixing groove. For example, a pair of spring fixing grooves may be formed at positions that are symmetric with respect to a pin guide portion 135. Therefore, the flat spring 420 may be stably fixed, and a position of a pin 410 may be guided.

[0061] In addition, the shaft support portion 132 may be bent and extend radially inward from one axial side (lower side) end of the can body 131 and then bent and extend axially upward toward the rotor 140. That is, the shaft support portion 132 may be formed to form a stepped portion together with the can body 131 at one axial side of the can body 131. In this case, the can body 131 may be formed to be larger in diameter than the shaft support portion 132.

[0062] The shaft support portion 132 may accommodate therein the rotor shaft 141 and the lower bearing 133.

[0063] At least a part of the rotor shaft 141 may be accommodated at a radial center of the shaft support portion 132.

[0064] Meanwhile, bearings 133 and 136a may be coupled to an outer peripheral surface of the rotor shaft 141. The bearings 133 and 136a include the lower bearing 133 and an upper bearing 136a.

[0065] Specifically, the lower bearing 133 may be coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the rotor shaft 141. That is, the lower bearing 133 may be coupled to a radially inner side of the shaft support portion 132, and the other axial side of the rotor shaft 141 may be penetratively coupled to a radial center of the lower bearing 133. Therefore, one axial side of the rotor shaft 141 may be supported.

[0066] The lower bearing 133 may be disposed between the shaft support portion 132 and the rotor shaft 141 and reduce a frictional force that is generated when the rotor shaft 141 rotates.

[0067] The pin guide portion 135 may be bent and extend downward from the radially inner end of the shaft support portion 132. The pin guide portion 135 may extend axially downward in a direction from a central portion of the shaft support portion 132 toward the controller 300 and extend in a cylindrical shape.

[0068] At least a part of the pin 410 may be accommodated in the pin guide portion 135. Specifically, a plunger portion 413 may be accommodated in the pin guide portion 135.

[0069] Therefore, the plunger portion 413 may reciprocate in the axial direction along the pin guide portion 135.

[0070] Meanwhile, the can 130 may further include a can cover 136. The can cover 136 may cover the other axial side (upper side) end of the flange 131a. For example, the can cover 136 may be formed in an annular shape. In this case, a part of a radially inner side of the can cover 136 may cover an open region of the can body 131 that accommodates the rotor 140, and a part of a radially outer side of the can cover 136 may cover the flange 131a of the can 130. That is, the can cover 136 may be disposed between the can 130 and a pumping part housing 210 of the pumping part 200 that will be described below.

[0071] In this case, the upper bearing 136a may be coupled to a radially central portion of the can cover 136, and the rotor shaft 141 may be accommodated in the upper bearing 136a while penetrating the upper bearing 136a. In this case, the rotor shaft 141 may pass through the can cover 136 and be coupled to an impeller 240 disposed in the pumping part 200. Therefore, the other axial side of the rotor shaft 141 may be supported.

[0072] The rotor 140 may be rotated by an electromagnetic force, which is generated between the rotor 140 and the stator 120, when the rotor 140 is disposed in the can 130 and receives electric power.

[0073] In this case, the rotor 140 may rotate about the rotor shaft 141 as a rotation axis. The rotor 140 may be fixedly coupled to the rotor shaft 141 and rotate together with the rotor shaft 141. For example, the rotor 140 may be formed in the shape of a cylindrical block, and a radially central portion of the rotor 140 may be penetrated by the rotor shaft 141.

[0074] The rotor shaft 141 may be coupled to the rotor 140 and provide a rotation axis of the rotor 140. In this case, the other axial side of the rotor shaft 141 may be supported by the can cover 136 and the upper bearing 136a, and one axial side of the rotor shaft 141 may be supported by the shaft support portion 132 and the lower bearing 133. With this configuration, two opposite axial sides of the rotor shaft 141 may be supported, and the rotor shaft 141 may be stably rotated.

[0075] The rotor shaft 141 may be formed in a cylinder shape or a cylindrical shape. For example, the rotor shaft 141 may have a hollow shape. With this configuration, rotation performance may be maintained even though the volume of the shaft changes in accordance with a change in temperature in the surrounding environment.

[0076] Meanwhile, the motor part 100 may be further provided with a sealer 150. The sealer 150 may be disposed at an upper end of the can 130. That is, the sealer 150 may be disposed between a flange 130a of the can 130 and the can cover 136. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid from leaking between the pumping part housing 210 and the can 130.

[0077] The pumping part 200 may be disposed at the other axial side of the motor part 100 and allow the liquid to flow by receiving a rotational force from the motor part 100.

[0078] The pumping part 200 includes the pumping part housing 210, an orifice 215, an inlet part 220, an outlet part 230, and the impeller 240.

[0079] The pumping part housing 210 may form an external appearance of the pumping part 200 and have therein a flow path in which the liquid flows.

[0080] Specifically, the pumping part housing 210 may have a cylindrical shape closed at the other axial side thereof. For example, the other axial end of the pumping part housing 210, which is closed, may have a dome shape or a flat plate-like shape.

[0081] Meanwhile, the inlet part 220 and the outlet part 230 may be disposed radially outside the pumping part housing 210. In this case, at least a part of the inlet part 220 may be disposed to be farther from the motor part 100 than the outlet part 230 from the motor part 100.

[0082] In addition, the orifice 215 may be disposed in the pumping part housing 210. The orifice 215 may change a flow velocity, hydraulic pressure, and a flow rate of the liquid that flows in the pumping part housing 210.

[0083] A space in which the impeller 240 is rotatably accommodated may be formed in the pumping part housing 210. That is, the internal space of the pumping part housing 210 may be formed to have a diameter larger than a diameter of the impeller 240.

[0084] The internal space of the pumping part housing 210 may have a shape opened at one axial side (lower side) thereof. In this case, a diameter of the open space may be larger than the diameter of the impeller 240. With this configuration, an operator may easily insert the impeller 240 into the pumping part housing 210 during the process of assembling the water pump 1 of the present disclosure.

[0085] Meanwhile, the space formed in the pumping part housing 210 may communicate with a flow path, which is formed in the inlet part 220, and a flow path formed in the outlet part 230. Specifically, a center of the other axial end (upper end) of the space of the pumping part housing 210, in which the impeller 240 is accommodated, may be opened and communicate with the inlet part 220. In addition, a part of a radially outer side of the space of the pumping part housing 210, in which the impeller 240 is accommodated, may be formed to have a large diameter and communicate with the outlet part 230.

[0086] The inlet part 220 and the outlet part 230 may be provided such that the liquid may flow in the inlet part 220 and the outlet part 230. For example, the inlet part 220 and the outlet part 230 may each have a tubular shape. The inlet part 220 may communicate with the flow path, and the liquid may be introduced through the inlet part 220. In addition, the outlet part 230 may communicate with the flow path, and the liquid may be discharged through the outlet part 230. The liquid, which flows through the inlet part 220, may be introduced into an upper space of the end of the other axial side (upper side) of the impeller 240 from the pumping part housing 210. In addition, the liquid, which is allowed to flow radially outward by the rotational force of the impeller 240, may flow along the flow path in the pumping part housing 210 and be discharged to the outlet part 230.

[0087] The impeller 240 may rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 140. Specifically, the impeller 240 may be coupled to the rotor shaft 141 and rotate together with the rotor shaft 141, and the rotor shaft 141 may be fixedly coupled to the rotor 140, such that the impeller 240 may also rotate when the rotor 140 is rotated by the electromagnetic force.

[0088] The rotation of the impeller 240 may allow the liquid to flow. For example, edges of two opposite axial sides of the impeller 240 are closed, an upper surface of the impeller 240 is inclined upward and radially inward, and the impeller 240 is illustrated as being of a bladed type formed with blades therein. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Impellers with various publicly-known shapes may be applied.

[0089] Therefore, the liquid introduced through the inlet part 220 may be pressurized in the internal space of the pumping part housing 210 by the impeller 240 and then discharged through the outlet part 230.

[0090] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining the controller housing of the water pump according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view when FIG. 5 is viewed in another direction.

[0091] The controller 300 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0092] The controller 300 may be coupled to one axial side of the motor part 100 and control the rotation of the rotor 140. Specifically, the controller 300 includes the controller housing 310 and a control board 320.

[0093] The controller housing 310 may form an external appearance of the controller 300. In addition, the controller housing 310 may have therein a space that accommodates the control board 320. Specifically, the controller housing 310 includes a controller housing body 311, the pin accommodation groove 312, and a tool insertion hole 313.

[0094] In this case, the controller housing body 311 may be formed in the shape of an approximately hexahedral block, the tool insertion hole 313 may be formed in a lower surface (one axial side surface) of the controller housing body 311, and the pin accommodation groove 312 may be formed in an upper surface (the other axial side surface) of the controller housing body 311. Further, the tool insertion hole 313 and the pin accommodation groove 312 may communicate with each other.

[0095] The controller housing body 311 may be detachably coupled to one axial side of the motor housing 110. Specifically, at least one assembling hole 314 may be formed in the controller housing body 311.

[0096] For example, the assembling holes 314 may be formed to be adjacent to one another at four edges based on the upper surface of the controller housing body 311 having a hexahedral block shape, and the assembling holes 314 may be formed in the axial direction (upward/downward direction). Further, an assembling guide groove 315 may be formed at a lower side of the assembling hole 314. The assembling guide groove 315 may be formed in a shape recessed in an edge portion of the controller housing body 311 in the upward/downward direction. Therefore, a coupling member, such as a screw, may penetrate the assembling hole 314 and be detachably coupled to the motor housing 110. In addition, the operator (assembler) may easily allow a tool, such as a screw driver, to reach the assembling hole 314 along the assembling guide groove 315. Therefore, it is possible to improve assemblability.

[0097] Meanwhile, the controller housing body 311 may include an upper body and a lower body, and the control board 320 and components for operating the control board 320 may be accommodated in an internal space formed by coupling the upper body and the lower body. In this case, the upper body and the lower body may be separably coupled by a hook engagement or the like.

[0098] The pin accommodation groove 312 accommodates the pin 410 to be described below so that the pin 410 may reciprocate. Specifically, the pin accommodation groove 312 may be formed in a surface of the controller housing body 311 in a direction toward the motor part 100.

[0099] In this case, the pin accommodation groove 312 may be recessed in the form of a circular groove in the controller housing body 311, and an inner diameter of the pin accommodation groove 312 may be larger than a diameter of the pin 410 to be described below. Therefore, the pin 410 may be accommodated so that the pin 410 may rectilinearly reciprocate in the axial direction in the pin accommodation groove 312. In addition, the pin accommodation groove 312 may be further recessed in a coupling groove 316. In this case, the pin accommodation groove 312 may be formed at a radial center position of the coupling groove 316.

[0100] Meanwhile, a depth to which the pin accommodation groove 312 is recessed may be smaller than a length of the pin 410 in the axial direction. Therefore, in a state in which the pin 410 is accommodated in the pin accommodation groove 312, a distal end of the pin 410 may protrude outward (upward) from an upper surface of the controller housing 310.

[0101] Therefore, in the present disclosure, the pin accommodation groove 312 may be exposed to the outside in a state in which the controller housing 310 is separated from the motor housing 110. The operator (assembler) may mount the pin 410 and the spring 420 by means of a simple operation of fitting the pin 410 and the spring 420 into the pin accommodation groove 312.

[0102] The tool insertion hole 313 may be formed from one side of the controller housing body 311 so that the tool passes through the tool insertion hole 313, and the tool insertion hole 313 may communicate with the pin accommodation groove 312.

[0103] In this case, an inner diameter of the tool insertion hole 313 may be larger than a diameter of the tool. For example, the tool may be a screw driver. In addition, an inner diameter of the tool insertion hole 313 is smaller than an inner diameter of the pin accommodation groove 312.

[0104] In addition, the tool insertion hole 313 may communicate with the pin accommodation groove 312 at a position of a radial center of the pin accommodation groove 312. That is, the pin accommodation groove 312 and the tool insertion hole 313, which have a circular or cylindrical shape, may be disposed coaxially.

[0105] Therefore, the tool may be inserted and fastened to the pin 410 in a state in which the pin 410 cannot be withdrawn through the tool insertion hole 313, and jamming of the rotor shaft 141 may be resolved by rotating the tool in a state in which an upper end of the pin 410 is coupled to a lower end of the rotor shaft 141 by pressing the lower end of the pin 410.

[0106] Meanwhile, the control board 320 may be disposed in the controller housing 310 and control the motor part 100. For example, the control board 320 may be a printed circuit board (PCB) of an inverter. An element, which may control the motor part 100, may be mounted on the control board 320. Therefore, the rotation of the motor part 100 may be controlled by the operation of the controller 300.

[0107] Meanwhile, the controller housing 310 may be provided with a plurality of connectors 330. External electric power may be supplied to the control board 320 through the connector 330, and a control signal of the control board 320 may be transmitted to the motor part 100 through the connector 330. For example, at least one of the connectors 331 may be provided on an outer surface of the controller housing 310, and at least some of the connectors 331 may be disposed adjacent to a longitudinal end of the control board 320. In addition, another of the connectors 332 may be provided on an upper surface of the controller housing 310 and connected to a terminal 116 provided on the motor housing 110.

[0108] Meanwhile, the coupling groove 316 may be formed in the controller housing 310. At least a part of the flat spring 420 may be accommodated in the coupling groove 316. In this case, the flat spring 420 may be accommodated in the coupling groove 316 in a state in which the flat spring 420 is coupled to the pin 410.

[0109] The coupling groove 316 accommodates the coupling guide portion 115. Specifically, the coupling groove 316 may be formed in a surface of the controller housing body 311 directed toward the motor part 100.

[0110] In this case, the coupling groove 316 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the coupling guide portion 115. For example, in the controller housing body 311, the coupling groove 316 may be recessed in the form of a quadrangular groove having two opposite longitudinal curved ends. Therefore, the operator may easily recognize coupling positions of the motor part 100 and the controller 300.

[0111] Therefore, when the motor part 100 and the controller 300 are coupled, the coupling guide portion 115 may be inserted and accommodated into the coupling groove 316.

[0112] Meanwhile, in the water pump 1, jamming may be caused by foreign substances in accordance with the operational environment. For example, in the case of a water pump used to circulate water in an air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) in order to perform heating and supply hot water, the water pump may be used intensively in the winter with low atmospheric temperatures, and the usage of the water pump may remarkably decrease in the summer.

[0113] That is, in case that foreign substances, such as lime, which are easily adhered, are contained in the liquid, water may evaporate, and foreign substances, such as lime, may be hardened when the water pump is in a high-temperature dry environment or when the water pump is not used over a long period of time. Therefore, in the water pump 1, foreign substances may adhere to the rotor shaft 141.

[0114] As described above, when foreign substances are adhered between the rotor shaft 141 and the pumping part housing 310 or between the rotor shaft 141 and the can 130, a phenomenon may occur in which the rotor shaft 141 cannot rotate even though electric power is applied.

[0115] In order to resolve jamming, the deblocking part 400 of the present disclosure may be included, thereby resolving jamming of the rotor shaft 141.

[0116] In this regard, FIG. 7 is a perspective view for explaining the pin 410 and the flat spring 420 of the water pump according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining a state in which the pin 410 and the flat spring 420 in FIG. 7 are coupled in the water pump according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] The deblocking part 400 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The deblocking part 400 may resolve jamming of the rotor shaft 141.

[0118] The deblocking part 400 may include the pin 410, the flat spring 420, and an O-ring 430.

[0119] The pin 410 may be disposed at one axial side of the shaft support portion 132. Specifically, at least a part (a part of a lower side) of the pin 410 may be accommodated in the pin accommodation groove 312 of the controller housing 310. Further, the remaining part (upper end) of the pin 410 may be disposed in the pin guide portion 115.

[0120] When an external force is applied, the pin 410 may come into contact with the rotor shaft 141 while moving in the axial direction. Specifically, when the tool is inserted through the tool insertion hole 313 and pressed upward, the pin 410 may be moved upward along the pin accommodation groove 312, and the upper end of the pin 410 may come into contact with the lower end of the rotor shaft 141. The pin 410 includes a head portion 411, a tool coupling groove 412, the plunger portion 413, a shaft coupling portion 414, and an O-ring accommodation groove 415.

[0121] In this case, the head portion 411 may be accommodated in the pin accommodation groove 312. The head portion 411 may be formed in the shape of a cylindrical block, and an upper surface of the head portion 411 may be in contact with and elastically supported by the flat spring 420.

[0122] In this case, a spring coupling portion 416 may extend upward in the axial direction from the head portion 411. For example, the spring coupling portion 416 may be formed in a cylindrical shape formed to be smaller in diameter than the head portion 411.

[0123] The spring coupling portion 416 may be disposed between the head portion 411 and the plunger portion 413. In this case, a diameter of the spring coupling portion 416 may be smaller than a diameter of the plunger portion 413.

[0124] Therefore, in case that the pin 410 is inserted into the flat spring 420, the upper surface of the head portion 411 may be in contact with the flat spring 420. In addition, the spring coupling portion 416 may be fitted with and be in contact with the flat spring 420. With this configuration, the flat spring 420 and the pin 410 may be stably coupled and supported.

[0125] The tool coupling groove 412 may be formed in the head portion 411. Specifically, the tool coupling groove 412 may be formed in the lower surface of the head portion 411. For example, the tool coupling groove 412 may be a straight groove. In another example, the tool coupling groove 412 may be a cross-shaped groove.

[0126] At least a part of the tool may be coupled to the tool coupling groove 412, and the pin 410 may be rotated when the tool rotates.

[0127] The plunger portion 413 may extend in the axial direction from the spring coupling portion 416. The plunger portion 413 may extend axially upward from the spring coupling portion 416. In this case, a diameter of the plunger portion 413 may be smaller than a diameter of the head portion 411.

[0128] A diameter of the plunger portion 413 may be smaller than an inner diameter of the pin guide portion 115. In this case, at least a part of the plunger portion 413 may be inserted into the pin guide portion 115. Therefore, when the head portion 411 is pressed, the plunger portion 413 may be moved upward along the pin guide portion 115.

[0129] The shaft coupling portion 414 may be formed at an axially upper end of the plunger portion 413.

[0130] The shaft coupling portion 414 may be in contact with the rotor shaft 141. The shaft coupling portion 414 may be in contact with the lower end of the rotor shaft 141.

[0131] In this case, according to the embodiment, a polygonal protrusion or groove may be formed on the friction portion 414 to increase a frictional force with the rotor shaft 141. In this case, a polygonal groove or protrusion may be formed at the lower end of the rotor shaft 141 so that the rotor shaft 141 is coupled to the shaft coupling portion 414.

[0132] Therefore, when a rotational force is applied to the head portion 411 in the state in which the shaft coupling portion 414 is in contact with the rotor shaft 141, the shaft coupling portion 414 may be fastened to the rotor shaft 141 and rotate together with the rotor shaft 141.

[0133] The O-ring accommodation groove 415 may be recessed in the plunger portion 413. The O-ring accommodation groove 415 may be recessed in a circumferential direction in an outer peripheral surface of the plunger portion 413.

[0134] Therefore, a diameter of a position on the plunger portion 413 at which the O-ring accommodation groove 415 is formed may be reduced. Therefore, the O-ring 430 may be coupled to the O-ring accommodation groove 415, thereby preventing the separation of the O-ring 430 even though the pin 410 rectilinearly reciprocates in the axial direction.

[0135] The flat spring 420 may apply the restoring force to the axial movement of the pin 410.

[0136] At least a part of the flat spring 420 may be disposed in the pin accommodation groove 312. Specifically, one axial end of the flat spring 420 may be in contact with and supported by the pin 410, and the other axial end of the flat spring 420 may be in contact with and supported by the can 130. More specifically, one axial end of the flat spring 420 may be coupled to the spring coupling portion 416, and the other axial end of the flat spring 420 may be in contact with and supported by a lower surface of the can 130. In this case, the coupling guide portion 115 may be formed in the motor housing 110 and accommodate therein the flat spring 420.

[0137] The flat spring 420 includes a pin accommodation portion 421 and a can coupling portion 422. The flat spring 420 may be made of a material having elasticity.

[0138] The pin accommodation portion 421 may be formed such that at least a part of the pin 410 passes through the pin accommodation portion 421. For example, the pin accommodation portion 421 may be formed in the shape of a flat plate, and a pin passing hole 421a may be formed in the pin accommodation portion 421 so that the pin 410 passes through the pin passing hole 421a. In this case, a minimum diameter of the pin passing hole 421a may correspond to a diameter of the spring coupling portion 416. For example, a minimum diameter of the pin passing hole 421a may be equal to a diameter of the spring coupling portion 416. In addition, two opposite longitudinal sides of the pin passing hole 421a may be formed to communicate with a slit formed in the longitudinal direction of the flat spring 420. In this case, a diameter of the slit may be larger than a diameter of the plunger portion 413. Therefore, when the pin 410 and the flat spring 420 are coupled, the plunger portion 413, which is larger in diameter than the spring coupling portion 416, may penetrate the slit and then slide so that the spring coupling portion 416 and the pin passing hole 421a engage with each other, such that the pin 410 and the flat spring 420 may be fastened in an interference-fit manner. In addition, when the spring coupling portion 416 passes through the pin passing hole 421a, the flat spring 420 may be elastically deformed, and the slit may be widened to ensure a space. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the pin 410 or the flat spring 420 during a process in which the pin 410 passes through the flat spring 420.

[0139] The pin accommodation portion 421 may be in contact with the pin 410. The pin accommodation portion 421 may be in contact with the upper surface of the head portion 411. In addition, the pin accommodation portion 421 may be in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the spring coupling portion 416. Therefore, the pin accommodation portion 421 may elastically support the pin 410.

[0140] The can coupling portion 422 may be bent and extend from the pin accommodation portion 421 and be coupled to the can 130. For example, the can coupling portion 422 may be formed in a shape bent twice from the pin accommodation portion 421. Therefore, the can coupling portion 422 may be formed to be different in height from the pin accommodation portion 421 and apply a restoring force to an axial movement of the pin 410.

[0141] A coupling member passing hole 422a may be formed in the can coupling portion 422. The coupling member passing hole 422a may be formed as a circular hole, and a coupling member, such as a screw or a piece, may penetrate the coupling member passing hole 422a. In this case, the slit may communicate with the coupling member passing hole 422a. Therefore, the coupling member passing hole 422a and the pin passing hole 421a may communicate with each other through the slit. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient space in which the slit may be widened.

[0142] The can coupling portion 422 may pass through the coupling guide portion 115 and be coupled to the lower surface of the can body 131.

[0143] The O-ring 430 may seal a portion between the outer peripheral surface of the plunger portion 413 and the pin guide portion 135. For example, the O-ring 430 may be formed in the shape of a ring and coupled to the O-ring accommodation groove 415 formed in the plunger portion 413.

[0144] In this case, the O-ring 430 may prevent the liquid, which is present in the motor part 100 and/or the pumping part 200, from leaking between the rotor shaft 141 and the can body 131 and flowing into the controller 300.

[0145] As described above, a process of assembling the pin 410 in the water pump 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure and a process of resolving jamming will be described below.

[0146] The operator (assembler), who assembles the water pump 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, may insert the flat spring 420 into the coupling guide portion 115 formed in the motor housing 110 and fix the flat spring 420 to the can 130 by coupling the coupling member such as a screw or a piece.

[0147] Thereafter, the operator may insert the pin 410 into the pin passing hole 421a so that the spring coupling portion 416 is fitted with the flat spring 420.

[0148] Thereafter, the operator disposes the controller housing 310 and the motor housing 110 so that the upper surface of the controller housing 310 and the lower surface of the motor housing 110 are in contact with each other. In this case, the hole, which is formed in the motor housing 110, and the assembling hole 314 of the controller housing 310 are aligned. In addition, the alignment is performed so that the coupling guide portion 115 is disposed in the coupling groove 316.

[0149] In this state, the operator may complete the coupling process by inserting the coupling member, such as a screw, into the assembling hole 314 and rotating the coupling member by using the tool such as a screw driver.

[0150] Therefore, in the present disclosure, the pin 410 may be assembled by a simple process of inserting and coupling the flat spring 420 and the pin 410 from the outside of the motor housing 110.

[0151] Meanwhile, the operator may insert the tool into the tool insertion hole 313 first in order to resolve jamming of the rotor shaft 141. When the tool passes through the tool insertion hole 313, the tool may come into contact with the head portion 411 of the pin 410. In this case, when the operator further pushes the tool and rotates the tool while pressing the head portion 411, a tip of the tool pushes the head portion 411 in a direction toward the motor housing 110, and at the same time, the tip of the tool is fitted with the tool coupling groove 412 while rotating. Therefore, the tool and the pin 410 begin to rotate in conjunction with each other. Further, when the operator further presses the tool, the shaft coupling portion 414 of the pin 410 is coupled to the rotor shaft 141.

[0152] In this case, an external force is applied in the axial direction to the rotor shaft 141 by pressure applied from the pin 410, and the pin 410 is rotated, such that the rotational force may also be applied to the rotor shaft 141 by the frictional force between the pin 410 and the rotor shaft 141.

[0153] As a result, the tool, the pin 410, and the rotor shaft 141 may rotate together, thereby removing hardened foreign substances and resolving jamming of the rotor shaft 141.

[0154] That is, according to the present disclosure, when an external force is applied to the pin 410 through the tool, the pin 410 may be coupled to the rotor shaft 141 and rotate together with the rotor shaft 141, thereby resolving jamming.

[0155] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the specific embodiments, the specific embodiments are only for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments. It is apparent that the present disclosure may be modified or altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0156] All the simple modifications or alterations to the present disclosure fall within the scope of the present disclosure, and the specific protection scope of the present disclosure will be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water pump comprising:

a can in which a rotor is rotatably accommodated, the can comprising a shaft support portion on which a rotor shaft is supported;

a motor housing in which the can and a stator are disposed;

a controller housing coupled to one axial side of the motor housing;

a pin at least partially disposed in the controller housing, the pin being configured to be moved in an axial direction and key-coupled to the rotor shaft when an external force is applied; and

a flat spring at least partially disposed in the controller housing, coupled to the can, and configured to elastically support the pin.

2. The water pump of claim 1, wherein the pin comprises:

a head portion formed with a tool coupling groove to which at least a part of a tool is coupled;

a plunger portion extending in the axial direction from the head portion, formed to be smaller in diameter than the head portion, and inserted into the can; and

a shaft coupling portion provided to be in contact with the rotor shaft.

3. The water pump of claim 2, further comprising:
an O-ring configured to seal a portion between an outer peripheral surface of the plunger portion and the can.

4. The water pump of claim 3, wherein the pin comprises a spring coupling portion disposed between the head portion and the plunger portion, formed to be smaller in diameter than the plunger portion, and coupled to the flat spring.

5. The water pump of claim 1, wherein the flat spring comprises:

a pin accommodation portion provided to be in contact with the pin and formed to allow at least a part of the pin to pass therethrough; and

a can coupling portion bent and extending from the pin accommodation portion and coupled to the can.

6. The water pump of claim 1, wherein the controller housing comprises:

a controller housing body; and

a pin accommodation groove formed in a surface of the controller housing body directed toward the motor housing, the pin accommodation groove being configured to accommodate the pin.

7. The water pump of claim 6, wherein the controller housing further comprises a tool insertion hole formed in a surface of the controller housing body opposite to the pin accommodation groove, the tool insertion hole being configured to communicate with the pin accommodation groove.

8. The water pump of claim 6, wherein the pin accommodation groove is exposed to the outside in a state in which the controller housing is separated from the motor housing.

9. The water pump of claim 7, wherein an inner diameter of the tool insertion hole is smaller than an inner diameter of the pin accommodation groove.

10. The water pump of claim 1, wherein the motor housing comprises a spring accommodation groove in which at least a part of the flat spring is accommodated.

11. The water pump of claim 1, further comprising:
a bearing disposed between the shaft support portion and the rotor shaft.

12. The water pump of claim 1, wherein the can comprises a pin guide portion extending from the shaft support portion and configured such that at least a part of the pin is movably coupled to the pin guide portion.

13. The water pump of claim 1, wherein the pin rotates together with the rotor shaft when an external force is applied to the pin.

Drawing