HYBRID COOLANT PUMP

摘要

A hybrid coolant pump with two modes of operation, an electric motor operation and a mechanical pulley-driven operation. A friction clutch assembly is positioned inside the motor housing and includes a softening spring which minimizes parasitic clutch power consumption.

主权项

1. A method of operating a dual mode coolant pump for a vehicle, said coolant pump comprising an impeller shaft with an impeller at one end, an electronic motor drive for rotating said impeller shaft, a mechanical drive for rotating said impeller shaft, a clutch mechanism for engaging and disengaging said mechanical drive from said impeller shaft, and a control system for activating said clutch mechanism, for engaging and disengaging said mechanical drive and for activating and deactivating said electric motor drive; said method of operating said coolant pump comprising:
activating said electric motor drive and disengaging said mechanical drive during a first range of operation of said coolant pump; engaging said mechanical drive during a second range of operation of said coolant pump; activating said electric motor drive and disengaging said mechanical drive during a third range of operation of said coolant pump, said third range of operating being an over-drive condition; and wherein said second range of operation is greater than said first range of operation.