CA2184026A1 - Floating pump - Google Patents
Floating pumpInfo
- Publication number
- CA2184026A1 CA2184026A1 CA 2184026 CA2184026A CA2184026A1 CA 2184026 A1 CA2184026 A1 CA 2184026A1 CA 2184026 CA2184026 CA 2184026 CA 2184026 A CA2184026 A CA 2184026A CA 2184026 A1 CA2184026 A1 CA 2184026A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pump
- engine
- water
- floating
- pump unit
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
A floating pump A is provided which comprises an engine/pump unit 1 including a pump driving engine and a pump 4 driven by the pump driving engine 5, and a float device 2 for floatably supporting the engine/pump unit 1 on a water surface W.
Description
FLOATING PUMP ~1 8 4 0 2 6 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a floating pump for use in pumping water in a water source,~such as a sea, a pond or a river, up to a location on land.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In fire-fighting operation, a fire-flow is usually supplied from a fire-plug or a water source, such as a sea, a pond, a river or the like.
When a fire-flow is supplied from a water source, such as a sea, a pond, a river or the like, it is most common way for providing a fire-flow by pumping water in a water source up to a predetermined location by means of a storage pump installed on land.
Operation of providing a fire-flow, in which water in a water source, such as a sea, a pond, a river or the like is pumped up to a predetermined location by means of a storage pump installed on land, is greatly influenced by a particular head or vertical distance between a ground surface on which the storage pump is installed and a water surface of a water source.
Usually, pump capacity is not so greatly influenced by a suction distance in the horizontal direction. It is noted, however, that pump capacity is greatly influenced by a suction distance in the vertical direction, i. e., a direction normal to the ground.
Generally, a suction head (suction distance in the vertical direction) of a pump is limited to less than 7 2 1 8~
meters. Usually, a pump is not capable of drawing water when a suction head exceeds 7 meters. Thus, it is possible to provide a fire-flow by pumping water from a water source up to a location on land by means of a storage pump, when a suction head is below 7 meters.
It is, however, not possible for a storage pump to pump water from a water source up to a location on land for the purpose of providing a fire-flow, when a suction head exceeds 7 meters. In the case of disasters in which providing water from a water source, such as a sea, a pond, a river or the like, is required, an adverse condition is expected in which a suction head between the ground surface and a water surface is further increased.
Accordingly, it is most important to provide water from a water source under severely adverse condition, in which an increased suction head is required, by pumping water from a water source, such as a sea, a pond, a river or the like, up to a location on land.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above subject, the present invention is aimed at a provision of a floating pump which is able to pump water from a water source under severely adverse condition requiring an increased suction head up to a location on land.
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a floating pump comprising ~1 840 2 ~
an engine/pump unit including a pump driving engine and a pump driven by the pump driving engine, and a float device for floatably supporting the engine/pump unit on a water surface.
In the above floating pump, the pump and the pump driving engine of the engine/pump unit are contained within a housing, the housing including a water intake port provided at the bottom surface thereof and a water discharge port provided at one side surface thereof, the water intake port being connected with a water intake pipe of the pump of the enginejpump unit, the water discharge port being connected with a water discharge pipe of the pump of the engine/pump unit.
In the above floating pump, the float device includes a frame for supporting the engine/pump unit, and floats attached respectively to opposite left-hand and right-hand sides of the frame, the floats being adapted to be inflated and deflated and floatable on a water surface when inflated.
The invention also provides a floating pump comprising an engine/pump unit including a pump driving engine and a pump driven by the pump driving engine, and a float device for floatably supporting the engine/pump unit on a water surface. The pump driving engine of the engine/pump unit is contained within a housing, while the pump of the engine/pump unit is attached to a lower frame integrally connected to the outside surface of the housing at a lower position thereof. A pair of inflatable and deflatable floats are secured to opposite left-hand and right-hand sides of the lower frame.
In the above floating pump, an antenna is provided at the engine/pump unit for, cooperation with a remote controller. A control box is also provided for controlling the pump driving engine of the engine/pump unit in accordance with a signal from the antenna.
In the above floating pump indication means are provided for providing information regarding the pump driving engine of the engine/pump unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a front elevational view showing a floating pump according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the floating pump of the invention;
Fig. 3 is a side elevational view showing the floating pump of the invention;
Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of a main part of an engine/pump unit of the floating pump of the invention;
Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the inside of the engine/pump unit of the floating pump of the invention;
Fig. 6'is a front view, in vertical section, of a main part of a floating pump according to another ~ 1 84(Ji6 embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 7 is a side elevational view, in vertical section, of a main part of an engine/pump unit of the floating pump of Fig. 6; and Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the inside of the engine/pump unit of the floating pump of Fig. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A first embodiment of the invention will be explained in detail below with reference to Figs. 1 through 5. Fig. 1 is a front view of a floating pump A
according to the first embodiment of the invention, Fig.
2 is a plan view showing the floating pump shown in Fig.
1, Fig. 3 is a side elevational view showing the floating pump shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of a main part of an engine/pump unit 1 of the floating pump A shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the inside of the engine/pump unit 1 shown in Fig. 4.
The floating pump A according to the first embodiment of the invention, includes, as shown in Figs.
1 through 3, the engine/pump unit 1 and a float device 2 for supporting the engine/pump unit on the water surface in floating manner.
The engine/pump unit 1 includes, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, a housing 3 and a jet pump 4 disposed at the bottom of the housing 3. The jet pump includes therein an impeller. A water intake pipe 4a of the jet pump 4 is connected to a water intake port 3a provided in the bottom surface of the housing 3. A water discharge pipe 4b of the jet pump 4 is connected to a ~ 1 ~4(J26 water discharge port 3b provided in the rear side surface of the housing 3. A pump shaft 4c of the jet pump 4 is connected with an output shaft (not shown) of a pump driving engine 5 disposed above the jet pump 4. The impeller 4d attached to the pump shaft 4c of the jet pump 4 is rotatably driven within a casing 4e by the pump driving engine 5 through the pump shaft 4c. By this, water is drawn from the water intake port 3a of the housing into the casing 4e through the water intake pipe 4a of the jet pump 4. Then, the water is pressurized within the casing 4e by means of the impeller 4d and discharged from the casing 4e via the water discharge pipe 4b through the water discharge port 3b.
The housing 3 is formed from a material having a predetermined durability, such as FRP or the like, into a box-like configuration having a closed bottom. The housing 3 is provided with an engagement ridge 3c in each of its outer side surfaces at the vertically central position thereof. Each engagement ridge 3c is intended to be engaged with the float device 2. A cover 3d is attached to the upper end of the housing 3 for openably closing an upper opening of the housing 3.
The cover 3d is provided with an antenna 6 for remote control of the unit, a warning lamp 7 for remaining quantity of fuel, a confirmation lamp 8 for throttle operation, and a warning lamp 9 for overheating. The housing 3 contained therein a control box 10 for providing control and indication regarding the operation of the pump driving engine 5, and a battery 2~84~.6 11 as a power source for the control box 10. The control box 10 is designed to control start/stop operation of the pump driving engine 5 and adjustment of the throttle, in accordance with the signals received from a remote controller (not shown) via the antenna 6 for remote control. The control box 10 is also designed to lighten the warning light 7, when the remaining quantity of fuel for the pump driving engine 5 is decreased to a predetermined value. The control box is also designed to lighten the confirmation lamp 8, when the throttle is actuated upon throttle adjustment of the pump driving engine 5. The control box is further designed to lighten the warning lamp 9 for overheating, when the pump driving engine 5 is about to overheating. The housing 3 is also provided with a water strainer 12.
The strainer 12 covers the water inlet port 3a provided at the bottom surface of the housing 3, so as to prevent any foreign substance from entering the jet pump 4.
The float device 2 includes a frame 13 adapted to be engaged with the engagement ridges 3d of the housing 3 for supporting the engine/pump unit 1. A
fuel tank 14 of the pump driving engine 5 is also supported by the frame 13. A pair of floats 15 and 15 are attached to the opposite left-hand and right-hand sides of the frame 13, respectively. The floats 15 and 15 are of a bag-like configuration and adapted to be inflated and deflated. When the floating pump is not under use, the floats 15 and 15 are deflated or collapsed into a compact fashion. When the floating pump is to 21 8~4fJ26 be used, a quantity of buoyancy gas is injected into the floats 15 and 15 through an injection port (not shown) at a suitable position of each of the floats. so as to be floatable.
Operation of the floating pump A according to the first embodiment of the invention will be explained below.
The engine/pump unit 1 and the float device 2 are brought to a place near the water source concerned.
Then, the engine/pump unit 1 and the float device 2 are assembled together, on the ground, so that the engine/pump unit 1 is supported by the float device 2.
A quantity of buoyancy gas is injected into the floats 15 and 15, so as to cause them to be inflated. By this, assembling of the floating pump A has been completed.
Then, a water supply hose (not shown) is connected to the water discharge port 3b of the housing 3. Then, the floating pump A is thrown into the water source, such as a sea, a pond or a river and so on. The floating pump A, having been thrown into the water source, becomes to be floated on the water surface W, since the engine/pump unit 1 is floatably supported by the flats 15 and 15 of the float device 2 through the frame 14 of the float device 2.
A start signal is sent from the remote controller on the ground to the floating pump A floating on the water surface W of the water source. The start signal is received by the control box 10 through the antenna 6 for the remote controller. On receiving the - ~ 1 84026 start signal, the control box 10 initiates running of the pump driving engine 5. By this, the jet pump 4 is driven so as to cause water in the water source to be drawn through the water intake port 3 in to the casing 4e of the jet pump 4. The water drawn into the casing 4e is pressurized in the jet pump 4 and discharged from the water discharge port 3b through the water supply hose, for direct fire-flow or for intermediate storage into a fire engine or a water tank for fire-fighting.
The floating pump A is designed to draw therein a quantity of water in the water source, such as a sea, a pond, a river or the like, and to discharge the water therefrom by means of the jet pump 4 of the engine/pump unit 1 which is floatably supported by the float device 2 on the water surface of the water source. Thus, a forcing effect of the jet pump 4 may be advantageously utilized, so that a large quantity of water may be transferred from the water source to a place on the ground, under a severely adverse condition of water supply wherein there is an increased amount of head (level difference) in the order of 7 meters or more between the water surface W of a water source and the ground level.
The floating pump A is also designed so that the engine/pump unit 1 is floatably supported by the float device 2 having the pair of floats 15 and 15 attached respectively to the opposite left-hand and right-hand sides of the frame 13 of the float device 2. Thus, increased stability of the engine/pump unit 1 may be 2 1 8~26 obtained, so that there is no risk of turn-over for the floating pump A. Thus, stable water supply may be expected.
The floating pump A is also designed so that the engine/pump unit 1 and the float device 2 may be separated from one another. Further, the floats 15 and 15 of the float device 2 may be inflated and deflated.
Thus, the floating pump A according to the invention is conveniently transportable. The floating pump according to the invention is also accommodated in a compact fashion, so that it requires no substantially large space.
It is also noted that the floating pump A
according to the invention is designed so that the pump driving engine 5 for the engine/pump unit 1 may be remotely controlled. Thus, the pump driving engine 5 for the engine/pump unit 1 may be actuated from a position on land or remote from the floating pump.
Operational condition of the pump driving engine 5 for the engine/pump unit 1 may be remotely confirmed or monitored by means of the warning lamp 7 for remaining quantity of fuel, the confirmation lamp 8 for throttle operation, and the warning lamp 9 for overheating, thus enabling quick response to emergency, if any.
Figs. 6 through 8 illustrate a floating pump A' according to a second embodiment of the invention.
The members or parts of the floating pump A' substantially the same as those in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 through 5 are designated by the same ~ 1 84026 reference numerals and the matters common to both embodiments will not be repetitively explained.
In the floating pump A', a housing 3' is sized so as to only contain therein the pump driving engine 5, but not the jet pump 4. A lower frame 16 is secured to the outer surface of the housing 3 at its lower position by appropriate means. Thus, the pump driving engine 5 is contained within the housing 3' and secured thereto at its bottom surface by appropriate means. The jet pump 5 is disposed exteriorly of the housing 3' at its lower position and fixed to the lower frame 16 by appropriate means. The floats 15 and 15 are bound to the lower frame 16 at its opposite sides by means of a binding member such as a fabric band or fabric cord. A
water strainer 12' is attached to the water intake pipe 4a in order to prevent the jet pump 4 from drawing any foreign substance thereinto. As in the case of the floating pump A according to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 through 5, the housing 3' is provided with a cover 3d' on which the antenna 6 for a remote controller, and warning lamps 7, 8 and 9 are mounted.
The housing 3' contains therein the control box 10 providing control and indication regarding the pump driving engine 5, and the battery 11 serving as a power source for the control box 10. The control box 10 is designed to control start/stop operation of the pump driving engine 5 and adjustment of the throttle, in accordance with the signals received from a remote controller (not shown) via the antenna 6 for remote 2 ~ 8~
control. The control box 10 is also designed to lighten the warning light 7, when the remaining quantity of fuel for the pump driving engine 5 is decreased to a predetermined value. The control box is also designed to lighten the confirmation lamp 8, when the throttle is actuated upon throttle adjustment of the pump driving pump 5. The control box is further designed to lighten the warning lamp 9, when the pump driving engine 5 is about to overheat.
The floating pump A' is thrown into a water source, such as a sea, a pond or a river, with the water discharge pipe 4b of the jet engine 4 of the engine/pump unit 1 being connected with a water supply hose (not shown). Owing to the construction and location of the floats 15 and 15, the jet pump 4 of the engine/pump unit 1 is submerged in water, while the pump driving engine 5 housed within the housing 3' floats on the water surface W of the water source. By actuating a remote controller on land, the jet pump 4 is driven by the pump driving engine 5 of the engine/pump unit 1. Thus, water in the water source is drawn into the jet pump 4.
The water drawn into the jet pump 4 is discharged, by means he forcing effect of the jet pump 4,through the water supply hose, for direct fire-flow or for intermediate storage into a fire engine or a water tank for fire-fighting.
In the floating pump A' according to the second embodiment of the invention, the housing 3' is reduced in its size so as only to contain therein the pump driving - 2 1 8~026 engine 5, but not the jet pump 4 of the engine/pump unit 1. Thus, the weight of the housing 3' is reduced.
Accordingly, the floats 15 and 15 are also reduced in size and weight. Thus, several practically advantageous features may be provided, including convenience in handling and transportation, and compactness during accommodation.
In each of the above embodiments, the floating pump is designed so that it is transported to a place near the water source. It is noted, however, that the floating pump may be mounted on suitable self-propelled means, so as to be moved by itself to a place near the water source.
Although a jet pump 4 is employed in each of the above embodiments, another type of pump other than the jet pump may be used in the invention.
An extension hose may be connected to the fuel tank, for the purpose of fuel supply. In such a case, the floating pump may be continuously operated for an extended time of period.
As explained in the above, a quantity of water is transferred from a water source, such as a sea, a pond or a river, to another place by means of a pump floating on the water surface of the water source, in accordance with the invention. Thus, a forcing effect of the jet pump may be advantageously utilized, so that a large quantity of water may be transferred from the water source to a place on the ground, under a severely adverse condition of water supply wherein there is an increased ~ ~ 84~026 amount of head (level difference) in the order of 7 meters or more between the water surface of a water source and the ground level. Since two floats are provided at opposite, left-hand and right-hand sides of the pump, respectively, so that an increased stability is obtained, whereby any risk of over-turn of the pump is prevented.
This assures a stable water supply operation. This invention also conveniently provides compactness and transportability of the pump. The pump according to the invention may be remotely and securely controlled by means of a remote controller at a position on land or remote from the pump. Thus, the present invention provides superior advantages over prior art pumps of the type mentioned above.
It will further be obvious to those skilled in the art that many variations may be made in the above embodiments, here chosen for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, and full result may be had to the doctrine of equivalents without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
The invention relates to a floating pump for use in pumping water in a water source,~such as a sea, a pond or a river, up to a location on land.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In fire-fighting operation, a fire-flow is usually supplied from a fire-plug or a water source, such as a sea, a pond, a river or the like.
When a fire-flow is supplied from a water source, such as a sea, a pond, a river or the like, it is most common way for providing a fire-flow by pumping water in a water source up to a predetermined location by means of a storage pump installed on land.
Operation of providing a fire-flow, in which water in a water source, such as a sea, a pond, a river or the like is pumped up to a predetermined location by means of a storage pump installed on land, is greatly influenced by a particular head or vertical distance between a ground surface on which the storage pump is installed and a water surface of a water source.
Usually, pump capacity is not so greatly influenced by a suction distance in the horizontal direction. It is noted, however, that pump capacity is greatly influenced by a suction distance in the vertical direction, i. e., a direction normal to the ground.
Generally, a suction head (suction distance in the vertical direction) of a pump is limited to less than 7 2 1 8~
meters. Usually, a pump is not capable of drawing water when a suction head exceeds 7 meters. Thus, it is possible to provide a fire-flow by pumping water from a water source up to a location on land by means of a storage pump, when a suction head is below 7 meters.
It is, however, not possible for a storage pump to pump water from a water source up to a location on land for the purpose of providing a fire-flow, when a suction head exceeds 7 meters. In the case of disasters in which providing water from a water source, such as a sea, a pond, a river or the like, is required, an adverse condition is expected in which a suction head between the ground surface and a water surface is further increased.
Accordingly, it is most important to provide water from a water source under severely adverse condition, in which an increased suction head is required, by pumping water from a water source, such as a sea, a pond, a river or the like, up to a location on land.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above subject, the present invention is aimed at a provision of a floating pump which is able to pump water from a water source under severely adverse condition requiring an increased suction head up to a location on land.
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a floating pump comprising ~1 840 2 ~
an engine/pump unit including a pump driving engine and a pump driven by the pump driving engine, and a float device for floatably supporting the engine/pump unit on a water surface.
In the above floating pump, the pump and the pump driving engine of the engine/pump unit are contained within a housing, the housing including a water intake port provided at the bottom surface thereof and a water discharge port provided at one side surface thereof, the water intake port being connected with a water intake pipe of the pump of the enginejpump unit, the water discharge port being connected with a water discharge pipe of the pump of the engine/pump unit.
In the above floating pump, the float device includes a frame for supporting the engine/pump unit, and floats attached respectively to opposite left-hand and right-hand sides of the frame, the floats being adapted to be inflated and deflated and floatable on a water surface when inflated.
The invention also provides a floating pump comprising an engine/pump unit including a pump driving engine and a pump driven by the pump driving engine, and a float device for floatably supporting the engine/pump unit on a water surface. The pump driving engine of the engine/pump unit is contained within a housing, while the pump of the engine/pump unit is attached to a lower frame integrally connected to the outside surface of the housing at a lower position thereof. A pair of inflatable and deflatable floats are secured to opposite left-hand and right-hand sides of the lower frame.
In the above floating pump, an antenna is provided at the engine/pump unit for, cooperation with a remote controller. A control box is also provided for controlling the pump driving engine of the engine/pump unit in accordance with a signal from the antenna.
In the above floating pump indication means are provided for providing information regarding the pump driving engine of the engine/pump unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a front elevational view showing a floating pump according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the floating pump of the invention;
Fig. 3 is a side elevational view showing the floating pump of the invention;
Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of a main part of an engine/pump unit of the floating pump of the invention;
Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the inside of the engine/pump unit of the floating pump of the invention;
Fig. 6'is a front view, in vertical section, of a main part of a floating pump according to another ~ 1 84(Ji6 embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 7 is a side elevational view, in vertical section, of a main part of an engine/pump unit of the floating pump of Fig. 6; and Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the inside of the engine/pump unit of the floating pump of Fig. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A first embodiment of the invention will be explained in detail below with reference to Figs. 1 through 5. Fig. 1 is a front view of a floating pump A
according to the first embodiment of the invention, Fig.
2 is a plan view showing the floating pump shown in Fig.
1, Fig. 3 is a side elevational view showing the floating pump shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of a main part of an engine/pump unit 1 of the floating pump A shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the inside of the engine/pump unit 1 shown in Fig. 4.
The floating pump A according to the first embodiment of the invention, includes, as shown in Figs.
1 through 3, the engine/pump unit 1 and a float device 2 for supporting the engine/pump unit on the water surface in floating manner.
The engine/pump unit 1 includes, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, a housing 3 and a jet pump 4 disposed at the bottom of the housing 3. The jet pump includes therein an impeller. A water intake pipe 4a of the jet pump 4 is connected to a water intake port 3a provided in the bottom surface of the housing 3. A water discharge pipe 4b of the jet pump 4 is connected to a ~ 1 ~4(J26 water discharge port 3b provided in the rear side surface of the housing 3. A pump shaft 4c of the jet pump 4 is connected with an output shaft (not shown) of a pump driving engine 5 disposed above the jet pump 4. The impeller 4d attached to the pump shaft 4c of the jet pump 4 is rotatably driven within a casing 4e by the pump driving engine 5 through the pump shaft 4c. By this, water is drawn from the water intake port 3a of the housing into the casing 4e through the water intake pipe 4a of the jet pump 4. Then, the water is pressurized within the casing 4e by means of the impeller 4d and discharged from the casing 4e via the water discharge pipe 4b through the water discharge port 3b.
The housing 3 is formed from a material having a predetermined durability, such as FRP or the like, into a box-like configuration having a closed bottom. The housing 3 is provided with an engagement ridge 3c in each of its outer side surfaces at the vertically central position thereof. Each engagement ridge 3c is intended to be engaged with the float device 2. A cover 3d is attached to the upper end of the housing 3 for openably closing an upper opening of the housing 3.
The cover 3d is provided with an antenna 6 for remote control of the unit, a warning lamp 7 for remaining quantity of fuel, a confirmation lamp 8 for throttle operation, and a warning lamp 9 for overheating. The housing 3 contained therein a control box 10 for providing control and indication regarding the operation of the pump driving engine 5, and a battery 2~84~.6 11 as a power source for the control box 10. The control box 10 is designed to control start/stop operation of the pump driving engine 5 and adjustment of the throttle, in accordance with the signals received from a remote controller (not shown) via the antenna 6 for remote control. The control box 10 is also designed to lighten the warning light 7, when the remaining quantity of fuel for the pump driving engine 5 is decreased to a predetermined value. The control box is also designed to lighten the confirmation lamp 8, when the throttle is actuated upon throttle adjustment of the pump driving engine 5. The control box is further designed to lighten the warning lamp 9 for overheating, when the pump driving engine 5 is about to overheating. The housing 3 is also provided with a water strainer 12.
The strainer 12 covers the water inlet port 3a provided at the bottom surface of the housing 3, so as to prevent any foreign substance from entering the jet pump 4.
The float device 2 includes a frame 13 adapted to be engaged with the engagement ridges 3d of the housing 3 for supporting the engine/pump unit 1. A
fuel tank 14 of the pump driving engine 5 is also supported by the frame 13. A pair of floats 15 and 15 are attached to the opposite left-hand and right-hand sides of the frame 13, respectively. The floats 15 and 15 are of a bag-like configuration and adapted to be inflated and deflated. When the floating pump is not under use, the floats 15 and 15 are deflated or collapsed into a compact fashion. When the floating pump is to 21 8~4fJ26 be used, a quantity of buoyancy gas is injected into the floats 15 and 15 through an injection port (not shown) at a suitable position of each of the floats. so as to be floatable.
Operation of the floating pump A according to the first embodiment of the invention will be explained below.
The engine/pump unit 1 and the float device 2 are brought to a place near the water source concerned.
Then, the engine/pump unit 1 and the float device 2 are assembled together, on the ground, so that the engine/pump unit 1 is supported by the float device 2.
A quantity of buoyancy gas is injected into the floats 15 and 15, so as to cause them to be inflated. By this, assembling of the floating pump A has been completed.
Then, a water supply hose (not shown) is connected to the water discharge port 3b of the housing 3. Then, the floating pump A is thrown into the water source, such as a sea, a pond or a river and so on. The floating pump A, having been thrown into the water source, becomes to be floated on the water surface W, since the engine/pump unit 1 is floatably supported by the flats 15 and 15 of the float device 2 through the frame 14 of the float device 2.
A start signal is sent from the remote controller on the ground to the floating pump A floating on the water surface W of the water source. The start signal is received by the control box 10 through the antenna 6 for the remote controller. On receiving the - ~ 1 84026 start signal, the control box 10 initiates running of the pump driving engine 5. By this, the jet pump 4 is driven so as to cause water in the water source to be drawn through the water intake port 3 in to the casing 4e of the jet pump 4. The water drawn into the casing 4e is pressurized in the jet pump 4 and discharged from the water discharge port 3b through the water supply hose, for direct fire-flow or for intermediate storage into a fire engine or a water tank for fire-fighting.
The floating pump A is designed to draw therein a quantity of water in the water source, such as a sea, a pond, a river or the like, and to discharge the water therefrom by means of the jet pump 4 of the engine/pump unit 1 which is floatably supported by the float device 2 on the water surface of the water source. Thus, a forcing effect of the jet pump 4 may be advantageously utilized, so that a large quantity of water may be transferred from the water source to a place on the ground, under a severely adverse condition of water supply wherein there is an increased amount of head (level difference) in the order of 7 meters or more between the water surface W of a water source and the ground level.
The floating pump A is also designed so that the engine/pump unit 1 is floatably supported by the float device 2 having the pair of floats 15 and 15 attached respectively to the opposite left-hand and right-hand sides of the frame 13 of the float device 2. Thus, increased stability of the engine/pump unit 1 may be 2 1 8~26 obtained, so that there is no risk of turn-over for the floating pump A. Thus, stable water supply may be expected.
The floating pump A is also designed so that the engine/pump unit 1 and the float device 2 may be separated from one another. Further, the floats 15 and 15 of the float device 2 may be inflated and deflated.
Thus, the floating pump A according to the invention is conveniently transportable. The floating pump according to the invention is also accommodated in a compact fashion, so that it requires no substantially large space.
It is also noted that the floating pump A
according to the invention is designed so that the pump driving engine 5 for the engine/pump unit 1 may be remotely controlled. Thus, the pump driving engine 5 for the engine/pump unit 1 may be actuated from a position on land or remote from the floating pump.
Operational condition of the pump driving engine 5 for the engine/pump unit 1 may be remotely confirmed or monitored by means of the warning lamp 7 for remaining quantity of fuel, the confirmation lamp 8 for throttle operation, and the warning lamp 9 for overheating, thus enabling quick response to emergency, if any.
Figs. 6 through 8 illustrate a floating pump A' according to a second embodiment of the invention.
The members or parts of the floating pump A' substantially the same as those in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 through 5 are designated by the same ~ 1 84026 reference numerals and the matters common to both embodiments will not be repetitively explained.
In the floating pump A', a housing 3' is sized so as to only contain therein the pump driving engine 5, but not the jet pump 4. A lower frame 16 is secured to the outer surface of the housing 3 at its lower position by appropriate means. Thus, the pump driving engine 5 is contained within the housing 3' and secured thereto at its bottom surface by appropriate means. The jet pump 5 is disposed exteriorly of the housing 3' at its lower position and fixed to the lower frame 16 by appropriate means. The floats 15 and 15 are bound to the lower frame 16 at its opposite sides by means of a binding member such as a fabric band or fabric cord. A
water strainer 12' is attached to the water intake pipe 4a in order to prevent the jet pump 4 from drawing any foreign substance thereinto. As in the case of the floating pump A according to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 through 5, the housing 3' is provided with a cover 3d' on which the antenna 6 for a remote controller, and warning lamps 7, 8 and 9 are mounted.
The housing 3' contains therein the control box 10 providing control and indication regarding the pump driving engine 5, and the battery 11 serving as a power source for the control box 10. The control box 10 is designed to control start/stop operation of the pump driving engine 5 and adjustment of the throttle, in accordance with the signals received from a remote controller (not shown) via the antenna 6 for remote 2 ~ 8~
control. The control box 10 is also designed to lighten the warning light 7, when the remaining quantity of fuel for the pump driving engine 5 is decreased to a predetermined value. The control box is also designed to lighten the confirmation lamp 8, when the throttle is actuated upon throttle adjustment of the pump driving pump 5. The control box is further designed to lighten the warning lamp 9, when the pump driving engine 5 is about to overheat.
The floating pump A' is thrown into a water source, such as a sea, a pond or a river, with the water discharge pipe 4b of the jet engine 4 of the engine/pump unit 1 being connected with a water supply hose (not shown). Owing to the construction and location of the floats 15 and 15, the jet pump 4 of the engine/pump unit 1 is submerged in water, while the pump driving engine 5 housed within the housing 3' floats on the water surface W of the water source. By actuating a remote controller on land, the jet pump 4 is driven by the pump driving engine 5 of the engine/pump unit 1. Thus, water in the water source is drawn into the jet pump 4.
The water drawn into the jet pump 4 is discharged, by means he forcing effect of the jet pump 4,through the water supply hose, for direct fire-flow or for intermediate storage into a fire engine or a water tank for fire-fighting.
In the floating pump A' according to the second embodiment of the invention, the housing 3' is reduced in its size so as only to contain therein the pump driving - 2 1 8~026 engine 5, but not the jet pump 4 of the engine/pump unit 1. Thus, the weight of the housing 3' is reduced.
Accordingly, the floats 15 and 15 are also reduced in size and weight. Thus, several practically advantageous features may be provided, including convenience in handling and transportation, and compactness during accommodation.
In each of the above embodiments, the floating pump is designed so that it is transported to a place near the water source. It is noted, however, that the floating pump may be mounted on suitable self-propelled means, so as to be moved by itself to a place near the water source.
Although a jet pump 4 is employed in each of the above embodiments, another type of pump other than the jet pump may be used in the invention.
An extension hose may be connected to the fuel tank, for the purpose of fuel supply. In such a case, the floating pump may be continuously operated for an extended time of period.
As explained in the above, a quantity of water is transferred from a water source, such as a sea, a pond or a river, to another place by means of a pump floating on the water surface of the water source, in accordance with the invention. Thus, a forcing effect of the jet pump may be advantageously utilized, so that a large quantity of water may be transferred from the water source to a place on the ground, under a severely adverse condition of water supply wherein there is an increased ~ ~ 84~026 amount of head (level difference) in the order of 7 meters or more between the water surface of a water source and the ground level. Since two floats are provided at opposite, left-hand and right-hand sides of the pump, respectively, so that an increased stability is obtained, whereby any risk of over-turn of the pump is prevented.
This assures a stable water supply operation. This invention also conveniently provides compactness and transportability of the pump. The pump according to the invention may be remotely and securely controlled by means of a remote controller at a position on land or remote from the pump. Thus, the present invention provides superior advantages over prior art pumps of the type mentioned above.
It will further be obvious to those skilled in the art that many variations may be made in the above embodiments, here chosen for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, and full result may be had to the doctrine of equivalents without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (6)
1. A floating pump comprising:
an engine/pump unit including a pump driving engine and a pump driven by said pump driving engine;
and a float device for floatably supporting said engine/pump unit on a water surface.
an engine/pump unit including a pump driving engine and a pump driven by said pump driving engine;
and a float device for floatably supporting said engine/pump unit on a water surface.
2. A floating pump according to Claim 1, wherein said pump and said pump driving engine of said engine/pump unit are contained within a housing, said housing including a water intake port provided at the bottom surface thereof and a water discharge port provided at one side surface thereof, said water intake port being connected with a water intake pipe of said pump of said engine/pump unit, said water discharge port being connected with a water discharge pipe of said pump of said engine/pump unit.
3. A floating pump according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said float device includes a frame for supporting said engine/pump unit, and floats attached respectively to opposite left-hand and right-hand sides of said frame, said floats being adapted to be inflated and deflated and floatable on a water surface when inflated.
4. A floating pump according to Claim 1, wherein said pump driving engine of said engine/pump unit is contained in a housing, while said pump of said engine/pump unit is attached to a lower frame integrally connected to the outside surface of said housing at a lower position thereof, and wherein a pair of inflatable and deflatable floats are secured to opposite left-hand and right-hand sides of said lower frame.
5. A floating pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, further comprising an antenna provided at said engine/pump unit for cooperation with a remote controller, and a control box for controlling said pump driving engine of said engine/pump unit in accordance with a signal from said antenna.
6. A floating pump according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, further comprising indication means for providing information regarding said pump driving engine of said engine/pump unit.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7-217582 | 1995-08-25 | ||
| JP21758295 | 1995-08-25 | ||
| JP13403796 | 1996-05-29 | ||
| JP8-134037 | 1996-05-29 | ||
| JP8-204997 | 1996-08-02 | ||
| JP20499796A JPH1047238A (en) | 1995-08-25 | 1996-08-02 | Float pump |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2184026A1 true CA2184026A1 (en) | 1997-02-26 |
Family
ID=27316800
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2184026 Abandoned CA2184026A1 (en) | 1995-08-25 | 1996-08-23 | Floating pump |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH1047238A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2184026A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109972694A (en) * | 2019-05-05 | 2019-07-05 | 锡林郭勒盟山金阿尔哈达矿业有限公司 | Floating type return water pumping plant |
| CN114992118A (en) * | 2022-07-20 | 2022-09-02 | 安徽省农业科学院农业工程研究所 | A energy-conserving water pump for agricultural intelligence water-saving irrigation is planted |
| WO2022193364A1 (en) * | 2021-03-15 | 2022-09-22 | 台州市勒言自动化科技有限公司 | Sinking and floating type water pump |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102606468B (en) * | 2012-03-29 | 2014-04-30 | 南京蓝深制泵集团股份有限公司 | Floating cabin type submersible electric pump for water and installation method for same |
| KR101468071B1 (en) * | 2014-08-29 | 2014-12-02 | (주)그린텍 | Floating pump |
| CN111603712A (en) * | 2020-06-29 | 2020-09-01 | 温州市创捷清洁日用品有限公司 | Pool-free fire-fighting water supply equipment |
-
1996
- 1996-08-02 JP JP20499796A patent/JPH1047238A/en active Pending
- 1996-08-23 CA CA 2184026 patent/CA2184026A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109972694A (en) * | 2019-05-05 | 2019-07-05 | 锡林郭勒盟山金阿尔哈达矿业有限公司 | Floating type return water pumping plant |
| WO2022193364A1 (en) * | 2021-03-15 | 2022-09-22 | 台州市勒言自动化科技有限公司 | Sinking and floating type water pump |
| CN114992118A (en) * | 2022-07-20 | 2022-09-02 | 安徽省农业科学院农业工程研究所 | A energy-conserving water pump for agricultural intelligence water-saving irrigation is planted |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH1047238A (en) | 1998-02-17 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20000823 |