CN114364878A

CN114364878A - Device for sucking liquid from ground

Info

Publication number: CN114364878A
Application number: CN202080049261.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: G·德莱斯; E·吉列明
Original assignee: Amsr & D Co ltd
Current assignee: Amsr & D Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-14
Filing date: 2020-05-13
Publication date: 2022-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 2040-05-13
Also published as: CN114364878B; EP3969757B1; EP3969757A1; WO2020229569A1; US20220307495A1; FR3096093A1; FR3096093B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for sucking liquid from a ground (S), the device (1) comprising an outer wall (10), the outer wall (10) defining a first enclosure (E1) open at least via a cut (11) for the liquid to enter the interior of the first enclosure (E1), the device (1) having a conduit (3) fluidly connected to a liquid suction pump (4) of said first enclosure (E1). The device has an inner wall (20) defining a second enclosure (E2), the second enclosure (E2) being open at least via a cut (21) formed through the inner wall (20) for passage of liquid from the first enclosure (E1) to the second enclosure (E2), the conduit leading into the second enclosure (E2).

Description

Device for sucking liquid from ground

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of devices for sucking liquids present on the ground.

Background

There are means adapted to be in fluid flow connection with the pump so as to be able to suck the liquid present on the ground while filtering it.

The purpose of this filtering is to limit any risk of the pump being clogged by objects/particles located in the surroundings of the device for pumping liquid.

This device is used as a pump screen. A disadvantage of these devices is that they are easily clogged by objects/particles located on the ground around the device.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device adapted to be in fluid flow connection with a pump for pumping liquid on the ground, which device limits the risk of clogging of the pump.

To this end, the invention provides a device for suctioning liquid on the ground, the device having an outer wall defining a first housing, the first housing being open at least via an opening formed through the outer wall to allow passage of liquid from the exterior of the first housing to the interior of the first housing.

The device also has a line, which is shown with a first end arranged in fluid flow connection with the liquid suction pump and a second end in fluid flow connection with said first housing, in order to be able to suck liquid present in the first housing into said line.

The device of the invention is primarily characterized in that it comprises an inner wall defining a second housing which is open at least via an opening formed through the inner wall to allow passage of liquid from the first housing into the second housing, and in that said second end of said conduit opens into the interior of the second housing at a distance from the first housing.

In this way, liquid drawn into the conduit from outside the first housing passes continuously through the first housing and the second housing.

Thus, the liquid is subjected to a first filtration through the openings formed through the outer wall and a second filtration through the openings formed through the inner wall.

Double filtration is thus performed and there is a buffer zone between the inner and outer walls, which greatly limits any risk of substances present outside the suction device clogging the suction pump.

Preferably, the second housing is located inside the first housing. This enables double filtering to be performed by a particularly compact device presenting a buffer storage between the inner and outer walls.

Drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention emerge clearly from the following description, made with the aid of non-limiting indications and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an assembly comprising a device for pumping liquid on the ground and a liquid suction pump laterally connected to a first end of a pipe of the device of the invention, in this embodiment the assembly forms a basement drainer having the device and the pump placed side by side on the ground from which it is desired to pump liquid;

fig. 2 is a perspective view of the pump of fig. 1 used as a transfer pump, in this embodiment, the suction inlet of the pump is connected to an external line for receiving liquid to the pump, and the discharge outlet of the pump is connected to an external liquid discharge line;

fig. 3 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of a portion of the device for suctioning liquid on the ground of fig. 1 (shown without its bottom part), and a portion of fig. 3 is an enlarged view showing a slot-shaped opening made through the inner and outer walls of the device;

fig. 4a is a cross-sectional view through a part of the device for pumping liquid of fig. 1 (shown without its bottom part), the part of fig. 4a being an enlarged view showing a slot-shaped opening made through the inner and outer walls of the device (the liquid level Nx outside the first enclosure El is above the suction limit plane P1a for pumping through the inner wall 20, at this stage, no liquid has been pumped towards the pump, since the pump can only suck in gas above the liquid level Nx);

fig. 4b is the same view as fig. 4a, but in this figure the liquid level Nx outside the first enclosure E1 is above the suction limit plane P1a for suction through the inner wall 20, at which stage the liquid level Ny inside the second enclosure E2 starts to rise under the action of the air sucked by the dry self-priming pump, but the liquid has not yet reached the pump;

fig. 4c is the same view as fig. 4a and 4b, but in this figure the liquid level Nx outside the first enclosure E1 is located slightly above the suction limit plane P1a for suction through the inner wall 20, at which stage the liquid level inside the second enclosure E2 has risen under the action of the gas sucked by the pump, and the liquid completely fills the second enclosure E2 and reaches the pump;

fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device for suctioning liquid on the ground of fig. 1 (shown with its bottom piece).

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device of fig. 1 for sucking liquids on the ground (shown with its bottom part), a portion of fig. 6 being an enlarged view showing slotted openings 11, 12 made through the inner and outer walls of the device (it can be seen that the cross-section of each of these openings becomes larger in the direction of fluid flow through these openings to limit the risk of internal blockage of any of these openings);

fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in fig. 2, wherein it can be seen that the pump comprises an electric motor driving a movable member 45 to reciprocate between a first wall 44a and a second wall 44b of the chamber 44 to cause the pump to pump liquid; a part of this fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the movable part 45, where the first upstream and downstream

circular lips

120a, 121a on a first side of the part 45 and the second upstream and downstream

circular lips

120b, 121b on the other side of the part 45 can be seen;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an assembly comprising the device of the present invention for suctioning liquid on the ground and a liquid suction pump, the assembly being in its liquid transfer configuration with the device of the present invention assembled to the attachment fitting of the pump remote from the suction inlet of the pump, the device of the present invention forming a stand supporting the pump, and the pump being used to transfer fluid without fluid and/or liquid passing through the device of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an assembly including the apparatus of the present invention for pumping liquid on the ground and a liquid suction pump, the assembly in its basement drain configuration wherein the apparatus of the present invention is in fluid flow connection with the suction inlet of the pump, the apparatus of the present invention forming a stand supporting the pump, and the pump for pumping liquid on the ground through the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along plane X-X of the assembly of FIG. 9 (the assembly being shown in an embodiment thereof in which the device forms a stand for supporting a pump), the assembly being shown in its basement drain configuration;

fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the movable member 45 in the chamber 44, the

first lips

120a, 121a being shown attached to a first side of the movable member 45 to carry against the first wall 44a of the chamber 44, and the

second lips

120b, 121b being shown attached to a second side of the movable member 45 to carry against the second wall 44b of the chamber 44; and

fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the second wall 44b of the chamber 44 of the pump, and in this embodiment the

second lips

120b, 121b are not attached to the movable part 45 as in fig. 11, but are instead exclusively attached to the second wall 44b of the chamber 44 (this embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 7, wherein the second wall 44b carries the

second lips

120b, 121b and wherein the first wall 44a carries the

first lips

120a, 121 a).

Detailed Description

In general and with reference to figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10, the present invention relates to a device 1 for sucking liquid from a ground S.

The device 1 has an outer wall 10 defining a first enclosure E1, the first enclosure E1 being open at least via an opening 11 formed through the outer wall 10 to allow liquid to flow from outside the first enclosure E1 to inside the first enclosure E1.

The outer wall 10 is bell-shaped with cylindrical sides and the openings 11 formed through the outer wall are substantially in the form of slots. Each opening 11 extends in a plane perpendicular to the plane through which the device 1 is carried against the ground S.

In this example, the openings 11 are arranged in a first group of openings G1 and a second group of openings G2, and a portion G3 of the outer wall 10 extends between the first group of openings G1 and the second group of openings G2 to separate them.

Each opening 11 of the first group G1 has an elongated shape and extends in a direction common to all these openings 11 of the first group G1.

In particular, these openings 11 of the first group G1 are in the form of mutually parallel slots.

The length of each opening 11 in the second group G2 extends in an arc with a first terminal located on a side edge of the outer wall 10 and a second terminal located on the top surface of the outer wall 10.

All the openings of the first group G1 are open towards the ground in order to suck in liquid as close as possible to the ground, while the openings 11 of the second group G2 are spaced from the ground in order to be able to suck in liquid present above the device.

These openings 11 are distributed over a major part of the circumference of the outer wall 10 (in particular, these openings 11 are distributed over at least 60% of the circumference of the outer wall 10) and they are preferably equally spaced from each other, so as to be able to provide a uniform suction of the liquid towards the inside of the first casing E1. This serves to minimize any risk of blockage of the opening 11.

The device 1 also has a line 3, shown with a first end 3a arranged in fluid flow connection with a liquid suction pump 4, and a second end 3b of the line 3 in fluid flow connection with said first casing E1, so as to be able to suck liquid present in this first casing E1 into said line 3.

The device 1 further comprises an inner wall 20 defining a second enclosure E2, preferably located inside said first enclosure E1, E2. This second enclosure E2 is open at least via an opening 21 formed through the inner wall 20 to allow liquid to flow from the first enclosure E1 into the second enclosure E2 and into said second end 3b of the duct, which opens into the interior of the second enclosure E2 at a distance from the first enclosure E1.

As mentioned above, this aspect of the device of the invention serves to achieve double filtration, thereby reducing the risk of the pump becoming clogged by objects present around the device 1.

Preferably, the total liquid flow cross-section through the openings in the outer wall 10 is at least 30% greater than the total liquid flow cross-section through the openings in the inner wall 20.

This serves to limit any risk of blockage of the outer wall, as the suction force between the inner and outer faces of the outer wall 10 is limited compared to the suction force existing between the inner and outer faces of the inner wall 20.

This limits the risk of sucking in objects present around the outer wall 10.

Preferably and as can be seen in fig. 4a, the smallest dimension X1 of the opening 11 through the outer wall 10 is smaller than the smallest dimension X2 of the opening 21 through the inner wall 20. Thus, in case particles pass through the openings 11 in the outer wall 10, it is determined that these particles can pass through the openings 21 in the inner wall 20, thereby avoiding any risk of clogging of the first outer shell E1. Furthermore, the minimum dimension X2 of the opening 21 through the inner wall 20 and the maximum dimension of the opening 21 through the inner wall 20 are selected to limit the size of particles that can enter the second enclosure E2.

The opening 21 formed through the inner wall 20 is formed exclusively between a suction limit plane P1a (i.e. an upper plane) for suction through the inner wall and a bearing plane P1b (i.e. a plane lower than said upper plane when the device is placed on the floor to suck in liquid).

The opening 11 formed through the outer wall 10 is formed exclusively between a suction limit plane P2a for suction through the outer wall and a bearing plane P2b of the outer wall (the plane P2a is above the plane P2b when the device 1 is placed on the ground to suck in liquid).

At least some of the openings formed through the outer wall 10 are formed between a suction limit plane P2a for suction through the outer wall and a suction limit plane P1a for suction through the inner wall.

Since the outer wall 10 comprises openings 11, the openings 11 are above the level of the suction limit plane P1a for suction through the inner wall 20 and below the level of the suction limit plane for suction through the outer wall P2a, the outer wall acts to filter liquid above a portion of the outer wall above the level of the suction limit plane P1a for suction through the inner wall.

This serves to reduce any risk of blockage of the opening formed through the outer wall.

Furthermore, by virtue of this characteristic, when the device is placed so that the bearing plane P1b of the inner wall is below the suction limit plane P1a for suction through the inner wall 20 and the liquid level Nx outside the first enclosure is above the suction limit plane P1a, it can be determined that the openings 21 formed through the inner wall are all immersed in the liquid and that they do not open to the open air.

It is then sufficient to apply suction in the line 3 to create suction in the second enclosure E2 and thus force liquid suction while avoiding air/gas from entering into this second enclosure E2.

Limiting the amount of air absorbed into the second enclosure E2 serves to increase the ability to pump liquid (the presence of air in line 3 causes the pump to be less efficient).

As can be seen in fig. 2 to 7 and 10, said second end 3b of the duct opens into an inner portion of the second casing which is located entirely between a suction limit plane P1a, which sucks through the inner wall, and a suction limit plane P2b, which sucks through the outer wall. This feature causes the second end 3b of the conduit to rapidly create a vacuum within the second housing so as to raise the level Ny therein above the suction limit plane P1a and rapidly suck liquid present on the ground.

The second end 3b is oriented so as to define, via the second end 3b, a main liquid suction axis which does not pass through any opening 21 formed by the inner wall 20. This feature helps to make the fluid flow through the various openings 21 more uniform, limiting any risk of a low level of liquid occurring at a single opening 21, and the risk of air being sucked in through that single opening 21 (which would lead to a degradation of the pump operation).

As can be seen in fig. 1, 4a, 4b, 4c and 7, at least some of the openings 11 formed through the outer wall 10 extend between a suction limit plane P1a for suction through the inner wall and a bearing plane P1b of the inner wall.

Thus, once the liquid starts to spread over the ground S, it quickly reaches the inside of the second enclosure E2. This means that the pumping of the liquid can be started as soon as possible, in particular once the water level Ny inside the second casing E2 reaches above the suction limit plane P1a for suction through the inner wall.

More generally, the opening 11 formed through the outer wall 10 is formed entirely between a suction limit plane P2a for suction through the outer wall and a bearing plane P2b of the outer wall.

It should be noted that the bearing plane P1b of the inner wall and the bearing plane P2b of the outer wall are preferably coplanar with each other to improve the seating of the device on the ground S.

As such, the following:

-a suction limit plane P1a for suction through the inner wall;

-a bearing plane P1b of the inner wall;

-a suction limit plane P2a for suction through the outer wall; and

-a bearing plane P2b of the outer wall;

preferably planar, parallel to each other and designed to be horizontal when the device is placed on a horizontal planar floor to draw liquid therefrom.

Preferably, the suction limit plane P1a for suction through the inner wall is spaced from the bearing plane P1b of the inner wall by a height value of not more than 1 centimeter (cm), and preferably by not more than 4 millimeters (mm), more preferably by not more than 2mm, which makes it possible to limit the width of the opening 21 made through the inner wall 20. The distance between the ground (against which the inner wall 20 bears) and the suction limit plane P1a is therefore very small.

As soon as the level of the liquid on the ground S, in this example the water level, exceeds the suction limit plane P1a through the inner wall 20, i.e. as soon as the above-mentioned height value is exceeded, the device of the invention is able to suck only liquid and is then fully effective.

Thus, with the present invention, the level at which the liquid can be pumped is particularly low.

The residual level on the ground at the end of pumping the liquid can thus be reduced.

As can be seen in particular in fig. 5, 6 and 7, the device preferably comprises a bottom piece 22 bearing against the inner wall 20.

The bottom member 22 forms the bottom surface of the second casing E2.

The bottom piece 22 is preferably solid, but it may alternatively have a recess having a dimension less than or equal to the minimum dimension X2 of each opening 21 in the inner wall 20.

Bottom piece 22 serves to limit the size of particles that can penetrate into second enclosure E2, since only particles that can pass through opening 21 can penetrate into this enclosure E2.

The risk of the pump connected to the line 3 being blocked is therefore particularly limited.

Preferably, the bottom element 22 forms a floor for the device 1 to bear against the ground S.

The bottom member 22 includes a bottom plate 22a forming a bottom surface of the second casing E2 and a rib 22 b.

Each of these ribs 22b extends perpendicularly with respect to the bottom plate 22 a.

Each of these ribs 22b has a first terminal placed facing the inner wall 20 and a second terminal placed in the central area of the second casing E2, into which the second end 3b of the duct 3 opens.

In this embodiment, each rib 22b has a first function of reinforcing the bottom member 22 and a second function of guiding the fluid flowing inside the second casing E2 as the fluid flows from the inner wall 20 (where it is received) to the central region of the second casing E2 (where the pipe 3 opens).

This promotes laminar flow of the liquid towards the pipe 3, limiting the head loss caused by the device of the invention.

As can be appreciated from these fig. 5, 6 and 7, the second casing E2 is preferably open towards the bottom plane PF in which the main part of the bottom element 22 extends.

In this example, the bottom plane PF is the plane in which the bottom plate 22a of the bottom member 22 extends.

Opening the first casing E1 towards the bottom plane PF enables the opening thereof to be directed towards the ground S from which it is desired to draw liquid. At the same time as the liquid is sucked via the conduit 3, a suction is generated in the first housing El, which tends to press the device 1 against the ground S.

This limits any risk of the device 1 accidentally tipping over, since the outer wall 10 tends to press down onto the ground S.

Any risk of particles passing between the outer wall 10 and the ground S on which the device is pressed is therefore greatly limited.

The device preferably includes a post 40 extending within the second enclosure E2, the post 40 extending from the top surface of the second enclosure E2 to a central region of the bottom member 22.

The stem 40 and the bottom piece 22 are mechanically assembled against each other.

The bottom piece 22 forming the bottom surface of the second housing E2 is thus assembled to the rest of the device via the centering rod 40 contacting against the central area of the bottom piece.

This method of assembly is advantageous because it limits any risk of bending of the bottom piece 22 and therefore any risk of breaking it.

Bottom piece 22 is positioned between opposing bottom and top surfaces with the top surface facing second enclosure E2.

Preferably, the base member includes a peripheral edge having a chamfer 22c extending to the top surface of the base member.

Some of the openings 21 formed through the inner wall 20 also have a chamfer 21a, one face of the chamfer 21a being either parallel to a chamfer 22c of the circumferential periphery of the bottom piece or not parallel to the chamfer 22c, away from the chamfer 22c from the outside towards the inside of the second casing E2.

Since the chamfer 22c at the edge of the bottom piece 22 is parallel to the chamfer 21a of the opening in the inner wall 20, the flow of fluid through the opening 21 is improved.

Preferably, the chamfer 22c of the bottom part extends to the lower surface of the bottom part, so that it is as close as possible to the ground S on which the device 1 is placed.

This makes it possible to suck the liquid present on the floor S at the junction between this chamfer 22c and the lower surface of the bottom piece 22.

This may be advantageous for reducing the level at which pumping can begin.

Preferably, all of the openings 21 formed through the inner wall 20 extend longitudinally in the same plane that is common to all of the openings 21 of the inner wall 20. In other words, these openings 21 themselves are horizontal along their respective lengths when the device is placed on a level ground.

The liquid flow cross-section of a given opening 21 formed through the inner wall 20 is determined by its length and its width.

Since the openings 21 in the inner wall 20 extend longitudinally in the same plane, this means that these openings 21 extend substantially parallel to the ground S when the device is in use.

Thus, once the liquid level rises above all the openings 21, the liquid can be sucked up substantially without air.

Thus, the maximum liquid suction efficiency is reached quickly as soon as the liquid level rises above all the openings 21, in particular above the width of each of these openings 21.

This feature makes it possible to reduce the level at which the device of the invention can be used to only aspirate liquid therefrom.

As mentioned above, and as shown in fig. 1, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the invention also relates to an assembly 100 for pumping liquid on a floor S, comprising:

-a device 1 according to any of the above embodiments;

-a liquid suction pump (4) connected to said first end (3b) of the line (3).

The pump 4 is connected to a control unit UC of the pump 4, which is itself connected to a probe 50 suitable for detecting when the liquid level is reached with respect to the pump 4.

The control unit UC is arranged to cause the operation of the pump 4 in response to the detection of said liquid level by the probe 50.

The probe 50 may be secured to the pump as shown in fig. 1 and 2, or alternatively it may be secured to the device 1 of the present invention.

The fastening may be adjustable so as to adjust the detection level from which the probe detects the presence of liquid on the ground on which the device 1 is arranged.

In some embodiments, in order to maintain the integrity of the probe 50, the probe 50 may be fastened to the device to detect the arrival of a liquid level inside the device 1, in particular inside the first housing.

In summary, the liquid level detected by the probe 50 may be a liquid level Nx outside the first enclosure E1 or a liquid level inside the first enclosure E1.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the probe 50 may include at least two electrodes spaced apart from each other to enable detection of when the liquid level is reached based on the electrodes detecting at least one electrical characteristic.

The electrical characteristics must vary depending on the nature of the fluid present between the electrodes.

Such electrical properties measured by means of the electrodes may be, for example, the resistance between the electrodes, the current between the electrodes, or the voltage between the electrodes.

Thus, once the liquid comes into contact with the electrodes, the measured electrical properties change, thus enabling detection that the liquid level has been reached. The control unit UC causes the operation of the electric motor on the basis of this detection. This avoids the motor running in situations where the liquid level is too low and incompatible with self-starting of the pump, actuating the pump only when it can start pumping liquid on the ground.

Preferably, the probe 50 is arranged such that the liquid level detected by the probe 50 is above the suction limit plane P1a for suction through the inner wall, i.e. preferably the depth of liquid on the ground S lies in the range 2mm to 4 mm.

Preferably, the control unit UC and the probe 50 are arranged so that the operation of the motor is maintained by the control unit UC for a predetermined time after the liquid level has fallen below a predetermined level detected by the probe 50.

Thus, the pump continues to operate to lower the water level above the ground and avoid a water level equilibrium point that causes the pump to cycle between stop and start.

To this end, the control unit UC or the level probe 50 may comprise a timer for said predetermined duration, which is triggered when it is detected that the liquid level has dropped below said predetermined level.

At the end of the predetermined duration timing, the control unit UC allows the engine to stop. As an example, the predetermined duration may be about 30 seconds.

The length of time that the pump runs dry is therefore minimized to avoid damaging it.

It should be noted that a timer may be integrated into probe 50, and then control unit UC is programmed to stop the motor as soon as it receives a signal from the probe that the timing of a predetermined duration has ended.

The pump 4 is self-priming dry, the term "self-priming dry" meaning that the pump is capable of drawing in dry air and creating sufficient suction to draw in liquid on the floor and move the liquid into the chamber so as to discharge it via the discharge outlet 42 of the pump.

The pump 4 has a suction inlet 41 and a discharge outlet 42.

The first end 3a of the conduit 3 of the apparatus 1 is arranged to be releasably connected to said suction inlet 41 for fluid flow such that when the conduit 3 is connected to the suction inlet 41 of the pump 4 and the load-supporting surface 1 of the apparatus 1 is placed on a planar floor S from which it is desired to draw liquid, the weight of the pump 4 prevents the apparatus 1 from being removed from said planar floor S.

The pump comprises a chamber 44 in fluid connection with the suction inlet 41 and the discharge outlet 42, a movable member 45 arranged inside the chamber 44 and an electric motor 46 located outside the chamber 44.

The electric motor and the UC control unit are powered via a power line 60.

The electric motor 46 is connected to the movable part 45 by means of a coupling mechanism, so that the control unit UC actuating the electric motor 46 causes the movable part 45 to perform a reciprocating movement with respect to the chamber to move the fluid (gas or liquid) from the suction inlet 41 to the discharge outlet 42.

In this example, the movable part 45 is in the form of a disc hollow in its centre, which is connected to an electric motor so as to move in a reciprocating rectilinear motion in a direction perpendicular to the disc.

The hollow in the centre of the disc makes it possible to obtain a pumping effect on both sides of the movable part, with only one discharge outlet facing the hollow.

It is however possible to envisage the movable part 45 being a solid disc (without a hollow in its centre), and in this case the movable part 45 is able to:

or on only one of the two sides of the movable part (in which case only one discharge outlet is required);

or on both sides of the movable part (in which case a respective discharge outlet must be provided for each side of the movable part).

In this example, the movable part 45 is rigid, however it may be deformable, such that actuating the electric motor 46 causes a wave propagating along the movable part 45 to move the fluid.

In this case, the movable part is a corrugated diaphragm.

Such a diaphragm may be in the shape of a disc (a wave propagating radially with respect to the disc) or a strip (a wave propagating along the length of the strip), or in the form of an elongate flexible tube which is extendible circumferentially (in this case, a wave is a circular wave formed in the circumference of the tube and propagating along the length of the tube).

In each of these embodiments, the pump may comprise an upstream lip 120a and a downstream lip 121a designed to deform in accordance with the movement of the movable member 45, so as to create a first space 123a between these

lips

120a, 121a and the wall 44a of the chamber 44, the first space 123a expanding when the movable member 45 moves away from the first wall 44a of the chamber and compressing when the movable member 45 moves towards the first wall 44 a. When the control unit UC activates the electric motor 46, the part 45 is alternately moved away from and towards the first wall 44 a.

The upstream lip 120a is adapted to create a sealing contact against the first wall 44a when the fluid pressure in the space 123a is higher than the fluid pressure upstream of the upstream lip 120 a.

Instead, the downstream lip 121a is adapted to:

first, as long as the fluid pressure in the space 123a is lower than the fluid pressure downstream of the downstream lip 121a, a sealing contact is made against the first wall 44 a; and is

Secondly, when the fluid pressure in the space 123a is higher than the fluid pressure downstream of the downstream lip 121a, it moves away from the first wall 44 a.

Thus, the space 123a alternates between: is under suction and opens into suction inlet 41 in order to suck fluid (gas or liquid) therefrom; and is in compression and opens to a discharge outlet 42 for discharge of fluid therefrom. These lips give the pump a self-priming capability.

The case in which the upstream and downstream lips are circular lips as shown in the various embodiments of fig. 7, 10, 11 and 12 will be described in detail below.

As described above, the pump includes:

a first upstream circular lip 120a, placed closer to the suction inlet 41 than to the discharge outlet 42; and

a first downstream circular lip 121a, placed closer to the discharge outlet 42 than to the suction inlet 41.

These first upstream and

downstream lips

120a, 121a are placed between one side of said movable member 45 and the first wall 44a of the chamber 44 to define a first space 123a between these first upstream and

downstream lips

120a, 121 a.

In the present example, since the movable member forms a disc that is hollow in its center, this first space 123a defined between the

lips

120a and 121a forms an annular space extending between the first wall 44a of the chamber 44 and the first side of the movable member 45 facing this first wall 44 a.

As can be seen in particular from fig. 11, these first upstream and downstream

circular lips

120a, 121a are such that: over the first portion P1 of said reciprocating movement of said movable member 45 with respect to the chamber 44, the first downstream circular lip 121a provides a seal which prevents the fluid from flowing from said discharge outlet 42 to said first space 123a, the first upstream circular lip 120a then allowing the fluid to pass freely between said first space 123a and said suction inlet 41.

In particular, on this first portion P1 of the reciprocating movement of the movable part 45, the first upstream circular lip 120a is spaced from one of the first wall 44a or movable part 45 to create a free fluid passage, i.e. a free space between the first space 123a and the suction inlet 41.

Therefore, on this first portion P1 of said reciprocating movement, since the first space 123a is closed downstream and open upstream, by spacing the movable part 45 away from the first wall 44a, a fluid suction effect is obtained from the suction inlet 41 towards the first space 123 a.

As can be seen in particular from fig. 11, these first upstream and downstream

circular lips

120a, 121a are such that, over said second portion P2 of reciprocal movement of said movable member 45 with respect to the chamber 44, the first upstream circular lip 120a provides a seal which prevents the fluid from flowing from said first space 123a to said suction inlet 41, the first downstream circular lip 121a then being arranged:

first, when the fluid pressure inside said first space 123a is higher than the fluid pressure at the discharge outlet 42, fluid is allowed to pass between said first space 123a and said discharge outlet 42; and is

Secondly, fluid is prevented from flowing from the discharge outlet 42 to the first space 123 a.

Therefore, on this second portion P2 of the reciprocating motion, since the first space 123a is closed upstream and opened downstream only when the fluid pressure in the first space 123a is higher than the fluid pressure at the discharge outlet 42, the fluid is discharged from the first space 123a to the discharge outlet 42 by moving the movable member 45 toward the first wall 44 a.

The reciprocating movement of the movable member 45 causes the fluid to be sucked from the suction inlet 41 into the first space 123a during the first portion P1 of the movement, and then causes the fluid to be discharged from the first space 123a to the discharge outlet 42 over the second portion P2 of said reciprocating movement.

To double this suction/discharge effect of the fluid/liquid, the pump may comprise a second upstream lip 120b and a second downstream lip 121b, which are designed to deform in accordance with the movement of the movable member 45, so that a second space 123b is created between these

lips

120b, 121b and the second wall 44b of the chamber 44, the second space 123b expanding when the movable member 45 moves away from the second wall 44a of the chamber and compressing when the movable member 45 moves towards the second wall 44 a.

In particular, the member 45 is movable between a first wall 44a and a second wall 44b of the chamber 44.

Thus, when the control unit UC actuates the electric motor 46, the part 45 is alternately moved away from and towards the second wall 44 b.

The second upstream lip 120b is adapted to create a sealing contact against the second wall 44b when the fluid pressure in the second space 123b exceeds the fluid pressure upstream of the second upstream lip 120 b.

In contrast, the second downstream lip 121b is adapted to:

first, as long as the fluid pressure in the second space 123b is lower than the fluid pressure downstream of the second downstream lip 121b, a sealing contact is made against the second wall 44 a; and is

Secondly, when the fluid pressure in the space 123b is higher than the fluid pressure downstream of the downstream lip 121b, it moves away from the second wall 44 b.

Thus, the second space 123b alternates between: is under suction and opens into suction inlet 41 in order to suck fluid (gas or liquid) therefrom; and is in compression and opens to a discharge outlet 42 for discharge of fluid therefrom.

The second upstream circular lip 120b is placed closer to the suction inlet 41 than to the discharge outlet 42, and the second downstream circular lip 121b is placed closer to the discharge outlet 42 than to the suction inlet 41.

These second upstream and downstream

circular lips

120b, 121b are placed between one side of said movable member 45 and the second wall 44b of the chamber 44, so as to define a second space 123b between these second upstream and downstream

circular lips

120b, 121 b.

In the present example, this second space 123b defined between the

lips

120b and 121b forms an annular space extending between the second wall 44b and the second side of the movable member 45 facing the second wall 44b, due to the movable member 45 taking the shape of a disc hollow in its centre.

As can be seen in particular from fig. 11, these second upstream and downstream

circular lips

120b, 121b are such that, on the third portion of said reciprocating movement of said movable member 45 with respect to the chamber 44, the second downstream circular lip 121b provides a seal which prevents the fluid from flowing from said discharge outlet 42 to said second space 123b, the second upstream lip 120b then allowing the fluid to pass freely between said second space 123b and said suction inlet 41.

It should be noted that the third part of the movement of the movable part is symmetrical to the first part of the movement P1 with respect to the central position of the part 45 between the

walls

44a and 44 b.

In particular, on this third portion of the reciprocating movement of the movable part 45, the second upstream circular lip 120b is spaced from one of the second wall 44b or movable part 45 to create a free fluid passage, i.e. a free space between the second space 123b and the suction inlet 41.

Thus, on this third portion of said reciprocating movement, since the second space 123b is closed downstream and open upstream, by spacing the movable part 45 away from the second wall 44b, a fluid suction effect is obtained from the suction inlet 41 towards the second space 123 b.

As can be seen in particular from fig. 11, these second upstream and downstream

circular lips

120b, 121b are such that, over a fourth portion of said reciprocating movement of said movable member 45 with respect to the chamber 44, the second upstream circular lip 120b provides a seal which prevents the fluid from flowing from said second space 123b to said suction inlet 41, the second downstream circular lip 121b then being arranged:

first, when the fluid pressure inside said second space 123b is higher than the fluid pressure at the discharge outlet 42, fluid is allowed to pass between said second space 123b and said discharge outlet 42; and is

Secondly, fluid is prevented from flowing from the discharge outlet 42 to the second space 123 b.

Therefore, on this fourth portion of the reciprocating motion, since the second space 123b is closed upstream and opened downstream only when the fluid pressure in the second space 123b is higher than the fluid pressure at the discharge outlet 42, the fluid is discharged from the second space 123b to the discharge outlet 42 by moving the movable member 45 toward the second wall 44 b.

The reciprocating motion of the movable member 45 causes the fluid to be sucked from the suction inlet 41 into the second space 123a, and then causes the fluid to be discharged from the second space 123b to the discharge outlet 42.

Thus, with the pairs of lips placed on both sides of the component, two suctions and two discharges offset from each other occur over one cycle of the movement of the component, thus making it possible to obtain a more uniform fluid flow over time.

It should be noted that the number of lips on each side may be different.

Thus, if one of the faces of the movable member does not have any face lip, either because that face is not used for pumping (as applied to a movable member in the form of a disc without a hollow centre) or because it is a deformable movable member to establish a seal against the respective wall of the chamber.

Using only one lip on one side of the movable member serves only as a barrier to fluid backflow.

The use of two lips on one side of the movable part serves to create a space between the upstream lip and the downstream lip in order to obtain a pump that exhibits a self-priming action when dry.

By having more than two lips on the same side of the movable part, a greater pressure difference can be created between the discharge outlet and the suction inlet of the pump.

Thus, there can be three or even more lips on each side of the movable part, depending on the desired pressure difference.

It has been noted that in some cases a given lip may become pressed against a support (chamber wall or movable part) of the lip and act as a suction cup.

The performance of the pump is reduced because the given lip no longer performs its sealing function.

To avoid this and as shown in figures 7, 11 and 12, it is ensured that at least one fluid passage is created between a given lip and its bearing portion.

Each of the at least one fluid passage between a given lip and its support enables fluid to continue to flow between the lip and its support when the lip is pressed against its support. This avoids the suction cup effect.

To this end, it is possible to create shape irregularities between a given lip and its support, such as:

-a raised portion carried by a given lip and extending towards its support portion; and/or

-a projection carried by the support portion and extending towards a given lip supported thereby; and/or

A channel (hollow area) carried by a given lip and extending towards its bearing portion; and/or

A channel (hollow area) carried by the support portion and extending towards a given lip supported thereby.

Preferably, each projection or channel extends longitudinally from one end of a given lip towards the point of engagement between that lip and its support.

It is generally preferred that the boss and/or channel is formed/carried by the bearing portion of the lip only, and not by the lip itself, as the lip is then deformable in a uniform manner.

Having a boss or channel carried by the lip causes a better deformation zone above the lip, which can cause head loss that is detrimental to the operation of the pump.

Where a given lip is annular, preferably these projections or channels are formed on the support portion of the lip to form radiating portions (rays) centred about the axis of symmetry of the given lip.

The pump 4 may be used alone to convey fluid from its suction inlet to a discharge outlet, or alternatively it may be used in conjunction with the apparatus of the present invention to form a basement drainer.

The fluid flow connection between the pump 4 and the device 1 is preferably made using a manually operable coupling, i.e. a coupling which can be manually changed from a state in which the device is coupled with the pump to a state in which the device is uncoupled from the pump, and vice versa, without the need for any tools.

The coupling may comprise a quick coupling and/or a coupling with a loose nut (ercoufou) that can be tightened in order to clamp the line to the pump without the device 1 needing to pivot with respect to the pump 4.

Preferably, it is ensured that the coupling comprises an O-ring which provides a seal once the pipe is engaged relative to the coupling over an engagement depth greater than at least one pitch of the threads of the loose nut.

Thus, without any tools, it is possible to quickly switch from the basement drainer configuration to the liquid transfer configuration and vice versa manually.

The basement drain configuration 100 is particularly practical because the apparatus 1 serves to lower the minimum depth of liquid from which pumping of liquid present on the ground can begin.

This is particularly advantageous for limiting the effect of overflow, since the pumping of liquid starts earlier. Likewise, the device 1 makes it possible to suck liquids present on the ground, even when the depth of the liquid on the ground is very shallow, preferably less than 4mm, more preferably less than 2 mm.

In a first configuration of assembly between the device 1 and the pump 4, the pump 4 comprises a leg 43, the end of the leg 43 being coplanar with the bearing surface of the device 1 when the first end 3a of the conduit 3 of the device is in fluid flow connection with said suction inlet 41.

In this first assembled configuration, the pump 4 and the apparatus 1 are placed side by side on the ground surface when the apparatus and pump of the present invention are in fluid flow connection with each other and in position to pump liquid on a planar ground surface S.

In this embodiment, the assembly 100 of the present invention is particularly stable because its center of gravity is very close to the ground S.

In this embodiment, the suction inlet 41 and the discharge outlet 42 of the pump 4 extend longitudinally in a common plane parallel to the said bearing surface of the device.

In a second assembled configuration of the pump 4 and the device 1 (see fig. 9 and 10), the pump 4 is assembled with the first end 3a of the conduit 3 of the device 1 such that when the load-bearing surface of the device is positioned on a planar floor S to draw liquid therefrom, then the pump 4 is supported by the device 1.

In this embodiment, as shown in fig. 9 and 10, the first end 3a of the duct 3 is formed on the top surface of the device 1, the device being located between its bearing surface and the top surface.

In this embodiment, the suction inlet 41 of the pump 4 extends longitudinally in a direction of extension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along which the discharge outlet 42 extends.

In this example, the suction inlet 41 extends longitudinally in a direction perpendicular to the extension of said load-supporting surface of the device 1 on the ground.

In the preferred embodiment of the assembly 100 shown in figures 8, 9 and 10, the device 1 forms a stand for supporting the pump 4 on the ground.

Another advantageous embodiment of an assembly 100, as shown in figures 8 to 10, is adapted to selectively adopt a liquid transfer configuration (figure 8) and a basement drain configuration (figures 9 and 10).

In the liquid transfer configuration (fig. 8), the device 1 is assembled on an attachment fitting 47 of the pump 4, which attachment fitting 47 is located at a distance from the suction inlet 41 of the pump. In this way, liquid can be transferred using the pump without having to pass the liquid through the device.

In a basement drainer configuration (figures 9 and 10) the device 1 is in fluid flow connection with the suction inlet 41 of the pump, the device 1 then forms a stand to support the pump, and the device 1 is then arranged to filter the liquid sucked by the pump.

It should be noted that in this example, the attachment fitting 47 is a boss (specifically a threaded boss) that engages the first end 3a of the tubing 3 of the device 1.

Claims

1. A device (1) for suctioning liquid on a ground (S), said device (1) having an outer wall (10), said outer wall (10) defining a first enclosure (E1) which is open at least via an opening (11) formed through said outer wall (10) so as to allow passage of liquid from the outside of said first enclosure (E1) to the inside of said first enclosure (E1), said device (1) having a conduit (3) which is shown with a first end (3a) arranged in fluid flow connection with a liquid suction pump (4) and with a second end (3b) of said conduit (3) in fluid flow connection with said first enclosure (E1) so as to be able to suction into said conduit (3) the liquid present in said first enclosure (E1), said device (1) being characterized in that it comprises an inner wall (20) defining a second enclosure (E2), the second enclosure (E2) is open at least via an opening (21) formed through the inner wall (20) to allow passage of liquid from the first enclosure (E1) into the second enclosure (E2), and the second end (3b) of the conduit opens into the interior of the second enclosure (E2) at a distance from the first enclosure (E1).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said second casing (E2) is located inside said first casing (E1).

3. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein:

-the opening (21) formed through the inner wall (20) is exclusively formed between a suction limit plane (P1a) for suction through the inner wall and a bearing plane (P1b) of the inner wall; and is

-the openings (11) formed through the outer wall (10) are formed exclusively between a suction limit plane (P2a) for suction through the outer wall and a bearing plane (P2b) of the outer wall, at least some of the openings formed through the outer wall being formed between a suction limit plane (P2a) for suction through the outer wall and a suction limit plane (P1a) for suction through the inner wall.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least some of the openings (11) formed through the outer wall (10) extend between the suction limit plane (P1a) drawing through the inner wall and the bearing plane (P1b) of the inner wall.

5. The device according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the bearing plane of the inner wall (P1b) and the bearing plane (P2b) of the outer wall are coplanar with each other.

6. A device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said device is adapted to be used in conjunction with a medical device

-a suction limit plane (P1a) for suction through said inner wall;

-a bearing plane (P1b) of said inner wall;

-a suction limit plane (P2a) for suction through the outer wall; and

-a bearing plane (P2b) of the outer wall;

are planes that are parallel to each other.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a bottom piece (22) bearing against the inner wall (20), the bottom piece (22) forming a bottom face of the second enclosure (E2).

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that said bottom element (22) comprises a bottom plate (22a) and ribs (22b) forming said bottom face of said second enclosure (E2), each of said ribs (22b) extending perpendicularly with respect to said bottom plate (22a), each of these ribs having a first terminal arranged facing said inner wall (20) and a second terminal arranged in a central region of said second enclosure (E2), into which said second end (3b) of said duct (3) opens.

9. A device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said second casing (E2) is open towards a bottom face (PF) in which a major portion of said bottom element 22 extends.

10. The device according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a rod (40) extending inside the second housing (E2), the rod (40) extending from a top surface of the second housing (E2) to a central area of the bottom piece (22), the rod (40) and the bottom piece (22) being mechanically assembled against each other.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein all openings formed through the inner wall (20) extend longitudinally in the same plane common to all openings (21) in the inner wall (20).

12. An assembly (100) for pumping liquid on the ground (S), comprising a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a liquid suction pump (4) connected to the first end (3b) of the line (3), the pump (4) being connected to a control Unit (UC) of the pump (4) itself, the control unit being connected to a probe (50) adapted to detect the attainment of a level of liquid with respect to the pump (4), the control unit being arranged to cause operation of the pump (4) in response to the probe (50) detecting that liquid is at said level.

13. Assembly (100) according to claim 12, wherein the pump (4) comprises a suction inlet (41) and a discharge outlet (42), the first end (3a) of the line (3) of the device (1) being arranged in releasable fluid flow connection with the suction inlet (41) such that, when the line (3) is connected to the suction inlet (41) of the pump (4) and the carrying surface of the device (1) is placed on a level ground (S), the pump (4) prevents the device (1) from moving away from the level ground (S) under its own weight.

14. The assembly (100) according to claim 13, wherein the pump (4) has a leg (43), the end of the leg (43) being coplanar with the bearing surface of the device (1) when the first end (3a) of the duct (3) of the device is in fluid flow connection with the suction inlet (41).

15. The assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that said pump (4) is assembled with said first end (3a) of said pipe (3) of said device (1) so that said pump (4) is then supported by said device (1) when the load-bearing surface of said device is positioned on a flat ground (S) in order to suck liquids therefrom.

16. An assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the pump (4) is a dry-time self-priming pump.

17. The assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the pump comprises a chamber (44) in fluid flow connection with the suction inlet (41) and the discharge outlet (42), a movable member (45) arranged inside the chamber (44), and an electric motor (46) located outside the chamber (44), the electric motor (46) being connected to the movable member (45) by a coupling mechanism, such that actuating the electric motor (46) causes the movable member (45) to perform a reciprocating movement with respect to the chamber to move fluid from the suction inlet to the discharge outlet.

18. Assembly according to claim 17, wherein the pump comprises a first upstream circular lip (120a) and a first downstream circular lip (121a), the first upstream circular lip (120a) being placed closer to the suction inlet (41) than to the discharge outlet (42), the first downstream circular lip (121a) being placed closer to the discharge outlet (42) than to the suction inlet (41), these first upstream circular lip (120a) and first downstream circular lip (121a) are placed between one of the sides of the movable part (45) and the first wall (44a) of the chamber (44), to define a first space (123a) between said first upstream circular lip (120a) and a first downstream circular lip (121a), these first upstream circular lip (120a) and first downstream circular lip (121a) are such that:

-on a first portion (P1) of the reciprocating movement of the movable member (45) with respect to the chamber (44), the first downstream circular lip (121a) provides a seal to prevent passage of fluid from the discharge outlet (42) to the first space (123a), the first upstream circular lip (120a) then allowing a free flow of fluid between the first space (123a) and the suction inlet (41); and make it possible to

-on a second portion (P2) of the reciprocating movement of the movable member (45) with respect to the chamber (44), the first upstream circular lip (120a) providing a seal to prevent passage of fluid from the first space (123a) to the suction inlet (41), the first downstream circular lip (121a) being arranged:

-first, when the fluid pressure inside the first space (123a) is higher than the fluid pressure at the discharge outlet (42), allowing fluid to pass between the first space (123a) and the discharge outlet (42); and is

Secondly, fluid is prevented from passing from the discharge outlet 42 to the first space 123 a.

19. Assembly (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that said means (1) for sucking the liquid on the ground (S) form a support for supporting said pump (4).

20. Assembly (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that it is adapted to selectively adopt a liquid transfer configuration, in which the device (1) is assembled to an attachment fitting (47) of the pump (4) located at a distance from the suction inlet (41) of the pump, or a basement-drainer configuration, in which the device (1) is in fluid flow connection with the suction inlet (41) of the pump, the device (1) forming a support for supporting the pump, the device (1) then being arranged to filter the fluid sucked by the pump.