CN114364878B - Device for sucking liquid from ground - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for sucking liquid from a ground surface (S), the device (1) comprising an outer wall (10), the outer wall (10) defining a first housing (E1) which is open at least via a cutout (11) for liquid to enter the interior of the first housing (E1), the device (1) having a conduit (3) which is fluidly connected to a liquid suction pump (4) of the first housing (E1). The device has an inner wall (20) defining a second housing (E2), which second housing (E2) is open at least via a cutout (21) formed through the inner wall (20) for letting liquid pass from the first housing (E1) to the second housing (E2), into which second housing (E2) the line leads.

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 in order to be able to suck the liquid present at the surface while filtering the liquid.

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

This device acts as a pump screen. A disadvantage of these devices is that they are prone to clogging 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 for fluid flow connection with a pump for sucking liquid above the surface, which device limits the risk of clogging the pump.

To this end, the invention provides a device for sucking liquid on the ground, the device having an outer wall defining a first housing which is 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 conduit, 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, so that liquid present in the first housing can be sucked into said conduit.

The device according to 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 liquid to pass from the first housing into the second housing, and that said second end of said pipe is led to the interior of the second housing at a distance from the first housing.

In this way, the liquid sucked into the pipeline from the outside of 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 to 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 wall and the outer wall, which greatly limits any risk of clogging the suction pump by substances present outside the suction device.

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

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description, given by way of non-limiting indication and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an assembly comprising the apparatus for sucking liquid on the ground of the present invention and a liquid suction pump laterally connected to a first end of a tube of the apparatus, in which embodiment the assembly forms a basement drain having the apparatus and pump placed side by side on the ground from which liquid is desired to be sucked;

fig. 2 is a perspective view of the pump of fig. 1 used as a transfer pump, in which embodiment the suction inlet of the pump is connected to an external line for receiving liquid into 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 apparatus for sucking liquid on the ground of fig. 1 (shown without its bottom part), the portion of fig. 3 being an enlarged view showing a slot-shaped opening made through the inner and outer walls of the apparatus;

fig. 4a is a cross-sectional view through a part of the device for sucking liquid of fig. 1 (shown without its bottom part), which part of fig. 4a is 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 housing El is above the suction limit plane P1a for sucking through the inner wall 20, at which stage no liquid has yet been sucked towards the pump, since the pump can only suck gas above the liquid level Nx);

fig. 4b is the same view as fig. 4a, but in which the liquid level Nx outside the first casing 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 casing 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 which the liquid level Nx outside the first casing 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 casing E2 has risen under the influence of the gas sucked by the pump, and the liquid completely fills the second casing E2 and reaches the pump;

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

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device for sucking liquid on the ground of fig. 1 (shown with its bottom part), a part of fig. 6 being an enlarged view showing slot-shaped 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 them, to limit the risk of internal blockage of either 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 includes an electric motor that drives 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; part of this fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the movable part 45, where first upstream and downstream circular lips 120a, 121a on a first side of the part 45 and 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 sucking liquid above the ground and a liquid suction pump, the assembly being in its liquid delivery configuration wherein the device of the present invention is assembled to an attachment fitting of the pump remote from the suction inlet of the pump, the device of the present invention forming a cradle for supporting the pump, and the pump being for delivering 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 comprising the device of the present invention for pumping liquid above the ground and a liquid suction pump, the assembly being in its basement drain configuration, wherein the device of the present invention is in fluid flow connection with the suction inlet of the pump, the device of the present invention forms a stand for supporting the pump, and the pump is for pumping liquid above the ground, the liquid passing through the device of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane X-X of the assembly of FIG. 9 (the assembly being shown in its embodiment wherein 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 bear against a 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 bear against a 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 component 45 as in fig. 11, but are exclusively attached to the second wall 44b of the chamber 44 (this embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 7, where the second wall 44b carries the second lips 120b, 121b and where the first wall 44a carries the first lips 120a, 121 a).

Detailed Description

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

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

The outer wall 10 has a bell-like shape with a cylindrical side and the opening 11 formed through the outer wall is substantially in the form of a slot. 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 the first and second sets of openings G1, G2, and a portion G3 of the outer wall 10 extends between the first and second sets of openings G1, G2 to separate them.

Each opening 11 in 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 slots parallel to each other.

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

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

The device 1 also has a conduit 3, which is shown with a first end 3a arranged in fluid flow connection with the liquid suction pump 4, and with a second end 3b of the conduit 3 in fluid flow connection with said first housing E1, so that liquid present in this first housing E1 can be sucked into said conduit 3.

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

As mentioned above, this aspect of the device of the invention serves to achieve double filtration, thereby reducing the risk of the pump being 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 between the inner and outer faces of the outer wall 10 is limited compared to the suction present 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 can be determined that these particles can pass through the openings 21 in the inner wall 20, thereby avoiding any risk of the first casing E1 being blocked. Further, the smallest dimension X2 of the opening 21 through the inner wall 20 and the largest dimension of the opening 21 through the inner wall 20 are selected to limit the size of particles that can enter the second housing E2.

The opening 21 formed through the inner wall 20 is exclusively formed between a suction limit plane P1a (i.e. an upper plane) for sucking 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 ground to suck in liquid).

The opening 11 formed through the outer wall 10 is exclusively formed between a suction limit plane P2a for suction through the outer wall and a bearing plane P2b of the outer wall (the plane P2a being 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 limiting plane P2a for suction through the outer wall and a suction limiting plane P1a for suction through the inner wall.

Since the outer wall 10 comprises the opening 11, the opening 11 is above the level of the suction limiting plane P1a for sucking through the inner wall 20 and below the level of the suction limiting plane for sucking through the outer wall P2a, the outer wall serves for filtering liquid above a portion of the outer wall above the level of the suction limiting plane P1a for sucking 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, it can be determined that the openings 21 formed through the inner wall are immersed in the liquid and they do not open to the open air when the device is placed such that the carrying 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 housing is above the suction limit plane P1 a.

And then sufficient to exert suction in the conduit 3 to create suction in the second housing E2 and thus force the liquid to suck while avoiding air/gas entering into this second housing E2.

Limiting the amount of air absorbed into the second housing E2 serves to increase the capacity of pumping liquid (the presence of air in the line 3 causes a decrease in the efficiency of the pump).

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

The second end 3b is oriented to define a primary liquid suction axis via the second end 3b that does not pass through any opening 21 formed through the inner wall 20. This feature helps to more evenly flow the fluid through the various openings 21, limiting any risk of low liquid levels occurring at a single opening 21, as well as the risk of air being drawn through that single opening 21 (which would lead to degradation of 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 on the ground S, it rapidly reaches the inside of the second casing 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 housing 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 the suction limiting plane P2a for suction through the outer wall and the 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 positioning of the device on the ground S.

Likewise, the following applies:

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 planes parallel to each other and designed to be horizontal when the device is placed on a horizontal plane floor in order to suck liquid from it.

Preferably, the suction limiting 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 a height value of not more than 4 millimeters (mm), more preferably not more than 2mm, which enables limiting 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.

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

Thus, with the present invention, the level of liquid that can be pumped is particularly low.

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

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

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

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

The bottom part 22 serves to limit the size of particles that can penetrate into the second housing E2, since only particles that can pass through the opening 21 can penetrate into this housing E2.

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

Preferably, the bottom piece 22 forms a bottom plate of the device 1 bearing against the ground S.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opening the first housing E1 towards the bottom plane PF enables the opening of the first housing to be directed towards the ground S from which it is desired to suck liquid. While sucking the liquid via the line 3, suction is created in the first housing El, which tends to press the device 1 against the ground S.

This limits any risk of accidental tipping of the device 1, as 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 against which the device is pressed is thus greatly limited.

The device preferably includes a rod 40 extending inside the second housing E2, the rod 40 extending from the top surface of the second housing E2 to a central region of the base member 22.

The rod 40 and the base member 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 assembly method is advantageous because it limits any risk of bending of the bottom part 22 and therefore any risk of breakage thereof.

The bottom member 22 is located between opposite bottom and top surfaces, with the top surface facing the second housing E2.

Preferably, the bottom member includes a peripheral edge having a chamfer 22c extending to the top surface of the bottom 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 member or non-parallel to the chamfer 22c, being distant from the chamfer 22c from the outside toward the inside of the second housing E2.

Since the chamfer 22c at the edge of the bottom part 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 ground S at the junction between this chamfer 22c and the lower surface of the bottom piece 22.

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

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

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 pumped substantially without air.

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

This feature enables to reduce the level from which the device of the invention can be used to aspirate only liquid.

As described above, and as shown in fig. 1, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the present invention also relates to an assembly 100 for sucking liquid on the ground S, comprising:

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

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

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

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

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

The fastening may be adjustable in order 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 certain embodiments, to maintain the integrity of the probe 50, the probe 50 may be secured 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 housing E1 or a liquid level inside the first housing E1.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the probe 50 may include at least two electrodes spaced apart from each other so as to be able to detect 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 an electrical characteristic measured by means of 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 is in contact with the electrodes, the measured electrical characteristics change, thus enabling detection that the liquid level has been reached. The control unit UC causes the operation of the electric motor in accordance with this detection. This avoids the motor operating at too low a level and being incompatible with self-priming of the pump, which is only activated when suction of liquid on the ground can begin.

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

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

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

To this end, the control unit UC or the liquid level probe 50 may comprise a timer for said predetermined duration, which timer is triggered when it is detected that the liquid level has fallen below said predetermined liquid 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 the pump is running without water is thus minimized so as not to damage it.

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

The pump 4 is self-priming when dry, the term "self-priming when dry" meaning that the pump is capable of sucking dry air and generating sufficient suction to draw liquid above the ground and move the liquid into the chamber for discharge thereof 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 device 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 carrying surface 1 of the device 1 is placed on a planar floor surface S from which liquid is desired to be sucked, the weight of the pump 4 prevents the device 1 from being removed from said planar floor surface S.

The pump comprises a chamber 44 in fluid connection with the suction inlet 41 and the discharge outlet 42, a movable part 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 supplied via a power line 60.

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

In this example, the movable member 45 is in the form of a disc that is hollow in the center thereof, which is connected to an electric motor so as to move in a reciprocating linear 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 that the movable part 45 is 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 member 45 is rigid, however it may be deformable such that actuation of the electric motor 46 causes a wave to propagate along the movable member 45 to move the fluid.

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

Such a diaphragm may be in the shape of a disc (a wave propagating radially relative to the disc) or in the shape of a strip (a wave propagating along the length of the strip), or in the form of a circumferentially-extendable elongate flexible tube (in which case the wave is a circular wave formed in the periphery of the tube and propagating along the length of the tube).

In each of these embodiments, the pump may include an upstream lip 120a and a downstream lip 121a designed to deform in response to movement of the movable member 45, thereby creating a first space 123a between these lips 120a, 121a and the wall 44a of the chamber 44, the first space 123a expanding as the movable member 45 moves away from the first wall 44a of the chamber and compressing as the movable member 45 moves toward the first wall 44 a. When the control unit UC actuates the electric motor 46, the member 45 alternately moves 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.

Conversely, 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 produced against the first wall 44 a; and is also provided with

Second, 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 spaces 123a alternate between: is sucked and opens to the suction inlet 41 to suck fluid (gas or liquid) therefrom; and in compression and open to the discharge outlet 42 for discharging fluid therefrom. These lips give the pump self-priming capability.

The case where the upstream lip and the downstream lip 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 lips 120a and downstream lips 121a are placed between one side of the movable member 45 and the first wall 44a of the chamber 44 to define a first space 123a between these first upstream lips 120a and downstream lips 121 a.

In the present example, 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 44a, since the movable member is formed as a hollow disc in the centre thereof.

As can be seen in particular from fig. 11, these first upstream and downstream circular lips 120a, 121a are such that: on the first portion P1 of the reciprocating movement of the movable part 45 with respect to the chamber 44, a first downstream circular lip 121a provides a seal, which prevents the fluid from flowing from the discharge outlet 42 to the first space 123a, the first upstream circular lip 120a then allowing the fluid to pass freely between the first space 123a and the suction inlet 41.

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

Thus, on this first portion P1 of the 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 123a.

As can be seen in particular from fig. 11, these first upstream and downstream circular lips 120a, 121a are such that, on said second portion P2 of the reciprocating 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 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 also provided with

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

Thus, on this second portion P2 of the reciprocating movement, 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 part 45 causes a suction of fluid from the suction inlet 41 into the first space 123a during a first part P1 of this movement and then a discharge of fluid from the first space 123a to the discharge outlet 42 on a second part P2 of said reciprocating movement.

To double this pumping/draining action 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 part 45, such 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 part 45 moves away from the second wall 44a of the chamber and compressing when the movable part 45 moves towards the second wall 44 a.

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

Thus, when the control unit UC actuates the electric motor 46, the member 45 alternately moves 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.

Conversely, 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 produced against the second wall 44 a; and is also provided with

Second, 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 spaces 123b alternate between: is sucked and opens to the suction inlet 41 to suck fluid (gas or liquid) therefrom; and in compression and open to the discharge outlet 42 for discharging fluid therefrom.

The second upstream circular lip 120b is placed closer to the suction inlet 41 than to the discharge outlet 42, while 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 the movable part 45 and the second wall 44b of the chamber 44 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 a second side of the movable member 45 facing the second wall 44b, due to the movable member 45 being in the shape of a disc that is hollow in the center.

As can be seen in particular in fig. 11, these second upstream and downstream circular lips 120b, 121b are such that, on the third portion of the reciprocating movement of the movable part 45 with respect to the chamber 44, the second downstream circular lip 121b provides a seal, which prevents the fluid from flowing from the discharge outlet 42 to the second space 123b, the second upstream lip 120b then allowing the fluid to pass freely between the second space 123b and the suction inlet 41.

It should be noted that the third part of the movement of the movable part is symmetrical to the first part P1 of the movement 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, a second upstream circular lip 120b is spaced apart from one of the second wall 44b or movable part 45 to create a free fluid channel, i.e. a free space between the second space 123b and the suction inlet 41.

Thus, on this third portion of the reciprocating movement, with the second space 123b 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, on a fourth portion of said reciprocal 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 to:

first, when the fluid pressure inside the second space 123b is higher than the fluid pressure at the discharge outlet 42, allowing fluid to pass between the second space 123b and the discharge outlet 42; and is also provided with

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

Thus, on this fourth portion of the reciprocating movement, 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 movement 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 paired lips placed on both sides of the component, two suction and two discharge offset from each other occur over one cycle of the movement of the component, thereby enabling a more uniform fluid flow over time.

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

Thus, if one of the faces of the movable part is free of any face lip, either because that face is not used for pumping (as applied to movable parts in the form of discs without a hollow centre), or because it is a deformable movable part in order to establish a seal against the corresponding wall of the chamber.

The use of only one lip on one side of the movable member serves only to block back flow of fluid.

Two lips are used on one side of the movable part to create a space between the upstream and downstream lips in order to obtain a pump exhibiting a self-priming action when dry.

By having more than two lips on the same side of the movable part, a larger 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 a bearing (chamber wall or movable part) against the lip and act as a suction cup.

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

To avoid this, and as shown in fig. 7, 11 and 12, it is ensured that at least one fluid channel is created between a given lip and its support.

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.

For this purpose, irregularities in shape can be produced between a given lip and its support, such as:

a projection carried by a given lip and extending towards its support; and/or

A boss carried by the support and extending towards a given lip supported thereby; and/or

-a channel (hollow zone) carried by a given lip and extending towards its support; and/or

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

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

It is generally preferred that the boss and/or channel is formed/carried only by the bearing of the lip, 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 preferred deformation zone above the lip which can cause head losses detrimental to the operation of the pump.

Where the given lip is annular, these projections or channels are preferably formed on the support of the lip to form radiating portions (rayons) centered 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 combination with the apparatus of the present invention to form a basement drain.

The fluid flow connection between the pump 4 and the device 1 is preferably made using a manually operable coupling, i.e. a coupling that can be manually changed from a state in which the device is coupled to the pump to a state in which the device is decoupled 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 (pecrou fou) that can be tightened in order to clamp the line to the pump without requiring the device 1 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, it is possible to manually quickly switch from the basement drain configuration to the liquid transfer configuration and vice versa without any tools.

The basement drain construction 100 is particularly practical because the device 1 serves to reduce the minimum depth of liquid from which pumping of liquid present at the surface can begin.

This is particularly advantageous for limiting the influence of overflow, since the suction of liquid starts earlier. Likewise, the device 1 enables the suction of 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 2mm.

In a first assembled configuration 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 device 1 are placed side by side on the surface when the device and the pump of the invention are in fluid flow connection with each other and in position to pump liquid on a planar 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 said bearing surface of the device.

In a second assembled configuration of the pump 4 with the device 1 (see figures 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 bearing surface of the device is positioned on a planar floor surface 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 conduit 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 an extension direction 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 bearing 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 fig. 8-10 is adapted to selectively employ a liquid transfer configuration (fig. 8) and a basement drain configuration (fig. 9 and 10).

In the liquid delivery 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 delivered using a pump without having to pass the liquid through the device.

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

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

Claims (19)

1. A device (1) for sucking liquid on a ground surface (S), the device (1) having an outer wall (10), the outer wall (10) defining a first housing (E1) which is open at least via an opening (11) formed through the outer wall (10) for allowing liquid to pass from the outside of the first housing (E1) to the inside of the first housing (E1), the device (1) having a pipe (3), which pipe is shown with a first end (3 a) arranged in fluid flow connection with a liquid suction pump (4), and with a second end (3 b) of the pipe (3) in fluid flow connection with the first housing (E1) for enabling liquid present in the first housing (E1) to be sucked into the pipe (3), the device (1) being characterized in that it comprises an inner wall (20) defining a second housing (E2) which is open at least via an opening (21) formed through the inner wall (20) for allowing liquid to pass from the first housing (E2) to the inside of the first housing (E1) and from the second housing (E2) into the first housing (E2) and from which the second end (E2) is opened to the inside of the first housing (E1)

-said opening (21) formed through said inner wall (20) is exclusively formed between a suction limit plane (P1 a) for suction through said inner wall and a bearing plane (P1 b) of said inner wall; and is also provided with

Said openings (11) formed through said outer wall (10) being exclusively formed between a suction limit plane (P2 a) for suction through said outer wall and a carrying plane (P2 b) of said outer wall, at least some of said openings formed through said outer wall being formed between a suction limit plane (P2 a) for suction through said outer wall and a suction limit plane (P1 a) for suction through said inner wall,

wherein the bearing plane (P1 b) of the inner wall and the bearing plane (P2 b) of the outer wall are coplanar with each other.

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

3. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction limit plane (P1 a) for suction through the inner wall is spaced apart from the bearing plane (P1 b) of the inner wall by a height value of not more than 1 cm.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least some of the openings (11) formed through the outer wall (10) extend between the suction limit plane (P1 a) sucked through the inner wall and the bearing plane (P1 b) of the inner wall.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 or 4, wherein the device comprises

-a suction limit plane (P1 a) for suction through the inner wall;

-a bearing plane (P1 b) of the inner wall;

-a suction limit plane (P2 a) for suction through the outer wall; and

-a bearing plane (P2 b) of the outer wall;

are planes parallel to each other.

6. The device according to claim 1, comprising a bottom part (22) bearing against the inner wall (20), the bottom part (22) forming the bottom surface of the second housing (E2).

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the bottom part (22) comprises a bottom plate (22 a) forming the bottom surface of the second housing (E2) and ribs (22 b), each of the ribs (22 b) extending perpendicularly with respect to the bottom plate (22 a), each of these ribs having a first terminal end arranged facing the inner wall (20) and a second terminal end arranged in a central area of the second housing (E2), the second end (3 b) of the pipe (3) opening into the central area.

8. The device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the second housing (E2) is open towards a bottom face (PF) in which a major part of the bottom part (22) extends.

9. The device according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a rod (40) extending inside the second housing (E2), the rod (40) extending from the top surface of the second housing (E2) to a central area of the bottom part (22), the rod (40) and the bottom part (22) being mechanically assembled against each other.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that all openings formed through the inner wall (20) extend longitudinally in the same plane common to all openings (21) in the inner wall (20).

11. An assembly (100) for sucking liquid on the ground (S), comprising a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a liquid suction pump (4) connected to the first end (3 a) of the conduit (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 reaching of a liquid level relative to the pump (4), the control unit being arranged to cause the operation of the pump (4) in response to the probe (50) detecting that liquid is at the liquid level.

12. The assembly (100) according to claim 11, wherein the pump (4) comprises a suction inlet (41) and a discharge outlet (42), the first end (3 a) of the conduit (3) of the device (1) being arranged in releasable fluid flow connection with the suction inlet (41) such that the pump (4) under its own weight prevents the device (1) from being removed from the planar ground (S) when the conduit (3) is connected to the suction inlet (41) of the pump (4) and the bearing surface of the device (1) is placed on the planar ground (S).

13. The assembly (100) according to claim 12, wherein the pump (4) has a leg (43), an end of the leg (43) being coplanar with the bearing surface of the device (1) when the first end (3 a) of the conduit (3) of the device is in fluid flow connection with the suction inlet (41).

14. Assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the pump (4) is assembled with the first end (3 a) of the conduit (3) of the device (1) such that the pump (4) is then supported by the device (1) when the bearing surface of the device is positioned on a planar ground surface (S) for sucking liquid therefrom.

15. Assembly according to any of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the pump (4) is a dry self-starting pump.

16. The assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14, 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 actuation of the electric motor (46) causes the movable member (45) to perform a reciprocating movement with respect to the chamber for moving fluid from the suction inlet to the discharge outlet.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the pump comprises a first upstream circular lip (120 a) and a first downstream circular lip (121 a), the first upstream circular lip (120 a) being placed closer to the suction inlet (41) than the discharge outlet (42), the first downstream circular lip (121 a) being placed closer to the discharge outlet (42) than the suction inlet (41), the first upstream circular lip (120 a) and the first downstream circular lip (121 a) being placed between one of the sides of the movable member (45) and a first wall (44 a) of the chamber (44) to define a first space (123 a) between the first upstream circular lip (120 a) and the first downstream circular lip (121 a), the first upstream circular lip (120 a) and the first downstream circular lip (121 a) such that:

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

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

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

-secondly, preventing fluid from passing from the discharge outlet (42) to the first space (123 a).

18. Assembly (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the means (1) for sucking liquid on the ground (S) form a stand for supporting the pump (4).

19. Assembly (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, 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) at a distance from a suction inlet (41) of the pump, or a basement-drain configuration in which the device (1) is in fluid flow connection with the suction inlet (41) of the pump, the device (1) forming a cradle for supporting the pump, the device (1) then being arranged to filter fluid sucked by the pump.