EP3880964B1

EP3880964B1 - Fluid pump

Info

Publication number: EP3880964B1
Application number: EP18829344.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tobias DEMMELMAIER
Original assignee: Husqvarna AB
Current assignee: Husqvarna AB
Priority date: 2018-11-14
Filing date: 2018-12-19
Publication date: 2022-07-13
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-19
Also published as: CN113167267A; CN113167267B; EP3880964A1; WO2020098965A1; HUE060484T2

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a fluid pump, and more particularly to an operational aspect of the fluid pump.

BACKGROUND

Generally, a fluid pump, such as a water pump, may include a number of controls provided on the fluid pump, such as a clean/dirty fluid operation. In many situations, location of the controls provided on the fluid pump may be unergonomic, in turn, making it difficult for a user to operate the controls. For example, in some submersible type fluid pumps, the controls may be located within a fluid tight housing. In such a situation, the fluid pump may have to be completely removed out of the fluid in order to operate the controls. In many situations, the fluid tight housing may have a complex structure, in turn, providing a laborious and time-intensive method for controlling the fluid pump.
In some embodiments, during switching of the fluid pump between the clean and dirty fluid operation modes, a complex mechanism may have to be operated by the user. For example, a base or an inlet of the fluid pump may have to be adjusted in order to provide an increased inlet area during the dirty fluid operation or to provide a reduced inlet area during the clean fluid operation. In such a situation, the complex mechanism may provide a laborious and time-intensive method to switch the fluid pump between the clean and dirty fluid operation modes.
CN 204226273 reference discloses a hose pump which includes a housing having a base body and a cover. A pump body for delivering a fluid is rotatably disposed in the interior of the base body about an axis. A locking device is disposed on the housing in order to release and lock the cover. However, there is no adjustment of inlet area being provided. Further, the base body cannot move relative to overall housing of the hose pump.
US patent reference 2017 0319758 reference discloses a hose pump which includes a housing having a base body and a cover. A pump body for delivering a fluid is rotatably disposed in the interior of the base body about an axis. A locking device is disposed on the housing in order to release and lock the cover. However, the base body cannot move relative to overall housing of the hose pump.
US patent reference 2011 0274562 discloses a telescopic handle structure of a small submersible pump. A handle in the telescopic handle structure can be extended and retracted optionally relative to the pump body housing cover, so that the integral outer packing of the product is not affected after the handle is completely retracted. However, only the handle moves relative to the overall pump housing. Further, the '562 reference only provides a retractable handle type of pump which does not have any further operational benefits based on application requirements.
Hence, there is a need for an improved fluid pump for such applications.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a fluid pump, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fluid pump includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis. The fluid pump also includes a base adapted to be movably coupled to the housing. The base is adapted to move relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis between at least a first position and a second position. The housing further includes a locking element movably coupled to the housing. The locking element defines a first structural feature. The base defines a second structural feature. The first structural feature and the second structural feature together define a first relative configuration and a second relative configuration. The housing and the base are fixed relative to each other in the first relative configuration. The housing and the base are adapted to move relative to each other in the second relative configuration. As such, the first structural feature and the second structural feature provides a user with a simple, effective, and efficient means to maintain the base in a required fixed position relative to the housing or to move the base relative to the housing, based on application requirements.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid pump further includes a handle provided on the housing. The handle includes a first portion fixedly coupled to the housing. The handle also includes a second portion movably coupled to the first portion. The second portion is adapted to move along the longitudinal axis between at least an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the first portion. As such, a movement of the second portion between the engaged position and the disengaged provides an ergonomic and intuitive experience for the user, in turn, improving operability and usability.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid pump further includes a first linkage element fixedly coupled to the second portion of the handle and movably coupled to the locking element. Also, the first linkage element extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. Further, the first linkage element is adapted to move substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. As such, the first linkage element provides a coupling link between the second portion of the handle and the locking element in order to easily operate the locking element via the second portion of the handle.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid pump further includes an interface portion provided on the locking element. The interface portion is adapted to movably engage with the first linkage element. The interface portion has a substantially angled configuration. Also, the locking element is adapted to rotate about the longitudinal axis. As such, the interface portion provides a coupling link between the first linkage element and the locking element and to convert a linear movement of the first linkage element to a rotational movement of the locking element.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the the locking element has a substantially ring-shaped configuration. As such, the locking element provides a simple and compact design with a limited footprint to be enclosed within the housing.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid pump includes a second linkage element fixedly coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the locking element. The second linkage element extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. Also, the second linkage element is adapted to move substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. As such, the second linkage element provides a coupling link between the locking element and the base in order to easily operate the base via the second portion of the handle.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first structural feature is at least one protrusion provided on the locking element. The second structural feature is at least a first notch and a second notch provided on the second linkage element. Each of the first notch and the second notch is disposed spaced apart relative to one another. In the first relative configuration, the at least one protrusion is adapted to engage with one of the first notch and the second notch. In the second relative configuration, the at least one protrusion is adapted to disengage relative to one of the first notch and the second notch. As such, each of the protrusion, the first notch and the second notch provide a simple and effective releasable locking arrangement between the locking element and the second linkage element, in turn, providing an intuitive experience for the user.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid pump includes a spring element coupled to each of the housing and the locking element. The spring element is adapted to bias the locking element in the first relative configuration. As such, the spring element provides an automatic snapping action of the locking element, in turn, improving operability and usability.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the first position of the base, the base is adapted to extend relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis. As such, in the first position, the base provides a relatively increased inlet area for entry of relative larger particles, such as slurry, mud, soil, and the like, in to the fluid pump during a dirty fluid operation mode.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the second position of the base, the base is adapted to retract within the housing along the longitudinal axis. As such, in the second position, the base provides a relatively reduced inlet area during a clean fluid operation mode.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base also includes at least one primary fluid inlet adapted to receive a flow of fluid in each of the first position and the second position of the base. The base further includes at least one secondary fluid inlet adapted to receive the flow of fluid in the first position of the base. As such, the secondary fluid inlet provides an adjustable inlet area for switching the fluid pump between the clean fluid operation mode and the dirty fluid operation mode.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid pump includes at least one observation window provided on the housing. The at least one observation window is adapted to observe the first relative configuration and the second relative configuration of each of the first structural feature and the second structural feature. As such, the observation window provides visual inspection of the first relative configuration and the second relative configuration, in turn, providing an intuitive experience to the user.
Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a fluid pump, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the fluid pump of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a portion of the fluid pump of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 shows an inverted perspective view of another portion of the fluid pump of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 shows a partial cutaway perspective view of the fluid pump of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 shows another partial cutaway perspective view of the fluid pump of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 shows yet another partial cutaway perspective view of the fluid pump of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 8 shows another perspective view of the fluid pump of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.
Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "parallel", "inclined", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.
Referring to FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a fluid pump 100 is illustrated. The fluid pump 100 will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the "pump 100". In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 100 is a submersible type fluid pump. In other embodiments, the pump 100 may be any type of fluid pump, such as a semi-submersible type fluid pump, a non-submersible type fluid pump, and the like. The pump 100 is adapted to provide a flow of fluid, such as water, slurry, and the like, at a predetermined pressure and/or flow rate.
In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 100 has a substantially elongated, stepped, and cylindrical configuration. In other embodiments, the pump 100 may have any other configuration, such as rectangular, elliptical, and the like. The pump 100 includes a housing 102. The housing 102 defines a longitudinal axis X-X'. The housing 102 has a substantially hollow, elongated, stepped, and cylindrical configuration. In other embodiments, the housing 102 may have any other configuration, based on an overall configuration of the pump 100. The housing 102 is adapted to enclose one or more internal components (not shown) of the pump 100, such as a motor, a rotor, blades, vanes, bearings, fluid passages, electrical/electronic components, controller, and the like. The housing 102 may be made of any material, such as a metal, a polymer, and/or a combination thereof. The housing 102 may be manufactured using any process, such as molding, casting, fabrication, additive manufacturing, and the like.
The pump 100 includes a base 104. The base 104 has a substantially hollow configuration. The base 104 is movably coupled to the housing 102. More specifically, the base 104 is adapted to move axially along the longitudinal axis X-X' relative to the housing 102, as shown by directions "D1" and "D2", between a first position "P1" (shown in FIG. 1 ) and a second position "P2" (shown in FIG. 7 ). In the first position "P1", the base 104 is adapted to extend relative to the housing 102 along the longitudinal axis X-X' in the direction "D1". In the second position "P2", the base 104 is adapted to retract within the housing 102 along the longitudinal axis X-X' in the direction "D2".
The base 104 includes a primary inlet 106 provided on a bottom portion 108 of the base 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 104 includes a single primary inlet 106. In other embodiments, the base 104 may include multiple primary inlets 106, based on application requirements. The base 104 also includes a number of secondary inlets 110 provided on a side portion 112 of the base 104. Each of the primary inlet 106 and the secondary inlets 110 is adapted to allow the flow of fluid into the housing 102 via the base 104. The base 104 may be made of any material, such as a metal, a polymer, and/or a combination thereof. The base 104 may be manufactured using any process, such as molding, casting, fabrication, additive manufacturing, and the like. The base 104, the primary inlet 106, and the secondary inlets 110 will be explained in more detail later.
The pump 100 also includes a fluid outlet 114. The fluid outlet 114 is disposed on the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid outlet 114 is disposed substantially parallel and spaced apart relative to the longitudinal axis X-X'. In other embodiments, the fluid outlet 114 may be disposed in any orientation and at any location on the housing 102. The fluid outlet 114 is fluidly coupled to each of the primary inlet 106 and the secondary inlets 110 via the base 104 and the housing 102. As such, the fluid outlet 114 is adapted to provide the flow of fluid out of the housing 102 and the pump 100.
The pump 100 further includes a handle 116. The handle 116 is disposed on the housing 102. The handle 116 is adapted to lift and/or move the pump 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 116 has a substantially elongated and C-shaped configuration. In other embodiments, the handle 116 may have any other configuration, such as an L-shaped configuration, a curved configuration, and the like. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the handle 116 extends substantially along the longitudinal axis X-X'. In other embodiments, the handle 116 may be disposed in any other orientation on the housing 102, based on application requirements. The handle 116 may be made of any material, such as a metal, a polymer, and/or a combination thereof. The handle 116 may be manufactured using any process, such as molding, casting, fabrication, additive manufacturing, and the like.
The handle 116 includes a first portion 118. The first portion 118 is fixedly coupled to the housing 102 via a number of leg portions 120, 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 116 includes two leg portions 120, 122. In other embodiments, the handle 116 may include single or multiple leg portions, based on application requirements. The handle 116 also includes a second portion 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 124 is disposed on a first side 126 of the first portion 118. In other embodiments, the second portion 124 may be alternatively disposed on a second side 128 of the first portion 118, based on application requirements. The second portion 124 is movably coupled to the first portion 118.
In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 124 is adapted to move along the longitudinal axis X-X', as shown by the directions "D1" and "D2", between an engaged position "EP" (shown in FIG. 1 ) and a disengaged position "DP" (shown in FIG. 6 ). In some embodiments, the second portion 124 may be adapted to be biased in the engaged position "EP" and adapted to be selectively moved to the disengaged position "DP" by a user. In some embodiments, the second portion 124 may be non-biased and may be adapted to be selectively moved in any of the engaged position "EP" and the disengaged position "DP" by the user. Additionally, in some embodiments, the second portion 124 may be adapted to move in one or more intermediate positions (not shown) between the engaged position "EP" and the disengaged position "DP".
Referring to FIG. 2 , a partial side cross-sectional view of the pump 100 is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 3 , a perspective view of a portion of the pump 100 is illustrated. In the illustrated figures, different portions of the housing 102 of the pump 100 are omitted for the purpose of clarity and explanation. With combined reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the pump 100 includes a locking mechanism 202. The locking mechanism 202 includes a number of first linkage elements 204, 502 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 ), a locking element 206, and a number of second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308 (shown in FIG. 3 ). Each of the first linkage elements 204, 502 is fixedly coupled to the second portion 124 of the handle 116.
Each of the first linkage elements 204, 502 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X' within each of the leg portions 120, 122 respectively. Accordingly, each of the first linkage elements 204, 502 is adapted to move substantially parallel along the longitudinal axis X-X', as shown by the directions "D1" and "D2", based on a movement of the second portion 124 of the handle 116 between the engaged position "EP" and the disengaged position "DP". In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 202 includes two first linkage elements 204, 502. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism 202 may include single or multiple first linkage elements, based on application requirements.
The locking element 206 is movably disposed within the housing 102. More specifically, the locking element 206 is axially aligned relative to the longitudinal axis X-X'. As such, the locking element 206 is adapted to rotate about the longitudinal axis X-X' within the housing 102, as shown by directions "R1" and "R2". In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 206 has a substantially circular ring-shaped configuration. In other embodiments, the locking element 206 may have any other configuration, such as semi-circular, elliptical, and the like.
The locking element 206 also includes a number of interface portions 208, 310 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Each of the interface portions 208, 310 is disposed spaced apart relative to one another. Each of the interface portions 208, 310 extend away from the locking element 206 and substantially parallel relative to the longitudinal axis X-X'. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the interface portions 208, 310 has a substantially angled configuration. In other embodiments, each of the interface portions 208, 310 may have any other configuration, such as curved. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 206 includes two interface portions 208, 310. In other embodiments, the locking element 206 may include single or multiple interface portions, based on application requirements.
Each of the interface portions 208, 310 is adapted to be movably coupled to each of the first linkage elements 204, 502 respectively. As such, each of the first linkage elements 204, 502 is movably coupled to the locking element 206. Accordingly, based on the movement of each of the first linkage elements 204, 502 in the direction "D1", the locking element 206 is adapted to rotate in the direction "R1" about the longitudinal axis X-X'. Also, based on the movement of each of the first linkage elements 204, 502 in the direction "D2", the locking element 206 is adapted to rotate in the direction "R2" about the longitudinal axis X-X'.
The locking element 206 also includes a first structural feature 312. In the illustrated embodiment, the first structural feature 312 is a number of protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 206 includes four protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320. In other embodiments, the locking element 206 may include single or multiple protrusions, based on application requirements. The first structural feature 312 / protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320 will be explained later in more detail.
The base 104 also includes the number of second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308 fixedly coupled to the base 104. Each of the second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308 is disposed spaced apart relative to one another. Each of the second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308 extend away from the base 104 and substantially parallel relative to the longitudinal axis X-X'. Also, each of the second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308 is adapted to move substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X'. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 104 includes four second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308. In other embodiments, the base 104 may include single or multiple second linkage elements, based on application requirements.
The base 104 further includes a second structural feature 322. In the illustrated embodiment, the second structure feature is a first notch 324, 326, 328, 330 and a second notch 332, 334 (only two shown) provided on each of the second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308. Each of the first notch 324, 326, 328, 330 and the second notch 332, 334 is disposed spaced apart relative to one another respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the second structural feature 322 includes two notches, such as the first notch 324, 326, 328, 330 and the second notch 332, 334. In other embodiments, the second structural feature 322 may include single or multiple notches provided on each of the second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308, based on application requirements.
The first structural feature 312 and the second structural feature 322 together define a first relative configuration and a second relative configuration. More specifically, in the first relative configuration, each of the protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320 provided on the locking element 206 is adapted to engage with each of the first notches 324, 326, 328, 330 or each of the second notches 332, 334 respectively. As such, in the first relative configuration, the housing 102 and the base 104 are fixed relative to each other in the first position "P1" or the second position "P2", based on engagement of each of the protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320 with each of the first notches 324, 326, 328, 330 or each of the second notches 332, 334 respectively. Also, in the second relative configuration, each of the protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320 provided on the locking element 206 is adapted to disengage relative to each of the first notches 324, 326, 328, 330 or each of the second notches 332, 334 respectively. As such, in the second relative configuration, the housing 102 and the base 104 are movable relative to each other between the first position "P1" and the second position "P2".
In another exemplary embodiment, the first structural feature 312 may be defines as a single or multiple notch and the second structural feature 322 may defined as a single or multiple protrusion. The present disclosure is not limited by the type of structural configuration of the first and second structural features 312, 322.
Referring to FIG. 4 , an inverted perspective view of a portion of the pump 100 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 100 includes a spring element 402. The spring element 402 is coupled to each of the housing 102 and the locking element 206. More specifically, the spring element 402 is coupled to a first extension 404 provided on the housing 102 and a second extension 406 provided on the locking element 206. The spring element 402 is adapted to bias the locking element 206 in the first relative configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 402 is an extension helical spring. In other embodiments, the spring element 402 may be any other spring element, such as a compression helical spring, and the like, based on application requirements.
Referring to FIGS. 5 , 6 , and 7 , different partial cutaway perspective views of the pump 100 are illustrated. In the illustrated figures, a portion of the housing 102 of the pump 100 is omitted for the purpose of clarity and explanation. An operation of the pump 100 will now be explained with combined reference to FIGS. 5 , 6 , and 7 . Referring to FIG. 5 , the second portion 124 of the handle 116 is shown in the engaged position "EP" and the base 104 is shown in the first position "P1". In such a situation, the first structural feature 312 and the second structural feature 322 is provided in the first relative configuration. As such, the spring element 402 biases the locking element 206 in the direction "R2" such that each of the protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320 of the locking element 206 is engaged with each of the first notches 324, 326, 328, 330 of each of the second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308 respectively.
In the first position "P1" of the base 104, the base 104 extends out of the housing 102. As such, in the first position "P1", each of the secondary inlets 110 is unblocked by the housing 102. Accordingly, each of the secondary inlets 110 provide an increased inlet area in association with the primary inlet 106 for the flow of fluid into the pump 100. More specifically, in the first position "P1" of the base 104, the pump 100 may be operated in a dirty fluid mode in order to allow relative larger particles present in fluid, such as debris, slurry, mud, soil, and the like, to enter the pump 100.
Referring to FIG. 6 , as the second portion 124 of the handle 116 is moved to the disengaged position "DP" in the direction "D1", each of the first linkage elements 204, 502 also move along the direction "D1". As each of the first linkage elements 204, 502 acts on each of the interface portions 208, 310 of the locking element 206, respectively, the locking element 206 is forcibly moved in the direction "R1". Accordingly, each of the protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320 of the locking element 206 disengages from each of the first notches 324, 326, 328, 330 of each of the second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308 respectively. As such, the base 104 may now be moved freely in the direction "D2" by the user.
Referring to FIG. 7 , the base 104 is moved in the direction "D2" in the second position "P2" manually by the user. Accordingly, the base 104 retracts within the housing 102. As the base 104 moves in the direction "D2", each of the second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308 moves in the direction "D2' such that each of the second notches 332, 334 aligns relative to each of the protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320 of the locking element 206 respectively. Further, as each of the second notches 332, 334 align relative to each of the protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320 respectively, the locking element 206 is biased in the direction "R2" by the spring element 402.
Accordingly, each of the protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320 is snapped in engagement relative to each of the second notches 332, 334 of each of the second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308 respectively. Also, the second portion 124 of the handle 116 moves in the direction "D2" to the engaged position "EP" by the movement of each of the first linkage elements 204, 502 in the direction "D2". As such, the base 104 is locked in the second position "P2" by the locking element 206. In the second position "P2" of the base 104, as the base 104 retracts within the housing 102, each of the secondary inlets 110 is blocked by the housing 102. Accordingly, in the second position "P2" of the base 104, the pump 100 provides a relatively reduced inlet area for the flow of fluid via the primary inlet 106. As such, the second position "P2" of the base 104 corresponds to a clean fluid operation mode of the pump 100.
Referring to FIG. 8 , a perspective of the pump 100 in the second position "P2" is illustrated. As described, the base 104 is retracted within the housing 102 such that each of the secondary inlets 110 is blocked by the housing 102. The pump 100 also includes a number of observation windows 130, 132 (also shown in FIG. 1 ) provided on the housing 102. Each of the observation windows 130, 132 is provided adjacent to each of the protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320 and each of the second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308, respectively, enclosed within the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 includes four observation windows 130, 132 (only two shown in the accompanying figures) based on the number of each of the protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320 and the second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308. In other embodiments, the housing 102 may include single or multiple observation windows 130, 132 based on application requirements.
Each of the observation windows 130, 132 is adapted to allow visual inspection of the first relative configuration and the second relative configuration of the first structural feature 312 and the second structural feature 322 within the housing 102. More specifically, each of the observation windows 130, 132 allows observation of an engagement status of each of the protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320 and each of the second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308 respectively. Accordingly, the snapping engagement of each of the protrusions 314, 316, 318, 320 and each of the first notches 324, 326, 328, 330 or each of the second notches 332, 334 of each of the second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308, respectively, and the visual indication of the engagement via each of the observation windows 130, 132 provides an intuitive operational experience to the user.
In some embodiments, each of the observation windows 130, 132 may include a transparent/translucent cover element (not shown), such as a glass or plastic cover. The cover element may allow observation of the engagement status while limiting entry of foreign particles within the housing 102. In some embodiments, the cover element may be omitted such that each of the observation windows 130, 132 may provide access into the housing 102 for cleaning of the internal components of the pump 100, such as the locking mechanism 202.
It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the second portion 124 of the handle 116 may be moved between one or more intermediate positions (not shown) between the engaged position "EP" and the disengaged position "DP". In such a situation, one or more intermediate notches (not shown) may be provided between the first notch 324, 326, 328, 330, and the second notch 332, 334 of each of the second linkage elements 302, 304, 306, 308 respectively. The intermediate positions and the intermediate notches may provide multiple working positions of the base 104 between the first position "P1" and the second position "P2". As such, the pump 100 provides variable level adjustment of the base 104 relative to a level of fluid around the pump 100, based on the position of the base 104 relative to the housing 102. The pump 100 also provides variable level adjustment of a suction inlet of the pump 100 and ground level (not shown) on which the pump 100 may rest, based on the position of the base 104 relative to the housing 102. Also, the pump 100 provides variable size adjustment of the suction inlet, such as variable size adjustment of each of the secondary inlets 110b, based on the position of the base 104 relative to the housing 102.
The pump 100 provides a simple, effective, and cost-efficient method to switch the pump 100 between different operating modes, such as the clean fluid operation and the dirty fluid operation. The operating mode of the pump 100 may be altered using the second portion 124 of the handle 116, in turn, improving ergonomics, single-handed operability, versatility and flexibility of operation of the pump 100. The locking mechanism 202 may be incorporated in any pump 100 with little modification to the existing system and using limited components, in turn, reducing complexity and costs.
In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

100: Fluid Pump / Pump
102: Housing
104: Base
106: Primary Inlet
108: Bottom Portion
110: Secondary Inlet
112: Side Portion
114: Fluid Outlet
116: Handle
118: First Portion
120: Leg Portion
122: Leg Portion
124: Second Portion
126: First Side
128: Second Side
130: Observation Window
132: Observation Window
202: Locking Mechanism
204: First Linkage Element
206: Locking Element
208: Interface Portion
302: Second Linkage Element
304: Second Linkage Element
306: Second Linkage Element
308: Second Linkage Element
310: Interface Portion
312: First Structural Feature
314: Protrusion
316: Protrusion
318: Protrusion
320: Protrusion
322: Second Structural Feature
324: First Notch
326: First Notch
328: First Notch
330: First Notch
332: Second Notch
334: Second Notch
402: Spring Element
404: First Extension
406: Second Extension
502: First Linkage Element
X-X': Longitudinal Axis
D1: Direction
D2: Direction
R1: Direction
R2: Direction
P1: First Position
P2: Second Position
EP: Engaged Position
DP: Disengaged Position

Claims

A fluid pump (100) comprising:
a housing (102) defining a longitudinal axis (X-X'); and

a base (104) adapted to be movably coupled to the housing (102), wherein the base (104) is adapted to move relative to the housing (102) along the longitudinal axis (X-X') between at least a first position (P1) and a second position (P2),

the housing (102) further includes a locking element (206) movably coupled to the housing (102), wherein the locking element (206) defines a first structural feature (312); and

the base (104) defines a second structural feature (322), wherein the first structural feature (312) and the second structural feature (322) together define a first relative configuration and a second relative configuration such that:
the housing (102) and the base (104) are fixed relative to each other in the first relative configuration, and

the housing (102) and the base (104) are adapted to move relative to each other in the second relative configuration;

the base (104) further includes:
at least one primary inlet (106) and at least one secondary inlet (110);

characterized in that:
the at least one secondary inlet (110) provides an adjustable inlet area;

the at least one primary inlet (106) is adapted to receive a flow of fluid in each of the first position (P1) and the second position (P2); and

the at least one secondary inlet (110) is adapted to receive the flow of fluid in the first position (P1).
The fluid pump (100) of claim 1 further includes a handle (116) provided on the housing (102), the handle (116) including:
a first portion (118) fixedly coupled to the housing (102); and

a second portion (124) movably coupled to the first portion (118), wherein the second portion (124) is adapted to move along the longitudinal axis (X-X') between at least an engaged position (EP) and a disengaged position (DP) relative to the first portion (118).
The fluid pump (100) of claims 1-2 further includes a first linkage element (204, 502) fixedly coupled to the second portion (124) of the handle (116) and movably coupled to the locking element (206).
The fluid pump (100) of claims 1-3 further includes an interface portion (208, 310) provided on the locking element (206), the interface portion (208, 310) adapted to movably engage with the first linkage element (204, 502).
The fluid pump (100) of claims 1-4, wherein the locking element (206) has a substantially ring-shaped configuration.
The fluid pump (100) of claims 1-5 further includes a second linkage element (302, 304, 306, 308) fixedly coupled to the base (104) and releasably coupled to the locking element (206).
The fluid pump (100) of claims 1-6, wherein the first structural feature (312) is at least one protrusion (314, 316, 318, 320) provided on the locking element (206).
The fluid pump (100) of claims 1-7, wherein the second structural feature (322) is at least a first notch (324, 326, 328, 330) and a second notch (332, 334) provided on the second linkage element (302, 304, 306, 308), each of the first notch (324, 326, 328, 330) and the second notch (332, 334) disposed spaced apart relative to one another.
The fluid pump (100) of claims 1-8 further includes a spring element (402) coupled to each of the housing (102) and the locking element (206), the spring element (402) adapted to bias the locking element (206) in the first relative configuration.
The fluid pump (100) of claims 1-9, wherein, in the first relative configuration, the at least one protrusion (314, 316, 318, 320) is adapted to engage with one of the first notch (324, 326, 328, 330) and the second notch (332, 334).
The fluid pump (100) of claims 1-10, wherein, in the second relative configuration, the at least one protrusion (314, 316, 318, 320) is adapted to disengage relative to one of the first notch (324, 326, 328, 330) and the second notch (332, 334).
The fluid pump (100) of claims 1-11, wherein, in the first position (P1) of the base (104), the base (104) is adapted to extend relative to the housing (102) along the longitudinal axis (X-X').
The fluid pump (100) of claims 1-12, wherein, in the second position (P2) of the base (104), the base (104) is adapted to retract within the housing (102) along the longitudinal axis (X-X').
The fluid pump (100) of claims 1-13, wherein each of the first linkage element (204, 502) and the second linkage element (302, 304, 306, 308) is adapted to move substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (X-X').
The fluid pump (100) of claims 1-14, wherein the locking element (206) is adapted to rotate about the longitudinal axis (X-X').