EP3992464A1

EP3992464A1 - Pump and handle associated with pump

Info

Publication number: EP3992464A1
Application number: EP20204388.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yunus BAYKARA; Christoph Schiedt; Reiner HÄUFELE; Christian Drößler
Original assignee: Husqvarna AB
Current assignee: Husqvarna AB
Priority date: 2020-10-28
Filing date: 2020-10-28
Publication date: 2022-05-04
Also published as: CN116472409A; CN116472409B; EP4204690A1; WO2022089785A1

Abstract

A pump (100) includes a pump body (114) and a handle (116) adapted to couple with the pump body (114). The handle (116) includes a first part (118) which defines a top element (120) and a bottom element (122). The handle (116) also includes a second part (144) which defines a seating element (124). Either the seating element (124) of the second part (144) at least partially covers the top element (120) of the first part (118), or the top element (120) of the first part (118) at least partially covers the seating element (124) of the second part (144). Further, the first part (118) and the second part (144) are movable relative to each other. The pump (100) is characterized in that the first part (118) is coupled with the second part (144) such that the top element (120) of the first part (118) is removable therefrom.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to pumps. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a submersible pump and a handle associated with the pump.

BACKGROUND

A pump, such as a submersible pump (or sub pump or electric submersible pump), is a device which can be submerged in a fluid medium to be pumped. Generally, submersible pumps are used in different applications, such as clear water operations, dirty water operations, and the like. These applications may require height adjustment of the pump, transportation of the pump from one point to another, and the like.
Some pumps may include a height adjustment mechanism that allows adjustment in a height of the pump. However, the height adjustment mechanism is complex in design and includes multiple parts that move relative to each other. Such a height adjustment mechanism also includes multiple contact surfaces associated with the movable parts. Further, dirt particles present in the fluid that is being pumped may get trapped between the movable parts. In some cases, the dirt particles may block one or more parts of the height adjustment mechanism which may in turn affect an operation of the submersible pump.
Further, conventional submersible pumps include a handle that allows transportation of the pump from one place to another. The handle works as a "trigger" to allow change in a position of the pump. A design of the handle that is currently associated with the pump may expose multiple parts of the handle thereby allowing ingress of foreign particles. Further, such handles may also impart difficulties in cleaning and other maintenance work of the handle. Thus, there is a need for an improved handle design for the submersible pump that is user-friendly and has an ergonomic design. Further, it is also desirable that the handle provides easy cleaning and maintenance of the handle.
CN utility patent application 21,0961,650 (hereinafter referred to as '650 reference) describes a low-noise food processor. The low-noise food processor includes a handle, a handle flip cover, and a limiting groove. The handle flip cover and the side wall of a machine shell can be directly detachably connected, so that a user can remove the handle flip cover. Further, the handle flip cover is hingedly connected with the side wall thorough a hinge shaft around a bottom of the handle flip cover. However, the handle described in the '650 reference is associated with the food processor. Further, this arrangement of the handle flip cover and the handle is complex and may lead to the handle being prone to intrusion of foreign particles.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present disclosure to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a new design of a handle for a pump. The pump includes a pump body. The pump also includes the handle which couples with the pump body. The handle includes a first part which defines a top element and a bottom element. The handle also includes a second part which defines a seating element. Either the seating element of the second part at least partially covers the top element of the first part, or the top element of the first part at least partially covers the seating element of the second part. Further, the first part and the second part are movable relative to each other. The pump is characterized in that the first part is coupled with the second part such that the top element of the first part is removable therefrom.
The handle of the present disclosure includes a user-friendly and ergonomic design which provides easy cleaning and maintenance of the handle of the pump. The handle described herein also reduces exposure of any gaps between the movable parts (i.e. the first part or the second part) of the handle to a fluid. This feature may in turn reduce any risk of blockage of the movable parts due to foreign particles. Further, the top element can be easily attached/detached to allow easy access for cleaning of the handle parts, herein the bottom element and the second part.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the removal of the top element of the first part allows access to the seating element of the second part. This feature provides easy access to the handle parts i.e. the seating element of the second part, for cleaning in order to remove any obstructions or foreign materials from the movable parts of the handle.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first part and the second part are removably coupled by one or more of a screws, a snap-fit, and pins. Such coupling techniques provide quick attachment and detachment of the first part and the second part.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the handle defines a left arm and a right arm. The top element of the first part removably couples on one or more of the left arm and the right arm. This feature allows easy and quick removal of the top element for accessing the seating element without requirement of additional tools.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the left arm, and the right arm of the handle at least partially engage with a mechanism of the pump. This provides a robust arrangement for the handle and the mechanism of the pump, and also facilitates simplified technique of triggering a movable basket of the mechanism.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pump further includes the movable basket which moves between a first position and a second position. Actuation of the first part of the handle biases the movable basket in one of the first position and the second position. This feature allows simple and user-friendly operation for switching the movable basket between the first and second positions. Moreover, this feature may allow usage of the pump in different modes, such as a clean water mode and a dirt water mode.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mechanism includes the movable basket. The movable basket allows usage of the pump for different applications and modes.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pump is a submersible pump. The submersible pump finds applications in the clean water and dirty water modes, although the pump may be any pump as used or known in the art.
Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a submersible pump, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 shows a partial cross sectional view of the submersible pump, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 show a perspective view of a top element associated with the submersible pump, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 shows a top view of the submersible pump illustrating the top element, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the submersible pump illustrating a bottom element associated with the submersible pump, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 6 shows a top view of the submersible pump illustrating the bottom element, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the disclosure incorporating one or more aspects of the present disclosure are shown. This disclosure 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 disclosure to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may 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 disclosure. 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", "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.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pump 100. The present disclosure relates to the pump 100. The pump 100 is a submersible pump 100. However, the present disclosure may be readily implemented with any pump as used or known in the art. The pump 100 may be used in a number of fluid handling operations to pump a fluid. The fluid may include water or any other fluids having different viscosity. In an example, the pump 100 may include a multistage centrifugal pump, operating in a vertical position.
The pump 100 includes a pump housing 102. The pump housing 102 is generally hollow and holds multiple components of the pump 100 therein. The pump 100 includes a prime mover (not shown) that is disposed in the pump housing 102. The prime mover generates operational power and may include a hermetically sealed motor (not shown). The pump housing 102 has an inlet 104 and an outlet 106 for the fluid. The fluid is pumped in from the inlet 104 and pumped out from the outlet 106. The outlet 106 is connected with a hose connector 108 which may allow connection of a hose (not shown) for pumping of the fluid. The pump 100 may also include other components (not shown), such as an impeller, a shaft, a bearing, and the like.
As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the pump 100 includes a mechanism 110. Further, the mechanism 110 incudes a movable basket 112. The movable basket 112 is adapted to move between a first position "P1" (not shown) and a second position "P2", as illustrated in the accompanying figures. The mechanism 110 allows the movable basket 112 to switch between the first position "P1" and the second position "P2". The first position "P1" is an extended position of the movable basket 112. Further, the second position "P2" is a retracted position of the movable basket 112. The first and second positions "P1", "P2" of the movable basket 112 provides necessary changes in an inlet area of the inlet 104. Further, the first and second positions "P1", "P2", adjust the inlet 104 of the pump 100 to operate the pump 100 in a dirty water mode and a clean water mode. More particularly, the first and second positions "P1", "P2" of the movable basket 112 correspond to the dirty water mode and the clean water mode, respectively. As the dirty water mode requires larger inlet area to ensure efficient functioning of the pump 100 compared to the clean water mode, the movable basket 112 is moved to the first position "P1" for operating the pump 100 in the dirty water mode.
The operation of the pump 100 in the first position "P1" allows handling of dirty water, wherein dirt particles of different sizes can enter without any obstruction. In order to switch to the first position "P1", the movable basket 112 moves within and relative to the pump housing 102. The movement of the movable basket 112 to the first position "P1" allows increase in an overall height of the pump 100.
The first position "P1" of the movable basket 112 allows exposure of one or more inlet openings (not shown) provided on the movable basket 112. The inlet openings are disposed proximate to the inlet 104. In an example, the pump 100 may include a number of inverted "U" shaped inlet openings. However, the inlet openings may have any other shape, size, number, and dimensions, without any limitations. The first position "P1" and the second position "P2" of the movable basket 112 allow setup of the pump 100 for different applications as per desired size of the inlet openings, based on switching of the movable basket 112 between the first position "P1" and the second position "P2".
Further, the operation of pump 100 in the second position "P2" allows handling of clean water. In the second position "P2", clean water may enter the pump 100 from the inlet 104. The second position "P2" of the movable basket 112 restricts a flow of any large sized particles. In order to switch to the second position "P2", the movable basket 112 moves relative and within the pump housing 102. The movement of the movable basket 112 to the second position "P2" allows to decrease the overall height of the pump 100. Moreover, in the second position "P2" of the movable basket 112, the inlet openings are partially or completely covered by the pump housing 102, as per application requirements.
Although the present disclosure discloses two positions, i.e. the first position "P1" and the second position "P2", an actual implementation of the present disclosure may have multiple number of positions of the movable basket 112 between the first and second positions "P1", "P2". More particularly, the movable basket 112 may assume any other position between the first and second positions "P1", "P2". Moreover, the multiple positions may then allow multiple modes of operation of the pump 100.
Further, the pump 100 includes a pump body 114. The pump body 114 or the mechanism 110 may include any technique, means, components to allow movement and actuation of the movable basket 112 between the first and second positions "P1", "P2". The pump 100 also includes a handle 116 adapted to couple with the pump body 114. In some embodiments, handle 116 may be adapted to couple with the housing 114, or any other part of the pump 100 without any limitation to the present disclosure. The handle 116 allows handling of the pump 100 by a user. Further, the handle 116 works as a "trigger" for switching of the movable basket 112 between the first position "P1" and the second position "P2". The handle 116 includes a first part 118 which defines a top element 120 and a bottom element 122 (best shown in FIG. 5 ). Further, actuation of the first part 118 of the handle 116 is adapted to bias the movable basket 112 in one of the first position "P1" and the second position "P2". The first part 118 works as an actuator to change the position of the movable basket 112. Further, the first part 118 of the handle 116 may be actuated based on a touch, a push, a push and hold, and the like. In some embodiments, the handle 116 may include additional parts or combination of parts to realize an intended function of actuating or triggering the movement of the movable basket 112.
The present disclosure relates to the top element 120. The top element 120 will now be explained in detail. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the top element 120 of the first part 118. It should be noted that the shape of the top element 120 generally corresponds to a shape proximate to an upper portion 123 (see FIG. 2 ) of the bottom element 122 (see FIG. 2 ). The top element 120 includes a "C"-shaped design. However, the top element 120 of the first part 118 may have any shape and size depending upon the design of the handle 116 such that the top element 120 covers a seating element 124 (see FIGS. 4 , 5 , and 6 ).
A material of the top element 120 may include plastic, metal, wood, and the like. The top element 120 defines a first end 126 and a second end 128. The top element 120 defines an inner surface 129 and an outer surface 131 that is opposite to the inner surface 129. Further, the top element 120 includes a first hole 130 defined at the first end 126 and a second hole 132 defined at the second end 128. The first hole 130 is in alignment with the second hole 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second holes 130, 132 are circular in shape. Alternatively, the first and second holes 130, 132 may have a square shape, a rectangular shape, an oval shape, and the like. It should be noted that the top element 120 may include any number of holes with various shapes and sizes, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the first and second holes 130, 132 are embodied as through-holes. In some embodiments, the top element 120 may include a pair of protrusions, grooves or any other connecting elements projecting from the outer surface 131 or the inner surface 129 of the top element 120 to engage with corresponding mating elements on the bottom element 122.
Further, the top element 120 includes a pair of side portions 134, only one of which is illustrated herein. In some examples, the pair of side portions 134 may be parallel to each other. In other examples, each side portion 134 may be angularly disposed, such that the pair of side portions 134 are not parallel to each other. Moreover, the top element 120 defines an opening 135 to accommodate the bottom element 122 when the top element 120 is coupled to the bottom element 122 and the seating element 124. Further, a length "L" defined by the top element 120 may be substantially equal to or slightly greater than a distance between left and right arms 136, 138.
As shown in FIG. 2 , the handle 116 defines the left arm 136 and the right arm 138, wherein the top element 120 of the first part 118 removably couples (or say clicks) on one or more of the left arm 136 and the right arm 138. The left and right arms 136, 138 form a part of the bottom element 122. The bottom element 122 includes a generally inverted "U"-shaped design. In some embodiments, the bottom element 122 is designed like a bridge with the left arm 136 and the right arm 138. This allows the bottom element 122 to allow easy and stable coupling with the top element 120. A material of the bottom element 122 may include plastic, metal, wood, and the like. In some embodiments, removal of the top element 120 may allow assembly or disassembly of different parts or components of the mechanism 110, or of the pump 100. More particularly, removal of the top element 120 may allow assembly or disassembly of the left and right arms 136, 138 or any other parts of the handle 116. Such a simple, and easily removal arrangement of the top element 120 may thus allow effective and user-friendly cleaning in situ, or even after taking the parts or components outside of the handle 116.
The left arm 136 and the right arm 138 of the bottom element 122 extend downwards towards the inlet 104 of the pump 100. The left arm 136 and the right arm 138 of the handle 116 are adapted to at least partially engage with the mechanism 110 of the pump 100. The engagement of the left and right arms 136, 138 with the mechanism 110 may allow switching of the movable basket 112 between the first and second positions "P1", "P2", based on the actuation of the first part 118 of the handle 116.
The bottom element 122 of the first part 118 includes a first engaging element 140 (shown in FIG. 5 ) and a second engaging element 142 (shown in FIG. 2 ). The first engaging element 140 is disposed on the left arm 136, whereas the second engaging element 142 is disposed on the right arm 138. Further, the first engaging element 140 engages with the first hole 130 (see FIG. 3 ) of the top element 120 and the second engaging element 142 engages with the second hole 132 (see FIG. 3 ) of the top element 120 to secure the top element 120 with the bottom element 122. A shape and a size of the first and second engaging elements 140, 142 corresponds to the shape and the size of the first and second holes 130, 132, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first engaging element 140 and the second engaging element 142 are circular in shape. Alternatively, the first and second engaging elements 140, 142 may have a square shape, a rectangular shape, an oval shape, and the like.
Further, the first and second engaging elements 140, 142 include mechanical fasteners herein. The mechanical fasteners may be embodied as bolts, screws, pine, rivets, and the like. In alternate embodiments, the first and second engaging elements 140, 142 may include tabs extending from the left and right arms 136, 138, respectively. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the shape or the design of the first and second engaging elements 140, 142, and the first and second engaging elements 140, 142 may include various other shapes and designs. Further, in some examples, a bayonet structure may be used to removably couple the top element 120 with the bottom element 122. Although the bottom element 122 includes two engaging elements 140, 142 herein, a total number of the engaging elements 140, 142 may vary based on the total number of the holes 130, 132 in the top element 120.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the handle 116 also includes a second part 144 which defines the seating element 124. Further, either the seating element 124 of the second part 144 at least partially covers the top element 120 of the first part 118, or the top element 120 of the first part 118 at least partially covers the seating element 124 of the second part 144. More particularly, in an example, the seating element 124 is designed to partially or totally cover the top element 120, such that there is no gap between the seating element 124 and the top element 120. The present disclosure illustrates the seating element 124 partially covering the side portions 134 of the top element 120 (as best shown in FIG. 1 ). This will allow the seating element 124 to disallow any foreign particles to move between the seating element 124 and the top element 120. In another example, the top element 120 is designed to partially or totally cover the seating element 124, such that there is no gap between the seating element 124 and the top element 120. This arrangement of the top element 120 and the seating element 124 limits any gaps between the top element 120 and the seating element 124 to avoid penetration of any foreign particles therethrough. It should be noted that the bottom element 122 of the first part 118 is disposed between the top element 120 and the seating element 124.
The first part 118 is movable relative to the second part 144. Further, movement of the first part 118 relative to the second part 144 allows actuation of the mechanism 110, based on the user's action on the top element 120 of the first part 118. In some examples, the seating element 124 of the second part 144 may at least partially receive the first part 118 when the movable basket 112 is in the second position "P2". In an embodiment, the second part 144 may be fixed to the pump housing 102.
Further, the first part 118 is coupled with the second part 144, such that the top element 120 of the first part 118 is removable therefrom. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , when the top element 120 is removed, a gap 146 exists between the bottom element 122 and the second part 144. Further, when the top element 120 is coupled to the bottom element 122, the pair of side portions 134 may cover the gap 146. Removal of the top element 120 of the first part 118 allows access to the seating element 124 of the second part 144. Further, the first part 118 and the second part 144 may be removably coupled by one or more of a screws, a snap-fit, and pins, in some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the first part 118 and the second part 144 are removably coupled by a snap fit arrangement. Alternatively, the first part 118 and the second part 144 may be removably coupled by any other means generally used or known in the art.
The present disclosure provides improvement in the handle 116 for the pump 100, which is preferably the submersible pump 100. The first part 118 and the second part 144 are designed in such a way that the user may easily grip the handle 116 for movement of the pump 100 or cleaning and other maintenance purposes. The parts of the handle 116 described herein are designed ergonomically so that the user may comfortably actuate the top element 120 of the first part 118 to switch the position of the movable basket 112 between the first position "P1" and the second position "P2". Further, the present disclosure may be readily applicable with any other multiple part arrangement of the pump 100, even other than the handle 116. The techniques of the present disclosure may be easily applied with different movable parts of the mechanism 110, particularly parts which are susceptible to intrusion of foreign particles.
Further, the handle 116 includes the top element 120 that is removably coupled to the bottom element 122. The top element 120 includes a simple design and is a cost-effective component. Moreover, the top element 120 restricts passage and settling of foreign particles in the seating element 124. Removal of the top element 120 provides ease in accessibility to the seating element 124 for cleaning thereof. Further, the removable coupling arrangement of the top element 120 with the bottom element 122 provides quick and easy attachment/detachment of the top element 120 with the bottom element 122.
In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the disclosure 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 disclosure being set forth in the following claims.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

100: Pump
102: Pump Housing
104: Inlet
106: Outlet
108: Hose Connector
110: Mechanism
112: Movable Basket
114: Pump Body
116: Handle
118: First Part
120: Top Element
122: Bottom Element
123: Upper Portion
124: Seating Element
126: First End
128: Second End
129: Inner Surface
130: First Hole
131: Outer Surface
132: Second Hole
134: Side Portions
135: Opening
136: Left Arm
138: Right Arm
140: First Engaging Element
142: Second Engaging Element
144: Second Part
P1: First Position
P2: Second Position
L: Length

Claims

A pump (100) comprising:
a pump body (114), and

a handle (116) adapted to couple with the pump body (114), the handle (116) comprising:
a first part (118) which defines a top element (120) and a bottom element (122); and

a second part (144) which defines a seating element (124), wherein either the seating element (124) of the second part (144) at least partially covers the top element (120) of the first part (118), or the top element (120) of the first part (118) at least partially covers the seating element (124) of the second part (144), and

wherein the first part (118) and the second part (144) are movable relative to each other;

characterized in that:
the first part (118) is coupled with the second part (144) such that the top element (120) of the first part (118) is removable therefrom.
The pump (100) of claim 1, wherein removal of the top element (120) of the first part (118) allows access to the seating element (124) of the second part (144).
The pump (100) of claim 1, wherein the first part (118) and the second part (144) are removably coupled by one or more of a screws, a snap-fit, and pins.
The pump (100) of claim 3, wherein the handle (116) defines a left arm (136) and a right arm (138), wherein the top element (120) of the first part (118) removably couples on one or more of the left arm (136) and the right arm (138).
The pump (100) of claim 4, wherein the left arm (136) and the right arm (138) of the handle (116) are adapted to at least partially engage with a mechanism (110) of the pump (100).
The pump (100) of claim 1, wherein the pump (100) further includes a movable basket (114) adapted to move between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), wherein actuation of the first part (118) of the handle (116) is adapted to bias the movable basket (114) in one of the first position (P1) and the second position (P2).
The pump (100) of claim 5 and 6, wherein the mechanism (110) includes the movable basket (114).
The pump (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (100) is a submersible pump (100).