FR3096093A1 - Device for sucking up liquids from a floor. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for sucking liquid from a floor (S), the device (1) comprising an outer wall (10) defining a first enclosure (E1) open at least via recesses (11). for the passage of liquid towards the interior of this first enclosure (E1), the device (1) comprising a pipe (3) fluidly connected with a liquid suction pump (4) to said first enclosure (E1). The device comprises an interior wall (20) defining a second enclosure (E2), this second enclosure (E2) being open at least via recesses (21) formed through the interior wall (20) for the passage of liquid from the device. first enclosure (E1) to the second enclosure (E2), the pipe opening out inside this second enclosure (E2). FIGURE OF ABREGE: Fig. 1

Description

Device for the suction of liquid lying on the ground.

The present invention relates to the field of devices for the suction of liquid lying on the ground.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Devices are adapted to be fluidically connected to a pump in order to be able to suck up a liquid lying on the ground while filtering this liquid.

The purpose of this filtration is to limit the risk of clogging of the pump by objects / particles located in the environment of the device for the suction of liquid.

Such a device plays the role of a pump strainer. A disadvantage of these devices is that they are prone to clogging by objects/particles resting on the ground around the device.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a device adapted to be fluidically connected to a pump for the suction of liquid on the ground, this device limiting the risk of clogging of the pump.

To this end, there is proposed according to the invention a device for the suction of liquid on a floor comprising an outer wall defining a first enclosure open at least via recesses formed through this outer wall to allow the passage of liquid from the exterior of the first enclosure towards the interior of this first enclosure.

The device according to the invention comprises a pipe having a first end arranged to be fluidically connected with a liquid suction pump and a second end of the pipe fluidically connected to said first enclosure in order to be able to suck up liquid located in this first enclosure. to said pipe.

This device according to the invention is essentially characterized in that it comprises an inner wall defining a second enclosure, this second enclosure being open at least via recesses formed through the inner wall to allow the passage of liquid from the first enclosure towards the second enclosure and said second end of the pipe opening inside this second enclosure, at a distance from the first enclosure.

In this way, the liquid sucked from the outside of the first enclosure towards said pipe passes successively through the first enclosure and then through the second enclosure.

This liquid thus undergoes a first filtration through the recesses formed through the outer wall and a second filtration through the recesses formed through the inner wall.

There is thus a double filtration and a buffer zone between the inner wall and the outer wall of which greatly limits the risk of clogging of the suction pump by materials present outside the suction device.

Preferably, the second enclosure is placed inside the first enclosure. This makes it possible to carry out this double filtration with a particularly compact device having a buffer storage zone between the inner wall and the outer wall.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description given of it below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an assembly comprising a device for the suction of liquid from a floor according to the invention and a liquid suction pump which is laterally connected to a first end of the conduit of the device, in this embodiment the assembly forms a cellar vacuum whose pump and device are placed side by side on the ground where the liquid is to be sucked;

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

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a lower face of part of the device for the suction of liquid on a floor illustrated in Figure 1 (without its bottom), a zone of this Figure 3 is an enlargement at the level slotted recesses made through the inner and outer walls of the device;

figure 4a is a cross-sectional view of part of the device for the aspiration of liquid on a floor illustrated in figure 1 (without its bottom), an area of this figure 4a is an enlargement at the level of the slotted recesses carried out through the inner and outer walls of the device (the level of liquid Nx outside the first enclosure E1 passes above the limit suction plane P1a through the inner wall 20, at this stage, there is no there is still no suction of liquid towards the pump because the pump can only suck gases above the level Nx);

FIG. 4b is a view identical to that of FIG. 4a but here the level of liquid Nx outside the first enclosure E1 passes above the limit suction plane P1a through the inner wall 20, at this stage, the level of liquid Ny in the second enclosure E2 begins to rise under the effect of a suction of gas by the dry self-priming pump, the liquid does not yet reach the level of the pump;

Figure 4c is a view identical to that of Figures 4a and 4b but here the level of liquid Nx outside the first enclosure E1 passes slightly above the limit suction plane P1a through the inner wall 20, at this stage, the level of liquid Ny in the second enclosure E2 is increased under the effect of gas suction by the pump and this liquid completely fills the second enclosure E2 and reaches the level of the pump;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device for the suction of liquid from a floor illustrated in FIG. 1 (with its bottom);

figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device for the suction of liquid on a floor illustrated in figure 1 (with its bottom), an area of this figure 6 is an enlargement at the level of the recesses in slots 11, 21 made through the inner and outer walls of the device (it can be seen that the cross section of each of these recesses increases in a direction of flow of the fluid through these recesses so as to limit the risk of internal clogging of each of these recesses recesses);

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 2, where it can be seen that the pump comprises an electric motor causing reciprocating movement of a moving part 45 between first and second walls 44a, 44b of chamber 44 for generating fluid suction by the pump; A zone of this figure 7 is an enlargement at the level of this moving part 45 where one sees the first upstream and downstream circular lips 120a, 121a on a first side of the part 45 and the second upstream and downstream circular lips 120b, 121b on another side of room 45;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an assembly comprising a device for the suction of liquid from a floor according to the invention and a liquid suction pump, the assembly being in its liquid transfer configuration, in which the device according to the invention is assembled on an attachment of the pump at a distance from the suction inlet of the pump, this device according to the invention forming a support foot for the pump and the pump being used to transfer fluid without this fluid/liquid passing through the device according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the assembly comprising the device for the suction of liquid from a floor according to the invention, the assembly being in its empty cellar configuration in which the device according to invention is fluidically connected to the suction inlet of the pump, this device according to the invention forming a support foot for the pump and the pump being used to suck up liquid on the ground, this liquid passing through the device according to the invention;

Figure 10 is a sectional view along a plane XX of the assembly of Figure 9 (the assembly is here in the embodiment where the device forms a support foot for the pump), the assembly is here in its empty-cellar configuration;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the movable part 45 in the chamber 44, the first lips 120a, 121a here being attached to a first side of the movable part 45 to bear against a first wall 44a of the chamber 44 and the second lips 120b, 121b being attached to a second side of the movable part 45 to bear against a second wall 44b of the chamber 44;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the second wall 44b of the chamber 44 of the pump, in this embodiment the second lips 120b, 121b are not attached to the movable part 45 as in FIG. 11, but they are are exclusively attached to the second wall 44b of the chamber 44 (this mode is consistent with that shown in Figure 7 where the second wall 44b carries the second lips 120b, 121b and where the first wall 44a carries the first lips 120a, 121a) .

In general and with reference to figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10, the invention relates to a device 1 for the suction of liquid on a floor S.

This device 1 comprises an outer wall 10 defining a first enclosure E1 open at least via recesses 11 formed through this outer wall 10 to allow the passage of liquid from the outside of the first enclosure E1 to the inside of this first enclosure E1.

This outer wall 10 has the shape of a bell with a cylindrical edge and the recesses 11 formed through the outer wall are essentially in the form of slots. Each recess 11 extends in a plane perpendicular to a support plane of the device 1 on the ground S.

These recesses 11 are here arranged in first and second groups of recesses G1, G2 and a portion G3 of the outer wall 10 extends between these first and second groups of recesses G1, G2 to separate them.

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

In this case, these recesses 11 of the first group G1 in the form of slots parallel to each other.

Each of the recesses 11 of the second group G2 extends in length along an arc and has a first terminal end positioned on a side edge of the outer wall 10 and a second terminal end positioned on an upper face of the outer wall 10.

The recesses of the first group G1 all open towards the ground in order to suck in liquid as close as possible to the ground and the recesses 11 of the second group G2 are far from the ground in order to be able to suck in liquid lying above the device.

These recesses 11 are distributed over a major part of the periphery of the outer wall 10 (in this case these recesses 11 are distributed over at least 60% of the periphery of the outer wall 10) and are preferably equidistant from each other to be able to carry out a uniform suction of liquid towards the interior of the first chamber E1. The risk of clogging of the recesses 11 is thus minimized.

The device 1 also comprises a pipe 3 having a first end 3a arranged to be fluidically connected with a liquid suction pump 4 and a second end 3b of the pipe 3 fluidically connected to the said first enclosure E1 in order to be able to suck up liquid located in this first enclosure E1 towards said pipe 3.

Device 1 also comprises an inner wall 20 defining a second enclosure E2 which is preferably placed inside said first enclosure E1. This second enclosure E2 is open at least via recesses 21 formed through the inner wall 20 to allow the passage of liquid from the first enclosure E1 to the second enclosure E2 and said second end 3b of the pipe opening inside this second enclosure E2, at a distance from the first enclosure E1.

As explained previously, this aspect of the device according to the invention makes it possible to carry out a double filtration which reduces the risk of clogging of the pump by objects located around the device 1.

Preferably, the total liquid passage section via the recesses of the outer wall 10 is greater by at least 30% than the total liquid passage section via the recesses of the inner wall 20.

This makes it possible to limit the risk of clogging of the outer wall because the depression between the inner and outer faces of the outer wall 10 is limited compared to the depression which exists between the inner and outer faces of the inner wall 20.

This limits the risk of suction of objects located around the outer wall 10.

Preferably, as understood from Figure 4a, the minimum dimension X1 of the recesses 11 through the outer wall 10 is less than the minimum dimension X2 of the recesses 21 through the inner wall 20. Thus, in the event of passage of particles through the recesses 11 of the outer wall 10, it is certain that these particles will be able to pass through the recesses 21 of the inner wall 20 which avoids the risk of clogging of the first enclosure E1. Furthermore, the minimum dimension X2 of the recesses 21 through the inner wall 20 and the maximum dimension of the recesses 21 through the inner wall 20 are selected to limit the size of the particles likely to pass through the second enclosure E2.

The recesses 21 formed through the inner wall 20 are exclusively formed between a suction limit plane through the inner wall P1a (that is to say an upper plane) and a bearing plane of the inner wall P1b (that is to say a lower plane with respect to said upper plane when the device is placed on the ground to suck liquid therein).

The recesses 11 formed through the outer wall 10 are exclusively formed between a suction limit plane through the outer wall P2a and a support plane of the outer wall P2b (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 recesses formed through the outer wall 10 are formed between the suction limit plane through the outer wall P2a and the suction limit plane through the inner wall P1a.

Since the outer wall 10 has recesses 11 which are above the level of the suction boundary plane P1a through the inner wall 20 and below the level of the suction boundary plane through the outer wall P2a, the outer wall makes it possible to filter liquid on a portion of this outer wall which is above the level of the suction limit plane P1a of the inner wall.

This makes it possible to reduce the risk of clogging of the recesses formed through the outer wall.

Moreover, thanks to this feature, when the device is arranged so that the support plane of the inner wall P1b is below the suction limit plane P1a through the inner wall 20 and the liquid level Nx outside the first enclosure passes above the suction limit plane P1a, it is then certain that the recesses 21 formed through the inner wall are all immersed in the liquid and that they do not open out to the 'outdoors.

It is then sufficient to apply a vacuum in line 3 to generate a vacuum in the second enclosure E2 and thus force the suction of liquid while avoiding the passage of air/gas towards this second enclosure E2.

Limiting the volume of air absorbed towards the second enclosure E2 makes it possible to improve the liquid pumping capacity (the presence of air in pipe 3 induces a drop in the efficiency of the pump).

As seen in Figures 1, 4a, 4b, 4c and 7, at least some of the recesses 11 formed through the outer wall 10 extend between the limit suction plane through the inner wall P1a and the support plane of the interior wall P1b.

Thus, as soon as the liquid begins to spread over the ground S, it can quickly reach the interior of the second enclosure E2. It is thus possible to start pumping the liquid as soon as possible, in this case, as soon as the water level Ny inside the second enclosure E2 passes above the suction limit plane through the inner wall P1a.

More generally, the recesses 11 formed through the outer wall 10 are exclusively formed between the suction limit plane through the outer wall P2a and the support plane of the outer wall P2b.

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

Likewise, the said:

- suction limit plane through the inner wall P1a;

- support surface of the interior wall P1b;

- suction limit plane through the outer wall P2a; and

- bearing surface of the outer wall P2b;

are planes that are preferably parallel to each other and are designed to be horizontal when the device is placed on a horizontal plane ground to suck liquid therefrom.

Preferably, the suction limit plane through the inner wall P1a is spaced from the support plane of the inner wall P1b by a height value of at most 1 centimeter and preferably by at most 4 millimeters, preferably d at most 2 mm, which makes it possible to limit the width of the recesses 21 made through the inner wall 20. Consequently, the distance between the ground (against which the inner wall 20 bears) and the limit plane of suction P1a is thus very weak.

As soon as the level of liquid, here water, on the ground S exceeds the suction limit plane P1a through the inner wall 20, that is to say as soon as it exceeds the height value pre mentioned, the device according to the invention is then able to suck only liquid and it is then fully effective.

Thus, thanks to the invention, the level of liquid from which the liquid can be sucked up is particularly low.

It is thus possible to reduce the residual level of liquid on the ground at the end of suction.

As is understood in particular from Figures 5, 6, 7, the device preferably comprises a bottom 22 resting against the inner wall 20.

This bottom 22 forms an underside of the second enclosure E2.

This bottom 22 is preferably solid but it may optionally have recesses of dimensions less than or equal to the minimum dimensions X2 of each of the recesses 21 of the inner wall 20.

Thanks to this bottom 22, the size of the particles capable of penetrating towards the second enclosure E2 is limited since only particles capable of passing through the recesses 21 can penetrate this enclosure E2.

The risk of clogging in the pump connected to pipe 3 is thus particularly limited.

Preferably, this bottom 22 forms a support leg of the device 1 on the ground S.

This bottom 22 comprises a bottom plate 22a forming the underside of the second enclosure E2 and ribs 22b.

Each of these ribs 22b extends perpendicular to said lower plate 22a.

Each of these ribs 22b has a first terminal end arranged facing the inner wall 20 and a second terminal end arranged in a central zone of the second enclosure E2 towards which the second end 3b of the pipe 3 opens.

In this embodiment, each rib 22b has a first function of stiffening the bottom 22 and a second function of guiding the flow of fluid inside the second enclosure E2 going from the inner wall 20 where the liquid is admitted towards a central zone of the second enclosure E2 where the pipe 3 opens.

A laminar flow of the liquid towards the pipe 3 is thus promoted, which limits the pressure drop induced by the device according to the invention.

As understood from these same figures 5, 6, 7, the second enclosure E2 is preferentially open towards a bottom plane PF in which extends a major part of said bottom 22.

The bottom plane PF is here the plane in which the lower plate 22a of the bottom 22 extends.

The fact that the first enclosure E1 is open in the direction of the bottom plane PF makes it possible to have an opening of this first enclosure oriented towards the ground S on which it is desired to suck the liquid. During the suction of liquid via line 3, a depression is generated in the first chamber E1 which tends to press the device 1 against the ground S.

This limits the risk of accidental tilting of the device 1 since the outer wall 10 tends to press against the ground S.

The risk of particles passing between the outer wall 10 and the ground S on which the device is placed is thus greatly limited.

The device preferably comprises a rod 40 extending inside the second enclosure E2, this rod 40 extending from an upper face of this second enclosure E2 to a central zone of said bottom 22.

The rod 40 and the bottom 22 are being mechanically assembled against each other.

The bottom 22 forming the underside of the second enclosure E2 is thus assembled to the rest of the device via a centering pin 40 in contact against the central zone of the bottom.

This method of assembly is advantageous because it limits the risk of bending of the bottom 22 and consequently the risk of its breaking.

The bottom 22 has lower and upper faces arranged on either side of the bottom, the upper face being opposite the second enclosure E2.

Preferably, the bottom has a peripheral edge having a chamfer 22c extending to the upper face of the bottom.

Some of the recesses 21 formed through the inner wall 20 also have a chamfer 21a, one face of the chamfer 21a of which is either parallel to the chamfer 22c of the peripheral edge of the bottom, or not parallel to the chamfer 22c by diverging from this chamfer 22c going from the outside to the inside of the second enclosure E2.

As the chamfer 22c of the edge of the bottom 22 is parallel to the chamfers 21a of the recesses of the inner wall 20, the flow of fluid through the recesses 21 is improved.

Preferably, the chamfer of the bottom 22c extends to the underside of the bottom, which allows this chamfer to approach as close as possible to the ground S on which the device 1 is placed.

This makes it possible to suck up the liquid lying on the ground S at the level of the junction between this chamfer 22c and the lower face of the bottom 22.

This can be advantageous to lower the level of liquid from which one can start pumping.

Preferably, all the recesses 21 formed through the inner wall 20 extend in length in the same plane which is common to all the recesses 21 of the inner wall 20. In other words, when the device is placed on the horizontal plane ground, these recesses 21 are horizontal along their respective lengths.

The liquid passage section through a given recess 21 made through the inner wall 20 is determined by its length and its width.

As the recesses 21 of the inner wall 20 extend longitudinally in the same plane, this means that, during use of the device, these recesses 21 are essentially elongated parallel to the ground S.

Thus, as soon as the liquid level passes above all of the recesses 21, we know that we can essentially suck up liquid without air.

The maximum liquid suction efficiency is thus reached quickly, as soon as the liquid level passes above all of the recesses 21, in this case above the widths of each of these recesses 21.

This characteristic makes it possible to lower the level from which the device according to the invention makes it possible to suck up only liquid.

As indicated above, and illustrated in Figures 1, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the invention also relates to an assembly 100 for the suction of liquid on a floor S comprising:

• the device 1 according to any one of the embodiments described; and
• a liquid suction pump (4) connected to said first end (3b) of the pipe (3).

Pump 4 is connected to a control unit UC of pump 4 itself connected to a probe 50 adapted to detect the reaching of a liquid level with respect to pump 4.

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

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the probe 50 can be fixed on the pump or alternatively it can be fixed on the device 1 according to the invention.

This attachment can be adjustable so as to adjust a detection level from which the probe detects the presence of liquid on the ground where the device 1 is placed.

In certain embodiments, in order to preserve the integrity of the probe 50, the probe 50 can be fixed on the device to detect the reaching of a level of liquid inside the device 1, in this case either a level of liquid inside the first enclosure.

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

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the probe 50 may comprise at least two electrodes spaced apart from each other in order to be able to detect the reaching of a liquid level according to a measurement of at least one characteristic electricity produced with these electrodes.

This electrical characteristic must be variable depending on the nature of the fluid located between these electrodes.

For example, this electrical characteristic measured using these electrodes can be an electrical resistance between these electrodes, a current intensity between these electrodes, an electrical voltage between these electrodes.

Thus, as soon as the liquid comes into contact with these electrodes, there is a variation in the electrical characteristic measured and it is thus possible to measure the achievement of the liquid level. The control unit UC can, depending on this measurement, control the operation of the electric motor. This avoids operating the engine for liquid levels that are too low and incompatible with the self-priming of the pump, the pump being activated only when it can begin to suck liquid from the ground.

Preferably, the probe 50 can be arranged so that the level of liquid detected by the probe 50 is above said suction limit plane through the inner wall P1a, that is to say preferably between 2 and 4 mm height of liquid relative to the ground S.

Preferably, the control unit UC and the probe 50 are arranged so that after a drop in the level of liquid below a predetermined level detected by the probe 50, the operation of the engine is maintained by the control unit. UC for a predetermined duration.

This keeps the pump running to lower the water level to the ground and avoid a level balance point causing the pump to cycle between on and off.

For this, the control unit UC or the level sensor 50 may include a timer counting down said predetermined duration, this timer being triggered from the detection of the drop in the level of liquid below said predetermined level.

The stopping of the engine being authorized by the control unit UC at the end of the countdown of the predetermined duration. This predetermined duration is for example of the order of 30 seconds.

The operating time without water of the pump is thus minimized so as not to alter it.

It should be noted that the time delay can be integrated into the probe 50 and, in this case, the control unit UC is programmed to stop the motor as soon as it receives from the probe a signal indicating the end of the countdown of the duration predetermined.

This pump 4 is dry self-priming, the term dry self-priming pump denoting the ability of the pump to draw in dry air and create sufficient vacuum to draw liquid from the floor and move it up to the chamber to discharge it via a discharge outlet 42 of the pump.

Pump 4 has a suction inlet 41 and a discharge outlet 42.

The first end 3a of the pipe 3 of the device 1 is arranged to be fluidly and removably connected to the said suction inlet 41 in such a way that when this pipe 3 is connected to the suction inlet 41 of the pump 4 and that a support face of the device 1 is placed on a flat ground S (where one wishes to suck up liquid), the pump 4 under the effect of its own weight opposes the removal of the device 1 vis-à-vis said plane ground S.

The pump comprises a chamber 44 fluidly connected to the suction inlet 41 and to the discharge outlet 42, a moving part 45 disposed in the chamber 44 and an electric motor 46 located outside the chamber 44.

The electric motor and the UC control unit are supplied with energy via a power supply cable 60.

The electric motor 46 is connected to the moving part 45 by a coupling mechanism in such a way that the actuation of the electric motor 46 by the control unit UC induces a movement of the moving part 45 with respect to the chamber to move a fluid (gas or liquid) from the suction inlet 41 to the discharge outlet 42.

The moving part 45 here has the form of a disc hollowed out in its center connected to the electric motor so as to be moved according to an alternating rectilinear movement in a direction perpendicular to the disc.

The recess in the disc in its center makes it possible to have a pumping effect on both sides of the moving part with a single discharge outlet facing this recess.

However, it is possible for the moving part 45 to be a solid disc (not hollowed out in its center) and in this case, this moving part can allow:

- either a single pumping effect on both sides of the moving part (in this case only one discharge outlet is needed);

- or a pumping effect on both sides of the moving part (in this case, a discharge outlet must be provided for each side of the moving part).

This moving part 45 is here rigid but it could be deformable so that the actuation of the electric motor 46 induces a wave propagating along the moving part 45 to move the fluid.

In this case, this moving part is an undulating membrane.

Such a membrane can be discoidal (the wave propagating along the radius of this disc) or in the form of a ribbon (the wave propagating along the length of the ribbon) or in the form of a flexible tube extensible along its periphery. and elongated (in this case the wave is a circular wave formed along the periphery of the tube and propagating along the length of this tube).

In each of these embodiments, the pump may comprise an upstream lip 120a and a downstream lip 121a designed to deform depending on the movement of the moving part 45 so as to create between these lips 120a, 121a and the wall 44a of the chamber 44, a first space 123a which is expandable when the moving part 45 is moved away from the first wall 44a of the chamber and compressible when the moving part 45 is brought closer to the first wall 44a. Part 45 is alternately moved away from and brought closer to first wall 44a when electric motor 46 is actuated by control unit UC.

The upstream lip 120a is adapted to create a sealed contact against the first wall 44a when the fluid pressure in the space 123a exceeds a fluid pressure upstream of this upstream lip 120a.

Conversely, the downstream lip 121a is suitable for:

- on the one hand create a sealed contact against the first wall 44a as long as the fluid pressure in the space 123a is lower than a fluid pressure downstream of this downstream lip 121a; and to

- secondly move away from the first wall 44a when the fluid pressure in the space 123a is greater than the fluid pressure downstream of this downstream lip 121a.

Thus, the space 123a is alternately under depression and open towards the suction inlet 41 to suck in fluid (gas or liquid) and under overpressure and open towards the discharge outlet 42 to expel this fluid there. These lips provide self-priming capability to the pump.

We will now describe in detail the case where these upstream and downstream lips are circular lips as illustrated in the different embodiments of Figures 7, 10, 11 and 12.

As mentioned earlier, the pump includes:

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

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

These first upstream and downstream circular lips 120a, 121a are placed between one of the sides of said moving part 45 and a first wall of the chamber 44 to define a first space 123a between these first upstream and downstream circular lips 120a, 121a.

In the present case, as the moving part forms a disc hollowed out at its center, this first space 123a defined between the lips 120a and 121a forms an annular space extending between a first wall 44a of the chamber 44 and a first side of the moving part 45 which faces this first wall 44a.

As can be understood in particular from FIG. 11, these first upstream and downstream circular lips 120a, 121a are such that, on a first part P1 of said reciprocating movement of said movable part 45 with respect to chamber 44, the first downstream circular lip 121a seals preventing the passage of fluid from said discharge outlet 42 to said first space 123a and the first upstream circular lip 120a then allowing free fluid passage between said first space 123a and said suction inlet 41.

In this case, on this first part P1 of said reciprocating movement of said moving part 45, the first upstream circular lip 120a is moved away from one of said first wall 44a or moving part 45 to generate a free fluid passage, this is i.e. a free space between said first space 123a and said suction inlet 41.

Thus, on this first part P1 of said alternating displacement, as the first space 123a is closed downstream and open upstream, a fluid suction effect is obtained from the suction inlet 41 towards the first space 123a by moving the moving part 45 away from the first wall 44a.

As can be understood in particular from FIG. 11, these first upstream and downstream circular lips 120a, 121a are such that on a second part P2 of said reciprocating movement of said movable part 45 with respect to chamber 44, the first upstream circular lip 120a performs a seal preventing the passage of fluid from said first space 123a towards said suction inlet 41, the first downstream circular lip 121a being arranged to:

- on the one hand allow the passage of fluid between said first space 123a and said discharge outlet 42 when a fluid pressure inside said first space 123a is greater than a fluid pressure at the level of the discharge outlet 42; and for

- on the other hand prohibit the passage of fluid from said discharge outlet 42 to said first space 123a.

Thus, on this second part P2 of said alternating displacement, as the first space 123a is closed upstream and open downstream only when the fluid pressure in the first space 123a is greater than a fluid pressure at the level of the discharge outlet 42, a fluid discharge is obtained from the first space 123a towards the discharge outlet 42 by bringing the moving part 45 closer to the first wall 44a.

The alternating movement of the moving part 45 induces a suction of fluid from the suction inlet 41 towards the first space 123a on the first part P1 of the movement then an expulsion of fluid from the first space 123a towards the discharge outlet 42 on the second part P2 of said alternating displacement.

To double this suction/fluid/liquid expulsion effect, the pump can have a second upstream lip 120b and a second downstream lip 121b designed to deform according to the movement of the moving part 45 so as to create between these lips 120b, 121b and a second wall 44b of the chamber 44, a second space 123b which is expandable when moving the movable part 45 apart from the second wall 44a of the chamber and compressible when moves the moving part 45 closer to the second wall 44a.

In this case, the part 45 is movable between the first and second walls 44a, 44b of the chamber 44.

Part 45 is thus alternately moved away from and closer to second wall 44b when electric motor 46 is actuated by control unit UC.

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

Conversely, the second downstream lip 121b is suitable for:

• on the one hand create a sealed contact against the second wall 44a as long as the fluid pressure in the second space 123b is lower than a fluid pressure downstream of this second downstream lip 121b; and to
• on the other hand move away from the second wall 44b when the fluid pressure in the space 123b is greater than the fluid pressure downstream of this downstream lip 121b.

Thus, the second space 123b is alternately under depression and open towards the suction inlet 41 to suck in fluid (gas or liquid) and under overpressure and open towards the discharge outlet 42 to expel this fluid there.

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

These second upstream and downstream circular lips 120b, 121b are placed between one of the sides of said moving part 45 and a second wall 44b of the chamber 44 to define a second space 123b between these second upstream and downstream circular lips 120b, 121b.

In the present case, as the movable part forms a hollow disc at its center, this second space 123b defined between the lips 120b and 121b forms an annular space extending between the second wall 44b and the second side of the movable part 45 which is opposite this second wall 44b.

As can be understood in particular from FIG. 11, these second upstream and downstream circular lips 120b, 121b are such that, on a third part of said reciprocating movement of said movable part 45 with respect to chamber 44, the second downstream circular lip 121b performs a seal preventing the passage of fluid from said discharge outlet 42 to said second space 123b and the second upstream circular lip 120b then allowing free fluid passage between said second space 123b and said suction inlet 41.

It should be noted that this third part of the movement of the moving part which is symmetrical with the first part P1 of the movement with respect to a central position of the part 45 between the walls 44a and 44b.

In this case, on this third part of said reciprocating movement of said movable part 45, the second upstream circular lip 120b is moved away from one of said second wall 44b or movable part 45 to generate a free fluid passage, that is i.e. a free space between said second space 123b and said suction inlet 41.

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

As can be understood in particular from FIG. 11, these second upstream and downstream circular lips 120b, 121b are such that on a fourth part of said reciprocating movement of said movable part 45 with respect to chamber 44, the second upstream circular lip 120b performs a sealing preventing the passage of fluid from said second space 123b towards said suction inlet 41, the second downstream circular lip 121b being arranged to:

- on the one hand allow the passage of fluid between said second space 123b and said discharge outlet 42 when a fluid pressure inside said second space 123b is greater than a fluid pressure at the discharge outlet 42; and for

- on the other hand prohibit the passage of fluid from said discharge outlet 42 to said second space 123b.

Thus, on this fourth part of said reciprocating displacement, as the second space 123b is closed upstream and open downstream only when the fluid pressure in the second space 123b is greater than a fluid pressure at the outlet discharge 42, a discharge of fluid from the second space 123b towards the discharge outlet 42 is obtained by bringing the moving part 45 closer to the second wall 44b.

The alternating movement of the moving part 45 induces a suction of fluid from the suction inlet 41 towards the second space 123a then an expulsion of fluid from the second space 123b towards the discharge outlet 42.

Thus, thanks to the pairs of lips placed on either side of the part, there is an alternation of movement, two suctions and two expulsions offset from each other, which makes it possible to obtain a more homogeneous flow of fluid over time. .

It should be noted that the number of lips on each face can be variable.

Thus, if one face of the moving part does not have a lip then it is either because this face is not used for pumping (case of a moving part in the shape of a disc not hollowed out in its center), or because it is the moving part which is deformable to establish a seal against the corresponding wall of the chamber.

The use of a single lip on one side of the moving part only makes it possible to oppose a return of fluid.

The use of two lips on the same side of the moving part makes it possible to create space between an upstream lip and a downstream lip to obtain a dry self-priming effect of the pump.

With more than two lips on the same side of the moving part, the differential pressure generated between the discharge outlet and the suction inlet of the pump can be increased.

Thus, depending on the desired differential pressure, one could have three lips per moving part side or more.

It has been observed that under certain conditions, a given lip can be pressed against and form a suction cup against a support for this lip (the chamber wall or the moving part).

The behavior of the pump is then degraded because this given lip no longer performs its sealing function.

To avoid this, as illustrated in Figures 7, 11 and 12, have made sure to create at least one fluid passage between the given lip and its support.

Each at least one fluid passage between a given lip and its support is such that when this lip bears against its support, fluid can continue to circulate between this lip and its support. This avoids the suction effect.

For this, we can either create irregularities of shape between the given lip and its support such as:

- bosses carried by the given lip and oriented towards its support; and or

- bosses carried by the support and oriented towards the given lip that it supports; and or

- channels (hollow areas) carried by the given lip and oriented towards its support; and or

- channels (hollow areas) carried by the support and oriented towards the given lip that it supports.

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

It is generally preferred that the bosses and/or channels are only formed/carried on the support of the lip rather than on the lip itself because this lip is then deformable in a homogeneous manner.

The fact of having a boss or a channel carried by a lip induces privileged deformation zones on the lip which can induce pressure drops that are detrimental to the operation of the pump.

In the case where the given lip is annular, it is preferred that these bosses or channels be formed on the support of the lip to form therein spokes centered around an axis of symmetry of the given lip.

The pump 4 can be used alone to transfer fluid from its suction inlet to the discharge outlet or alternatively it can be used in combination with the device according to the invention to form a cellar vacuum.

The fluidic connection between the pump 4 and the device 1 is preferably made using a manually operable connector, that is to say capable of passing manually, without tools, from a state of coupling of the device with the pump to a state of decoupling of the device with the pump and vice versa.

This coupling may comprise a quick coupling and/or a coupling with an idler nut allowing tightening by screwing to tighten the pipe on the pump without the need for relative pivoting of the device 1 with respect to the pump 4.

Preferably, it is ensured that this fitting includes an O-ring sealing as soon as there is a fitting of the pipe vis-à-vis the fitting to a fitting depth greater than at least one thread pitch of the crazy nut.

Thus, manually, without the need for tools, you can quickly switch from the empty-cellar configuration to the liquid transfer configuration and vice versa.

The empty cellar configuration 100 is particularly practical because the device 1 makes it possible to reduce the minimum liquid level from which it can begin to pump liquid lying on the ground.

This is particularly advantageous to limit the effects of a flood since the suction of liquid begins at the earliest. Similarly, the device 1 makes it possible to suck up liquid lying on the ground until a very low height of liquid on the ground is reached, preferably less than 4 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.

According to a first mode of assembly between the device 1 and the pump 4, the pump 4 comprises feet whose ends are coplanar with the bearing surface of the device 1 when the first end 3a of the pipe 3 of the device is fluidically connected to said suction inlet 41.

In this first mode of assembly, when the pump and the device according to the invention are fluidly connected to each other and positioned to pump liquid on a flat ground S, the pump 4 and the device 1 are then placed next to each other on this floor.

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

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

In a second mode of assembly of the pump 4 with the device 1 (see FIGS. 9 and 10), the pump 4 is assembled with the first end 3a of the pipe 3 of the device 1 in such a way that when the face of support of the device is positioned on a flat ground S to suck liquid there, the pump 4 is then supported by this device 1.

In this embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first end 3a of the pipe 3 is formed on an upper face of the device 1, the support face of the device and this upper face being placed on either side of the device. other device 1.

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

Here the suction inlet 41 extends longitudinally in a direction of extension which is perpendicular to said bearing surface of the device 1 on the ground.

In a preferred embodiment of the assembly 100 illustrated in Figures 8, 9, 10, the device 1 forms a support foot for the pump 4 on the ground.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the assembly 100 illustrated in Figures 8 to 10, the assembly is adapted to selectively adopt a liquid transfer configuration (Figure 8) and an empty-cellar configuration (Figures 9 and 10).

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

In the empty-cellar configuration (FIGS. 9 and 10), the device 1 is fluidically connected to the suction inlet 41 of the pump, this device 1 forming a support foot for the pump, this device 1 then being arranged to filter fluid sucked in by the pump.

It should be noted that the clip 47 is here a protrusion (here a threaded protrusion) onto which the first end 3a of the pipe 3 of the device 1 is fitted.

Claims (20)

Device (1) for the suction of liquid on a floor (S), the device (1) comprising an outer wall (10) defining a first enclosure (E1) open at least via recesses (11) formed through this outer wall (10) to allow the passage of liquid from the outside of the first enclosure (E1) to the inside of this first enclosure (E1), the device (1) comprising a pipe (3) having a first end ( 3a) arranged to be fluidically connected with a liquid suction pump (4) and a second end (3b) of the pipe (3) fluidically connected to said first enclosure (E1) in order to be able to suck up liquid located in this first enclosure (E1) towards the said pipe (3), characterized in that the device (1) comprises an inner wall (20) defining a second enclosure (E2), this second enclosure (E2) being open at least via recesses (21 ) formed through the inner wall (20) to allow the passage of liquid from the first enclosure (E1) to the second enclosure (E2) and said second end (3b) of the pipe opening inside this second enclosure (E2), at a distance from the first enclosure (E1). Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said one second enclosure (E2) is placed inside said first enclosure (E1). Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, in which:
- the recesses (21) formed through the inner wall (20) are exclusively formed between a suction limit plane through the inner wall (P1a) and a support plane of the inner wall (P1b); and
- the recesses (11) formed through the outer wall (10) are exclusively formed between a suction limit plane through the outer wall (P2a) and a support plane of the outer wall (P2b), some at least recesses formed through the outer wall being formed between the suction boundary plane through the outer wall (P2a) and the suction boundary plane through the inner wall (P1a). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which at least some of the recesses (11) formed through the outer wall (10) extend between the limit plane of suction through the inner wall (P1a ) and the support surface of the inner wall (P1b). Device according to any one of Claims 3 or 4, in which the support plane of the internal wall (P1b) and the support plane of the external wall (P2b) are coplanar with each other. Device according to any one of Claims 3 to 5, in which the said:
- suction limit plane through the inner wall (P1a);
- inner wall bearing surface (P1b);
- suction limit plane through the outer wall (P2a); and
- outer wall bearing surface (P2b);
are planes parallel to each other. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a bottom (22) resting against the inner wall (20), this bottom (22) forming an underside of the second enclosure (E2). Device according to Claim 7, in which the bottom (22) comprises a lower plate (22a) forming the lower face of the second enclosure (E2) and ribs (22b), each of these ribs (22b) extending perpendicularly from relative to said lower plate (22a), each of these ribs having a first terminal end arranged facing the inner wall (20) and a second terminal end arranged in a central zone of the second enclosure (E2) towards which opens the second end (3b) of the pipe (3). Device according to any one of Claims 7 or 8, in which the second enclosure (E2) is open towards a bottom plane (PF) in which a major part of the said bottom 22 extends. Device according to any one of claims 7 or 8, comprising a rod (40) extending inside the second enclosure (E2), this rod (40) extending from an upper face of this second enclosure ( E2) to a central zone of said bottom (22), the rod (40) and the bottom (22) being mechanically assembled against each other. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, in which all the recesses formed through the inner wall (20) extend lengthwise in the same plane which is common to all the recesses (21) of the inner wall (20). Assembly (100) for the suction of liquid on a floor (S) comprising the device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 11 and a liquid suction pump (4) connected to the said first end (3b ) of the pipe (3), the pump (4) being connected to a control unit (UC) of the pump (4) itself connected to a probe (50) adapted to detect the reaching of a level of liquid relative to the pump (4), this control unit being arranged to control the operation of the pump (4) in response to the detection of said level of liquid by the probe (50). Assembly (100) according to Claim 12, in which the pump (4) comprises a suction inlet (41) and a discharge outlet (42), the first end (3a) of the conduit (3) of the device (1 ) being arranged to be fluidly and removably connected to said suction inlet (41) in such a way that when this pipe (3) is connected to the suction inlet (41) of the pump (4) and that a support face of the device (1) is placed on a flat ground (S), the pump (4) under the effect of its own weight opposes the distance of the device (1) vis-à-vis screw of said flat ground (S). Assembly (100) according to Claim 13, in which the pump (4) comprises feet whose ends are coplanar with the bearing face of the device (1) when the first end (3a) of the pipe (3) of the device is fluidly connected to said suction inlet (41). Assembly according to Claim 13, in which the pump (4) is assembled with the first end (3a) of the pipe (3) of the device (1) in such a way that when the bearing surface of the device is positioned on a ground plane (S) to suck in liquid, the pump (4) is then supported by this device (1). An assembly according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the pump (4) is a dry self-priming pump. Assembly according to any one of Claims 13 to 16, in which the pump comprises a chamber (44) fluidly connected to the suction inlet (41) and to the discharge outlet (42), a moving part (45) disposed in the chamber (44) and an electric motor (46) located outside the chamber (44), the electric motor (46) being connected to the movable part (45) by a coupling mechanism of such such that the actuation of the electric motor (46) induces a reciprocating movement of the movable part (45) relative to the chamber to move a fluid from the suction inlet to the discharge outlet. Assembly according to Claim 17, in which the pump comprises a first upstream circular lip (120a) placed closer to the suction inlet (41) than to the discharge outlet (42) and a first downstream circular lip ( 121a) placed closer to the discharge outlet (42) than to the suction inlet (41), these first upstream and downstream circular lips (120a, 121a) being placed between one of the sides of said movable part ( 45) and a first wall (44a) of the chamber (44) to define a first space (123a) between these first upstream and downstream circular lips (120a, 121a), these first upstream and downstream circular lips (120a, 121a) being as :
- on a first part (P1) of said reciprocating movement of said movable part (45) relative to the chamber (44), the first downstream circular lip (121a) seals preventing the passage of fluid from said discharge outlet (42 ) towards said first space (123a), the first upstream circular lip (120a) then allowing a free fluid passage between said first space (123a) and said suction inlet (41); and
- on a second part (P2) of said reciprocating movement of said movable part (45) relative to the chamber (44), the first upstream circular lip (120a) seals preventing the passage of fluid from said first space (123a) towards said suction inlet (41), the first downstream circular lip (121a) being arranged to:
- on the one hand allowing the passage of fluid between said first space (123a) and said discharge outlet (42) when a fluid pressure inside said first space (123a) is greater than a fluid pressure at the level of the discharge outlet (42); and for
- On the other hand prohibit the passage of fluid from said discharge outlet 42 to said first space 123a. Assembly (100) according to any one of Claims 13 to 18, in which the device (1) for the suction of liquid from a floor (S) forms a support foot for the pump (4). Assembly (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 18, in which the assembly is adapted to selectively adopt a liquid transfer configuration and an empty-cellar configuration, in the liquid transfer configuration, the device (1 ) is assembled on an attachment (47) of the pump (4) located at a distance from the suction inlet (41) of the pump and in the vacuum-cellar configuration, the device (1) is fluidically connected to the suction inlet (41) of the pump, this device (1) forming a support foot for the pump, this device (1) then being arranged to filter the fluid sucked in by the pump.