US3592564A

US3592564A - Movable pump with flange having sealing means thereon

Info

Publication number: US3592564A
Application number: US13282A
Authority: US
Inventors: William J Conery
Original assignee: HYDR O MATIC PUMP CO
Current assignee: Marley Wylain Co LLC; HYDR O MATIC PUMP CO
Priority date: 1970-02-24
Filing date: 1970-02-24
Publication date: 1971-07-13
Anticipated expiration: 1988-07-13
Also published as: CA922580A

Abstract

Movably positioned pumps, particularly sump pumps, are provided where the pump is accurately positioned on fixed guide means for controlled vertical movement into and out of a sump. The pump has a discharge member with an end flange thereon, and a fixedly positioned discharge tube means having an end flange thereon is present whereby when the pump is operatively positioned, its discharge opening is aligned with and immediately adjacent the end flange on the discharge tube means. A flexible seal means is carried by the discharge member flange and is forced into sealing engagement with the adjacent flange when the pump is in service.

Description

United States Patent MOVABLE rumnwfin FLANGE HAVING SEALING MEANS THEREO 7 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

U.S. CI 417/360, 415/219, 222/385, 285/9, 285/110 Int. Cl. uF04d 13/02, B67d 5/40, F161 25/00 Field of Search 417/360,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,018,925 1/1962 Englesson 417/424 3,511,252 5/1970 Kennedy 285/110 X Primary Examiner- Robert M. Walker Attorney-Oldham & Oldham ABSTRACT: Movably positioned pumps, particularly sump pumps, are provided where the pump is accurately positioned on fixed guide means for controlled vertical movement into and out of a sump. The pump has a discharge member with an end flange thereon, and a fixedly positioned discharge tube means having an end flange thereon is present whereby when the pump is operatively positioned, its discharge opening is aligned with and immediately adjacent the end flange on the discharge tube means. A flexible seal means is carried by the discharge member flange and is forced into sealing engagement with the adjacent flange when the pump is in service.

N T l\\?\ PATENTED JUL 1 3 IHYI SHEET 1 BF 2 FIGI FIGB

INVENTOR. WILLIAM J. CONERY 6 5- I H L Q ATTORNEYS,

PATENTEuJuualsn 3,592,564

SHEET 2 OF 2 INVENTOR.

| A WILLIAM J.CONERY ATTORNEYS.

MOVABLE PUMP WITH FLANGE HAVING SEALING MEANS THEREON This is a continuation-in-part of my previous U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 853,337, filed Aug. 27, I969.

The present invention relates to movable sump pumps or the like, and particularly to an improved automatically engageable sealing means provided, for example, on a pump discharge elbow flange which sealing means is operably but not mechanically coupled to and sealed against a discharge tube provided in the apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Heretofore there have been different types of sump pump constructions provided and in many instances it is desirable to position pumps movably in a sump whereby they can be raised for cleaning, repair purposes, or other action, as is desired. One pump unit of this type is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,018,925. However, it naturally is a problem to connect the pump operably to the remainder of the sump system if the pump is movably positioned in the sump. Thus, efforts have been made heretofore to provide automatically engageable seal means in sump pumps or the like and prior automatic seal or engaging means, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,427,982, have been suitable for some purposes but an improved sealing diaphragm means is required to facilitate simplified raising and lowering of the sump pump and still insure sealed pump action for discharge purposes.

The general object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved sealing means adapted for association with a discharge member end flange of a sump pump or the like for automatic engagement of the sealing means with an associated discharge tube without any mechanical coupling between the pump and the discharge tube.

A further object of the invention is to provide two relatively movable members, one having an accurately controlled vertical movement, and wherein the movable member is connected to a pump and has a flexible seal means carried thereby adapted for automatic sealing engagement with an associated fixed discharge tube when the pump is operated.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved, self-flushing or cleaning sealing means on a sump pump or the like and which sealing means will bridge a gap and operatively engage an associated discharge tube.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved, durable, lowmaintenance type of an automatic sealing means in association with a pump end discharge flange and wherein the seal means will operate automatically upon pump actuation without mechanical connection to a discharge means.

A further object of the invention is to provide a sealing means in sump pump assemblies that will function in either vertical or horizontal planes.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will be made more apparent as the specification proceeds.

Reference now should be had to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. I is a fragmentary vertical section through a typical sump construction utilizing a pump and seal means therefor embodying the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged side elevation of a portion of the sump of FIG. 1, taken on line 2-2, showing the movement control means connecting to the pump;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical section through the pump elbow and the discharge tube connection as shown in FIG. I and taken on line 33 therein;-

FIG. 4 is an enlarged section through the sealing ring of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a fragmentary elevation of a modified sump pump assembly ofthe invention;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary enlarged elevation, with portions of the members broken away and shown in section, of the structure shown in FIG. 5-, and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevation, partially broken away and shown in section, of a further modification of the sealing means assembly of the invention.

When referring to corresponding members shown in the specification and referred to in the drawings, corresponding numerals are used to facilitate comparison therebetween.

INVENTIVE DISCLOSURE The present invention particularly relates to a flexible sealing diaphragm or washer means secured to a flange on a discharge member, or elbow connected to a pump and which pump elbow and end flange are adapted to be positioned immediately adjacent an end flange on a discharge tube and be aligned therewith for discharge action. The sealing diaphragm, or disc, is secured at its radially outer peripheral portions to the discharge elbow and has an axially movable radially inner portion to which pump fluid pressure is applied for distorting such seal or disc axially or longitudinally outwardly of the discharge elbow to bring such sealing diaphragm into engagement with the end flange on the discharge tube to form a sealed connection therebetween without any mechanical engagement or permanent association between the pump flange and the discharge tube flange.

Attention now is directed to the details of the structure shown in the drawings, and the novel pump and associated means of the invention have been shown in association with a sump 10 which may be of any conventional construction and normally is adapted to receive sewage or other waste liquids or liquid-solids mixtures therein. One or more sump pumps indicated as a whole by the numeral 12, and with only one of such pumps being shown, are provided for operative positioning at the bottom on the floor 14 of the sump 10. The sump pump 12 includes the actual pump 16 of any desired design and a drive motor 18 operatively secured to the pump 16. Power input and control of the pump 16 can be obtained through leads 20 and any other means associated with the power supply to control drive of the pump and power supply thereto.

It should be noted that the sump pump assembly 12 has a plurality of support legs 22 provided thereon whereby the sump pump is positioned on the floor 14 and normally elevated several inches thereabove but with a fixed operative position being provided for the sump pump 12. The pump 16 has any suitable inlet.

In many instances, it is desirable that these pumps 12, or pump assemblies, be raised out of the sump 10 or at least be moved to the upper portion thereof for repair, inspection, cleaning or other action as is required. So as to provide controlled vertical movement only of the sump pump assembly 12, a pair of vertically extending support columns, posts, angles, beams, or the like 24,24 are suitably attached to and positioned in the sump 10 to extend, normally, at least substantially the height thereof in parallel relationship with each other. The sump pump 12 is slidably but operably engaged with the beams or

guides

24,24 by a pair of vertically extending

slide brackets

26,26 which are attached to the sump pump assembly 12 by support angles or members 28. Each of the

slide brackets

26,26 normally has a pair of vertically spaced engaging fingers or

lugs

30 and 32 for operative, accurately controlled, sliding engagement with the beams or

guides

24,24 whereby the sump pump assembly 12 is engaged with the two beams or

guides

24,24 for only vertical movement in the sump. Any desired means, such as a flexible chain 34, engages the sump pump assembly 12 and extends to the top of the sump whereby any suitable lifting means can engage the sump pump to raise and lower it in the sump. When in use or in its operative position, the lifting force supplied by the chain 34 is removed, and the sump pump assembly I2 is supported on the floor 14 by the sump pump assembly legs 22 in an accurately predetermined position.

It will be seen that the pump I6 has a discharge member, usually an elbow 40, operatively secured thereto and such elbow, FIG. 1, terminates in a vertically positioned end flange 42. The material to be discharged from the sump is forced from the pump through the discharge elbow 40 and a fixedly positioned discharge tube or member 44 is provided and operatively positioned in the sump 10. The discharge tube in this instance includes an end or tube elbow 46 which is contoured and fixedly positioned so that the inlet for the discharge elbow 46 is aligned with and adjacent the discharge opening provided in the pump discharge elbow 40. The discharge tube elbow 46 terminates in a vertically positioned or extending end flange 48, which, as best seen in FIG. 3, is smaller in diameter than the end flange 42 but is positioned immediately thereadjacent and parallel thereto with the bores of the

elbows

40 and 46 normally being of the same size.

It is an important feature of the present invention that no mechanical engagement is provided between the

elbows

40 and 46 but yet an operative seal can be set up therebetween to control flow ofmaterial being discharged from the sump 10 by the pump 16. At the same time, the beams or

guides

24,24 and their engagement with the sump pump assembly 12 permits the pump assembly to be lifted straight up vertically, usually on the center of gravity of the sump pump assembly 12, to eliminate or avoid any friction or binding on the guide rails or

beams

24,24 by the vertically spaced

lugs

30 and 32 as may exist in prior constructions of a similar type.

For the desired sealing action of the invention, a flexible annular diaphragm or seal 50 is provided and is operably attached to the pump elbow 40 adjacent the periphery of the end flange 42. Some conventional means, such as a diaphragm holding ring 52, is attached, as by bolts, not shown, to the end flange 42 and it physically secures the diaphragm 50 to the end flange 42 at peripheral portions of the end flange and of the diaphragm 50. Usually a reinforced section 54 of substantially rectangular or other suitable shape is provided on the diaphragm 50 at its periphery. The discharge member or elbow 40 has a recess 55 in the face of its end flange 42 complementary in shape to the section 54 to receive it and aid in securing the seal 50 to the flange. The diaphragm 50 is made from any suitable resilient, flexible elastomeric material, and usually is molded from natural rubber or synthetic rubberlike materials so that the diaphragm while having flat surfaces, has a slightly conical shape when molded. This diaphragm 50 has a center aperture or bore 56 provided therein and normally immediately adjacent such bore 56 a second substantially rectangular in radial section flat outer surface reenforcing or seal section 58 is provided in the diaphragm 50. This section 58 extends toward the end flange 48 when the diaphragm is operatively positioned and it presents a flat surface 60 for sealing engagement with the associated end flange 48. By the slight conical taper of the diaphragm 50, usually only a few degrees, a slight clearance indicated at X in the drawing is provided between the reenforcing section 58 and the adjacent end face of the flange 42 to which the diaphragm is secured. Thus, when the pump 16 is driven, a pressure is set up within the pump elbow 40 and fluid will flow in against the axially inner surface of the diaphragm 50 adjacent the end flange 42 and force the inner portion of the diaphragm axially a short distance toward the associated end flange 48 and effect pressure contact of the section 58 against such end flange 48 on the discharge tube assembly.

To aid in maintaining and obtaining pressure application to the diaphragm 50 on one face thereof, 1 provide an annular recess 62 in the end flange 42 positioned radially inwardly of the attachment ring 52 so that the pumped liquids can accumulate in the discharge elbow end flange to aid in obtaining and maintaining pressure against the diaphragm 50 for forcing the surface 60 of the sealing section 58 against the associated flat end face of the end flange 48. Hence, each time the pump 16 is actuated, the diaphragm 50 will be distorted slightly or flexed because the pressure inside the elbow will be higher than the sump pressure and the flexible diaphragm will be forced against the discharge end flange to make a watertight seal therewith. Each time the pump stops, the pressure is relieved at the diaphragm and it will return to its free or molded position as shown in FIG. 3. By such action, the water or other liquid in the sump will flush over the faces of the associated

end flanges

42 and 48 and a self-cleaning action is obtained. If any object does get on either of the flange faces, or particularly on the face of the end flange 48, the flexibility of the diaphragm 50 will still make a substantial seal therewith.

With reference to the modified construction shown in FIG. 5, a pump unit 12a is shown operably engaged with the vertically extending guides 24a for controlled vertical movement as in the other embodiment of the invention. In this instance, a U-shaped pump elbow 40a is provided and it has a horizontally positioned, downwardly facing end flange 420 provided thereon. The fixedly positioned discharge tube assembly, in this instance, provides a discharge elbow 460, also of U-shape and wherein the discharge tube assembly is fixedly positioned and provides an upwardly facing end flange 48a that is positioned in a horizontal plane. The drawing clearly shows that the bores of the elbows 40a and 46a are aligned and with the end flange 42a being of slightly greater diameter than the associated end flange 48. The remainder of the seal unit is the same as in the embodiment of the invention previously described and it includes a resilient or flexible sealing washer or diaphragm 50a that is secured in position by a clamp ring 52a engaging the periphery of the sealing diaphragm 50a. Again, a recess 62a is provided in the exposed face of the flange 42a for flow of pumped liquid into or behind the space provided at the radially inner portion of the diaphragm 50a to aid in effectively positively forcing the diaphragm 50a toward the adjacent flat end face of the flange 48a for sealing engagement therewith when the pump is in operation. Clearance normally is provided between the sealing washer or diaphragm 50a and the associated face of the flange 48a when the pump is inoperative to aid in obtaining a self-cleaning or flushing action.

When a relatively light pump assembly 12a is provided, or for positive engagement between the associated elbows 40a and 46a, a clamp means 68 is associated with the elbow 40a. This clamp means is shown as comprising a pair of clamp arms or

tongs

70 and 72. These clamp arms or latching

tongs

70 and 72 are pivotally secured by a bolt or equivalent member 74 to a bracket 76 normally formed integrally with or secured to the elbow 40a. The hook ends of the

tong arms

70 and 72 can be brought into operative engagement under the flange 48a and force the two

flanges

42a and 480 into pressure contact and maintain such engagement in service even though a relatively light pump assembly or unit 12a is provided. Hence, operative pumping pressures still will not separate the assembly of the invention after such assembly is made when the pump is not operating. If a relatively heavy pump is used, then the use of the clamp or

tong arms

70 and 72 can usually be avoided.

When it is desired to lift the pump assembly 12a from the sump, then control members chains, or

arms

77 and 78, which may be formed from wires or which may be inextensible control arms, and which pivotally connect to the upper ends of the latchings tongs 70 and 72, can be used to force the upper ends of the tong arms apart and permit the lifting of the pump unit without any interference from the latching tongs. However, an effective, easily operated means has been provided that will effectively mechanically secure the pump assembly to the discharge means after the pump assembly 12a is lowered into its operative position. Again, no permanent relationship is provided between the two members whereby relative movement ofthe pump assembly can easily be had.

FIG. 7 of the drawings shows a modification of the invention wherein the pump assembly (not shown) would be supported upon the floor of the sump as in the other embodiments of the invention. In this instance, the pump assembly is ofa relatively heavy weight or is one where low discharge pressures are provided. In this instance, the pump discharge elbow 40b is provided that engages with a suitable discharge elbow 46b suitably fixedly secured within the sump. In this instance, a sealing diaphragm or ring 50b is provided and functions in the same manner as described heretofore. However, in this instance, the flanges 42b and 48b will be retained in operative engagement with each other merely by the operative positioning of the relative members and the weight of the pump assembly will maintain the flanges in good engagement.

In any construction, the molded resilient sealing washer, diaphragm or ring provided may bear against the associated surface of the flange 48 or equivalent member even under inoperative conditions. This may eliminate some of the selfflushing action of the assembly of the invention provided when clearance exists between the surface 60 of the diaphragm 50 and the associated flange surface 48, as shown in FIG. I, but such action is not required in all installations.

it will be seen that the novel sump pump assembly and the special seal diaphragm provided therein requires no mechanical engagement between the discharge elbow 40 from the pump and the associated fixedly positioned discharge tube assembly.

It will be seen that the end flange 42, FIG. 1, is parallel to a plane defined by the guides 24 to retain the

flanges

42 and 48 in operative engagement when the pump is in operation.

By present invention, it is believed that a novel and improved sump pump assembly has been provided which assembly is readily raised out of the sump pump for repair or other action. At the same time, the sump pumpassembly is positioned in a fixed relationship to the discharge tube for the sump and the desired sump discharge action can be obtained when the pump 16 is driven. Only guided, direct vertical lifting action is provided for the sump pump assembly and by the means of the invention an automatic seal action is provided for the discharged material when the pump 16 is driven. Thus, the objects of the invention are thought to be achieved.

While several complete embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that modification of such embodiments of the invention may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.

What I claim is:

1. In a sump pump assembly or the like including a pump, positioning means adapted to engage said pump for only con trolled vertical movement thereof and for accurately positioning said pump for use in its lowermost position, the improvement comprising a discharge member connecting to said pump and having an end flange,

a fixedly positioned discharge tube means having an end flange,

said member end flange being immediately adjacent, spaced from, and aligned 'with said tube means end flange when said pump is in its lowermost position, and

an annular sealing diaphragm secured adjacent its periphery only to said discharge member end flange, said diaphragm having a center aperture and having an annular inner portion adapted to be forced against said tube means flange when said pump is in operation.

2. In a sump pump assembly as in claim 1 where said tube means end flange is smaller in diameter than said member flange, and where a securing ring is attached to said discharge member end flange to secure said diaphragm thereto.

3. In a sump pump assembly as in claim 1 where said diaphragm has some axial clearance with said discharge member flange at a radially inner portion of said diaphragm, and said discharge member flange has a fluid-receiving recess formed thereon adjacent its radially inner edge for flow of pumped liquids against one surface of said diaphragm to force a portion of said diaphragm towards and against said tube means end flange.

4. in a sump pump as in claim 1 where said diaphragm has a reinforced annular section thereon adjacent the center opening of said diaphragm, said section having a flat vertically extending surface for sealing engagement with an annular portion of said tube means flange.

5. In combination in a sump pump or the like, a pump, positioninCg means adapted for engaging said pump for only controlle vertlcal movement thereof and for accurately positioning said pump for use, and a fixedly positioned discharge tube assembly having a vertically extending end flange, the improvement comprising a discharge elbow secured to said pump and having a vertically extending end flange,

said elbow end flange being immediately adjacent, spaced from, and aligned with said tube assembly end flange when said pump is in its operative position, and

an annular sealing diaphragm secured at its periphery to said elbow end flange, said diaphragm having a radially inner portion adapted to be forced against said tube assembly flange when said pump is in operation but no permanent connection being formed between said flanges to permit vertical movement of said pump.

6. in a combination as in claim 5 where said diaphragm is resilient and of conical shape to provide some clearance with said pump elbow flange at the portion of said diaphragm adjacent a center opening therein, and said elbow flange has an annular fluid receiving recess formed therein for flow of pumped liquids against one surface of said diaphragm to force a portion of it against said tube assembly end flange.

7. in a combination as in claim 5 where said diaphragm has a reinforced annular section thereon adjacent its periphery, said elbow end flange having a recess in its end face in which said section is received.

Claims

1. In a sump pump assembly or the like including a pump, positioning means adapted to engage said pump for only controlled vertical movement thereof and for accurately positioning said pump for use in its lowermost position, the improvement comprising a discharge member connecting to said pump and having an end flange, a fixedly positioned discharge tube means having an end flange, said member end flange being immediately adjacent, spaced from, and aligned with said tube means end flange when said pump is in its lowermost position, and an annular sealing diaphragm secured adjacent its periphery only to said discharge member end flange, said diaphragm having a center aperture and having an annular inner portion adapted to be forced against said tube means flange when said pump is in operation.

5. In combination in a sump pump or the like, a pump, positioning means adapted for engaging said pump for only controlled vertical movement thereof and for accurately positioning said pump for use, and a fixedly positioned discharge tube assembly having a vertically extending end flange, the improvement comprising a discharge elbow secured to said pump and having a vertically extending end flange, said elbow end flange being immediately adjacent, spaced from, and aligned with said tube assembly end flange when said pump is in its operative position, and an annular sealing diaphragm secured at its periphery to said elbow end flange, said diaphragm having a radially inner portion adapted to be forced against said tube assembly flange when said pump is in operation but no permanent connection being formed between said flanges to permit vertical movement of said pump.