WO2015022011A1

WO2015022011A1 - Control device for a liquid pump arrangement, and liquid pump arrangement having a control device of this type

Info

Publication number: WO2015022011A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/066844
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernhard Beck; Timo Jeutter; Frank DICKNER; Mario TROST; Jörg SCHMID
Original assignee: Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2013-08-12
Filing date: 2013-08-12
Publication date: 2015-02-19

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device (50) for a liquid pump arrangement (10), having a flow duct (54), in which a valve body (86) is arranged movably for releasing and interrupting a flow connection between a duct inlet (66) and a duct outlet (68, 70), and having a sensor device (108) for detecting the valve body (86) depending on the position thereof in the flow duct (54). In order to develop the control device in such a way that a liquid pump arrangement (10) can be controlled inexpensively with the aid of said control device, it is proposed according to the invention that the flow duct (54) has a closing region (118) and a releasing region (120), wherein the flow connection between the duct inlet (66) and the duct outlet (68, 70) is interrupted if the valve body (86) is positioned in the closing region (118) and is released if it is positioned in the releasing region (120), wherein, in the closing region (118), the valve body (86) can be moved counter to the action of one or more restoring elements (100) depending on the pressure of the liquid which acts on the valve body (86), and wherein, in the releasing region (120), the valve body (86) can be moved counter to the action of one or more restoring elements (98) depending on a flow rate of the liquid which flows through the flow duct (54). Moreover, a liquid pump arrangement (10) having a control device (50) of this type is proposed.

Description

CONTROL DEVICE FOR A LIQUID PUMP ARRANGEMENT AND LIQUID PUMP ARRANGEMENT WITH SUCH A

CONTROL DEVICE

The invention relates to a control device for a liquid pump arrangement, having a flow channel which extends from a channel inlet to a channel outlet, and having a valve body movably arranged in the flow channel for releasing and interrupting a flow connection between the channel inlet and the channel outlet, and with a sensor device for Detecting the valve body in dependence on its position in the flow channel.

Moreover, the invention relates to a liquid pump assembly, in particular for use in the home and / or garden, with a motor and a pump, wherein the pump comprises a pump housing having a pumping chamber in which a motor-driven pumping member for conveying the liquid is arranged, and with a motor control for controlling the motor.

Fluid pump assemblies having a motor and a motor-driven pump are known in various configurations. They are used, for example, for domestic and / or garden use, whereby rainwater from their collection point, for example a pond or a rainwater tank, can be conveyed to a liquid delivery device connected to the liquid pump arrangement. As a liquid delivery device, for example, a faucet, a spray nozzle or a spray gun can be used. For the proper dispensing of liquid, the user can optionally open and close the liquid delivery member. Such fluid pump assemblies are known from the publication DE 199 23 357 AI. In the liquid pump arrangement described therein, a control device is used to control the pump for use with a flow sensor arranged downstream of the pump and downstream of the flow sensor. arranged, separately trained pressure switch. With the help of the pressure switch, the motor of the liquid pump assembly can be switched off when a maximum pressure is reached and a restart of the engine can be carried out when detecting larger flow rates. The flow sensor is integrated in a check valve. The check valve has a flow passage extending from a passage inlet to a passage outlet and receiving a movably mounted valve body which is tightly engageable with a valve seat for interrupting flow communication between the passage inlet and the passage outlet and which is for releasing fluid communication between the passage Channel inlet and the channel outlet is movable to a position downstream of the valve seat. A permanent magnet is arranged on the valve body and with the aid of a magnetic-field-sensitive sensor, the valve body can be detected as a function of its position in the flow channel. If the user closes the liquid delivery device after the liquid has been dispensed, the pressure prevailing downstream of the check valve rises within a short time via a switching threshold and the motor of the liquid pump arrangement is switched off by the pressure switch. If the user releases the liquid delivery at the liquid delivery device at a later time, the valve body lifts off from the valve seat and is detected by the magnetic-field-sensitive sensor, which then provides a sensor signal under which the motor is switched on again.

The provision of the check valve in combination with a flow sensor and a pressure switch thus makes it possible to control the motor of the liquid pump arrangement in dependence on the open and closed position of the liquid delivery member. However, the provision of the corresponding components is associated with not inconsiderable manufacturing and assembly costs. Object of the present invention is to provide a control device of the type mentioned in such a way that it allows a more cost-effective control of the liquid pump assembly.

This object is achieved in a control device of the generic type according to the invention in that the flow channel has a closing region and a release region, wherein the flow connection between the channel inlet and the channel outlet in a positioning of the valve body in the closing area is interruptible and releasable in a positioning of the valve body in the release area wherein the valve body in the closing area in response to the force acting on the valve body pressure of the liquid against the action of one or more return elements is movable and wherein the valve body in the release region depending on the flow rate of the flow channel flowing liquid against the action of one or more return elements movable is.

The valve body of the control device according to the invention can move within the flow channel in a closing region and in a release region. If the valve body is in the closing area, it interrupts the flow connection between the channel inlet and the channel outlet. The closing region may, for example, extend over a length of about one quarter to about three quarters of the total length of the flow channel. The position which the valve body assumes within the closing region depends on the pressure acting on the valve body. This is the pressure of the liquid that prevails when the flow communication between the channel inlet and the channel outlet downstream of the valve body is interrupted. If the valve body is in the release area, it releases the flow connection between the channel inlet and the channel outlet. The release area may extend, for example, over a length of about one quarter to about three quarters of the total length of the flow channel. The position occupied by the valve body within the release area is determined by the flow rate of the flow mungskanal flowing liquid dependent. At a low flow rate, the valve body occupies a position within the release area at a closer distance to the closing area, and at a high flow rate, the valve body within the release area occupies a position at a greater distance from the closing area.

By means of the sensor device, the valve body can be detected as a function of its position in the flow channel. From the sensor device, a sensor signal can be provided which depends on the pressure acting on the valve body and on the flow rate of the fluid in the flow channel.

The control device according to the invention forms a check valve and additionally has the function of a flow sensor and a pressure sensor. By means of the control device, the motor of a liquid pump arrangement can be controlled in a simple manner. If liquid is dispensed by the liquid pump arrangement via the liquid delivery member, the valve body is moved by the liquid flowing through the flow channel against the action of at least one restoring element within the release region into a release position spaced from the closing region. If the user stops the liquid delivery of the liquid pump assembly by the user closes the liquid delivery member, then the valve body is no longer flowed around by liquid. This has the consequence that the valve body moves under the action of at least one restoring element in the direction of the closing area in a rest position. The reaching of the rest position can be detected by the sensor device and then the motor of the liquid pump arrangement can be switched off. With the switching off of the motor eliminates the conveying effect of the pump and the enclosed between the valve body of the control device and the liquid discharge member and pressurized liquid moves the valve body within the closing area against the action of at least one return element in the release area facing away Direction in a predetermined closed position. The achievement of the predetermined closed position can also be detected by the sensor device. If the user releases the liquid at a later time, the pressure acting on the valve body decreases and the valve body is moved by at least one restoring element from the predetermined closed position in the direction of the release area. Leaving the closed position can also be detected by the sensor device and then the motor of the liquid pump assembly can be turned on again.

In contrast to known non-return valves, in which the valve body rests immovably against a rigid valve seat when the valve is closed, the valve body of the control device according to the invention can move within the closing area in the event of an interrupted flow connection between the channel inlet and the channel outlet, depending on the pressure acting on the valve body. This makes it possible to provide a control signal for switching on the motor of the liquid pump arrangement by means of the sensor device when the pressure acting on the valve body drops and the valve body moves within the closing area in the direction of the release area. In a corresponding manner, a sensor signal for switching off the pump can be provided by the sensor device when the liquid flow in the flow channel is omitted and the valve body - after he has previously taken a position in the release area - moves in the direction of closing. Slight variations in the flow rate or pressure of the liquid also do not adversely affect the control of the liquid pump assembly, such as the appearance of air bubbles in the liquid. The control device according to the invention thus combines the function of a check valve with the functions of a flow and a pressure sensor.

It is advantageous if the valve body tightly rests in the closing area on a channel wall of the flow channel. The dense plant of the Valve body on the channel wall has a reliable interruption of the flow connection between the channel inlet and the channel outlet result.

It can be provided, for example, that the valve body has a sealing element, which slides along a movement of the valve body within the closing area on the channel wall.

The sealing element conveniently comprises a sealing lip.

Alternatively it can be provided that the sealing element is designed as an O-ring.

Preferably, the valve body is slidably held in the flow direction of the liquid.

It is particularly advantageous if the flow channel is designed in a straight line and the valve body is held linearly displaceable within the flow channel.

The closing region of the flow channel is designed cylindrically in an advantageous embodiment of the invention or it expands in the flow direction of the liquid.

In particular, a conical configuration of the closing area has proven to be advantageous. A conical configuration of the closing area has the advantage that the pressing force acting on the sealing element increases increasingly within the closing area. This leads to an increasing sealing effect. In particular, in a predetermined closed position, which takes the valve body under pressure when the pump is switched off, a very high sealing effect can be achieved. The cone angle of the closing area is preferably less than 5 °, in particular less than 1 °, for example 0.6 °.

It is advantageous if the diameter of the flow channel widens suddenly in the release area. In such an embodiment, the release area has a first partial area with a smaller diameter that adjoins the closing area and an adjoining second partial area with a larger diameter.

If the valve body assumes a position in the first subregion, the flow rate of the liquid is advantageously not more than 60 liters per hour.

If the valve body occupies a position in the second partial area, the flow rate of the fluid is advantageously more than 60 liters per hour.

Preferably, the valve body is detectable in the first part of the sensor device. This gives the possibility to turn off the engine of the liquid pump assembly, if the valve body is longer than a predetermined time interval with the engine in the first sub-range, because a longer stay of the valve body in the first sub-range with the engine running and thus with active pump indicates a lack of flow around the valve body with liquid, in particular to a lack of liquid, so that there is a risk of damage to the pump. The residence time of the valve body in the first portion of the release area is therefore detectable in an advantageous embodiment of the invention and when a predetermined maximum length of stay is exceeded when the engine is switched on, the motor can be conveniently switched off by means of the control device.

The release area is conveniently aligned in line with the closing area. This makes it possible to move the valve body in a straight line within the closing area and the release area with constant alignment. conditions. The structural design of the control device is thereby simplified.

The control device conveniently comprises a guide member on which the valve body is movably mounted. The guide member may, for example, be arranged adjacent to the channel inlet and form a guide on which the valve body is slidably mounted. The guide can be configured in particular in the form of an opening, which is penetrated by a guide tappet of the valve body.

In order to avoid impairment of the mobility of the valve body by contamination of the liquid, the control device according to the invention in an advantageous embodiment, a screen or filter element, which is arranged upstream of the closing region. By means of the sieve or filter element, it is possible in particular to avoid contamination of the closing area by dirt particles carried along by the liquid. Such dirt particles could accumulate, for example, on the channel wall of the flow channel and affect the sealing effect of the valve body in the closing area.

It is particularly advantageous if the valve body assumes a predetermined rest position under prevailing given flow and pressure conditions in the flow channel under the action of the at least one return element. If the valve body is moved out of its rest position due to the action of a pressure or due to the action of the fluid flowing through the flow channel, the at least one restoring element exerts a restoring force on the valve body.

At least one return element is formed in a preferred embodiment of the invention as a return spring. With increasing distance, which occupies the valve body to the rest position, an increasing restoring force is exerted on the valve body by the return spring. The return spring is supported advantageously on the one hand on a guide member of the control device and on the other hand on a support surface of the valve body.

The return spring may be formed, for example, as a helical spring which surrounds a guide tappet of the valve body in the circumferential direction.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control device has two return springs, wherein the valve body in a position upstream of the rest position of a first return spring and a positioning downstream of the rest position of a second return spring can be acted upon with a restoring force.

The two return springs can have different spring constants.

It can be provided, for example, that a first return spring is clamped between a guide member of the control device and the valve body.

A second return spring may be clamped, for example, between the guide member of the control device and a spring holder which is fixed to a guiding member of the valve body which passes through the guide member.

It is particularly advantageous if the valve body can be detected by means of the sensor device in the rest position predetermined by the at least one return element. It can be provided that the valve body assumes the rest position when it is subject to neither a pressure load nor a load through the liquid flowing through the flow channel. A detection of the valve body in the rest position, for example, for an error detection advantage. If the valve body is in its rest position for a long time when the pump is switched on, it is possible a lack of fluid, which could lead to damage to the pump, so that the pump should be shut off as a precaution.

The valve body in the rest position favorably occupies a position immediately adjacent to the closing area within the release area.

In the rest position, the valve body expediently releases a predetermined flow cross-section for the liquid or interrupts the flow connection between the channel inlet and the channel outlet. For example, it can be provided that liquid with a flow rate of about 20 to 120 l / h, preferably 60 l / h can flow through the flow channel when the valve body assumes its rest position.

It is particularly advantageous if the valve body can be detected by means of the sensor device in at least two positions within the flow channel. For example, it may be provided that the valve body is detectable on the one hand in a position which it occupies when closing the liquid delivery member with active pump, and if it is detectable on the other in a position which it occupies after closing the liquid discharge member with the pump off.

It is particularly advantageous if, by means of the sensor device, a positioning of the valve body in a predetermined rest position can be distinguished from a positioning of the valve body in a closed position arranged upstream of the rest position. From the sensor device can thus be reliably distinguished whether the valve body is in its rest position or in a closed position disposed upstream of the rest position.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that by means of the sensor device, a positioning of the valve body in the rest position of a Positioning of the valve body in a downstream of the rest position arranged release position is distinguishable.

In an advantageous embodiment, the sensor device has at least two sensor elements, which are arranged in the flow direction of the liquid at a distance from each other. At least one of the sensor elements can be designed, for example, as a reed contact or, for example, as a magnetic field-sensitive sensor, in particular as a Hall sensor.

It is favorable if the sensor elements have non-overlapping detection regions for detecting the valve body. If the valve body is located in one of the detection areas, it is reliably detected by one of the sensor elements. Since the detection areas do not overlap one another, the position of the valve body can be determined particularly easily, since in each case only one of the sensor elements outputs a corresponding sensor signal.

It is favorable if the time sequence of the sensor signals of different sensor elements can be determined. The determination of the chronological order of the sensor signals makes it possible to detect the direction of movement of the valve body. This makes it possible to control the motor of the liquid pump assembly in response to the direction of movement of the valve body.

As already mentioned, the invention also relates to a liquid pump arrangement, in particular for use in the household and / or in the garden, wherein the liquid pump arrangement comprises a motor and a pump. The pump comprises a pump housing with a pumping chamber, in which a pump member driven by the motor for conveying the liquid, for example an impeller, is arranged. The fluid pump assembly also includes a motor controller for controlling the motor. In addition, the liquid pump assembly according to the present invention Invention a control device of the type described above, the sensor device is connected to the engine control. As already explained, the motor can be switched on and off in a simple manner by means of the control device, wherein the control device forms a check valve.

The control device is advantageously arranged upstream of the pumping chamber.

For example, it can be provided that the flow channel of the control device is arranged between a pump inlet of the pump and the pumping chamber.

The sensor device preferably has at least one sensor element for non-contact detection of the valve body movably arranged in the flow channel.

At least one sensor element is arranged in an advantageous embodiment of the invention on the outside of the pump housing.

Conveniently, the pump housing upstream of the pumping chamber comprises a shaft into which a channel body forming the flow channel of the control device can be inserted and the channel body can be removed as required, the valve body being movably mounted in the channel body. The channel body in combination with the valve body forms a check valve located upstream of the pumping chamber.

At a pump outlet can be connected via a fluid line, such as a garden hose, a liquid delivery member for dispensing liquid. With proper dispensing of liquid, the valve body assumes a release position, which is preferably outside the detection range of the at least one sensor element. If, in a preferred embodiment of the liquid pump arrangement according to the invention, the liquid delivery member is closed by the user, then the flow of the liquid acting on the valve body is eliminated and the valve body assumes a rest position under the action of a return element. The reaching of the rest position starting from the release position can be detected by the sensor device, which can then provide a signal for switching off the motor of the liquid pump arrangement. After switching off the engine, the fluid trapped and pressurized between the valve body and the sealed fluid delivery member forces the valve body into a predetermined one

Closed position. Reaching the closed position can also be detected by the sensor device. When the fluid delivery member is reopened by the user to continue delivery of fluid, the pressure within the pumping chamber decreases. This has the consequence that the valve body is moved by a return element from the closed position in the flow direction to the front. Leaving the closed position can be detected by the sensor device, which then provides the motor control a signal to turn on the engine. The valve body can now move over the rest position into a predetermined by the flow rate of the liquid release position. During the transition from the closed position into the release position, the valve body in the rest position can be briefly detected by the sensor device, without the motor control being provided with a control signal. For this purpose, the direction of movement of the valve body from the closed position to the rest position can be determined by means of the sensor device on the basis of the temporal sequence of sensor signals.

To start up the liquid pump arrangement, the pump space can conveniently be filled by the user with liquid via the shaft. In this case, there may be the risk that the valve body closes the access of the liquid to the pumping chamber. In an advantageous embodiment Therefore, it is provided that the shaft has a duct constriction to which the channel body can be pressed against the action of a return spring, wherein between the duct constriction and the channel body, a sealing element is arranged. During start-up of the liquid pump assembly, the channel body can be moved by the return spring in a position at a distance from the manhole constriction, so that liquid can flow around the channel body and can pass unhindered into the pump chamber. After the filling of the pump chamber with liquid, the channel body can be pressed against the action of the return spring against the manhole narrowing, so that the liquid can not flow around the channel body unhindered, but then the flow channel provided by the channel body forms the only access to the pump chamber, the is released only when the valve body occupies a position within the flow channel within the release area.

The shaft preferably has an opening which can be closed by a cover.

In an advantageous embodiment of the liquid pump arrangement according to the invention, the channel body of the control device can be acted upon by the cover with a force in the direction of the duct constriction. This facilitates the handling of the liquid pump assembly when filling the pump chamber with liquid. For this purpose, the user can remove the lid from the opening. This eliminates the force exerted by the lid on the channel body force in the direction of the manhole constriction. This has the consequence that the above-explained return spring moves the channel body away from the manhole narrowing, so that liquid filled in the shaft can flow around the channel body and can pass unhindered into the pump chamber from the valve body. After filling the pump chamber, the opening can be closed again by means of the lid. This has the consequence that the cover presses the channel body against the manhole constriction and liquid closing can only pass through the channel body to the pumping chamber.

Between the lid and the channel body a sieve or filter element is conveniently arranged. The contact force exerted by the cover can be transmitted to the channel body via the sieve or filter element.

The screen or filter element is advantageously detachably connected to the channel body. For example, a bayonet connection can be used. This allows the user to easily remove the screen or filter element for cleaning of the channel body.

The following description of an advantageous embodiment of the invention is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. Show it :

Figure 1: a perspective view of a liquid pump assembly according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic partial longitudinal sectional view of a pump with integrated control device of the liquid pump assembly of Figure i;

3 shows a schematic sectional view of the control device along the

Line 3-3 of Figure 2, wherein a valve body of the control device assumes a release position;

Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view corresponding to Figure 3, wherein the

Valve body assumes a rest position; and

Figure 5: a schematic sectional view corresponding to Figure 3, wherein the

Valve body occupies a closed position. In the drawing, an advantageous embodiment of a liquid pump assembly according to the invention in the form of a garden pump is shown schematically schematically, which is generally occupied by the reference numeral 10. The garden pump 10 comprises an outer housing 12, which is formed by a first housing half shell 14 and a second housing half shell 16. The two housing halves 14, 16 take between them a motor pump unit 18 with an electric motor 20 and a driven by the electric motor 20 liquid pump 22. For controlling the electric motor 20, the garden pump 10 has a motor controller 24 and a main switch 26th

The liquid pump 22 has a pump housing 28 made of a plastic material, which surrounds a pumping chamber 30. In the pumping chamber 30, a pumping member in the form of an impeller 32 is rotatably mounted, which can be rotated by the electric motor 20 in rotation. From the pumping chamber 30, an outlet line 34 leads to a pump outlet 36. An outlet line, for example a garden hose, can be connected to the pump outlet 36 in the usual way and therefore not shown in the drawing to achieve a better overview, which at its liquid pump 22 remote end carries a liquid discharge member through which the liquid pumped by the liquid pump 22 can be dispensed. The fluid delivery device may be selectively opened and closed by the user to control fluid delivery.

Upstream of the pumping chamber 30, the pump housing 28 forms a filling shaft 38, via which the pumping chamber 30 liquid can be supplied. The filling shaft 38 has a filling opening 40 which can be closed by a screw cap 42. Below the filling opening 40, an inlet port 44 opens into the filling shaft 38. The inlet port 44 forms a pump inlet 46, to which a person skilled in the known and therefore not to achieve a better overview in the drawing shown supply line, for example, a supply hose can be connected. Via the supply line can be supplied to the pump inlet 46 to be conveyed liquid.

Within the hopper 38, an advantageous embodiment of a control device according to the invention is arranged, which is generally occupied by the reference numeral 50. The control device 50 comprises a channel body 52, which defines a flow channel 54. The flow channel 54 has a filling opening 40 facing the first channel section 56, which merges via a radially inwardly directed step 58 into a second channel section 60. The second channel section 60 extends to a conical channel enlargement 61, to which a third channel section 62 adjoins, which extends to a shaft opening 64 of the filling shaft 38 facing away from the filling opening 40.

The first channel section 56 forms a channel inlet 66 facing the filler opening 40 and the third channel section 62 has two channel outlets 68, 70 on diametrically opposite sides.

At the level of the step 58 of the channel body 52 of the feed tube 38 forms a radially inwardly directed manhole constriction 72, to which the channel body 52 can be applied with the interposition of a sealing element. The sealing element is formed in the illustrated embodiment as an O-ring 74.

At the level of the channel inlet 66, the first channel section 56 has a radially outwardly directed support edge 76. The first channel section 56 is surrounded in the circumferential direction by a first return spring 78, which is supported on the one hand on the support edge 76 and on the other hand on the shaft constriction 72. The first return spring 78 forms a compression spring, which acts on the channel body 52 with a spring force, which is directed with respect to the longitudinal axis 80 of the filling shaft 38 axially upwards. In the first channel portion 56, a guide member 82 is arranged, which is fixed to the step 58 and which has a aligned with the longitudinal axis 80 aligned passage 84. The passage 84 forms a guide for a guide tappet 94 which is integrally connected to a valve body 86 movably arranged in the flow passage 54. The valve body 86 is designed substantially bell-shaped and surrounded in the circumferential direction by a sealing element in the form of a sealing ring 90. The sealing ring 90 has a sealing lip 92.

The linearly oriented guide tappet 94 adjoins the valve body 86 coaxially with the longitudinal axis 80 and engages through the passage 84 and, adjacent to its free end facing away from the closing body 88, carries a plate-shaped spring holder 96.

Between the spring holder 96 and the guide member 82, a second return spring 98 is clamped. The second return spring 98 forms an actuator for positioning the valve body 86 in the flow channel 54. The second return spring 98 surrounds the guide tappet 94 in the region between the spring holder 96 and the guide member 82nd

Between the valve body 86 and the guide member 82, a third return spring 100 is clamped. The third return spring 100 forms a further actuator for positioning the valve body 86 in the flow channel 54.

In the first channel section 56, an end portion of a filter element 102 is immersed, which extends from the step 58 to the screw cap 42 and is detachably connected to the channel body 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter element 102 is releasably connected via a bayonet connection 104 shown only roughly schematically in the drawing with the channel body 52. Such bayonet connections 104 are known per se to those skilled in the art and, in the present case, would not require any detailed explanation. From the screw 42, the channel body 52 is acted upon by the filter element 102 with the action of the first return spring 78 opposing pressure force under the action of the channel body 52 with the interposition of the O-ring 74 rests tightly against the manhole constriction 72. Liquid supplied to the liquid pump 22 via the pump inlet 46 can thus reach the pumping chamber 30 only via the flow channel 54 when the filling opening 40 is closed by the screw cap 42, but it can not flow around the channel body 52 when the filling opening 40 is closed.

However, if the filling opening 40 is opened by removing the screw cap 42 from the filling opening 40, the first return spring 78 raises the channel body 52 so far that it assumes a distance from the manhole throat 72 and liquid filled via the filling opening 40 into the filling shaft 38 the channel body 52 can flow around unhindered. This makes it possible to fill the pumping chamber 30 to start up the garden pump 10 via the filling opening 40 with liquid.

As is clear from Figures 3, 4 and 5, the valve body 86 carries on the outside of a permanent magnet 106. The permanent magnet 106 is associated with a sensor device 108 which is disposed at the level of the second channel portion 60 on an outer side 110 of the pump housing 28.

The sensor device 108 comprises a first sensor element 112, which is arranged in the axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis 80 at a small distance from the step 58. In addition, the sensor device 108 has a second sensor element 114, which faces away from the step 58 at an axial distance from the first sensor element 112. At a small distance from the second sensor element 114, the flow channel 54 forms the conical channel extension 61 in the transition region between the second channel section 60 and the third channel section 62. Upstream of the canal Extension 61, that is in the region between the channel extension 61 and the step 58, the flow channel 54 forms a closing region 118, and downstream of the channel extension 61, that is in the region between the channel extension 61 and the shaft bottom 64, the flow channel 54 forms a release region 120 out. If the valve body 86 is located in the closing area 118, then it bears against the channel wall 122 of the flow channel 54 in a liquid-tight manner with the sealing lip 92. Upon movement of the valve body 86 within the closing area 118, the sealing lip 92 slides along the channel wall 122.

If the valve body 86 is located in the release area 120, it occupies a distance from the channel wall 122, in that an annular gap 124 is formed between the sealing lip 92 and the channel wall 122. Liquid may flow from the channel inlet 66 through the annular gap 124 to the channel outlets 68, 70 when the valve body 86 occupies a position within the release area 120. However, if the valve body 86 is in the closing area 118, the flow connection between the channel inlet 66 and the channel outlets 68, 70 is interrupted by the valve body 86.

The release area 120 is aligned coaxially with the closing area 118. The flow channel 54 is configured conically in the closing area 118, wherein it widens with increasing distance from the channel inlet 66. This has the consequence that the sealing lip 92 is subject to an increasing radially inwardly directed pressing force, the farther the valve body 86 moves in the direction away from the release region 120 - in FIGS. 2 to 5, ie upwards. The increasing pressing force increases the sealing effect of the sealing lip 92.

At the conical channel extension 61, the release region 120 connects to a first portion 121 which extends to the edge of the channel outlets 68, 70. At the level of the channel outlets 68, 70, the release area 120 forms a second partial area 123, which due to the channel outlets 68, 70 has a larger flow cross section than the first subregion 121. The flow cross section therefore changes abruptly during the transition from the first subregion 121 to the second subregion 123.

The two sensor elements 112 and 114 are configured in the form of magnetic field-sensitive sensors which are electrically connected to the motor control 24 via a sensor line 126.

The valve body 86 is reciprocally movable within the flow passage 54 in response to the pressure and flow connections forming within the flow passage 54 in the axial direction. As already explained, it breaks the flow connection between the channel inlet 66 and the channel outlets 68, 70 when it is within the closing area 118 and releases the flow communication between the channel inlet 66 and the channel outlets 68, 70 as it moves within the Release area 120 is located.

If the valve body 86 assumes a closed position adjacent to the first sensor element 112, as shown in FIG. 5, then it is located in the detection area of the first sensor element 112 and is detected by it. In the closed position, the valve body 86 completely interrupts the flow connection between the channel inlet 66 and the channel outlets 68, 70.

If the valve body 86 assumes a rest position adjacent to the second sensor element 114, as shown in FIG. 4, then it is located in the detection area of the second sensor element 114 and is detected by it. In the rest position, the valve body 86 can be flowed around by the liquid at a flow rate of a maximum of 60 l / h. In the rest position, the valve body 86 is located in the first subregion 121 of the release region 120. The two sensor elements 112, 114 are arranged at such a distance from each other that their detection areas do not overlap but join each other.

If the valve body 86 is located in the second subregion 123 of the release region 120, i. E. in the region of the channel outlets 68, 70, it occupies a clear distance from the first sensor element 112 and the second sensor element 114 and can not be detected by the sensor elements 112 and 114. If neither a sensor signal is provided by the first sensor element 112 nor by the second sensor element 114, this indicates that the valve body 86 assumes a release position, as illustrated in FIG. The valve body 86 assumes this release position if the liquid pump 22 is switched on and liquid is dispensed from the liquid pump 22 via the pump outlet 36. In this case, the flow passage 54 is traversed by liquid, under the action of the valve body 86 is moved against the spring force of the second return spring 98 in the channel inlet 66 facing away from the direction.

If the pumping chamber 30 is filled with liquid during start-up of the garden pump 10, as explained above, and then the filling opening 40 is closed by means of the screw cap 42, the valve body 86 initially assumes its rest position under the action of the second return spring 98. If the main switch 26 is subsequently actuated, then the electric motor 20 is switched on, whereby any signals of the sensor elements 112, 114 are initially ignored. After a short period of time, which may be 30 seconds, for example, the position of the valve body 86 is queried. During proper operation, the valve body 86 is due to the liquid flowing around it in its release position and thus outside the detection ranges of the sensor elements 112, 114, as shown in Figure 3. If the valve body 86 is still in its rest position and thus in the detection range of the second sensor element 114 after the said period of time has elapsed, and is detected by the latter This indicates a lack of flow around, for example because of a disturbance, for example due to a lack of liquid, so that there is a risk of damaging the liquid pump 22. In this case, the electric motor 20 is turned off. If the valve body 86 is outside the detection ranges of the two sensor elements 112, 114 at the end of the stated period, then it assumes its release position and the electric motor 20 remains in operation, so that liquid from the garden pump 10, for example via a garden hose and at the free end can be dispensed connected to the garden hose fluid delivery device.

If the liquid dispensing is terminated by the user by closing the liquid delivery member, the fluid flow within the flow channel is eliminated and the valve body 86 is moved by the second return spring 98 into the detection range of the second sensor element 114 and detected by the latter. After a short delay, for example

5 seconds, then the electric motor 20 is turned off due to the sensor signal provided by the second sensor element 114. Within the delay time, a fluid pressure builds up in the garden hose, which acts as an accumulator. After switching off the pump, the fluid enclosed between the valve body 86 and the fluid delivery member pushes the valve body 86 into the closed position shown in FIG. 5 and thus into the detection area of the first sensor element 112. The garden pump 10 is now in a stable standby mode. Status.

When the liquid discharge is released by the user by opening the liquid discharge member, the pressure falls downstream of the valve body 86, and under the action of the third return spring 100, the valve body 86 is moved out of the detection range of the first sensor element 112 toward the release region 120. The first sensor signal provided by the first sensor element 112 thereby drops and due to this signal drop the electric motor 20 is switched on again. The liquid pump 22 is thereby put back into operation and the valve body 86 is moved by the liquid flowing around it back into the release position shown in Figure 3. The valve body 86 in this case moves briefly through the detection range of the second sensor element 114, so that it is briefly detected by the second sensor element 114 and the second sensor element provides a short-term, pulse-like sensor signal. This short-term sensor signal has no change in the operation of the electric motor 20 result. Rather, the sensor device recognizes 108 from the chronological order of the sensor signals of the sensor elements 112, 114, the direction of movement of the valve body 86 which moves in the present case after switching on the liquid pump 22 properly in a release position.

The control device 50 thus makes it possible, in a structurally simple manner, to switch the electric motor 20 on and off as a function of the pressure and flow conditions prevailing in the flow channel 54 and at the same time provides a check valve for the garden pump 10.

Claims

P A T E N T A N S P R E C H E

A fluid pump assembly controller (10) having a flow channel (54) extending from a channel inlet (66) to a channel outlet (68, 70) and having a valve body (86) movably disposed in the flow channel for releasing and interrupting a valve body (86) Flow connection between the channel inlet (66) and the channel outlet (68, 70), and with a sensor device (108) for detecting the valve body (86) in dependence on its position within the flow channel (54), characterized in that the flow channel (54 ) has a closing area (118) and a release area (120), the flow communication between the channel inlet (66) and the channel outlet (68, 70) being interrupted when the valve body (86) is positioned within the closing area (118) and positioned the valve body (86) is released within the release area (120), wherein the valve body (86) within the Schließber eiches (118) in response to the pressure acting on the valve body (86) pressure of the liquid against the action of one or more return elements (100) is movable, and wherein the valve body (86) within the release region (120) in dependence on the flow rate of the the liquid flowing through the flow channel (54) can be moved against the action of one or more restoring elements (98).

Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve body (86) in the closing region (118) liquid-tight against a channel wall (122) of the flow channel (54).

3. Control device according to claim 2, characterized in that the valve body (86) has a sealing element (90) which slides during a movement of the valve body (86) within the closing region (118) on the channel wall (122).

4. Control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the sealing element (90) has a sealing lip (92).

5. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve body (86) is displaceably held in the flow direction of the liquid.

6. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing region (118) of the flow channel (54) is cylindrical or widening in the flow direction of the liquid.

7. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter of the flow channel (54) in the release area (120) increases abruptly.

8. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release region (120) is arranged in alignment with the closing region (118).

9. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (50) has a guide member (82) on which the valve body (86) is movably mounted.

10. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (50) is a screen or filter element (102) disposed upstream of the valve body (118).

11. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve body (86) in a movement from a predetermined rest position of at least one return element (98, 100) can be acted upon with a restoring force.

12. Control device according to claim 11, characterized in that

at least one return element (98, 100) is designed as a return spring.

13. Control device according to claim 12, characterized in that the control device (50) has two return springs (98, 100), wherein the valve body (86) at a position downstream of the rest position of the first return spring (98) and in a positioning upstream of the Rest position of the second return spring (100) can be acted upon with a restoring force.

14. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve body (86) by means of the sensor device (108) is detectable in at least two positions.

15. Control device according to claim 14, characterized in that by means of the sensor device (108) positioning of the valve body (86) in a predetermined rest position of a positioning of the valve body (86) is arranged in a closed position disposed upstream of the rest position.

16. Control device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that by means of the sensor device (108) positioning of the valve body (86) in a predetermined rest position of a positioning tion of the valve body (86) in a downstream of the rest position arranged release position is distinguishable.

17. Control device according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the valve body (86) in the rest position, the flow connection between the channel inlet (66) and the channel outlet (68, 70) interrupts or releases a predetermined flow cross-section for the liquid.

18. Liquid pump arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (108) has at least two sensor elements (112,114), which are arranged in the flow direction of the liquid at a distance from each other.

19. Liquid pump arrangement according to claim 18, characterized in that the sensor elements (112, 114) have non-overlapping detection areas for detecting the valve body (86).

20. Liquid pump arrangement according to claim 18 or 19, characterized

in that the time sequence of the sensor signals (112, 114) provided sensor signals can be determined.

21. Liquid pump arrangement, in particular for use in the household and / or in the garden, with a motor (20) and a pump (22), wherein the pump (22) has a pump housing (28) with a pumping chamber (30) in which a a motor control (24) for controlling the motor (20), characterized in that the liquid pump arrangement (10) comprises a control device (50) according to one of the preceding Claims, the sensor device (108) with the motor control (24) is connected.

22. Liquid pump arrangement according to claim 21, characterized in that the control device (50) upstream of the pumping chamber (30) is arranged.

23. Liquid pump arrangement according to claim 22, characterized in that the pump housing (28) upstream of the pumping chamber (30) has a shaft (38) into which a flow channel (54) forming channel body (52) of the control device (50) can be used and the the channel body (52) is removable if necessary, wherein the valve body (86) is movably mounted in the channel body (52).

24. Liquid pump arrangement according to claim 23, characterized in that the shaft (38) has a duct constriction (72) against which the channel body (52) against the action of a return spring (78) can be pressed, wherein between the manhole constriction (72) and the Channel body (52) a sealing element (74) is arranged.

25. Liquid pump arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the shaft (38) has a lid (42) closable opening (40), wherein the channel body (52) from the cover (42) with a force in the direction of the manhole constriction ( 72) can be acted upon.

26. Liquid pump arrangement according to claim 25, characterized in that between the cover (42) and the channel body (52) a filter or Siebelement (102) is arranged.

27. Liquid pump arrangement according to claim 26, characterized in that the sieve or filter element (102) with the channel body (52) is detachably connectable.