Pump device with a wear unit for wear monitoring and method for producing a pump device

Description

1 / 25 PUMP DEVICE WITH A WEAR UNIT FOR WEAR MONITORING AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A PUMP DEVICE State of the Art

[001] The invention relates to a pump device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for producing a pump device according to the preamble of claim 12.

[002] Pump devices according to the preamble of claim 1 are already known from the prior art. The wear of a pump unit of the pump device depends on the medium to be transported, the solids contained therein, i.e., the quantity of solids and / or the degree of hardness and / or the size of the solids and / or the shape of the solids and / or the resistance of the solids. The harder and / or more solid the medium, the greater the wear of the pump unit.

[003] The object of the invention is, in particular, but not limited to, providing a device of the type mentioned with improved properties in relation to the design. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 12, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention may be found in the dependent claims. Advantages of the invention

[004] The invention relates to a pump device with at least one pump unit and a wear unit for monitoring wear during operation of the pump unit.

[005] It is proposed that the pump unit be covered by the wear unit in at least one coverage area.

[006] Thus, the present concept can improve a project. In addition Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 83 / 114 2 / 25 of this, a particularly compact and user-friendly design can be provided. Furthermore, a wear unit can enable efficient, fast, convenient, and / or affordable wear analysis, detection, and / or monitoring during the operation of a pump unit. Moreover, wear monitoring allows for design optimizations, thus increasing the service life of a pump unit. In addition, efficiency can be increased in terms of product, labor, performance, cost, and / or material efficiency.

[007] The pump device may be part of a pump, i.e., form a sub-assembly of the pump. In particular, the pump device is a functional component, i.e., a design and / or functional component of the pump. It would also be conceivable that the pump device would completely form the pump. The pump may, but is not limited to, being intended to carry and / or move a medium to be transported. The medium to be transported may be fluid, i.e., liquids, solids, and / or liquids mixed with solids. The solids may be natural materials such as earth, wood, stone, gravel, mud and / or sand, plastics and / or metals or the like. It would also be conceivable that the solids are foodstuffs, such as vegetables, fruits or the like. In addition, the pump may also be a mining pump or similar. The pump is preferably intended to carry enriched liquids and / or liquids mixed with solids, such as water.Alternatively and / or additionally, the pump may also be intended for pumping water containing fish or other living creatures, where the fish preferably survive the transport, in particular at least substantially unharmed.

[008] The pump device may be a radial pump device or an axial pump device. Preferably, the pump device is formed as a centrifugal pump device, in particular as a Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 84 / 114 3 / 25 radial centrifugal pump device or possibly as an axial centrifugal pump device. The pump can be a radial pump or an axial pump. In particular, the pump is formed as a centrifugal pump, in particular as a radial centrifugal pump or an axial centrifugal pump.

[009] The pump may be part of a pump system for transporting the medium to be transported. Advantageously, the pump system has at least one drive unit. The drive unit may set a shaft of the pump device into rotation in at least one operating state with at least one drive means. The shaft may be a drive shaft, preferably a pump shaft. In particular, the shaft is a rotating shaft. The drive means are, for example, at least one electric motor and / or combustion engine and / or a bearing block. Advantageously, the shaft is formed as an elongated element and a longitudinal axis of the shaft is aligned parallel to the axial direction. The shaft may be rotatably mounted by means of at least one plain bearing and / or bearing of the drive unit. Particularly preferably, the shaft performs a rotational motion along the circumferential direction at least in the operating state.Advantageously, at least one impeller of the pump unit is arranged on the shaft.

[010] In particular for the analysis and / or monitoring and / or detection of wear during the operation of the pump unit, the wear unit is arranged at least in the coverage area, at least during the operation of the pump unit. Preferably, the wear unit can be arranged on the pump unit before the operation of the pump unit. After the operation of the pump unit, the wear of the pump unit, preferably of the pump unit material, can be monitored, analyzed and / or detected by means of the wear unit. It would also be Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 85 / 114 4 / 25 It is conceivable that, during the operation of the pump unit, the wear of the pump unit could be detected and / or analyzed by means of a wear unit detection and / or monitoring system. In particular, this allows for preventive maintenance and thus increases the service life of the pump unit.

[011] The wear unit may cover an upper part, in particular a surface, of the pump unit in the coverage area, at least in sections. In the coverage area, the wear unit may cap and / or cover at least 20%, advantageously at least 50%, preferably at least 80%, and particularly preferably completely the upper part of the pump unit. It would also be conceivable that the pump unit would have additional coverage areas beyond the coverage area, for example, at least two coverage areas or five coverage areas, in which the pump unit would be at least partially covered by the wear unit. The wear unit could be shaped similarly to a plate, at least in sections.The fact that an object is designed similarly to a plate should be understood as a spatial object that, viewed in a developed view in a plane, has a non-circular cross-sectional area seen in a cross-section perpendicular to the plane and, perpendicular to the plane, in addition to individual recesses, in particular through holes and / or blind holes, has a material thickness that is at least substantially constant and is less than 50%, preferably less than 25%, and particularly preferably less than 10% of a surface extent of the spatial object parallel to the plane, in particular a smaller surface extent of the object parallel to the plane. The wear unit may be shell-like and / or shell-shaped. Preferably, the material thickness of the object. Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 86 / 114 5 / 25 similar to a shell and / or shell-shaped corresponds to a maximum of 50%, in particular a maximum of 20%, advantageously a maximum of 10%, preferably a maximum of 5%, of a longitudinal extent and / or a width extent of the object. The wear unit may be curved and / or flat, at least in sections.

[012] The term “intended” here and below should be understood as specifically programmed, designed and / or equipped. The suitability of an object to be intended for a specific function should be understood as meaning that the object fulfills and / or performs that specific function in at least one application and / or operational state.

[013] It is further proposed that the wear unit have a contact surface with the pump unit in the coverage area and follow the shape of the pump unit. This makes it possible to provide a particularly efficient, compact and / or user-friendly design. Advantageously, the wear unit adheres at least in sections or completely to the pump unit. The wear unit may be malleable, flexible and / or elastic at least in sections or completely. The “elastic element” in the present invention is an element that can be repeatedly deformed by means of external force without the element being mechanically damaged or destroyed as a result, and which, in particular after deformation, independently returns to a basic shape, in particular a rest position. Preferably, the wear unit is deformable.When the wear unit is arranged in the pump unit within the coverage area, the wear unit may be deformed and / or bent and / or adapted to the shape of the pump unit. Furthermore, the wear unit may be in direct contact with the pump unit.

[014] The covering unit may have different thicknesses, i.e., material thicknesses, possibly in sections, at least in the area of Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 87 / 114 6 / 25 coverage. To provide a particularly efficient and user-friendly design, it is proposed that the wear unit have a material thickness that is at least substantially constant over the coverage area. The material thickness is, in particular, independent of manufacturing tolerances, within the range of standardized tolerances. The wear unit may have a material thickness of at least 0.5 mm, advantageously at least 1 mm and in particular at most 10 mm, preferably at most 5 mm and particularly preferably at most 3 mm.

[015] It would be conceivable that the wear unit would be connected and fixed to the pump unit by means of a force-locking and / or form-locking connection, such as, for example, a snap-fit ​​connection and / or snap-fit ​​connection and / or rotary connection and / or threaded connection and / or Velcro connection.

[016] It is also proposed that the wear unit be formed as a casing over the pump unit. In this way, a particularly compact and user-friendly design can be provided. Furthermore, the effort involved in arranging a wear unit next to / over a pump unit can be reduced and efficiency in terms of product, labor, performance, cost and / or material efficiency can be further increased. Also, a firm and / or stable connection and / or fixing can be provided between the wear unit and the pump unit.

[017] Preferably, the pump unit is coated with the wear unit at least in the cover area. In particular, the wear unit is integrally formed with the pump unit. Advantageously, the wear unit is connected to the pump unit. There may be a connection between the wear unit and the pump unit, for example, by gluing, welding and / or fusion. Particularly preferably, the wear unit is injection molded into the pump unit. Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 88 / 114 7 / 25

[018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the wear unit have at least two overlapping wear layers that differ from each other in at least one parameter. This can increase the efficiency and accuracy of the analysis when evaluating the wear of a pump unit. Depending on the wear, in particular the removal, of wear layers from a wear unit, the severity of the wear can be determined, evaluated, detected and / or analyzed more quickly, easily, conveniently and / or simply.

[019] The wear unit may have a first wear layer, in particular a base layer. Advantageously, the first wear layer is arranged flush in contact with the pump unit, in particular with the top of the pump unit. In addition, the wear unit may have a second wear layer, in particular a separation layer. The second wear layer may be free from direct and immediate contact with the pump unit. The second wear layer may be in contact with the pump unit indirectly through the first wear layer and be arranged on top of it. In particular, the second wear layer is arranged directly, i.e., flush in contact with the first wear layer. Preferably, the wear unit has at least a third wear layer, in particular a cover layer. The third wear layer may be free from direct and immediate contact with the pump unit.The third wear layer may be in contact with the pump unit indirectly through the second wear layer and / or the first wear layer. In particular, the third wear layer is arranged directly, i.e., level with the second wear layer. Preferably, the individual wear layers of the wear unit are connected to each other. It is always advantageous to have the top wear layer between the wear layers, and this can be described as... Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 89 / 114 8 / 25 a top layer, regardless of the number of wear layers.

[020] It would also be conceivable that the wear unit had other wear layers that were connected to the first wear layer, to the second wear layer and / or to the third wear layer. Advantageously, all wear layers of the wear unit have a constant material thickness in the coverage area.

[021] Individual overlapping wear layers, in particular the first wear layer, the second wear layer and / or the third wear layer, may differ, for example, in relation to material thickness. The parameter may be a material thickness parameter. At least one of the wear layers, in particular the first wear layer, the second wear layer and / or the third wear layer, may have a material thickness of at least 0.3 mm, advantageously at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm and particularly preferably at most 5 mm, in particular at most 3 mm. A difference in material thickness between the wear layers, in particular the first wear layer, the second wear layer and / or the third wear layer, in particular the material thickness parameters, may be at least 0.1 mm, advantageously at least 0.3 mm and particularly advantageously at least 0.5 mm.

[022] Preferably, all wear layers of the wear unit have at least substantially identical material thicknesses. In this context, “at least substantially” should be understood as meaning that a deviation from a predetermined value and / or orientation is less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, and particularly preferably less than 5% of the predetermined value and / or orientation. Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 90 / 114 9 / 25

[023] It would be conceivable that the parameter is a material-specific parameter and that the at least two wear layers differ at least in relation to one material or material composition. At least one of the wear layers, in particular the first wear layer, the second wear layer and / or the third wear layer, may be formed at least largely or entirely of a natural product, a mineral, a metal, a plastic and / or a composite material. The expression “largely” should be understood in the present invention as meaning, for example, at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85% and particularly advantageously at most 95% of a volume and / or mass fraction.Preferably, at least one of the wear layers, in particular the first wear layer, the second wear layer and / or the third wear layer, is formed, at least largely, from at least one plastic, namely a thermoplastic, thermoset and / or elastomer, such as, for example, polyurethane (PU) and / or polypropylene (PP).

[024] Preferably, the parameter is an optical parameter. This allows the detection and / or identification of different overlapping wear layers of a wear unit to be optimized, made more convenient, simpler and / or more efficient. In addition, it can increase efficiency in relation to wear analysis, detection, monitoring and / or evaluation. Furthermore, a design can be improved. Preferably, the optical parameter is a parameter that is visible and / or recognizable to the human eye by at least one user and / or installer. The optical parameter can be a structural parameter that characterizes a structure of at least one surface of one of the wear layers.

[025] If the optical parameter is a color parameter, the monitoring, Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 91 / 114 10 / 25 Wear detection and / or evaluation can be even more efficient, convenient, user-friendly and quick. Furthermore, a particularly compact, economical and / or efficient design can be provided for monitoring wear during the operation of a pump unit.

[026] Wear layers may have different colors. In the present invention, colors should also be understood as color gradients and / or color structures. Advantageously, two wear layers of the wear unit that are directly superimposed always have different colors. Preferably, the first wear layer has a reddish color. The second wear layer may have a different color from the first wear layer, for example, a yellowish or orange color. The third wear layer may have a color that is at least substantially identical to the first wear layer. Preferably, all wear layers of the wear unit should have different colors from each other. The second wear layer may have a different color from the first wear layer and / or the second wear layer, for example, a green, brown, or black color.Preferably, at least one of the wear layers, advantageously always the top wear layer of the wear layers, in particular the cover layer, has a color adapted to a color and / or color design of the pump unit. The individual wear layers may each have any conceivable color that seems appropriate to the person skilled in the art.

[027] Furthermore, it is proposed that the pump unit have at least one impeller and / or at least one pump casing and / or at least one pump cone and / or at least one inlet element, in particular a wear ring, over which the coverage area extends at least partially. This allows a design to be improved and a Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 92-114 11 / 25 monitoring the wear of an impeller and / or a pump casing and / or a pump cone and / or an inlet element. Furthermore, the service life of at least the impeller and / or the pump casing and / or the pump cone and / or the inlet element can be increased, thereby increasing efficiency.

[028] The impeller may have at least one flow engagement element and / or a pumping element to carry the medium to be transported. Preferably, the impeller has at least one impeller blade. In the present invention, "impeller" means an element intended to set the medium to be transported in pumping motion by means of a rotational motion. Advantageously, the impeller is arranged and / or fixed on the shaft. In particular, at least the impeller is arranged in an intake area of ​​the pump casing. The impeller may be enclosed at least partially and advantageously completely in the circumferential direction by the pump casing. Advantageously, the impeller is mounted rotatably and / or rotatingly in the intake area of ​​the pump casing.

[029] The medium to be transported may enter through the inlet element during the operation of the pump unit. The impeller may receive the medium to be transported from the inlet element and subsequently transport it. Preferably, the inlet element is a wear ring. In particular, the impeller is intended to transport the medium to be transported from the inlet element to an outlet element of the pump unit. Preferably, the coverage area extends at least partially over the outlet element. Advantageously, the impeller is arranged between the inlet element and the outlet element. The outlet element may be arranged behind the impeller in the axial direction, so that the inlet element, the impeller and the outlet element are arranged in a line one behind the other. If the device of Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 93 / 114 12 / 25 For pumps formed as radial pump devices, the outlet element may be arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the inlet element, wherein the angle between the inlet and outlet elements deviates from a right angle by a maximum of 5°, preferably by a maximum of 2°, and particularly advantageously by a maximum of 1°. Advantageously, the medium to be transported may exit radially, at least substantially perpendicular to the inlet element. In this context, “at least substantially perpendicular” shall be understood as an angle between 85° and 95°, preferably between 88° and 92°, and particularly advantageously by 90°.

[030] The pump cone may be connected to the inlet element or formed integrally, in particular in a single piece, with the inlet element. Advantageously, the pump cone has the shape of a cone or a truncated cone. The pump cone may extend from the inlet element towards the impeller in the axial direction. The impeller may be in contact with the pump cone at least in sections, in particular in the intake area, and / or at least in sections supported on the pump cone. Preferably, there is a gap, in particular a sealing gap, between the pump cone and the impeller, at least in sections. It would be conceivable that the pump unit would have at least one additional pump cone, in addition to the pump cone already mentioned. Alternatively and / or additionally, the drive unit may have at least one cone. Advantageously, the drive unit has at least one drive cone that is disposed on one side of the impeller opposite the pump cone.The drive cone may be in contact with the impeller at least in sections. Advantageously, there is another gap, in particular another sealing gap, between the drive cone and the impeller, at least in sections. The gap and / or the sealing gap may have... Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 94 / 114 13 / 25 a width extension, in particular a distance, between the pump cone and the impeller and / or the drive cone and the impeller, of a maximum of 5 mm, advantageously a maximum of 1 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.5 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.1 mm.

[031] It would be conceivable that the inlet element, the pump cone and / or at least the outlet element would each form sub-assemblies of the pump casing. The inlet element, the pump cone and / or the outlet element may be formed at least partially or completely integrally, in particular in a single piece with the pump casing. The term integrally should be understood as at least materially connected, for example, by an adhesive process, an injection molding process and / or a welding process and / or another process that seems appropriate to the person skilled in the art. Furthermore, in a single piece should be understood as formed in a single piece.Preferably, this unique part is produced from a single raw piece, a mass and / or a casting, particularly preferably by an injection molding method, in particular a single and / or multi-component injection molding method, and / or a sand casting method and / or a punching method and / or a sheet metal bending process and / or a printing process, for example, a 3D printing process, and / or by thermoforming and / or by deep drawing and / or another method / process that seems appropriate to the person skilled in the art from the single raw piece.

[032] In addition, other components and / or construction components of the pump unit, such as seals, bolts, gaskets, grooves and / or adjustment units or the like, may be covered, at least in sections, with the wear unit. Any component and / or construction component Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pages 95 / 114 14 / 25 conceivable of the pump unit that seems appropriate to the technician in the field may be covered, at least in sections, with the wear unit.

[033] Additionally, the invention is based on a method for producing a pump device, in particular the aforementioned pump device, with at least one pump unit and a wear unit for monitoring wear during operation of the pump unit.

[034] It is proposed that the pump unit be covered by the wear unit in at least one coverage area in a processing step. This production method can increase process efficiency and provide a compact and efficient design.

[035] The method may comprise several method steps and / or method substeps. The processing step may comprise at least one chemical, mechanical, thermal and thermomechanical process to coat the pump unit with the wear unit. Preferably, in the processing step, the pump unit is coated with the wear unit at least in the coverage area. The wear unit may be integrally connected to the pump unit, i.e., materially, during the processing step. In the processing step, the wear unit may be glued, welded and / or fused to the pump unit, for example. In particular, the processing step is a surface coating step to coat the pump unit with the wear unit.

[036] Particularly preferably, the wear unit is injection molded into the pump unit, at least in sections. This can further increase efficiency in terms of process, material, cost, effort and / or product efficiency and provide a particularly stable design. The wear layer can be injection molded into the pump unit using a thermal spraying method. Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 96 / 114 15 / 25

[037] For preparation, i.e., to provide a uniform application of a wear unit on a pump unit, it is proposed that material be removed from the pump unit at least in sections in a preparation step. Furthermore, the wear unit can be efficiently applied to the pump unit without increasing the overall thickness of the pump device material in a coverage area.

[038] The preparation stage preferably occurs before the processing stage in terms of time. In particular, in the preparation stage, the material in the coverage area of ​​the pump unit is removed, i.e., only in the places where the wear unit must cover the pump unit. Additionally, however, it would also be conceivable that more material from the pump unit outside the coverage area is removed in the preparation stage. A layer of material of at least 1 mm, advantageously at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5 mm thick, can be removed from the pump unit in the preparation stage. The removal of the material can be carried out, for example, by means of grinding, laser processing, particularly laser grinding, electron beam processing, engraving, in particular plasma engraving, milling, cutting, electrochemical removal and / or water jet cutting or similar.In particular, the material is removed from the upper part, especially the surface, of the pump unit, preferably in a uniform manner.

[039] It would also be conceivable to dispense with the preparation stage and, in the processing stage, apply the wear unit directly to the pump unit in the coverage area, without prior processing, i.e., without removing material from the pump unit. Particularly in the case of mass production of pumps, the preparation stage can be omitted and, in this way, efficiency can be increased, at least in relation to Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 97 / 114 16 / 25 process, labor, cost and / or material efficiency.

[040] It is also proposed that, in a post-processing step, at least some of the material be removed from the wear unit. This allows corrections and / or improvements to be made to the dimensions of a pump device design and that the final design dimensions be specified, i.e., before delivery to at least one customer and / or before use of the pump unit. Moreover, this can increase efficiency in terms of process, labor, cost and / or product efficiency.

[041] The post-processing stage preferably occurs after the processing stage in terms of time. In particular, in the post-processing stage, the material in the coverage area is removed by the wear unit, i.e., only in the locations where the wear unit covers the pump unit. A layer of material of at least 0.1 mm, advantageously at least 0.3 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm thick, can be removed by the wear unit in the post-processing stage. The removal of the material can be carried out, for example, by means of grinding, laser processing, particularly laser grinding, electron beam processing, engraving, in particular plasma engraving, milling, cutting, electrochemical removal and / or water jet cutting or similar. In particular, the material is removed from an upper side, in particular from a surface, of the wear unit, preferably in a uniform manner.

[042] It would also be conceivable that the post-processing step could be omitted. Particularly in the case of mass production of pumps, the post-processing step can be omitted and thus efficiency can be increased, at least in terms of process, labor, cost and / or material efficiency.

[043] The pump device and / or method should not be limited to Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 98 / 114 17 / 25 application and to the embodiment described above. In particular, the pump device and / or the method may have a number of elements, components, units and individual method steps that differ from a number stated here to fulfill a function described herein. Furthermore, for the ranges of values ​​specified in this document, values ​​within the indicated limits will also be considered disclosed and may be used arbitrarily. Designs

[044] Other advantages are shown in the following drawing description. One embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings. The drawings, description, and claims contain numerous combined features. Those skilled in the art will also conveniently consider the features individually and combine them into other meaningful combinations.

[045] In the figures: Figure 1 shows a pump system comprising a pump and a drive unit for transporting a medium. Figure 2 shows a detailed view of a pump device with a pump unit and a wear unit covering the pump unit at least in a coverage area. Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of a section of the wear unit located in the pump unit comprising at least two overlapping wear layers. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the pump device according to Figure 2 and Figure 5 shows a schematic process flow diagram of a method for producing the pump device. Description of the exemplary modality

[046] The following figures are schematic representations and are not in Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 99 / 114 18 / 25 scale. Unless otherwise indicated, only one of several objects is provided with a reference symbol.

[047] Figure 1 shows a pump system 60 with a pump 50, which is intended to transport a medium to be transported. In this embodiment, the pump 50 is formed as a centrifugal pump. The pump 50 comprises a pump device 10. Therefore, the pump device 10 is formed as a centrifugal pump device. It would also be conceivable that the pump device 10 forms the entire pump 50. The pump 50 is intended, without limitation, to carry and / or move the medium to be transported. The medium to be transported, in the present invention, is a liquid mixed with solids. The solids can be natural materials, such as earth, wood, stone, gravel, mud and / or sand, plastics and / or metals or the like. In the present invention, the pump 50 is intended to carry liquids enriched and / or mixed with solids, such as water. The medium to be transported can be natural materials, such as earth, wood, stone and / or sand, plastics and / or metals, or similar materials.Alternatively and / or additionally, pump 50 is provided for transporting fluids, in particular liquids, or fluids mixed with objects, in particular liquids.

[048] The pump system 60 has at least one drive unit 62. The drive unit 62 is intended to set a shaft 64 of the pump device 10 into rotation in at least one operational state with at least one drive means. In the present invention, the shaft 64 is a pump shaft. The drive means is, for example, at least one electric motor and / or combustion engine.

[049] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of pump device 10. In addition, Figure 4 shows a section of at least pump device 10. Pump device 10 has a pump unit 12. Pump unit 12 has a pump casing 30. In addition, the pump unit Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pages 100 / 114 19 / 25 In the present invention, 12 has an impeller 28. The impeller 28 is at least one flow engagement element and / or a pumping element for carrying the medium to be transported. At least the impeller 28 is disposed in an intake area 52 of the pump casing 30. To transport and / or carry the medium to be transported, the impeller 28 is mounted rotatably and / or rotationally in the intake area 52 of the pump casing 30. The impeller 28 is disposed and / or fixed to the shaft 64.

[050] The pump unit 12 has an inlet element 32. In the present invention, the inlet element 32 is formed as a wear ring. The medium to be transported enters through the inlet element 32 during the operation of the pump unit 12. The impeller 28 is intended to receive the medium to be transported from the inlet element 32 and subsequently transport it. According to Figures 2 and 4, it can be observed that the impeller 28 is intended to transport the medium to be transported from the inlet element 32 to an outlet element 38 of the pump unit 12. In this exemplary embodiment, the outlet element 38 is arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the inlet element 32. The medium to be transported exits radially, i.e., at least substantially perpendicular to the inlet element 32.

[051] Furthermore, the pump unit 12 has at least one pump cone 34. In this exemplary embodiment, the pump cone 34 is integrally formed, in particular in a single piece, with the inlet element 32. The pump cone 34 has the shape of a cone or truncated cone. In the present invention, there is a gap, i.e., a sealing gap, between the pump cone 34 and the impeller 28, at least in sections. Alternatively and / or additionally, the impeller 28 could be in contact with the pump cone 34 at least in sections. The pump unit 12 may have at least one cone Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pages 101 / 114 20 / 25 of additional pump, in addition to the pump cone 34 already mentioned. Furthermore, the drive unit 62 has at least one cone, namely at least one drive cone 36, which is disposed on one side of the impeller 28 opposite the pump cone 34. The drive cone 36 may be in contact with the impeller 28 at least in sections. In the present invention, there is another gap, in particular another sealing gap, between the drive cone 36 and the impeller 28, at least in sections. The gap and the subsequent gap have a distance, namely a normal distance of 1 mm. The distance depends on the pump size, application and / or thickness of material used. In this exemplary embodiment, the inlet element 32, the pump cone 34 and at least the outlet element 38 are at least partially formed integrally with the pump casing 30.

[052] The pump device 10 has a wear unit 14 for monitoring wear during the operation of the pump unit 12. The pump unit 12 is covered by the wear unit 14 in at least a coverage area 16. After the operation of the pump unit 12, the wear of the pump unit 12, i.e., the wear of the material of the pump unit 12, is monitored, analyzed and / or detected by means of the wear unit 14. It would also be conceivable that, during the operation of the pump unit 12, the wear of the pump unit 12 could be detected and / or analyzed by means of a wear detection and / or monitoring system of the wear unit 14.

[053] The wear unit 14 is arranged on an upper part, i.e., a surface of the pump unit 12. In the coverage area 16, the wear unit 14 is in superficial contact with the pump unit 12 and follows a shape of the pump unit 12. The wear unit 14 is deformable and / or flexible and / or malleable and, when arranged in the unit of Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pages 102 / 114 21 / 25 pump 12 in the coverage area 16, can be adjusted to the shape of the pump unit 12. In the present invention, the wear unit 14 is in direct contact with the pump unit 12. In this exemplary embodiment, the wear unit 14 is formed as a coating over the pump unit 12.

[054] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the wear unit 14 disposed in the pump unit 12. It can be observed that the wear unit 14 has at least two overlapping wear layers 18, 20, 26. In this exemplary embodiment, the wear unit 14 has at least three wear layers, namely, a first wear layer 18, a second wear layer 20 and at least a third wear layer 26. It would also be conceivable that the wear unit 14 would have more wear layers. The wear unit 14 has a material thickness that is at least substantially constant in the coverage area 16. In the present invention, all wear layers 18, 20, 26 of the wear unit 14 have a uniform material thickness, wherein the material thickness is, regardless of manufacturing tolerances, within the range of standardized tolerances. In this exemplary embodiment, the wear unit 14 has a material thickness of at least 3 mm.

[055] The first wear layer 18 is, in the present invention, a base layer that is disposed level in contact with the pump unit 12, i.e., on the upper side of the pump unit 12. The second wear layer 20 forms a separation layer. The second wear layer 20 is free from direct and immediate contact with the pump unit 12. The second wear layer 20 is in contact with the pump unit 12 indirectly through the first wear layer 18 and is disposed directly, i.e., directly level in contact with the first layer. Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 103 / 114 22 / 25 of wear layer 18. The third wear layer 26 is, in the present invention, a cover layer. The third wear layer 26 is free from direct and immediate contact with the pump unit 12. The third wear layer 26 is in contact with the pump unit 12 indirectly by means of the second wear layer 20 and / or the first wear layer 18. The third wear layer 26 is directly disposed, i.e., directly flush in contact with the second wear layer 20. The individual wear layers 18, 20, 26 of the wear unit 14 are each materially connected to each other.

[056] Wear layers 18, 20, 26 differ from each other in at least one parameter. It would be conceivable that wear layers 18, 20, 26 differ at least in relation to material thickness. In the present invention, all wear layers 18, 20, 26 of wear unit 14 have at least substantially identical material thicknesses. The first wear layer 18, the second wear layer 20 and the third wear layer 26 have a material thickness of at least 1 mm.

[057] The parameter may be a material-specific parameter. In order to optimize the detection and / or identification of different overlapping wear layers 18, 20, 26 of the wear unit 14, to optimize it, make it more convenient, simpler and / or more efficient, the parameter is an optical parameter. The optical parameter is a parameter that is visible and / or recognizable to the human eye by at least one user and / or installer. In addition, the parameter is a color parameter. Alternatively and / or additionally, the parameter may be a structural parameter that characterizes a structuring of at least one surface of one of the wear layers.

[058] Wear layers 18, 20 and 26 have different colors. In the present invention, two wear layers 18, 20, 26 of the wear unit Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pages 104 / 114 23 / 25 which are directly superimposed always have different colors. In this exemplary embodiment, the first wear layer 18 has a reddish color. The second wear layer 20 has a different color from the first wear layer 18, for example, a yellowish or orange color. The third wear layer 26 has a different color from the first wear layer 18 and / or the second wear layer 20, for example, a green, blue or black color. Furthermore, the individual wear layers 18, 20, 26 may each have any conceivable color that seems appropriate to the person skilled in the art. In the present invention, the wear layer formed as a cover layer, here, the third wear layer 26, has a color adjusted to a color and / or color design of the pump unit 12.

[059] The coverage area 16 extends at least partially over the impeller 28, the pump casing 30, the inlet element 32 and at least the pump cone 34. In addition, the coverage area, in the present invention, extends at least partially over the outlet element 38 and the drive cone 36 (see Figure 4).

[060] Figure 5 shows a schematic flow diagram of the method for producing the pump device 10. The method for producing the pump device 10 comprises at least one preparation step 98. In preparation step 98, material is removed from the pump unit 12 at least in sections. In this exemplary embodiment, in preparation step 98, a layer of material at least 3 mm thick is removed from the pump unit 12, i.e., in the coverage area 16. The material is removed uniformly by the pump unit 12. This ensures uniform application of the wear unit 14 in the coverage area 16. It would also be conceivable that additional material from the pump unit 12 could be removed outside the coverage area 16. Alternatively, preparation step 98, i.e., removal Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pages 105 / 114 Step 24 / 25 of the material can be omitted. In particular, in the manufacture of pumps in series, preparation step 98 is omitted due to process-related reasons.

[061] In a processing step 100, the pump unit 12 is covered by the wear unit 14 at least in the coverage area 16. Processing step 100 occurs in relation to the time course of the method after preparation step 98 (see Figure 5). In processing step 100, the wear unit 14 is integrally connected to the pump unit 12. Processing step 100 is a surface coating step for coating the pump unit 12 with the wear unit 14. In this exemplary embodiment, the wear unit 14 is injection molded into the pump unit 12, at least in sections.

[062] The method for producing the pump device 10 comprises a post-processing step 102. The post-processing step 102 occurs in relation to the time course of the method after the processing step 100 (see Figure 5). In the post-processing step 102, material is removed from the wear unit 14 at least in sections. A layer of material at least 0.1 mm thick is removed by the wear unit 14 in the post-processing step. In the present invention, the material is removed uniformly from an upper part of the wear unit 14. This allows for reworking and / or improvement in the sizing of a pump device 10 design and for the final design dimensions to be specified. List of reference signs Pump device Pump unit 14 Wear unit 16 Coverage area 18 Wear layer Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pages 106 / 114 25 / 25 Wear layer Wear layer Impeller Bomb casing Input element Pump cone Drive cone Output element Pump Admission area Pump system Drive unit Axle Preparation phase Processing stage Post-processing stage Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pages 107 / 114

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Pump device (10) with at least one pump unit (12) and a wear unit (14) for monitoring wear during operation of the pump unit (12), characterized in that the pump unit (12) is covered by the wear unit (14) in at least one coverage area (16).

2. Pump device (10), according to claim 1, characterized in that the wear unit (14) is in superficial contact with the pump unit (12) in the cover area (16) and follows a shape of the pump unit (12).

3. Pump device (10), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wear unit (14) has, in the coverage area (16), a material thickness that is at least substantially constant.

4. Pump device (10), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the wear unit (14) is formed as a lining on the pump unit (12).

5. Pump device (10), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the wear unit (14) has at least two overlapping wear layers (18, 20, 26) that differ from each other in at least one parameter.

6. Pump device (10), according to claim 5, characterized in that the parameter is an optical parameter.

7. Pump device (10), according to claim 6, characterized in that the optical parameter is a color parameter.

8. Pump device (10), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pump unit (12) Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 108 / 114 2 / 3 has an impeller (28) over which the coverage area (16) extends at least partially.

9. Pump device (10), according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the pump unit (12) has a pump casing (30) over which the coverage area (16) extends at least partially.

10. Pump device (10), according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the pump unit (12) has an inlet element (32), in particular a wear ring, over which the cover region (16) extends at least partially.

11. Pump device (10), according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the pump unit (12) has a pump cone (34) over which the coverage area (16) extends at least partially.

12. Method for producing a pump device (10), in particular as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11, with at least one pump unit (12) and a wear unit (14) for monitoring wear during operation of the pump unit (12), characterized in that the pump unit (12) is covered by the wear unit (14) in at least one coverage area (16) in a processing step (100).

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the wear unit (14) is injection molded into the pump unit (12), at least in sections.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, in a preparation step (98), material is removed from the pump unit (12) at least in sections. Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 109 / 114 3 / 3 15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that, in a post-processing step (102), material is removed from the wear unit (14) at least in sections. Petition 870250087274, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, pp. 110 / 114

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