Feet for pumps

Abstract

A foot (106) for a pump (150). The foot (106) includes a base body (110) defining a first end (116) and a second end (118), a coupling structure (112), and a front panel (114). The coupling structure (112) is coupled to the base body (110). The coupling structure (112) allows the foot (106) to remain in a first stable position and a second stable position. The front panel (114) is coupled to the coupling structure (112). Features of the foot (106) include a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm. In addition, the third arm is positioned to actuate the first arm and the second arm. In addition, the first arm (122) and the second arm (124) are coupled by a flexible hinge (128), and the first arm (122) and the third arm (126) are coupled by a snap connection (130).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foot for a pump. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a foot for a pump that provides a simple and convenient method to adjust or manage different heights of a pump according to the needs of a common user. Background Art

[0002] A pump is a device that allows the transfer of fluids such as liquids or gases, or sometimes slurries, by mechanical action. For example, a submersible pump is a device that has a hermetically sealed motor tightly coupled to the pump body. Submersible pumps can be immersed in the fluid to be pumped. Typically, pumps are used to pump water from wells, or to filter aquariums, ponds, or can be used in the automotive industry or the energy industry to achieve the desired purpose. The pump can include feet. Depending on the level of the liquid in which the pump is immersed, the feet may help to achieve the required height.

[0003] However, in some cases, adjusting the height of the pump with the aid of the pump's feet may become cumbersome. Typically, an additional structure, such as a base of the pump, may be coupled to or separated from the pump to obtain a desired height of the pump. Furthermore, coupling and separation of the additional component from the pump may result in an undesirably complicated structure of the pump. Furthermore, many technical problems may arise during assembly or disassembly of the additional structure from the pump.

[0004] US patent application US2016161051 provides a system for raising and lowering tables, chairs, bedsteads, etc. The system can be locked and unlocked automatically by at least one universal telescopic snap motion or in a known manner including at least one pantograph, which is a vertically movable load-bearing structure arranged between the base and the bottom of a piece of furniture or element to be raised. In addition, a stop device is provided to keep the pantograph at the desired height position. In addition, the load-bearing structure is formed by at least one pantograph, which has a plurality of mutually articulated parallelograms, whose lower vertices are articulated to the base and the upper vertices are articulated to the bottom of the furniture or object to be raised, and the stop device is an integral part of the telescopic snap motion. However, the system does not seem to provide an improved arrangement for changing different positions (e.g., raising or lowering), which can be easy and user-friendly. In addition, there does not seem to be any effect on improved hinges and connections, which can make the system simple, efficient and less prone to downtime due to the large number and complex connection of the movable parts of the system.

[0005] Chinese utility model CN ​​201568282 U describes a pump having a foot attached to the housing of its pump from below. The feet are connected to their respective base bodies via hinges. The hinges and therefore the couplings are securely fixed by a fixing element which, after coupling, is screwed to the base body at the hinge. By approaching the housing of the pump from below in its non-operating position, the foot of the pump can be pivoted relative to the base body between a first stable position and a second stable position. When the pump is returned to its operating position, this changes the height of the pump inlet relative to the ground. The foot of the pump is fixed in its pivotable position by means of a threaded connection of the fixing element to its hinge. This is very cumbersome during assembly and not cost-effective.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved pump that allows safe, convenient and trouble-free adjustment of the height of the pump. Summary of the invention

[0007] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to solve or at least reduce the above disadvantages. This object is achieved at least in part by a foot for a pump. The foot includes a base body defining a first end and a second end. In addition, the pump has a coupling structure coupled to the base body. The coupling structure allows the foot to remain in a first stable position and a second stable position. In addition, the foot also includes a front panel coupled to the coupling structure. The front panel can be selectively actuated to keep the foot in the first stable position and the second stable position. The foot is characterized in that the foot includes a first arm, a second arm and a third arm. The first arm is coupled to the base body at a first end. The second arm is coupled to the base body at a second end. In addition, the third arm is positioned to actuate both the first arm and the second arm. In addition, the first arm, the second arm and the third arm can move relative to each other between the first stable position and the second stable position, so that the front panel is suitable for actuating the third arm to move against the first arm and the second arm. The first arm and the second arm are coupled by a flexible hinge, and the first arm and the third arm are coupled by a snap connection. Therefore, in the first stable position and the second stable position of the foot, the front panel is suitable for the pump to rest thereon. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a simple, efficient and convenient foot to adjust different heights of the pump. Due to the durability of the flexible hinge, repeated movement of the foot can be allowed. The flexible hinge may experience little friction when the first arm, the second arm and the third arm are actuated. In addition, the flexible hinge can generally achieve a longer service life. In addition, the integration of the flexible hinge can eliminate the need for additional components. The snap connection of the first arm and the third arm can provide a simple and cost-effective way to assemble the different parts of the foot. And, it facilitates the engagement of the front panel with the base body. U.S. Patent 6,215,081 describes a general bistable mechanism, whether or not any exemplary use is named, in particular, is not applicable to the foot of the pump, and does not describe any functional additions required for a specific use case.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first stable position corresponds to a first height of the pump base and the second stable position corresponds to a second height of the pump base. This may help achieve a desired height intended for sucking / pumping a large amount of liquid in which the pump is immersed.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, the second height is greater than the first height. This may allow aspiration or pumping of the liquid when the liquid level is relatively high.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first height and the second height are 1 mm and 5 mm respectively. This allows the pump to force liquid in at two desired liquid heights.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the front panel comprises at least one tab. This may allow the front panel to engage with the base body.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base body is structurally integrated with the pump. This can increase the strength of the pump's feet.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the foot is manufactured by three-dimensional printing. Using 3D printing (alternatively, 3D printing) can provide versatility in using different materials and shorten production time in the manufacture and design of the foot.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the foot is detachably coupled to the pump. This allows the foot to be assembled to the pump according to the application requirements of ordinary users.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of actuating a foot is provided, the method comprising pivotally moving the foot between a first stable position and a second stable position via a coupling structure. In addition, the method of actuating the foot comprises actuating a front panel to move the foot between the first stable position and the second stable position. The method thus provides ease of actuating the foot between the first stable position and the second stable position.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the invention, the base body comprises one or more recesses / grooves. This may allow the foot to be assembled to the pump via the one or more recesses / grooves.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base body can be engaged with the pump through one or more recesses / grooves. This can connect the foot to the pump to form a single entity. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the foot of the pump with the pump housing can be manufactured using a three-dimensional (3-D) printing process. A user of the pump with a corresponding foot can be provided with a data file having pre-stored instructions for printing the foot using a three-dimensional (3-D) printer. To this end, the foot can be presented in a digital format. Using three-dimensional printing (alternatively, 3D printing) can provide versatility in using different materials while reducing production time in the manufacture and design of the foot.

[0018] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 A pump base having one or more feet according to an aspect of the present disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 2A shows a side view of a foot for a pump in a first stable position according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2B shows a front view of a foot for a pump in a first stable position according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3A and Figure 3B showing a side view and a front view, respectively, of a foot in a second stable position according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 showing a pump base in a first stable position according to another aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0025] Figure 5 A pump mount is shown in a second stable position according to another aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present invention will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and the scope of the present invention will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention may be used in other embodiments, even other types of structures and / or methods. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0027] Certain terms are used herein for convenience only and should not be considered as limiting the present invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upward", "downward", "forward", "backward", "lateral", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "upward", "inside", "outside", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "center", "middle", "centered", "between", "end", "adjacent", "close", "near", "far", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", etc. only describe the configuration shown in the figures. In fact, the components can be oriented in any direction, and therefore, unless otherwise specified, the terms should be understood to include these variations.

[0028] Figure 1 A pump base 100 of a pump 150 is shown. The pump 150 is a mechanical device that pumps fluids such as liquids, gases, or sometimes slurries. The pump 150 can be used indoors or outdoors, depending on the application needs of the average user. In the depicted example, the pump 150 includes a handle 103 to raise or move the pump 150. The body includes an inlet 102 (not visible). The inlet 102 is located at the bottom of the pump housing 105, that is, at the bottom of its pump base 100, and allows liquid to be sucked in through the pump 150. In addition, the pump 150 has an outlet 104. The outlet 104 discharges liquid. The discharged liquid can be used for different applications, such as irrigation, washing, etc.

[0029] Figure 1 The pump 150 is shown in its operating position, allowing water to be sucked in via its water inlet 102 (not visible) on the bottom of the pump housing 105, which is located at the bottom of the pump 150 in its operating position. The pump housing 105 includes a pump base 100, which includes one or more feet 106. The one or more feet 106 are accessible from one side of the pump housing 105 during normal operation of the pump 150. This allows the desired height of the pump 150 in its operating position to be adjusted. The average user may need the pump 150 to be adjusted at different heights. The pump 150 at different heights can meet different application requirements. Pushing and pulling the feet 106 causes it to move between its first stable position and its second stable position. The pump base 100 can be an integral part of the pump housing 105, or it can be assembled or disassembled from the pump housing 105 by one or more pump base connectors 132 that connect the pump base 100 to the rest of the pump housing 105.

[0030] In some embodiments, one or more legs 106 can be manufactured by three-dimensional printing. Using three-dimensional printing (alternatively, 3D printing) can provide versatility in using different materials and shorter production time in the manufacture and design of one or more legs 106.

[0031] In some embodiments, one or more legs 106 can be made of a material selected from steel, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic. The properties of the material are selected based on the requirements of ordinary users. The desired properties of the material provide one or more legs 106 with certain characteristics such as flexibility, elasticity, rigidity, heat resistance, or vibration resistance.

[0032] Figure 2A 1 shows a side view of the feet 106 of the pump 150 in a first stable position. For the sake of clarity and comprehensiveness, only one foot 106 is discussed in the further figures. Another, one or more feet 106 may be used in conjunction with the pump 150. Figure 2A The support leg 106 is similar to or modified from the support leg 106 described in the foregoing. The support leg 106 includes a base body 110. The support leg 106 also includes a coupling structure 112. The coupling structure 112 is coupled to the base body 110. The base body 110 has a first end 116 and a second end 118. The coupling structure 112 allows the support leg 106 to be in a first stable position and a second stable position (respectively Figure 3A and Figure 3B ) between the upper and lower portions of the housing.

[0033] In addition, the pump 150 includes a front panel 114. The front panel 114 is actuated by a user to move the foot 106 between the first stable position and the second stable position. The front panel 114 includes a tab 120. The tab 120 allows the front panel 114 to engage with the second end 118 of the base body 110 (at Figure 3A and Figure 3B ) and disengagement. The support foot 106 also includes a first arm 122, a second arm 124, and a third arm 126. The first arm 122 is coupled to the base body 110 at a first end 116. In addition, the second arm 124 is coupled to the base body 110 at a second end 118. In addition, the third arm 126 is positioned to actuate both the first arm 122 and the second arm 124. The first arm 122, the second arm 124, and the third arm 126 can be relatively moved in cooperation with each other between a first stable position and a second stable position.

[0034] like Figure 2AAs shown, the first arm 122 and the second arm 124 are coupled by one or more flexible hinges 128. Due to the durability of the one or more flexible hinges 128, repeated movement of the leg 106 can be allowed. The one or more flexible hinges 128 experience little friction when the first arm 122, the second arm 124, and the third arm 126 are actuated. In addition, the one or more flexible hinges 128 can generally achieve a long service life. The integration of the one or more flexible hinges 128 can eliminate the need for additional components. The first arm 122 and the third arm 126 are coupled by a snap connection 130. In addition, the snap connection 130 can provide a simple and cost-effective way to assemble different parts of the leg 106.

[0035] Figure 2B A front view of the foot 106 is shown in a first stable position. The base body 110 is directly coupled to the pump 150. The foot 106 includes one or more recesses / grooves 132. This can connect the foot 106 to the pump 150 to form a single body. In some embodiments, the base body 110 is structurally integrated with the pump base 100. This can provide strength / rigidity to the foot 106 of the pump 150. In some other embodiments, the foot 106 is removably coupled to the pump base 100. This can allow assembly or disassembly of the foot 106 with the pump base 100 according to the application requirements of the general user.

[0036] The base body 110 may be engaged with the pump base 100 by one or more recesses / grooves 132. The base body 110 of the foot 106 may be engaged with the pump base 100 by both temporary and permanent means. The temporary connection may be accomplished by gluing, threading, thread restraint, etc. The permanent connection may be accomplished by welding, riveting, and any other manufacturing technique used or known in the art. Alternatively and additionally, the base body 110 and the pump base 100 may be connected by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0037] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A side view and a front view are shown, respectively, of the foot 106 in a second stable position. The front panel 114 is adapted to actuate the third arm 126 to move against the first arm 122 and the second arm 124. This facilitates engagement of the front panel 114 with the base body 110. Actuation of the front panel 114 engages the tab 120 with the second end 118 of the base body 110. The front panel 114 can be engaged with the base body 110 by pressing or pushing the front panel 114 toward the base body 110. The front panel 114 can be actuated by pressing the top 133 of the front panel 114. The front panel 114 can be engaged with the base body 110 manually or by using a simple tool. The second stable position of the front panel 114 with the base body 110 increases the height of the pump 150.

[0038] In some embodiments, the front panel 114 may be provided with some grooves. The grooves may help actuate the front panel 114. The user may actuate the front panel 114 by inserting a finger into the groove or by using some simple tool for actuating the front panel 114.

[0039] In some embodiments, the tab 120 can be made of any material selected from one or more of plastic, steel, nylon, rubber, etc. The tab 120 can provide support for the front panel 114 to maintain engagement with the second end 118 of the front panel. In some embodiments, the second end 118 of the base body 110 can have some protrusions that can lock or engage with grooves on the front panel 114. This arrangement can also provide stability for the second stable position. Alternatively or additionally, some design structures can be present on the front panel 114. The design structure can engage with a complementary design structure present on the second end 118 of the base body 110.

[0040] Figure 4 The pump base 100 is shown in a first stable position. When the liquid level is low, the pump 150 reaches the first stable position. The first stable position corresponds to a first height of the pump base 100. In an embodiment, the first height is 1 mm. The first height of the pump 150 can help suck or pump water even when the water level is low. The movement of the front panel 114 between the first stable position and the second stable position can eliminate the need for external resources to raise or lower the pump 150.

[0041] The front panel 114 may only stay in the first stable position and the second stable position. The front panel 114 may not stay in any intermediate position between the first stable position and the second stable position. Therefore, the front panel 114 may follow a bistable mechanism. This may provide stability for the front panel 114 to stay in the first stable position and the second stable position without much power input and despite small external disturbances.

[0042] Figure 5 The pump base 100 is shown in a second stable position. When the liquid level is very high, the pump 150 reaches the second stable position. With the pump feet in this second stable position, particles with a size of 5 mm can pass through the pump. The second stable position corresponds to a second height of the pump base 100. In an embodiment, the second height is 5 mm. The second height of the pump 150 can help to suck or pump water even when the water level is very high. Figure 3A , Figure 3B Corresponds to Figure 5 The second height is greater than the first height. The first height and the second height may allow the pump 150 to force liquid in at two desired liquid heights.

[0043] The present invention provides a method of actuating the foot 106. The method includes allowing the foot 106 to pivotally move between a first stable position and a second stable position through a coupling structure 112. In addition, the method of actuating the foot 106 includes actuating a front panel 114 to move the foot 106 between the first stable position and the second stable position.

[0044] The present disclosure provides a foot 106 for a pump 150. The foot 106 includes a base body 110 defining a first end 116 and a second end 118. The foot 106 includes a coupling structure 112 coupled to the base body 110. The coupling structure 112 allows the foot 106 to remain in a first stable position and a second stable position. The foot 106 includes a front panel 114 coupled to the coupling structure 112. The front panel 114 is selectively actuatable to maintain the foot 106 in the first stable position and the second stable position. The foot 106 includes a first arm 122 adapted to be coupled to the base body 110 at the first end 116. The foot 106 also includes a second arm 124 adapted to be coupled to the base body 110 at the second end 118. And, the foot 106 includes a third arm 126 positioned to actuate the first arm 122 and the second arm 124. The first arm 122, the second arm 124, and the third arm 126 are movable in cooperation with each other between a first stable position and a second stable position, so that the front panel 114 is adapted to actuate the third arm 126 to move against the first arm 122 and the second arm 124. The first arm 122 and the second arm 124 are coupled by a flexible hinge 128, and the first arm 122 and the third arm 126 are coupled by a snap connection 130. In the first stable position and the second stable position of the foot 106, the front panel 114 is adapted to have the pump 150 rest thereon.

[0045] In the drawings and specification, preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention have been disclosed, and although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the invention set forth in the following claims.

[0046] Components List

[0047] 100 Pump base

[0048] 102 Import

[0049] 103 Handle

[0050] 104 Exit

[0051] 105 Pump body

[0052] 106 feet / one or more feet

[0053] 108 One or more protrusions

[0054] 110 Base body

[0055] 112 Coupling structure

[0056] 114 Front Panel

[0057] 116 First End

[0058] 118 Second End

[0059] 120 Tab

[0060] 122 First Arm

[0061] 124 Second Arm

[0062] 126 Third Arm

[0063] 128 One or more flexible hinges

[0064] 130 snap connection

[0065] 132 One or more recesses / grooves

[0066] 133 Top

[0067] 136 First End

[0068] 138 Second End

[0069] 140 Part 1

[0070] 142 Part 2

[0071] 144 First structural feature

[0072] 146 Second structural feature

[0073] 148 inclined part

[0074] 150 Pumps

Claims

1. A support foot (106) for a pump (150), The support foot (106) comprises: A base body (110) defining a first end (116) and a second end (118); a coupling structure (112) coupled to the base body (110), the coupling structure (112) allowing the support foot (106) to remain in a first stable position and a second stable position; and a front panel (114) coupled to the coupling structure (112), wherein the front panel (114) is selectively actuatable to maintain the foot (106) in the first stable position and the second stable position; Features: The support foot (106) comprises: a first arm (122) adapted to be coupled to the base body (110) at the first end (116); a second arm (124) adapted to be coupled to the base body (110) at the second end (118); and a third arm (126) positioned to actuate the first arm (122) and the second arm (124); wherein the first arm (122), the second arm (124) and the third arm (126) are movable in cooperation with each other between the first stable position and the second stable position, so that the front panel (114) is suitable for actuating the third arm (126) to move against the first arm (122) and the second arm (124), wherein the first arm (122) and the second arm (124) are coupled via a flexible hinge (128), and wherein the first arm (122) and the third arm (126) are coupled via a snap connection (130), And wherein, in the first stable position and the second stable position of the foot (106), the front panel (114) is adapted for the pump (150) to rest on the front panel and the front panel (114) to rest on a surface for supporting the pump (150) and the foot (106).

2. The support foot (106) according to claim 1, wherein: The first stable position corresponds to a first height of the pump base (100), and the second stable position corresponds to a second height of the pump base (100).

3. The support foot (106) according to claim 2, wherein: The second height is greater than the first height.

4. The support foot (106) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first height and the second height are 1 mm and 5 mm, respectively.

5. The support foot (106) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The front panel (114) includes at least one tab (120).

6. The support foot (106) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The base body (110) is structurally integrated with the pump (150).

7. The support foot (106) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The base body (110) includes one or more recesses / grooves (132).

8. The support foot (106) according to claim 7, wherein: The base body (110) is engageable to the pump (150) via the one or more recesses / grooves (132).

9. A method of actuating a foot (106) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising allowing the foot (106) to pivotally move between the first stable position and the second stable position via the coupling structure (112).

10. A method of actuating a foot (106) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising actuating the front panel (114) to move the foot (106) between the first stable position and the second stable position.

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