Feet for pumps

Abstract

A foot (106) for a pump (150) having a pump housing (105). The foot (106) comprises a base body (110) and a coupling structure (112, 134) coupled to the base body (110). The coupling structure (112, 134) comprises a front panel (114), wherein the front panel (114) is movable between a first stable position and a second stable position relative to the base body (110). Thus, the front panel (114) is accessible from the side of its pump housing (105) during the operating position of the pump (150). The base body (110) is located on the foot (106) in the first stable position and the second stable position, and pushing and pulling the foot (106) causes the foot to move between its first stable position and the second stable position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foot for a pump. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to such a foot for a pump, which 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 with a hermetically sealed motor tightly coupled to the pump body. Submersible pumps can be immersed in the fluid to be pumped. Typically, these 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 for the desired purpose. The pump can include feet. Depending on the level of the liquid in which the pump is immersed, the feet can 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 (e.g., a base of the pump) may be coupled or detached from the pump to achieve a desired height of the pump. Furthermore, coupling and detaching the additional part from the pump may result in an undesirably complex 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 lifting tables, chairs, bed frames, etc. The system can be automatically locked and unlocked by at least one universal telescopic buckle movement or in a known manner including at least one pantograph (a vertically movable load-bearing structure) arranged between the base and the bottom of a piece of furniture or an element to be lifted. 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 having a plurality of parallelogram structures hinged to each other, the lower vertex of the parallelogram structure is hinged to the base, and the upper vertex is hinged to the bottom of the furniture or the object to be lifted, and the stop device is an integral part of the telescopic buckle movement. However, the system does not seem to have an improved arrangement for providing different positions of the pump (e.g., lifting or lowering), which may be easy and user-friendly. In addition, there seems to be no role of the improved pump foot, which can make the system simple, effective and less prone to downtime caused by the large number and complex connection of the movable parts of the system.

[0005] German patent application DE102006016981 describes a submersible pump. The lower side of the housing of the pump forms feet that allow the pump to stand on a surface in operating mode. In addition to these feet, the pump also includes a pivotally mounted foot portion that can pivot under the feet and enter the inner side of the housing. Therefore, the foot portion can be pivoted inwardly or outwardly relative to the feet of the pump. By this action, the pump housing and its water inlet can be raised or lowered relative to the surface on which it stands. In the inward pivoting arrangement, the pivotally mounted foot portion moves into a corresponding receiving space around the bottom of the pump. In addition, when in the receiving space, the pivotally mounted foot portion can no longer be seen or approached from the outside. This may make the application of a pump with a pivotally mounted foot portion cumbersome and involve the lifting / movement of the pump to approach the pivotally mounted foot portion. In addition, the pump of this application includes two different "feet", namely, a pivotally mounted foot portion and a foot formed with the housing of the pump. When the pivotably mounted foot portion is pivoted inwardly (and thus inaccessible) into the corresponding receiving space, the foot of the pump lies on the standing surface. This arrangement with two different "feet" requires the user to move the pump out of its operating position when he wants to manipulate the foot portion.

[0006] Chinese utility model CN ​​201 568 282U also describes a pump in a somewhat similar manner, which has pivotable feet attached to its pump housing from below. These feet are connected to their respective housings by hinges. The hinges and the connection made thereby are firmly fixed by fixing elements located at the hinges and screwed onto the base after the connection. The feet 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, doing so changes the height of the pump inlet relative to the ground. Likewise, access to the feet from below the housing requires moving the pump out of its operating position.

[0007] Chinese patent publication CN 103 206 386B describes a submersible pump that allows the height of the pump housing, and therefore the water inlet, to be adjusted with the help of at least two stepped recesses on opposite sides of the pump housing. In each of these stepped recesses, an insert can be removably fixed to different height positions by means of a screw. During assembly of the pump, the bottom side of each insert rests on a seat on top of a bottom element. Thus, by fixing the inserts at different height positions on the pump housing, the height of the water inlet can be varied with the final assembly of the pump.

[0008] The pump of publication EP 1 186 782 A1 utilizes a foot, the back of which is rotatably fixed to the pump housing and the front panel of which is accessible during the pump is in the operating position. The foot can be rotated by accessing it to adjust the height of the pump housing and thus the water inlet.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for an improved pump that allows the height of the pump to be adjusted safely, easily and without difficulty. Summary of the invention

[0010] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to solve or at least reduce the above-mentioned disadvantages. This object is at least partially achieved by a pump having a pump housing and a foot. The foot includes a base body and a connecting structure connected to the base body. The connecting structure includes a front panel, which is configured to remain in a first stable position and a second stable position relative to the base body. Here, the front panel can be approached from the side of its pump housing during the operating position of the pump. The foot is characterized in that in the first stable position and the second stable position, the base body is located on the foot. And, pushing and pulling of the foot keeps the foot in the first stable position and the second stable position (or moves the foot between the first stable position and the second stable position). Therefore, the present disclosure provides a simple, effective and convenient foot to adjust different heights of the pump.

[0011] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a method for actuating a foot of a pump is provided. The method provides a coupling structure. The method includes the step of providing a first arm coupled to a base body at a first end. The method also includes providing a second arm coupled to the base body at a second end. In addition, the method includes providing a third arm positioned to actuate both the first arm and the second arm. In addition, the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm can be cooperatively moved relative to each other between a first stable position and a second stable position, so that the front panel is suitable for actuating the third arm to move the first arm and the second arm accordingly. This facilitates the engagement of the front panel with the base body. U.S. Patent 6,215,081 describes a general bistable mechanism that is particularly unsuitable for use in a foot of a pump, regardless of any exemplary use stated or any feature addition required for a particular use case.

[0012] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the coupling structure includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the coupling structure is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the base body. The coupling structure engages with at least one of a first structural feature and a second structural feature defined on the base body. The coupling structure engages with the first structural feature in a first stable position, and the coupling structure engages with the second structural feature in a second stable position of the coupling structure. This provides the leg with the ability to remain in the first stable position and the second stable position without power input, even in the presence of small external disturbances.

[0013] According to this second embodiment of the invention, the front panel is coupled to the second end of the coupling structure. This allows a normal user to freely move or actuate the front panel.

[0014] According to one 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 for pumping / sucking a volume of liquid in which the pump is immersed.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second height is greater than the second height. This may allow aspiration or pumping of the liquid when the liquid level is relatively high.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first height and the second height are 1 mm and 5 mm respectively. This allows the pump to allow liquid to enter at two desired liquid heights.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front panel comprises at least one tab. This may allow the front panel to engage with the base body.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the base body is structurally integrated with the pump. This can contain the force of the pump's feet.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the foot is removably coupled to the pump. This may allow the foot to be assembled to the pump according to the application requirements of a common user.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first arm and the second arm are connected by a flexible hinge. Due to the durability of the flexible hinge, the support leg can be allowed to move repeatedly. When the first arm, the second arm and the third arm are actuated, the flexible hinge can be almost free of friction. In addition, the flexible hinge can generally have a longer service life. In addition, the integration of the flexible hinge can eliminate the need for additional components.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first arm and the third arm are coupled by a snap connection.The snap connection may provide a simple and cost-effective way to assemble the different parts of the foot.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the base body comprises one or more recesses / grooves.This may allow the foot to be assembled to the rest of the pump housing via the one or more recesses / grooves.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the base body engages with the pump via one or more recesses / grooves. This can connect the foot to the pump to form a single body.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a three-dimensional (3-D) printing process can be used to manufacture a foot for a pump having a pump housing. In addition, the present disclosure provides a data file corresponding to pre-stored instructions, the pre-stored instructions including a digital representation of the foot and controlling the operation of a three-dimensional printer when executed in a processor, the data file causing the three-dimensional printer to manufacture the foot. Using three-dimensional printing (alternatively, 3D printing) can provide versatility in using different materials and shorten lead time in manufacturing and designing the foot.

[0025] One embodiment of the invention also relates to a pump having a pump housing and having the claimed foot associated therewith.

[0026] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 A pump base having one or more feet according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Figure 2A shows a side view of a foot for a pump in a first stable position according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2B shows a front view of a foot for a pump in a first stable position according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3A and Figure 3B showing a side view and a front view, respectively, of a foot in a second stable position according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4A and Figure 4B shows a front view and a side view of another embodiment of a foot according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5A and Figure 5B showing front and side views of another embodiment of a foot in a first stable position according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B showing front and side views of another embodiment of a foot in a second stable position according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 7 shows a pump base in a first stable position according to another aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0036] Figure 8 A pump base is shown in a second stable position according to another aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] 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 can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention may be used in other embodiments and even other types of structures and / or methods. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0038] In this document, certain terms are used 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", "sideways", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "upward", "inside", "outside", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "center", "middle", "middle", "between", "end", "adjacent", "close", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", etc. only describe the configurations shown in the figures. In fact, components can be oriented in any direction, so unless otherwise specified, the terms should be understood to include these variations.

[0039] Figure 1 A pump base 100 of a pump 150 is shown. The pump 150 is a mechanical device for pumping 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 described example, the pump 150 includes a handle 103 to lift 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, i.e., the bottom of its pump base 100 and allows the pump 150 to draw liquid. 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.

[0040] Figure 1A pump 150 is shown in an operating position, allowing water to be drawn in through its water inlet 102 (not visible), which is located on the bottom of the pump housing 105, and the pump housing itself is located on the bottom of the pump 150 in the operating position of the pump. The pump housing 105 includes a pump base 100 having one or more feet 106 or alternatively having one foot 106. The one or more feet 106 are accessible from the side of the pump housing 105 during normal operation of the pump 150. This allows the desired height of the pump 150 to be adjusted in the operating position of the pump. The average user may need to adjust the pump 150 to different heights. Pumps 150 of different heights can meet different application requirements. Pushing and pulling of 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 can be assembled or separated 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.

[0041] In some embodiments, one or more legs 106 can be manufactured by three-dimensional printing. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a data file corresponding to pre-stored instructions that include a digital representation of the legs 106 and control the operation of a three-dimensional printer when executed in a processor, causing the three-dimensional printer to manufacture the legs 106. Using three-dimensional printing (alternatively, 3D printing) can provide versatility in using different materials and shorter lead time in the manufacture and design of one or more legs 106.

[0042] In some embodiments, one or more legs 106 may 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 material properties provide certain characteristics to one or more legs 106, such as flexibility, elasticity, rigidity, heat resistance, or vibration resistance.

[0043] Figure 2A 1 shows a side view of a foot 106 for a pump 150 in a first stable position. For clarity of perspective, the discussion of further figures will only consider one foot 106. Other feet in the one or more feet 106 may be connected to the pump 150. Figure 2A The support leg 106 is similar to or a variation of 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 (e.g., Figure 3A and Figure 3B Pivotally move between (as shown accordingly).

[0044] 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 (e.g., Figure 3A and Figure 3B The foot 106 further 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 the first end 116. In addition, the second arm 124 is coupled to the base body 110 at the 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 are cooperatively movable relative to each other between a first stable position and a second stable position.

[0045] like Figure 2A As shown, the first arm 122 and the second arm 124 are connected by one or more flexible hinges 128. Due to the durability of the one or more flexible hinges 128, repeated movements of the support leg 106 can be allowed. When the first arm 122, the second arm 124 and the third arm 126 are actuated, the one or more flexible hinges 128 can be almost free of friction. In addition, the one or more flexible hinges 128 can generally provide a longer service life. The integration of one or more active hinges 128 can eliminate the need for additional components. The first arm 122 and the third arm 126 are connected by a snap connection 130. In addition, the snap connection 130 can enable the different parts of the support leg 106 to be assembled in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0046] 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 that constitute a pump base connector 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 the foot 106 to be assembled or disassembled relative to the pump base 100 according to the application requirements of the general user.

[0047] The base body 110 can be coupled to the pump base 100 by one or more pump base connectors 132. The base body 110 of the foot 106 can be coupled to the pump base 100 in both a temporary and permanent manner. The temporary connection can be accomplished by gluing, screwing, tying with wire, etc. The permanent connection can 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 can be connected by a snap connection.

[0048] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A side view and a front view are shown, respectively, of the foot 106 in the second stable position. The front panel 114 is adapted to actuate the third arm 126 to move the first arm 122 and the second arm 124 correspondingly. 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 may be engaged with the base body 110 by pressing or pushing the front panel 114 toward the base body 110. The front panel 114 may be actuated by pressing the top portion 133 of the front panel 114. The front panel 114 may be engaged with the base body 110 manually or by using a simple tool. The second stable position of the front panel 114 relative to the base body 110 increases the height of the pump 150 (e.g., Figure 8 shown).

[0049] In some embodiments, the front panel 114 may be provided with some grooves. These 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 tools.

[0050] In some embodiments, the tab 120 may be made of any material selected from one or more of plastic, steel, nylon, rubber, etc. The tab 120 may provide support for the front panel 114 to remain engaged with the second end 118 of the base body 110. In some embodiments, the second end 118 of the base body 110 may have some protrusions that can lock or engage with grooves present on the front panel 114. This arrangement can also provide stability for the second stable position. Alternatively or additionally, some design structures may be present on the front panel 114. These design structures can engage with complementary design structures present on the second end 118 of the base body 110.

[0051] Figure 4A and Figure 4BA front view and a side view of another embodiment of the present invention are shown. The foot 106 includes a coupling structure 134. The coupling structure 134 includes a first end 136 and a second end 138. The coupling structure 134 also includes a first portion 140 toward the first end 136 of the coupling structure 134. In addition, the coupling structure 134 includes a second portion 142 toward the second end 138 of the coupling structure 134. The first end 136 of the coupling structure 134 is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the base body 110. The base body 110 of the foot 106 includes a first structural feature 144. In addition, the base body 110 of the foot 106 includes a second structural feature 146. The coupling structure 134 engages with the first structural feature 144 in a first stable position, and the coupling structure 134 engages with the second structural feature 146 in a second stable position. The base body 110 also includes an inclined portion 148. The coupling structure 134 engages at least one of the first structural feature 144 and the second structural feature 146 of the base body 110.

[0052] In some embodiments, the coupling structure 134 and the inclined portion 148 can be made by three-dimensional printing. Using three-dimensional printing (alternatively, 3D printing) can provide versatility in using different materials and shorter lead time in the manufacture and design of the coupling structure 134 and the inclined portion 148. In some embodiments, the coupling structure 134 and the inclined portion 148 can be made of a material selected from steel, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic, etc.

[0053] Figure 5A and Figure 5B 1 and 10. The front and side views of the foot 106 are shown in a first stable position. The coupling structure 134 is engaged with the first structural feature 144 of the base body 110. The coupling structure 134 is engaged with the first structural feature 144 in the first stable position. The first end 136 of the coupling structure 134 can be used to align the front panel 114 relative to the first structural feature 144 and the second structural feature 146 (e.g., Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The engagement of the front panel 114 with the first structural feature 144 and the second structural feature 146 can be done manually or by using some basic techniques used or known in the art.

[0054] Fig. 6A and Figure 6BA front view and a side view of the foot 106 are shown in a second stable position. The coupling structure 134 engages with the second structural feature 146. The coupling structure 134 engages with the second structural feature 146 in the second stable position. The inclined portion 148 can provide support for the second portion 142 of the coupling structure 134 to remain engaged in the second stable position. The top portion 133 of the front panel 114 together with the tab 120 helps to engage the front panel 114 with the second structural feature 146 of the base body 110. When the front panel 114 is actuated, the front panel 114 can engage with the first structural feature 144 and the second structural feature 146 as needed.

[0055] In some embodiments, there may be a control unit to control different movements of the front panel 114. The increase or decrease in the water level may be sensed by a sensor present on the pump 150. The sensor may actuate the front panel 114 to move between a first stable position and a second stable position. When the liquid level increases, the pump 150 may reach the second stable position. Similarly, when the liquid level decreases, the pump 150 may reach the first stable position.

[0056] Figure 7 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 one embodiment, the first height is 1 mm. The first height of the pump 150 can help to suck or pump water even when the water level is low. Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 5A , Figure 5B Corresponds to Figure 7 Movement of the front panel 114 between the first stable position and the second stable position may eliminate the need for an external resource for raising or lowering the pump 150 .

[0057] The front panel 114 can only stay in the first stable position and the second stable position. The front panel 114 cannot stay in any intermediate position between the first stable position and the second stable position. Therefore, the front panel 114 can follow a bistable mechanism. This can provide stability for the front panel 114 to remain in the first stable position and the second stable position without much power input, even if there is a small external disturbance.

[0058] Figure 8 The pump base 100 is shown in a second stable position. The pump 150 reaches the second stable position when the liquid level is very high. When the pump's feet are in the 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 one 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 and Fig. 6A , Figure 6B Corresponds to Figure 8 The second height is greater than the first height. The first height and the second height may allow the pump 150 to admit liquid at two desired liquid heights.

[0059] The present disclosure provides a method of actuating a foot 106 of a pump 150. The method provides a coupling structure 112 and includes the step of providing a first arm 122 adapted to be coupled to a base body 110 at a first end 116. The method also includes providing a second arm 124 adapted to be coupled to the base body 110 at a second end 118. The method also includes providing a third arm 126 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 are cooperatively movable relative to each other between a first stable position and a second stable position, such that the front panel 114 is adapted to actuate the third arm 126 to correspondingly move the first arm 122 and the second arm 124. .

[0060] The present disclosure provides a pump 150 having a pump housing 105 and a foot 106. The foot 106 includes a base body 110. The foot 106 includes a coupling structure 112, 134 coupled to the base body 110. The coupling structure 112, 134 includes a front panel 114. The front panel 114 is configured to remain in a first stable position and a second stable position relative to the base body 110. The front panel 114 is accessible from the side of the pump housing 105 during the operating position of the pump 150. The base body 110 is located on the foot 106 in the first stable position and the second stable position. And, pushing and pulling (or actuating or engaging) the foot 106 maintains it in the first stable position and the second stable position.

[0061] In the drawings and specification, preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention have been disclosed, and although specific terms are used, 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 appended claims.

[0062] Components List

[0063] 100 Pump Base

[0064] 102 Water Inlet

[0065] 103 Handle

[0066] 104 Exit

[0067] 105 Pump housing

[0068] 106 feet / one or more feet

[0069] 110 Base body

[0070] 112 Connection structure

[0071] 114 Front Panel

[0072] 116 First end

[0073] 118 Second End

[0074] 120 Tab

[0075] 122 First Arm

[0076] 124 Second Arm

[0077] 126 Third Arm

[0078] 128 One or more flexible hinges

[0079] 130 snap connection

[0080] 132 Pump base connection

[0081] 133 Top section

[0082] 134 Connection structure

[0083] 136 First End

[0084] 138 Second End

[0085] 140 Part 1

[0086] 142 Part 2

[0087] 144 First structural feature part

[0088] 146 Second structural feature part

[0089] 148 inclined part

[0090] 150 Pumps

Claims

1. A pump (150) comprising a pump housing (105), a water inlet (102) and an outlet (104), in, The water inlet (102) is located at the bottom of the pump housing (105), the bottom of the pump housing being the bottom of the pump base (100) of the pump, and the water inlet allows the pump (150) to pump liquid. The pump (150) further comprises a plurality of legs (106), the legs comprising: Base body (110); A coupling structure (112, 134) coupled to the base body (110), The coupling structure (112, 134) includes a front panel (114), wherein the front panel (114) is configured to be retained in a first stable position and a second stable position relative to the base body (110); The pump base (100) comprises the support foot (106), the front panel (114) of each of the plurality of legs (106) being accessible from a side of the pump housing (105) while the pump (150) is in an operating position; For each of the legs, the base body (110) is located on the front panel (114) in the first stable position and the second stable position; Features: For each of the legs, the front panel (114) is configured to be pushed toward the base body and pulled away from the base body to move the legs (106) between the first stable position and the second stable position, 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), wherein the second height is greater than the first height.

2. The pump (150) according to claim 1, each of the legs comprising: A first arm (122) coupled to the base body (110) at a first end (116); a second arm (124) coupled to the base body (110) at a second end (118); and a third arm (126) actuating both the first arm (122) and the second arm (124); wherein the first arm (122) and the base body (110), the second arm (124) and the base body (110), and the first arm (122) and the second arm (124) are connected by one or more flexible hinges (128), wherein the first arm, the second arm and the third arm are cooperatively movable relative to each other between the first stable position and the second stable position, such that the front panel is adapted to actuate the third arm to cause the first arm and the second arm to move correspondingly, and The first arm (122) and the third arm (126) are connected by a snap connection portion (130).

3. The pump (150) according to claim 1, wherein: For each of the legs, the connection structure (134) comprises: The first end portion (136) of the coupling structure (134) is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the base body (110); The coupling structure (134) is adapted to engage at least one of a first structural feature (144) and a second structural feature (146) defined on the base body (110); Wherein, in the first stable position, the coupling structure (134) engages with the first structural feature (144), and in the second stable position, the coupling structure (134) engages with the second structural feature (146).

4. The pump (150) according to claim 3, wherein: For each of the legs, the front panel (114) is coupled to a second end (138) of the coupling structure (134).

5. The pump (150) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: For each of the feet, the coupling structure (112, 134) is coupled to the base body (110) in a manner that enables the foot (106) to be pivotally moved between the first stable position and the second stable position.

6. The pump (150) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: For each of the legs, the front panel (114) includes at least one tab (120).

7. The pump (150) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: For each of the legs, the base body (110) is structurally integrated with the pump (150).

8. The pump (150) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Each of the legs (106) is detachably coupled to the pump (150).

9. The pump (150) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: For each of the feet, the base body (110) is joined to the remainder of the pump housing (105) by one or more pump base connections (132).

10. A support foot for a pump (150) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The support foot (106) is manufactured using a three-dimensional printing process.

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