Bill pump with ribbed external sensing surface

Abstract

A pump features a liquid sensing device (LSD) in conjunction with the housing. The LSD senses the level of liquid collected outside the pump and turns on / off the pump to pump the liquid. The housing includes a housing wall that accommodates the LSD. The housing wall has an outer wall surface with an outer sensing surface. The housing includes an internal mounting structure to mount the LSD inside the housing relative to the external sensing surface. The outer sensing surface has ribs extending or protruding outwardly from the outer wall surface so as to prevent an object from being caught on the outer sensing surface and allow the LSD to sense the level of liquid collected outside the pump and touching the outer sensing surface, thereby reducing malfunction of the pump due to the object contacting the outer sensing surface.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with a filing date of February 5, 2018, application number 201880009500.8, and invention name “Bilge pump with ribbed external sensing surface”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application serial number 62 / 454,392 (911-017.049-1 / / M-RLE-X0024), filed on February 3, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a pump; and more particularly to a bilge pump. Background Art

[0005] In a typical centrifugal pump; the fluid is accelerated by the centrifugal force exerted on the fluid by the impeller, which serves to transfer energy to the fluid being pumped. The pump can be controlled by an automated system using a capacitive sensing device. At the bottom of the pump, the impeller is located and is protected from debris in the fluid by a filter, which will help prevent some large particles from getting stuck on the impeller and hindering the rotation of the motor. The capacitive sensing device is integrated on a printed circuit board (PCB) that is programmed to control the functions of the pumping unit. The sensor generally senses the presence of water and turns the pumping unit on to drain the water, for example, on a bilge and shower drain system, and once the water drops to a certain residual level, the PCB will automatically shut off the pump.

[0006] The assignee of the present application manufactures and sells bilge pumps for the marine industry. The pumps used in the present application are typically of the centrifugal type driven by a permanent magnet DC motor. These pumps feature an inlet and a discharge port from which a hose connection is attached for routing the discharge water out of the boat or vessel. Most of these pumps are controlled manually by means of a panel mounted toggle switch or an automatic level switch. This level switch activates the pump motor when it senses the presence of water surrounding the pump. The level switch is typically of the float type or electronic sensor type with a dry contact. The switch may be a separate device or may be integrated into the pump itself.

[0007] The environment in which the pump operates typically contains varying amounts of debris. As an example, the debris / contaminants may consist of oil, paper or fabric remnants from cleaning towels, or other organic matter. These contaminants act to inhibit proper operation of the sensing device. Debris may sometimes adhere to the sensing surface, resulting in erroneous sensing signals in which secondary failure modes may occur. Summary of the invention

[0008] Basic invention

[0009] In summary, the new pump design features a geometry designed to inhibit the adhesion of debris on the sensing surface. As an example, the geometry may include a series of ribs placed to reduce the adhesion surface area. The theory is that if debris will not stick, this will allow the sensor to function as designed.

[0010] In operation, the pumping unit according to the present invention improves sensing efficiency by changing the geometric design when compared to known pumping units. As an example, adding ribs to the sensing area will limit the contact of towels and other objects with the sensor area and prevent the pump from falsely sensing when there is no water around to be pumped. In addition, these new ribs will improve the structural design for better heat resistance, preventing deformation when the unit is in a thermal stress environment.

[0011] Specific embodiments

[0012] According to some embodiments, the invention may take the form of a pump featuring a new and unique combination of a liquid sensing device and a housing or pump body.

[0013] The liquid sensing device may be configured to sense a level of liquid collected outside the pump and, for example, turn on / off the pump for pumping the liquid based on the sensed level.

[0014] The housing or pump body may include a housing wall configured to accommodate a liquid sensing device. The housing wall has an outer wall surface having an outer sensing surface. The liquid sensing device may be arranged or mounted inside the housing relative to the outer sensing surface. The outer sensing surface may include ribs configured to extend or protrude outwardly from the outer wall surface to prevent objects (such as towels or rags), for example objects with a density different from that of the liquid, from being stuck on the outer sensing surface and to allow the liquid sensing device to sense the level of liquid collected outside the pump and touching the outer sensing surface to reduce malfunctions of the pump caused by objects contacting the outer sensing surface.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the pump may also include one or more of the following features:

[0016] The outer sensing surface may be a flat surface, and the ribs may be arranged on and protrude from the flat surface.

[0017] The ribs may be arranged on the planar surface and sized such that when an object is caught on or in contact with the ribs, spaces exist between adjacent ribs to receive liquid between the adjacent ribs.

[0018] The ribs may be arranged vertically or horizontally on the outer sensing surface relative to the pump axis.

[0019] The ribs may be arranged symmetrically on the outer sensing surface.

[0020] The ribs may include shorter middle ribs and longer outer ribs.

[0021] The ribs may be configured to provide thermal resistance and structural rigidity to prevent deformation of the exterior wall surface due to thermal stresses.

[0022] The liquid sensing device may be a capacitive sensing device, such as, for example, a printed circuit board having a capacitive sensing device.

[0023] The pump may be one of or take the form of:

[0024] A bilge pump for use in and pumping liquids from the hull of a vessel, or

[0025] a sump pump for use in a sump and pumping liquid from the sump, or

[0026] A shower drain pump for being arranged in a shower drain and pumping liquid from the shower drain.

[0027] The liquid sensing device may include a high liquid level sensor configured to sense a high liquid level and turn on the pump, and a low liquid level sensor configured to sense a low liquid level and turn off the pump.

[0028] In fact, the new geometric ribs arranged on the liquid sensing area help to prevent objects from getting stuck on the sensing surface and thus avoid malfunction of the pumping unit. These new ribs form a physical perimeter around the sensor, for example, avoiding or preventing other objects with a different density from the liquid from coming into contact with the sensor. For example, these ribs can be located on a plane surface perpendicular to the bottom of the pump and just at the back side of the pump, for example, at the opposite side of the water outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings include Figures 1 to 5D , which are not necessarily drawn to scale, are as follows:

[0030] Figure 1 A computer rendered perspective view of a bilge pump is shown according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 A computer rendered exploded view of a bilge pump according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 3 A computer rendered partial cutaway view of a bilge pump is shown according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4A A perspective side view of a bilge pump according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4A Rear view of the bilge pump.

[0035] Figure 4C Shows Figure 4A A bottom view of the bilge pump in FIG.

[0036] Figure 4D Shows Figure 4A A perspective top elevation view of a bilge pump in FIG.

[0037] Figure 5A A perspective side view of a bilge pump according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A Rear view of the bilge pump.

[0039] Figure 5C Shows Figure 5A A bottom view of the bilge pump in FIG.

[0040] Figure 5D Shows Figure 5A A perspective top elevation view of a bilge pump in FIG.

[0041] In the drawings, not every component is labeled with every reference number and lines are introduced throughout the drawings to reduce clutter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1-Figure 3

[0043] As an example, and in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, Figures 1 to 3 It is shown that usually 10( Figure 1-Figure 4D )、100( Figure 5A-5D ) is represented by a pump which is characterized by a new and unique combination of a liquid sensing device 12 and a pump body or housing 14.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the pump body or housing 14 can be configured with some arrangement of rear pump ribs 16 that help the liquid sensing device 12 prevent malfunction of the pump 10 by avoiding face-to-face contact between the outer housing wall of the pump body or housing 14 and some debris (e.g., such as a wet towel or other physical interference) in the liquid or fluid being pumped, which debris could foul the liquid sensing device 12 and cause the liquid sensing device 12 to send a signal to turn on the pump 10 when there is no water to be pumped. For example, if a wet towel is stuck on or against the outer housing wall, and there is no fluid to be pumped, the liquid sensing device 12 can sense the liquid in the towel and send a signal to turn on the pump 10. (The pump may also remain on, which can reduce the life of the pump, drain the battery of the boat or vessel, and also cause other undesirable results.)

[0045] The liquid sensing device 12 may be configured, mounted or arranged in a rear portion of the housing 14 generally indicated at 18 .

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown in the figure, and by way of example, in addition to the liquid sensing device 12 and the pump body or housing 14, the main components of the pump 10 may also include a plug 10a, a cover 10b, a self-tapping screw 10c, a thermal isolation baffle (TCO) 10d, a motor 10e, a motor mount 10f, a shaft seal 10g, an insulating ring 10h (grommet), a wire 10i, an O-ring 10j, an impeller 10k, a pump inlet 10l and a filter 10m.

[0047] Liquid sensing equipment 12

[0048] The liquid sensing device 12 may be configured to sense the level of liquid collected outside the pump 10 and turn the pump 10 on / off to pump the liquid. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, and by way of example, the liquid sensing device 12 can take the form of a printed circuit board (PCB) and a sensor. The PCB can be configured with a capacitive sensing device. Printed circuit boards with capacitive sensing devices are known in the art, and the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind of printed circuit boards with capacitive sensing devices now known or later developed in the art. The scope of the present invention is also not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind of liquid sensing devices known in the art or later developed, and may include other types or kinds of liquid sensing devices other than printed circuit boards with capacitive sensing devices.

[0049] “Normal operating cycle”

[0050] For example, with Figure 3As shown in FIG. 1 , the pump sensor 12 will determine the pump function on / off by two predetermined level sensors represented by bullets labeled A and B. For example, when the water level (bullet C) rises to the sensing level 2 (bullet A), the sensor 12 will send a signal to the motor 10e and turn on the pump 10 and rotate the impeller 10k (bullet E), and then the water will be pulled from the pump inlet 10l (bullet 4) by the centrifugal force of the impeller 10k to be carried away by the centrifugal movement through and through the pump body cavity (bullet 6) and leave from the pump outlet (bullet 7) to empty all the water from the bilge until the water level (bullet 3) drops to the sensing level 1 (bullet 2), and then the sensor 12 will send a signal to turn off the pump 10 to complete the cycle.

[0051] “Pump Intelligence”

[0052] As an example, the pump sensor 12 may include built-in programming that can sense when the pump 10 is operating but not pumping water to protect the pump, as well as the vessel and the vessel's batteries being used therein. As an example, in some embodiments, if debris fouls the sensor 12 or the pump 10 becomes air-bound, the PCB may be configured to stop pump operation, for example, and begin periodically checking for water ingress (such as every 2 1 / 2 minutes). Once the debris is removed, the pump 10 may be configured to resume normal operation, for example by detecting when the water reaches approximately 2 1 / 2" (sensing level 2( Figure 2 )) and closed when the water reaches approximately 5 / 8" (sensing level 1).

[0053] Housing 14

[0054] The housing 14 may include a housing wall 20 configured to accommodate the liquid sensing device 12. The housing wall 20 may include an outer wall surface 20a having an outer sensing surface 20b. The liquid sensing device 12 inside the housing 14 is mounted relative to the outer sensing surface 20b. The outer sensing surface 20b may include a rib 16 configured to extend or protrude outward from the outer wall surface 20a to prevent objects (e.g., having a density different from that of the liquid) from being stuck on the outer sensing surface 20b and to allow the liquid sensing device 12 to sense the level of liquid collected outside the pump 10 and touching the outer sensing surface 20b to reduce malfunctions of the pump 10 due to objects contacting the outer sensing surface 20b.

[0055] The outer sensing surface 20b may be a flat surface, and the ribs 16 may be arranged on and protrude from the flat surface. The ribs 16 may be arranged on the flat surface and sized so that when an object is caught on or in contact with the ribs 16, there is space between adjacent ribs to receive liquid.

[0056] The ribs 16 may be configured to provide heat resistance and structural rigidity to prevent deformation of the outer wall surface 20 a due to thermal stress.

[0057] In fact, the new geometrical ribs 16 on the sensing area help prevent objects from getting stuck on the sensing surface and thus avoid malfunction of the pumping unit. These new ribs form a physical perimeter around the sensor which prevents other objects (including, for example, other objects with a different density than the liquid) from touching the sensor surface 20b. As an example, these ribs 16 are located on a plane surface perpendicular to the bottom of the pump and just at the back side of the pump, for example, at the opposite side of the water outlet, with the Figures 1 to 5D The same as shown in .

[0058] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D and FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D

[0059] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D An embodiment of a pump 10 of the present invention is shown, for example, having five (5) ribs 16 .

[0060] In contrast, FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D The illustrated embodiment of the pump 100 of the present invention has seven (7) ribs 16, for example.

[0061] As shown, the rib 16 may be arranged vertically on the outer sensing surface 20b relative to the pump axis A ( Figure 4B ), and arranged horizontally relative to the pump axis; the ribs 16 can be arranged symmetrically on the outer sensing surface; or the ribs can include shorter middle ribs and longer outer ribs. In addition, and as an example, the ribs 16 can be configured with a profile and size, such as consistent with that shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0062] However, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the number of ribs 16, the arrangement / configuration of the ribs 16, the orientation of the ribs 16 (e.g., vertical or horizontal), the size of the ribs 16, etc.; and embodiments are contemplated, and the scope of the present invention is intended to include implementations having different numbers of ribs, different arrangements / configurations of the ribs, different orientations of the ribs (e.g., vertical or horizontal), different sizes of the ribs, etc., than shown and described herein.

[0063] Possible applications

[0064] Possible applications include:

[0065] A computerized bilge pump having a sensor 12 included therein is capable of sensing a predetermined water level and operating based on the sensor input to turn the pump on and off to empty water from the bilge. The pump is designed to be included in a system with or without a bilge float switch and maintain the same functionality of the pump.

[0066] Scope of protection of the invention

[0067] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and elements thereof may be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the essential scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein as the best mode for carrying out the present invention.

Claims

1. A pump (10), include: a liquid sensing device (12) included in the pump and configured to sense the level of liquid collected outside the pump (10) and turn on / off the pump (10) to pump the liquid; as well as a housing (14) having a housing wall (20) configured to accommodate the liquid sensing device (12), the housing wall (20) having an outer wall surface (20a), the outer wall surface having an outer sensing surface (20b), the liquid sensing device (12) being arranged or mounted inside the housing (14) relative to the outer sensing surface (20b) so as to allow the liquid sensing device (12) to sense the level of the liquid collected outside the pump (10) and touching the outer sensing surface (20b); The invention is characterized in that the outer sensing surface (20b) has a rib (16) configured to extend or protrude outward from the outer wall surface (20a) so as to prevent objects from being stuck on the outer sensing surface (20b) so as to reduce malfunction of the pump (10) caused by objects contacting the outer sensing surface; The outer sensing surface (20b) is a flat surface, and the ribs (16) are arranged on and protrude from the flat surface.

2. A pump according to claim 1, wherein the ribs (16) are arranged on the flat surface and are sized so that when the object is caught on or in contact with the ribs (16), there is space between adjacent ribs (16) to receive the liquid.

3. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the liquid sensing device (12) is a capacitive sensing device.

4. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the liquid sensing device (12) is a printed circuit board with a capacitive sensing device.

5. The pump of claim 1, wherein the ribs (16) are configured to provide heat resistance and structural rigidity to prevent deformation of the outer wall surface (20a) due to thermal stress.

6. The pump of claim 1, wherein the ribs (16) comprise five (5) ribs.

7. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the rib (16) is arranged vertically with respect to the pump axis.

8. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the rib (16) is arranged horizontally with respect to the pump axis.

9. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the ribs (16) are symmetrically arranged on the outer sensing surface (20b).

10. The pump of claim 1, wherein the ribs (16) include shorter middle ribs (16) and longer outer ribs (16).

11. The pump of claim 1 , wherein the ribs (16) comprise seven (7) ribs.

12. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the pump (10) is a bilge pump for being arranged in the hull of a vessel and pumping said liquid from the hull of said vessel, or a sump pump for being disposed in the sump and pumping the liquid from the sump, or A shower drain pump is configured to be arranged in a shower drain and pump the liquid from the shower drain.

13. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the liquid sensing device (12) includes a high liquid level sensor configured to sense a high liquid level and turn on the pump (10), and includes a low liquid level sensor configured to sense a low liquid level and turn off the pump (10).

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