Leading screw adjustable pump float switch for sump, wastewater and dirt applications

Abstract

A float switch device is characterized by a float switch mounting assembly, an adjustment member, and an adjustable lead screw. The float switch mounting assembly includes a guide rail and includes top and bottom mounts / supports having top and bottom mount / support lead screw openings and mounting and supporting the guide rail. The float switch mounting assembly includes an adjustable float switch mounting member configured to move relative to the guide rail. The adjustable float switch mounting member has a leadscrew opening with an internal thread, and also has a coupling member configured to couple to a portion of the float switch. The adjustable lead screw has a top lead screw end that rotates the adjustable lead screw to move the adjustable floating mounting member and adjust the height / position of the adjustable floating mounting member between the top and bottom mounts / supports.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to provisional patent application serial number 63 / 531,401, filed on August 8, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a floating switch; and more specifically, to a tethered floating switch. Background Technology

[0003] Float switches come in various configurations. Many tethered float switches are mounted on the pump itself, with the cable length determining the water level and switch operation. Tethered float switches can shorten operating time by reducing cable length and extend it by increasing cable length. Some tethered switches are mounted on a pole separate from the pump. These pole-mounted switches can be loosened with screws, and their height can be adjusted to the desired floating position. Other types of floats are directly built into the pump and cannot be adjusted, so pump operation is determined by the float's set height. Electronic switches offer flexibility because they have two independent switches that can be positioned in multiple locations within the tank or pool. These switches can be positioned close to or far from each other to control pump operation. There are also electronic switches with diaphragm or other sensor controls that can be adjusted for specific levels to control pump operation. Known disadvantages of the equipment

[0004] The known drawbacks of tethered float switches are that they are mounted on the pump and can only be adjusted via cable length. If floating on a separate mounting rod, the installer must insert the float mechanism into the tank or container, test the position, and then reach in to adjust. The float can be adjusted along the length of the rod, but this is a more laborious and complex process. Current disadvantages include a lack of flexibility in overall adjustability and the need for further validation to ensure the pump and switch are fully operable to the desired level. For two-piece float switches, the sensor can be positioned in various ways, and pump operation needs to be checked. A clamp may need to be adjusted to ensure the pump turns on or off at the correct water level. The installer needs to reach into the tank or container to adjust. Other diaphragm or electronically sensed controls typically require pre-logic control and are less flexible once set in the clamped position.

[0005] Considering the above points, there is a need in this industry for a better way to adjust the height of floating switches in pools or boxes. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In summary, this invention provides a new level of adjustability for all floating installation methods. Installers are now able to adjust the floating switch via the lead screw and rail design. The lead screw mechanism can be adjusted to position any type of switch at any location above the bottom or top of the tank or pool. For tethered floating switches, installers can still adjust the cable to achieve a greater swing amplitude when additional adjustments are needed, which will increase the total water level in the tank or pool, thus increasing the overall flexibility of the invention. For non-tethered switches, the switch can be installed according to this invention, and the lead screw will allow installers to adjust the floating position to multiple water levels within the tank or pool. After selecting the correct water level, the adjustment knob can be locked to prevent any creeping. All adjustments to the lead screw can be made outside the tank or pool without removing any covers, except to verify the desired water level. Specific Implementation

[0007] According to some embodiments, and by way of example, the present invention may include or take the form of a floating switch device, characterized by a floating switch mounting assembly, an adjusting member, and an adjustable lead screw.

[0008] The floating switch mounting assembly includes at least one guide rail. The floating switch mounting assembly includes top and bottom mounting / support members having lead screw openings and configured to mount and support at least one guide rail. The floating switch mounting assembly also includes an adjustable floating switch mounting member configured to move relative to at least one guide rail between the top and bottom mounting / support members. The adjustable floating switch mounting member has a lead screw opening with internal threads and also has a coupling member configured to engage with a portion of the floating switch.

[0009] The regulating component has an regulating component plate configured to connect the float switch mounting assembly to a box or pool. The regulating component plate has a plate guide screw opening.

[0010] An adjustable lead screw is configured to extend through and pass through the lead screw openings of the top and bottom mounts / supports, as well as the plate lead screw opening. The adjustable lead screw has an externally threaded lead screw surface configured to rotatably engage with an internal thread in the lead screw opening. The adjustable lead screw also has a top lead screw end configured to rotate the adjustable lead screw to move the adjustable floating mount member and adjust its height / position between the top and bottom mounts / supports.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the floating switch device may further include one or more of the following features:

[0012] The at least one guide rail may include two guide rails, each of which has a corresponding top guide rail end and a bottom guide rail end. Top and bottom mounts / supports may be configured to mount and support the two guide rails. The adjustable floating mount member may include two adjustable floating mount openings, each adjustable floating mount member opening configured to allow a corresponding one of the two guide rails to pass through.

[0013] The two guide rails can be rigidly connected to the adjusting component plate, for example, by screws or bolts.

[0014] Adjustable component plates can be rigidly attached to the top edge of the box or pool, for example, by means of screws or bolts.

[0015] The top and bottom mounting / support members can be configured to be rigidly connected to the top rail end and the bottom rail end of at least one guide rail.

[0016] The float switch can be a tethered float switch with a cable; and the connecting member can be configured to be connected to the cable of the tethered float switch.

[0017] The float switch can be a non-tethered float switch; and the connecting member can be configured to be connected to the non-tethered float switch.

[0018] The adjustment component may include an adjustment knob or nut configured to be tightened against the adjustment component plate and lock the adjustable lead screw to prevent any creep relative to the top and bottom mounting / support components.

[0019] The top and bottom mounting / support components may include a top mounting / support component having a top mounting / support plate having a top mounting / support portion configured to connect to a top rail end of at least one guide rail.

[0020] The top and bottom mounting / support may include a bottom mounting / support having a bottom mounting / support plate having a bottom mounting / support portion configured to connect to a bottom rail end of at least one rail. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings (not necessarily drawn to scale) include the following:

[0022] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of an adjusting member forming part of a floating switch device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 1B A schematic diagram of a floating switch mounting assembly that also forms part of a floating switch device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 2A These are photographs of floating switch devices attached to a workbench according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A photograph of the bottom portion of the floating switch device shown.

[0026] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A photograph of the floating switch device shown.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a top mounting support for a portion forming a floating switch device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of an adjustable floating switch mounting member that forms part of a floating switch device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the bottom mounting support for forming part of a floating switch device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] For consistency, similar parts in the figures are indicated with similar reference numerals and labels. Each line and associated reference label for each element is not included in every figure of the figures to reduce overall clutter. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figures 1A to 1B and Figures 2A to 2C An example of a floating switch device is shown, characterized by an adjusting member generally indicated by 20, an adjustable lead screw generally indicated by 30, and a floating switch mounting assembly generally indicated by elements 40, 50, 60, and 70 and including elements 40, 50, 60, and 70.

[0032] The float switch mounting assemblies 40, 50, 60, and 70 include at least one guide rail 60, and preferably as follows: Figures 1A to 1B and Figures 2A to 2C The diagram shows two guide rails 60. The float switch mounting assemblies 40, 50, 60, and 70 include top and bottom mounting / support members 40 and 70, which have top and bottom mounting / support lead screw openings 46. Figure 3 ) and 76 ( Figure 5Top and bottom mounting / support members 40, 70 are configured to mount and support at least one guide rail 60. The float switch mounting assemblies 40, 50, 60, 70 also include an adjustable float switch mounting member 50 configured to move relative to at least one guide rail 60 between the top and bottom mounting / support members 40, 70. The adjustable float switch mounting member 50 has a threaded lead screw opening 56. Figure 4 The internal thread is made of Figure 4 The dotted line in the middle indicates that it also has a connecting member 59 ( Figure 2B The connecting member is configured to connect to the part of the floating switch F ( Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C ).

[0033] Adjustment member 20 has adjustment member plate 24, which is configured to connect float switch mounting assemblies 40, 50, 60, 70 to, for example, the edge or top portion of a box or pool. By way of example, Figure 2A and Figure 2C An adjusting member 20 is shown, for example, connected or fastened to the worktable via screws / bolts 26. The adjusting member plate 24 has a plate guide screw opening 24a ( Figure 2A ).

[0034] The adjustable guide screw 30 is configured to extend through and pass through the guide screw openings 46 and 76 of the top and bottom mounting / support members. Figure 3 and Figure 5 ) and the guide screw opening 24a ( Figure 2A The adjustable lead screw 30 has a lead screw surface 34 with external threads, which are configured to be rotatably connected to the lead screw opening 56 of the adjustable float switch mounting member 50. Figure 4 The adjustable lead screw 30 also has a top lead screw end 32 configured to rotate the adjustable lead screw 30 to move the adjustable floating mount member 50 and adjust the height / position of the adjustable floating mount member 50 between the top and bottom mounts / supports 40, 70. By way of example, the top lead screw end 32 can be rotated clockwise / counterclockwise, for example, by using pliers or other clamping devices. Alternatively, and by way of another example, the top lead screw end 32 can be configured with a hexagonal or other notch to receive a hex wrench or other wrench to rotate the top lead screw end 32. The scope of the invention is not limited to how an installer rotates the top lead screw end 32 to move the adjustable floating mount member 50 and adjust the height / position of the adjustable floating mount member 50 between the top and bottom mounts / supports 40, 70.

[0035] By way of example, at least one guide rail 60 can be as follows Figures 1A to 1B and Figures 2A to 2C The diagram includes two guide rails 60. Each of the two guide rails 60 has a corresponding top guide rail end and a bottom guide rail end 62, 64. Figure 1B Top and bottom mounting / support members 40, 70 can be configured to mount and support two guide rails 60, for example, by welding or some other type or kind of rigid connection. Adjustable floating mounting member 50 may include two adjustable floating mounting openings 54, 58 (…). Figure 4 Each adjustable floating mounting component opening 54, 58 is configured to allow the corresponding one of the two guide rails 60 to pass through.

[0036] The two guide rails 60 can be rigidly connected to the adjusting component plate 24, for example, by means of screws or bolts 28, such as... Figure 2A and Figure 2C As shown. The scope of the invention is not intended to limit how the two guide rails 60 are connected to the adjustment member plate 24.

[0037] Adjustable component plate 24 can be rigidly attached to the top edge of the box or pool, including by screws or bolts. (By way of example) Figure 2A and Figure 2C An adjustable member plate 24 of the adjusting member 20 is shown, for example, connected to a worktable via screws / bolts 26. The scope of the invention is not limited to how the adjusting member plate 24 is connected to a box or pool.

[0038] Top and bottom mounting / support members 40, 70 can be configured to be rigidly connected to the top rail end and bottom rail end 62, 64 of at least one guide rail 60. The scope of the invention is not intended to limit how the top rail end and bottom rail end 62, 64 are connected to at least one guide rail 60.

[0039] By way of example, a floating switch can be like this: Figures 2A to 2C The diagram shows a tethered float switch F with cable C. A connecting member 59 can be configured to connect to cable C of the tethered float switch F. Alternatively, the float switch can be a non-tethered float switch; and the connecting member 59 can be configured to connect to a non-tethered float switch.

[0040] Adjustment component 20 may include adjustment knob or nut 22 ( Figure 2A and Figure 2C The adjusting knob or nut is configured to be tightened against the adjusting member plate 24 and to lock the adjustable lead screw 30 to prevent any creep relative to the top and bottom mounting / support members 40, 70.

[0041] By way of example, the top and bottom mounting / support members 40, 70 may include a top mounting / support member 40 ( Figure 3 The top mount / support has a top mount / support plate 42 with top mount / support portions 44, 48 configured to be rigidly connected to the top guide rail end 62 of the guide rail 60, for example, via welding or some other type or kind of rigid connection. Similarly, the top and bottom mounts / supports 40, 70 may also include a bottom mount / support 70 (…). Figure 5 The bottom mounting / support has a bottom mounting / support plate 72, which has bottom mounting / support portions 74, 78, which are configured to be rigidly connected to the bottom rail end 64 of the guide rail 60, for example, by welding or some other type or kind of rigid connection. Adjustable connection between the components and the top of the tank / pool

[0042] By way of example, those skilled in the art will understand how to attach the adjusting member 20 to the top of the box or pool without much experimentation. For example, some combinations of screws / bolts 26 ( Figure 2A and Figure 2C It can be fastened to the edge of the top of the tank or water container, with Figure 2A and Figure 2C The results are consistent with those shown. application

[0043] This invention has applications in the following pumps:

[0044] sewage pump

[0045] wastewater pump

[0046] sewage pump Scope of the Invention

[0047] Furthermore, the embodiments shown and described in detail herein are provided by way of example only; and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific configurations, dimensions, and / or design details of these portions or elements included herein. In other words, those skilled in the art will understand that design changes can be made to these embodiments, resulting in embodiments that differ from those disclosed herein, but still remain within the overall spirit of the invention.

[0048] It should be understood that, unless otherwise stated herein, any features, characteristics, alternatives, or modifications described herein with respect to specific embodiments may also be applied to, used, or incorporated into any other embodiments described herein.

[0049] Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, various other additions and omissions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A floating switch device, the floating switch device comprising: A floating switch mounting assembly having at least one guide rail having top and bottom mounting / support members having lead screw openings for the top and bottom mounting / support members and configured to mount and support the at least one guide rail, and having an adjustable floating switch mounting member configured to move relative to the at least one guide rail between the top and bottom mounting / support members, the adjustable floating switch mounting member having lead screw openings with internal threads, and also having a connecting member configured to connect to a portion of the floating switch; An adjusting member having an adjusting member plate configured to connect the floating switch mounting assembly to a box or pool, the adjusting member plate having a plate guide screw opening; as well as An adjustable lead screw is configured to extend through and pass through the lead screw openings of the top and bottom mounts / supports and the plate lead screw opening. The adjustable lead screw has an externally threaded lead screw surface configured to rotatably engage with the internal thread of the lead screw opening. The adjustable lead screw has a top lead screw end configured to rotate the adjustable lead screw to move the adjustable floating mount member and adjust the height / position of the adjustable floating mount member between the top and bottom mounts / supports.

2. The floating switch device according to claim 1, wherein... The at least one guide rail includes two guide rails, each of the two guide rails having a corresponding top guide rail end and a bottom guide rail end; The top and bottom mounting / support members are configured to mount and support the two guide rails; and The adjustable floating mounting member has two adjustable floating mounting openings, each of which is configured to allow a corresponding one of the two guide rails to pass through.

3. The floating switch device according to claim 1, wherein the two guide rails are rigidly connected to the adjusting member plate, including by screws or bolts.

4. The floating switch device according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting member plate is rigidly connected to the top edge of the box or the pool, including by screws or bolts.

5. The floating switch device of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom mounting / support members are configured to be rigidly connected to the top rail end and the bottom rail end of the at least one guide rail.

6. The floating switch device according to claim 1, wherein... The float switch is a tethered float switch with a cable; and The connecting member is configured to be connected to the cable of the tethered float switch.

7. The floating switch device according to claim 1, wherein... The float switch is a non-tethered float switch with a cable; and The connecting member is configured to be connected to the non-tethered floating switch.

8. The floating switch device of claim 1, wherein the adjusting member comprises an adjusting knob or nut configured to be tightened against the adjusting member plate and to lock the adjustable lead screw to prevent any creep relative to the top and bottom mounting / support members.

9. The floating switch device according to claim 1, wherein the top and bottom mounting / support members include a top mounting / support member having a top mounting / support member plate having a top mounting / support member portion configured to be connected to a top rail end of the at least one rail.

10. The floating switch device of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom mounting / support members include a bottom mounting / support member having a bottom mounting / support plate having a bottom mounting / support portion configured to be connected to a bottom rail end of the at least one rail.

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