Adjustable pump

Abstract

Adjustable pump (1) comprising a body (2) with a suction opening (3) and an outlet opening (4), wherein the suction opening (3) is provided with an extension tube (5) which is axially displaceable relative to the suction opening (3), and wherein the outlet opening (4) is also provided with an extension tube (5) which is axially displaceable relative to the outlet opening (4);wherein the suction opening (3) and the outlet opening (4) are provided with retaining means (6) designed to tightly retain the corresponding extension tube (5), and wherein each extension tube (5) is further provided with end-side retaining means (7) designed to tightly retain a pipeline (8a, 8b) of an installation (100), wherein the base (9) of the body (2) is provided with one or more stacked removable lifting supports (10), and wherein at least one of the extension tubes (5) comprises a plurality of successive telescopic tube segments (5a, 5b, 5c);

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The pump of the present invention is of a type that allows its use for circulating liquids, for example for water circulation in a swimming pool. Background of the invention

[0002] In existing water pumping systems in swimming pools, the pipework for pump connections varies considerably. If a pump needs to be replaced due to malfunctions or the end of its service life, it must be replaced with a pump that has the same connection positions to ensure proper pipe connection.

[0003] If the pump is replaced by another pump with different connections, the system's piping must necessarily be adapted, which entails the need to replace the pipes without being able to reuse them, or to make costly modifications to adapt the piping to the arrangement of the new pump's connections.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pump that allows the reuse of the same pipes in an existing system, even in systems where the pipes are located at a distance from the pump, which itself should be compact and even allow fine adjustment to the existing system. Description of the invention

[0005] The adjustable pump of the present invention is of a type that has a body with a suction opening and an outlet opening.

[0006] Advantageously, the suction opening is provided with an extension tube that is axially displaceable relative to the suction opening, and the outlet opening is likewise provided with an extension tube that is axially displaceable relative to the outlet opening, so that each of the extension tubes can project more or less beyond the respective suction opening or outlet opening. The suction opening and the outlet opening are themselves provided with retaining means designed to tightly retain and connect the corresponding extension tube, with each extension tube also being provided with end-end retaining means at the outer end of each extension tube, i.e.,The extension pipes are arranged at the end furthest from the pump body and are designed to tightly contain and connect the end of the existing system's piping, thus enabling a tight connection between one system piping supplying liquid to the pump and the suction port, and another system piping receiving liquid pumped by the pump. Furthermore, to advantageously align the extension pipes with the respective system piping, the pump is preferably equipped with one or more lifting supports stacked on the pump base. These supports allow the pump body to be raised relative to a support surface, so that the suction port and the discharge port can be aligned with the ends of the system piping and connected via the respective extension pipes without requiring any modifications to the system.If one of the suction and discharge ports is parallel, i.e., substantially horizontal, to the body base, and the other suction and discharge port is perpendicular, i.e., substantially vertical, to the body base after the port has been aligned substantially vertically to one of the pipes, the other substantially horizontal port can be aligned to the pipe by stacking one or more lifting brackets on the body base, and then connecting the extension pipes. Although this arrangement will not always be present, the combination of lifting brackets stacked on the body base allows the simultaneous alignment of each port to the corresponding pipe, in order to connect them via their respective extension pipes.

[0007] Furthermore, at least one of the extension pipes, preferably both extension pipes, comprises a plurality of successive telescopic, movable longitudinal pipe segments which, by being extended, allow access to more distant pipelines that, for example, could not be reached if the extension pipes each consisted of a single movable pipe segment. In this way, the extension pipe can be retracted by sliding successive pipe segments into one another, for example, by pushing each pipe segment into its preceding pipe segment. This enables a compact design in which the extension pipe occupies little space and can be extended, if necessary, to connect the suction or discharge port to a corresponding pipeline end of the system, even if the pipeline end is located far from the pump.

[0008] In one embodiment, each extension pipe is formed by successive telescopic, movable pipe segments, which allows both the suction opening and the outlet opening to be connected when the pipe ends of the system, to which the suction and outlet sides of the pump are to be connected, are located remotely.

[0009] In one embodiment, the successive pipe segments of each extension pipe are screwed together, allowing for easy insertion and removal of the extension pipe simply by rotating the pipe segments. This enables more precise adjustment of the extension pipe length. Each pipe segment is provided with a thread on its outer surface and guides for the thread of a subsequent, smaller pipe segment, so that this smaller segment is inserted into the larger one when screwed in. Naturally, the pipe segments incorporate sealing rings between them, ensuring a tight seal without water leakage during pump operation.Although the use of sealing rings makes it more difficult to insert and remove the extension pipe due to increased friction between the pipe segments, the resistance to movement caused by the sealing rings can be more easily overcome by allowing the extension pipe to be inserted or removed by rotating the pipe segments.

[0010] In one embodiment, the retaining means comprise an internal nut that allows a tight connection of the extension tube to the suction or outlet opening, thus holding the extension tube tightly against the suction or outlet opening. It is also intended to be possible to use types of retaining means other than those known in the prior art.

[0011] In one embodiment, the end-end retaining devices comprise an external nut, a retaining seal, a compression ring, a sealing ring, and a screw, which allow a tight connection of a pipeline of an existing system to the extension pipe. It is also provided for the use of end-end retaining devices other than those known in the prior art. Furthermore, it is provided that the screw is coupled to the outer pipe segment and has a polygonal head that allows the transmission of rotation to the pipe segments by a tool, such as a wrench, in order to change the length of the extension pipe.

[0012] In one version, one or more lifting brackets have different heights, allowing them to be stacked and combined under the base of the pump body to lift the pump body until the extension pipes are aligned with the existing system's piping. Of course, it is intended that not all, but only some of the lifting brackets have different heights, so that they can be combined appropriately to lift the pump body.

[0013] In one embodiment, one or more lifting brackets have the same contour, so that they can be stacked to form a bracket with the same contour.

[0014] In one version, the pipe segments comprising the extension pipes are made of plastic, e.g., PVC, ABS, or polypropylene. It is also possible for the pump body to be made of plastic. Brief description of the drawings

[0015] To complete the present description and to facilitate understanding of the features of the invention, the following drawings are attached to this patent specification, illustrating and not limiting the following: Fig. Figure 1 shows a pump according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows the pump off Fig. 1 in an exploded view; Fig. 3a shows the pump off Fig. 1 before connection to the pipelines of an existing system; and Fig. 3b shows the pump off Fig. 1, in a partially cutaway view, after connection to the pipelines of an existing system. Detailed description of the drawings

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 shows a view of the adjustable pump 1 of the present invention. It can be seen that the pump 1 has a body 2 made of plastic with a suction opening 3 for liquid intake and an outlet opening 3 for liquid discharge. Naturally, the pump 1 also has a motor 11 and internal conveying mechanisms, as known from the prior art, to convey the liquid taken in through the suction opening 3 through the outlet opening 4. Optionally, the pump 1 can be equipped with a filter 12 to filter out larger particles that could enter through the suction opening 3 and clog the pump 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 is a centrifugal pump with a single impeller and an electric motor 11 of the type commonly used for water circulation in swimming pools.It is evident that the body 2 of the pump 1 has a base 9 suitable for resting on a support surface S and that the suction opening is aligned parallel to the base 9 of the body 2, while the outlet opening 4 is aligned perpendicular to the base 9 of the body 2.

[0017] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the suction opening 3 is provided with an extension tube 5 that is axially displaceable relative to the suction opening 3. This extension tube 5 comprises successive telescopically movable tube segments 5a, 5b, 5c, which are longitudinally displaceable in the direction of their central axis by rotating the tube segments 5a, 5b, 5c. Similarly, the outlet opening 4 is provided with an extension tube 5 that is axially displaceable relative to the outlet opening 4. This extension tube 5 comprises successive telescopically movable tube segments 5a, 5b, 5c, which are longitudinally displaceable in the direction of their central axis by rotating the tube segments 5a, 5b, 5c. It can be seen that the tube segments 5a, 5b, 5c are provided with a thread on their surface for screwing into the following tube segment.Both the suction opening 3 and the outlet opening 4 are provided with retaining means 6, which are designed for the tight connection of the respective extension pipe 5, wherein each extension pipe 5 is also provided with end-end retaining means 7, which are designed for the tight coupling of a pipeline of a system. Furthermore, it can be seen that the base 9 of the body is equipped with one or more stacked removable lifting supports 10, which are located in . Fig. 1 are shown as examples in correlative fitting positions.

[0018] Fig. 2 indicates a pump 1 Fig. 1 with retaining means 6 of the suction opening 3 and the outlet opening 4 in a correlative fitting position, wherein the extension pipes 5 with their pipe segments 5a, 5b, 5c and the end-end retaining means 7 of the extension pipes 5 are also shown in this correlative fitting position. It can be seen that the pipe segments 5a, 5b, 5c are provided on their outer surface with a thread which allows their insertion into a subsequent pipe segment 5a, 5b, 5c of a larger size and the insertion of the pipe segment 5c into the interior of the body 2 of the pump 1 via the suction opening 3 or the outlet opening 4, wherein they have a compact design in which the pipe segments 5a, 5b, 5c are as before in Fig. Figure 1 shows the inside of the body 2 of the pump 1. It can be seen that the screw 7e has a polygonal head which, when turned with a tool such as a wrench, allows the rotation to be transferred to the pipe segments. Thus, as in Fig. Figure 2 shows an outer pipe segment 5a being displaced by screwing it in relative to an intermediate pipe segment 5b, and the latter relative to an inner pipe segment 5c. The inner pipe segment 5c can be inserted into or removed from the pump body 2 as needed via the suction opening 3 or the outlet opening 4, the opening being provided with a corresponding thread. As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the retaining means 6, both the suction opening 3 and the outlet opening 4, comprise an inner nut 6a arranged on the body 2 and surrounding the suction opening 3 and the outlet opening 4, respectively. This allows the inner pipe segment 5c, which forms an inner end of the extension pipe 5, to be tightly connected and inserted into the suction opening 3 or the outlet opening 4, where it is retained by the inner nut 6a.The end-end retaining means 7 comprise an external nut 7a, a retaining seal 7b, a compression ring 7c, a sealing ring 7d, and a screw 7e, wherein the screw 7e is arranged in the outer pipe segment 5a of the extension pipe 5, so that each extension pipe 5 can be tightly connected to a pipeline of the system. The pipeline of the system can thus be inserted into the extension pipe 5, where it is held in place by the retaining seal 7b, the compression ring 7c, and the sealing ring 7d when the external nut 7a is screwed into a thread of the screw 7e. Thus, by inserting and withdrawing the pipe segments 5a, 5b, 5c of the various extension pipes 5, it is advantageously possible to connect the pump 1 to an existing system 100, even if the pipelines 8a, 8b of the system 100 are spaced apart from the pump 1.It is intended that pipes located up to the achievable distance can be reached when pipe segments 5a, 5b, 5c are extended. Furthermore, the one or more lifting brackets have 10 different heights, so that they can be combined to lift the pump body 2, which is useful for connecting the pump 1 to a system 100, as shown below. Although in the illustrated embodiment each extension pipe 5 comprises three pipe segments 5a, 5b, 5c, it is of course also conceivable that it could comprise more or fewer pipe segments, depending on requirements. It is also intended that only one of the extension pipes 5 comprises such telescopic pipe segments 5a, 5b, 5c.

[0019] Fig. Figure 3a shows a pump 1 of the present invention, which is to be installed in an existing system 100, of which a first pipe 8a, to be connected to the suction opening 3, and a second pipe 8b, to be connected to the outlet opening 4, are shown. It can be seen that the second pipe 8b can be aligned with the outlet pipe 4, which is perpendicular to the base 9 of the body 2. However, it is not possible to align the first pipe 8a with the suction opening 3, which is perpendicular to the base 9 of the body, because there is a separating height H that would have to be overcome.

[0020] Advantageously, the pump 1 of the present invention can be used to apply pressure to the area in Fig. As shown in Figure 3b, the specified height H is overcome by inserting one or more lifting brackets 10, here three lifting brackets 10, at the base 9 of the pump body until the body 2 is raised to the specified height H, so that the first pipeline 8a and the suction opening 3 are aligned. Thus, by combining lifting brackets 10 of the same or different heights, the pump body 2, and therefore the suction opening 3, can be raised to the height H. The pump 1 is designed to include a set of lifting brackets 10 of different heights, allowing the user to combine different lifting brackets 10 to achieve the desired height H. Furthermore, the lifting brackets 10 have the same contour, so they can be combined to form a single lifting block for the pump body 2.Furthermore, each of the lifting brackets 10 is provided to have combinations of projections and recesses corresponding to the projections and recesses of the base 9 of the body 9, which facilitate the joining of the lifting brackets 10 under the base 9. The same combination of projections and recesses is arranged at the base of each lifting bracket 10, thus enabling several lifting brackets 10 to be stacked stably.

[0021] In the Fig.In the position illustrated in 3b, the first pipe 8a is aligned with the suction opening 3 and the second pipe 8b with the outlet opening 4, so that after loosening the outer nut 7a of the end retaining means 7, the pipe segments 5a, 5b, 5c can be rotated by turning the screw 7e, so that the extension pipes 5 are moved axially in the direction indicated by the arrows, increasing their length until the first pipe 8a and the second pipe 8b are each connected.

[0022] At this point, after tightening the end retaining means 7 by turning the respective external nuts 7a in the usual way to screw them onto their corresponding screw 7e, the first pipeline 8a is tightly connected to the suction opening 3 thanks to the corresponding retaining seal 7b, compression ring 7c and sealing ring 7d, and the second pipeline 8b is similarly tightly connected to the outlet opening 4.

[0023] In this way, the pump 1 of the present invention can be suitably connected to an existing system 100 without having to modify the pipelines 8a, 8b of the system 100, so that when the motor 11 of the pump 1 is driven by control means 13, fluid is obtained from the first pipeline 8a, which, after passing through a filter 12, is conveyed in the desired manner via the second pipeline 8b.

Claims

[1] Adjustable pump (1) comprising a body (2) with a suction opening (3) and an outlet opening (4), wherein the suction opening (3) is provided with an extension tube (5) which is axially displaceable to the suction opening (3), and wherein the outlet opening (4) is likewise provided with an extension tube (5) which is axially displaceable to the outlet opening (4);wherein the suction opening (3) and the outlet opening (4) are provided with retaining means (6) configured to retain the corresponding extension tube (5) in a tight manner, and wherein each extension tube (5) is furthermore provided with end-end retaining means (7) configured to retain a pipeline (8a, 8b) of a system (100) in a tight manner, wherein the base (9) of the body (2) is provided with one or more stacked removable lifting supports (10), and wherein at least one of the extension tubes (5) comprises a plurality of successive telescopic tube segments (5a, 5b, 5c). [2] Pump (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that each extension tube (5) is formed by a plurality of successive telescopic tube segments (5a, 5b, 5c). [3] Pump (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the successive pipe segments (5a, 5b, 5c) are screwed together. [4] Pump (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the retaining means (6) comprise an internal nut (6a). [5] Pump (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the end-side retaining means (7) comprise an external nut (7a), a retaining seal (7b), a compression ring (7c), a sealing ring (7d) and a screw (7e). [6] Pump (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the one or more stackable lifting brackets (10) have different heights. [7] Pump (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the one or more stackable lifting supports (10) have the same contour. [8] Pump (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pipe segments (5a, 5b, 5c) are made of plastic.

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