Water discharge device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for water evacuation, such as a sanitary macerator or a lifting station, comprising: - A control device for the evacuation pump motor, said device comprising: ∘ A first elongated hollow chimney, called the "pressure chimney", ∘ A second elongated hollow chimney, called the "vacuum chimney", ∘ a motor actuating element connected to the first and second chimneys and having two configurations: ▪ an inactive configuration in which the motor is stopped ▪ an active configuration in which the element is actuated to start the motor; said actuating element being configured to: ▪ if it is initially in the inactive configuration and if the pressure in the pressure chimney is greater than a predetermined threshold value: adopt the active configuration;▪ if it is in active configuration and if the pressure in the pressure stack is less than the threshold value: • maintain the active configuration in case of depression in the depression stack, • adopt the inactive configuration in case of absence of depression in the depression stack;

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for water evacuation, such as a sanitary grinder or a lifting station.

[0002] The present invention relates in particular to a control device for such a device. Technological background

[0003] In general, pumping stations and sanitary macerators are used to lift wastewater when the urban wastewater pipe is located above the installation point.

[0004] As is well known, crusher and pumping station tanks are equipped with a chimney connected at its top to a pressure switch linked to an electronic control board. Depending on the air pressure in the chimney, the electronic control board manages the start and stop of the pump motor in the crushers and pumping stations.

[0005] Conversely, the bottom of the chimney is open and located a few centimeters from the bottom of the tank. Therefore, the arrival of water in the tank causes it to rise in the chimney. As the water level rises in the tank, the air inside the chimney is compressed. This creates overpressure in the chimney. In response to this pressure drop, the pressure switch is activated. The electronic control board then commands the pump motor to start and drain the water from the tank.

[0006] During water drainage, the water level in the chimney decreases, consequently lowering the pressure within it. Below a certain threshold, this pressure becomes insufficient to keep the pressure switch activated. The electronic control board then triggers a timer of a predetermined duration, typically a few seconds, during which it keeps the motor running. This timer is designed to maintain the water drainage from the tank in order to completely purge the chimney. At the end of the purging process, the water level is significantly below the chimney inlet.

[0007] Without proper purging, water remains inside the chimney and gradually rises with repeated use of the macerator pump or lift station. This gradual rise of water in the chimney can compromise its seal, leading to motor failures.

[0008] Since the electronic board has been in use for years, the person skilled in the art understands its operating process, which facilitates product development.

[0009] In addition, the electronic board offers the possibility of configuring it in order to adapt the operating process according to the type of device concerned.

[0010] However, using an electronic board has drawbacks. Examples include the cost of manufacturing the electronic board and the difficulty in verifying its reliability.

[0011] Furthermore, for a given product, the aforementioned timer is fixed. Consequently, the electronic control board has the disadvantage of being poorly adapted to the installation and operating conditions of crushers or pumping stations. The pump therefore operates at maximum capacity at all times, resulting in excessive power consumption. In addition to the energy cost, the fixed timer can lead to significant hydraulic noise.

[0012] There is therefore a need to further improve sanitary macerators and lifting stations to reduce manufacturing costs while improving performance, including noise reduction. Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention aims to address this need and is intended to provide a device for water evacuation, such as a sanitary macerator or a lifting station, comprising: a tank intended to receive water to be drained, at least one water drainage pump equipped with a motor, and a control device for the drainage pump motor, said device comprising: ∘ A first hollow, elongated chimney, called "pressure chimney" having: ▪ a proximal end opening into the tank and through which water enters the chimney when the water level in the tank rises; and ▪ a distal end opposite the first, said distal end being closed so that the rise in the water level in the pressure chimney creates an overpressure therein, ∘ A second hollow, elongated chimney, called "depression chimney"having a proximal end opening into the tank through which water enters the chimney when the water level in the tank increases, the vacuum chimney being arranged so that a drop in the water level in the vacuum chimney when the water is evacuated from the tank creates a vacuum in said chimney, ∘ a motor actuating element connected to the first and second chimneys and having two configurations: ▪ an inactive configuration in which the motor is stopped ▪ an active configuration in which the element is actuated to trigger the motor; said actuation element being configured for: ▪ If it is initially in inactive configuration and if the pressure in the pressure stack is greater than a predetermined threshold value: adopt the active configuration; ▪ If it is in active configuration and if the pressure in the pressure stack is less than the threshold value: maintain the active configuration in case of a vacuum in the vacuum stack, adopt the inactive configuration in case of no vacuum in the vacuum stack.

[0014] The arrival of water in the tank causes the water level to rise in the pressure and vacuum vents. This creates overpressure in the pressure vent due to the compression of the air inside. When the pressure in the pressure vent reaches the threshold value, the actuator switches to its active configuration, thus starting the drain pump motor. As the drain pump pumps the water, the water level drops in the pressure and vacuum vents. This causes a decrease in pressure in the pressure vent. Simultaneously, a vacuum is created in the vacuum vent. This vacuum is then transmitted to the actuator, allowing it to remain in its active configuration even when the pressure falls below the threshold value. Therefore, the water continues to be drained until the pressure vent is purged.Such an arrangement makes it possible to purge the pressure chimney without using an electronic card.

[0015] Furthermore, the duration for which the actuation element remains in its active configuration depends on the operating conditions. This results in optimal motor utilization compared to prior art.

[0016] Preferably, the vacuum in the vacuum stack is maintained until the pressure stack is purged.

[0017] There "Chimney purging" corresponding to the situation in which the water is outside the chimney, at a substantially non-zero distance from its proximal end.

[0018] The threshold value of the aforementioned pressure can be greater than 3 mbar, better than 4 mbar, even better than 5 mbar, for example greater than 7 mbar.

[0019] Preferably, the distance, measured along a vertical axis of the tank, between the proximal end of the vacuum stack and the bottom of the tank, is less than the distance between the proximal end of the pressure stack.

[0020] This allows the vacuum to be maintained within the vacuum stack until the pressure stack is completely purged.

[0021] Alternatively, the proximal ends of the chimneys are located at the same distance from the bottom of the tank.

[0022] Preferably, the proximal ends are each located at a distance greater than 20mm from the bottom of the tank.

[0023] Preferably, the depression stack has a length, measured along a longitudinal axis of itself, greater than the pressure stack.

[0024] Alternatively, the pressure and vacuum stacks have the same length.

[0025] This length can be between 100 and 250mm.

[0026] Preferably, the pressure and vacuum chimneys have the same diameter. This diameter is preferably between 10 and 50 mm.

[0027] Preferably, the depression chimney includes: a distal end, opposite the proximal end, arranged to allow air to escape, and a movable valve between a first opening position of the distal end allowing air to escape when water rises in the vacuum stack and a second closing position of the distal end preventing air from escaping when water is evacuated.

[0028] Preferably, the valve is arranged so that a drop in the water level in the depression stack causes the valve to move from its open position to its closed position so as to create said depression.

[0029] Also, during the evacuation of water, due to the prevention of air escaping from the chimney or entering it, a depression is created when the water level drops in said chimney.

[0030] Preferably, the actuation element comprises a two-way pressure switch, the first way being connected to the pressure stack, in particular by means of a first pipe, and the second way being connected to the vacuum stack, in particular by means of a second pipe, said pressure switch comprising an elastically deformable diaphragm having a rest position corresponding to the actuation element in inactive configuration and a deformed position when the actuation element is in active configuration.

[0031] Preferably, the elastically deformable membrane is arranged so that the rise of water in the pressure stack causes the elastically deformable membrane to deform from its rest position to its deformed position.

[0032] Preferably, the elastically deformable membrane is further arranged so that the depression in the depression chimney keeps the membrane in a deformed position.

[0033] Preferably, the membrane is arranged so that the depression in the depression stack causes the deformation of said membrane.

[0034] Preferably, the valve comprises a vertical cylindrical skirt disposed in a distal portion of the vacuum chimney and a head disposed at the distal end and capable of closing it.

[0035] Preferably, the head is provided with a peripheral lip allowing a tight seal of the distal end of the vacuum chimney.

[0036] Preferably, the skirt is mobile by translation along the longitudinal axis of the depression chimney.

[0037] Preferably, the skirt and the depression chimney are coaxial.

[0038] Preferably, the skirt is positioned so that its outer surface is in contact with the inner wall of the depression chimney.

[0039] Advantageously, the control device is devoid of an electronic board.

[0040] Preferably, the disposal device is a sanitary macerator.

[0041] Preferably, the evacuation device is a pumping station. Brief description of the figures

[0042] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will clearly explain the nature of the invention and how it can be implemented. Regarding the accompanying figures: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a top view of a water drainage device according to the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 partially represents a cross-section of the device figure 1 ; Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a detail of a control device for the evacuation system of the figure 1 , in cross-section; [ fig. 4a ] There figure 4a is a view of an actuation element according to the invention, [ fig. 4b ] There figure 4b is a cross-section of the element of the figure 4a ; Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is seen similarly to the figure 3 upon the arrival of water; [ Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 is seen similarly to the figure 5 during water drainage; [ Fig. 7] There figure 7 is a view similar to the figure 6 illustrating the depression in the depression chimney device figure 1 ; Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 is a view similar to the figure 7 illustrating the purging of the pressure stack; [ fig. 9a ] There figure 9a is a detail of the vacuum stack in which the valve is in the open position; [ fig. 9b ] There figure 9b is a detail of the vacuum stack in which the valve is in the closed position; [ fig. 10a ] There figure 10a is a cross-section of the evacuation device according to the invention; and [ fig. 10b ] There figure 10b is a detail of the figure 10a . Description of method(s) of implementation

[0043] In the figures, and unless otherwise specified, identical elements shall bear the same reference symbols.

[0044] We represented at figures 1 to 3An example of a device for water evacuation E according to the invention. In the illustrated example, the evacuation device is a sanitary macerator.

[0045] As illustrated, the sanitary macerator 10 includes a tank 12, an inlet 14 for connection to a toilet bowl for example, which receives wastewater E from the toilet, a pipe 16 for the evacuation of water outside the tank and a evacuation pump 20.

[0046] In the example illustrated in the figure 2 The discharge pump 20 comprises a turbine 24, and an electric motor 30 driving said turbine 24. The motor 30 comprises: a housing 31; a stator 34 housed inside the housing 31 and rotating around a rotation shaft 33; a stator 32 housed inside the housing 31.

[0047] The turbine 34 is mounted on the rotating shaft 33. It thus presents an axis of rotation coinciding with the rotating shaft 33 of the motor 30.

[0048] The sanitary macerator 10 also includes a control device 40 for the motor 30. This control device 40 is located within the bin 12, as illustrated.

[0049] As can be seen in figures 2 And 4a The control device 40 includes an actuating element 50 arranged to actuate the motor 30. The actuating element 50 includes a microswitch 52 and a pressure switch 54 controlling said microswitch 52. As can be seen on the figure 4b The pressure switch 54 is a two-way pressure switch with 54a and 54b. The pressure switch 54 comprises an elastically deformable diaphragm 56 and a rod 58 arranged so that a deformation of the diaphragm 56 causes the rod 58 to move vertically, thus actuating the microswitch. As will be described later, depending on the water level in the tank, the motor's actuation element 50 can adopt one of the following two configurations: ▪ an inactive configuration in which the motor is stopped ▪ an active configuration in which the element is actuated to trigger the motor.

[0050] The control device 40 further comprises first and second hollow chimneys 42 and 44 of elongated shape each connected to one of the two paths 54a and 54b of the pressure switch 54 by means of pipes 42d and 44d, respectively.

[0051] The first chimney 42, called "pressure chimney" in what follows, comprises a proximal end 42a opening into the tank 12 and through which water can rise in the chimney 42 when the water level in the tank 12 increases, as illustrated in particular in Figures 5 And 10bThe chimney 42 also has a closed distal end 42b. In this way, when water enters the tank 12, the water rises in the pressure chimney 42. The air in this chimney is then compressed, thus generating overpressure in the pressure chimney 42. This overpressure is communicated to the pressure switch 54 via the pipe 42d. Also, at a predefined pressure value, the diaphragm 56 deforms, causing the rod 58 to move vertically and trigger the microswitch 52.

[0052] The second chimney 44, called "depression chimney" in what follows, comprises a proximal end 44a opening into the tank 12 through which water enters the depression chimney 44 when the water level in the tank increases, as shown in the figure 5 notably.

[0053] The depression chimney 44 also has a distal end 44b, opposite the first end 44a, through which air can escape from the chimney 44 or enter it.

[0054] As can be seen in particular on the figures 10a And 10b The vacuum stack 44 further includes a valve 46 disposed partly inside a distal portion 44c of the stack 44. The valve 46 is movable between a first open position of the distal end 44b allowing air to escape during the rise of water in the vacuum stack 44, as shown in the Figures 5 And 9a , the air escape being represented by arrows D, and a second sealing position of said distal end 44b preventing air escape and entry during water evacuation, as can be seen on the figure 9bIn this second position, the valve 46 is arranged to seal the distal end 44b tightly, preventing the entry and escape of air. To achieve this, the valve 46 has a head 46b located at the distal end 44b, equipped with a peripheral sealing lip 46c.

[0055] Also, in response to a drop in the water level in the depression chimney 44, the valve 46 moves from its open position to its closed position so as to create said depression.

[0056] The depression created in response to the drop in water level is communicated to the pressure switch 54 via the second pipe 44d. This depression maintains the deformation of the diaphragm and consequently the active configuration of the actuation element.

[0057] As illustrated, the valve 46 has a vertical cylindrical skirt 46a disposed in the distal portion 44c of the vacuum chimney 44. The skirt is movable by translation along a longitudinal axis X44 of the vacuum chimney.

[0058] In the illustrated example, the skirt 46a and the depression chimney 44 are coaxial. The outer surface of the skirt is in contact with the inner wall of the depression chimney 44.

[0059] We will now describe the operation of the control device 40 according to the invention.

[0060] The influx of water 14 into tank 12 causes water to rise in pressure stack 42, as illustrated in the figure 5by arrows A. An overpressure is then created in the chimney 42 in response to the air compression. The pressure in the chimney 42 is communicated to the pressure switch via pipe 42d. When the pressure in said chimney 42 reaches the threshold value, the actuating element adopts its active configuration, thus starting the motor 30. Starting the motor causes the water to be discharged through the drain pipe 16, as illustrated in the figure 7by arrows B. The drop in water level in the pressure stack resulting from this drainage causes the valve 46 to move from its open position to its closed position, creating a vacuum within the pressure stack 44. This vacuum is transmitted to the pressure switch via pipe 44d and keeps the diaphragm 56 deformed even if the pressure in the pressure stack falls below the threshold value. Consequently, the active configuration of the actuation element is maintained, allowing the water to continue draining. The water level in the pressure stack then continues to drop until the stack is purged, as shown in the diagram. figure 8When the water level is below the proximal ends 42a and 44a, air can again enter the chimneys 42 and 44, as illustrated by arrows C. The pressure drop is then eliminated, causing the diaphragm to return to its rest position. Consequently, the actuating element assumes its inactive configuration, thus stopping the motor 30.

[0061] The invention is not limited to the example just described.

[0062] The evacuation system may correspond to a pumping station.

Claims

1. Device for the evacuation of water (E), such as a macerator pump or a lifting station, comprising: - A tank (12) for receiving water (E) to be evacuated, - At least one water evacuation pump (20) equipped with a motor (30), and - A control device (40) for the motor (30) of the evacuation pump (20), said device comprising: ∘ A first hollow, elongated chimney (42), called "pressure chimney" having: ▪ a proximal end (42a) opening into the tank (12) and through which water enters the chimney when the water level in the tank rises; and ▪ a distal end (42b) opposite the first, said distal end being closed so that the rise in the water level in the pressure chimney creates an overpressure therein, ∘ A second hollow, elongated chimney (44), called "depression chimney"having a proximal end (44a) opening into the tank (12) through which water enters the chimney when the water level in the tank increases, the vacuum chimney (44) being arranged so that a drop in the water level in the vacuum chimney (44) during the evacuation of water from the tank (12) creates a vacuum in said chimney, ∘ an actuating element (50) of the motor (30) connected to the first and second chimneys (42; 44) and having two configurations: ▪ an inactive configuration in which the motor (30) is stopped ▪ an active configuration in which the element (50) is actuated to trigger the motor; said actuating element (50) being configured to: ▪ if it is initially in the inactive configuration and if the pressure in the pressure chimney is greater than a predetermined threshold value: adopt the active configuration;▪ if it is in active configuration and if the pressure in the pressure stack is less than the threshold value: • maintain the active configuration in case of a vacuum in the vacuum stack (44), • adopt the inactive configuration in case of no vacuum in the vacuum stack (44).; 2. Device according to the preceding claim, the control device being without an electronic board.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the vacuum chimney (44) comprising: - a distal end (44b), opposite the proximal end, arranged to allow the escape of air, and - a movable valve (46) between a first open position of the distal end (44b) allowing the escape of air when water rises in the vacuum chimney (44) and a second closed position of the distal end (44) preventing the escape of air when water is evacuated.

4. Device according to the preceding claim, the valve (46) being arranged so that a drop in the water level in the depression chimney (44) causes the valve (46) to move from its open position to its closed position so as to create said depression.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the actuation element (50) comprising a two-way pressure switch (54) (54a-b), the first way (54a) being connected to the pressure stack (42), in particular by means of a first pipe (42d), and the second way (54b) being connected to the vacuum stack (44), in particular by means of a second pipe (44d), said pressure switch (54) comprising an elastically deformable diaphragm (56) having a rest position corresponding to the actuation element (50) in inactive configuration and a deformed position when the actuation element (50) is in active configuration.

6. Device according to the preceding claim, the elastically deformable membrane (56) being arranged so that the rise of water in the pressure chimney (42) causes the elastically deformable membrane to deform from its rest position to its deformed position.

7. Device according to the preceding claim, the elastically deformable membrane (56) being further arranged so that the depression in the depression chimney maintains the membrane in a deformed position.

8. Device according to claims 3 to 7, the valve (46) comprising a vertical cylindrical skirt (46a) disposed in a distal portion (44c) of the vacuum chimney (44) and a head (46b) disposed at the distal end and capable of closing it.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the device being a sanitary macerator.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the device being a pumping station.

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