Circulation pump comprising a pump housing made of a plurality of parts

Abstract

The invention relates to a circulation pump characterized by a modular pump housing, wherein the pump housing comprises a first housing module serving a first functionality and a second housing module serving a second functionality, wherein the first housing module and the second housing module are made of a plastic and / or composite material, in particular of a fiber-reinforced plastic. The invention further relates to a pump unit comprising such a circulation pump.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a circulation pump with a modular pump housing, wherein the pump housing comprises a first housing module serving a first functionality and a second housing module serving a second functionality.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Circulation pumps are well known and are nowadays used, for instance, in heating systems of industrial applications as well as private households. The pump housing of circulation pumps can comprise multiple pump housing parts or pump housing modules. Such individual pump housing parts or modules can be - and usually are - manufactured by injection molding. Housing modules manufactured by injection molding have the advantage of simple and cost-efficient production. Furthermore, injection molding allows easily for the creation of complex geometries in order to integrate multiple functions or functionalities into the pump housing modules. However, integration of a variety of different functionalities into the very same pump housing module can result in too complex geometries so that removing or demolding the pump housing module from its corresponding mold during the manufacturing process can be rendered complicated or sometimes even impossible due to, for instance, one or multiple undercuts. Therefore, the realization of functional combinations in a pump housing and / or pump housing module can constitute a challenge, wherein said challenge can especially be imposed by limitations of manufacturing methods. Moreover, in some cases, lead times for molding tools can be high due to the higher complexity of such tools or mold. At the same time, tools with a higher complexity go along with increased costs.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide an optimized, especially a technically simple, effective, especially cost-effective, solution for a circulation pump with multiple modules, wherein the circulation pump comprises or offers a variety of functionalities.

[0004] This object is achieved by a circulation pump with a modular pump housing, wherein the pump housing comprises a first housing module serving a first functionality and a second housing module serving a second functionality, wherein the first housing module and the second housing module are made of a plastic and / or composite material, in particular of a fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0005] By means of an inventive circulation pump, it is advantageously possible to reduce manufacturing costs, as two specific pump housing modules - the first housing module and the second housing module - can be combined in multiple configurations which results in a variety of combinations, especially combinations of functionalities and / or relative orientations, without having to produce more than two molds or manufacturing tools. For instance, an inlet opening arranged in the first housing module can be connected in x different, for instance four different, variations or orientations to the second housing module without having to produce x or four variations of the first housing. In other words, by manufacturing only two molds / tools more than two variations or embodiments of pump housings can be produced. Moreover, it is also conceivable that a (first and / or second) functionality itself comprises variations with respect to its structural or geometrical features without rendering the structure of the manufacturing tool or mold too complicated or sophisticated. For example, a diameter of an inlet opening formed in one of the housing modules can be changed without really increasing the manufacturing effort and still produce a variety of pump housings to offer to customers. Alternatively, the inlet opening can have a shape or contour that differs from a circle. Furthermore, the inlet opening can be formed in a short pipe nozzle that has different lengths, comprise a flange or a thread for firmly connecting a pipe to the inlet opening etc. In other words, a first or second functionality or the corresponding first or second structural means in the first or second housing module can not only be oriented differently with regard to the other housing module for creating combinations (pure permutations), but said functionalities or structural means can also be arranged differently and / or geometrically structured differently in the very same housing module. All in all, production can be simplified and therefore optimized.

[0006] A functionality within the meaning of the invention can be an inlet functionality and / or an outlet functionality. A functionality can also be a valve functionality, for instance a safety valve functionality. Furthermore, a functionality within the meaning of the invention can be an air venting functionality, especially for degasing the pumped medium for ultimately increasing a pumping efficiency of the circulation pump. Moreover, a functionality can be a sensing functionality by means of a sensor, for instance a flow sensor or a temperature sensor. By means of the inventive circulation pump it is especially and advantageously possible that the first housing module comprises multiple - for instance two, three, four or five - first functionalities. Analogously, it is conceivable that the second housing module comprises multiple - for instance two, three, four or five - second functionalities. For instance, the first housing module can comprise the first functionalities of medium inlet, a further inlet, air venting and sensing flow of the pumped medium etc. and / or provide corresponding geometrical or structural means or elements such as an inlet opening, an air venting opening, sensor connection etc. Preferably, each (first and second) functionality can be provided in at least two configurations respectively.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first housing module and the second housing module are connectable to each other in multiple configurations, especially in multiple orientations of the first housing module relative to the second housing module. A, a specific first housing module can be particularly arranged, positioned and / or rotated differently with respect to a given arrangement, position, rotation or orientation of the second housing module. As a result, it is advantageously possible to provide different combinations of functionalities with different orientations to different customers.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the circulation pump comprises a third housing module serving a third functionality. By means of a third housing module, and with increasing number of housing modules in general, it is advantageously possible to provide a circulation pump with an increasing number of functionalities. The (number of) functionalities can be evenly or unevenly distributed to the housing modules.

[0009] Preferably, the first housing module is configured as an inlet module, having an inlet functionality as at least part of the first functionality, the second housing module is configured as an outlet module, having an outlet functionality as at least part of the second functionality, and the third housing module is configured as at least one out of the following: a valve module, especially a three-way valve module, having a valve functionality as at least part of the third functionality, a further inlet module having a further inlet functionality as at least part of the third functionality, a filter module having a filter functionality as at least part of the third functionality. The valve module can particularly serve as a safety valve module and protect to the circulation pump from, for instance, accidents. Furthermore, in order to increase the flow-rate of the pumped medium, the third housing module can be configured as a further inlet module, that is, the third housing module can comprise a further inlet opening. Moreover, the third housing module can be configured as a filter module comprising a filter by means of which the pumped medium can be advantageously cleaned, in particular by removing particles or impurities from the pumped medium.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the third housing module is arranged between the first housing module and the second housing module. Consequently, the third housing module can be called an intermediate housing module. The third or intermediate housing module can also be arranged in multiple configurations, especially orientations, with respect to the first housing module and / or second housing module. Furthermore, the third housing module preferably comprises a respective fluidic connection to both the first housing module and the second housing module. In other words, the third housing module can serve as a fluidic connection from the first housing module to the second housing module.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, -- the first housing module is configured as an inlet module and comprises an inlet connection defining an inlet direction, and -- the second housing module is configured as an outlet module and comprises an outlet connection defining an outlet direction, wherein an angle of 0°, 90°, 180° or 270° is formed between the inlet direction and the outlet direction, wherein especially the inlet direction is parallel to the axis of rotation of the motor of the circulation pump or perpendicular thereto and / or wherein especially the outlet direction is parallel to the axis of rotation of the motor of the circulation pump or perpendicular thereto. Dependant on the application, any angle is conceivable without increasing the manufacturing effort or costs. For instance, an angle between the inlet direction and the outlet direction of 35° or 210° or 314° is also possible.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the multiple housing modules are connected to each other mechanically - for instance by means of a clip connection or an arrangement of bolts - or by means of welding, wherein, in case of a mechanical connection, a gasket is arranged between two adjacent housing modules for managing tightness between the said housing modules. The first housing module, the second housing module and the third housing module can comprise respectively one or multiple, especially two, flanges or interfaces or connecting surfaces for connecting the housing modules to each other in a watertight or liquid-tight manner.

[0013] Preferably, the circulation pump comprises a sensor connection for connecting a sensor, especially as part of the first, second or third housing module. A sensor connection within the meaning of the invention can be an opening, wherein the sensor, for instance a flow sensor or temperature sensor, can be arranged.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the circulation pump comprises an outlet adapter for connecting to an outlet module, especially to the second housing module, wherein the outlet adapter is connectable to the outlet module mechanically - for instance by means of a clip connection or an arrangement of bolts - or by means of welding. The outlet adapter can also comprise an adapter thread for establishing a mechanical connection to, for instance, an outlet pipe that transports the pumped medium away from the pump.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, in case of a mechanical connection, a gasket is arranged between the outlet module and the outlet adapter for managing tightness between the outlet module and the outlet adapter. The outlet module and / or the outlet adapter can comprise, respectively or one of them, a gasket groove for placing the gasket therein. A groove can improve tightness between the outlet module and the outlet adapter and facilitate positioning of the gasket.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the circulation pump comprises at least two housing modules, wherein a sealing element is arranged in a circumferential connection gap between the at least two housing modules, wherein, preferably, the sealing element is at least partially arranged in a groove of at least one of the housing modules. The circumferential connection gap can be arranged between a connecting surface of one housing module, for instance of the first housing module, and a further connecting surface of a further housing module, for instance of the second housing module, wherein the connecting surface or the further connecting surface can comprise at least two plane sections, one section being parallel and offset to another section. In other words, a cross section of the connection gap can be u-shaped. The sealing element can be, for instance, an o-ring. However, the sealing element can also correspond to or be identical with the aformentioned gasket that is arranged between two adjacent housing modules. The groove can be formed only in one of the adjacent housing modules. However, it is also conceivable that one groove is formed per housing module, that is in total two grooves, wherein a respective depth of the two grooves is half the size as compared with a depth in case of a single groove in only one housing module.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two adjacent housing modules respectively comprise holes, especially respectively four holes, wherein each hole comprises an internal thread, wherein holes of the at least two adjacent housing modules are configured pairwise in an overlapping manner, wherein a bolt can be arranged in each pair of holes for tightly connecting the at least two adjacent housing modules. It is also conceivable that the holes do not have a thread. In case the holes do not have a thread, tightness between the two adjacent housing modules can be achieved by means of pairs of bolts and corresponding nuts.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the circulation pump comprises a sensor connection for connecting a temperature sensor, pressure sensor or flow rate sensor thereto or arranging therein a temperature sensor, pressure sensor or flow rate sensor. Also another sensor can be connected to the sensor connection or arranged in the sensor connection. The sensor connection can be configured in any housing module, for instance in the first housing module, the second housing module or the third housing module. It is also coneceivable that each housing module comprises a sensor connection. It is further conceivable that a housing module comprises two or three sensors connections for arranging therein one sensor respectively. It is thereby advantageously possible to monitor and automatically adjust circulation pump operations based on detected parameters.

[0019] Preferably, the third housing module is configured as a valve module, wherein the valve module comprises multiple valve outlets, wherein at least two valve outlets comprise respectively a different outlet direction. Preferably, all valve outlets comprise a different outlet direction. As such, a multi-position valve module capable of directing flow in multiple predetermined directions is advantageously possible. This allows for a wide range of applications in different piping systems.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each housing module is made of an integral single-piece structure fabricated through the technique of plastic injection moulding without lost cores.

[0021] Another object of the invention is a pump unit comprising an inventive circulation pump or any one of the aforementioned embodiments of the inventive circulation pump, wherein the pump unit additionally comprises a motor housing with an electric motor therein configured to drive the circulation pump and a terminal box with electrical and / or electronical components therein configured to control the operation of the circulation pump based on predetermined parameters. The same features and technical effects described above within the context of the inventive pump and its embodiments also apply to the pump unit comprising the circulation pump.

[0022] These and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. The description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 schematically and exemplarily illustrates a first embodiment of an inventive modular pump housing comprising three housing modules, wherein the modular pump housing is shown in two different perspective views. Figure 2a schematically and exemplarily illustrates a second embodiment of an inventive modular pump housing comprising three housing modules, wherein the modular pump housing is shown in a perspective view. Figure 2b schematically and exemplarily illustrates two possible first housing modules, two possible second housing modules and two possible third housing modules, respectively in a perspective view. Figure 3 schematically and exemplarily illustrates a third embodiment of an inventive modular pump housing comprising two housing modules in a perspective view. Figure 4 schematically and exemplarily illustrates four different embodiments of an inventive modular pump housing in a side view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes.

[0025] Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g. "a", "an", "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0027] Figure 1 schematically and exemplarily illustrates a first embodiment of an inventive modular pump housing 1 comprising three housing modules 101, 102, 103, wherein the modular pump housing 1 is shown in two different perspective views. A first housing module 101 serves a first functionality and a second housing module 102 serves a second functionality. Analogously, a third or intermediate housing module 103 serves a third functionality. The first housing module 101 is configured as an inlet module, having an inlet functionality as at least part of the first functionality. Moreover, the second housing module 102 is configured as an outlet module, having an outlet functionality as at least part of the second functionality. Furthermore, the third housing module 103 is configured as a three-way valve module 103, having a valve functionality as at least part of the third functionality.

[0028] The dashed lines shown in figure 1 are to be understood as representations of interfaces or boundary layers between two adjacent housing modules 101, 102, 103. Furthermore, the third housing module 103 can be called an intermediate housing module since it is arranged between the first housing module 101 and the second housing module 102. A medium to be pumped by the circulation pump that comprises the pump housing 1 can be sucked in via the inlet module 101, forwarded or transported via the third housing module 103 and finally pushed out of the pump housing 1 of the circulation pump by the outlet module or second housing module 103.

[0029] The first housing module 101, the second housing module 102 and the third housing module 103 have been manufactured separately by injection molding. All three housing modules 101, 102, 103 are made of a fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0030] Figure 2a schematically and exemplarily illustrates a second embodiment of an inventive modular pump housing 1 comprising three housing modules 101, 102, 103, wherein the modular pump housing 1 is shown in a perspective view. Analogously to figure 1, the dashed lines again represent boundaries between two adjacent housing modules 101, 102, 103.

[0031] The first housing module 101 serving a first functionality comprises an inlet functionality. The inlet functionality is fulfilled structurally by an inlet opening 106. Furthermore, the first functionality comprises a sensing functionality. The sensing functionality is performed by means of a sensor opening 104. In other words, a sensor, for instance a flow sensor or a temperature sensor, can be placed or arranged in the sensor opening 104. The first functionality further comprises an air-venting or degasing functionality. The air-venting or degasing functionality is embodied structurally by means of an air-venting opening 105.

[0032] The second housing module 102 serving a second functionality comprises an outlet functionality. The outlet functionality is fulfilled structurally by an outlet opening 107. The outlet opening 107 comprises an external thread for connecting an outlet pipe thereto, the pumped medium being transported away from the pump by means of the outlet pipe.

[0033] The third housing module 103 is arranged between the first housing module 101 and the second housing module 102. The third housing module 103 serves a third functionality and is configured as a valve module.

[0034] Figure 2b schematically and exemplarily illustrates two possible first housing modules 101 designated as C1 and C2. Furthermore, figure 2b schematically and exemplarily illustrates two possible second housing modules 102 designated as A1 and A2. Moreover, figure 2b schematically and exemplarily illustrates two possible third housing modules 103 designated as B1 and B2.

[0035] The two possible first housing modules 101 designated as C1 and C2 comprise a base body that is, at least partially, cylindrical. Both possible embodiments comprise a connecting surface S by means of which the first housing module 101 can be connected to a third housing module 103, for instance by means of welding. The connecting surface S as shown in figure 2b is ring-shaped and therefore extend along a circumferential direction of the base body and / or the first housing module 101. In another possible embodiment of the first housing module 101 not shown in the figures, the first housing module 101 and / or its base body can comprise a flange for mechanically connecting the first housing module 101 to its neighboring or adjacent third housing module 103. The mechanical connection can be realized by means of clips or an arrangement of bolts. A gasket or sealing member such as an O-ring can be arranged between the two adjacent housing modules 101, 103 for managing tightness between them. The gasket or sealing member can be arranged in a groove that is formed in the base body and / or the first housing module 101. The gasket or sealing member can also extend towards the third housing module 103 and into a further groove that is formed in the third housing module 103. In case the two adjacent housing modules 101, 103 are connected to each other mechanically by means of flanges, the flanges can comprise respectively four holes, wherein each hole comprises an internal thread. The total number of eight holes can be arranged such that respectively two holes are arranged pairwise in an overlapping manner, so that a bolt can be arranged in each pair of holes for tightly connecting the two housing modules 101, 103.

[0036] The embodiment C1 of the first housing module 101 as shown in figure 2b is configured as an inlet module and therefore comprises an inlet opening 106. In addition, the embodiment C1 comprises an air-venting opening 105 for degasing the pumped medium, wherein the degasing eventually can increase the performance of the circulation pump and / or avoid cavitation which might have a negative impact on the pump housing 1 and its materials. Exemplarily, a sensor connection 104 is explicitly hinted to. A sensor, for instance a flow sensor, can be arranged in the sensor connection 104 for measuring a flow rate of the pumped medium. However, there are two other openings and / or connections in the embodiment C2 that are not further designated. One of those openings could serve, for example, as a further inlet or as a safety valve. Other functionalities are conceivable.

[0037] The embodiments B1 and B2 of the third housing module 103 both comprise a further inlet module 106'. However, es can be taken form figure 2b, the respective further inlet openings 106' not only are arranged in different positions and comprise different orientations but the embodiment B2 further comprises electrical / electronical connections. Furthermore, the inlet opening 106' according to the embodiment B2 comprises an external thread. Both embodiments B1, B2 comprise four holes that are arranged in corners of a flange or flange-like structural means. By means of bolts, nuts and the four holes the third housing module 103 can be connected to the second housing module 102.

[0038] Analogously to the third housing module 103, the second housing module 102 comprises two embodiments A1 and A2. The second housing module 102 is configured in both embodiments as outlet modules with an outlet opening 107 respectively. The outlet openings 107 are arranged at similar positions. However, they are configured differently. The outlet opening 107 according to the embodiment A2 comprises a thread. Also, analogously to the third housing module 103, the second housing module 102 comprises four holes. All in all, it becomes obvious from figure 2b that multiple combinations, especially functionality combinations, are possible with the inventive modular pump housing 1.

[0039] Figure 3 schematically and exemplarily illustrates a third embodiment of an inventive modular pump housing 1 comprising two housing modules 101, 102 in a perspective view. The first housing module 101 according to the third embodiment comprises an inlet opening 106 and a further inlet opening 106'.

[0040] Figure 4 schematically and exemplarily illustrates four different embodiments of an inventive modular pump housing 1 in a side view. The four embodiments illustrated in figure 4 are representing the four possible first module orientations compared to the second module (0° or 90° or 180° or 270°). In a foreground of all four embodiments the first housing module 101 can be seen. The second housing module 102 is behind the first housing module 101 and therefore can be seen only partially. The four embodiments of the pump housing 1, more precisely of the second housing module 102, comprise respectively an outlet opening 107 and differ in their respective outlet directions that are illustrated by four dashed arrows.Reference signs

[0041] 1Modular pump housing 101First housing module 102Second housing module 103Third housing module 104Sensor connection 105Air-venting opening 106Inlet opening 106'Further inlet opening 107Outlet opening A1First embodiment of the second housing module A2Second embodiment of the second housing module B1First embodiment of the third housing module B2Second embodiment of the third housing module C1First embodiment of the first housing module C2Second embodiment of the first housing module SConnecting surface

Claims

1. Circulation pump characterized by a modular pump housing (1), wherein the pump housing (1) comprises a first housing module (101) serving a first functionality and a second housing module (102) serving a second functionality, wherein the first housing module (101) and the second housing module (102) are made of a plastic and / or composite material, in particular of a fiber-reinforced plastic.

2. Circulation pump according to claim 1, characterized in that the first housing module (101) and the second housing module (102) are connectable to each other in multiple configurations, especially in multiple orientations of the first housing module (101) relative to the second housing module (102).

3. Circulation pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the circulation pump comprising a third housing module (103) serving a third functionality.

4. Circulation pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the first housing module (101) being configured as an inlet module, having an inlet functionality as at least part of the first functionality, the second housing module (102) being configured as an outlet module, having an outlet functionality as at least part of the second functionality, and the third housing module (103) being configured as at least one out of the following: a valve module (103), especially a three-way valve module (103), having a valve functionality as at least part of the third functionality, a further inlet module having a further inlet functionality as at least part of the third functionality, a filter module having a filter functionality as at least part of the third functionality.

5. Circulation pump according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the third housing module (103) is arranged between the first housing module (101) and the second housing module (102).

6. Circulation pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that -- the first housing module (101) is configured as an inlet module (101) and comprises an inlet connection defining an inlet direction, and -- the second housing module (102) is configured as an outlet module (102) and comprises an outlet connection defining an outlet direction, wherein an angle of 0°, 90°, 180° or 270° is formed between the inlet direction and the outlet direction, wherein especially the inlet direction is parallel to the axis of rotation of the motor of the circulation pump or perpendicular thereto and / or wherein especially the outlet direction is parallel to the axis of rotation of the motor of the circulation pump or perpendicular thereto.

7. Circulation pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multiple housing modules (101, 102, 103) are connected to each other mechanically - for instance by means of a clip connection or an arrangement of bolts - or by means of welding, wherein, in case of a mechanical connection, a gasket is arranged between two adjacent housing modules (101, 102, 103) for managing tightness between the said housing modules (101, 102, 103).

8. Circulation pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the circulation pump comprising a sensor connection (104) for connecting a sensor, especially as part of the first, second or third housing module (101, 102, 103).

9. Circulation pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an outlet adapter (105) for connecting to an outlet module, especially to the second housing module (102), wherein the outlet adapter (105) is connectable to the outlet module mechanically - for instance by means of a clip connection or an arrangement of bolts - or by means of welding.

10. Circulation pump according to claim 9, wherein, in case of a mechanical connection, a gasket is arranged between the outlet module and the outlet adapter (105) for managing tightness between the outlet module and the outlet adapter (105).

11. Circulation pump according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circulation pump comprises at least two housing modules, wherein a sealing element is arranged in a circumferential connection gap between the at least two housing modules, wherein, preferably, the sealing element is at least partially arranged in a groove of at least one of the housing modules.

12. Circulation pump according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two adjacent housing modules respectively comprise holes, especially respectively four holes, wherein each hole comprises an internal thread, wherein holes of the at least two adjacent housing modules are configured pairwise in an overlapping manner, wherein a bolt can be arranged in each pair of holes for tightly connecting the at least two adjacent housing modules.

13. Circulation pump according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized by the circulation pump comprising a sensor connection (104) for connecting a temperature sensor, pressure sensor or flow rate sensor thereto or arranging therein a temperature sensor, pressure sensor or flow rate sensor.

14. Circulation pump according to any of the claims 3 to 13, wherein the third housing module (103) is configured as a valve module, wherein the valve module comprises multiple valve outlets, wherein at least two valve outlets comprise respectively a different outlet direction.

15. Circulation pump according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each housing module (101, 102, 103) is made of an integral single-piece structure fabricated through the technique of plastic injection moulding without lost cores.

16. Pump unit comprising a circulation pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the pump unit additionally comprising a motor housing (2) with an electric motor therein configured to drive the circulation pump and a terminal box (3) with electrical and / or electronical components therein configured to control the operation of the circulation pump based on predetermined parameters.

Images