Modular condensate removal system, modules and corresponding assembly and maintenance method
The modular condensate removal system addresses the limitations of current systems by allowing flexible assembly and maintenance configurations, reducing complexity and costs, and enhancing adaptability and scalability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2021008340
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-07-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Current condensate lifting systems in air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating systems are limited by their rigid design, leading to increased production and storage complexities, as well as high maintenance costs due to the need for diverse types of systems and components.
A modular condensate removal system comprising three independent modules: a pumping module, a detection module, and a control module, which can be assembled in various configurations (aligned, bi-block, monobloc) to adapt to different installation environments, allowing for partial maintenance and simplified stock management.
The modular approach simplifies installation and maintenance, reduces production time and costs, and enhances scalability by allowing modules to be upgraded independently, thus improving adaptability and reducing inventory needs.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Modular condensate removal system, modules and corresponding assembly and maintenance method 1. Technical field of the invention
[0001] The field of the invention is that of the lifting of condensates, implemented in systems producing condensates, in particular air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, ventilation systems or heating systems.
[0002] The invention relates more particularly to the optimization of the assembly and installation of condensate lifting means in such systems. 2. Technological background
[0003] The use of condensate lifting pumps is a well-known technique in many applications, including air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, ventilation systems, heating systems, etc. The applicant, in particular, develops and markets various devices adapted to all situations and all needs.
[0004] In these different applications, a condensate lifting system is used to detect, suck up and discharge the condensates towards a wastewater outlet.
[0005] Such a system therefore essentially comprises a pump, electronics for controlling it and a water level detector in a tank, generally included in a plastic shell to form a unit of reduced size and often of a shape adapted to a particular use. It is in fact generally desired that the size of the lifting system be reduced and adapted to the environment.
[0006] Thus, as illustrated in [Fig.l], it is conventional to install a lifting device 11 in an elbow 12, in which sheaths and pipes also circulate. The shape of the device is specifically adapted to that of the elbow, for efficient installation. This approach is interesting, but restricts the use of the device to particular applications. For example, the volume of the device may make it impossible to install it elsewhere than in an elbow, the height available for installation being insufficient. The volume of such devices is therefore a disadvantage in certain implementations.
[0007] Consequently, this approach requires developing a range of significant products, depending on the space available, pumping capacities, etc.
[0008] This approach allows for seemingly simple maintenance, since in the event of a fault, it is sufficient to replace the device. This is, however, expensive, and it is not possible, for example, to replace only a faulty detector.
[0009] It has sometimes been proposed, for certain installations, to place the detector at a distance from the pump, with a wired connection between the detector and the pump electronics. These lifting systems are thus suitable for installations other than in an elbow.
[0010] This however leads to the design of specific systems, and therefore to a multiplication of the types of lifting systems, depending on the shapes, possible installations, desired powers or flow rates... This obviously introduces production and storage complexities for manufacturers, distributors and installers.
[0011] In particular, a disadvantage of the current approach is the lack of optimization of maintenance. Currently, the craftsman carrying out the installation and maintenance of such installations must have as diverse a range as possible of the different types of systems that may exist on the market in order to adapt to each installation / maintenance configuration. This represents a significant cost and storage volume, as well as a loss of time for the craftsman.
[0012] From the industrialization point of view, current solutions induce a multiplication of references and therefore complex stock management (each configuration having its own electronic card, its own case, its own packaging, etc.), a significant production time, as well as a difficulty in evolving the product since any evolution of a part of it induces a reorganization of the entire production chain.
[0013] There is therefore a need to simplify the industrialization, installation and maintenance of condensate lifting systems. 3. Summary of the invention
[0014] The present invention aims to address at least some of these problems of the prior art.
[0015] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved using a condensate lifting system comprising at least three independent modules: • a pumping module, comprising a pump; • a detection module, including a condensate receiving tank and a detector capable of detecting at least two levels of condensate in said tank; and • a control module, comprising electronic means controlling said pump according to said condensate levels; and
[0016] each of said modules comprising means of hydraulic and / or electrical connection with at least one other module, and at least two of said modules comprising means of reversible connection to each other,
[0017] so that said at least three modules can be associated according to at least two (preferably all three) of the configurations belonging to the group comprising: - an aligned configuration, in which said modules are mounted separately from each other; - a so-called bi-block configuration, in which two of said modules are secured to each other; or - a so-called monobloc configuration, in which said pumping module, said detection module and said control module are secured to each other.
[0018] Thus, the invention is based on a modular approach making it possible to facilitate installation by offering assembly versatility from three basic modules. From three modules, it is possible to implement different configurations.
[0019] This also allows for optimization of maintenance which may only be partial (change of a single module and not the complete product).
[0020] Furthermore, from an industrialization point of view, this makes it possible to reduce the number of references by pooling components, and to reduce production time by eliminating certain assembly phases which are postponed to the end customer.
[0021] The craftsman only needs to have the three basic modules to install or maintain any configuration of the system. This therefore reduces his inventory and purchasing costs.
[0022] In addition, this allows for increased scalability of the product. Indeed, a module can then be declined in several versions. For example, the electronic part can be more or less intelligent. Thus, by changing only one module, the overall product can be transformed according to needs. In this case, the craftsman can, for example, have two or three separate control modules to be able to implement a wide range of installation combinations.
[0023] Furthermore, the use of three small modules linked together flexibly (cables, pipes) allows for numerous installations and adaptations, particularly in highly constrained environments, compared to a single product in a rigid housing.
[0024] For the manufacturer, this allows for simplified stock management since there are only three modules (or series of modules), identical for all system configurations. In addition, upgrading the system becomes easier, since the upgrade of one of the modules does not impact the manufacturing of the others.
[0025] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, at least a first of said modules has a housing configured to assemble with a housing of a second of said modules, so as to secure said first and second modules.
[0026] Thus, the joining of these boxes makes it possible to obtain a first type of assembly and therefore a first configuration of the system. This joining also allows a gain in volume of the system, and facilitates the hydraulic and / or electrical connections.
[0027] This joining is preferably reversible, and can be carried out, both for joining and for detaching, without tools.
[0028] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said housings have shapes suitable for nesting, for example by respectively having a contained dovetail tenon and a containing dovetail groove. Of course, many other means and shapes can be envisaged, to allow simple and effective joining, using means allowing nesting (pins, clips, etc.) or another method of joining (magnets, Velcro®, etc.).
[0029] Thus, the assembly is simple and quick to implement, and industrialization as well.
[0030] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said first and second modules are said control module and said pumping module.
[0031] Thus, it is possible to group these two modules together if necessary, the detection module being remote. This improves the adaptability of the system to different installation configurations.
[0032] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said system comprises a removable securing part making it possible to secure said detection module and said pumping module and / or said control module together.
[0033] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said securing part comprises a plate having on the one hand means for attaching to said detection module and on the other hand means for attaching to said pumping module or to said control module.
[0034] This approach has the advantage of allowing the invention to be implemented in a simple manner, in particular with pre-existing housings. It is also possible for the plate, or equivalent means, to be directly integrated into the housing.
[0035] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said securing part allows said pumping module and / or said control module to be mounted in a vertical position.
[0036] This makes it possible in particular to obtain a system similar to the single-block device of the prior art, previously presented, and for example an installation in an elbow. In this particular case, the plate and the housings are organized so as to take place in the elbow, taking into account the specific constraints of the latter (internal walls, guides, holding elements, etc.). Consequently, this improves the adaptability of the system to different installation configurations.
[0037] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said securing part has at least one portion for guiding and / or clamping at least one of said connection means.
[0038] This makes it easier to install and improves the maintenance of the system during installation and after installation.
[0039] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said guiding and / or clamping portion comprises a housing for receiving a clip for holding a tube.
[0040] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of said modules has a housing in which a housing is formed for receiving, at least in part, and / or guiding, an electric cable and / or a tube.
[0041] Thus, this allows space saving and optimization of the volume of the system, allowing it to adapt to all installation configurations, the cables or tubes being able to be housed in whole or in part in the equivalent parallelepiped volume of the housing, and not circulate along it. In other words, it is sufficient that the available space corresponds to the equivalent volume of the housing, to allow installation.
[0042] Furthermore, this facilitates installation, the location of the cables and tubes being defined, or at least suggested.
[0043] Thus, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, one of the modules, for example said pumping module, comprises at least one groove capable of receiving an electrical cable connecting said detection module to said control module.
[0044] Similarly, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, one of said modules, for example said control module, comprises at least one housing capable of receiving a tube connecting said detection module to said pumping module.
[0045] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said pumping module comprises an oscillating piston pump.
[0046] Other types of pumps can of course be implemented. The pumping module can also include, in particular, thermal protection and the connection to the control module.
[0047] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said detection module comprises at least one sensor belonging to the group comprising: - float sensors; - capacitive sensors; - resistive sensors; - optical sensors.
[0048] The various particular characteristics listed above can of course be combined with each other, in all possible combinations.
[0049] The invention also relates to each of the modules itself, and in particular: - a pumping module for a condensate lifting system as described above, comprising a pump and means for reversible connection with said detection module and / or said control module; - a detection module for a condensate lifting system according to one of the preceding implementations, comprising a condensate receiving tank and a detector capable of detecting at least two levels of condensate in said tank, and means of reversible connection with said pumping module and / or said control module; - a control module for a condensate lifting system according to one of the preceding implementations, comprising electronic means controlling said pump as a function of said condensate levels and means of reversible connection with said pumping module and / or said control module.
[0050] The invention also relates to a method for mounting and / or maintaining a condensate lifting system according to one of the preceding implementations, comprising the following steps: - obtaining said at least three modules, separated from each other; - assembly of said at least three modules can be associated according to at least two of the configurations belonging to the group comprising: • an aligned configuration, in which said modules are mounted separated from each other and aligned substantially horizontally; • a so-called bi-block configuration, in which two of said modules are secured to each other; or • a so-called monobloc configuration, in which said pumping module, said detection module and said control module are secured to each other,
[0051] depending on the available space and / or the configuration of an installation receiving said condensate lifting system.
[0052] Thus, the invention makes it possible to obtain different configurations of the system, allowing it to adapt to any type of installation environment using one or other of the configurations, from the three available modules.
[0053] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said method comprises a step of replacing and / or intervening on a single one of said modules.
[0054] Thus, the maintenance of the system is simpler and less expensive since it is enough to change a single module and not the entire system. It is also possible to upgrade the installation, by replacing one of the modules, for example the control module with a more efficient version, without replacing the entire system.
[0055] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, in said monobloc configuration, said modules are assembled so as to be able to be housed in particular in an elbow mounted on one side of a wall-mounted air conditioner.
[0056] Thus, the system is extremely compact and adapts to a particular type of installation configuration. With the same modules, it is possible to meet the specific constraints of these elbows, which generally require a specific model, while meeting the constraints of other situations, for example when the available space extends over a low height (aligned configuration). 4. List of figures
[0057] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description given solely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, and which refers to the appended figures, in which: • [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a three-dimensional view of a single-unit condensate lifting system of the prior art, described previously, • [Fig.2A] [Fig.2B] [Fig.2C] [Fig.2D] Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are four three-dimensional views of a pumping module according to a particular embodiment of the invention, the housing being fictitiously transparent in Figures 2B and 2C. [Fig.2D] is a three-dimensional view of a pumping module whose housing has a containing dovetail groove according to a particular embodiment of the invention, • [Fig.3A] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3C] Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are three three-dimensional views of a pumping module, the housing of which has two grooves for receiving and guiding an electric cable, according to different embodiments of the invention, Figures 3B and 3C showing installation configurations in which the grooves are used to integrate an electric cable, • [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a three-dimensional view of a detection module, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, • [Fig.5A] [Fig.5B] [Fig.5C] Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are three three-dimensional views of a control module, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, [Fig.5A] representing a transparent view, [Fig.5B] an opaque view, and [Fig.5C] an exploded view of the control module, • [Fig.ôA] [Fig.ôB] [Fig.ôC] Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are three three-dimensional views of a condensate removal system according to a particular embodiment of the invention in which the system is in an aligned configuration, [Fig.ôC] represents a mode of integration of the system in an air conditioner, • [Fig.7A] [Fig.7B] [Fig.7C] Figures 7A, 6B and 7C are three three-dimensional views of a condensate lifting system according to a particular embodiment of the invention in which the system is in a two-block configuration, [Fig.7A] representing a method of assembling the control and pumping modules using a dovetail shape, • [Fig.8A] [Fig.8B] [Fig.8C] [Fig.8D] [Fig.8E] figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D and 8E represent five three-dimensional views of a condensate lifting system according to a particular embodiment of the invention in which the system is in a single-piece configuration and using a shaped hose, • [Fig.9A] [Fig.9B] [Fig.9C] Figures 9A, 9B, 9C represent three three-dimensional views of a condensate lifting system according to a particular embodiment of the invention, in which the system is in a single-block configuration, and implementing a securing part, • [Fig.lOA] [Fig.lOB] Figures 10A and 10B are an implementation of the system of [Fig.8A] in an elbow mounted on one side of a wall-mounted air conditioner, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, • [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a flowchart showing the steps of installation and maintenance of a condensate lifting system according to a particular embodiment of the invention, • [Fig.l2A] [Fig.l2B] [Fig.l2C] Figures 12A, 12B and 12C are three three-dimensional views of three condensate lifting systems according to three particular embodiments of the invention in which the system is: in a monobloc configuration ([Fig.l2A]), in a bi-bloc configuration ([Fig.l2B]), and in an aligned configuration ([Fig.l2C]).
[0058] 5. Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention
[0059] 5.7 General principle
[0060] The general principle of the invention is based on a modular approach to condensate lifting systems according to which it is possible to obtain at least the pumping, control and detection functions in at least three separate distinct modules, connected to each other via hydraulic and / or electrical connections. These three modules are designed to be assembled together, thus making it possible to create at least two mounting configurations used in the trade.
[0061] The condensate lifting system of the invention is therefore made up of at least three modules: - a pumping module (20) comprising in particular a pump (23) (figures 2A to 2D); - a detection module (40) consisting of a reservoir (42) and a detector (41) capable of detecting at least two levels of condensate in the reservoir ([Fig.4]); - a control module (50) allowing the pump to be controlled according to the condensate levels (figures 5A to 5C).
[0062] In the described embodiment, three distinct mounting configurations can be implemented according to the invention: - an aligned configuration (figures 6A to 6B), each module being mounted separately and aligned substantially horizontally; - a two-block configuration (figures 7A to 7C), two modules being joined together; - a single-block configuration (figures 8A to 8E), all of the modules being secured to each other.
[0063] The modules can be assembled using various reversible joining means: assembly by interlocking (elastic interlocking, sliding tenon, etc.), using fastener(s), screws, pin(s), using additional joining part(s) (for example, a plate with attachment means), etc.
[0064] All the modules are optimized to obtain minimum dimensions and maximum flexibility, allowing adaptation to the shapes and constraints of each installation environment, using only three modules. This optimization can be achieved in particular by the implementation of suitable overmolding, by the integration / embedding of the tubes and / or cables in the module housings using recess(es) (notch(s), groove(s), etc.).
[0065] 5.2 Pumping module (figures 2A to 3C)
[0066] According to the illustrated implementation, the pumping module (20) is composed of a pump (23), which may be an oscillating piston pump, thermal protection and connection to other modules. In a particular implementation, the connection means may be: - an electrical connection to the control module; and - two hydraulic connections (211,212): one to a detection module (40) (more precisely towards a reservoir (42) of this module) and the other towards the outside of the system.
[0067] In this particular embodiment, the pumping module is overmolded with its PCB and a removable connector (shown in [Fig.2A]) or a wired connector solution for powering it. The overmolding (22) thus makes it possible to reduce the size of the pumping module (20) to a minimum.
[0068] Furthermore, in this particular embodiment, the overmolding is adapted to allow the assembly of the pumping module with a second module. [Fig.2D] represents an embodiment in which the shape (24) is a containing dovetail. In other embodiments, this assembly means may be in the form of magnets, elastic interlocking, screws, etc.
[0069] Finally, in this particular embodiment, the overmolding is also equipped with recess(es) allowing a cable (connection means between the modules or even a power cable, etc.) and / or a pipe to be embedded. This makes it possible to minimize the dimensions of the system after assembly. Examples of grooves and assembly configurations are illustrated in Figures 3B and 3C, in which the housing of the pumping module has two grooves (31, 32) allowing the electrical cable (61, 81) connecting the detection module (40) to the control module (50) to be received.
[0070] 5.3 Detection module ([Fig.4])
[0071] The detection module (40) consists of a tank (42) and a detector (41) capable of detecting at least two levels of condensate in the tank. In this particular embodiment, this module is connected via a hydraulic connection (64, 84, 91) to the pumping module (20) and via an electrical connection (61, 81) to the control module (50). This module makes it possible to detect the presence of water, which makes it possible to activate the pump. The detection can be carried out with any type of technology such as float detection, capacitive detection, resistive detection, optical detection, etc.
[0072] 5.4 Control module (figures 5A to 5C)
[0073] The control module (50) communicates with the other two modules. In this particular embodiment, this communication is carried out via electrical cables (61, 62, 81, 82). This module makes it possible to control the pump according to the condensate levels detected by the detection module.
[0074] In a particular embodiment, the control module (50) consists of a two-part plastic shell (52, 54) in which an electronic card (53) is mounted, equipped with a connector for connecting / controlling the pump (62, 82) and the detector (61, 81). Figures 5A to 5C represent an implementation of this module.
[0075] In a particular embodiment, this module can be intelligent and communicate with other modules or even with a central unit.
[0076] In a particular embodiment, the housing of this module is equipped with a shape allowing assembly with another module. [Fig.5B] represents an embodiment in which the shape (51) is contained dovetail and allows assembly with the pumping module (20). In another embodiment, this assembly means can be in the form of magnets, elastic interlocking, screws, etc.
[0077] In this particular embodiment, the housing (52, 54) of the control module (50) has a housing (55) capable of receiving a tube (65), connecting the reservoir (42) of the detection module (40) to the pumping module (20).
[0078] 5.5 Aligned Configuration (Figures 6A to 6C)
[0079] In the so-called aligned configuration, the control module (50), the pumping module (20) and the detection module (40) are separated and substantially aligned so that the assembly can, for example, be mounted directly in the lower part of a wall-mounted air conditioner, the useful height of which is restricted ([Fig.6C]). Connection means connect each of the modules (61, 62, 64).
[0080] In this particular embodiment, the modules are arranged as illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, in a substantially horizontal alignment. It is of course possible for this alignment to be vertical or in another direction, or even for the modules not to be aligned, but only spaced apart from each other. The detection module (20) is connected by a first electrical cable (61) to the control module (50), this first electrical cable being embedded in a notch (31, 32) of the pumping module (20). The control module (50) is connected by a second electrical cable (62) to the pumping module (20). The entire system is powered by a third electrical cable (63) connected to the control module (50).The pumping module (20) is connected by a first pipe (64) to the reservoir (42) of the detection module (40) and finally, a second pipe (65) allows the condensates extracted from the reservoir (42) to be evacuated to the outside of the system, this second pipe being housed in the control module (50, 55).
[0081] 5.6 Bi-block configuration (figures 7A to 7C)
[0082] In the two-block configuration, two of the modules are assembled while the others remain separate, all the modules are connected by connection means (61, 62, 64).
[0083] In this particular embodiment, illustrated by [Fig.7A], the pumping module (20) and the control module (50) are assembled together using a dovetail-shaped fitting (24, 51), while the detection module (40) is offset. This configuration can be used, for example, when the pumping module (20) is mounted in a false ceiling while the detection module (40) is inserted into an air conditioner.
[0084] In this embodiment, the different modules are connected by electrical cables (61, 62) and pipes (64) in a similar manner to the previous configuration.
[0085] 5.7 Monobloc configuration (figures 8A to 10B)
[0086] The one-piece configuration allows the pumping module (20), the control module (50) and the detection module (40) to be assembled to form a one-piece product.
[0087] In this embodiment, this is enabled by a removable securing part (92). The removable securing part allows the pumping module (20) and / or the control module (50) to be mounted in a vertical position. In one embodiment, the securing part (92) has a guiding and / or clamping function (922) ensuring that at least one connection means is held in place.
[0088] In this particular embodiment, the connection between the block (20-50) formed by the pumping module and control module and the detection module (40) is made possible by the use of a shaped hose (84) (figures 8A to 8E); this shaped hose here has a platform making it possible to support the pumping / control block (20-50) and to connect the assembly to the third module (detection, 40).
[0089] In another embodiment, the connection between the block (20-50), formed by the pumping module and the control module, and the detection module (40) is enabled by a plate (92) (Figures 9A to 9C). In this embodiment, a PVC tube (91) can replace the shaped hose. The plate (92) makes the assembly rigid and robust using attachment means (921, 922) to the detection module (40) and to the pumping module (20) or even to the control module (50). In a particular embodiment, the plate can directly integrate the hose. It can also integrate an electrical connection system to simplify the connection. In a particular embodiment, the plate has a clamping function (of the clip type (923)) of the pipe (91) guaranteeing optimal support of the pipe without adding a clamp.
[0090] The modules are arranged as illustrated in [Fig.8A]. The detection module (40) is connected by a first electrical cable (81) to the control module (50), this first electrical cable being embedded in two notches (31, 32) of the pumping module (20). The control module (50) is connected by a second electrical cable (82) to the pumping module. The entire system is powered by a third electrical cable (83) connected to the control module (50). The pumping module (20) is connected by a first pipe (84) to the tank (42) of the detection module (40) and finally, a second pipe (85) makes it possible to evacuate the condensates extracted from the tank (42) to the outside of the system.
[0091] Such a configuration can be used and inserted into an elbow (11) mounted on the side of a wall-mounted air conditioner ([Fig.10A] and 10B) or even on a wall or simply suspended.
[0092] 5.8 Installation and maintenance process
[0093] The installation method of the system described above is illustrated by [Fig.l 1]. Thus, the method requires, in a first step, obtaining the three modules (Ml, M2 and M3). In a second step, depending on the desired configuration, it is possible either to directly install the modules after connection to obtain the aligned configuration C1, or to assemble the modules M1 and M2. Once assembled, the modules M1 and M2 can either be connected to form the bi-block configuration C2, or assembled with the module M3 and then connected to form the monoblock configuration C3. Of course, the modules can remain separate, for aligned installation.
[0094] In the event of a system failure, it is necessary to carry out maintenance on the system. [Fig. 11] also illustrates this aspect. Thus, during a system maintenance operation, the module(s) affected by the technical problem are identified, then it is sufficient to replace it, whatever the configuration (C1, C2, C3) to obtain a system that is operational again. This approach is simple, effective and inexpensive to implement, whether economically or ecologically. Indeed, it is sufficient to replace only the faulty module (and not the entire system) during maintenance and any fixing means are reversible, thus facilitating the changing of modules.
[0095] In a particular embodiment, due to an eco-design based on the use of recyclable plastics, the product can be part of an eco-responsible logic.
Claims
Claims
1. Condensate lifting system characterized in that it comprises at least three independent modules: - a pumping module (20), comprising a pump; - a detection module (40), comprising a condensate receiving tank (42) and a detector (41) capable of detecting at least two levels of condensate in said tank; and - a control module (50), comprising electronic means controlling said pump as a function of said condensate levels;and each of said modules comprising hydraulic (64, 65, 84, 85) and / or electrical (61, 62, 63, 81, 82, 83) connection means with at least one other module, and in that at least two of said modules comprise reversible securing means (24, 51, 92, 921, 922, 923) to each other, so that said at least three modules can be associated according to at least two of the configurations belonging to the group comprising: - an aligned configuration, in which said modules are mounted separately from each other; - a so-called bi-block configuration, in which two of said modules are secured to each other; or - a so-called monoblock configuration, in which said pumping module (20), said detection module (40) and said control module (50) are secured to each other.;
2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a first of said modules has a housing configured to assemble with a housing of a second of said modules, so as to secure said first and second modules.
3. System according to claim 2, characterized in that said housings have shapes suitable for nesting, for example by respectively having a contained dovetail tenon (51) and a containing dovetail groove (24).
4. System according to claim 2, characterized in that said first and second modules are said pumping module (20) and said control module (50).
5. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a removable securing part (92) making it possible to secure said detection module (40) and said pumping module (20) and / or said control module (50) together.
6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that said securing part (92) comprises a plate having on the one hand means (922) for attaching to said detection module (40) and on the other hand means (921) for attaching to said pumping module (20) or to said control module (50).
7. System according to claim 5, characterized in that said securing part (92) allows said pumping module (20) and / or said control module (50) to be mounted in a vertical position.
8. System according to claim 5, characterized in that said securing part (92) has a hose (91) and / or at least one portion for guiding and / or clamping at least one of said hydraulic and / or electrical connection means (91).
9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that said guiding and / or clamping portion comprises a housing for receiving a clip (923) for holding a tube.
10. 10. System according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of said modules has a housing in which is formed a housing (31, 32, 55) making it possible to receive, at least in part, and / or to guide, an electric cable and / or a tube.
11. System according to claim 10, characterized in that said pumping module (20) comprises at least one groove (31, 32) capable of receiving an electric cable.
12. System according to claim 10, characterized in that said control module (50) comprises at least one housing (55) capable of receiving a tube connecting said detection module (40) to said pumping module (20).
13. System according to claim 1, characterized in that said pumping module (20) comprises an oscillating piston pump.
14. System according to claim 1, characterized in that said detection module (40) comprises at least one sensor belonging to the group comprising: - float sensors; - capacitive sensors; - resistive sensors; - optical sensors.
15. Pumping module (20) for a condensate lifting system, said pumping module comprising a pump, and comprising hydraulic and / or electrical connection means with at least one other module belonging to the group comprising: - a detection module, comprising a condensate receiving tank and a detector capable of detecting at least two levels of condensate in said tank; and - a control module, comprising electronic means controlling said pump according to said condensate levels; and reversible securing means (24) with said detection module (40) and / or said control module (50) adapted so that said pumping module can be associated with said detection module and said control module according to at least two of the configurations belonging to the group comprising: - an aligned configuration, in which said modules are mounted separately from each other; - a so-called bi-block configuration, in which two of said modules are secured to each other; or - a so-called monobloc configuration, in which said pumping module, said detection module and said control module are secured to each other.
16. Detection module (40) for a condensate lifting system, comprising a condensate receiving tank (42) and a detector (41) capable of detecting at least two levels of condensate in said tank (42), and comprising hydraulic and / or electrical connection means with at least one other module belonging to the group comprising: - a pumping module, comprising a pump; and - a control module, comprising means electronics controlling said pump according to said condensate levels; and means for reversible connection with said pumping module (20) and / or said control module (50), adapted so that said detection module can be associated with said pumping module and said control module according to at least two of the configurations belonging to the group comprising: - an aligned configuration, in which said modules are mounted separately from each other; - a so-called bi-block configuration, in which two of said modules are secured to each other; or - a so-called monobloc configuration, in which said pumping module, said detection module and said control module are secured to each other.
17. Control module (50) for a condensate lifting system, comprising electronic means (53) controlling said pump (20) at least as a function of said condensate levels and comprising hydraulic and / or electrical connection means with at least one other module belonging to the group comprising: - a pumping module, comprising a pump; and - a detection module, comprising a reservoir of condensate reception and a detector capable of detecting at least two levels of condensate in said tank; and reversible securing means (51) with said pumping module (20) and / or said control module (40), adapted so that said control module can be associated with said pumping module and said detection module according to at least two of the configurations belonging to the group comprising: - an aligned configuration, in which said modules are mounted separately from each other; - a so-called bi-block configuration, in which two of said modules are secured to each other; or - a so-called monobloc configuration, in which said pumping module, said detection module and said control module are secured to each other.
18. Method for mounting and / or maintaining a condensate lifting system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - obtaining said at least three modules, separated from each other; - assembling said at least three modules according to at least two of the configurations belonging to the group comprising: • an aligned configuration, in which said modules are mounted separated from each other and aligned substantially horizontally; • a so-called bi-block configuration, in which two of said modules are secured to each other; or • a so-called monoblock configuration, in which said pumping module (20), said detection module (40) and said control module (50) are secured to each other, depending on the space available and / or the configuration of an installation receiving said condensate lifting system
19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that it comprises a step of replacing and / or intervening on a single one of said modules.
20. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that, in said monobloc configuration, said modules are assembled so as to be able to be housed in particular in an elbow mounted on one side of a wall-mounted air conditioner.