Water drainage 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 motor of the evacuation pump, said device comprising: A first hollow elongated chimney, called the "pressure chimney", A second hollow elongated 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 if there is a vacuum in the vacuum stack, adopt the inactive configuration if there is no vacuum in the vacuum stack. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 3;

Description

Title of the invention: Device for water drainage technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for the evacuation of water, 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] Generally, pumping stations and sanitary grinders are used to lift wastewater when the urban wastewater pipe is located above the installation point.

[0004] In a manner known per se, 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 controls the starting and stopping of the pump motor of 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 evacuate the water from the tank.

[0006] During water drainage, the water level in the chimney decreases, consequently causing a drop in 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 substantially below the chimney inlet.

[0007] In the absence of such purging, the water remains inside the chimney and gradually rises with repeated use of the macerator pump or the lifting station. This gradual rise of water in the chimney can compromise its seal, causing motor failures.

[0008] Since the electronic board has been in use for years, a 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, the use of an electronic board has disadvantages. Examples include the cost of manufacturing the electronic board, and the reliability of the board, which can be difficult to control.

[0011] Furthermore, for a given product, the aforementioned time delay 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 time delay 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, particularly noise reduction. Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention aims to meet this need, and its objective is a device for water evacuation, such as a sanitary macerator or a lifting station, comprising: - a container 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, known as a "pressure chimney", featuring: • 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 to the first, said distal end being closed so that the rise in the water level in the pressure stack creates an overpressure therein, • A second hollow, elongated chimney, known as the "depression chimney," with a proximal end opening into the tank through which water enters the chimney during the increase in the water level in the tank, the suction chimney being arranged so that a drop in the water level in the suction chimney during the drainage of water from the tank creates a suction in said chimney, • a motor actuation element connected to the first and second chimneys and having two configurations: • an inactive configuration in which the engine is stopped • an active configuration in which the element is activated 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 below the threshold value: • maintain the active configuration in case of negative pressure in the negative pressure stack, • adopt the inactive configuration in case of no depression in the depression stack.

[0014] The arrival of water in the tank causes the water level to rise in the pressure and vacuum stacks. An overpressure is then created in the pressure stack due to the compression of the air within it. When the pressure in the pressure stack reaches the threshold value, the actuator adopts the active configuration, thus triggering the start of the drainage pump motor. During the drainage of the water by the drainage pump, the water level drops in the pressure and vacuum stacks. This causes a decrease in pressure in the pressure stack. Simultaneously, a vacuum is created in the vacuum stack. This vacuum is then transmitted to the actuator, allowing it to remain in the active configuration even when the pressure falls below the threshold value. Therefore, the water drainage continues until the pressure stack is purged.This arrangement allows the pressure stack to be purged without the need for an electronic circuit board.

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

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

[0017] The “flue purge”, corresponding to the situation in which the water is outside the flue, at a substantially non-zero distance from its proximal end.

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

[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 smaller than the distance between the proximal end of the pressure stack.

[0020] This allows the depression 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 the latter, greater than the pressure stack.

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

[0025] Said length may be between 100 and 250mm.

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

[0027] Preferably, the vacuum stack comprises:

[0028] - a distal end, opposite the proximal end, arranged to allow the exhaust of air, and

[0029] - a movable valve between a first opening position of the distal end allowing air to escape when water rises in the suction stack and a second sealing position at the distal end preventing air from escaping when water is evacuated.

[0030] Preferably, the valve is arranged so that a drop in the water level in the depression chimney causes the valve to move from its open position to its closed position so as to create said depression.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Preferably, the actuation element comprises a two-way pressure switch, the first channel being connected to the pressure stack, in particular by means of a first pipe, and the second channel 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 element actuation in inactive configuration and a distorted position when the actuation element is in active configuration.

[0033] Preferably, the elastically deformable membrane is arranged so that the rise of water in the pressure chimney causes the elastically deformable membrane to deform from its rest position to its deformed position.

[0034] Preferably, the elastically deformable membrane is further arranged so that the depression in the depression chimney keeps the membrane in a deformed position.

[0035] Preferably, the membrane is arranged so that the depression in the depression chimney causes the deformation of said membrane.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Preferably, the head is provided with a peripheral lip allowing a tight closure of the distal end of the vacuum chimney.

[0038] Preferably, the skirt is mobile by translation along the longitudinal axis of the depression chimney.

[0039] Preferably, the skirt and the depression chimney are coaxial.

[0040] Preferably, the skirt is arranged so that its outer surface is in contact with the inner wall of the depression chimney.

[0041] Advantageously, the control device is devoid of an electronic board.

[0042] Preferably, the disposal device is a sanitary macerator.

[0043] Preferably, the evacuation device is a pumping station. Brief description of the figures

[0044] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will clearly explain what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented. In the accompanying figures:

[0045] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a top view of a water drainage device according to the invention;

[0046] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] partially represents a cross-section of the device of the [Fig.1];

[0047] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a detail of a control device of the evacuation device of the [Fig.1], in cross section;

[0048] [Fig.4a] Fig.4a is a side view of an actuation element according to the invention.

[0049] [Fig.4b] The [Fig.4b] is a cross-section of the element of the [Fig.4a];

[0050] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is viewed similarly to the [Fig.3] upon arrival of water;

[0051] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is viewed similarly to the [Fig.5] during water drainage;

[0052] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] is a view similar to the [Fig.6] illustrating the depression in the depression chimney device of the [Fig.1];

[0053] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a view similar to the [Fig.7] illustrating the purging of the pressure stack;

[0054] [Fig.9a] The [Fig.9a] is a detail of the vacuum chimney in which the valve is in the open position;

[0055] [Fig.9b] The [Fig.9b] is a detail of the vacuum chimney in which the valve is in the closed position;

[0056] [Fig. 10a] Fig. 10a is a cross-section of the evacuation device according to the invention; and

[0057] [Fig. 10b] The [Fig. 10b] is a detail of the [Fig. 10a]. Description of method(s) of implementation

[0058] In the figures, and unless otherwise specified, identical elements shall bear the same reference symbols.

[0059] Figures 1 to 3 show an example of a device for the evacuation of water E according to the invention. In the illustrated example, the evacuation device is a sanitary macerator.

[0060] As illustrated, the sanitary macerator 10 includes a tank 12, an inlet 14 for connection to a toilet bowl for example, the latter receiving wastewater E from the toilet, a pipe 16 for the evacuation of water outside the tank and an evacuation pump 20.

[0061] In the example illustrated in [Fig.2], the evacuation pump 20 comprises a turbine 24, and an electric motor 30 driving said turbine 24. The motor 30 comprises: - a casing 31; - a stator 34 housed inside the casing 31 and rotating around a rotation shaft 33; - a stator 32 housed inside the casing 31.

[0062] The turbine 34 is mounted on the rotating shaft 33. It thus has an axis of rotation coinciding with the rotation shaft 33 of the motor 30.

[0063] The sanitary macerator 10 further includes a control device 40 for the motor 30. This control device 40 is located within the bin 12, as illustrated.

[0064] 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 in [Fig. 4b], the pressure switch 54 is a two-way pressure switch 54a and 54b. The pressure switch 54 includes an elastically deformable diaphragm 56 and a rod 58 arranged such that a deformation of the diaphragm 56 causes the vertical displacement of the rod 58 to activate 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 engine is stopped • an active configuration in which the element is activated to trigger the motor.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The first chimney 42, referred to as the "pressure chimney" hereafter, has 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 10b. The 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 an overpressure in the pressure chimney 42. This pressure drop is communicated to the pressure switch 54 via the pipe 42d. Also, from a predefined pressure value, the diaphragm 56 deforms, causing the vertical displacement of the rod 58 to trigger the microswitch 52.

[0067] The second chimney 44, referred to as the "depression chimney" in the following, has 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 particular in [Fig.5].

[0068] 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.

[0069] As can be seen in particular in Figures 10a and 10b, the vacuum stack 44 further comprises 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 when water rises in the vacuum stack 44, as shown in Figures 5 and 9a, the air escape being represented by arrows D, and a second closed position of said distal end 44b preventing air escape and inflow during water discharge, as seen in [Fig. 9b]. In this second position, the valve 46 is arranged to seal the distal end 44b tightly so as to prevent air from entering or escaping. For this purpose, the valve 46 has a head 46b arranged at level of the distal end 44b, provided with a peripheral sealing lip 46c sealing lip.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 makes it possible to maintain the deformation of the diaphragm and consequently the active configuration of the actuation element.

[0072] 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.

[0073] In the illustrated example, the skirt 46a and the vacuum chimney 44 are coaxial. The outer surface of the skirt is in contact with the inner wall of the vacuum chimney 44.

[0074] We will now describe the operation of the control device 40 according to the invention.

[0075] The influx of water 14 into the tank 12 causes water to rise in the pressure stack 42, as illustrated in [Fig. 5] by arrows A. An overpressure is then created in the stack 42 in response to the air compression. The pressure in the stack 42 is communicated to the pressure switch via the pipe 42d. When the pressure in said stack 42 reaches the threshold value, the actuating element assumes its active configuration, thus starting the motor 30. Starting the motor causes the water to be discharged through the discharge pipe 16, as illustrated in [Fig. 7] by arrows B. The drop in the water level in the vacuum stack resulting from this discharge causes the valve 46 to move from its open position to its closed position, which creates a vacuum within the vacuum stack 44.This negative pressure 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 actuating element is maintained, allowing the water to continue draining. The water level in the pressure stack then continues to decrease until the stack is purged, as shown in [Fig. 8]. When the water level is below the proximal ends 42a and 44a, air can again enter stacks 42 and 44, as illustrated by arrows C. The negative pressure is then released, causing the diaphragm to return to its rest position. As a result, the actuating element returns to its inactive configuration, thus stopping the motor 30.

[0076] The invention is not limited to the example just described.

[0077] The evacuation device may correspond to a pumping station.

Claims

1. Demands Device for water evacuation (E), such as a sanitary macerator or a lifting station, comprising: - A container (12) intended to receive water (E) to be drained, - At least one water evacuation pump (20) equipped of an engine (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 the "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 increases; and • a distal end (42b) opposite the first, said distal end being closed so that the rise in the water level in the pressure stack creates an overpressure in the latter, • A second hollow, elongated chimney (44), called a "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 depression chimney (44) being arranged so that a drop in the water level in the depression chimney (44) during the drainage of water from the tank (12) creates a depression in said chimney, • an actuation 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 inactive configuration and if the pressure in the pressure channel is greater than a predetermined threshold value: adopt the active configuration; • if it is in active configuration and if the pressure in the pressure channel is less than the threshold value: • maintain the active configuration in case of the presence of a vacuum in the vacuum channel (44), • adopt the inactive configuration in case of the absence of a vacuum in the vacuum channel (44).

2. Device according to the preceding claim, the control device being devoid of 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 air to escape, and - a movable valve (46) between a first open position of the distal end (44b) allowing air to escape when water rises in the vacuum chimney (44) and a second closed position of the distal end (44) preventing air from escaping 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. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, the actuating element (50) comprising a two-way (54a-b) pressure switch (54), the first way (54a) being connected to the chimney of pressure (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 actuating element (50) in inactive configuration and a deformed position when the actuating 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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