Adjustable pump

Abstract

An adjustable pump (1) having a body (2) with a suction port (3) and a discharge port (4), the suction port being provided with an extension tube (5) axially movable relative to the suction port, and the discharge port also being provided with an extension tube axially movable relative to the discharge port. The suction port and the discharge port are provided with retaining means (6), adapted to retain the corresponding extension tube in a leak-proof manner, and each extension tube being further provided with end retaining means (7), adapted to retain a pipe (8a, 8b) of an installation (100) in a leak-proof manner. The base (9) of the body is provided with one or more removable stacked lifting supports (10), and at least one of the extension tubes comprises a plurality of successive telescopic tubular segments (5a, 5b, 5c). Figure 3b.

Description

Title of the invention: “Adjustable pump” Technical field of the invention

[0001] The pump of the present invention is of the type that allows it to be used for the recirculation of liquids, for example for the recirculation of water in a swimming pool. Technological background

[0002] In pre-existing swimming pool water pumping systems, the pipes have very diverse configurations for connections to a pump. When the pump needs to be replaced, due to a breakdown or the end of its useful life, it is necessary to replace it with a pump that has the same connection positions, so that the pipes can be connected correctly.

[0003] If the pump is replaced by another pump with different connections, they must necessarily adapt to the pipes of the installation, which implies having to replace the pipes without being able to reuse them or making costly adaptations to adapt the pipes to the arrangement of the connections of the new pump.

[0004] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to disclose a pump which allows the same pipes to be reused in an existing installation, including in installations where the pipes are located at a distance from the pump, and which is also compact and can even allow fine adjustment to the existing installation.

[0005] Summary

[0006] The adjustable pump of the present invention is one of those which have a body with a suction port and a discharge port.

[0007] Advantageously, the suction port is provided with an axially movable extension tube relative to the suction port, and the discharge port is also provided with an axially movable extension tube relative to the discharge port, such that each of the extension tubes can protrude to a greater or lesser extent from the respective suction port or discharge port.The suction port and the discharge port are in turn provided with retaining means, adapted to retain and connect in a watertight manner the corresponding extension tube, and each extension tube being further provided with extreme retaining means, arranged at the external end of each extension tube, namely, the end furthest from the body of the pump, adapted to retain and connect in a watertight manner the end of a pipe of an existing installation, so that it is possible to communicate from. In a sealed manner, one pipe of the system, to supply liquid to the pump, has a suction port, and the other pipe of the system, to receive liquid propelled by the pump, has a discharge port. Furthermore, to advantageously align the extension tubes with the respective pipes of the system, the pump is advantageously equipped with one or more stacked lifting supports on the base of the body. These supports raise the pump body relative to a supporting surface, so that the suction and discharge ports are aligned with the ends of the system pipes and can be connected via the respective extension tubes without requiring any modification to the system.In the case where one of them enters the suction port and the discharge port is aligned parallel to the base of the body, i.e., essentially horizontally aligned, and the other enters the suction port and the discharge port is aligned perpendicular to the base of the body, i.e., essentially vertically aligned, after aligning the essentially vertically aligned port with one of the pipes, the other essentially horizontally aligned port can be aligned with the other pipe by placing one or more stacked lifting supports at the level of the base of the body, to subsequently connect the extension tube. Although this arrangement is not always available, the combination of stacked lifting supports at the base of the body will allow each port to be aligned simultaneously with its corresponding pipe, for connection via respective extension tubes. Furthermore, advantageously, at least one of the extension tubes, and preferably both extension tubes, comprises a plurality of successive movable telescopic longitudinal tube segments which, when deployed, allow access to more distant pipelines that would not be reachable if, for example, the extension tubes each consisted of a single movable tube segment.Thus, the extension tube can be folded by fitting successive longitudinal tubular segments together, for example by fitting each tubular segment into its posterior tubular segment, thus allowing a compact configuration to be adopted, in which the extension tube occupies little space, and can extend, if necessary to connect the suction port or the discharge port, with a corresponding pipe end of the installation, including if the pipe end is far from the pump.

[0008] In one embodiment, each extension pipe is formed of successive telescopic movable tubular segments, thus being able to connect both the suction port and the discharge port when the pipe ends of the installation to which the suction and discharge of the pump are connected are far apart.

[0009] In one embodiment, successive tubular segments of each extension tube are screwed together, such that the operation of folding or extending the extension tube can be carried out simply by rotating the tubular segments, thus allowing for more precise adjustment of the extension tube's length. Each tubular segment is provided with a thread on its outer surface and with guiding means for guiding the thread of a successive, smaller tubular segment, such that this smaller successive tubular segment is inserted into the larger tubular segment when it is screwed in. Naturally, the tubular segments incorporate sealing gaskets between them, ensuring a hermetic seal and preventing any water leakage during pump operation.Although the use of sealing gaskets hinders the operations of folding or extending the extension tube because it increases the friction between the tubular segments, because the extension tube can advantageously be folded or extended by rotating the tubular segments, the resistance to movement conferred by the sealing gaskets is more easily overcome.

[0010] In one embodiment, the retaining means comprise an internal nut that allows the extension tube to be sealed to the suction or discharge port, thereby sealing the extension tube to the suction or discharge port. It is also envisaged that other types of retaining means known in the prior art may be used.

[0011] In one embodiment, the extreme retaining means comprise an outer nut, a fixing gasket, a compression ring, a sealing gasket, and a screw that allow a pipe from an existing installation to be leak-proof connected to the extension tube. It is also envisaged that other types of extreme retaining means known in the prior art may be used. Furthermore, the screw is provided to be coupled to the outer tubular segment and to have a polygonal head that allows rotation to be transmitted to the tubular segments by means of a tool, such as a wrench, in order to vary the length of the extension tube.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lifting supports have different heights, such that they can be stacked together under the base of the pump body to raise the pump body until the extension tubes are aligned with the respective pipes of the existing installation. Naturally, it is envisaged that not all but some of the lifting supports will have different heights, so that they can be combined correctly to raise the pump body.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lifting support(s) have the same contour, so that they can be stacked to form a support with the same contour.

[0014] In one embodiment, the tubular segments comprising the extension tubes are made of plastic, for example, PVC, ABS, or polypropylene. It is envisaged that the pump body may also be made of plastic. Brief description of the figures

[0015] To supplement the description provided and to facilitate understanding of the features of the invention, a set of drawings is attached to this descriptive document in which, by way of illustration and without limitation, the following is shown:

[0016] Figure [1] shows a pump according to the present invention;

[0017] [Fig.2] shows the pump of [Fig.1] in an exploded view;

[0018] Figure 3a shows the pump of Figure 1 before it connects to the pipes of an existing installation; and

[0019] Fig. 3b shows the pump of Fig. 1, partially seen in cross-section, after connecting to the pipes of an existing installation. Description of the implementation methods

[0020] Figure [1] shows a view of the adjustable pump 1 of the present invention. It can be seen that the pump 1 has a plastic body 2 with a suction port 3, adapted to receive liquid, and a discharge port 4, adapted to discharge the propelled liquid. Naturally, the pump 1 also has a motor 11 and internal impulse mechanisms, known from the prior art, for propelling the received liquid through the suction port 3 and through the discharge port 4. Optionally, the pump 1 can be equipped with a filter 12 to filter larger particles that might enter through the suction port 3 and clog the pump 1. In one embodiment shown, the pump 1 is a single-impeller centrifugal pump with an electric motor 11, of the type used for water recirculation in swimming pools.We observe that the body 2 of the pump 1 has a base 9, suitable for bearing on a support surface S, and that the suction port is aligned parallel to the base 9 of the body 2 while the discharge port 4 is aligned perpendicularly to the base 9 of the body 2.

[0021] As observed in [Fig. 1], the suction port 3 is provided with an extension tube 5 that is axially movable relative to the suction port 3, namely, the extension tube 5 comprises successive movable telescopic tubular segments 5a, 5b, 5c, which are longitudinally movable in the direction of their central axis by means of the rotation of the tubular segments 5a, 5b, 5c, and the port of The discharge port 4 is also provided with an axially movable extension tube 5 relative to the discharge port 4. The extension tube 5 comprises successive movable telescopic tubular segments 5a, 5b, 5c, which are longitudinally movable in the direction of their central axis by means of the rotation of the tubular segments 5a, 5b, 5c. It is noted that the tubular segments 5a, 5b, 5c are threaded on their surface for screwing into their successive tubular segments. Both the suction port 3 and the discharge port 4 are provided with retaining means 6, adapted for a leak-proof connection to the corresponding extension tube 5, and each extension tube 5 is further provided with end retaining means 7, adapted for a leak-proof connection to a pipe of an installation.It is further observed that the base 9 of the body 2 is provided with one or more removable stacked lifting supports 10, shown in [Fig.1] in a correlative interlocking position as an example.

[0022] Figure 2 shows the pump 1 of Figure 1 with the retaining means 6 for the suction port 3 and the discharge port 4 in the successively inserted position, the extension tubes 5 also being shown in said successively inserted position with its tubular segments 5a, 5b, 5c and the extreme retaining means 7 for the extension tubes 5. It is observed that the tubular segments 5a, 5b, 5c are provided with a thread on their outer surface, which allows them to be inserted into their successive, larger tubular segment 5a, 5b, 5c, and the inner tubular segment 5c to be inserted into the body 2 of the pump 1, through the suction port 3 or discharge port 4, adopting a compact configuration in which the tubular segments 5a, 5b, 5c can remain folded inside the body 2 of the pump 1 as shown previously in [Fig.1].It is observed that the screw 7e has a polygonal head which, when turned by means of a tool such as a wrench, allows the rotation to be transmitted to the tubular segments. Thus, as observed in [Fig. 2], an outer tubular segment 5a can be moved, by screwing it, relative to a successive intermediate tubular segment 5b, and this can be moved relative to a successive inner tubular segment 5c. The inner tubular segment 5c can be inserted or extended, as required, inside the body 2 of the pump 1, through the suction port 3 or the discharge port 4, the port being provided with a corresponding thread.Thus, it can be observed that in the embodiment presented the retention means 6, of both the suction port 3 and the discharge port 4, include an internal nut 6a disposed at the level of the body 2 surrounding the suction port 3 or the discharge port 4, such that the internal tubular segment 5c which forms an internal end of the extension tube 5 can be connected in a leak-proof manner and introduced into the port. The suction inlet 3 or the discharge outlet 4 is retained by the external nut 6a. The extreme retaining means 7 comprise an external nut 7a, a retaining gasket 7b, a compression ring 7c, a sealing gasket 7d, and a screw 7e. The screw 7e is positioned at the external tubular segment 5a of the extension tube 5, such that each extension tube 5 can be leak-tightly connected to a pipe of the system. Thus, the system pipe can be inserted onto the extension tube 5, being retained by the retaining gasket 7b, the compression ring 7c, and the sealing gasket 7d when the external nut 7a is screwed onto a thread of the screw 7e. Thus, by folding and / or extending the tubular segments 5a, 5b, 5c of the various extension tubes 5, it is possible to advantageously connect the pump 1 to an existing installation 100, including if the pipes 8a,8b of the installation 100 are at a distance from the pump 1.It is intended to be possible to reach pipes located up to the reachable distance when the tubular segments 5a, 5b, 5c are extended. Furthermore, the stackable lifting supports 10 have different heights, such that they can be combined to raise the body 2 of the pump 1, which will be useful for connecting the pump 1 to an existing installation 100, as shown below. Naturally, although in the embodiment shown each extension tube 5 comprises three tubular segments 5a, 5b, 5c, it is also noted that it can include more or fewer tubular segments as needed. It is also intended that only one of the extension tubes 5 will include these telescopic tubular segments 5a, 5b, 5c.

[0023] Figure 3a shows a pump 1 of the present invention which is to be installed in an existing installation 100, of which is shown a first pipe 8a, which is to be connected with the suction port 3; and a second pipe 8b which is to be connected with the discharge port 4. It is observed that the second pipe 8b can be aligned with the discharge port 4, which is perpendicular to the base 9 of the body 2. However, it is not possible to align the first pipe 8a with the suction port 3, which is perpendicular to the base 9 of the body 2, since there is a separation height H which must be overcome.

[0024] Advantageously, by means of the pump 1 of the present invention, in the mode illustrated in [Fig. 3b], said height H can be exceeded by incorporating into the base 9 of the body 2 of the pump 1 one or more lifting supports 10, in this case three lifting supports 10, until the body 2 is raised to said height H, such that the first tube 8a and the suction port 3 are aligned. Thus, by combining lifting supports 10 of the same height and of different heights, it is possible to raise the body 2 of the pump 1, and therefore the suction port 3, to the height H. It is provided that the pump 1 incorporates a set of lifting supports 10 of different heights, so that the user can combine various lifting supports. 10 until the desired height H is reached. Furthermore, the lifting supports 10 have the same contour, so that they are integrated together to form a single lifting block for the body 2 of the pump 1. It is further provided that each of the lifting supports 10 has combinations of inlets and outlets corresponding to the inlets and outlets of the base 9 of the body 2, which facilitates the interlocking of the lifting supports 10 under the base 9. This same combination of inlets and outlets will be arranged on the base of each lifting support 10, thus allowing various lifting supports 10 to be stacked stably.

[0025] In the position illustrated in [Fig.3b] the first pipe 8a with the suction port 3 and the second pipe 8b with the discharge port 4 will be aligned, such that, after flushing with the outer nut 7a of the extreme retaining means 7, when the screw 7e turns the tubular segments 5a, 5b, 5c will also be able to turn in such a way as to axially move the extension tubes 5 in the direction indicated by the arrows, increasing their length telescopically, until connecting, respectively, the first pipe 8a and the second pipe 8b.

[0026] At this point, after tightening the extreme retaining means 7, by turning the respective external nuts 7a, in the usual way, to screw them into their screw 7e, the first corresponding pipe 8a will be connected in a watertight manner with the suction port 3, thanks to the fixing seals 7b, the compression ring 7c and the corresponding sealing seal 7d, and in a similar manner the second pipe 8b will be connected in a watertight manner with the discharge port 4.

[0027] Thus, it is possible to correctly connect the pump 1 of the present invention to the existing installation 100, without it being necessary to modify the pipes 8a, 8b of the installation 100, so that when the motor 11 of the pump 1 is operated by means of control means 13, liquid is received from the first pipe 8a, which after passing through a filter 12, is propelled through the second pipe 8b, in the desired manner.

Claims

Demands

1. Adjustable pump (1) which has a body (2) with a suction port (3) and a discharge port (4), the suction port (3) being provided with an extension tube (5) axially movable relative to the suction port (3), and the discharge port (4) also being provided with an extension tube (5) axially movable relative to the discharge port (4); the suction port (3) and the discharge port (4) being provided with retaining means (6), adapted to retain in a hermetic manner an extension tube (5), and each extension tube (5) being further provided with extreme retaining means (7), adapted to retain in a hermetic manner the pipe (8a,8b) of an installation (100), the base (9) of the body (2) being provided with one or more removable stacked lifting supports (10), and at least one of the extension tubes (5) comprising a plurality of successive telescopic tubular segments (5a, 5b, 5c).

2. Pump (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each extension tube (5) is formed of a plurality of successive telescopic tubular segments (5a, 5b, 5c).

3. Pump (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the successive tubular segments (5a, 5b, 5c) are screwed together.

4. Pump (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the retaining means (6) comprise an internal nut (6a).

5. Pump (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extreme retaining means (7) comprise an external nut (7a), a fixing seal (7b), a compression ring (7c), a sealing gasket (7d) and a screw (7e).

6. Pump (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stackable lifting supports (10) have different heights.

7. Pump (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stackable lifting supports (10) have the same contour.

8. Pump (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular segments (5a, 5b, 5c) are made of plastic.