A device for determining the direction of rotation of a pump impeller

Abstract

A fan cover (100) for protecting an impeller (200) arranged to rotate about a rotation axis x and generate an associated flow of fluid, the fan cover (100) comprising: a protective wall (110) defining an interior volume (111) arranged to house the impeller (200) in use; and an indicator (120) comprising a planar portion (125) having a first surface (125a) and a second surface (125b). Specifically, the protective wall (110) has at least one through hole (115, 115'), and the indicator (120) is disposed in the through hole (115, 115') with the planar portion (125) at least partially within the internal volume (111) in use, such that when the impeller (200) rotates in a first direction, the fluid flow creates pressure on the first surface (125a) to move the indicator (120) to a first position, and when the impeller (200) rotates in a second direction, the fluid flow creates pressure on the second surface (125b) to move the indicator (120) to a second position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electric pumps for the industrial and domestic market.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a device for determining the direction of rotation of a pump impeller. [Background technology]

[0003] As is well known, the direction of rotation of the impeller inside a centrifugal pump is of fundamental importance to ensure maximum compression efficiency.

[0004] However, in the case of pumps powered by three-phase electric motors with alternating current, this direction of rotation can become incorrect due to an unintentional phase reversal during connection to the power supply, an aspect that can be burdensome, especially in terms of operator time, since in most cases it can only be realized that the direction of rotation is incorrect after the installation of the system is complete.

[0005] It would therefore be extremely useful to provide an operator with an indicator that would allow the operator to verify the correct direction of rotation of the impeller when connecting to a power supply.

[0006] A first example of such a device is shown in DE 2532436, where a fan cover is hinged to the device and provides tabs which are pressed by the airflow generated by the impeller. If the impeller rotates in the wrong direction, the tabs are pressed against a stop, bringing them into contact with the impeller blades and producing a noise which is used as an audio signal for incorrect rotation.

[0007] However, this system has the disadvantages that, firstly, the tabs are subject to heavy wear, and secondly, it is often difficult for the operator to receive the audio signal in noisy environments, which is common in the field.

[0008] To overcome these shortcomings, U.S. Patent No. 8,777,586 describes a device that can provide a visual, non-contact signal between an indicator and the impeller blades. Specifically, the indicator device includes a tab located near the impeller that moves the tab to a first position when airflow is in the correct direction of rotation and to a second position when airflow is in the incorrect direction of rotation. A shaft connected to the tab then transmits the expected position to an element external to the fan cover, allowing an operator to verify the direction of impeller rotation.

[0009] However, this solution also has various drawbacks. Firstly, the presence of a transmission shaft in a device that is necessarily reduced in size and subject to strong vibrations may result in structural weakness of the indicator, making it less reliable over time and more likely to fail due to fatigue. Furthermore, in order to be able to use it in existing pumps, in this solution the indicator is completely separated from the fan cover, which encourages the loss of the indicator during transportation and installation of the system. A further disadvantage is that once the indicator is installed in the fan cover and used for the first test, it is not easily accessible for subsequent use, and the entire fan cover must be disassembled. Summary of the Invention

[0010] It is therefore a feature of the present invention to provide a fan cover for protecting an impeller that allows for visual confirmation of the impeller's direction of rotation without requiring the installation of external components.

[0011] It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a fan cover that is not subject to high wear and has an indicator that is reliable over time.

[0012] It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a fan cover with an indicator that can be easily removed from the fan cover itself and reused or repositioned for testing after the initial test.

[0013] It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a fan cover that includes indicators that can be easily locked into position during transportation of the pump and / or during full operation once the installation phase of the pump is complete.

[0014] These and other objects are achieved by a fan cover for protecting an impeller, the impeller being arranged to rotate about a rotational axis x and generate an associated fluid flow, the fan cover comprising: a protective wall defining an interior volume arranged to house said impeller in use, said protective wall having a front surface and a side surface; an indicator comprising a planar portion having a first surface and a second surface, Its main features are that the protective wall has at least one through hole arranged on the front surface or on the side surface; and the indicator is disposed in the through hole with the planar portion at least partially within the interior volume, in use, such that when the impeller rotates in a first direction, the flow creates pressure on the first surface to move the indicator to a first position, and when the impeller rotates in a second direction, the flow creates pressure on the second surface to move the indicator to a second position.

[0015] With respect to prior art solutions, the present invention incorporates an indicator into the fan cover itself, requiring fewer components and improving overall reliability.

[0016] Advantageously, the indicator comprises a support portion integrally connected to the planar portion, and in use the indicator is inserted into the through hole with the support portion at least partially outside the internal volume such that it is possible to see outside the protective wall whether the indicator is in the first position or the second position.

[0017] Alternatively, the indicator is located entirely within the internal volume and the or each through-hole is adapted to indicate on the outside of the protective wall whether the indicator is in the first position or the second position.

[0018] This solution allows the indicator to be completely inside the volume of the protective wall, avoiding possible damage caused by impacts on the protective wall itself.

[0019] In particular, the indicator is arranged to rotate relative to the protective wall to move to the first position or to the second position, in use.

[0020] In particular, the axis x' about which the indicator rotates is parallel to the axis x about which the impeller rotates.

[0021] Alternatively, axis x' is orthogonal to axis x.

[0022] Advantageously, the protective wall comprises a single through hole and the indicator is, in use, rotatably connected to the protective wall at the through hole.

[0023] This solution reduces the exposed area and allows the aperture light to be completely covered by the indicator pivot pin.

[0024] Alternatively, the protective wall comprises a first through hole and a second through hole.

[0025] Advantageously, in use, the indicator is rotatably connected to the protective wall at a position substantially equidistant from the through holes, whereby when the indicator is positioned in the first position the first through hole presents a first surface and when the indicator is in the second position the second through hole presents a second surface.

[0026] Advantageously, a transparent protective plate is provided which corresponds to the through-hole.

[0027] In particular, the indicator is arranged to move, in use, in translation relative to the protective wall to either the first position or the second position.

[0028] Advantageously, the indicator is removably insertable in the through hole.

[0029] In particular, a locking means is provided arranged to prevent rotation of the indicator.

[0030] Advantageously, the locking means comprises a plug for insertion into the through hole to prevent the indicator from being removed from the through hole, the plug being suitably shaped to prevent rotation of the indicator.

[0031] Advantageously, the first surface is visually distinct from the second surface.

[0032] For example, the first and second surfaces may have different shades of color, or identifying markings or writing.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention there is also provided a motor pump arranged to increase a pressure of a fluid, the motor pump comprising: an impeller arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation x to generate a flow of fluid; an electric motor arranged to rotate said impeller about said axis of rotation x; A motor pump is claimed, comprising: a fan cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] The invention is illustrated by means of the following description of some exemplary embodiments, given by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 2 shows diagrammatically a section of a possible embodiment of a fan cover according to the invention; [Diagram 2] 2 shows diagrammatically a section of a possible embodiment of a fan cover according to the invention; [Diagram 3] 2 shows diagrammatically a section of a possible embodiment of a fan cover according to the invention; [Figure 4] 2 shows diagrammatically a section of a possible embodiment of a fan cover according to the invention; [Figure 5A] 1A-1D show diagrammatically two perspective views of a possible embodiment of a fan cover according to the invention; [Figure 5B] 1A-1D show diagrammatically two perspective views of a possible embodiment of a fan cover according to the invention; [Figure 6A] 1A-1D show diagrammatically two perspective views of a possible embodiment of a fan cover according to the invention; [Figure 6B] 1A-1D show diagrammatically two perspective views of a possible embodiment of a fan cover according to the invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an application solution of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 8] 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 9A] 9 shows a cross section of the cross section of FIG. 8 in detail. [Figure 9B] 9B shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9A, with the plug also present. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] 1 to 6B, several possible embodiments of a fan cover 100 according to the invention for protecting an impeller 200 arranged for rotation about an axis of rotation x are shown diagrammatically.

[0036] In particular, the fan cover 100 comprises a protective wall 110 that defines an interior volume 111 within which, in use, the impeller 200 resides. In particular, the protective wall 110 comprises a front surface 110' and a side surface 110''.

[0037] The fan cover 100 further comprises an indicator 120 comprising a planar portion 125 having a first surface 125a and a second surface 125b. Specifically, the indicator 120 is positioned in such a way that, in use, the indicator 120 is disposed at least in one through-hole 115 present in the protective wall 110 and the planar portion 125 is disposed at least partially within the interior volume 111. Specifically, the through-hole 115 can be positioned on the side surface 110'' or the front surface 110'.

[0038] In this manner, when the impeller 200 rotates in a first direction, the flow creates pressure on the first surface 125a, causing the indicator 120 to move to a first position, while when the impeller 200 rotates in a second direction, the flow creates pressure on the second surface 125b, causing the indicator 120 to move to a second position.

[0039] As described below, the present invention provides a different solution that allows one to see from the outside whether the indicator 120 is in the first position or the second position.

[0040] In this way, for example, an operator installing an electric pump can ensure that the impeller pump has the correct direction of rotation as soon as the electric motor connected to the impeller pump is connected to the power supply, and avoid the risk of installing the entire system with the impeller in the incorrect direction of rotation.

[0041] Additionally, all embodiments of the present invention provide that the indicator 120 is substantially integrated into the fan cover 100, requiring fewer components than the prior art, thereby improving overall reliability.

[0042] 1 and 2, the indicator 120 is adapted to rotate relative to the protective wall 110. In this manner, the indicator 120 can rotate about its own axis as a result of the air flow generated by the impeller 200.

[0043] Thus, when the impeller 200 rotates clockwise (as in Figures 1-4), the air flow creates pressure on the first surface 125a causing the indicator 120 to rotate counterclockwise, and when the impeller 200 rotates counterclockwise, the air flow creates pressure on the second surface 125b causing the indicator 120 to rotate clockwise.

[0044] Furthermore, the indicator 120 is inserted into the through hole 115 so that the support portion 126 is outside the protective wall 110. In this way, when the flat portion 125 rotates due to the air flow, the support portion 126 rotates integrally therewith, making it possible to see from the outside of the protective wall 110 whether the indicator 120 is in the first position or the second position, and making it possible to know the rotation direction of the impeller 200.

[0045] In particular, the support portion 126 may have visually distinct surfaces, for example of different shades, to facilitate control by an operator.

[0046] In particular, the indicator 120 may be pivotally connected to the protective wall 110, for example by a hinge, or may be disposed on a circular sheet in a removable manner.

[0047] Advantageously, in both solutions shown in Figures 1 and 2, lateral edges 116 of the through-hole 115 are provided to prevent the indicator 120 from rotating beyond a certain angle.

[0048] 3, in one embodiment, the present invention is provided such that the indicator 120 is entirely inside the protective wall 110. In this embodiment, the protective wall 110 further comprises two through holes 115 and 115' such that the first through hole 115 presents a first surface 125a outward when the indicator 120 is positioned in the first position, and the second through hole 115' presents a second surface 125b when the indicator 120 is positioned in the second position.

[0049] This embodiment therefore does not have a support portion 126 protruding from the outer periphery of the protective wall 110, making it possible to avoid possible damage to the indicator 120 due to collisions with the fan cover, for example during transportation.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the indicator 120 is not hinged to the protective wall 110 but rather is constrained to translate relative to the protective wall as it moves to the first or second position.

[0051] This embodiment is advantageous in terms of reliability as it avoids the presence of hinges that could potentially be damaged by accidental collision.

[0052] 5A and 5B, in one embodiment, the indicator 120 is rotatably connected to the protective wall 110 corresponding to the support portion 126 and has a rotation axis x' perpendicular to the rotation axis x of the impeller 200. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the flat portion 125 penetrates the through hole 115 until it reaches the fluid flow present in the internal volume.

[0053] In this way, when the fluid flow generates pressure on one of the two surfaces 125a, 125b, it rotates the support portion 126 about the axis x', thereby indicating to the outside whether the indicator 120 is in the first position or the second position.

[0054] 6A and 6B, in a further embodiment, the through-hole 115 is arranged on the front surface 110′ of the protective wall 110 instead of on the side surface 110″, and intersects with the indicator 120, such that the support portion 126 is arranged on the front surface 110′ itself. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the indicator 120 is rotatably connected to the protective wall 110 and can rotate around an axis parallel to the rotation axis x of the impeller 200.

[0055] This embodiment allows for better protection of the support portion 126 and eliminates the need to make openings in the surface of the side 110''.

[0056] 7 to 9B show an application solution of one embodiment of FIG.

[0057] Specifically, this embodiment is provided such that the indicator 120 is not integrally connected to the protective wall 110, but is instead disposed within the through hole 115 in a removable manner during use and can be rotated relative to the protective wall 110 by means of a pin 126'.

[0058] Further, with reference to Figures 7 and 9B, in this embodiment, a plug 130 can be provided, which can be positioned to correspond to the through hole 115 and appropriately shaped to prevent rotation of the indicator 120.

[0059] In this way, when the fan cover 100 is transported or handled, the plug prevents both the indicator 120 from slipping out of the through hole 115 and from causing unnecessary rotation of the indicator 120, which could cause wear and damage.

[0060] It is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above will fully clarify the present invention according to a conceptual point of view, so that others can modify and / or adapt such embodiments for various applications by applying current knowledge without further study and without departing from the present invention, and therefore such adaptations and modifications must be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiments. The means and materials for achieving different functions described herein can, for this reason, have different properties without departing from the field of the present invention. It is to be understood that the expressions or terms employed in this specification are for the purpose of description and not limitation.

Claims

1. A fan cover (100) for protecting the impeller (200), wherein the impeller (200) is arranged to rotate around the rotation axis x and generate a fluid flow associated therewith, the fan cover (100) comprising: - A protective wall (110) defining an internal volume (111) arranged to house the impeller (200) during use, the protective wall (110) having a front face (110') and side faces (110''); - An indicator (120) having a planar portion (125) with a first face (125a) and a second face (125b); and The fan cover (100) is characterized in that the protective wall (110) has at least one through hole (115, 115') positioned in the front face (110') or the side faces (110''), and When the impeller (200) rotates in a first direction, the fluid flow generates a pressure on the first face (125a) to move the indicator (120) to a first position, and when the impeller (200) rotates in a second direction, the fluid flow generates a pressure on the second face (125b) to move the indicator (120) to a second position. The indicator (120) is arranged in the through holes (115, 115') such that the planar portion (125) is at least partially within the internal volume (111) during use. A fan cover (100).

2. The indicator (120) has a support portion (126) integrally connected to the planar portion (125). Outside the protective wall (110), it is possible to visually recognize whether the indicator (120) is in the first position or the second position. During use, the indicator (120) is inserted into the through holes (115, 115') with the support portion (126) at least partially outside the internal volume (111). The fan cover (100) according to Claim 1.

3. The indicator (120) is disposed entirely within the internal volume (111), and the or each through-hole (115, 115') is adapted to indicate outside the protective wall (110) whether the indicator (120) is in the first position or the second position. The fan cover (100) according to claim 1.

4. The indicator (120) is arranged to rotate relative to the protective wall (110) during use and move to the first position or the second position. The fan cover (100) according to claim 1.

5. The indicator (120) is arranged to translate relative to the protective wall (110) during use and move to the first position or the second position. The fan cover (100) according to claim 1.

6. The indicator (120) is removably inserted into the through-hole (115). The fan cover (100) according to claim 2.

7. Locking means are provided which are arranged to prevent rotation of the indicator (120). The fan cover (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The locking means is a plug (130) inserted into the through-hole (115) to prevent the indicator (120) from coming out of the through-hole (115), and is appropriately shaped to prevent rotation of the indicator (120). The fan cover (100) according to claim 6, comprising the plug (130).

9. The first surface (125a) is visually distinguishable from the second surface (125b). The fan cover (100) according to claim 1.

10. A motor pump (10) arranged to increase the pressure of a fluid, - An impeller (200) arranged to rotate about the rotation axis x to generate a fluid flow, - An electric motor arranged to rotate the impeller (200) about the rotation axis x, - And the fan cover (100) according to claim 1. The motor pump (10).

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