Foreign matter recovery device for vertical shaft pump

Abstract

To collect foreign matters from around a vertical shaft pump with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A foreign matter recovery device 10 includes: a recovery container 11 disposed while being adjacent to an outer peripheral side of a lower end part of a vertical shaft pump 1 and open upward; and an elevation plate 12 capable of moving up and down between a retreat position of retreating upward of the recovery container 11 and an entrance position of entering the inside of the recovery container 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a foreign matter recovery device for a vertical pump. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a foreign matter removal device equipped with a filter box attached to the suction port of a vertical pump. The filter box has an inner and outer double structure, and the outer filter box is vertically movable relative to the inner filter box fixed to the pump. Both the inner and outer filter boxes have a large number of liquid passage holes drilled over the entire outer circumferential surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-62900 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned foreign matter removal device is large and complicated. In addition, the bottom of the filter box is positioned significantly below the suction port. When the distance between the suction port and the bottom of the water tank is short, the foreign matter removal device cannot be applied to the pump.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to make it possible to collect foreign matter around a vertical pump using a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a foreign matter collection device for a vertical pump, comprising a collection container arranged adjacent to the outer periphery of the lower end of the vertical pump and open upward, and a lifting plate that can be raised and lowered between a retracted position above the collection container and an entry position into the interior of the collection container.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the recovery container is adjacent to the lower end of the vertical pump. Because the recovery container is arranged on the outer periphery, the recovery container can be applied to the vertical pump even if the distance between the suction port and the bottom surface of the water tank is short. The recovery container is open at the top, and the lifting plate can be raised and lowered between a retracted position where it is retracted above the recovery container, and an entry position where it enters the inside of the recovery container. When the lifting plate descends from the retracted position to the entry position, foreign matter remaining near the water surface on the outer periphery side of the lower end of the vertical pump can be pushed into the recovery container. With this simple configuration, foreign matter can be recovered in the recovery container.

[0008] The foreign matter collection device may further include an annular flexible member provided on an inner circumferential surface of the collection container, and the entry position may be set below the flexible member.

[0009] According to the above configuration, when the lift plate descends from the retracted position, the lift plate moves together with the foreign object to the entry position below the flexible member. Even if the lift plate subsequently rises and moves above the flexible member, the floating of the foreign object is suppressed by the underside of the flexible member. Once the foreign object is collected in the collection container, it is more likely to remain in the collection container.

[0010] The collection container may have a narrowed portion in a vertical center portion, and the entry position may be set below the narrowed portion.

[0011] According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the lift plate descends from the retracted position, the lift plate can move together with the foreign object to the entry position below the constricted portion. Even if the lift plate then ascends, the constricted portion prevents the foreign object from floating up. Once the foreign object is collected in the collection container, it is more likely to remain in the collection container.

[0012] The bottom of the collection container may be constituted by a bottom lid that openably closes the interior of the collection container.

[0013] According to the above-described configuration, by opening the inside of the collection container with the lower lid, foreign matter collected in the collection container can be easily discharged to the outside of the collection container. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, foreign matter around a vertical pump can be collected with a simple configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of a foreign matter recovery device for a vertical pump according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a foreign object recovery device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the foreign object recovery device in a state where the lift plate is located at a retracted position. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the foreign object recovery device in a state where the lift plate is located at a retracted position. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the foreign object recovery device in a state in which the lift plate is lowered. [Figure 8] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the foreign object recovery device when the lift plate is located at the entrance position. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the foreign object recovery device in a state where the lift plate is raised. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the foreign body recovery device with the bottom cover open. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a foreign body recovery device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0017] 1, a foreign object recovery device 10 according to an embodiment is applied to a vertical shaft pump 1 installed in a pumping station such as a drainage pumping station or a water lifting station. The vertical shaft pump 1 draws up and discharges water W stored in a water tank of the pumping station.

[0018] Water W is represented by a rectangular parallelepiped with two dotted lines. The white arrow represents the flow direction of water W flowing into the tank. The top-to-bottom direction of the paper in Figure 1 corresponds to the vertical direction. The bottom of the rectangular parallelepiped corresponds to the bottom surface Wa of the tank. The side of the rectangular parallelepiped downstream in the flow direction (the side indicated by the arrowhead of the white arrow) corresponds to the dead-end end surface Wb of the tank. The side of the rectangular parallelepiped perpendicular to the flow corresponds to the side surface Wc of the tank. The top surface of the rectangular parallelepiped represents the water surface WL in the tank. The water surface WL can be displaced in the vertical direction.

[0019] The vertical pump 1 has a cylindrical casing 2. The axis A of the vertical pump 1 and its casing 2 are oriented vertically. As shown by the two-dot chain ellipse along the outer circumferential surface of the casing 2, the lower end of the vertical pump 1 is housed in a water tank and is below the water surface WL. The opening at the lower end of the casing 2 serves as a suction port for drawing in water W.

[0020] The vertical pump 1 may include a ring 3 provided on the outer periphery of the lower end of the casing 2, and multiple vertical pipes 4 extending upward from the ring 3. These components constitute a vortex prevention mechanism that suppresses the generation of an air-suction vortex from the water surface WL toward the suction port. In the illustrated example, four vertical pipes 4 are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., every 90 degrees) around the circumference of the casing 2 and extend vertically on the outer periphery of the casing 2.

[0021] The foreign object recovery device 10 recovers foreign object X (see Figs. 6 to 10) that flows into the tank together with the water W. The specific gravity of the foreign object X is equal to or smaller than that of the water W, and therefore the foreign object X floats in the water and rides the water current to reach the tank. Typical examples of such foreign object X include plastic bags, twigs, and leaves.

[0022] In addition, Karman vortices may occur in the water tank downstream in the flow direction of the cylindrical vertical pump 1. The end surface Wb of the water tank is located downstream in the flow direction of the vertical pump 1. Therefore, foreign matter X that enters the water tank is likely to remain downstream in the flow direction of the vertical pump 1. Due to its small specific gravity, foreign matter X remains near the water surface WL.

[0023] If the foreign object X is sucked into the casing 2, it may come into contact with the impeller (not shown), which may adversely affect the operation of the vertical pump 1. The foreign object recovery device 10 recovers the foreign object X that has entered the water tank, and prevents the foreign object X from being sucked in. The recovered foreign object X is disposed of collectively during regular maintenance work.

[0024] The foreign matter recovery device 10 includes a recovery container 11 and a lifting plate 12. The recovery container 11 is disposed on the outer periphery of the lower end of the vertical pump 1, and is open upward. The lifting plate 12 is capable of moving up and down between a retracted position where it retracts above the recovery container 11, and an entry position where it enters the inside of the recovery container 11. The retracted position may be interpreted as the upper limit position of the lifting range of the lifting plate 12. The entry position may be interpreted as the lower limit position of the lifting range of the lifting plate 12.

[0025] 1 and 2, the collection container 11 is curved in a partial annular shape in a plan view. The collection container 11 is disposed at a radial distance from the outer circumferential surface of the casing 2, and is disposed along the outer circumferential surface of the casing 2. With respect to its circumferential position, the collection container 11 is disposed downstream in the flow direction as viewed from the axis A of the vertical pump 1. In other words, the collection container 11 is disposed at a location in the water tank where the foreign matter X is likely to accumulate.

[0026] The method of installing the collection container 11 is not particularly limited. With reference to FIG. 2, the collection container 11 may be fixed to each of the two vertical pipes via brackets 13. Alternatively, the collection container 11 may be supported on the bottom surface Wa of the water tank via a support stand. It is desirable that the collection container 11 be capable of being taken out of the water tank, for example, during periodic maintenance work. It is preferable that the collection container 11 be removable from the installation target (the vertical pump 1 or the water tank) by using bolts and nuts, etc.

[0027] 1 to 3, collection container 11 has a peripheral wall 22 and forms an opening 23 at its upper end. A discharge port 24 is provided at bottom 21 of collection container 11, and while the interior of collection container 11 is widely open downward, this discharge port is releasably closed by a lower lid 25. In this embodiment, peripheral wall 22 is open at both upper and lower ends, and the opening at the lower end serves as discharge port 24. Lower lid 25 constitutes bottom 21 of collection container 11, covers the entire discharge port 24, and is detachably connected to peripheral wall 22 by fixing means such as bolts.

[0028] The peripheral wall 22 has an inner peripheral portion 22a having an arc-shaped diameter larger than that of the casing 2 in a plan view, an outer peripheral portion 22b having an arc-shaped diameter larger than that of the inner peripheral portion 22a in a plan view and disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner peripheral portion 22a, a first end portion 22c having an arc-shaped shape in a plan view connecting one end portion of the inner peripheral portion 22a and the outer peripheral portion 22b in the circumferential direction, and a second end portion 22d having an arc-shaped shape in a plan view connecting the other end portions of the inner peripheral portion 22a and the outer peripheral portion 22b in the circumferential direction. The first end portion 22c and the second end portion 22d are convex toward opposite sides in the circumferential direction.

[0029] The collection container 11 has a constricted portion 26 in the center in the vertical direction. As can be seen from Fig. 3, the horizontal cross section of the collection container 11 is a partial ring shape similar to the opening 23 at any position in the vertical direction. The horizontal cross section of the collection container 11 narrows inwardly as it moves downward from the opening 23. Meanwhile, the horizontal cross section of the collection container 11 is substantially congruent at the upper end position that defines the opening 23 and the lower end position that forms the bottom 21. The horizontal cross section of the collection container 11 narrows inwardly as it moves upward from the bottom 21.

[0030] The constricted portion 26 is a portion where the area of ​​the horizontal cross section of the collection container 11 is minimized. The degree of reduction in the horizontal cross section from the upper end to the constricted portion 26 is less than the degree of reduction in the horizontal cross section from the lower end to the constricted portion 26. Therefore, the constricted portion 26 is located lower than the exact center between the upper and lower ends of the collection container 11.

[0031] The foreign matter recovery device 10 includes an annular flexible member 14 provided on the inner peripheral surface of a recovery container 11. The outer peripheral edge of the flexible member 14 is joined to the inner peripheral surface over the entire circumference at a certain height in the vertical direction of the recovery container 11. Therefore, the shape of the flexible member 14 in plan view is congruent with the horizontal cross section of the recovery container 11 at the height at which the flexible member 14 is installed, and is a partially annular shape. The flexible member 14 is formed from a flexible material, has a plate shape, and its plate thickness direction is oriented in the vertical direction. A slit 14a extending in an arc shape along the longitudinal direction of the flexible member 14 is provided in the center of the flexible member 14.

[0032] The material of the collection container 11 may be any material as long as it has moldability, robustness, and corrosion resistance to a certain degree. The material of the collection container 11 may be a metal such as steel or aluminum alloy, or a synthetic resin such as a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin. The material of the flexible member 14 may be any material as long as it has elasticity and corrosion resistance to a certain degree. Rubber is a suitable material for the flexible member 14.

[0033] The lift plate 12 is plate-like and partially annular in plan view. The plan view shape of the lift plate 12 is similar to the horizontal cross section of the collection container 11. The width D12 of the lift plate 12 is smaller than the width D23 of the opening 23, and is also smaller than the width D26 of the constricted portion 26. The width D12 of the lift plate 12 is larger than the width D14a of the slit 14a of the flexible member 14. The width D26 of the constricted portion 26 is equal to the width of the outer periphery of the flexible member 14. The width here refers to the difference in radius between the inner arc and the outer arc of the partially annular shape.

[0034] A rib 31 and a rod 32 are integrally provided on the lift plate 12. The rib 31 protrudes upward from the entire periphery of the outer periphery of the lift plate 12. The rod 32 extends upward from the center of the lift plate 12.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, the foreign object recovery device 10 includes an actuator 15, a motion conversion mechanism 16, a controller 17, and an operation panel 18. The actuator 15 raises and lowers the lift plate 12. The actuator 15 is preferably an electric motor. The motion conversion mechanism 16 converts the rotation generated by the actuator 15 into linear motion, and transmits the converted linear motion to the rod and ultimately to the lift plate 12. The motion conversion mechanism 16 is not particularly limited, and a ball screw mechanism or a rack and pinion can be preferably applied. The actuator 15 may generate thrust like a cylinder, in which case the motion conversion mechanism 16 can be omitted.

[0036] The lift plate 12, the rod 32, the motion conversion mechanism 16, and the actuator 15 are supported by the vertical pump 1. However, the configuration and structure for support are not particularly limited. For example, the actuator 15 and the motion conversion mechanism 16 may be supported by a stay (not shown) fixed to the vertical pipe 4, and the rod 32 and the lift plate 12 may be supported by the motion conversion mechanism 16 supported by the stay.

[0037] The controller 17 is realized by a computer including a CPU, a memory, and an input / output interface. The controller 17 is connected to an operation panel 18 and the actuator 15. As an example, the operation panel 18 is provided with a start switch that allows a yard worker to input a start command for the actuator 15. When the start command is output, the controller 17 operates the actuator 15 according to a predetermined sequence. The operation of the lift plate 12 described below is realized through the control by the controller 17.

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a state in which the lift plate 12 is in the retracted position. As a mere example, the water surface WL is located above the opening of the collection container 11, and Fig. 5 shows a state in which the entire collection container 11 is submerged in water W.

[0039] The position of the water level WL may be the lowest water level during operation of the vertical pump 1. In other words, the opening 23 of the recovery container 11 may be located below the lowest water level, while the retracted position of the lift plate 12 may be located above the lowest water level.

[0040] 6, the start switch of the operation panel 18 is operated by an operator when the presence of a foreign object X is confirmed. When the water level WL is at or near the minimum water level, that is, when the distance between the foreign object X and the suction port is short, operating the start switch can remove the foreign object X and effectively prevent the foreign object X from being sucked in.

[0041] 7, when the actuator 15 starts, the lift plate 12 descends from the retracted position. During this process, the foreign matter X that has been staying near the water surface WL is pushed by the lower surface of the lift plate 12 and descends into the water together with the lift plate 12. The lift plate 12 and the foreign matter X enter the interior of the collection container 11 from above through the opening 23.

[0042] 7 and 8, the width D12 of the lift plate 12 is smaller than the width D26 of the constricted portion, so the lift plate 12 reaches the constricted portion. The width D12 of the lift plate 12 is larger than the width D14a of the slit 14a of the flexible member 14, so the lift plate 12 abuts against the upper surface of the flexible member 14. Meanwhile, the entry position of the lift plate 12 is set below the constricted portion and below the flexible member 14, so that the flexible member 14 has flexibility. Therefore, the lift plate 12 continues to descend even after abutting against the upper surface of the flexible member 14. The peripheral portion of the slit 14a is pushed by the lift plate 12 and bent downward, so that the lift plate 12 is allowed to pass through the slit 14a.

[0043] 8 shows a state in which the lift plate 12 is located at the approach position. When the lift plate 12 passes through the slit 14a, the foreign object X being pressed by the lower surface of the lift plate 12 also passes through the slit 14a. The foreign object X is accommodated in the space below the flexible member 14.

[0044] 9, when the lift plate 12 reaches the entry position, the actuator 15 operates in the reverse direction, and the lift plate 12 rises. During the rise, the periphery of the slit 14a bends in the same manner as during the descent, thereby allowing the lift plate 12 to pass through the slit 14a and continue to rise. Unlike during the descent, no strong external force acts on the foreign object X. Although the foreign object X abuts against the lower surface of the flexible member 14 due to the action of buoyancy, the probability that the foreign object X will pass through the slit 14a is low. In this way, the lift plate 12 descends from the retracted position to the entry position and returns from the entry position to the retracted position, and by this reciprocating lifting action, the foreign object X that has been staying near the water surface WL is collected or captured inside the collection container 11, particularly in the space below the flexible member 14.

[0045] Vertical pumps 1 installed at power stations are required by law to undergo regular maintenance work, and maintenance work is also performed voluntarily as necessary. In such maintenance work, water W is drawn from the water tank. Inside the water tank, a worker removes the collection container 11 from the installation object (vertical pump 1 or water tank) and takes it out of the water tank.

[0046] 10, an operator can operate the lower lid 25 to open the discharge port, thereby discharging the foreign matter X that has been collected in the space between the flexible member 14 and the bottom 21 to the outside of the collection container 11. After discharging the foreign matter X, the collection container 11 is placed back on the installation target.

[0047] The foreign matter collection device 10 of this embodiment is arranged adjacent to the outer periphery of the lower end of the vertical pump 1 and comprises a collection container 11 that is open upward, and a lifting plate 12 that can be raised and lowered between a retracted position above the collection container 11 and an entry position into the interior of the collection container 11.

[0048] In this way, the recovery container 11 is adjacent to the lower end of the vertical pump 1. The recovery container 11 is arranged on the outer periphery. Furthermore, the bottom 21 of the recovery container 11 is at the same height as the lower end of the vertical pump 1 or higher. Therefore, the recovery container 11 can be applied to the vertical pump 1 even if the distance between the suction port and the bottom of the water tank is short. This is advantageous in that it can be widely applied to existing vertical pumps 1.

[0049] The recovery container 11 is not in the shape of a closed ring, but is in the shape of a partial ring. This makes it easy to attach and detach the recovery container 11 to and from the vertical pump 1. The partial ring-shaped recovery container 11 is disposed downstream in the flow direction of the vertical pump 1, that is, in a position where the foreign matter X is likely to accumulate. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the recovery container 11 and make it easier to attach and detach, while maintaining a high recovery efficiency for the foreign matter X.

[0050] The collection container 11 is open upward, and the lift plate 12 can move up and down between a retracted position where it is retracted above the collection container 11, and an entry position where it enters the inside of the collection container 11. When the lift plate 12 descends from the retracted position to the entry position, it can push the foreign matter X that has accumulated near the water surface WL on the outer periphery of the lower end of the vertical pump 1 into the collection container 11. With a simple configuration, the foreign matter X can be collected in the collection container 11.

[0051] The foreign matter recovery device 10 includes an annular flexible member 14 provided on the inner circumferential surface of a recovery container 11. The entry position is set below the flexible member 14. As a result, when the lift plate 12 descends from the retracted position, the lift plate 12 moves together with the foreign matter X to the entry position below the flexible member 14. Even if the lift plate 12 subsequently rises and moves above the flexible member 14, the floating of the foreign matter X is suppressed by the underside of the flexible member 14. The foreign matter X once recovered in the recovery container 11 tends to remain within the recovery container 11.

[0052] The collection container 11 has a constricted portion 26 in the vertical center, and the entry position is set below the constricted portion 26. As a result, when the lift plate 12 descends from the retracted position, the lift plate 12 can move together with the foreign matter X to the entry position below the constricted portion 26. Even if the lift plate 12 subsequently ascends, the floating of the foreign matter X is suppressed by the constricted portion 26. The foreign matter X once collected in the collection container 11 tends to remain in the collection container 11.

[0053] In this embodiment, the flexible member 14 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the constricted portion 26. Therefore, the foreign matter X collected in the collection container 11 can be effectively prevented from escaping from the collection container 11.

[0054] The bottom 21 of the collection container 11 is configured with a lower lid 25 that closes the inside of the collection container 11 in an openable manner. This allows the foreign matter X collected in the collection container 11 to be easily discharged to the outside of the collection container 11. This configuration is particularly beneficial in the case where the floating of the foreign matter X once collected is suppressed and the foreign matter X is difficult to discharge from the upper opening 23, as in this embodiment.

[0055] Although the embodiment has been described above, the above configuration can be appropriately modified, added, or deleted within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0056] 11 shows a foreign body recovery device 10 according to a modified example. This foreign body recovery device 10 has been modified from the above embodiment in several respects.

[0057] The collection container 11 does not need to have the constricted portion 26. In this case, the horizontal cross section of the collection container 11 has a uniform size regardless of the height position, and the inner peripheral portion 22a and the outer peripheral portion 22b of the peripheral wall 22 extend vertically. The flexible member 14 may be installed near the opening 23. This makes it possible to ensure a large space for collecting and capturing the foreign matter X.

[0058] The lift plate 12 may have holes. This reduces the resistance of water when lifting and lowering, and allows the lift plate 12 to be displaced with a small driving force. The structure for forming the holes is not particularly limited, and the lift plate 12 may be made of a grating plate, punched metal, or a mesh structure. Although not shown in detail, the lower cover 25 or the lower part of the peripheral wall 22 may also have holes, similar to the lift plate 12. This makes it possible to avoid compression of the inside of the collection container 11 when the lift plate 12 descends, and allows the lift plate 12 to be descended with a small driving force.

[0059] The ribs 31 may protrude downward. This prevents the foreign object X from moving horizontally from the lower surface of the lift plate 12 and falling off the lift plate 12 when the lift plate 12 descends, improving collection efficiency. The ribs 31 may protrude from the upper or lower surface of the lift plate 12, whether protruding upward or downward. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 Vertical pump 2 Casing 3. Ring 4 Vertical pipe 10 Foreign object collection device 11 Collection container 12 Lifting plate 13 Bracket 14 Flexible member 14a Slit 15 Actuators 16 Motion conversion mechanism 17 Controller 18 Control panel 21 bottom 22 Peripheral wall 22a Inner circumference 22b Outer periphery 22c 1st end 22d 2nd end 23 Aperture 24 Outlet 25 Lower lid 26 Neck 31 Ribs 32 Rod D12 Width of lift plate 12 D14a Width of slit 14a D23 Width of opening 23 D26 Width of constricted portion 26 W water Wa Bottom Wb end face Wc side WL water surface X Foreign object

Claims

1. a collection container disposed adjacent to the outer circumferential side of the lower end of the vertical pump and open upward; a lift plate that can be raised and lowered between a retreat position where the lift plate is retreated above the collection container and an entry position where the lift plate enters the inside of the collection container; A foreign matter recovery device for a vertical pump.

2. The collection container further includes an annular flexible member provided on an inner peripheral surface thereof, The entry position is set below the flexible member.

2. The foreign matter recovery device for a vertical pump according to claim 1.

3. the collection container has a constricted portion in the center in the up-down direction, The entry position is set below the constricted portion.

3. The foreign matter recovery device for a vertical pump according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The bottom of the collection container is constituted by a lower lid that closes the inside of the collection container in an openable manner.

3. The foreign matter recovery device for a vertical pump according to claim 1 or 2.

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