pump

Abstract

A pump is provided in which the inspection port cover can be slid without the inspection port cover sliding against the pump casing. [Solution] The pump is equipped with a support structure that slides the inspection port cover relative to the inspection port and supports the inspection port cover. The support structure moves the inspection port cover in a direction that brings it closer to and further away from the inspection port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump.

Background Art

[0002] A pump includes an impeller, a rotating shaft to which the impeller is fixed, and a pump casing that accommodates the impeller and the rotating shaft. Generally, in order to inspect the interior of the pump casing, the pump casing has an inspection port (opening).

[0003] An operator can access the interior of the pump casing through the inspection port. The operator visually checks the deterioration state inside the pump casing and checks for the presence of foreign matter (for example, checking for the presence of foreign matter caught between the impeller and the pump casing, checking for the presence of foreign matter entangled on the rotating shaft, etc.).

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Literature 1

Patent Literature 2

Patent Literature 3

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Typically, inspection hatches are sealed with inspection hatch covers. These covers are designed to withstand the pressure generated during pump operation and are relatively large in size. Consequently, they are thick and very heavy components. It is extremely difficult for an operator to open and close such inspection hatches on their own. Therefore, it is common practice to use cargo handling equipment such as overhead cranes to open and close the inspection hatches. However, such opening and closing operations are cumbersome and time-consuming. As a result, there is a problem of reduced inspection frequency.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses an inspection port structure for the propulsion system of a jet-powered boat. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the cover member can be removed from the inspection port with a single touch by simply pulling up (unlocking) the handle member of the clamp mechanism, thereby opening the inspection port. However, with such a configuration, the operator must perform the pulling operation manually, making it difficult to easily open and close the inspection port cover, which is a heavy component.

[0007] Patent Document 2 discloses a pump inspection port structure. Specifically, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which a pivot mechanism is provided at the side end of the window body, and the window body is opened and closed around the pivot mechanism. However, with such a configuration, if the window body is positioned horizontally, the worker must lift the window body manually, making it difficult to easily open and close the inspection port cover, which is a heavy component. Furthermore, when inspecting with the window body open, there is a possibility that the window body may suddenly close, making it impossible to ensure the safety of the worker.

[0008] Patent Document 3 discloses a structure that provides a pivot point for rotatably supporting an inspection port cover. In the configuration of Patent Document 3, the inspection port cover can be opened by rotating it around the pivot point. With such a configuration, the inspection port cover can be easily opened and closed even when it is positioned horizontally. However, when opening and closing the inspection port cover, the inspection port cover slides against the pump casing. Therefore, there is a risk of wear on the inspection port cover and / or the pump casing. If an O-ring for watertight sealing is placed between the inspection port cover and the pump casing, there is a risk that the O-ring may twist and break.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a pump that allows the inspection port cover to slide without the inspection port cover sliding against the pump casing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one embodiment, a pump for lifting a liquid is provided. The pump comprises a pump casing having an inspection port for inspecting the interior, an inspection port cover covering the inspection port, and a support structure that slides the inspection port cover relative to the inspection port and supports the inspection port cover, wherein the support structure moves the inspection port cover in a direction that brings it closer to and further away from the inspection port.

[0011] In one embodiment, the pump includes a sealing member positioned between the pump casing and the inspection port cover, and when the inspection port cover is moved away from the inspection port, the support structure holds the inspection port cover so as to maintain a certain distance formed between the sealing member and the inspection port cover. In one embodiment, the support structure is configured to open and close the inspection opening by sliding the inspection opening cover in an arc-shaped trajectory. In one embodiment, the support structure comprises a pivot bolt inserted through the inspection port cover into a housing hole formed in the pump casing, and a nut housed in the housing hole, wherein the pivot bolt, by rotation, moves the inspection port cover closer to or further away from the inspection port through the nut.

[0012] In one embodiment, the pump has an anti-rotation structure that restricts the rotation of the nut relative to the housing hole, the anti-rotation structure being a combination of a key protruding from the nut and a keyway formed in the housing hole into which the key is inserted. In one embodiment, the pump has an anti-rotation structure that restricts the rotation of the nut relative to the housing hole, and the anti-rotation structure is a combination of the nut having a polygonal shape and the housing hole having a cross-sectional shape that follows the contour of the nut. In one embodiment, the support structure includes a pivot bolt that penetrates the inspection port cover and communicates with the pump casing, and a threaded portion formed in the inspection port cover into which the pivot bolt is screwed.

[0013] In one embodiment, the support structure includes a pivot bolt that penetrates the inspection port cover and communicates with the pump casing, and a biasing member that biases the inspection port cover in a direction away from the pump casing. In one embodiment, the support structure is configured to open and close the inspection opening by sliding the inspection opening cover in a straight line. In one embodiment, the support structure comprises a pivot bolt that penetrates the inspection port cover and communicates with the pump casing, a rail formed in the pump casing, and a spring slider positioned on the rail and biasing the inspection port cover in a direction away from the inspection port. By applying the biasing force of the spring slider to the pump casing and running the spring slider, the inspection port cover opens and closes the inspection port while being separated from the pump casing.

[0014] In one aspect, the pump casing includes a pedestal having a mounting surface on which the inspection port cover is mounted, and the rail is disposed on the mounting surface. In one aspect, the inspection port cover has an elongated slot that extends along the laying direction of the rail and into which the fulcrum bolt is inserted. Effects of the Invention

[0015] With the above means, the pump allows the inspection port cover to be slid without sliding the inspection port cover against the pump casing. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing one embodiment of a pump. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing another embodiment of a pump. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing one embodiment of a support structure. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the operation of the support structure according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the operation of the support structure according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 5. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing another embodiment of a rotation stop structure. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing another embodiment of a rotation stop structure. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 8. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the inspection port cover attached to a manhole. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing another embodiment of a support structure. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the operation of the support structure according to the embodiment shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the operation of the support structure according to the embodiment shown in Figure 11. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing another embodiment of a support structure. [Figure 15] This figure shows the operation of the support structure according to the embodiment shown in Figure 14. [Figure 16] This figure shows the operation of the support structure according to the embodiment shown in Figure 14. [Figure 17] This figure shows another embodiment of the support structure. [Figure 18] This figure shows the operation of the support structure according to the embodiment shown in Figure 17. [Figure 19] This figure shows the operation of the support structure according to the embodiment shown in Figure 17. [Figure 20] This figure shows another embodiment of the support structure. [Figure 21] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view along the CC line. [Figure 22] Figures 20 and 21 are perspective views of the support structure according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 23] Figures 20 to 22 are cross-sectional views of the support structure according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 24] Figures 20 to 22 are cross-sectional views of the support structure according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 25] This diagram shows how to open and close an inspection hatch by sliding the inspection hatch cover. [Figure 26] This diagram shows how to open and close an inspection hatch by sliding the inspection hatch cover. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. In the multiple embodiments described below, the configuration of one embodiment that is not specifically described is the same as that of the other embodiments, so redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0018] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the pump. Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the pump. Pump 1 is configured to lift a liquid. Pump 1 comprises an impeller IP, a rotating shaft SH to which the impeller IP is fixed, and a pump casing 2 that houses the impeller IP and the rotating shaft SH. The rotating shaft SH is connected to a drive unit (not shown). When the drive unit is driven, the impeller IP rotates together with the rotating shaft SH.

[0019] In Figure 1, pump 1 corresponds to a horizontal-axis pump with a rotating shaft SH extending horizontally. In Figure 2, pump 1 corresponds to a vertical-axis pump with a rotating shaft SH extending vertically. Note that the impeller IP is not shown in Figure 2.

[0020] The pump casing 2 comprises a casing body 2A and an inspection opening 2B formed in the casing body 2A. The inspection opening 2B has an inspection port 3 for inspecting the inside of the pump casing 2.

[0021] Pump 1 is equipped with an inspection port cover 4 that covers the inspection compartment 2B. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the inspection port cover 4 is positioned horizontally to cover the inspection compartment 2B which extends vertically, but it is not necessarily required to be positioned horizontally. For example, the inspection port cover 4 may be positioned vertically to cover the inspection compartment 2B which extends horizontally.

[0022] As described above, the inspection port cover 4 is large in size and heavy in weight. It is desirable to open and close the inspection port cover 4 without sliding it against the inspection opening 2B of the pump casing 2.

[0023] Therefore, the pump 1 has a configuration that allows the inspection port cover 4 to slide without sliding it against the inspection compartment 2B. This configuration will be described below.

[0024] Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the support structure. The pump 1 is equipped with a support structure 10 that slides the inspection port cover 4 relative to the inspection port 3 and supports the inspection port cover 4. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the support structure 10 is configured to open and close the inspection port 3 by sliding the inspection port cover 4 in an arc-shaped trajectory.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the pump 1 includes a sealing member 5 positioned between the inspection compartment 2B and the inspection port cover 4, and a plurality of fixing bolts 8 that secure the inspection port cover 4 to the inspection compartment 2B. The sealing member 5 is, for example, a rubber O-ring and is positioned radially outward from the inspection port 3.

[0026] Under normal conditions (i.e., when no inspection work is being performed), the inspection port cover 4 is fixed to the inspection port 2B by multiple fixing bolts 8. The multiple fixing bolts 8 are positioned radially outward from the sealing member 5 and are arranged along the circumferential direction of the inspection port 3.

[0027] Figures 4 and 5 show the operation of the support structure according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 5. The support structure 10 is configured to move the inspection port cover 4 in a direction that brings it close to the inspection port 3 and moves it away from the inspection port 3.

[0028] Furthermore, when the inspection port cover 4 is moved away from the inspection port 3, the support structure 10 is configured to hold the inspection port cover 4 so as to maintain a certain distance formed between the inspection port 2B (in particular, the sealing member 5) and the inspection port cover 4.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the support structure 10 includes a pivot bolt 12 that passes through the inspection cover 4 and is inserted into a housing hole 11 formed in the inspection compartment 2B of the pump casing 2, and a nut 13 housed in the housing hole 11.

[0030] The pivot bolt 12 passes through a through hole 4a formed in the inspection cover 4. The through hole 4a communicates with a housing hole 11 which has a bottomed shape. The inspection cover 2B has an annular sealing groove 2Ba formed radially inward of the housing hole 11. The sealing member 5 is installed in the sealing groove 2Ba. When the sealing member 5 is installed in the sealing groove 2Ba, the pivot bolt 12 is located radially outward of the sealing member 5.

[0031] Pump 1 has an anti-rotation structure 20 that restricts the rotation of the nut 13 relative to the housing hole 11. The anti-rotation structure 20 is a combination of a key 21 protruding from the nut 13 and a keyway 22 formed in the housing hole 11 into which the key 21 is inserted.

[0032] Pump 1 is equipped with a bush BH mounted on a pivot bolt 12. The bush BH has a cylindrical shape. The pivot bolt 12 is inserted into the bush BH. The bush BH is positioned between the nut 13 and the inspection cover 4, and maintains the relative position between the nut 13 and the inspection cover 4. In other words, the bush BH restricts the nut 13 from approaching the inspection cover 4.

[0033] The pivot bolt 12 is configured to move the inspection port cover 4 closer to or further away from the inspection port 3 via the nut 13 through its rotation. When sliding the inspection port cover 4 to open the inspection port 3, the worker first removes all of the fixing bolts 8 (see Figure 3).

[0034] Subsequently, the worker rotates the pivot bolt 12 in one direction to loosen it (see Figure 4). By loosening the pivot bolt 12, the nut 13 rises within the housing hole 11 while its rotation is restricted by the anti-rotation structure 20 (see Figure 5).

[0035] As the nut 13 rises, the inspection cover 4 moves together with the nut 13 in a direction away from the inspection opening 3 (away direction), forming a gap between the inspection cover 4 and the inspection opening 2B (particularly the sealing member 5). At this time, the bush BH positioned between the nut 13 and the inspection cover 4 maintains a constant distance between the rising nut 13 and the inspection cover 4. In this way, the nut 13 pushes the inspection cover 4 upward in the away direction due to the rotation of the pivot bolt 12.

[0036] In this state, the worker slides the inspection port cover 4 around the pivot bolt 12 to open the inspection port 3 (see Figure 3). The worker then accesses the inside of the pump casing 2 through the opened inspection port 3 and performs the inspection of the pump 1.

[0037] After the inspection, the worker rotates the pivot bolt 12 in the opposite direction to tighten it. As the pivot bolt 12 rotates, the nut 13 descends within the housing hole 11. The inspection cover 4, due to its own weight, moves together with the nut 13 toward the inspection opening 3, closing the gap between it and the inspection account 2B. In this state, the worker tightens all of the fixing bolts 8 to make the inspection cover 4 tightly adhere to the inspection account 2B (see Figure 3).

[0038] According to this embodiment, the support structure 10 can form a gap between the inspection port cover 4 and the sealing member 5. In this state, sliding the inspection port cover 4 prevents sliding between the inspection port cover 4 and the sealing member 5. As a result, the support structure 10 can prevent twisting and breaking of the sealing member 5.

[0039] Figures 7 and 8 show other embodiments of the anti-rotation structure. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 8. In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9, the anti-rotation structure 20 does not have a key 21 and a keyway 22, but instead is a combination of a polygonal nut 13 and a receiving hole 11 having a cross-sectional shape that follows the contour of the nut 13.

[0040] In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9, the nut 13 has a hexagonal shape (see Figure 9). The housing hole 11 has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape according to the shape of the nut 13. Even with this configuration, the anti-rotation structure 20 can restrict the rotation of the nut 13, and the nut 13 moves up and down within the housing hole 11 while its rotation is restricted by the anti-rotation structure 20.

[0041] In the embodiments described above, a support structure 10 for supporting an inspection port cover 4 arranged horizontally was described, but the support structure 10 can also support an inspection port cover 4 arranged vertically.

[0042] Figure 10 shows an inspection cover attached to a manhole. As shown in Figure 10, the inspection cover 4 may be attached to a manhole MH (large cover) that is configured to allow workers to enter and exit. In this case, the manhole MH is part of the pump casing 2.

[0043] The manhole MH is fixed to the casing body 2A of the pump casing 2 by multiple bolts BL. The manhole MH covers an access hole AH formed in the casing body 2A. The access hole AH is large enough for a worker to enter and exit. By removing all of the multiple bolts BL and detaching the manhole MH from the casing body 2A, a worker can access the inside of the pump casing 2 through the access hole AH. In this case, it is not necessary to remove the inspection cover 4 attached to the manhole MH.

[0044] The inspection cover 4 is fixed to the manhole MH by multiple fixing bolts 8. The manhole MH has an opening (not shown) that communicates with the inspection port 3. The sealing member 5 is attached to the manhole MH. By removing all of the multiple fixing bolts 8 and sliding the inspection cover 4 around the pivot bolt 12, the worker can access the inside of the pump casing 2 through the opening in the manhole MH and the inspection port 3.

[0045] Thus, the pump 1 may have a double-lid structure consisting of an inspection cover 4 and a manhole MH. With such a structure, if necessary, an operator can open the inspection cover 4 or the manhole MH to access the inside of the pump casing 2. As a result, the pump 1 can further improve the work performance of its inspection work.

[0046] Figure 11 shows another embodiment of the support structure. Figures 12 and 13 show the operation of the support structure according to the embodiment shown in Figure 11. In the embodiments shown in Figures 11 to 13, the support structure 10 includes a pivot bolt 12 that penetrates the inspection port cover 4 and communicates with the inspection opening 2B of the pump casing 2, and a threaded portion 4b formed in the inspection port cover 4 into which the pivot bolt 12 is screwed.

[0047] The threaded portion 4b has a female thread structure with a screw groove. During inspection work, the worker first removes all of the fixing bolts 8. Then, by loosening the pivot bolt 12, the inspection cover 4 moves away from the inspection compartment 2B with the pivot bolt 12 and the threaded portion 4b engaged with each other (see Figure 13).

[0048] In this embodiment as well, the inspection cover 4 forms a gap between the inspection cover 4 and the sealing member 5. Therefore, the worker can prevent sliding between the inspection cover 4 and the sealing member 5 by sliding the inspection cover 4 around the pivot bolt 12.

[0049] In the embodiments shown in Figures 11 to 13, the support structure 10 can eliminate the drilling process for forming the housing hole 11 in the inspection opening 2B, and sliding between the inspection opening cover 4 and the sealing member 5 can be prevented by a simple process of only forming the threaded portion 4b on the inspection opening cover 4. A pump 1 having such a structure can achieve a simple structure.

[0050] Figure 14 shows another embodiment of the support structure. Figures 15 and 16 show the operation of the support structure according to the embodiment shown in Figure 14. In the embodiments shown in Figures 14 to 16, the support structure 10 includes a pivot bolt 12 that penetrates the inspection port cover 4 and communicates with the inspection slot 2B of the pump casing 2, and a biasing member 200 that biases the inspection port cover 4 in a direction that moves it away from the inspection slot 2B.

[0051] As shown in Figure 14, the multiple biasing members 200 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the inspection opening 3. The multiple biasing members 200 and the multiple fixing bolts 8 are arranged alternately. Therefore, the multiple biasing members 200 as a whole can apply a biasing force evenly to the inspection opening cover 4.

[0052] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the biasing member 200 is housed in a housing recess 111 formed in the inspection opening 2B. The housing recess 111 is located between the sealing groove 2Ba and the housing hole 11. The biasing member 200 comprises a spring 210 extending in the thickness direction of the inspection opening cover 4 (i.e., in the direction parallel to the pivot bolt 12) and a ball bearing 220 positioned between the spring 210 and the inspection opening cover 4.

[0053] The ball bearing 220 has a spherical rolling element 220a and a holder 220b that holds the rolling element 220a. The rolling element 220a is always in contact with the inspection port cover 4 due to the biasing force of the spring 210 (specifically, the spring reaction force), and is rotatable while being held by the holder 220b. The holder 220b has a disc shape and is supported by the spring 210.

[0054] When the inspection cover 4 is in close contact with the inspection compartment 2B by the fixing bolt 8, the spring 210 is housed in the housing recess 111 in an elastically deformed state. During inspection work, when the worker removes the fixing bolt 8 and loosens the pivot bolt 12, the spring 210, due to its biasing force, separates the inspection cover 4 from the inspection compartment 2B. As described above, the multiple biasing members 200 are arranged at equal intervals. Therefore, the multiple biasing members 200 can lift the inspection cover 4 without tilting it.

[0055] Due to the biasing force of the spring 210, the inspection port cover 4 moves away from the inspection port 3, forming a gap between the inspection port cover 4 and the sealing member 5. When the worker slides the inspection port cover 4, the rolling element 220a rotates while in contact with the inspection port cover 4.

[0056] Therefore, the ball bearing 220 can reduce the frictional force generated when sliding the inspection cover 4. As a result, the worker can slide the inspection cover 4 smoothly. In the embodiments shown in Figures 14 to 16, the biasing member 200 can move the inspection cover 4 by the biasing force of the spring 210, and the rotational force of the ball bearing 220 can reduce the frictional force of the inspection cover 4. Therefore, the support structure 10 can reduce the effort required during inspection work.

[0057] Figure 17 shows another embodiment of the support structure. Figures 18 and 19 show the operation of the support structure according to the embodiment shown in Figure 17. In the embodiments shown in Figures 17 to 19, the support structure 10 includes a pivot bolt 12 that penetrates the inspection port cover 4 and communicates with the inspection slot 2B of the pump casing 2, and a biasing member 30 attached to the inspection slot 2B.

[0058] In this embodiment, the biasing member 30 corresponds to an elastic ball made of an elastic material such as nitrile rubber (NBR). Hereinafter, the biasing member 30 may be referred to as the elastic ball 30. As shown in Figure 17, the support structure 10 includes a plurality of elastic balls 30 arranged along the circumferential direction of the inspection opening 3. The plurality of elastic balls 30 and the plurality of fixing bolts 8 are arranged alternately. With this arrangement, the plurality of elastic balls 30 can evenly apply biasing force to the inspection opening cover 4.

[0059] The elastic ball 30 is housed in a mounting groove 2Bb formed in the inspection opening 2B. The elastic ball 30 has a diameter larger than the wire diameter (i.e., the cross-sectional diameter) of the sealing member 5. Therefore, by loosening the pivot bolt 12, the elastic ball 30 moves the inspection opening cover 4 in the opposite direction due to its biasing force (specifically, elastic force, rubber reaction force).

[0060] As a result, the elastic ball 30 creates a gap between the inspection cover 4 and the inspection compartment 2B. Therefore, the worker can prevent the inspection cover 4 from sliding against the sealing member 5 by sliding the inspection cover 4 around the pivot bolt 12.

[0061] Although not shown in the figures, when sliding the inspection cover 4, a lubricant such as oil or grease may be applied to the mounting groove 2Bb to reduce the frictional force generated between the inspection cover 4 and the elastic ball 30. In one embodiment, the elastic ball 30 may be made of a wear-resistant resin material.

[0062] Figure 20 shows another embodiment of the support structure. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of Figure 20. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the support structure according to the embodiment shown in Figures 20 and 21. In the embodiments shown in Figures 20 to 22, the support structure 10 includes a plate-shaped inspection port cover 40, a pivot bolt 12 that penetrates the inspection port cover 40 and communicates with the inspection port 2B of the pump casing 2, and a rail RL formed in the pump casing 2 adjacent to the inspection port 3.

[0063] In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 19, the support structure 10 is configured to slide the inspection port cover 4 in an arc-shaped trajectory. However, in this embodiment, the support structure 10 is configured to slide the inspection port cover 40 in a straight line trajectory to open and close the inspection port 3.

[0064] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the pump casing 2 comprises a sliding base 50 positioned on an inspection platform 2B, and a plurality of stanchions SP supporting the sliding base 50. The stanchions SP are fixed to stanchion seats 2C of the pump casing 2. The stanchion seats 2C are formed in the casing body 2A.

[0065] The two rails RL support the inspection hatch cover 40 so that it can move in a straight line (see Figure 20). The two rails RL have a straight shape and are arranged parallel to each other on both sides of the inspection hatch 3 (see Figure 21).

[0066] The sliding base 50 is positioned on the same plane as the inspection platform 2B. Specifically, the base 50 is positioned on the same plane as the inspection platform 2B and has a mounting surface 50a on which the inspection cover 40 is placed (see Figure 20). The rail RL is positioned on the mounting surface 50a and is positioned to cross the sliding base 50 and the inspection platform 2B.

[0067] As shown in Figure 22, the inspection cover 40 has an elongated hole LH that extends along the laying direction of the rail RL and into which the pivot bolt 12 is inserted. The inspection cover 40 has an opening 40a that can communicate with the inspection opening 3. The opening 40a is located between elongated holes LH that extend parallel to each other.

[0068] Figures 23 and 24 are cross-sectional views of the support structure according to the embodiment shown in Figures 20 to 22. As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the support structure 10 is positioned on the rail RL and includes a spring slider 60 that biases the inspection opening cover 40 in a direction away from the inspection opening 3.

[0069] The spring slider 60 is housed in a housing groove 40b formed in the inspection cover 40. When the inspection cover 40 is brought into close contact with the inspection compartment 2B by the fixing bolt 8, the rail RL is housed in the housing groove 40b (see Figure 23). With this configuration, the sealing member 5 can fully perform its function.

[0070] In this embodiment, the rail RL protrudes from the base 50 and the inspection compartment 2B. However, in one embodiment, the rail RL may be embedded in the base 50 and the inspection compartment 2B, as long as the spring slider 60 can travel on the rail RL. In this case, the base 50 and the inspection compartment 2B have rail grooves (not shown) for embedding the rail RL.

[0071] The spring slider 60 comprises a spring 61 extending in the thickness direction of the inspection cover 40 (i.e., in the direction parallel to the pivot bolt 12), and a ball bearing 62 positioned between the spring 61 and the rail RL. The spring 61 has essentially the same configuration as the spring 210 (see Figures 15 and 16).

[0072] Similarly, the ball bearing 62 has essentially the same configuration as the ball bearing 220 (see Figures 15 and 16). Specifically, the ball bearing 62 has spherical rolling elements 62a and a holder 62b that holds the rolling elements 62a. The rolling elements 62a are always in contact with the rail RL.

[0073] As shown in Figure 24, during inspection work, loosening the pivot bolt 12 causes the spring slider 60 to apply the biasing force of the spring 61 (specifically, the spring reaction force) to the inspection opening 2B of the pump casing 2. Due to the application of the biasing force, the inspection opening cover 40 forms a gap between the inspection opening cover 40 and the sealing member 5.

[0074] Figures 25 and 26 show how the inspection hatch cover is slid open and closed. By running the spring slider 60 with a gap formed between the inspection hatch cover 40 and the sealing member 5, the inspection hatch cover 40 moves smoothly along the rail RL, opening and closing the inspection hatch 3.

[0075] When sliding the inspection cover 40, the worker first removes all of the fixing bolts 8 and loosens the pivot bolt 12. The pivot bolt 12 is inserted into an elongated hole LH that extends parallel to the rail RL. Therefore, the worker can slide the inspection cover 40 in a straight line with the pivot bolt 12 gently inserted into the elongated hole LH without removing the pivot bolt 12 from the elongated hole LH.

[0076] When the worker slides the inspection cover 40 (see the white arrow in Figure 26), the opening 40a of the inspection cover 40 eventually communicates with the inspection port 3. In this way, the inspection cover 40 opens the inspection port 3. The worker then performs the inspection of the pump 1. After the inspection, the worker slides the inspection cover 40 in the opposite direction to close the inspection port 3. In this state, the worker tightens the pivot bolt 12 (see Figure 25).

[0077] The embodiments described above are intended to enable persons with ordinary skill in the art to implement the present invention. Various modifications of the above embodiments can be made naturally by those skilled in the art, and the technical idea of ​​the present invention can be applied to other embodiments as well. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but is to be interpreted in the broadest sense according to the technical idea defined by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1 pump 2 Pump casing 2A Casing Body 2B Inspection Account 2Ba sealing groove 2C Stanchion Seat 3 Inspection hatch 4. Inspection hatch cover 4a Through hole 4b Threaded section 5 Sealing member 8 Fixing bolts 10 Support structure 11 storage holes 12. Pivot bolts 13 nuts 20 Anti-rotation structure 21 keys 22 keyways 30. Biasing member (elastic ball) 40 Inspection hatch cover 40a opening 40b Storage groove 50 Sliding base 50a Mounting surface 60 Spring Slider 61 Spring 62 Ball bearings 62a Rolling element 62b Holder 111 Recessed housing 200 biasing member 210 Spring 220 Ball Bearings 220a Rolling element 220b Holder IP Impeller SH Rotation Axis BH Bush MH Manhole BL Bolt AH Entrance / Exit Hole RL Rail SP Stanchion LH long hole

Claims

1. A pump for lifting liquid, A pump casing having an inspection port for inspecting the inside, An inspection port cover that covers the inspection port, The system includes a support structure that slides the inspection port cover relative to the inspection port and supports the inspection port cover, The support structure is a pump that moves the inspection port cover in a direction that brings it closer to and further away from the inspection port.

2. The pump is equipped with a sealing member positioned between the pump casing and the inspection port cover. The pump according to claim 1, wherein when the inspection port cover is moved away from the inspection port, the support structure holds the inspection port cover so as to maintain a certain distance formed between the sealing member and the inspection port cover.

3. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is configured to open and close the inspection port by sliding the inspection port cover in an arc-shaped trajectory.

4. The aforementioned support structure is A pivot bolt is inserted through the inspection port cover into a housing hole formed in the pump casing, The system comprises a nut housed in the aforementioned housing hole, The pump according to claim 1, wherein the pivot bolt, by rotation thereof, moves the inspection port cover closer to or further away from the inspection port through the nut.

5. The pump has an anti-rotation structure that limits the rotation of the nut relative to the housing hole. The aforementioned anti-rotation structure is, The key protruding from the nut, The pump according to claim 4, comprising a keyway formed in the housing hole into which the key is inserted.

6. The pump has an anti-rotation structure that limits the rotation of the nut relative to the housing hole. The aforementioned anti-rotation structure is, The nut having a polygonal shape, The pump according to claim 4, which is a combination of the receiving hole having a cross-sectional shape along the contour of the nut.

7. The aforementioned support structure is A pivot bolt that penetrates the inspection port cover and communicates with the pump casing, The pump according to claim 1, further comprising: a threaded portion formed in the inspection port cover and into which the pivot bolt is screwed.

8. The aforementioned support structure is A pivot bolt that penetrates the inspection port cover and communicates with the pump casing, The pump according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing member that biases the inspection port cover in a direction away from the pump casing.

9. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is configured to open and close the inspection port by sliding the inspection port cover in a straight line.

10. The aforementioned support structure is A pivot bolt that penetrates the inspection port cover and communicates with the pump casing, The rail formed in the pump casing, The system includes a spring slider positioned on the rail and biasing the inspection cover in a direction away from the inspection opening, The pump according to claim 9, wherein the inspection port cover opens and closes the inspection port while the spring slider is moved, with the spring slider moving while applying the biasing force of the spring slider to the pump casing.

11. The pump casing is provided with a base having a mounting surface on which the inspection port cover is placed. The pump according to claim 10, wherein the rail is positioned on the aforementioned mounting surface.

12. The pump according to claim 10, wherein the inspection port cover extends along the rail laying direction and has an elongated hole into which the pivot bolt is inserted.

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