A pump

Abstract

A pump (100), in particular a water pump (100) designed for use in a garden or for supplying water to consumers in or at a building, comprises a pump body (102), which defines a water inlet (104). A motor (106) is incorporated to increase the water pressure of the water entering the pump (100) through the water inlet (104), in particular by driving a centrifuge (108). The pump body (102) also comprises a water outlet (112), through which the water with increased pressure exits the pump (100). At the water inlet (104), a filter (118) is positioned to filter the water before it enters the pump (100). This filter (118) has a self-cleaning function, and in addition to setting the water in rotation, it simultaneously causes a filter surface (128) to perform a rotational movement. The filter (118) generates a rotating vortex. The pump (100) is characterized in that the filter (118) includes a kind of retarder (130).

Description

[0001] A PUMP

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a pump, in particular a water pump for use in a garden or for supplying water to consumers in or at a building.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Pumps are essential in a variety of applications. In the garden sector, for example, they are used for decorative water features, irrigation, and pond circulation. A garden pump, especially one designed for outdoor or building water supply, typically comprises a pump body with a water inlet. It also includes a motor that boosts water pressure by driving a centrifugal mechanism, allowing water to flow into the pump through the water inlet. The pump body is further equipped with a water outlet through which the pressurized water exits after being processed. Additionally, a filter is placed at the water inlet to ensure that the water is properly filtered before entering the pump.

[0006] The purity of the water at the water inlet is crucial for maintaining longterm, efficient performance. Clean water is essential for the durability of the pump's components. In practice, however, water often contains organic matter, such as leaves, insects, and aquatic plant debris, as well as solid particles like sand. These particles, particularly those near the pump, can be drawn in, potentially damaging or clogging the pump’s inner mechanisms. To prevent this, a filter is typically installed at the pump's inlet to block particles of a certain size from entering the system. Over time, the filter may become clogged with particles, reducing water flow and necessitating regular maintenance. If the particles are smaller than the filter openings, they may pass through and enter the pump’s inner workings. These impurities may either be flushed out through the pressure side or settle in the hydraulics, leading to reduced flow rates. In extreme cases, this may result in pump failure. It’s important to note that the frequency of blockages and maintenance intervals depends on the level of contamination in the water, the design of the pump, and its operational hours. An example of a filter for a water pump is provided by United States Patent US 10,470,443 B2 (hereinafter referred to as ’443 reference). The ’443 reference discloses that to prevent leaves, insects or organic components of aquatic plants that have fallen into the water from being sucked into the pump, a filter is installed in front of the pump's suction opening. This filter prevents particles inside the water to enter the pump due to dimensions of the holes of the filter grid. The motor shaft extends through the motor housing and through the pump chamber to the filter chamber. The shaft is mounted to the motor shaft and extends into the filter chamber that is formed by the filter that surrounds it. Water is sucked in by the pump through the mesh of the filter. A turbulence body is carried along by the motor shaft in a form- fitting manner. When the motor shaft is set into rotation, both the turbulence body and the filter screen are driven and rotate around the central axis. By rotating the water inside and outside the mesh of the filter, the filter cleans itself and prevents particles from settling. Thus, the filter is cleaned by the rotating water within the filter chamber. The filter is rotatably connected with the pump housing but not associated with the motors drive shaft. Although being not connected to the drive shaft the forces of the rotating water inside the filter chamber makes the filter to rotate, too. Not being directly connected to any motor component of the pump the touching the filter by a user's hand immediately stops its rotation, so that injury to the user can be prevented.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a pump.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, a pump, in particular a water pump is provided for use in a garden or for supplying consumers in or at a building. The pump comprises a pump body which defines a water inlet. The pump comprises a motor to increase a water pressure of the water entering the pump through the water inlet, in particular by driving a centrifuge. The pump comprises a water outlet on the pump body, through which the water with the increased pressure exits the pump. The pump further comprises a filter at the water inlet of the pump, which filters the water before it enters the pump. The filter has a selfcleaning function. The filter, in addition to setting the water in rotation, simultaneously causes a filter surface to perform a rotational movement, and the filter generates a rotating vortex. The pump is characterized in that the filter includes a kind of retarder.

[0010] The present disclosure provides an improved pump with a self-cleaning filter. Usage of such a pump may be envisioned in dirty water environment which may include elements like leaves, large size dirt particles etc. Such elements may clog the filter by sticking to the filter and may cause the water supply to come to a standstill. Therefore, the retarder uses hydraulic force imparted to water between the retarder and the filter to impart a rotational motion to the filter. This rotational motion allows the filter to avoid any dirt or leaves to stick to the filter, avoids any clogging of the filter thereby and also ensures continuous operation of the pump.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the retarder comprises a filter shaft that extends from a motor shaft. The filter shaft derives power from the motor shaft and extends away towards the filter to generate required rotational flow of water with help of other parts to impart rotational motion to the filter.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the retarder comprises a filter shaft that operatively connects with a motor shaft. Connection of the filter shaft with the motor shaft allows convenient transfer of power from the motor shaft to the filter shaft.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the retarder comprises at least one first blade, extending away from the filter shaft and rotationally mounted on it, such that the rotation of the filter shaft causes the rotation of the at least one first blade. Further, the retarder comprises at least one second blade extending towards the filter shaft and positioned in hydrological connection, preferably opposite, to the at least one first blade. The first blade and the second blade may be shaped to provide necessary swirl and rotational motion to water between the retarder and the filter to impart desired rotational motion to the filter. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the at least one first blade is disposed proximal to an end of the filter shaft opposite to the water inlet. Positioning the at least one first blade proximal to an end of the filter shaft provides the at least one first blade with more rotational inertia which in turn imparts rotational motion to surrounding water in a more efficient manner.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the at least one first blade is disposed proximal to an end of the filter shaft, close to the water inlet. Positioning the at least one first blade proximal to an end of the filter shaft provides the at least one first blade with more rotational inertia which in turn imparts more rotational motion to surrounding water.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the at least one first blade may be disposed anywhere between an end of the filter shaft, close to the water inlet and an end of the filter shaft opposite to the water inlet.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the retarder further comprises a paddle wheel such that the paddle wheel embodies the at least one first blade. Integration of paddle wheel with the at least one first blade provides a compact and efficient structural arrangement to achieve desired effect.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the filter comprises a filter body having a first segment proximal to the water inlet and a second segment opposite the first segment spaced apart by a filter surface support structure, with at least one of the first segment, the second segment or the filter surface support structure comprising the at least one second blade of the retarder. The filter support structure provides a stable resting surface for the filter to hold its desired shape and maintain a larger surface area to efficiently perform the desired task of filtering the incoming water.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a cover member is mounted on the filter surface support structure and the second segment, at least partially enclosing both the filter surface support structure and the second segment, with the cover member further configured to enclose an end portion of the filter shaft at the second segment to provide a fluid-tight seal around a bearing member positioned between the filter shaft and the filter body. The fluid tight seal prevents any water or other dirt particles etc. from entering the pump housing therefrom. This helps in maintaining uninterrupted operation of the pump.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the bearing member positioned between the filter shaft and the second segment of the filter body is engineered to provide a fluid-tight seal around the bearing member. The fluid tight seal prevents any water or other dirt particles etc. from entering the pump housing therefrom. This helps in maintaining uninterrupted operation of the pump.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the the at least on second blade is surrounded by a deflector element that directs the water flow in the vicinity of the at least on second blade. In particular this deflector element can be U-shaped. The deflector element prevents an undesired flow profile of the water that would negatively impact the hydraulic condition within the room enclosed by the filter and thus the intake of water by the pump.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the flow generated by the pump presses the filter body to a flange of the pump body. This helps in maintaining seamless and continuous operation of the pump.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a union sleeve serving as a labyrinth seal is screwed on to provide a fluid-tight seal between the filter body and the flange of the pump body. The fluid tight seal prevents any water or other dirt particles etc. from entering therefrom. This helps in maintaining uninterrupted operation of the pump.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the filter body is freely mounted onto the filter shaft and it is secured at the end portion of the filter shaft with a fastening element to prevent axial displacement. This helps in allowing the filter body to be imparted rotational motion through the retarder.

[0024] Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a pump, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a filter, according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a filter, according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a filter, according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a filter, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a filter, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a filter, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention may be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and / or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0035] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a pump 100. The pump 100 is, in particular a water pump for use in a variety of applications, such as irrigation systems for garden or for supplying water to consumers in or at a building. The pump 100 includes a pump body 102 and a filter 118, preferably a retrofittable filter, removably connected with the pump body 102. The pump body 102 defines a water inlet 104 that is configured to allow water to flow into the pump body 102. The filter 118 is provided at the water inlet 104 of the pump 100 and / or the pump body 102. The filter 118 is configured to filter the water before it enters the pump 100, and / or the pump body 102 through the water inlet 104.

[0037] The pump 100 also includes a motor 106 within the pump 100, and / or the pump body 102, such that the motor 106 is configured to increase the water pressure of the water entering the pump 100 and / or the pump body 102 through the water inlet 104, in particular by driving a centrifuge 108, or a centrifugal mechanism located or housed in a pump chamber 114 within the pump 100 and / or the pump body 102. The motor 106 is operatively connected to the centrifuge 108 through a motor shaft 110.

[0038] Further, the water with the increased pressure is configured to be directed to a water outlet 112 on the pump body 102, through which it exits the pump 100, and / or the pump body 102. The water outlet 112 is located downstream of the water inlet 104 and is positioned at a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the water inlet 104.

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter 118, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The filter 118 includes a filter body 120.. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the filter body 120 has a cylindrical shape. It is obvious to the one skilled in the art that the circumferential shape of the extending filter element can be chosen differently according to different needs. The filter body 120 is removably connected to the pump body 102 through a flange 116, with the pump generated flow exerting pressure on the filter body 120, ensuring it remains pressed against the flange 116. In other words, the flow generated by the pump 100 presses the filter body 120 to the flange 116. Further, since the seal between the two contacting parts, i.e., the flange 116 and the filter body 120 is sensitive to particles, a union sleeve 142 serving as a labyrinth seal is screwed on to provide a fluid-tight seal between the filter body 120 and the flange 116.

[0040] Further, the filter body 120 includes a first segment 122 and a second segment 124 spaced apart from the first segment 122 by a filter surface support structure 126. The filter surface support structure 126 is configured to support a filter surface 128 of the filter 118. The first segment 122 is disposed proximal to the water inlet 104 and the second segment 124 is disposed opposite to the first segment 122 and spaced apart by the by a filter surface support structure 126 , when the filter body 120 is removably connected to the pump body 102 through the flange 116.

[0041] Further, the filter 118 includes a kind of retarder 130, by virtue of which, the filter 118 has a self-cleaning function. During the enablement of the selfcleaning function of the filter 118, the filter 118 in addition to setting the water in rotation, simultaneously causes the filter surface 128 and / or the filter body 120 to perform a rotational movement, thereby generating a rotating vortex. In other words, the combination of the rotating vortex and the rotating filter body 120 results in the self-cleaning effect on the filter surface 128 of the filter 118.

[0042] Further, the retarder 130 includes a filter shaft 132, such that the filter body 120 of the filter 118 is freely mounted onto the filter shaft 132 through a bearing member 146. Additionally, the filter body 120 is secured at an end portion of the filter shaft 132, farthest from the pump body 102, and / or the water inlet 104 of the pump body 102 with a fastening element 134, in particular a screw to prevent axial displacement. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the retarder 130 includes the filter shaft 132 that extends from the motor shaft 110. However, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the retarder 130 includes the filter shaft 132 that operatively and removably connects with the motor shaft 110. This connection ensures that when the motor shaft 110 rotates, it drives the filter shaft 132 in unison. In other words, the rotational motion of the motor shaft 110 directly transfers to the filter shaft 132, causing it to rotate as well.

[0043] Further, the retarder 130 includes at least one first blade 136 extending away from the filter shaft 132 and rotationally mounted on it, such that the rotation of the filter shaft 132 causes the rotation of the at least one first blade 136. Further, a paddle wheel 138 also rotationally mounts on the filter shaft 132 and extends away from it. The rotation of the filter shaft 132 causes the rotation of the at least the paddle wheel 138 as well. Furthermore, the retarder 130 also includes at least one second blade 140 extending towards the filter shaft 132 and positioned opposite to the at least one first blade 136. In particular, at least one of the first segment 122, the second segment 124 or the filter surface support structure 126 of the filter body 120 includes at least one second blade 140 of the retarder 130 that extends towards the filter shaft 132 and positions opposite to the at least one first blade 136. More particularly, the at least one second blade 140 is preferably placed opposite, either directly or at a slight offset to the at least one first blade 136, and hence the position of the at least one second blade 140 in the filter 118 depends upon the position of the at least one first blade 136 in the filter 118.

[0044] With continuous reference to FIG. 2, the at least one first blade 136 is disposed proximal to the end of the filter shaft 132 opposite to or farthest from the water inlet 104. Accordingly, the at least one second blade 140 is included within the second segment 124 of the filter body 120 and disposed opposite to the at least one first blade 136. However, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when the at least one first blade 136 is disposed proximal to an end of the filter shaft 132, close to the water inlet 104, the at least one second blade 140 is included within the first segment 122 of the filter body 120 and disposed opposite to the at least one first blade 136. During operation of the pump 100, to ensure the rotation of the filter body 120, and / or the filter surface 128, the retarder 130 is installed within the filter body 120, such that the retarder 130 is configured to transfer rotational energy from the filter shaft 132 through the water to the filter body 120, and / or the filter surface 128 using the interplay between the at least one first blade 136 and the at least one second blade 140, in combination with the swirling motion of the paddle wheel 138.

[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter 118, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the retarder 130 includes the paddle wheel 138 and the at least one second blade 140. The paddle wheel 138 is rotationally mounted on the filter shaft 132 and extends away from it. The paddle wheel 138 is positioned or mounted on the filter shaft 132 closer or proximal to the at least one second blade 140 included within the second segment 124 of the filter body 120. Thus, in this embodiment, the paddle wheel 138 exhibits the function of the at least one first blade 136.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter 118, according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the retarder 130 includes the paddle wheel 138 such that the paddle wheel 138 embodies the at least one first blade 136. The retarder 130 also includes the at least one second blade 140 included within the second segment 124 of the filter body 120 and positioned opposite to the at least one first blade 136 embodied with the paddle wheel 138.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter 118, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a cover member 144 is mounted on the filter surface support structurel26 and the second segment 124 to at least partially enclose both the filter surface support structurel26 and the second segment 124. The cover member 144 is further configured to enclose the end portion of the filter shaft 132 at the second segment 124 to provide a fluid-tight seal around the bearing member 146 positioned between the filter shaft 132 and the filter body 120.

[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter 118, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the bearing member 146 positioned between the filter shaft 132 and the filter body’s second segment 124 is engineered to provide a fluid-tight seal around the bearing member 146. In other words, the bearing member 146 placed between the filter shaft 132 and the second segment 124 of the filter body 120 is configured to create a tight seal, preventing any fluid from leaking around the bearing member 146.

[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter 118, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the at least one first blade 136 of the retarder 130 is disposed proximal to the end of the filter shaft 132 opposite to or farthest from the water inlet 104 and the at least one second blade 140 of the retarder 130 is included within the second segment 124 of the filter body 120 and disposed opposite to the at least one first blade 136. The region around the at least one first blade 136 and the at least one second blade 140 is specially formed so that the hydraulics caused by the interplay of the at least one first blade 136 and the at least one second blade 140 does not interfere with the hydraulics within the filter surface support structure 126. In other words, the at least one first blade 136 and the at least one second blade 140 is surrounded by at least one U-shaped sealing element 148, and due to this the water closer to the at least one first blade 136 and the at least one second blade 140 stays within the surrounding area of the blades 136, 140 respectively and is prevented from going towards the water inlet 104 of the pump body 102.

[0050] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

[0051] LIST OF ELEMENTS

[0052] Pump

[0053] Pump Body

[0054] Water Inlet

[0055] Motor

[0056] Centrifuge

[0057] Motor Shaft

[0058] Water Outlet

[0059] Pump Chamber

[0060] Flange

[0061] Filter

[0062] Filter Body

[0063] First Segment

[0064] Second Segment

[0065] Filter Surface Support Structure

[0066] Filter Surface

[0067] Retarder

[0068] Filter Shaft

[0069] Fastening Element

[0070] First Blade

[0071] Paddle Wheel

[0072] Second Blade

[0073] Union Sleeve

[0074] Cover Member

[0075] Bearing Member

[0076] Deflector Element

Claims

CLAIMS1. Pump (100), in particular a water pump for use in a garden or for supplying consumers in or at a building, comprising: a pump body (102), which defines a water inlet (104), a motor (106) to increase the water pressure of the water entering the pump (100) through the water inlet (104), in particular by driving a centrifuge (108), a water outlet (112) on the pump body (102), through which the water with the increased pressure exits the pump (100), and a filter (118) at the water inlet (104) of the pump (100), which filters the water before it enters the pump (100), where the filter (118) has a self-cleaning function, where the filter (118), in addition to setting the water in rotation, simultaneously causes a filter surface (128) to perform a rotational movement, and the filter (118) generates a rotating vortex, characterized in that: the filter (118) includes a kind of retarder (130).

2. Pump (100) according to claim 1, wherein the retarder (130) comprises a filter shaft (132) that extends from a motor shaft (110).

3. Pump (100) according to claim 1, wherein the retarder (130) comprises a filter shaft (132) that operatively connects with a motor shaft (110).

4. Pump (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retarder (130) comprises at least one first blade (136), extending away from the filter shaft (132) and rotationally mounted on it, such that the rotation of the filter shaft (132) causes the rotation of the at least one first blade (136), and wherein the retarder (130) comprises at least one second blade (140) extending towards the filter shaft (132) and positioned inhydrological connection, preferably opposite, to the at least one first blade (136).

5. Pump (100) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one first blade (136) is disposed proximal to an end of the filter shaft (132) opposite to the water inlet (104).

6. Pump (100) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one first blade (136) is disposed proximal to an end of the filter shaft (132), close to the water inlet (104).

7. Pump (100) according to claim 4, wherein the retarder (130) further comprises a paddle wheel (138) such that the paddle wheel (138) embodies the at least one first blade (136).

8. Pump (100) according to any one of the claims 4-7, wherein the filter (118) comprises a filter body (120) having a first segment (122) proximal to the water inlet (104) and a second segment (124) spaced apart from the first segment (122) by a filter surface support structure (126), with at least one of the first segment (122), the second segment (124) or the filter surface support structure (126) comprising the at least one second blade (140) of the retarder (130).

9. Pump (100) according to claim 8, wherein a cover member (144) is mounted on the filter surface support structure (126) and the second segment (124), at least partially enclosing both the filter surface support structure (126) and the second segment (124), with the cover member (144) further configured to enclose an end portion of the filter shaft (132) at the second segment (124) to provide a fluid-tight seal around a bearing member (146) positioned between the filter shaft (132) and the filter body (120).

10. Pump (100) according to claim 8, wherein the bearing member (146) positioned between the filter shaft (132) and the filter body’s secondsegment (124) is engineered to provide a fluid-tight seal around the bearing member (146).

11. Pump (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first blade (136) and the at least on second blade (140) is surrounded by at least one by a deflector element 148) that directs the water flow in the vicinity of the at least one second blade.

12. Pump (100) according to claim 11, with the deflection element being U- shaped or V-shaped.

13. Pump (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow generated by the pump (100) presses the filter body (120) to a flange (116) of the pump body (102).

14. Pump (100) according to claim 12, wherein a union sleeve (142) serving as a labyrinth seal is screwed on to provide a fluid-tight seal between the filter body (120) and the flange (116) of the pump body (102).

15. Pump (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter body (120) is freely mounted onto the filter shaft (132) and it is secured at the end portion of the filter shaft (132) with a fastening element (134) to prevent axial displacement.

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