阅读说明：本技术 泵送装置 (Pumping device ) 是由 达里奥·德尔阿斯塔 于 2019-12-20 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于处理液体的泵送装置,包括：多个活塞,每个活塞均能沿着运动方向滑动,以改变相应室的体积；外壳,外壳的内部容纳有驱动装置,以用于使多个活塞中的每个活塞沿着运动方向移动；头部,在头部的内部至少部分地形成室；多个吸入阀,每个吸入阀均与室相关联并且能操作成使液体进入室；多个排出阀,每个排出均与室相关联并且能操作成将液体排出室；其中,每个吸入阀具有轴线,轴线设置为横向于与同一室相关联的排出阀的另一轴线；泵送装置还包括介于外壳与头部之间的中间体,中间体不同于外壳和头部,中间体设置有引导件,用于沿着运动方向引导每个活塞,对于每个活塞,引导件包括容纳于中间体中的套筒,套筒具有孔,活塞能在孔中滑动。(A pumping apparatus for treating a liquid, comprising: a plurality of pistons, each piston being slidable along a direction of motion to vary the volume of a respective chamber; a housing, the interior of which houses a drive arrangement for moving each of the plurality of pistons in a direction of motion; a head at least partially forming a chamber inside the head; a plurality of suction valves, each suction valve associated with a chamber and operable to pass liquid into the chamber; a plurality of discharge valves, each discharge being associated with a chamber and operable to discharge liquid out of the chamber; wherein each suction valve has an axis arranged transverse to another axis of the discharge valve associated with the same chamber; the pumping device further comprises an intermediate body interposed between the casing and the head, distinct from the casing and the head, the intermediate body being provided with a guide for guiding each piston along the direction of movement, the guide comprising, for each piston, a sleeve housed in the intermediate body, the sleeve having a hole in which the piston can slide.)

1. A pumping device (1) for treating a liquid, comprising:

a plurality of pistons (3), each of which is slidable along a movement direction (A) to vary the volume of a respective chamber (7);

a housing (2) internally housing drive means (4) for moving each of said plurality of pistons (3) along said movement direction (A);

a head (8) inside which the chamber (7) is at least partially formed;

a plurality of suction valves (11), each associated with the chamber (7) and operable to let the liquid into the chamber (7);

a plurality of discharge valves (12), each discharge being associated with the chamber (7) and operable to discharge the liquid out of the chamber (7);

wherein each of said suction valves (11) has an axis (X) arranged transversely to another axis (Y) of a discharge valve (12) associated with the same chamber (7);

the pumping device (1) further comprises an intermediate body (13) interposed between the casing (2) and the head (8), the intermediate body (13) being distinct from the casing (2) and the head (8), the intermediate body (13) being provided with a guide (19) for guiding each piston (3) along the direction of movement (a), the guide (19) comprising, for each piston (3), a sleeve (20) housed in the intermediate body (13), the sleeve (20) having a hole in which the piston (3) can slide.

2. Pumping device according to claim 1, wherein said intermediate body (13) is clamped between said housing (2) and said head (8) and keeps said housing (2) spaced from said head (8).

3. Pumping device according to claim 1, wherein each piston (3) is slidable inside an opening (6) extending in the casing (2) and continuing through the intermediate body (13) to the head (8).

4. A pumping device according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the opening (6) provided in the housing (2) is delimited by a guide surface (24) for guiding each piston (3) in the area of the piston (3) adjacent to the drive means (4) along the movement direction (a), so that each piston (3) has a rear portion guided by the guide surface (24) and a front portion guided by the sleeve (20) when the piston (13) moves along the advancing direction (a).

5. Pumping device according to claim 1, further comprising a seal (15) housed in said intermediate body (13) to prevent leakage of liquid from each chamber (7) towards said casing (2), said seal (15) comprising: a first sealing element (15a) surrounding the piston (3) in a position close to the chamber (7); and a second sealing element (15b) surrounding the piston (3) at a position remote from the chamber (7).

6. Pumping device according to claim 5, wherein said intermediate body (13) has a projection (16) projecting towards the inside of said intermediate body (13), said first sealing element (15a) being axially interposed between said sleeve (20) and said projection (16).

7. The pumping device according to claim 6, wherein the second sealing element (15b) is housed inside the intermediate body (13) and abuts against a side of the projection (16) opposite to the other side of the projection (16) against which the first sealing element (15a) abuts.

8. Pumping device according to claim 5, further comprising a connection (17) for the flow of said liquid between a suction mouth of said pumping device (1) and said seal (15).

9. Pumping device according to claim 8, wherein the connection (17) comprises a connection duct (18) which opens, at one end, into a suction manifold (9) communicating with the suction valve (11), the other end of the connection duct (18) opening into the intermediate body (13) at a position interposed between the first sealing element (15a) and the second sealing element (15 b).

10. Pumping device according to claim 1, wherein said intermediate body (13) is made up of two separate parts and comprises: a first portion (13a) in which the guide (19) is housed, the first portion (13a) being adjacent to the head (8); and a second portion (13b) interposed between the first portion (13a) and the casing (2).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a pumping device.

Background

In particular, the present invention relates to a pumping device for dispensing a liquid in a desired environment.

The pumping device according to the invention is particularly suitable for treating a washing liquid, such as water, possibly mixed with washing substances, and for delivering this liquid onto the surface to be cleaned.

The pumping device according to the invention can be used, for example, in a high-pressure water jet.

Piston pumps are known which comprise a plurality of pistons movable inside respective cylinders to increase or decrease the volume of the respective chambers, so as to draw water into each chamber, or to expel water from the chambers.

Each chamber is provided with a suction valve through which water enters the chamber and a discharge valve through which water exits the chamber.

The piston, which may be made of a single piece or formed of multiple parts, is normally partially housed inside the casing or pump casing, which also contains drive means arranged to move the piston back and forth inside the respective cylinder.

In particular, the drive means may comprise a drive shaft rotatably housed inside the casing and couplable with a suitable drive shaft of an electric motor designed to drive the pump.

While the discharge valve and the suction valve are housed in the head of a pump fixed to the casing, for example by screws.

In the known pumps, the pistons are slidable inside respective guide holes formed on the inside of the casing. And one or more sealing means are provided in the head, the piston sliding in contact with the sealing means.

A disadvantage of the known pump is that the sealing means are prone to wear relatively quickly, particularly if, for example, there are inaccuracies in manufacture or assembly, the axis of each piston may not be perfectly aligned with the axis of the respective bore formed in the housing. If this occurs, the piston applies a force to the respective sealing means oriented transversely to the axis of the piston, which impairs the sealing ability of the sealing means itself. As a result, the liquid handled by the pump may penetrate the sealing device, which may reduce the pump efficiency.

In this respect, a technical task underlying the present invention is to provide a pumping device that avoids at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art as described above.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of pumping devices of known type, in particular pumps aimed at treating liquids (for example water) to be dispensed on surfaces or in the environment.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a pumping apparatus for treating a liquid, comprising:

a plurality of pistons, each piston being slidable along a direction of motion to vary the volume of a respective chamber;

a housing, the interior of which houses a drive arrangement for moving each of the plurality of pistons in a direction of motion;

a head at least partially forming a chamber inside the head;

a plurality of suction valves, each suction valve associated with a chamber and operable to pass liquid into the chamber;

a plurality of discharge valves, each discharge being associated with a chamber and operable to discharge liquid out of the chamber;

wherein each suction valve has an axis arranged transversely to another axis of the discharge valve associated with the same chamber;

wherein the pumping device further comprises an intermediate body interposed between the casing and the head, the intermediate body being provided with a guide for guiding each piston along the direction of movement.

The intermediate body positioned between the housing and the head provides a seat, the interior of which can house a guide, in particular configured as a guide sleeve, for guiding the piston along the direction of movement. This makes it possible to maintain the guidance of each piston in the vicinity of the corresponding chamber, thereby improving the accuracy of movement of the pistons.

The intermediate body is distinct from the housing and the head.

In other words, the intermediate body is made of a single piece, or of a plurality of pieces different from the pieces defining the casing and the head.

In an embodiment, each piston is guided not only by a guide accommodated in the intermediate body, but also in its end region accommodated in the housing. To this end, there may be a groove or opening in the housing defined by an internal guide surface that the piston slidably engages.

This makes it possible to maintain the piston guided in its front or front part, which is arranged in the vicinity of the respective chamber, and in its rear or rear part, which is arranged in the housing. The accuracy of the movement of the piston is thus further improved.

As the precision of the movement of the pistons is improved, the seals normally associated with each piston may be less strongly and/or more evenly stressed to prevent leakage of liquid from the chamber towards the housing. This makes it possible to reduce wear of the seals, increase the life of the pumping device and avoid a decrease in its efficiency due to liquid leakage.

Drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the indicative and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a pumping device, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pumping device for delivering a liquid onto a surface;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pumping device of FIG. 1 in a plane perpendicular to the plane along which the cross-section of FIG. 1 is taken;

fig. 3 is a perspective view of the pumping device of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a pumping device according to the invention is indicated as a whole with the reference number 1.

In particular, the pumping device 1 is configured to treat a liquid (preferably water) for the purpose of sending to a point of use for atomization or for use as a washing liquid, or also for other purposes.

In particular, the pumping device 1 is a volumetric piston pump (volumetric-type piston pump).

The pumping device 1 comprises a casing 2 (or housing) housing a driving means 4, the driving means 4 being adapted to move at least two pistons 3 along a direction of movement a.

In particular, the drive means 4 comprise a drive shaft 5 which transmits the driving action of an electric motor (not shown in the figures) to the piston 3.

The drive shaft 5 is rotatable by the drive of the motor for moving the piston 3 back and forth in the movement direction a.

To this end, the drive shaft 5 may be a crankshaft, i.e. comprising an eccentric portion arranged to drive the respective piston 3 through the respective connecting rod. The connecting rods connect the pistons 3 to respective eccentrics of the drive shaft 5.

According to a possible embodiment and as shown in the figures, the pumping device 1 comprises three pistons 3 moved by a driving device 4.

In particular, the pistons 3 are aligned with each other, i.e. arranged so that their axes lie in one common plane.

According to an alternative embodiment, not shown in the figures, the pumping device 1 may comprise a different number of pistons.

Furthermore, the pistons may be arranged so that their axes do not lie in a common plane but are staggered with respect to each other, without altering the scope of the inventive concept of the present invention.

A cover 2a is fixed to the housing 2, the cover 2a being adapted to rotatably support a first end 5a of the drive shaft 5, for example by interposing a bearing.

A closure element 2b is also fixed to the casing 2, the closure element 2b being arranged in a position opposite to the cover 2 a. The closing element 2b has a through hole suitable for allowing the passage of the drive shaft 5 in order to constrain it and to support it with the casing 2, also in this case, preferably, by means of a bearing.

The second end 5b of the drive shaft 5 extends outside the housing 2 adjacent to the closure element 2b for connection to a not shown electric motor.

In this way, the drive shaft 5 is rotatably inserted into the interior of the housing 2.

The drive shaft 5 may also comprise a connecting element 5c arranged or mounted at the second end 5b to define a dynamic coupling with the motor described above.

For example, the connecting element 5c may comprise a tongue or a coupling key.

As shown in the figures, the housing 2 has a plurality of openings 6, each of which is adapted to slidably receive a respective piston 3.

In more detail, as shown in fig. 2, each piston 3 is slidable inside a respective opening 6 of the pumping device 1 along a movement direction a to vary the volume of the pumping chamber 7.

Preferably, the piston 3 is defined by at least three elements, a first of which 3a is connected to the drive means 4, in particular, hinged to a respective connecting rod of the drive means 4. The second element 3b of the piston 3 defines an end element partially delimiting the chamber 7, and the third element 3c is interposed between the first element 3a and the second element 3 b.

The third element 3c may have a cross section smaller than the respective cross sections of the first and second elements 3a, 3 b.

In principle, however, the piston 3 may have a different configuration than that described above.

The housing 2 may be made of aluminum or cast iron.

Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a head 8 inside which the chamber 7 is formed.

Each chamber 7 communicates with a respective opening 6 such that each piston 3 delimits a portion of the chamber 7.

Each chamber 7 is provided with a suction valve 11 and a discharge valve 12 operable to allow fluid to enter and exit the chamber 7 respectively.

In the example shown, the suction valve 11 and the discharge valve 12 have substantially the same configuration and each of them comprises a cup-shaped body 21 and a shutter 22. The elastic element 23 is housed in the cup-shaped body 21, the elastic element 23 being shaped in particular like a helical spring acting on the shutter 22.

As shown in fig. 1, each suction valve 11 extends along a respective axis X. In the example shown, the X axis is the axis around which the cup-shaped body 21 and the elastic element 23 extend. Furthermore, the shutter 22 is movable along the axis X.

The axes X of the suction valves 11 are parallel to each other.

In the example shown, the axis X of the suction valve 11 is horizontal.

The axis X of the suction valve 11 may lie in a common plane.

Similarly, each discharge valve 12 extends along a respective axis Y, which, in the example shown, is the axis along which the respective shutter 22 is movable. Furthermore, the elastic element 23 and the cup-shaped body 21 of each discharge valve 12 extend around the axis Y.

The axes Y of the discharge valves 12 are parallel to each other.

In the example shown, the axis Y of the discharge valve 12 is vertical.

The axis Y of the discharge valve 12 may lie in another common plane.

The axis Y of the discharge valve 12 is arranged transversely with respect to the axis X of the suction valve 11, in particular perpendicularly to the axis X of the suction valve 11.

The common plane defined by the axis X of the suction valve 11 is arranged transverse (e.g. perpendicular) to another common plane defined by the axis Y of the discharge valve 12.

A suction manifold 9 is also provided through which the liquid to be treated by the pumping device 1 flows towards a suction valve 11. The exhaust manifold 10 further enables fluid from the chamber 7 to exit the pumping device 1.

Each intake valve 11 allows the respective chamber 7 to be selectively placed in communication with the intake manifold 9. Similarly, each discharge valve 12 allows the respective chamber 7 to be selectively placed in communication with the discharge manifold 10.

When the piston 3 reaches the end-of-stroke position shown in fig. 1, which corresponds to the top dead center, the volume of the corresponding chamber 7 is minimized. The suction valve 11 is arranged in the closed position, the shutter 22 of the suction valve 11 being pushed against the resistance of the elastic element 23 in contact with the corresponding seat formed in the cup-shaped body 21, due to the pressure present in the chamber 7. The chamber 7 is therefore isolated from the suction manifold 9.

Again, due to the effect of the pressure present in the chamber 7, the shutter 22 of the discharge valve 12 disengages from the corresponding seat formed in the cup-shaped body 21, against the resistance of the elastic element 23. This makes it possible to place the chamber 7 in fluid communication with the outlet manifold 10, sending the liquid to be pumped towards the dispensing point.

Conversely, when the piston 3 moves backwards towards the bottom dead centre by moving in the direction of movement a, the pressure of the liquid in the respective chamber 7 decreases. Thus, the suction valve 11 is opened, and the discharge valve 12 is closed. Thus allowing the liquid to be pumped to enter the chamber 7.

The device 1 further comprises an intermediate body 13 clamped between the casing 2 and the head 8 by means of removable fastening means (for example screws).

The intermediate body 13 is distinct (i.e., separate) from the head 8 and the housing 2. In other words, the central body 13 is defined by one or more parts or components distinct from the head 8 and the casing 2.

The intermediate body 13 keeps the housing 2 spaced from the head 8. In other words, direct contact between the housing 2 and the head 8 is prevented by the intermediate body 13.

Each opening 6 of the piston 3, which is slidable back and forth, extends from the housing 2 to the head 8 through the intermediate body 13.

In the example shown, the intermediate body 13 comprises a first portion 13a and a second portion 13b arranged in succession along the direction of movement a.

The first portion 13a abuts against the head 8. The second portion 13b is interposed between the first portion 13a and the housing 2.

As shown in the figures, the first portion 13a and the second portion 13b of the central body 13 each have a hole defined in a corresponding portion of the opening 6.

Preferably, the bore of the second portion 13b has an internal diameter greater than the internal diameter of the bore of the first portion 13 a.

A guide 19 is provided in the intermediate body 13, and the guide 19 defines a guide for the sliding of the piston 3, so as to axially guide the piston 3 as it moves back and forth along the direction of motion a. This makes it possible to reduce or even eliminate the risk of the piston 3 being arranged in a tilted position or otherwise in a misaligned position with respect to the theoretical direction of movement a.

In the example shown, the second element 3b of the piston 3 (i.e. the portion of the piston 3 delimiting the chamber 7) is slidable inside the guide 19.

The guide 19 may comprise a bushing or sleeve 20 for each piston 3, each sleeve 20 being housed inside the intermediate body 13, in particular inside the first portion 13a of the intermediate body 13. The sleeve 20 has a bore delimited by an internal guide surface along which the piston 3 slides.

In particular, the sleeve 20 is made of a non-hygroscopic technical polymer (non-polyphenylene sulfide), for example, a charged polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), with a mixed charge of between 65% and 70% (with a mixed charged between 65% and 70%).

However, the sleeve 20 may be made of other materials (e.g., brass).

The piston 3 is inserted into the sleeve 20 with limited radial clearance so as to allow the piston to slide without causing misalignment between the axis of the piston 3 and the axis of the hole formed in the sleeve 20.

In the example shown, the sleeve 20 abuts the head 8.

As shown in fig. 1, a guide surface is formed for each piston 3 inside the housing 2 for guiding a portion of the piston 3 near the drive shaft 5 (or a rear portion) during movement of the piston 3 in the moving direction a. The guide surface 24 partially delimits the opening 6, in particular it delimits a part of the opening 6 arranged near the drive shaft 5. In the example shown, the first element 3a of the piston 3 is slidable along the guide surface 24.

In the pumping device 1 shown in the figures, each piston 3 is therefore guided in both its front and rear portions during its movement along the direction of motion a. The front portion of the piston 3 may be defined as the portion of the piston 3 disposed in a position close to the chamber 7, which is guided by the guide 19, in particular, by the sleeve 20. The rear portion of the piston 3 may be defined as the portion of the piston 3 disposed at the farthest position from the chamber 7 (i.e., near the drive shaft 5). The rear part is guided by the guide surface 24.

Due to the sleeve 20 and the guide surface 24, each piston 3 can be guided near its end. This ensures that the longitudinal axis of the piston 3 coincides significantly with the longitudinal axis of the opening 6 as the piston 3 moves back and forth inside the opening 6. Misalignment and/or tilting of the piston 3 relative to the opening 6 is thus limited or even avoided and the accuracy of the movement of the piston 3 can be increased.

The pumping device 1 may comprise one or more hydraulic seals 14 (e.g. O-rings) interposed between the intermediate body 13 and the head 8 and/or between the intermediate body 13 and the casing 2, so as to prevent leakage of liquid from the chamber 7.

The pumping device 1 further comprises a seal 15 arranged along the opening 6 and associated with the piston 3 to provide a liquid seal on the outer surface of the piston 3.

In more detail, the sealing means 15 are configured to prevent fluid from leaking from the chamber 7 towards the housing 2.

In particular, the sealing means 15 may comprise at least one sealing ring radially interposed between the intermediate body 13 and the piston 3.

The first portion 13a houses a seal 15. In other words, the seal 15 is preferably provided on the first portion 13a of the intermediate body 13.

Preferably, the seal 15 comprises a first sealing element 15a in a proximal position with respect to the chamber 7 and a second sealing element 15b in a distal position with respect to the chamber 7.

The first sealing element 15a may be regarded as a high pressure sealing element and the second sealing element 15b may be regarded as a low pressure sealing element. This is because the first sealing member 15a uses a liquid workpiece having a higher pressure than the second sealing member 15 b. In fact, the first sealing element 15a interacts with the liquid coming directly from the chamber 7 and therefore has a relatively high pressure. In contrast, the second sealing element 15b interacts with the liquid at a lower pressure.

The intermediate body 13 may have an internal annular projection 16 (i.e. a projection projecting towards the inside of the intermediate body 13) defining a pair of opposite shoulders on which the first sealing element 15a and the second sealing element 15b respectively abut.

In the example shown, the first sealing element 15a is interposed in a radial direction between the piston 3 (in particular, the first element 3a of the piston 3) and the intermediate body 13 (in particular, the first portion 13a of the intermediate body 13). The first sealing element 15a is locked on the intermediate body 13 and the piston 3 slides inside it.

Furthermore, the first sealing element 15a is interposed in the axial direction (i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective piston 3) between the projection 16 of the intermediate body 13 and the sleeve 20.

The second sealing element 15b is also interposed in the radial direction between the piston 3 and the intermediate body 13 (in particular, the first portion 13a of the intermediate body 13). The second sealing element 15b is locked on the intermediate body 13 and the piston 3 slides inside it.

In the axial direction, the second sealing element 15b is interposed between the projection 16 and the second portion 13b of the intermediate body 13.

As shown in fig. 1, the device 1 may also comprise a connection 17 configured to allow the passage of liquid between the suction manifold 9 and the second sealing element 15 b.

The connection 17 may comprise a connection duct 18, one end of which opens into the suction manifold 9 and the other end of which opens into the intermediate body 13 in the vicinity of the second sealing element 15 b.

Specifically, the other end of the connection pipe 18 may be defined in a hole formed in the protrusion 16 of the intermediate body 13 at a position interposed between the first sealing member 15a and the second sealing member 15 b.

The connection 17 allows the fluid to flow from the suction manifold 9 to the second sealing element 15b or vice versa.

In particular, a small amount of liquid may flow out of the suction manifold 9 towards the second sealing element 15b to wet the second sealing element 15b during operation of the pumping device 1. The liquid wetting the second sealing element 15b has a lubricating function for the second sealing element 15b even if it only includes water. Thus, the liquid prevents the second sealing element 15b from operating in a dry state that would make the second sealing element 15b vulnerable.

It may also happen that if the first sealing element 15a starts to wear, a small amount of liquid flows from the first sealing element 15a towards the second sealing element 15 b. In this case, the connection 17 allows the liquid coming from the first sealing element 15a to flow towards the suction manifold 9, so that the liquid can be recirculated inside the pumping device 1.

It can be seen that the first sealing element 15a and the second sealing element 15b have an increased lifetime compared to what occurs in known pumps.

In fact, by maintaining each guided piston 3, it is possible to reduce the stresses exerted by the piston 3 on the first sealing element 15a and on the second sealing element 15b and to make the stresses more uniform. This makes it possible to reduce the wear of the sealing elements 15a, 15b and therefore to limit the leakage of liquid through these elements, which, in addition to prolonging their service life, also maintains a high efficiency of the pumping device 1.

Furthermore, by housing the first sealing element 15a and the second sealing element 15b inside the intermediate body 13 (which is a different component from the head 8 and the casing 2), it is possible to avoid the liquid treated by the pumping device 1 coming into contact with the casing 2. This prevents oxidation phenomena in the housing 2, which further increases the lifetime of the pumping device 1.