BASE FOR PUMPING DEVICES WITH INCREASED FUNCTIONALITIES

Description

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of priority of Italy Patent Application No. 102024000030072 filed on Dec. 27, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a base for pumping devices, and more particularly to a base, a system and a method for monitoring and controlling pressure in hydraulic pumping devices.

Pump bases are widely used to connect hydraulic pumps to piping systems. These bases typically include suction and discharge connectors to connect the pump inlet and outlet to the hydraulic system piping. These bases allow for simpler and more flexible pump installation, facilitating maintenance and replacement.

However, conventional bases have some limitations. Specifically, they do not provide information about the fluid pressure entering the pump. This can lead to operational problems, such as dry running or cavitation, which can create various issues that will be discussed below. Furthermore, existing bases don't allow for the easy implementation of advanced control functions based on inlet pressure.

Another problem is that current bases do not offer the ability to easily integrate additional sensors to monitor other pump system parameters. This limits the diagnostic and control capabilities of the entire system.

Finally, conventional bases are not designed to house control electronics in a protected and integrated manner. This makes it more difficult to implement intelligent pump management features directly at the mounting base level.

It was realized that a foundation for pumping devices was needed that overcomes one or more of these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore object of the invention a base for pumping devices. The base comprises a suction connector and a discharge connector for connecting the suction and discharge ports of said pumping device to a first tubular element and a second tubular element, respectively, which project outward from the base to be connected to a hydraulic system, and comprises a pressure sensor in the suction connector.

The integration of a pressure sensor in the suction connector allows continuous and precise monitoring of the inlet pressure, allowing for more efficient and safer management of the pumping device.

The base can provide a minimum and/or maximum pressure threshold, beyond which the pumping device can be disabled.

This feature helps prevent damage to the hydraulic system and the device itself, avoiding potentially dangerous or inefficient operating conditions.

The base may comprise a free slot to accommodate an integrated sensor.

The presence of a free slot offers flexibility for future expansion or customization of the system, allowing the addition of additional sensors or components based on the user's specific needs.

The base may comprise a protective shell to house a PCB component that controls the pumping device to which the base is connected.

The protective case provides adequate protection for sensitive electronic components, increasing the durability and reliability of the system over time.

The base may comprise a PCB component inside the protective shell to control the pumping device to which the base is connected.

The inclusion of a dedicated PCB component enables intelligent and automated management of the pumping device, improving operational efficiency and enabling advanced control and monitoring capabilities.

In a second aspect, a method is provided for managing a pumping device connected to the base according to any of the previous aspects. The method is characterized by providing a minimum and/or maximum pressure threshold, beyond which the pumping device is disabled.

This management method ensures safe and efficient operation of the pumping device, preventing potentially harmful operating conditions and optimizing energy consumption.

According to the method of the invention, it is possible to predict the minimum pressure threshold set to prevent cavitation in the pumping device.

In this way, contamination of the water supply is avoided in a safer manner than with the prior art.

According to the method of the invention, it is possible

• • continuously monitoring the inlet pressure of the pumping device using the pressure sensor; and
  • automatically restarting the pumping device when the pressure returns to the acceptable range defined by the minimum and maximum pressure thresholds.

This allows the system to remain efficient, minimizing inconvenience to users.

In particular, the method of the invention may provide that disabling the pumping device comprises sending a signal from the PCB component inside the protective shell to turn off the pumping device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a bottom view of a pump base, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the pump base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 presents a top view of the pump base of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

It should be understood that the term “base” refers to a support structure for a pumping device that facilitates its connection to a hydraulic system. The terms “suction connector” and “discharge connector” refer to base components that allow the inlet and outlet of the pumping device to be connected to the hydraulic system, respectively.

“Tubular element” refers to a hollow component designed to transport fluids.

“Pressure sensor” refers to a device that can measure and monitor the fluid pressure within the system.

“Slot” refers to a designated space or opening in the base designed to accommodate additional components or sensors.

“Protective shell” refers to a casing that provides protection for internal components, especially electronic elements.

“PCB component” refers to a printed circuit board that contains electronic circuits for the management and control of the pumping device.

“Threshold” in the context of pressure refers to a predetermined limit or value used to trigger specific actions or responses in the system.

The present invention relates to a pumping device base that is part of a hydraulic pumping system. The base is designed to be connected to a pumping device and provides advanced features to improve system performance and safety.

An important goal of the base is compliance with KIWA certifications, which guarantee high quality and safety standards for water systems. The base is configured to prevent negative pressure (depression) from building up on the main water supply, thus avoiding excessive water withdrawals that could compromise the supply to other users.

Furthermore, the base is designed to prevent water from flowing back into the mains, preventing potential contamination. This is essential to maintaining the quality and safety of water distributed through the public water supply.

The base incorporates innovative features that allow continuous monitoring of the pumping system's operating conditions, helping to optimize energy efficiency and prevent malfunctions. These advanced features make the base particularly suitable for applications requiring precise and reliable water flow control.

The present invention relates to a base 10 for pumping devices. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the base 10 comprises a housing body 20 which provides the main structure of the device.

The base 10 comprises a suction connector 13 and a discharge connector 14. The suction connector 13 and the discharge connector 14 are configured to connect the suction and discharge of a pumping device to a first tubular element 18 and a second tubular element 19, respectively.

The first tubular element 18 and the second tubular element 19 project outward from the base 10. This configuration allows the first tubular element 18 and the second tubular element 19 to be connected to a hydraulic system. This arrangement offers flexibility in installing and connecting the base 10 to the hydraulic system.

The 10 base structure is designed to facilitate the connection and disconnection of pump system components, allowing for efficient maintenance and replacement when necessary.

The base 10 for pumping devices comprises a suction connector 13 and a pressure connector 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the suction connector 13 and the pressure connector 14 are arranged on the housing body 20 of the base 10.

The suction connector 13 is configured to connect the suction of the pumping device to a first tubular member 18.

A special feature of the suction connector 13 is that it comprises a pressure sensor 40. The pressure sensor 40 is integrated inside the suction connector 13, as shown in FIG. 1. This configuration allows the suction pressure of the pumping device to be monitored directly at the fluid inlet point.

The threaded portion 36 may be present on both ends of the tubular elements 18, 19, allowing for greater installation flexibility.

The pressure sensor 40 is configured to continuously monitor the inlet pressure of the pumping device connected to the base 10.

The pressure sensor 40 allows for the implementation of, for example, an energy saving function in the base 10. This function inhibits pressurization when the pressure exceeds a certain threshold, thus limiting the energy consumption of the pumping device.

A minimum and/or maximum pressure threshold may be provided. When the pressure measured by pressure sensor 40 exceeds the maximum threshold or falls below the minimum threshold, the pumping device may be disabled.

The minimum pressure threshold is set to prevent cavitation in the pumping device. Cavitation can occur when the inlet pressure is too low, potentially causing damage to the device.

The method of managing the pumping device connected to the base 10 comprises continuous monitoring of the inlet pressure using the pressure sensor 40. This constant monitoring allows for the timely detection of any abnormal pressure conditions and for intervention accordingly, disabling the pumping device if necessary.

The pumping device base 10 comprises a protective shell 41 made of plastic. The protective shell 41 is configured to house a printed circuit board (PCB) component that controls the pumping device, to which the base 10 is connected. The PCB component is positioned inside the protective shell 41 and serves as the control unit for the pumping system.

Base 10 also comprises a free slot 43 for an additional integrated sensor. Slot 43 is configured to accommodate various types of sensors, thus expanding the functionality of the base 10 for pumping devices.

The PCB component housed inside the protective casing 41 is able to process data from sensors, including the pressure sensor 40, integrated into the suction connector 13, and control the operation of the pumping device based on these inputs. This configuration enables efficient and automated management of the pumping system, optimizing performance and operational safety.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the operation of the pumping system based on a base 10 for pumping devices will now be described in detail.

The system has a minimum and maximum pressure threshold. When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 40 exceeds the maximum threshold or falls below the minimum threshold, a signal is sent to disable the pumping device. This signal is generated by a PCB component housed inside a protective shell 41 on the base 10.

In a typical operating scenario, pressure sensor 40 continuously monitors inlet pressure. If the pressure drops below the minimum threshold, indicating, for example, possible cavitation, the system automatically disables the pump to prevent damage. Similarly, if the pressure exceeds the maximum threshold, the pump is disabled to prevent overloads and save energy.

Once the pressure returns to the acceptable range defined by the minimum and maximum thresholds, the system automatically restarts the pumping device. This process occurs without the need for manual intervention or post-installation configuration.

The presence of the pressure sensor 40 integrated into the suction connector 13 allows the system to respond quickly to pressure changes, ensuring efficient and safe operation of the pumping device. The protective casing 41 housing the PCB component ensures that the control electronics are adequately protected from the operating environment.

This automatic pressure management system allows optimizing the performance of the pumping device, prevent damage due to abnormal operating conditions and reduce energy consumption by disabling the pump when not needed.

The invention thus conceived and illustrated here is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept.

Furthermore, all details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

Finally, the components used, provided they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the needs and the state of the art.

Where features and techniques mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and, accordingly, such reference signs have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.