U.S. patent application number 11/936957 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-14 for method and apparatus of driving multiple shafts in a wet/dry vacuum and liquid pump.
This patent application is currently assigned to EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.. Invention is credited to David E. BETH, Joseph T. GIERER, Michael F. MARTIN, Jeffrey L. YOUNG.
Application Number | 20090123293 11/936957 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40620887 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090123293 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GIERER; Joseph T. ; et
al. |
May 14, 2009 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS OF DRIVING MULTIPLE SHAFTS IN A WET/DRY VACUUM
AND LIQUID PUMP
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a method and system to supply
pumping capabilities to a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. A single
motor can operate a vacuum unit and the pump distinct from the
vacuum unit. A port in the vacuum flow path can act as a vacuum tap
to prime the pump when necessary. The pump can directly pump the
fluids without having to flow first into the drum container of the
vacuum cleaner. The system can allow independent operation of the
vacuum unit and the pump and at different, more optimal speeds for
each, allowing a higher performance on each of the vacuum unit and
the pump, since maximum power for the system can be provided to
either the operating device while the other one is not operating.
Accordingly, the disclosure further provides a system and method
for separately engaging and disengaging the vacuum unit and the
pump.
Inventors: |
GIERER; Joseph T.; (St.
Louis, MO) ; MARTIN; Michael F.; (St. Louis, MO)
; BETH; David E.; (St. Louis, MO) ; YOUNG; Jeffrey
L.; (St. Louis, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LOCKE LORD BISSELL & LIDDELL LLP;ATTN: IP DOCKETING
600 TRAVIS STREET, 3400 CHASE TOWER
HOUSTON
TX
77002
US
|
Assignee: |
EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
St. Louis
MO
|
Family ID: |
40620887 |
Appl. No.: |
11/936957 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/17 ; 417/120;
417/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 7/0028 20130101;
A47L 9/106 20130101; A47L 5/22 20130101; A47L 7/0038 20130101; A47L
9/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/17 ; 417/120;
417/53 |
International
Class: |
F04B 49/08 20060101
F04B049/08 |
Claims
1. A wet and dry vacuum system, comprising: a container having a
waste portion for containing waste of the vacuum system; a vacuum
unit coupled to a container; a pump fluidicly disposed above the
waste portion of the container; and at least one motor adapted to
drive the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pump priming hose
coupled to the pump and adapted to use negative pressure to prime
the pump.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the priming hose is fluidicly
coupled to a vacuum chamber intake to create a vacuum on the pump
with the priming hose.
4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a vacuum flow
restrictor coupled to the vacuum chamber intake to restrict flow
through the vacuum chamber intake.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the flow restrictor is slidably
coupled to the vacuum chamber intake to be moved between a closed
position and an open position.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the flow restrictor is rotatably
coupled to the vacuum chamber intake to be rotated between a closed
position and an open position.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the priming hose is coupled to
the container, wherein the container is under vacuum during
operation of the vacuum unit.
8. The system of claim 2, further comprising a priming switch
adapted to control the opening and closing of the priming hose.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising an idler drive system
adapted to selectively couple and decouple the vacuum unit, the
pump, or a combination thereof.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the idler drive system comprises
at least one idler set having at least one idler pulley and adapted
to be moved from a first position to a second position relative to
the vacuum unit or the pump to selectively couple and decouple the
vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the idler drive system comprises
two idler sets, each set having at least one idler pulley and
adapted to be moved from a first position to a second position
relative to the vacuum unit and the pump.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein a vacuum idler set is disposed
in relation to the vacuum unit and a pump idler set is disposed in
relation to the pump, wherein the vacuum unit is coupled to the
motor when the vacuum idler set is disposed in the first position
and the pump idler set is disposed in the first position.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein a vacuum idler set is disposed
in relation to the vacuum unit and a pump idler set is disposed in
relation to the pump, wherein the pump is coupled to the motor when
the vacuum idler set is disposed in the second position and the
pump idler set is disposed in the second position.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein a vacuum idler set is disposed
in relation to the vacuum unit and a pump idler set is disposed in
relation to the pump, wherein the vacuum unit and the pump are
coupled to the motor when the vacuum idler set is disposed in one
of the first or second positions and the pump idler set is disposed
in the opposite of the first or second positions from the vacuum
idler set.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein a single motor is adapted to
drive the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the vacuum unit, the pump, or a
combination thereof are selectively engageable.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the vacuum unit and the pump
have independent operating speeds using the same motor.
18. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first motor to
drive the vacuum unit and a second motor to drive the pump.
19. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more controls
adapted to restrict operation of the pump when the vacuum unit is
operating and to restrict operation of the vacuum unit when the
pump is operating.
20. The system of claim 1, further comprising an independent flow
path for the pump to pump fluids compared to a flow path for the
vacuum unit to vacuum materials.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein the pump is adapted to pump
liquids stored in the container.
22. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one clutch
assembly adapted to selectively couple and decouple the motor from
operation of the pump, the vacuum unit, or a combination
thereof.
23. The system of claim 22, further comprising at least one float
coupled to a container, the container being adapted to contain
fluid to be pumped and the float being adapted to control operation
of the pump, the vacuum unit, or a combination thereof.
24. A method of operating a wet and dry vacuum system having a
vacuum unit coupled to a container with a waste portion for holding
vacuumed material and a separate pump distinct from the vacuum
unit, the pump being fluidicly disposed above the waste portion of
the container, comprising: operating the vacuum unit, the pump, or
a combination thereof.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising priming the pump by
using a vacuum pressure created by operation of the system.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein priming the pump comprises
operating the vacuum unit to create the vacuum to prime the
pump.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein priming the pump comprises at
least partially blocking an air flow through a vacuum chamber
intake.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein priming the pump comprises
using a vacuum created in the container to prime the pump.
29. The method of claim 26, further comprising at least temporarily
ceasing operating the vacuum unit after the pump is primed.
30. The method of claim 24, further comprising operating the system
with a motor selectively engageable with the vacuum unit, the pump,
or a combination thereof.
31. The method of claim 24, further comprising selectively coupling
and decoupling the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof
from the motor.
32. The method of claim 24, wherein selectively coupling and
decoupling comprises adjusting engagement of an idler drive system
with the motor and the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination
thereof.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the idler drive system
comprises a vacuum idler set and a pump idler set, each set having
at least one idler pulley, and wherein adjusting the engagement
comprises adjusting the vacuum idler set position relative to the
vacuum unit and adjusting the pump idler set position relative to
the pump.
34. The method of claim 24, further comprising operating the vacuum
unit at a different speed than the pump using the same motor.
35. The method of claim 24, further comprising restricting the pump
from operating when the vacuum unit is operating and restricting
the vacuum unit from operating when the pump is operating.
36. The method of claim 24, pumping liquids through a separate flow
path from the vacuum unit.
37. A wet and dry vacuum system, comprising: a vacuum unit; a pump;
at least one motor adapted to drive the vacuum unit, the pump, or a
combination thereof; and a means for controlling a coupling and
decoupling of the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof
with the motor.
38. The system of claim 37, wherein the means for controlling the
coupling and decoupling comprises a drive system that can be
selectively engaged and disengaged with the vacuum unit, the pump,
or a combination thereof with the motor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO APPENDIX
[0004] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The invention relates to wet and dry vacuums. More
specifically, the invention relates to wet and dry vacuums capable
of pumping liquids.
[0007] 2. Description of Related Art
[0008] Well known wet and dry vacuum cleaners can vacuum wet or dry
materials into a container. Typically, a suction system with a
motor creates a vacuum of pressure less than ambient pressure and
is mounted in a lid that is removably attached to a collection drum
for receiving the vacuumed materials. A portion of the lid extends
downward into the drum and mounts a filter support assembly, such
as commonly known as a "cage," that covers a vacuum intake to the
suction assembly in the lid. The suction system in the lid suctions
external air or water through a hose into an opening in the drum,
so that water or dirt is deposited into a lower volume of the drum.
Remaining material, mainly air, then flows upward and inward
through the filter surrounding the cage, continues through the cage
into a suction impeller in the lid, and then is exhausted from the
vacuum cleaner.
[0009] Periodically, the drum is emptied of waste. For larger drum
capacities, the heavy weight of deposited material therein has
caused the creation of alternatives to lifting the container and
dumping the waste into a waste container. Some vacuum cleaners
include an outlet on the lower portion of the drum with a cap that
can be removed and at least a portion of the waste allowed to
drain. However, many locations, such as in a basement, do not
facilitate easy draining. In other circumstances, pumps can be
used. Recently, one manufacturer has introduced a compact pump
accessory that can be threadably attached to the external surfaces
of the drum outlet and pump the liquids to a remote location using
a hose. In that design, the pump accessory includes a motor
separate from the vacuum motor with an electrical connection that
requires another outlet, such as a wall electrical outlet or one
built into the vacuum itself. Further, the design operates on the
principle of a "flooded suction," in that the suction to the pump
is normally below the liquid level and thus will operate without
independent priming of the pump each time to start the pumping
process.
[0010] Another manufacturer has installed a fluid suction inlet
inside the lower portion of the drum with a hose attached between
the inlet and the vacuum impeller to pull fluid up through the
vacuum inlet. The vacuum impeller centrifugally causes the liquid
portion of the vacuumed material to flow through a diverter valve
and out the unit at a separate exit port from the typical vacuum
outlet and so does not constitute a distinct pump separate from the
vacuum unit. It also necessitates the vacuum material with the
liquid to flow into the drum first and then to enter the vacuum
impeller cavity, relying on prefiltration to remove impurities that
could clog, impair, or damage the impeller. The arrangement makes
the disassembly and maintenance of the vacuum somewhat more
complicated and the flow paths are problematic.
[0011] Mounting the pump above the water line such as in the lid at
the top of the vacuum cleaner with the vacuum motor can also be
problematic. The pump, generally a centrifugal pump, often needs
priming. Without the priming, the pump impeller can spin but no to
very little pumping action generally occurs.
[0012] Thus, there remains a need for an improved pumping system
for a wet and dry vacuum cleaner.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0013] The present disclosure provides a method and system to
supply pumping capabilities to a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. A
single motor can operate a vacuum unit and the pump distinct from
the vacuum unit. A port in the vacuum flow path can act as a vacuum
tap to prime the pump when necessary. The pump can be arranged so
it pumps fluids out of the drum or can directly pump the fluids
without having to flow first into the drum container of the vacuum
cleaner. The system can allow independent operation of the vacuum
unit and the pump, and allow different, more efficient speeds for
each, which allows a higher overall performance, since maximum
power for the system can be provided to either operating device
while the other one is not operating. Accordingly, the disclosure
further provides a system and method for separately engaging and
disengaging the vacuum unit and the pump. In at least one
embodiment, the various engagements of the pulleys with their
respective belts and shafts can be controlled by clutches and other
known drive systems to selectively operate in the different modes
described herein.
[0014] The disclosure provides a wet and dry vacuum system,
comprising: a vacuum unit; a pump coupled to the vacuum unit
mounted above a fluid inlet; and at least one motor adapted to
drive the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof.
[0015] The disclosure also provides a method of operating a wet and
dry vacuum system having a vacuum unit and a pump distinct from the
vacuum unit, comprising: operating the vacuum unit, the pump, or a
combination thereof.
[0016] The disclosure further provides a wet and dry vacuum system,
comprising: a vacuum unit; a pump coupled to the vacuum unit and
mounted above a fluid inlet; at least one motor adapted to drive
the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof; and a means
for controlling a coupling and decoupling of the vacuum unit, the
pump, or a combination thereof with the motor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] While the inventions disclosed herein are susceptible to
various modifications and alternative forms, only a few specific
embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and
are described in detail below. The figures and detailed
descriptions of these specific embodiments are not intended to
limit the breadth or scope of the inventive concepts or the
appended claims in any manner. Rather, the figures and detailed
written descriptions are provided to illustrate the inventive
concepts to a person of ordinary skill in the art as required by 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 112.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a first
embodiment of a combined vacuum and pump system.
[0019] FIG. 1A is an enlarged schematic view of the flow restrictor
and the priming hose coupled between the vacuum chamber intake and
the pump.
[0020] FIG. 1B is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of
the flow restrictor.
[0021] FIG. 1C is a bottom schematic view of another exemplary
embodiment of the flow restrictor.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the vacuum and
pump system in an alternative embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional schematic view of another
embodiment of the vacuum and pump system.
[0024] FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a selectively engageable drive system capable of engaging the
vacuum and/or pump in different operational modes.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of another
embodiment of the vacuum and pump system.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a selectively engageable drive system.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a variation of
the selectively engageable drive system shown in FIG. 5.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of a
clutch actuator assembly.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another
embodiment of a selectively engageable drive system.
[0030] FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of the drive system of FIG.
8.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional schematic view of another
embodiment of the vacuum and pump system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] One or more illustrative embodiments incorporating the
invention disclosed herein are presented below. Not all features of
an actual implementation are described or shown in this application
for the sake of clarity. It is understood that in the development
of an actual embodiment incorporating the present invention,
numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve
the developer's goals, such as compliance with system-related,
business-related and other constraints, which vary by
implementation and from time to time. While a developer's efforts
might be complex and time-consuming, such efforts would be,
nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in
the art having benefit of this disclosure.
[0033] In general, the disclosure provides a combined vacuum and
pump system that can vacuum, pump, or a combination thereof by
switching between different operational modes. Specifically, the
mechanical switching control mechanism (or equivalent electrical
circuit switching control system) can operate the unit in one or
more of the following modes:
[0034] A vacuum mode only, where the pump is disconnected from
operation;
[0035] A pump mode only, where the vacuum is disconnected from
operation;
[0036] A pump mode with temporarily engaged vacuum mode for pump
priming purposes; and
[0037] A vacuum mode plus a pump mode operating at the same
time.
[0038] Further, in at least one embodiment, the above modes can be
controlled by a float system to govern the operation of the vacuum
and pump. While for graphical representation, a mechanical system
is shown, it is to be understood by those with ordinary skill in
the art that an electrical system could be made, given the
disclosure contained herein, to perform in a similar manner.
[0039] While different embodiments are shown herein, in general, a
priming hose can provide a negative pressure ("vacuum") to the pump
chamber relative to ambient pressure to pull fluid through the pump
inlet into the pump chamber to prime the pump. The vacuum can be
obtained using the vacuum unit as exemplified in the embodiments
below. In general, pump priming can occur by tapping an inlet
("throat") of the vacuum chamber providing a flow path to the
vacuum impeller. The priming tap can include a shield that at least
partially blocks normal inflow into the vacuum unit to create more
vacuum in the priming hose, relative to the drum, and ultimately to
prime the pump chamber. In such embodiments, fluid can be pumped
from sources outside the vacuum cleaner drum and even sources of
fluid inside the vacuum cleaner drum. The pump priming can also
occur by tapping the vacuum drum into which fluid and debris are
vacuumed by operation of the vacuum unit with the drum being at a
relative negative pressure. Such embodiments are useful for pumping
sources of fluid outside the vacuum cleaner drum.
[0040] On a distal end of the priming hose from the vacuum tap, the
hose can be attached to the pump at various locations. One
advantageous location is an upper portion of the pump chamber,
distal from the pump inlet, to allow more filling of the pump
chamber during priming. Further, a priming switch can be employed
to close the priming tap hose at different stages of the
vacuuming/pumping operation, so the pumped fluid does not backflow
through the hose and enter an inappropriate area, such as a vacuum
unit or motor. A closed priming tap hose can also help maintain
vacuuming efficiency in case the pump inlet or outlet is not
properly sealed when the pump is not in use, causing an unwanted
leak during normal vacuuming operations.
[0041] In some embodiments, separate belts can drive the vacuum
unit and the pump. Some embodiments can use the same motor and
others can have separate motors. Still other embodiments can use a
single belt drive to drive the vacuum unit and the pump. Further,
the belts can be mounted above and/or below the motor(s) as can be
convenient for access and relationship to other system components.
In some embodiments, the belts can be driven from both the bottom
and top ends of the motor shaft. The belts can be engaged and
disengaged as appropriate with clutches, idler pulleys, and other
switching elements.
[0042] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a first
embodiment of a combined vacuum and pump system. In general, the
system 100, which can be based on a wet and dry vacuum cleaner,
includes a motor 1, a pump 2, and a vacuum unit 11 mounted to a lid
15. The lid 15 is generally attached to a drum 14 that functions as
a container of the system. The drum 14 has a waste portion 14A for
holding waste materials, including liquids, produced from vacuum
operations, in a lower elevation of the container. A vacuum unit 11
generally is mounted to the lid 15 and includes a vacuum impeller
11A mounted in a vacuum chamber 12 with a vacuum chamber intake
12A. A cage/filter 13 is attached to the lid 15 and provides a
filtered flow path to the vacuum unit 11, as is known to those with
ordinary skill in the art. Air is exhausted from the vacuum chamber
through an air exhaust 26 that can be ported outside the lid 15 as
is also customary in such vacuum cleaners. The actual geometry of
the air exhaust is not shown but would be readily known to those
with ordinary skill in the art, and that the exhaust could be a
ported exhaust or a diffused exhaust. A vacuum inlet 16 can be
provided in the lid 15 or the drum 14. The inlet can be coupled to
a hose 25 for extending the inlet to conveniently allow vacuum
material 25A to enter through the inlet 16 and into the drum 14. A
priming hose 9 can be coupled between the pump 2 on one end and to
the vacuum unit 11 on another end. The priming hose can be used to
convey a negative pressure (vacuum) from the vacuum unit to the
pump, where the vacuum is relative to ambient pressure in the pump.
In at least one embodiment, the priming hose can be coupled to an
upper portion of the pump 2 on one end and to the region of the
vacuum chamber intake 12A on the other end.
[0043] A flow restrictor 34, such as a damper, can be movably
coupled to the vacuum chamber intake 12A. The flow restrictor 34
can be manually or power-actuated by an actuator 36. The actuator
36 can be a variety of actuators, such as a mechanical lever,
electrical switch including a solenoid or servo motor, pneumatic
controller, or other devices which can be controllably moved to
operate an element. The actuator 36, shown schematically, can be
mounted in a variety of locations in the system 100, including in
the lid 15. The flow restrictor 34 can at least partially and
selectively block the flow path into the vacuum chamber intake 12A,
so that a vacuum occurs in a priming hose 9, described below,
during the pump priming portion of system operation. After the pump
is primed, the flow restrictor 34 can be moved to allow normal flow
through the vacuum chamber intake 12A for vacuum operation. In some
embodiments, the vacuum pressure can be sufficient in the priming
hose, so that the advantages gained by including the flow
restrictor in the system 100 are optional.
[0044] Turning to FIGS. 1A-1C for details of the flow restrictor
and related elements, FIG. 1A is an enlarged schematic view of the
flow restrictor and the priming hose coupled between the vacuum
chamber intake and the pump. The vacuum unit 11 includes the
impeller 11A rotatably mounted in a vacuum chamber 12. The intake
12A to the vacuum chamber is a region having a relatively high
vacuum negative pressure when the vacuum impeller 11A is rotating.
Thus, the priming hose 9 can tap into that region to produce a
relatively high vacuum through the hose 9 to the pump 2. The pump 2
generally includes a pump chamber 2A coupled to the pump inlet 3, a
pump impeller 2B rotatably coupled in the pump chamber, an upper
portion 2C of the pump chamber, and pump outlet 4. The end of the
priming hose for the pump 2 can be coupled to the upper portion 2C,
so that fluid can more fully fill the pump chamber during
priming.
[0045] As described above, in some embodiments, the flow restrictor
34 can at least partially block the vacuum chamber intake to force
a higher portion of the vacuum to be directed to the priming hose.
The directed vacuum pressure can be applied to provide higher
priming capabilities to the pump.
[0046] FIG. 1B is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of
the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor 34 can be slidably coupled
to the vacuum unit 11, such as in the region of the vacuum chamber
intake 12A. The actuator 36 can actuate the flow restrictor between
a normal position where the flow path is open to the intake 12A and
a closed position where the flow path is at least partially
blocked.
[0047] FIG. 1C is a bottom schematic view of another exemplary
embodiment of the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor 34 can also
include an assembly portion coupled to the vacuum unit 11 that
aligns openings to allow flow into the vacuum chamber intake
described herein. In at least one embodiment, a fixed ring 34A can
be coupled to the vacuum unit 11, such as the intake 12A. The ring
34A can include one or more openings 35A. A corresponding rotatable
ring 34B with one or more openings 35B can be rotatably coupled to
the fixed ring 34A. An actuator 36, described in reference to FIGS.
1 and 1A, can rotate the rotatable ring 34B to align the openings
35A, 35B and allow flow into vacuum chamber intake 12A, referenced
above. When priming the pump, the actuator can rotate the rotatable
ring 34B, so that the openings 35A, 35B are out of alignment. When
out of alignment, the flow into the vacuum chamber intake is
restricted and more of the vacuum pressure from the vacuum unit is
applied to the priming hose.
[0048] Referring again to FIG. 1, a priming switch 10 can be
coupled to the priming hose 9 to close and open the priming hose.
The priming switch 10 can "pinch" or otherwise compress or close
(such as with a solenoid) the priming hose 9 when priming of the
pump is unnecessary. Among other aspects, the closed priming hose
can restrict fluid in the pump from potentially back-flowing
through the priming hose and entering the vacuum unit or other
portions of the system. The closed priming hose can further reduce
vacuum "leakage" through the pump when the pump is not operating to
increase vacuum efficiency through the vacuum unit 11.
[0049] The pump 2 includes a pump inlet 3 and a pump outlet 4. The
pump 2 is fluidicly disposed generally above the waste portion 14A
of the drum. The pump 2 could also be fluidicly disposed generally
above a fluid level external to the vacuum and pump, such as on a
floor. Thus, in general, the pump 2 being fluidicly disposed above
the fluid level needs at least initial priming to be able to pump
the fluid.
[0050] Further, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can use a drain of
the drum 14 as a liquid inlet 23. Thus, in this embodiment, fluid
would primarily be brought into the drum 14 through the vacuum
inlet 16 and deposited therein. Then, the pump would pull the
liquid from the drum 14 through a conduit 5 into the pump inlet 3
and thence into the pump 2. The pump 2 would pump out the liquid
through the pump outlet 4 and through a conduit 6 coupled to the
pump outlet 4 to a location generally away from the system 100. The
conduit 5 can be coupled to the drum outlet 23 on one end and to
the pump inlet 3 on the other end in some manner, including use of
one or more couplings 7, such as a quick disconnect or hose
fitting. Similarly, the conduit 6 can be coupled to the pump outlet
4 in some manner, including use of a coupling 8. For convenience, a
standard garden type hose and standard garden hose fittings can be
used as one or more of the couplings.
[0051] In this exemplary embodiment, the motor 1 can include a
shaft that extends through both ends of the motor, such that the
vacuum unit 11 can be powered by one end of the motor and the pump
2 can be powered by a second end of the motor. Variations are
possible, including the vacuum unit and the pump being powered by
the same end of the motor and/or by a single belt. The term "belt"
is used broadly herein to include a band of material, and can
include flexible material or relatively inflexible links of
material such as chain links. The motor 1 can be rotationally
coupled to the pump 2 through the use of a drive system, such as a
pulley and belt arrangement. Similarly, the vacuum impeller 11 can
be coupled and rotationally coupled to the motor through a similar
drive system. Such drive systems can include the exemplary idler
sets described in reference to FIG. 3, the clutch systems described
in reference to FIG. 5-8, and other drive systems.
[0052] The motor 1 can provide power input to both the pump 2 and
the vacuum unit 11. In at least one embodiment, the motor can
provide such power through the use of at least two shafts through
the use of a pulley and belt arrangement. It would be known to
those in ordinary skill in the art that such drive systems could
include gears and sprockets as equivalents, and other power
transmission products. In this embodiment, for example and without
limitation, the driven pulley 17 on a pump shaft 17A can be driven
by a driving pulley 18 from the motor 1, where the pulleys are
rotationally coupled together through a pump belt 19.
Advantageously, the driven pulley 17 and the driving pulley 18 can
be adjusted for different relative sizes to operate the pump at
optimal or other speeds. Various bearings, mounting units, and
other miscellaneous hardware are not detailed but would be known to
those with ordinary skill in the art.
[0053] Similarly, the motor 1 can transmit power to the vacuum unit
11 through use of a pulley and belt arrangement, gear and sprocket,
or other power transmission system. For example, a driven pulley 21
can be coupled to a vacuum shaft 21A for the vacuum unit 11 with
the vacuum impeller 11A. A driving pulley 20 can be coupled to the
motor 1 as described above for the driving pulley 18. The pulleys
20, 21 can be rotationally coupled together by a vacuum belt 22. In
a similar fashion, the driving pulley 20 and driven pulley 21 can
be adjusted in relative size to operate the vacuum unit 11 at an
optimal or other speed. Further, the speeds of the pump and the
vacuum unit can be independently determined using a single motor by
varying the sizes of the relative pulleys.
[0054] As would be known to those with ordinary skill in the art, a
single belt drive system could also be used instead of the dual
belt shown. Details of the belt engagement/disengagement system are
not shown in the figure, but are described in at least one
exemplary embodiment below. The vacuum unit or pump coupled to the
motor could be driven constantly, while the other device could be
driven selectively.
[0055] In operation, an operator can activate only the vacuum unit
in a first mode, only the pump in a second mode, the pump with a
temporarily engaged vacuum unit to prime the pump in a third mode,
and the vacuum unit and pump both operational in a fourth mode. For
the vacuum modes, in general the motor 1 can rotate the vacuum unit
11, alone or in combination with the pump 2. The vacuum unit
creates a suction inside the drum 14 causing incoming vacuumed air
or water 25A to enter the inlet 16 and flow into the drum 14.
Solids and liquids fall out of the flow path into the bottom of the
drum 14, while the remainder of the air in the flow path flows
through the cage/filter 13 for filtering, through the vacuum unit
11, and out of the vacuum chamber 12 through the air exhaust
26.
[0056] For the pump modes, the motor 1 can rotate the pump 2, alone
or in combination with the vacuum unit. However, the pump 2 will
generally be incapable of starting operation without priming. Such
priming has been heretofore problematic, because the pump is
located above a liquid inlet 23 on the conduit 5. However, the
present disclosure provides for priming of the pump 2 by use of the
priming hose 9. To prime the pump, the flow restrictor 34 can be
actuated to at least partially block the normal flow path into the
vacuum chamber 12 that helps create more vacuum pressure in the
priming hose 9, relative to the pressure in the drum, and thence to
the pump 2. The vacuum draws the water or other fluid from the drum
and through the liquid inlet 3 into the pump 2 by the negative
pressure through the priming hose 9. As the fluid at least
partially fills the pump 2, the pump becomes primed and can sustain
pumping operations thereafter as the fluid is available through the
inlet 3. The liquid 24 can be pumped out of the pump 2 through the
pump outlet 4, and out of the conduit 6 to another location. For
the embodiments having the priming switch 10, the priming switch
can be opened to allow a vacuum in the priming hose 9 to draw
fluid, such as in the drum 14, through the conduit 5 through the
pump inlet 3 and into the pump 2. Once the pump is primed, the
priming switch 10 can close the priming hose.
[0057] Thus, the system allows an elevated pump mounted in a more
convenient location inside the lid 15 with the other elements above
a fluid level, allows an operation of multiple devices by a single
motor, and allows pumping from the drum or pumping of a fluid that
is independent of a flow path into the drum 14.
[0058] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the vacuum and
pump system in an alternative embodiment. The elements will be
labeled similarly as in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown, a direct
flow path includes liquid from a source external to the drum 14,
entering a conduit 5, and flowing into the pump inlet 3 through the
pump 2, out the pump outlet 4, and out the conduit 6 for
distribution to a different location. Since the pump can pump
fluids from sources external to the drum 14, the operator can avoid
emptying the drum 14 of its dry waste prior to pumping the water
through the external direct flow circuit described above. In
addition, the belts are both shown on a lower portion of the motor
using only one end of the shaft as the drive.
[0059] The motor 1 can provide power input to both the pump 2 and
the vacuum unit 11. For example, the motor can provide power to the
pump through the use of a pulley and belt arrangement, sprocket and
gear, or other power transmission system. In this embodiment, for
example and without limitation, the driven pulley 17 on a pump
shaft 17A can be driven by a driving pulley 18 from the motor 1,
where the pulleys are rotationally coupled together through a pump
belt 19. Advantageously, the driven pulley 17 and the driving
pulley 18 can be adjusted for different relative sizes to operate
the pump at optimal or other speeds.
[0060] Similarly, the motor 1 can transmit power to the vacuum unit
11. For example, a driven pulley 21 can be coupled to a vacuum
shaft 21A for the vacuum unit 11 that operates the vacuum impeller.
A driving pulley 20 can be coupled to the motor 1 as described
above for the driving pulley 18. The pulleys 20, 21 can be
rotationally coupled together by a belt 22. In a similar fashion,
the driving pulley 20 and driven pulley 21 can be adjusted in
relative size to operate the vacuum unit 11 at an optimal or other
speed. Further, the speeds of the pump and the vacuum unit can be
independently determined using a single motor by varying the sizes
of the relative pulleys.
[0061] In operation, the vacuum unit can be used to vacuum
materials into the drum 14. If fluid outside the drum is to be
pumped from an elevation below the pump, the pump can be primed by
causing a vacuum through the priming hose to be applied to the
pump. The pump can operate concurrently with the vacuum unit after
priming where the vacuum unit may continue to function, or the
vacuum unit can be turned to an off mode, while the pump continues
to pump, or the pump can be turned to an off mode after pumping
while the vacuum unit continues to vacuum.
[0062] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional schematic view of another
embodiment of the vacuum and pump system. Similar elements will be
similarly labeled as above. In general, the motor 1 can drive both
the pump 2 and the vacuum unit 11 with a single driving pulley 18A
and a single belt 19A. If desired, the pump 2 and the vacuum unit
11 can be independently operated. An idler pulley system, such as
described in referenced to FIG. 3B below, can change the engagement
of the belt 19A with the pump driven pulley 17 for the pump 2, the
vacuum driven pulley on the shaft 21A for the vacuum unit 11, or a
combination thereof. The idler pulley system can include a pump
idler set 122 and a vacuum idler set 128, described in FIG. 3B.
Other variations are contemplated.
[0063] Inlet 16 allows vacuumed materials to enter the drum 14. The
materials generally fall to the bottom inside the drum, while
remaining air is pulled through the cage/filter 13 through the
vacuum unit 11 and exhausted through the air exhaust 26, which is
generally a port through the lid 15. The pump 2 can be selectively
operated to draw liquid through the liquid inlet 23 through the
pump inlet 3 into the pump 2, and pumped out the pump outlet 4 and
the conduit 6 to dispose of the liquid 24 at a different location.
The priming hose 9 can be coupled on one end to the pump and on the
other end to the vacuum chamber intake 12A, as described above. A
priming switch, also described above, is not shown but can be
included. The flow restrictor 34 can be used to increase vacuum in
the priming hose 9 during the pump priming.
[0064] FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a selectively engageable drive system capable of engaging the
vacuum and/or pump in different operational modes. Three positions
for three modes of operation are shown. In general, a motor as
described above can rotate a driving pulley 18A so that a belt 19A
rotates a pump pulley 17 and a vacuum pulley 21. The engagement and
disengagement with the pump pulley and the vacuum pulley can be
accomplished by movement of two sets of idler pulleys, as described
below. A tension pulley 118 can maintain tension on the belt 19A in
the different modes of operation in conjunction with a bias element
120. While the embodiment illustrates a single belt, it is to be
understood that the concepts are to be applied to multiple belt
configurations using different idler sets.
[0065] The two idler sets each include at least one idler pulley,
and advantageously a pair of idler pulleys that are spaced a
distance from each other, which together can be moved to different
positions, generally in an arc, around the pump pulley or the
vacuum pulley, respectively. In a given position, the idler sets
can move the belt 19A into different positions, so that they cause
the belt to engage the pump pulley, the vacuum pulley, or both. The
movement can occur from manual movement of the idler sets, such as
through levers, or through powered devices, such as switches,
solenoids, and the like. In some embodiments, the actuation can
occur automatically depending on sensed conditions such as waste
levels, fluid levels, filter condition, and other conditions. Thus,
movement of the two idler sets can cause the different modes
described above, namely vacuum mode only, pump mode only, pump mode
temporarily engaged with a vacuum mode for pump priming purposes,
and a vacuum mode plus a pump mode. In all the belt positions
described herein, the drive pulley 18A generally remains engaged
with the belt 19A to power the belt through the various modes with
the idler pulleys in different positions.
[0066] A pump idler set 122 includes an outside idler 124 and an
inside idler 126 based upon the relative position with respect to
the belt 19A. The pump idler set 122 can be moved along an arc 138
about the pump pulley 17 to cause engagement and disengagement of
the belt 19A with the pulley 17. The vacuum idler set 128 is
similarly assembled with an outer idler 130 and an inner idler 132.
The vacuum idler set 128 can be rotated in an arc around the vacuum
pulley 21 to cause engagement and disengagement of the belt 19A
with the pulley 21. The outer idler 130 and the inner idler 132 are
generally fixed in position relative to each other, although their
collective position within the system changes as the idlers are
moved about the arc 142 around the pulley 21. Miscellaneous
hardware, such as linkages and bearings, are not shown as would be
known to those with ordinary skill in the art given the disclosure
herein. The length of belt 19A can be selected to accommodate the
relative dimensions of the system, including the pulleys and travel
lengths. While arcs 138, 142 are described, it is understood that
the pulleys can be moved to different relative positions that may
not track an arc. A vacuum-only mode represented by first belt
position 144 disengages the belt 19A from the pump pulley 17 and
allows engagement of the belt 19A with the vacuum pulley 21. In the
belt position 144, the pump idler set 122 is rotated along the arc
138 to a first position 134. In that position, the outer idler 124
can be disengaged from the belt 19A and the inner idler 126 is
engaged on an inside surface of the belt 19A in a position that
does not allow the belt 19A to drive the pump pulley 17. Further,
the vacuum idler set 128 is in a corresponding first position 134A
in the vacuum mode only. In that position, the outer idler 130
engages the outer surface of the belt 19A while the inner idler 132
need not contact the belt 19A. The position of the outer idler 130
allows the belt 19A to contact the vacuum pulley 21 and to operate
the vacuum unit 11 described above.
[0067] In a pump mode only, represented by belt position 146, the
two idler sets are adjusted to different relative positions.
Specifically, the pump idler set 122 can be adjusted to a second
position 136. In this position, the outer idler 124 is engaged with
an outside surface of the belt 19A, while the inner idler 126 need
not contact the belt 19A. The engagement on the outer surface of
the belt allows the belt 19A to contact and rotate the pump pulley
17. In a corresponding manner, the vacuum idler set 128 is moved to
a second position 136A. In this position, the outer idler 130 need
not contact the outer surface of the belt 19A, while the inner
idler 132 is engaged with an inner surface of the belt 19A. The
engagement of the inner surface by the inner idler 132 pulls the
belt away from the vacuum pulley 21, so that the vacuum unit does
not rotate in the pump mode only.
[0068] When both the vacuum unit and the pump are actuated, the
idler sets are moved to different relative positions. Specifically,
the pump idler set 122 can be moved into the second position 136,
so that the outer idler 124 can engage the outer surface of the
belt 19A, while the inner idler 126 can be disengaged from the belt
surface. That position allows the belt 19A to contact and rotate
the pump pulley 17. The vacuum idler set 128 can be moved to the
first position 134A. In the position, the outer idler 130 contacts
the outer surface of the belt 19A, while the inner idler 132 need
not contact the inner surface of the belt 19A. That position allows
the belt 19A to contact and rotate the vacuum idler 21, so that
both the pump and vacuum unit operate.
[0069] While the above idler system has been described in terms of
idler sets having a pair of idler pulleys for convenience, it is
understood that one or more of the idler sets may include a single
idler pulley. The single idler pulley may be individually
manipulated to engage and disengage the belt to actuate the vacuum
unit and/or pump.
[0070] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of another
embodiment of the vacuum and pump system. In this embodiment, a
motor 1 is coupled to the vacuum unit 11. A second motor 1A is
coupled to the pump 2. The priming hose 9 can be coupled, for
example, between the pump 2 and the drum 14, or other locations
described herein. A switch box 31 can be installed in the lid 15 to
control the motor 1, the motor 1A, or a combination thereof.
Further, the switch box 31 can include the ability to operate the
priming switch 10 at selective times in the system operation. The
system includes other elements previously described, such as the
conduit 5 to allow fluid to enter the inlet 3 to the pump 2 and out
the outlet 4, and through the conduit 6 to another location. A
power cord 30 can provide power to the switchbox 31 for operation
of the system. The embodiment shown uses the negative pressure in
the drum 14 caused by the vacuum unit 11 to provide the vacuum
through the priming hose 9 to the pump 2. It should also be
understood that priming can be achieved by the configuration
previously described in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0071] In operation, the motor 1 can be activated to operate the
vacuum unit 11. The vacuum pressure pulls air, liquid, or a
combination thereof into the vacuum inlet 16 where the heavy
materials, such as dirt, debris, and liquid, fall to the bottom of
the drum 14 while the lighter material, such as air, flows through
the cage/filter 13 through the vacuum unit 11 and out the air
exhaust 26, as described above. Independently, the pump can pump
fluid through the conduit 5, the inlet 3, the pump 2, the outlet 4,
and the conduit 6 with the power provided by the motor 1A. The
switchbox 31 can operate the vacuum unit 11, the pump 2, or a
combination thereof. Further, a priming hose 9 can be coupled
between the pump 2 and the drum 14. The internal volume in the drum
14 would generally be at a negative pressure when the vacuum unit
11 is operational. Thus, a negative pressure in the priming hose 9
can pull the fluid through the conduit 5 into the pump 2. The
priming switch 10 can be operated through the switchbox 31. In at
least one embodiment, the switchbox can include a switch 31A to
selectively choose between modes: vacuum on or off, pump on or off,
priming, and including both vacuum and pump on at the same time. In
some embodiments, it may be useful to restrict the operation of the
vacuum and the pump, so that they are mutually exclusive to reduce
an electrical current load on the overall system. In such
instances, the priming function can override the mutually
exclusivity, so that the vacuum unit can operate temporarily to
prime the pump. In at least one embodiment, the priming switch 10
can be normally closed, so that the priming switch closes the
priming hose 9 when not activated to reduce vacuum leaks and
backflow from the pump into other portions of the system.
[0072] The system can accommodate a certain maximum amount of
operating current. By controlling the engagement of the pump 2 or
vacuum unit 11, more current can be provided to either the pump or
the vacuum unit when the other device is not operating. The higher
current directed to one of the devices rather than both at the same
time can increase the performance level of the device, such as
increased speed for higher vacuum or greater flow.
[0073] FIGS. 5-8 and 9 show various aspects of clutch systems that
can also be used to engage and disengage one or more belts to drive
one or more embodiments of the vacuum and pump system. FIG. 5 is a
schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a selectively
engageable drive system. The drive system shown can be used
advantageously with various embodiments having a single motor,
described herein. In general, the motor 1 directly drives the
vacuum unit 11 while selectively engaging and driving the pump 2,
although a reverse embodiment can be used. Further, the pump 2 can
be activated by a float dependent upon the level of fluid in, for
example, the drum 14, shown in FIG. 2.
[0074] The motor 1 can be coupled to a lid portion 15A for support.
A clutch assembly 40 can be used to selectively drive the pump 2.
The motor shaft can effectively function as the shaft 21A described
above for the vacuum unit 11 and is coupled thereto. A first disk
clutch 42 can be rotationally coupled to the shaft 21A. A second
clutch disk 44 is slidably and rotatably disengagable from the
shaft 21A. The second clutch disk 44 is rotationally coupled to the
pulley 18 described above. A bearing 38 is disposed between the
pulley 18 and the second clutch disk 44. The belt 19 is coupled
between the pulley 18 on the shaft 21A and the pulley 17 on the
shaft 17A, as described above. A variety of support bearings 46, 48
on the vacuum shaft 21A and support bearings 50, 52 on the pump
shaft 17A can be used to maintain alignment of the shaft, as is
known in the art.
[0075] A floating assembly can selectively engage and disengage the
clutch assembly 40. A float 56 can be disposed in a container, such
as the drum 14, and engaged with a clutch actuator assembly 58,
described in more detail below. In general, the clutch actuator
assembly 58 is anchored at a fixed pivot 60, but allowed to move up
and down (in the exemplary orientation) at a movable pivot 62
distal from the fixed pivot 60. A link 64 couples the clutch
actuator assembly 58 to the second clutch disk 44.
[0076] In operation, the motor 1 can be activated so that it
operates the vacuum unit 11. Because the first clutch disk 42 of
the clutch assembly 40 is rotationally coupled to the shaft 21, the
first clutch disk 42 rotates with the shaft 21A. However, the
second clutch disk 44 is only selectively rotationally coupled to
the shaft 21A. Therefore, the shaft 21A rotates within the bearing
38 without necessarily rotating the second clutch disk 44 and the
pulley 18 coupled thereto.
[0077] The float 56 raises as fluid rises, causing the end 62 of
the clutch actuator assembly to rise. The link 64 rises and causes
the second clutch disk to engage the first clutch disk 42 and
become rotationally coupled. The pulley 18 rotates, causing the
belt 19 to rotate. The pulley 17 rotates and causes the pump shaft
17A to rotate and operate the pump 2.
[0078] The fluid level recedes as fluid is pumped, and the float 56
lowers. The clutch actuator assembly lowers and causes the second
clutch disk 44 to become disengaged from the first clutch disk 42
and therefore rotationally decoupled, this is, disengaged, to stop
pump operations.
[0079] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a variation of
the selectively engageable drive system shown in FIG. 5. Similar
elements are similarly numbered. In general, a float 56 operates
the clutch actuator assembly 58 to selectively engage and disengage
the clutch assembly 40. When the clutch assembly 40 is engaged and
the motor 1 is operating to rotate the shaft 21A, the driving
pulley 18 rotates, causing the belt 19 to rotate and thus rotating
the driven pulley 17. The rotation of the driven pulley 17 causes
the pump shaft 17A to rotate and thence the pump to operate. The
vacuum unit 11 can vacuum debris and other vacuumed materials into
a container, such as the drum 14, described above, and exhaust
remaining air through the air exhaust 26. Similarly, when the pump
2 is operational, fluid can enter the pump inlet 3 (where the
conduit is not shown but has been described previously), flow
through the impeller of the pump and out of the pump outlet 4. The
various elements described can be mounted to the lid portion 15A of
the lid 15 described above. The clutch actuator can be connected on
one end to a fixed pivot 60 and on another end to a movable pivot
62 that in turn is connected to the float 56.
[0080] FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of a
clutch actuator assembly. In at least one embodiment, the clutch
actuator assembly 58 includes a frame 66 that can be coupled on one
end at a fixed pivot 60 to the lid or portion thereof, and on
another end, at the movable pivot 62 to the float 56, described
above. A link pivot 68 can be formed at some position between the
fixed pivot 60 and the movable pivot 62. The link pivot 68 is
adapted to receive the link 64 rotatably therein. One of more link
couplers 70 can be used to couple the link 64 to the frame 66.
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 collectively, it can be seen
that the fixed pivot 60 can be coupled to the lid portion 15A while
the movable pivot 62 can be coupled to the float 56. The clutch
actuator assembly 58 can remain secured on the fixed pivot 60. As
the float moves the frame 66 up and down, the link 64 can move a
portion of the clutch assembly 40 up and down. To allow an even
bearing of the clutch assembly 40 along the arc movement of the
clutch actuator assembly, the link 64 can rotate in the link pivot
68.
[0082] When the second clutch disk 44 is not engaged with the first
clutch disk 42, the belt 19 does not rotate and the pulley 17
coupled to the shaft 17A of the pump 2 does not rotate. When fluid
causes the float 56 to raise, the movable pivot 62 from one end of
the clutch actuator assembly 58 moves consistent with the float
movement, that is, upward, as shown in FIG. 5. The upward movement
of the movable pivot 62 causes the link 64 to also move upward and
press the second clutch disk 44 against the first clutch disk 42.
Upon engagement, the second clutch disk 44 rotates with the pulley
18, causing the belt 19 to rotate. The pulley 17 coupled to the
shaft 17A causes the pump 2 to rotate as well. The pump continues
to operate until the fluid level is decreased in the container,
such as the drum, sufficiently to allow the float 56 to lower. As
the float lowers, the movable pivot 62 also lowers the link 64 and
the second clutch disk 44, causing a disengagement with the first
clutch disk 42. The pulley 18 is no longer powered and the pump
stops pumping.
[0083] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another
embodiment of a selectively engageable drive system. FIG. 8A is a
schematic diagram of the drive system of FIG. 8. Similar elements
have been similarly numbered as described above. In general, this
embodiment includes a clutch actuator for the pump and a clutch
actuator for the vacuum unit. Further, the embodiment can include a
pump clutch actuator assembly and a vacuum unit clutch actuator
assembly. The system can drive both the pump and the vacuum unit
through a single belt as shown in the schematic illustration of
FIG. 8A. More specifically, the system includes a motor 1 having a
pulley 18A rotationally coupled thereto. A drive belt 19A is
rotationally coupled to the driving pulley 18A that is coupled to
the motor, the driven pulley 17 that is coupled to the pump 2, and
the driven pulley 21 that is coupled with the vacuum unit 11. The
pulley 17 is rotationally decoupled from the pump shaft 17A when
the clutch assembly 40 is disengaged by the use of bearing 38
disposed between the pulley 17 and the associated portion of the
clutch assembly 40, and the shaft 17A. The clutch assembly 40
includes a first clutch disk 42 that is rotationally coupled to the
shaft 17A, and a rotatable second clutch disk 44 that is
rotationally disengageable from the shaft 17A. The bearing 38 is
disposed between the second clutch disk 44 and the pulley 17 to
allow the second clutch disk to rotate around the shaft 17A when
not engaged with the first clutch disk 42.
[0084] Similarly, the embodiment can include a vacuum unit clutch
assembly 72. The clutch assembly 72 can operate in a similar
fashion with similar elements as have been described above with the
clutch assembly 40. In general, the clutch assembly 72 can include
a first clutch disk that is rotationally coupled to the shaft 21A,
and a second clutch disk that is selectively rotationally decoupled
from the shaft 21A by use of a bearing 82 disposed between the
shaft and the second clutch disk in a similar fashion as the clutch
assembly 40. When the clutch assembly 72 is actuated so that the
first and second clutch disks engage, the vacuum unit 11 rotates
due to the rotation of the motor through the pulley 18A and the
drive belt 19A around the pulley 21.
[0085] The system further includes a method of selectively
actuating the pump and the vacuum unit. A clutch actuator assembly
58, such as has been described above, can be coupled to a float 56
and the clutch assembly 40. In general, the clutch actuator
assembly 58 includes a fixed pivot 60 coupled to a stationery
object, such as a lid or lid portion (not shown). The clutch
actuator assembly also includes a movable pivot 62 that can be
coupled to the float 56 and can translate up and down in
association with the float 56. The clutch actuator assembly can
further include a link 64 that can be coupled with the clutch
assembly 40.
[0086] In a similar fashion, a vacuum clutch actuator 74 can have a
fixed pivot 76 anchored at one portion of the actuator 74, and a
movable pivot 80 distal from the fixed pivot 76. A link 90 similar
to the link 64 can be coupled to the second clutch disk of the
clutch assembly 72, as has been described above for the second
clutch disk 44. The first clutch disk of the clutch assembly 72 can
be rotationally coupled to the shaft 21A as has been described
above for the first disk clutch 42 of the clutch assembly 40. In at
least one embodiment, the clutch actuator assembly 74 can be biased
with a bias element 78 so that in a normal operating position, the
clutch assembly 72 is engaged and the vacuum unit 11 can operate.
While the system shown generally has the vacuum impeller engaged
and the pump disengaged, other default positions can certainly be
designed.
[0087] In operation, the motor 1 can be activated which in a normal
position actuates the vacuum unit 11, but not the pump 2 due to the
positions of the respective clutch assembly components. The vacuum
unit pulls material into a container, such as a drum 14, described
above. As the float rises upon fluid entering the container, the
upward movement of the float raises the movable pivot 62 that also
raises the link 64. The link 64 then causes the second clutch disk
44 to engage the first clutch disk 42, causing the shaft 17A to
rotate. The pump is actuated to pump liquids as had been described
above.
[0088] A bias element 84, such as a compressive spring, can be
disposed between the float 56 and the clutch actuator assembly 58
of the pump. The bias element 84 can be compressed and allow
further travel of the float 56 for engagement with the movable
pivot 80. Thus, some pressure is placed on the clutch actuator
assembly 58 by the upward movement of the float 56 through the bias
element 84, while allowing the float to rise even after causing the
clutch assembly 40 to become engaged.
[0089] If the fluid level continues to rise, the float 56 can
contact the movable pivot 80 of the vacuum unit clutch actuator
assembly 74 and raise the movable pivot 80. Raising the movable
pivot 80 also raises the link 90, causing the clutch assembly 72 to
disengage. The disengagement will stop the vacuum unit from
operating, so as to avoid pulling in more material into the
container, such as the drum 14. Independently, however, the pump 2
can continue to operate.
[0090] As the fluid level decreases, the float lowers which allows
the movable pivot 80 to lower and the link 90 to move the link 90
in a similar fashion. The movement causes the clutch assembly 72 to
re-actuate the vacuum unit 11. As the fluid continues to fall, the
float lowers. The movable pivot 62 of the clutch actuator assembly
58 for the pump 2 can also lower which then allows the clutch
assembly 40 to disengage and the pump stops pumping.
[0091] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional schematic view of another
embodiment of the vacuum and pump system. Similar elements are
similarly numbered as above. A motor 1 can be coupled to the system
in the lid 15. The motor can drive a driving pulley 18A coupled to
a belt 19A for both the vacuum unit 11 and the pump 2. Further, the
vacuum unit 11 and pump 2 can be independently operated based upon
the engagement of clutch assemblies coupled to each device. A
clutch engagement switch 101 can control the operation of the
vacuum unit 11, and a clutch engagement switch 102 can control the
operation of the pump 2. The switches 101, 102 can be positioned
external to the lid 15 for easy operator access. The switches 101,
102 can access the clutch assemblies through a clutch engagement
shaft 110 for the vacuum unit 11 in a clutch engagement shaft 111
for the pump. Further, depending upon position of the switches, one
or more linkages 112 can be used between the switches and the
clutch assemblies. As described above, a clutch assembly 72
generally includes a first clutch disk 71 that is rotationally
coupled to the shaft 21A and a rotationally decoupled second clutch
disk 73 that can be selectively coupled to the first clutch disk
71. A driven pulley 21 is rotationally coupled to the second clutch
disk 73. Similarly, the clutch assembly 40 can include a first
clutch disk 42 rotationally coupled to the shaft 17A and associated
with the pump 2. A second clutch disk 44 is rotationally coupled to
the pulley 17 where both can rotate freely around the shaft 17A and
be selectively decoupled when not engaged with the first disk 42.
The pump can include an inlet 3 and an outlet 4. Further, the
system can include a vacuum inlet 16.
[0092] In operation, the clutch engagement switch 101 can be
manipulated to a vacuum position to actuate the clutch assembly 72,
so that the clutch engagement shaft 110 causes the first clutch
disk 71 to become engaged with the second clutch disk 73. The motor
1 rotates the pulley 18A and the belt 19A, so that power is
transmitted to rotate the pulley 21 with the second clutch disk 73.
The second clutch disk 73 rotates the first clutch disk 71 when
engaged, causing the shaft 21A to rotate with the vacuum unit 11.
The impeller of the vacuum unit 11 rotates causing a vacuum through
the vacuum inlet 16 to deposit vacuumed material into the drum 14.
Similarly, the clutch engagement switch 102 can activate the pump
by manipulating the clutch engagement shaft 111 to engage the
clutch assembly 40, so that the first clutch disk 42 engages the
rotating second clutch disk 44 with the pulley 17. The engagement
causes the shaft 17A to rotate to activate the pump 2 to pull
fluids into the pump inlet 3 and pump the fluids out of the outlet
4. A priming hose, shown in previous figures, can be used to pull a
vacuum on the pump 2 and cause the pump to be primed. The vacuum
unit 11 can be shut off when the pump is operating or remain on.
Further, the vacuum unit can be temporarily turned on to effect
priming of the pump and then turned off. It may be advantageous to
operate both the vacuum unit and the pump at the same time.
[0093] The clutch engagement switch 101 can be independently
operated from the clutch engagement switch 102 in at least some
embodiments. In other embodiments, due to current flow limitations,
it can be advantageous to control the operation of one switch
relative to the other.
[0094] The invention has been described in the context of preferred
and other embodiments and not every embodiment of the invention has
been described. Apparent modifications and alterations to the
described embodiments are available to those of ordinary skill in
the art. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended
to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the invention
conceived of by the Applicants, but rather, in conformity with the
patent laws, Applicants intend to protect all such modifications
and improvements to the full extent that such falls within the
scope or range of equivalent of the following claims.
[0095] The various methods and embodiments of the invention can be
included in combination with each other to produce variations of
the disclosed methods and embodiments, as would be understood by
those with ordinary skill in the art, given the understanding
provided herein. Also, various aspects of the embodiments could be
used in conjunction with each other to accomplish the understood
goals of the invention. Also, the directions such as "top,"
"bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," and other directions
and orientations are described herein for clarity in reference to
the figures and are not to be limiting of the actual device or
system or use of the device or system. The term "coupled,"
"coupling," "coupler," and like terms are used broadly herein and
can include any method or device for securing, binding, bonding,
fastening, attaching, joining, inserting therein, forming thereon
or therein, communicating, or otherwise associating, for example,
mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, directly or
indirectly with intermediate elements, one or more pieces of
members together and can further include without limitation
integrally forming one functional member with another in a unity
fashion. The coupling can occur in any direction, including
rotationally. Unless the context requires otherwise, the word
"comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising",
should be understood to imply the inclusion of at least the stated
element or step or group of elements or steps or equivalents
thereof, and not the exclusion of a greater numerical quantity or
any other element or step or group of elements or steps or
equivalents thereof. The device or system may be used in a number
of directions and orientations. Further, the order of steps can
occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwise specifically
limited. The various steps described herein can be combined with
other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split into
multiple steps. Additionally, the headings herein are for the
convenience of the reader and are not intended to limit the scope
of the invention.
[0096] Further, any references mentioned in the application for
this patent as well as all references listed in the information
disclosure originally filed with the application are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent such may
be deemed essential to support the enabling of the invention.
However, to the extent statements might be considered inconsistent
with the patenting of the invention, such statements are expressly
not meant to be considered as made by the Applicant(s).
* * * * *