U.S. patent application number 16/628505 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-30 for pump unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vetter GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is Vetter GmbH. Invention is credited to Carsten SAUERBIER, Wilhelm SCHNICKE.
Application Number | 20200132063 16/628505 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59285197 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-30 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200132063 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SAUERBIER; Carsten ; et
al. |
April 30, 2020 |
PUMP UNIT
Abstract
A pump unit (10) can be carried by an operating person for the
pressurized filling of inflatable filling chambers with a fluid, in
particular lifting pads (2), blocking pads, tents or the like. The
pump unite includes a fluid pump (12), an electric motor (11) for
driving the fluid pump (12), a battery (13), a control unit (17)
for controlling the operation of the fluid pump, and a connector
(18) for the connection of a fluid hose (3) which leads to the
filling chamber. A manually actuatable control valve (16) is
positioned on the pump unit (10).
Inventors: |
SAUERBIER; Carsten; (Lauf,
DE) ; SCHNICKE; Wilhelm; (Bad Munstereifel,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vetter GmbH |
Zulpich |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Vetter GmbH
Zulpich
DE
|
Family ID: |
59285197 |
Appl. No.: |
16/628505 |
Filed: |
July 4, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
July 4, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2017/066552 |
371 Date: |
January 3, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 49/022 20130101;
F04B 35/04 20130101; F04B 39/10 20130101; F04B 35/06 20130101; F04B
39/06 20130101; F04B 49/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04B 35/04 20060101
F04B035/04; F04B 39/06 20060101 F04B039/06; F04B 39/10 20060101
F04B039/10; F04B 49/02 20060101 F04B049/02; F04B 49/22 20060101
F04B049/22 |
Claims
1-19. (canceled)
20. A pump unit is configured for manual carrying and for
pressurized filling of inflatable filling chambers with compressed
air, comprising: a fluid pump; an electric motor for operating the
fluid pump; an accumulator; a control unit for controlling
operation of the fluid pump; a connector for connecting a fluid
hose leading to the filling chamber; and a control valve positioned
at the pump unit comprising a manifold valve; wherein: the control
valve is actuated manually actuatable; the control valve is
connected to the control unit via a signal line; and the electric
motor is controlled by actuating the control valve.
21. The pump unit according to claim 20, wherein the portable pump
unit comprises a housing or a support frame and the control valve
is housed in or on the housing or support frame.
22. The pump unit according to claim 20, wherein the control valve
is housed in a valve block or is a component of the valve
block.
23. The pump unit according to claim 22, wherein the valve block is
positioned on the fluid pump.
24. The pump unit according to claim 20, further comprising a
pressure measuring device which measures filling pressure of the
inflatable filling chamber.
25. The pump unit according to claim 24, wherein the pressure
measurement device (24) is located between the connector (18) and
the control valve (16).
26. The pump unit according to claim 24, wherein the pressure
measurement device is housed in the valve block.
27. The pump unit according to claim 24, wherein the pressure
measurement device comprises a display.
28. The pump unit according to claim 24, wherein the pressure
measurement device is connected to the control unit via a signal
line.
29. The pump unit according to claim 20, wherein at least two
control valves are provided at the pump unit, each control valve
comprising a connector for connecting a fluid hose leading to one
fluid chamber each.
30. The pump unit according to claim 29, wherein a common fluid
pump is provided for the at least two control valves.
31. The pump unit according to claim 20, wherein the control valve
is a 3/3-way valve.
32. The pump unit according to claim 20, wherein the control valve
is a proportional valve.
33. The pump unit according to claim 20, wherein a cooling fan is
arranged on the fluid pump.
34. The pump unit according to claim 20, wherein: the filling
chamber is filled with fluid in a first operating mode; in a second
operating mode, the pressure in the filling chamber is kept at
least substantially constant; the control valve for the first
operating mode transmits a first signal to the control unit; the
control valve for the second operating mode transmits a second
signal to the control unit; the control unit detects the signals
and controls the electric motor in accordance with the signals.
35. The pump unit according to claim 34, wherein the fluid is
discharged from the filling chamber in a third operating mode and
the control valve for the third operating mode transmits a third
signal to the control unit.
36. The pump unit according to claim 20, wherein the control unit
detects a temporal change in pressure and regulates and/or switches
on or off the electric motor as a function of detected temporal
change in pressure.
37. The pump unit according to claim 20, wherein the chambers
comprise particular lifting pads, blocking pads, or tents.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a pump unit which can be
carried by an operating person and which serves for the pressurized
filling of inflatable filling chambers with a fluid, preferably
with compressed air, in particular lifting pads, blocking pads,
tents or the like, with the features of the preamble of claim
1.
TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] During rescue and disaster operations, easy access to the
scene of the accident is not always possible, so that heavy
equipment is often ruled out. Especially in the case of people
buried, jammed and/or trapped, rapid rescue is essential for
survival. Lifting pads have established themselves as a tried and
tested means of lifting pieces of debris, overturned vehicles or
the like. Especially in the case of destroyed buildings, be it
through earthquakes, gas explosions, acts of war or the like, or
also in the case of accidents with vehicles, lifting pads offer a
good rescue possibility.
[0003] Lifting pads are usually inserted into small gaps in their
flattened form, for example between pieces of debris, and inflated
with compressed air from compressed air bottles. A pressure of up
to 12 bar is usually used for operation. The lifting pad thus
expands in a given direction, which is determined by the design of
the lifting pad. In addition to a compressed air bottle, various
other components are required for the use of lifting pads, such as
pressure reducers, manometers and connecting hoses between the
individual components.
[0004] Rescue workers are exposed to very high stress loads during
rescue operations. In addition, rescue operations must be carried
out particularly quickly in order to save human lives. For this
reason, rescue equipment must be particularly easy and safe to use
at the scene of the accident.
CLOSEST PRIOR ART
[0005] A pump unit according to the preamble of claim 1 is known
from DE 10 2007 014 467 A1. The pump unit has a control unit, in
which the operation of the fluid pump can be controlled by an
on/off switch. The on/off switch is located either directly on the
control unit housed in the pump unit or on the free end of the
hose, which can be connected to the lifting pad. The inflation of
the lifting pad is thus effected by actuating the power switch. As
a result, fluid is pumped into the pad at maximum power.
Particularly in rescue operations, where a lifting pad is used to
lift a collapsed wall or the like, for example, this can lead to
uncontrolled conditions which endanger a person who has been
buried.
OBJECT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a pump
unit of the generic type which ensures improved safety in use.
Solution of the Problem
[0007] The above problem is solved by the features of claim 1.
Appropriate formulations of the present invention are claimed in
the subclaims.
[0008] According to the invention, a pump unit which can be carried
by an operating person is provided for pressurized filling of
inflatable filling chambers with a fluid, preferably air, in
particular lifting pads, blocking pads, tents or the like, the pump
unit comprising a fluid pump, an electric motor for operating the
fluid pump, a battery, a control unit for controlling the operation
of the fluid pump, a connector for connecting a fluid hose leading
to the filling chamber and a control valve which is positioned on
the pump unit and can preferably be actuated manually. By providing
a control valve positioned directly on the pump unit, a single
operating person operating the pump unit can also carry out a
controlled filling of the lifting pad at any time directly at the
scene of the operation, so that dangerous conditions of the type
mentioned above can be effectively avoided. Valve units to be
carried separately can be omitted. The operating person only has to
connect the fluid hose to the pump unit and the pad for the rescue
operation and can immediately start the rescue operation.
[0009] The fluid pump can advantageously be a compressor, in
particular a piston compressor, a turbo compressor, or even, in the
case of special filling chambers, a fan.
[0010] The pump unit can advantageously be fitted with a housing or
a support frame, whereby the control valve can be accommodated
directly in or on the housing or support frame. This ensures that a
fully operational pump unit can be easily carried by an operating
person and need only be connected to the fluid hose (plug and
play). The further advantage of accommodating the control valve in
or on the housing or support frame is that no additional components
need be carried along with the pump unit. The operating person does
therefore not have to worry about connecting several components
during the rescue operation, but can immediately concentrate on the
person to be rescued.
[0011] The control valve may preferably be housed in, or be part
of, a valve block. By housing it in the valve block, the control
valve is no longer loose and does not have to be held
additionally.
[0012] The valve block and thus the control valve can be easily
fixed in or on the housing or support frame.
[0013] In addition, the control valve can be positioned directly on
the fluid pump. The control valve and the fluid pump can be
directly connected.
[0014] Preferably, a pressure measuring device can be provided on
the pump unit which directly detects and displays the filling
pressure of the inflatable filling chamber. The pressure measuring
device allows the operating person to monitor the inflation
directly at the pump unit which operates it, which enables
controlled filling. Particularly when filling a lifting pad,
controlled lifting of debris pieces is essential to prevent sudden
uncontrolled load distributions.
[0015] The pressure measuring device can be advantageously located
between the connector and the control valve, so that it is able to
directly measure the pressure continuously prevailing in the
filling chamber or in the fluid line to the filling chamber. Thus,
in order to monitor the filling pressure, the pressure measuring
device is also pre-installed at the required location, i.e. on the
pump unit.
[0016] Preferably, the pressure measuring device can also be
installed in or on the valve block.
[0017] The present invention also makes it possible to connect the
control valve to the control unit via a signal line. This allows
the current operating mode of the control valve to be transmitted
to the control unit. The operating person can thus control the
control unit and, for example, the electric motor of the fluid
pump, as required, via the control valve. For example, depending on
the position of the control valve, the operating person can control
the motor speed and thus the delivery rate of the pump. This makes
it possible, for example, to lift a load particularly precisely
using a lifting pad.
[0018] In addition, the pressure measuring device can also be
connected to the control unit via a signal line. Thus, the control
unit can, for example, record the pressure curve over time and,
e.g., control the electric motor accordingly. Furthermore, a
pressure-dependent readjustment of the delivery rate can take
place, for example, in the event of a drop in pressure, e.g. in the
lifting pad.
[0019] In particular for an automatic or semi-automatic operation
of the pump unit to maintain a set pressure or to maintain a
desired filling characteristic curve by the control unit, the
signal lines between control unit and control valve as well as
pressure measuring device can be relevant.
[0020] It may be advantageous to provide a plurality of control
valves, in particular at least two, on the pump unit.
[0021] Thus, for example, two lifting pads can be inflated in a
controlled manner by one operating person without the need for
further components. The simultaneous use of two lifting pads, for
example, lends itself to ensure improved control over the load
distribution of e.g. pieces of debris to be lifted.
[0022] Preferably, the control valve can be a 3/3-way valve, which
has a pump position (pressure build-up), a bypass position (no
pressure build-up, no relief) and a bleed position (relief).
[0023] It is particularly advantageous if the control valve is a
proportional valve. This allows a proportional valve function that
depends on the manual actuation, i.e. on the position of the
control unit of the control valve, whereby hard switching movements
can be avoided.
[0024] Alternatively, the invention also makes it possible to
operate the control valve autonomously from the control unit, if
required.
[0025] Advantageously, a cooling fan may be arranged on the fluid
pump. This ensures that the fluid pump does not overheat, even when
in continuous use.
[0026] Preferably, the functioning of the pump unit is
characterized in that in a first operating mode the filling chamber
is filled with fluid, in a second operating mode the pressure in
the filling chamber is kept at least substantially constant, the
control valve for the first operating mode transmits a first signal
to the control unit, the control valve for the second operating
mode transmits a second signal to the control unit, the control
unit detecting the first or second signal, and controls the
electric motor in accordance with the first or second signal. In
the second operating mode, for example, the electric motor can be
switched off with a switch-off signal to save energy in the
battery.
[0027] In a third operating mode, fluid can be discharged from the
filling chamber. The third operating mode can also be controlled
via the control valve. In the third operating mode, the control
valve can transmit a third signal to the control unit, whereupon
the control unit regulates and/or switches off the electric motor
accordingly. This has the advantage that the electric motor is only
switched on and consumes energy when fluid is required for
pressurized filling of the filling chamber.
[0028] Advantageously, the pressure measuring device can transmit
the measured pressure to the control unit, whereby the control unit
detects the temporal change of the pressure and, depending on the
temporal change of the pressure, sends a switch-on and/or
switch-off signal to the electric motor. Thus, by monitoring the
pressure, the control unit can, for example, switch on the electric
motor in preparation even before the pressurized fluid is required
at the control valve.
[0029] In addition to the manual ability to actuate the control
valve, it is possible to alternatively or additionally provide for
the control unit to actuate the control valve autonomously.
[0030] Advantageously, if the pressure falls below a first limit
value, the control unit sends a signal for the first operating mode
to the control valve. Thus, in the event of a pressure drop, the
inflatable filling chamber is refilled with fluid, so that the
pressure again rises above the first limit value. This procedure
can be used, for example, if the inflatable filling chamber is to
be kept at or above a certain pressure for a long period of time,
for example in the case of lifting pads, blocking pads or
inflatable tents.
[0031] When a pressure set point is reached, the control unit can
preferably send a signal for the second operating mode to the
control valve. This allows the pressure to be maintained at the set
point by the control unit autonomously through the second operating
mode. A previous filling or discharging of the fluid into or out of
the inflatable filling chamber is thus terminated.
[0032] Advantageously, if the pressure is exceeded, the control
unit can send a signal for the third operating mode to the control
valve via a second limit value. In order to counter an unwanted
pressure increase, the fluid is discharged from the inflatable
filling chamber in the third operating mode. This allows the
control unit to autonomously monitor the overpressure
protection.
[0033] Particularly when the filling pressure is maintained and
monitored over a longer period of time, an operating person can be
relieved or replaced by the autonomous regulation of the pressure
by the control unit.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION BASED ON EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are
explained in more detail below on the basis of drawing figures.
They show:
[0035] FIG. 1 a very simplified schematic representation of the use
of the pump unit when filling a lifting pad for a rescue
operation;
[0036] FIG. 2 a very simplified schematic representation of the
pump unit with a valve block;
[0037] FIG. 3 a very simplified schematic representation of the
pump unit with two control valves; and
[0038] FIG. 4 an exemplary temporal sequence of the pressure at the
pressure measuring device and corresponding operating states of the
control valve and the electric motor, e.g. during automatic
operation.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a portable pump unit 10 in an exemplary rescue
operation. The operating person can independently carry and operate
the portable pump unit 10. The pump unit 10 is connected to a
lifting pad 2 via connector 18 by means of a fluid hose 3. The
lifting pad 2 is placed between debris parts and is filled with a
fluid, e.g. compressed air, in order, for example, to widen a gap
between the debris parts. The operating person must carry a device
unit in the form of pump unit 10, which already contains all the
necessary components for filling inflatable filling chambers, such
as a lifting pad. Only one fluid hose connector 3 is required,
which is located between the pump unit 10 and the lifting pad
2.
[0040] A more detailed representation of the inventive pump unit 10
according to FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2. The pump unit 10 is
connected to the lifting pad 2 by means of a fluid hose 3. The pump
unit 10 has a support frame 19 for easier transport, which also has
a stand 22 for safe placement on the ground.
[0041] The individual components are housed directly on the support
frame 19. For example, the pump unit 10 has a fluid pump 12 (e.g. a
compressor, especially a piston compressor) to provide the required
pressure for filling an inflatable filling chamber, such as here of
the lifting bag 2.
[0042] The fluid pump 12 is powered by an electric motor 11 and
cooled by a cooling fan 14. The electric motor 11 and the cooling
fan 14 are in turn powered by a battery 13. To control the electric
motor 11, the pump unit 10 comprises a control unit 17. The fluid
pump 12 is also connected to a manually actuatable control valve 16
located directly on the pump unit 10, which enables controlled
filling of the lifting pad 2.
[0043] The control valve 16 is housed in a valve block 23, which is
also housed on the support frame 19. The valve block 23 is
positioned directly on the fluid pump 12. The pump unit 10 has a
connector 18 to connect the fluid hose 3 to the pump unit 10 before
the start of operation. Connector 18 is connected to control valve
16.
[0044] The control valve 16 is preferably a 3/3-way valve which has
a pump position (pressure build-up) in the left valve position, a
bypass position (no pressure build-up, no relief) in the center
valve position and a bleed position (relief) in the right valve
position. Preferably this is a so-called proportional valve.
[0045] In addition, there is a pressure measuring device 24 on
valve block 23 between control valve 16 and connector 18 for
monitoring and displaying the filling pressure of the lifting pad
2. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, a safety valve 15 can be arranged
between fluid pump 12 and control valve 16. Advantageously, the
safety valve 15 can be a pressure relief valve to protect the pump
unit 10 against excessive pressure and to prevent damage.
[0046] The control valve 16 is connected to the control unit 17 via
a signal line 20. Signal line 20 can be used, for example, to
transmit the current operating mode or the current position of
control valve 16 to control unit 17. The control unit 17 can
control the electric motor 11 accordingly and switch the electric
motor 11 on or off or regulate the power of the electric motor 11,
as required.
[0047] In addition, the pressure measuring device 24 can be
connected to the control unit 17 via a further signal line 21. The
control unit 17 can, for example, record the pressure curve over
time.
[0048] If required, a cooling fan 14 can also be arranged on the
fluid pump 12. This can also be connected to the control unit 17
via a signal line.
[0049] In a special embodiment, in which autonomous operation of
the pump unit 10 is provided, as an alternative or supplement to
manual operation, the control unit 17 can transmit control signals
to the control valve 16. Depending on the pressure curve, the
control unit 17 can therefore regulate a filling, releasing or
maintaining of the filling pressure at the control valve 16,
depending on the situation, in order, for example, to maintain a
set pressure in the inflatable filling chamber, e.g. in a pneumatic
tent or a lifting pad for repairs.
[0050] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the pump unit 10 with
two control valves 16 integrated in it. Each control valve 16 has a
separate connector 18, making it possible to fill two lifting pads
2 simultaneously with a single pump unit 10. The pump unit 10 also
includes a support frame 19 with stand 22. All components are
housed on the support frame 19. The fluid pump 12, the cooling fan
14, the safety valve 15, the electric motor 11, the battery 13 as
well as the control unit 17 are provided in a simple version. The
fluid pump 12 is connected to both control valves 16. Each control
valve 16 also has a separate pressure measuring device 24. The
control unit 17 is connected to the control valves 16 via the
signal lines 20 and to the pressure measuring devices 24 via the
signal lines 21. The two control valves 16 are accommodated in a
common valve block 23, as are the two pressure measuring devices
24. The valve block 23 is arranged or attached directly to the
fluid pump 12.
[0051] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary temporal sequence of the measured
filling pressure of an inflatable filling chamber at the pressure
measuring device 24 and the corresponding operating states of the
control valve 16 and the electric motor 11 in automatic or
semi-automatic operation. In section I, the pressure drops from the
set point, with the control valve 16 on hold and the electric motor
11 switched off. As soon as the pressure drops below the first
limit value, the control valve 16 in section II is switched to the
first operating mode to fill the filling chamber with fluid. The
electric motor 11 is switched on accordingly via the control unit
17. When the set value is reached at the pressure measuring device
24 in section III, the control valve 16 is switched back by the
control unit 17 to the second operating mode for maintaining the
filling pressure, whereby the electric motor 11 is switched off. In
section IV, the control valve 16 is switched to the first operating
mode analogously to section II before it receives a signal from the
control unit 17 in section V to switch to the second operating mode
to maintain the filling pressure. In the event that, despite
switching to the second operating mode, there is a further increase
in pressure at the pressure measuring device 24 above a second
limit value, the control unit 17 switches the control valve 16 to a
third operating mode. In section VI, the control valve 16 is in the
third operating mode to discharge the fluid from the inflatable
filling chamber, while the electric motor 11 is still switched off.
When the set point in section VII is reached, control valve 16 is
switched by control unit 17 to the second operating mode to
maintain the filling pressure, analogous to sections I and III. The
control of the control valve 16 and the electric motor 11 in
sections VIII and IX is carried out analogously to the control in
sections II and III.
REFERENCE SIGN LIST
[0052] 10 Pump unit [0053] 11 Electric motor [0054] 12 Fluid pump
[0055] 13 Accumulator Battery [0056] 14 Cooling fan [0057] 15
Safety valve [0058] 16 Control valve [0059] 17 Control unit [0060]
18 Connector [0061] 19 Support frame [0062] 20 Signal line [0063]
21 Signal line [0064] 22 Stand [0065] 23 Valve block [0066] 24
Pressure measurement device [0067] 2 Lifting pad [0068] 3 Fluid
hose
* * * * *