TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a connector for a pump. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a connector for a pump which provides simple and convenient coupling or adjustment of a hose attached therewith.

BACKGROUND

A pump is a device that allows transport of fluids such as liquids or gases, or sometimes slurries, by mechanical actions. For example, a submersible pump is a device which has a hermetically sealed motor close-coupled to a pump body. The submersible pump may be submerged in a fluid to be pumped. Generally, the pumps are used to pump water from wells, or to filter aquariums, ponds, or may be used in car industries or energy industries for desired purposes.

A connector is a device which connects or links two or more parts all together. In case of the pumps, a hose connector finds application as a hose coupling device. The hose connector may be provided at an end of the hose. The hose connector may connect the hose to another hose or with a tap or an appliance, such as an irrigation sprinkler, a pump, and the like.

However, there may be instances where coupling of a hose with a pump may become a troublesome process. The assembly or disassembly of the hose with the pump may require undesirable efforts. Further, the assembly or disassembly of the hose with the pump may require unreasonable time. Moreover, many technical issues may occur during assembly or disassembly of the hose with the pump.

An example of a connector by Korean patent 101,509,191 (hereinafter referred to as ’191 reference). The ’ 191 reference provides a clip for coupling. The coupling in one embodiment simply includes pressing of two push unit and the band is elastically transformed and the securing clip is readily mounted to a F connector and a male connector to obtain desired coupling arrangement. When external force is applied, with the push unit of the securing clip, the band can be the easily elastically transformed. In that way, the locked state of the securing clip and male connector can be released. However, the ’ 191 reference seems silent on any component or arrangement to check or prevent accidental movement or unlocking of the push unit of the securing clip. Further, there seems to be lack of any emphasis on any support or lock on the push unit during locking of the securing clip with the F connector and/or the male connector.

An example of a connector is provided by US5704658, which provides a clip which serves to prevent a pipe from being removed from a body. The clip includes knobs which are operated to move toward each other for enlarging the diameter of the clip sufficient to fit engaging claws over a clip fitting portion of the body. The clip having the enlarged diameter is then fitted over the clip fitting portion until its front end abuts on the stepped wall of the body so that engaging claws of the clip is brought to a position for insertion into engaging holes of the body. Then, the knobs are released to permit decrease in the diameter of the clip by its resiliency, so that the engaging claws are brought to engage the engaging holes. However, the present reference seems short of providing any arrangement or means to limit or stop any unintentional movement of the knobs, such as in absence of any user action. Further, such an arrangement or means may also support the knobs and thereby the clip to have desired engagement with the body and/or the pipe, among other implementation benefits.

Thus, there is a need for an improved connector for a pump which allows safe, convenient and trouble-free coupling of a hose with the pump.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a connector for a pump. The pump includes a body. The body includes an inlet and an outlet. The connector further includes a first connector portion and a second connector portion. Further, the first connector portion includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the first connector portion is coupled to the outlet of the pump. Moreover, the second connector portion includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the second connector portion is adapted to be coupled to the second end of the first connector portion and the second end of the second connector portion is adapted to be coupled to a hose. Further, the second end of the second connector portion is angularly oriented relative to the first end of the first connector portion. The connector further includes a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism couples the second end of the first connector portion and the first end of the second connector portion. The connector is characterized in that the connection mechanism is movable between a closed position and an open position based on actuation of a resilient portion of the connection mechanism. The resilient portion of the connection mechanism includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion is coupled to a first annular portion. Further, the first annular portion at least partially encloses the first connector portion. The second protrusion is coupled to a second annular portion. Moreover, the second annular portion at least partially encloses the second connector portion. This may provide an efficient and optimal engagement of the first connector portion and the second connector portion. Further, the second connector portion remains coupled with the first connector portion in the closed position of the connection mechanism. The second connector portion can be uncoupled with the first connector portion in the open position of the connection mechanism. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are movable relative to each other and where in case the first protrusion and the second protrusion move towards each other the connection mechanism changes from the closed position to the open position. This may lead to less efforts being involved in assembly and disassembly of the first connector portion with the second connector portion. Further, a stop pin is located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, preferably on the resilient portion itself, and is formed to interfere with and thus limit the movement of the first protrusion and/or the second protrusion. By this the stop pin helps to ensure that with the relative movement of the first protrusion and the second protrusion towards each other both of the protrusions are moved simultaneously.

Thus, the present disclosure provides a simple, efficient, and convenient coupling and uncoupling of the hose and the second connector portion coupled therewith, with the pump. Even in case that the hose is stiff or that it is a problem with torsion forces acting onto it this type of connector can be used and is superior to the connections known from the state of the art. According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first annular portion and the second annular portion include lockers. The lockers allow desired engagement of the resilient member with the first connector portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention the first annular portion and the second annular portion are formed integrally. In this case the resilient portion of the connector forms a single element that eases handling, in particular during assembly.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the resilient portion is linked via a pin to the first connector portion. The pin holds the resilient portion in place in respect to the first connector portion in the area of the pin even in case of movement of the first protrusion and/or the second protrusion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first annular portion and the second annular portion include complementary structural configurations. This may provide desired engagement of the first annular portion and the second annular portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the resilient portion is manufactured by three-dimensional printing. Further, a data file, corresponding pre- stored instructions that include a digital representation of the resilient portion is provided, and that when run in a processor controlling an operation of three- dimensional printer makes the three-dimensional printer print the resilient portion Use of three-dimensional printing (alternatively, 3D printing) may provide versatility of using different materials along with lower lead-time in manufacturing and design of the resilient portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second connector portion includes legs. The legs may engage with the complementary geometry of the second end of the first connector portion to provide a firm grip.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first end of the second connector portion and the second end of the first connector portion have complementary geometries for coupling. This may provide better and water-tight coupling of the first connector portion and the second connector portion. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connector is made up of a material selected from one or more of a steel, brass, stainless steel, aluminum or plastic. The nature of material may provide desired characteristic features to the connector.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the resilient portion is a clip. This may require less efforts by a common user to couple the second connector portion with the first connector portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first end of the second connector portion and the second end of the first connector portion include one or more seals. The one or more seals may supplement the water-tight connection between the first connector portion and the second connector portion, among other functional benefits.

Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 shows a pump having a conventional connector, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows the pump having a connector with a resilient portion, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a first connector portion and a second connector portion in a disassembled state, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the first connector portion and the second connector portion in an assembled state, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the first connector portion with the resilient portion along an X-X axis of FIG. 4, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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

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

FIG. 1 illustrates a pump 100 having a conventional connector 110. The pump 100 may be a mechanical device which pumps fluids such as liquids, gases, or sometimes slurries. The pump 100 of the present disclosure may be a submergible pump which may be used indoors or outdoors according to applicational needs of a common user. The pump 100 includes a body 104. The body 104 has an inlet 108 and an outlet 113. The body 104 further includes a base 106. The inlet 108 is present at the base 106 of the pump 100. The inlet 108 may allow a fluid to enter the pump 100. Further, the outlet 113 may be provided near to the base 106 of the pump 100. The outlet 113 may discharge the pumped fluid. The discharged fluid may be used for different applications such as irrigation, washing etc. Moreover, the pump 100 has a handle 112. The handle 112 may be used to lift or displace the pump 100. The conventional connector 110 includes a first connector portion 114 and a second connector portion 116. The first connector portion 114 has a first end 118 of the first connector portion 114 and a second end 120 of the first connector portion 114. The first end 118 of the first connector portion 114 is coupled with the outlet 113 of the pump 100. The second connector portion 116 includes a first end 122 of the second connector portion 116 and a second end 124 of the second connector portion 116. The second end 124 of the second connector portion 116 couples to a hose 111. Further, the first end 122 of the second connector portion 116 is removably screwed with the second end 120 of the first connector portion 114.

FIG. 2 illustrates the pump 100 having a connector 210. The pump 100 of the present disclosure makes use of the connector 210 to connect two connector portions associated with the pump 100. More particularly, the connector 210 of the pump 100 includes a first connector portion 214 and a second connector portion 216. The first connector portion 214 includes a first end 218 and a second end 220. Further, the first end 218 of the first connector portion 214 is coupled to the outlet 113 of the pump 100. The second connector portion 216 includes a first end 222 and a second end 224. The second end 224 of the second connector portion 216 is coupled to the hose 111. Further, the first end 222 of the second connector portion 216 is coupled to the second end 220 of the first connector portion 214.

The second end 224 of the second connector portion 216 is angularly oriented relative to the first end 218 of the first connector portion 214. The connector 210 further includes a resilient portion 226. The resilient portion 226 couples the first connector portion 214 with the second connector portion 216. A connection mechanism couples the second end 220 of the first connector portion 214 and the first end 222 of the second connector portion 216. The connection mechanism is movable between a closed position and an open position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) based on actuation of the resilient portion 226.

In some embodiments, the resilient portion 226 is made up of a material selected from one or more of a steel, brass, stainless steel, aluminum or plastic. Nature of the material is chosen as per the requirements of the common user. The desired nature of the material may provide the resilient portion 226 with certain characteristic features such as flexibility, elasticity, heat or vibrational resistant properties.

In some embodiments, the resilient portion 226 may be manufactured using any process, such as casting, molding, forging, fabrication, and the like. In yet other embodiments, the resilient portion 226 may be manufactured by three-dimensional printing (also known as additive manufacturing or 3D printing). In some embodiments, a data file, corresponding pre-stored instructions that include a digital representation of the resilient portion 226 is provided, and that when run in a processor controlling an operation of three-dimensional printer makes the three- dimensional printer print the resilient portion 226. Use of three-dimensional printing (alternatively, 3D printing) provides versatility of using different materials along with low lead-time in manufacturing and design of the resilient portion 226.

FIG. 3 illustrates the connection between the first connector portion 214 and the second connector portion 216 in a disassembled state. The second connector portion 216 is uncoupled with the first connector portion 214 in the open position of the connection mechanism. In the depicted embodiment the second connector portion 216 has a stepped configuration 228. The stepped configuration 228 of the second connector portion 216 allows coupling of the hose 111 with different steps of the stepped configuration 228. The second connector portion 216 includes legs 230. The legs 230 get engaged with a complementary geometry 244 of the second end 220 of the first connector portion 214. The legs 230 are attached with a flange 232 of the second connector portion 216. The flange 232 may provide stability and desired coupling to the second connector portion 216 while getting assembled with the first connector portion 214.

In some embodiments, the stepped configuration 228 may provide coupling of different hoses to the same second connector portion 216. Hoses of different diameters or the like dimensions may be adjusted at different steps of the second connector portion 216. Alternatively, or additionally, a threaded structure may be provided with the second end 224 of the second connector portion 216 to get coupled with the hose 111.

Further, the resilient portion 226 is provided close to the second end 220 of the first connector portion 214. The resilient portion 226 includes a first protrusion 234. Further, the resilient portion 226 includes a second protrusion 236. Moreover, the first protrusion 234 is coupled to a first annular portion 238. The second protrusion 236 is coupled to a second annular portion 240.

A pin 242 and associated slot(s) (not shown) is provided for engagement with both the resilient portion 226 and the first connector portion 214, preferably around the second end 220 of the first connector portion 214. The pin 242 engages the first annular portion 238 and the second annular portion 240, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5. The pin 242 may hold the first annular portion 238 and the second annular portion 240 together and prevent any inadvertent movement thereof. The pin 242 holds the resilient portion 226 in place in respect to the first connector portion in the area of the pin 242 even in case of movement of the first protrusion 234 and/or the second protrusion 236.

In some embodiments, a snap connection may be present to hold the first annular portion 238 and the second annular portion 240 together. In yet another embodiment, a screw or any other fastener as known or used in the art may be provided. Alternatively, or additionally, the first annular portion 238 may have saw teeth. The saw teeth may get engaged with complementary saw teeth of the second annular portion 240. According to an embodiment of the present invention the first annular portion 238 and the second annular portion 240 are formed integrally.

FIG. 4 illustrates the first connector portion 214 and the second connector portion 216 in an assembled state. The second connector portion 216 remains coupled with the first connector portion 214 in the closed position of the connection mechanism. The first end 222 of the second connector portion 216 is engaged with the second end 220 of the first connector portion 214. The flange 232 may help the second connector portion 216 to have desired engagement and stability with the first connector portion 214. The legs 230 of the second connector portion 216 gets engaged with the complementary geometry 244 of the second end 220 of the first connector portion 214. The complementary geometry 244 may also provide a water-tight connection. The legs 230 of the second connector portion 216 and the complementary geometry 244 of the first connector portion 214 get engaged to have desired locking between the first connector portion 214 and the second connector portion 216.

Preferably there is a sealing (not shown) placed between the first connector portion 214 and the second connector portion 216, which for example could be an O-ring sealing which further. This sealing supplement the water tight connection between the second end 220 of the first connector portion 214 and the first end 222 of the second connector portion 216.

In some embodiments, the first end 222 of the second connector portion 216 may have some protrusions which may get engaged with complimentary grooves provided with the second end 220 of the first connector portion 214 or vice-a-versa.

In some embodiments, O-rings or gaskets may be used to connect the second end 220 of the first connector portion 214 and the first end 222 of the second connector portion 216.

The first end 222 of the second connector portion 216 and the second end 220 of the first connector portion 214 constitute the water-tight connection. The water-tight connection may be attained by attaching O-rings (not shown). The O- rings may supplement sealing between the first connector portion 214 and the second connector portion 216 to provide the water-tight connection. In some embodiments, the water-tight connection may be obtained by using gaskets. Alternatively, or additionally, water repellent coatings may be used to obtain water-tight connection. FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first connector portion 214 with the resilient portion 226 along an X-X axis of FIG. 4. The connection mechanism is movable between the closed position and the open position based on actuation of the resilient portion 226. The first protrusion 234 and the second protrusion 236 are pressed together to change the connection mechanism from the closed position to the open position. In the depicted embodiment a stop pin 237 is located between the first protrusion 234 and the second protrusion 236, preferably on the resilient portion 226 itself, and is formed to interfere with and thus limit the movement of the first protrusion 234 and/or the second protrusion 236. By this the stop pin 237 helps to ensure that with the relative movement of the first protrusion 234 and the second protrusion 236 towards each other both of the protrusions are moved simultaneously.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 the first protrusion 234 is provided with to the first annular portion 238. The second protrusion 236 is provided with the second annular portion 240. The first annular portion 238 and the second annular portion 240 at least partially encloses the first connector portion 214. In some embodiments, any or both of the first protrusion 234 and the second protrusion 236 are pressed together to change the connection mechanism from the closed position to the open position. This may require less efforts to assemble or disassemble the first connector portion 214 with the second connector portion 216, based on disengagement or loosening of the resilient portion 226 with the first connector portion 214. Preferably the stop pin 237 limits the movement of the first protrusion 234 and the second protrusion 236, resulting with most cases in a movement of both when force is applied via the fingers of a user on both of them.

The first annular portion 238 and the second annular portion 240 include lockers 248. The lockers 248 allow desired engagement of the resilient portion 226 with the first connector portion 214. Any or both of the first connector portion 214 and the second connector portion 216 may be provided with recesses for engagement with the lockers 248 of the first annular portion 238 and the second annular portion 240, in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first annular portion 238 and the second annular portion 240 expands along an A- A’ axis. This configurational change along the A- A’ axis may allow better insertion/engagement of the second end 220 of the first connector portion 214 and the first end 222 of the second connector portion 216.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides the connection mechanism is movable between the closed position and the open position based on actuation of the resilient portion 226 of the connection mechanism. The resilient portion 226 of the connection mechanism includes the first protrusion 234 coupled to the first annular portion 238. The first annular portion 238 at least partially encloses the first connector portion 214. And, the resilient portion 226 includes the second protrusion 236 coupled to the second annular portion 240. The second annular portion 240 at least partially encloses the second connector portion 216. The second connector portion 216 remains coupled with the first connector portion 214 in the closed position of the connection mechanism. And, the second connector portion 216 can be uncoupled with the first connector portion 214 in the open position of the connection mechanism. Further, the first protrusion 234 and the second protrusion 236 are movable relative to each other, and where in case of the first protrusion 234 and the second protrusion 236 move towards each other the connection mechanism changes from the closed position to the open position. And, the stop pin 237 is located, preferably on the resilient portion 226, between the first protrusion 234 and the second protrusion 236 and formed to interfere with and thus limit the movement of the first protrusion 234 and/or the second protrusion 236.

In this embodiment, the resilient portion 226 may be a clip. This may require less efforts by the common user to couple or uncouple the second connector portion 216 with the first connector portion 214, based on a simple, convenient clasping action of the resilient portion 226, among other functional benefits.

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

LIST OF ELEMENTS

110 Conventional Connector 100 Pump

104 Body 106 Base 108 Inlet

113 Outlet

111 Hose

112 Handle

114 First connector portion 116 Second connector portion 118 First end

120 Second end

122 First end

124 Second end

210 Connector

214 First connector portion

216 Second connector portion

218 First end

220 Second end

222 First end

224 Second end

226 Resilient Portion

228 Stepped Configuration

230 Legs

232 Flange 234 First Protrusion

236 Second Protrusion

237 Stop pin

238 First annular portion 240 Second annular portion

242 Pin

244 Complementary Geometry 248 Lockers X-X Axis

A- A’ Axis