WO2023170344A1

WO2023170344A1 - Mechanical hydraulic selector having a plurality of inputs with prioritisation, suitable for use with sewage water, for the purposes of irrigation and water management, serving as a dewatering device for a ship (bilge pump) and an alternative supply for water closets

Info

Publication number: WO2023170344A1
Application number: PCT/FR2023/000017
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alain Poirier; Guillaume Poirier
Original assignee: Alain Poirier
Priority date: 2022-03-08
Filing date: 2023-02-27
Publication date: 2023-09-14
Also published as: FR3133414B1; FR3133414A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanical hydraulic selector having a plurality of inputs with prioritisation, suitable for use with sewage water, for the purposes of irrigation and water management, serving as a dewatering device for a ship (bilge pump) and an alternative supply for water closets, the device comprising a supply chamber (1) supplied either by a default input circuit (3) or by a priority circuit (11) which fills the tank (10), thereby raising a float (7) that is rigidly attached to a bung plug (5) which opens the lower opening in the chamber (4) and closes the default input circuit (3) via a lower closing element of the bung plug (6), thereby reversibly supplying the output circuit (2). The device is suitable for use with sewage and is particularly designed to be used for the purposes of irrigation, and water and fluid management and bilge drainage on a ship, as well as as an alternative supply for water closets.

Description

Title of the invention: mechanical hydraulic selector with several inputs with prioritization, suitable for dirty water, for irrigation and water management, as a dewatering device for ships (bilge pump), and for power supply alternative to water closets

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical hydraulic selector with at least two inputs, from a source which has priority when it is available or from a default source, mechanical, autonomous and self-regulated, suitable for charged water, intended in particular for irrigation, rainwater management, emergency drying for ships (bilge pump) using the cooling of an engine through an external water intake, and for supplying water closets by an alternative source to that of the network.

[0002] In the field of irrigation, the problem centers on sensitivity to debris, cost, and reliability.

For bottom drainage devices on a vessel, the emphasis is on redundancy, ease of installation and affordability.

Concerning the alternative power supply of water closets, the ease of retrofit installation is decisive.

Prior art

[0003] As a selector, we traditionally use:

- mechanical type three-way valves requiring human intervention

- motorized valves requiring an electrical supply and a regulation system, which is expensive.

[0004] For drying the bottoms on a ship (bilge pump), the traditional means are:

- hand pumps which require human availability

- electric pumps which pose operational reliability problems and are expensive

- additional pumps attached to the engine, not very suitable for small vessels

- the emergency communication of the open cooling circuit with the water in the seabed, which if not regulated leads to the rapid deterioration of the pump and the motor

- motor pumps which cannot be taken on board small vessels. Concerning the power supply of water closets, the installation of a complementary alternative power supply circuit is complex.

[0005] The search for prior art has long indicated the use of a float associated with a piston or a valve as a means of prioritization, particularly in the field of sanitary equipment.

The patent BELSKY ROBERT US 3946694A filed on 1974-06-24, relating to the drying of ships, uses a piston associated with a float, which does not offer good tolerance to debris.

[0006] One object of the invention is to provide very good tolerance to debris allowing its use in charged water.

An object of the invention is to obtain very good sealing of the main circuit.

An object of the invention is to provide a reliable, inexpensive solution.

An object of the invention is to offer the possibility of connectivity, in particular by wireless means at low cost.

In the application as a bilge pump, the invention has the additional aim of freeing personnel for vital clogging actions, of not having additional water evacuation, of being easy to assemble.

Concerning the power supply of water closets, the invention has the additional object of simplicity of retrofit assembly.

Presentation of the invention

[0007] [Fig.l]

[0008] The device uses a bung plug (5) fixed to a float (7) which when a tank (10) is filled by a priority inlet circuit (11), opens an orifice (4) to the part lower part of a filling chamber (1), and at the same time closes the default input (3), and vice versa if the priority input circuit (11) is no longer powered.

Summary of the invention

[0009] The device concerns an autonomous mechanical hydraulic selector with prioritization of an input circuit (11), regulated by a bung plug (5) secured to a float (7), depending on the filling of a tank (10) by a priority input circuit (11).

Brief description of the drawings

[0010] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates the device which comprises a priority input circuit (11), a default input circuit (3), an output circuit (2), a drain plug ( 5) which closes a filling chamber (1) in the low position or the default inlet circuit (3) in the high position, a float (7) linked to the bung plug (5).

[0011] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates the principle of the device by showing the power supply, produced (diagram A) by the default input circuit (3) or (diagram B), by the priority input circuit (11) which raises the float (7) and opens the bung plug (5).

[0012] [Fig.3] illustrates the diagram of a variant additionally comprising a shutter secured to the top of the drain (31) which obstructs the default input circuit (3).

[0013] [Fig.4] illustrates the diagram of a variant comprising a disengageable and retractable mechanism (32).

[0014] [Fig.5] illustrates an example of assembly made with several devices, intended for irrigation.

[0015] [Fig.6] illustrates a drying device for ships.

[0016] [Fig.7][Fig.8][Fig.9] illustrate examples of mounting of drying devices for ships.

[0017] [Fig.10] illustrates the diagram of an application intended for the alternative power supply of water closets.

detailed description

[0018] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates the device.

This device includes

- a bung plug (5) sliding in a lower orifice (4) of a filling chamber (1), which seals it hermetically in the low position, and which opens it in the high position

- a default input circuit (3) and an output circuit (2) connected to a filling chamber (1)

- at least one shutter, integral with the bung plug (5), in particular a shutter located under this bung plug, called the lower shutter of the bung plug (6), which when the bung plug (5) is in the high position , closes the default input circuit (3)

- orifices left by the lower shutter of the bung plug (6), communicating with each other, a lower orifice of the bung plug (9) and a side orifice of the bung plug (8), which when the bung plug ( 5) is in the high position, allows the passage of liquid from the tank (10) to the filling chamber (1)

- a movable float (7), attached to the bung plug (5), which causes it to rise or fall depending on the filling of the tank (10)

- a priority inlet circuit (11) which supplies the closed tank (10), which can be fitted with a strainer type filtration system

- at least one drain orifice (12) at the bottom of the tank (10) which causes the slow emptying of the tank (10) and the descent of the float (7)

- a guiding device which ensures the vertical sliding of the bung plug (5)

- an optional system for attaching a ballast or float to the bung plug (5) additional which allows you to adjust the trigger level of the rise of this assembly

- an optional electrical contactor for the bung plug (54), activated by a change in position of the bung plug (5), capable of triggering an alarm, an alert, possibly via radio, an action.

[0019] Note that:

The circuits (2) (3) can operate by flow or by suction.

The priority entry circuit (11) can be connected to a recovery, rainwater, washing, etc. water circuit.

A bubble trap, check valves and valves can be added.

The drain port (12) can be connected to the outlet circuit (2) via a non-return system preventing flow towards the tank (10).

The different circuits can be mounted with a functionality different from that defined according to the description, opening the possibility to numerous assemblies.

[0020] Thus, the device allows the automated regulation of a prioritized power supply for example for agricultural or domestic irrigation, the drying of funds on a ship, the alternative power supply of water closets in collective or individual housing .

Principle of operation

[0021] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates the operation of the device:

- when the priority input circuit (11) is not powered, (diagram A), the float (7) is in the low position as well as the bung plug (5) linked to it, closing the lower orifice (4) the filling chamber (1); thus, the default input circuit (3) supplies the filling chamber (1), then the output circuit (2)

- when priority input circuit (11) is supplied (diagram B), the tank (10) fills, the float (7) rises under the effect of Archimedes' thrust, pulling the plug upwards bung (5), the liquid passes through the lower opening of the bung plug (9), through the side opening of the bung plug (8) and through the lower opening (4) of the filling chamber (1) to fill the filling chamber (1), at the same time as the lower bung shutter (6) reduces, then obstructs the default inlet circuit (3); thus, the priority input circuit (11) then becomes the only power source when the float is in the maximum high position

- when the power supply via the priority input circuit (11) stops, the level in the tank (10) drops, the float (7) goes down, and in the low position, the bung plug (5) obstructs the The lower orifice (4) of the filling chamber (1), at the same time as the lower bung shutter (6) descends and opens the default input circuit (3) which becomes the power source

- the empty drain port (12) of the tank (10) to ensure the descent of the float (7).

[0022] According to one embodiment, to allow access to its elements, the device can include a flexible bung seal allowing traction and forced pushing to extract and replace the bung plug (5), a removable cap closing the filling chamber (1), a tank (10) made in two parts giving access to the bung joint.

Variant 1

[0023] [Fig.3] illustrates a variant of the device such as

- connection of the default input circuit (3) in the filling chamber

(1) is positioned higher than that of the output circuit (2)

- a shutter is added attached to the top of the bung (31) which obstructs the default inlet circuit (3) when the bung plug (5) is in the high position and leaves it open in the low position.

This variant improves the tightness of the default input circuit (3).

Variant 2

[0025] [Fig.4] illustrates a variant of the device which comprises a disengageable and retractable mechanism (32) with an assembly device (33) in relation to the bung plug (5), dissociable therefrom, allowing the rotation of the bung plug (5), its blocking in a chosen position in height and rotation, or leaving it free, mechanisms which limit the travel of the bung plug (5).

[0026] Thus, this variant makes it possible to add new functionalities, in particular:

- by placing the shutter attached to the top of the bung (31) on the side of the default inlet circuit (3) and by blocking the bung plug (5) at the bottom, we have the flow passage in both directions between the two circuits (3) and (2) regardless of the power supply of the priority input circuit (11)

- by placing the shutter attached to the top of the bung (31) on the side of the default inlet circuit (3), and by blocking the bung plug (5) at the top, we have passage in both directions between the priority input circuit (11) and the output circuit

(2)

- by placing the shutter attached to the top of the bung (31) opposite the outlet circuit orifice (2) and blocking the bung plug (5) at the bottom, all flow is blocked

- by blocking the bung plug (5) and/or the shutter attached to the top of the bung (31) in the intermediate position, the flows between the circuits are managed.

[0027] Flow management, reducer and closing valve functions are also created.

Variant 3 [0028] According to a variant supplementing the previous one, the device comprises

- a double retractable disengageable mechanism with lock which makes it possible to dissociate the position of the shutter attached to the top of the drain (31) from that of the lower drain shutter (6)

- a lower shutter of the bung plug (6) capable of closing the output circuit (2) when the bung plug (5) is in the high position.

[0029] Thus, this variant offers numerous additional combinations.

Variant 4

[0030] A series of variants includes one or more of the following elements:

- several pipes connected to the filling chamber (1)

- several stages of drain plugs (5)

- additional circuit closing devices.

[0031] Thus, the mounting possibilities are expanded.

Variant 5

[0032] A series of assembly variants made with several devices uses one or more of the following principles:

- the direction of flow in the filling chamber (1) depends on the relative pressure between the circuits

- the device allows blocking of the flow in the filling chamber (1) conditioned by the power supply of the priority input circuit (11)

- a blocking system for the drain plug (5) can determine the opening or closing of circuits (2) and (3)

- a priority input circuit (11) can be connected to one of the circuits of another device

- the trigger threshold is linked to different factors, the water level in a tank, the height of the device and the characteristics of the bung plug (5) possibly supplemented by a ballast or a float.

[0033] Thus, assemblies are made of several devices whose circuits can be connected in various ways, in series, in parallel or in a mixed manner, using anti-return devices, with an arrangement of the devices at different heights, with selectors of circuits mounted on a tank at different heights.

[0034] [Fig.5] illustrates by way of non-limiting example a variant of the device in the field of irrigation, intended for the prioritized use of rainwater, consisting of

- a tank (41) connected to the circuit (42) of the device, that located on the side of the lateral orifice of the bung plug (8), previously described as an outlet circuit (2), communicating through the filling chamber (1) with circuit (43), previously described as the default input circuit (3) - a second device whose priority input circuit (11a) is connected to the circuit (43) of the first device

- the connection of a power source (44), for example the water network, on the circuit described as the default input of the second device (3 bis) - the connection of the watering on the circuit of output of the second device (2 bis).

[0035] Thus, the priority input circuit (11) of the first device, when supplied for example by a collecting tank, fills the tank (10), the bung plug (5) rises, the circuit of default inlet (43) is closed, the flow goes towards the circuit (42), then towards the tank (41).

After stopping the power supply to the priority circuit (11), the bung plug (5) descends, the tank (41) supplies the circuits (42), (43), and (11 bis), and finally the output circuit (2 bis).

When the tank (41) is empty, the priority input circuit (11a) is no longer supplied, the bung plug (5) of the second device descends, and the power source (44) supplies the circuit outlet (2 bis), in charge of watering.

Variant 6

[0036] [Fig.6] illustrates a variant of the device concerning an emergency bilge pump integrated into the water cooling circuit of the open engine (coming from the outside), which sucks up any water from the bottom instead of that coming from outside.

[0037] The invention follows the following analysis:

- the cooling circuit comprises a pump, an inlet circuit and an outlet circuit consisting of the engine exhaust circuit

- its flow is significant

- starting the engine is part of the usual procedures to orient the boat in relation to the sea, reach a port, recharge the batteries

- the device benefits from the qualities of the bung: its resistance to debris, the tightness of the main circuit and its reliability.

[0038] The device in this application is characterized in that:

- the output circuit (2) is connected to the suction pump of the open cooling circuit of a marine engine (14)

- the default inlet circuit (3) is connected to the external water inlet (15) of the engine cooling circuit

- the priority entry circuit (11) is made up of any bottom water which fills the tank (10) through one or more openings (16) in the upper part of the tank, provided with a device strainer type filtration

- the drain port (12) is made up of perforations in the lower part of the tank (10) - the float (7) is composed of two elements connected by a support, moving on the sides of the filling chamber

- a removable or breakable pin, or a fixing element reversibly blocks the bung plug (5) in the low position, possibly linked to a cord or cable inserted in a sheath connected to a pull tab.

[0039] The operating principle, illustrated by [Fig.6] is as follows:

- in usual operation, the cooling circuit passes through the filling chamber (1)

- in the presence of water in the bottom, the tank (10) fills, the float (7) raises the bung plug (5), causing the filling chamber (1) to be filled and the opening to be closed default input (3), and this in a reversible, self-regulated manner.

[0040] Thus, the cooling circuit pump sucks water from the bottom instead of water coming from the external water intake without interrupting the continuity of the water supply to the cooling circuit, an essential condition for good operation of the engine.

The tank (10), through its upper opening, collects water from the bottom relatively independently of the deposit, giving flexibility to the operation of the device.

The strainer type filter filters large particles.

A blocking mechanism makes the sealing of the bung more reliable according to the movements of the boat. A pull tab allows quick disengagement without having to open the engine compartment.

[0041] The device offers the benefits of a self-priming submerged pump for dirty water and overcomes many of the disadvantages of traditional systems thanks to

- the absence of continuous manual action

- the absence of the need for a power supply

- the absence of additional water intake

- low cost, ease of installation

- almost universal adaptation to original or aftermarket equipment.

Variant 7

[0042] [Fig.7][Fig.8][Fig.9] illustrate in a non-limiting manner the principles of a series of mounting variants of the application intended for the bilge pump using the external water intake as a complementary means of evacuation, which includes

- an electric pump (55) or manual (56) or both, connected between the device (51) and the external water inlet (15), with the flow directed towards it, according to an assembly in Y (57) or in parallel, with if necessary integrated or additional anti-return devices (58) blocking the flow coming from the external water inlet (15)

- starting the electric pump (55) by the electrical contactor of the bung plug (54) - the option of integration or additional mounting of the device on the manual or electric pump.

[0043] Thus, the device makes it possible to benefit from additional evacuation via the external water intake (58), which significantly increases the flow rate, compensates for a possible engine breakdown, and also offers a commercial advantage by offering a range of products.

Variant 8

[0044] [Fig.10] illustrates a variant of the device concerning an assembly of the device intended for the prioritized supply of water closets by an alternative source to network water, which includes the connection of the default input circuit (3) on the network power supply (82), the connection of the output circuit (2) on the filling management mechanism (83), and the connection of the priority input circuit (11) on an alternative source to network water.

[0045] This device can be completed by an assembly which includes

- a circuit consisting successively of a recovery water tank (88), a lifting pump (87) if necessary, a flexible pipe (84) which enters the water closet evacuation conduit through a plug with passage of lower pipe (x) (86), which runs inside this evacuation conduit, which exits through a plug with passage of upper pipe (x) (85), which enters the water closet tank, and finally, which is connected to the priority input circuit (11) of the device (81)

- an entry of the flexible pipe (84) into the water closet tank through the orifice provided for a second inlet, or through the valve seat modified for this function, or through a path between the evacuation and the water tank -closets

- Y connectors, in the case of mounting several water closets made in a daisy chain on the same flexible pipe (84), integrated into one of the plugs with pipe passage (x) (85) or (86 ), the installation of which is facilitated by the use of at least one temporary guide previously introduced through the water closet evacuation conduit.

[0046] Thus, the water closets are supplied as a priority by rain or washing water, saving water from the network (82), thanks to a simple device, without the need for a second filling network visible, easy to retrofit, particularly on several water closets.

[0047] The fields of application of the device and its variants are mainly irrigation, water management, in particular rainwater harvested and washing water, the oil industry, and the drying of funds. on a ship, the alternative power supply of water closets and cooling circuits, areas using charged water.

[0048] It is obvious that the different variants of the device belong to the same invention without departing from the scope of the present protection.

Claims

[Claim 1]: Mechanical hydraulic selector with several inputs with prioritization and associated assembly circuits, characterized in that it comprises

- a bung plug (5) sliding in an orifice located in the lower part of a filling chamber (1), called the lower orifice of the bung (4), which seals it hermetically in the low position, and which seals it opens in high position

- a default input circuit (3) and an output circuit (2) connected to the filling chamber (1)

- at least one shutter, integral with the bung plug (5), located under this bung plug, called the lower shutter of the bung plug (6), which when the bung plug (5) is in the high position, closes the circuit default input (3)

- orifices left by the lower shutter of the bung plug (6), communicating with each other, a lower orifice of the bung plug (9) and a side orifice of the bung plug (8), which when the bung plug ( 5) is in the high position, allows the passage of liquid from a tank (10) to the filling chamber (1)

- a movable float (7), secured to the plug of the bung (5), which causes it to rise or fall depending on the filling of the tank (10)

- a priority inlet circuit (11) which supplies the tank (10), closed, equipped with a strainer type filtration system

- at least one drain orifice (12) at the bottom of the tank (10) which causes the slow emptying of the tank and the descent of the float (7)

- a guiding device which ensures the vertical sliding of the bung plug (5)

- an optional system for attaching to the bung plug (5) a ballast or an additional float which allows the level of triggering the rise of this assembly to be adjusted

- an optional electrical contactor for the bung plug (54), activated by a change in position of the bung plug (5), capable of triggering an alarm, an alert, possibly via radio, and/or an action;

[Claim 2]: Hydraulic selector according to claim 1, characterized in that

- the connection of the default input circuit (3) in the filling chamber (1) is positioned higher than that of the output circuit (2)

- and that it also includes a shutter secured to the top of the bung (31) which obstructs the default inlet circuit (3) when the bung plug (5) is in the high position and leaves it open when it is in the low position;

[Claim 3]: Hydraulic selector according to the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a disengageable and retractable mechanism (32) with an assembly device (33) in relation to the bung plug (5), separable from it. here, allowing the rotation of the bung plug (5), its blocking in a chosen position in height and rotation, or leaving it free, mechanisms which limit the travel of the bung plug (5);

[Claim 4]: Hydraulic selector according to the preceding claims, characterized in that

- a double retractable disengageable mechanism with lock is capable of dissociating the position of the shutter attached to the top of the drain (31) from that of the lower drain shutter (6)

- the lower shutter of the bung plug (6) is capable of closing the output circuit (2) when the bung plug (5) is in the high position;

[Claim 5]: Hydraulic selector according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one of the following elements

- several pipes connected to the filling chamber (1)

- several stages of drain plugs (5)

- additional circuit closing devices;

[Claim 6]: Device comprising at least two hydraulic selectors according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of said selectors are connected in various ways, in series, in parallel or in a mixed manner, using anti-return devices , with an arrangement of devices at different heights, with circuit selectors mounted on a tank at different heights;

[Claim 7] Use of the hydraulic selector according to claim 1 for an application providing a means of drying the bottom on a ship mounted on the open cooling circuit of a marine engine comprising a suction pump characterized in that

- the output circuit (2) is connected to the suction pump of the cooling circuit

- the default input circuit (3) is connected to an external water inlet (15)

- the priority entry circuit (11) is supplied by bottom water possible which fills the tank (10) through one or more openings (16) in the upper part of the tank (10), provided with a filtration device such as a strainer

- the drain port (12) is made up of perforations in the lower part of the tank (10)

- the float (7) is composed of two elements connected by a support, moving on the sides of the filling chamber

- a removable or breakable pin, or a fixing element reversibly blocks the bung plug (5) in the low position, possibly linked to a cord or cable inserted in a sheath connected to a pull tab;

[Claim 8] Use of the hydraulic selector according to claims 1 and 7 for an application providing a means of drying the bottom on a ship mounted on the open cooling circuit of a marine engine comprising additional pumps, characterized in that it comprises

- starting the electric pump (55) by the electrical contactor of the bung plug (54)

- the option of integrating the manual or electric pump into the device or their assembly;

[Claim 9] Use of the hydraulic selector according to claim 1 for an application providing a prioritized supply of water closets by an alternative source to network water, characterized by the connection of the default input circuit (3) to the network supply (82), connection of the output circuit (2) to the filling management mechanism (83), and connection of the priority inlet circuit (11) to an alternative source to network water ;

[Claim 10] Method for mounting the prioritized power supply for water closets comprising several selectors according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises

- a circuit consisting successively of a recovery water tank (88), a lifting pump (87) if necessary, a flexible pipe (84) which enters the water closet evacuation conduit through a plug with passage of lower pipe (x) (86), which runs at the interior of this evacuation conduit, which exits through a plug with upper pipe passage (x) (85), which enters the water-closets tank, and finally which is connected to the priority inlet circuit ( 11) of the device (81)