Circulating pump

Claim 1

A self-priming circulating pump especially suited for use with a swimming pool and comprising in combination: a housing which includes an intermediate part, a suction part that encloses a suction chamber and connectable via an intake to a source of water, a pressure part enclosing a pressure chamber and provided with a discharge; the intermediate part provided with a suction groove and a pressure groove, the suction part defining a tongue mountable in the suction groove for joining the suction part rigidly to the intermediate part, the pressure part defining a tongue mountable in the pressure groove for joining the pressure part rigidly to the intermediate part; the suction part provided with a filter opening, a filter arranged in the suction chamber for passage of the water therethrough, a filter-opening cover engageable to the suction part about the filter opening for passage oF the filter therethrough; an impeller journalled for rotation in the housing and operatively arranged for receiving the water from the suction chamber and pressurizing it, drive means connected to the impeller for turning it; the pressure part provided with a peripheral volute arranged substantially within the pressure chamber and positioned about the impeller and in flow communication with the discharge; the impeller including a plurality of rearwardly leaning vanes defining channels therebetween and arranged for flow communication with the suction chamber and for delivering the liquid to the volute; the pressure part provided with an impeller opening for accommodating passage of the impeller therethrough, the pressure part having a flange about the impeller opening and adapted for mounting of the drive means thereon; the volute having a first port remote from the discharge and communicating in flow series with the pressure chamber and the discharge having a second port communicating in flow series with the pressure chamber whereby a portion of the water circulates through the pressure chamber between said ports.