EP1455092A2 - Battery-driven pump with control device - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery-driven pump (1) for watering gardens has a control (2) to adjust the power output from the battery to the pump motor (1.4,2.1). Preferably the power is adjusted continuously or in steps and pulse-width modulation is used to control the battery output.

Description

The invention relates to a battery-operated pump according to the preamble of claim 1.

Battery operated pumps are especially in gardens without their own Power connection can be used advantageously in the context of garden irrigation or rainwater collected from wells, ponds or To promote collection containers. Their use as is particularly advantageous Submersible pump because of the low battery voltage compared to the high one Mains voltage is not critical for the user.

However, like all battery-operated devices, battery-operated pumps have the problem that the operating time is limited by the battery capacity is.

Task and solution

The object of the invention is therefore to overcome disadvantages of the prior art Avoid technology and especially the operating time of a battery powered Pump with a charge to increase the battery as well as a Avoid overloading the battery.

This object is achieved with the features of the claim 1 solved. The dependent claims relate to advantageous Ausund Developments of the invention, which are described below become. The wording of the invention is by express reference made the content of the description.

The main idea of the invention is between an engine and a battery for driving the motor an adjustable control device loop in with a power output of the battery the motor is variably adjustable. This makes it advantageous possible, a power consumption of the pump motor compared to a direct connection to the battery with low loss. Preferably is the power output of the battery by the control device in switchable in several stages, with the pump motor in one stage the control device directly without limiting the power output the battery is coupled, and in at least one further stage Control device the power output by the battery for the Pump motor limited. Alternatively, the power output can be stepless can be set. It is preferably possible for the control device the motor input voltage versus the battery voltage depending reduced from the specified power output.

The term battery in the sense of the invention naturally includes also rechargeable batteries or the like.

At least two further different stages are preferably provided, where the control device the power consumption of the Pump motor reduced compared to the direct coupling to the battery. In addition, an "off" stage can be provided, in which the Control device completely separates the battery from the pump motor.

The individual possible stages for setting the power are preferred visible to the pump motor by numerals. alternative or in addition to a pure numbering but can also Symbols are provided which identify a particular application. The markings of the individual levels can be done on the control element and / or on a housing of the control device in the environment be applied to the control element.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the individual Levels set individually by the user with the control element i.e. by selecting discretely adjustable positions on the control element, the discretely adjustable positions, for example, by tactile locking positions that can be felt by the user on the control element are realized which relate to the individual applications of the pump.

In another embodiment of the invention, the selection is made of the individual applications of the pump with the control element continuously or quasi continuously. That the control element does not have via rest positions, via which the user receives haptic feedback receives a certain set position on the control element, and the power output of the battery is from the controller continuously or quasi continuously adjustable. In this embodiment it is particularly advantageous if on the control element and / or corresponding designations on the housing of the control device of the individual applications of the pump are available.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention Reduction of a transmission loss in the control device Control circuit provided, for example a DC converter. With this, a transmission measure can be made according to an application of the pump can be set. The type of setting for the transfer dimension can be different. In a particularly simple embodiment the control circuit is designed as a pulse width modulator (PWM), its duty cycle (switching time to period time) accordingly the application of the pump is adjustable, for example over a range of 30% for the lowest power consumption of the Motors up to 100% for a maximum power consumption of the pump motor. The duty cycle of 100% corresponds to a direct coupling the pump motor to the battery.

In the control device between a battery connection and a switching element is inserted into a connection for the pump motor be, in particular an electronic switching element, for example a Field effect transistor. This is switched on and off by switching cycles. These measures have the advantage that a power loss on Switching element occurs essentially only on the switching edges, which can be kept very short. The power losses in the switching element can be reduced to a few percent in common circuits become.

In a particularly simple embodiment of the invention the control element a certain duty cycle in the control circuit set, with discretely adjustable positions on the control element for the duty cycle 0% - position "off", battery is completely from Pump motor separated -, approx. 33%, approx. 67% and 100% - direct coupling the battery to the pump motor - are present.

Through the described control device according to the invention, the electrical power drawn from the battery better matches that in the various Required mechanical power adapted to applications battery life is extended.

It is also possible to connect the motor input voltage to a specific one Adapt operating mode. If no particularly high performance is required the motor input voltage can be lowered to the battery to protect.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is on the control device is provided with a standard connection with which the Control circuit with a corresponding low voltage connection can be connected to a motor vehicle. This allows the for the operation of the pump required power from a vehicle electrical system be removed.

The control device can also be used to charge a rechargeable battery Accumulator can be controlled. For example, it can made an adjustment to different large DC voltages become. Furthermore, it is possible to connect one Provide power cord and the switching element with another part train the control circuit as a charger with a rectifier. So an accumulator could be charged at a mains connection.

These and other features go beyond the claims from the description and the drawings, the individual Features individually or in groups in the form of sub-combinations in one embodiment of the invention and others Areas to be realized and advantageous as well as protectable Can represent designs for which protection is claimed here becomes. The division of the application into individual sections and subheadings limit the statements made under these not in their generality.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung von Komponenten einer erfindungsgemäßen Pumpe;

Fig. 2

ein Blockschaltbild einer Steuerschaltung aus einer in Fig. 1 dargestellten Steuereinrichtung;

Fig. 3

ein Diagramm zur Darstellung von Druck- und Wirkungsgradkennlinien bezogen auf eine Durchflussmenge für unterschiedliche Einstellungen eines Übertragungsverhältnisses.

A practical exemplary embodiment is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of components of a pump according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a block diagram of a control circuit from a control device shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

a diagram showing pressure and efficiency characteristics related to a flow rate for different settings of a transmission ratio.

Detailed description of the embodiment

Fig. 1 shows a conventional pump 1, for example as a submersible pump is carried out with a pump housing 1.1 and a length-adjustable vertical outlet pipe 1.2. Instead of the outlet pipe 1.2 can also connect other types of cables to a corresponding connection be connected to the pump housing 1.1. Within the Pump housing 1.1, a pump motor, not shown, is arranged, of a supply line 1.3, with an inventive Control device 2 can be connected by the control device 2 Energy is supplied. The control device 2 is for better illustration the connections in the opposite position to an operating position shown.

The control device 2, which is generally made watertight can, in the illustrated embodiment includes an output connection 2.1, which is designed as an electrical connection socket. she is can be connected to the supply line 1.3 via the mating connection 1.4, to power the pump motor. Furthermore are an operating element 2.2 for setting a for an application Power output required, an input port 2.3 for a external power supply to the control device 2, which as a socket for Connection of a charger is executed, and one shown in the Position to the rear can be folded out by approx. 90 ° for hanging the control device is provided on a container wall and a housing 2.5.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the control device is inside the housing 2.5 2 a control circuit designed as a pulse width modulator 2.6 with a switching element 2.7, and a rechargeable battery 2.8 arranged, as shown on corresponding electrical Connections are interconnected. The switching element 2.7 is preferably designed as an electronic switching element, for example as a field effect transistor.

In the illustrated simple embodiment, the control element 2.2 a certain duty cycle in the control circuit 2.6 set, with which the control circuit 2.6, the switching element 2.7 switches on and off by means of appropriate clock signals.

As can further be seen from FIG. 2, the power output setting is to simplify Designations provided a position '0' - duty cycle 0% or pump is switched off -, one position, 1 ' - Duty cycle approx. 33% -, one position, 2 '- Duty cycle approx. 67% - and a position, 3 '- duty cycle 100% or direct connection of the Battery with the pump motor - designate.

The maximum power output - 100% - is for example for an application the pump is provided as a sprinkler at a high pressure and a large flow is required. A medium power output - 67% - is for example for an application of the pump as a sprinkler or provided as a syringe in which a medium pressure and a medium Flow is needed. A low power output - 33% - is for example, for an application of the pump for filling watering cans or intended for other water withdrawals where a low pressure at a pump outlet is required.

Corresponding to that set by the user with control element 2.2 Duty cycle, the motor input voltage is typically 12 volts in the 1 'to 8 volt position and in the 2' to 10 position Volts reduced. The levels are advantageous in ascending order Service sequence arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, this is accessible to the user arranged on the control device housing 2.5 Control element 2.2 as a rotary switch with fixed locking positions executed, via which the power output for the pump motor can be set in several discrete steps from the battery 2.8. Of course a control element can also be used with which the settings are made continuously without discrete levels and thus the power output is also continuously adjustable is.

The counter-connection arranged at the end of the electrical supply line 1.3 1.4 is preferably designed as a plug, which is not fits into a mains voltage socket. The connector can be designed in this way be that it fits on a common 12-volt connection and such for example, can be connected to a vehicle electrical system can, so that the pump without the control device and without own battery can be operated. Likewise, the input port 2.3 to charge the battery 2.8 so that it can be used with also with a charger via a corresponding connection line a vehicle electrical system can be connected. So that's from Motor vehicle electrical system output power with the control circuit 2.6 also adjustable.

Instead of the pump outlined, any known 12 volt DC pump can be used be connected to the control device.

Fig. 3 shows a diagram in which - based on the flow rate - Pressure profiles and efficiency profiles (η) for different ones Control unit settings (motor input voltage is 8 volts, 10 volts, 12 volts) are entered above the flow rate. Along the pressure curve are still values for the battery currents selected measuring points. As an electric motor is general advantageously used a standard DC motor in this For example, it can be a Mabuchi RS-555SH-4525.

Claims (13)

Battery-operated pump (1) with a motor and a battery, characterized in that an adjustable control device (2) for adjusting the power output of the battery (2.8) to the motor is looped in between the battery (2.8) and the motor. Pump according to claim 1, characterized in that the power output of the battery (2.8) to the motor is adjustable in several stages or continuously. Pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device (2) reduces the motor input voltage compared to the battery voltage in stages or continuously, depending on the predetermined power output. Pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (2) comprises a control circuit (2.6) with an adjustable transmission dimension, which is preferably designed as a pulse width modulator. Pump according to Claim 4, characterized in that the transmission factor can be adjusted by changing a duty cycle from switching time to cycle time, the duty cycle preferably being adjustable in the range from approximately 30% for the lowest possible power output to 100% for the largest possible power output. Pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (2) comprises an electronic switching element (2.7) which can be switched on and off as a function of switching cycles and which is looped in between the motor and the battery (2.8). Pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (2) has an electrical connection (2.3) via which the control device (2) can be connected to a motor vehicle electrical system. Pump according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power output of the battery (2.8) to the motor can be predetermined by a user, the power output by the user preferably depending on and / or in connection with an application of the pump with an operating element (2.2 ) can be specified. Pump according to claim 8, characterized in that on the control element (2.2) and / or on a control device housing (2.5) the power output corresponding to a particular application is identified by numbers and / or by symbols (2.8) which indicate the respective application. Pump according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that in a first selectable position ('Off') of the control element (2.2) the battery (2.8) is completely separated from the motor. Pump according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that in a second position of the control element (2.2) a first type of use with a high pressure and large flow can be selected. Pump according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that in a third position of the control element (2.2) a second type of use with an average pressure and an average flow can be selected Pump according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that in a fourth position of the control element (2.2) a third type of use with a low pressure and low flow can be selected.

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