EP1877665B1 - A system for controlling the rate of a pump on a water drainage outlet of a water dispensing unit - Google Patents

A system for controlling the rate of a pump on a water drainage outlet of a water dispensing unit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1877665B1
EP1877665B1 EP06742834.2A EP06742834A EP1877665B1 EP 1877665 B1 EP1877665 B1 EP 1877665B1 EP 06742834 A EP06742834 A EP 06742834A EP 1877665 B1 EP1877665 B1 EP 1877665B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pump
water
microcontroller
flow rate
controlling
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP06742834.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1877665A1 (en
Inventor
Alan Brown
Omar Beggs
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Munster Simms Engineering Ltd
Original Assignee
Munster Simms Engineering Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Munster Simms Engineering Ltd filed Critical Munster Simms Engineering Ltd
Publication of EP1877665A1 publication Critical patent/EP1877665A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1877665B1 publication Critical patent/EP1877665B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04DNON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D15/00Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or systems
    • F04D15/0066Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or systems by changing the speed, e.g. of the driving engine
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47KSANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K3/00Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
    • A47K3/28Showers or bathing douches
    • A47K3/40Pans or trays
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04BPOSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B49/00Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
    • F04B49/06Control using electricity
    • F04B49/065Control using electricity and making use of computers
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04BPOSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B9/00Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members
    • F04B9/02Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being mechanical
    • F04B9/06Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being mechanical the means including spring- or weight-loaded lost-motion devices
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04DNON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D15/00Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or systems
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04BPOSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B2205/00Fluid parameters
    • F04B2205/09Flow through the pump

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a system for controlling the rate of a pump on a water drainage outlet of a water dispensing unit and in particular to a system for controlling the rate of a pump on a water drainage outlet of a shower.
  • the present invention provides a shower apparatus having a shower tray with a waste water drainage outlet therein to be connected by piping to a water point, a pump disposed within said piping, a shower head positioned above the shower tray and to be integrated into an inlet water supply and a system for controlling the flow rate of the pump, the system comprising means for measuring the water inlet flow rate of the inlet supply water, means for controlling the rate of the pump comprising means for controlling a power signal to an electric motor for the pump to set a pump rate which substantially equalises the water inlet flow rate through the shower head and the water outlet flow rate of the pump wherein the means for controlling the power signal to the electric motor is a micro controller with a control program running thereon, and wherein the control program has a pump shutdown software control module for gradually ramping the pump motor speed down via a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal when the water inlet flow stops and monitoring the load current on the electric motor of the pump for shutting the pump down when the load current falls below a predetermined threshold value.
  • the means for controlling the pump comprises means for controlling a voltage applied to an electric motor of the pump.
  • the means for controlling the voltage sets a pump rate which substantially equalises the water inlet flow rate of the water dispensing unit and the water outlet flow rate of the pump.
  • the means for measuring the water inlet flow rate comprises at least one flow sensor in communication with the inlet water supply.
  • the at least one flow sensor generates a digital signal containing information in relation to the water inlet flow rate.
  • the means for controlling the voltage applied to the pump motor is a microcontroller with a control program running thereon.
  • the microcontroller has a pulse width modulator for applying a pulse width modulated signal to the pump motor.
  • the pulse width modulated duty cycle during which a voltage is to be applied to the pump motor is variable in response to a variation in the measured water inlet flow rate allowing the pump speed to vary with varying water inlet flow rates.
  • the microcontroller is an Atmel AVR ATmega 32.
  • the pump is a 24V Gulper ® 220 manufactured by Munster Simms Engineering Limited.
  • the digital signal generated by the at least one flow sensor is transmitted to a timer of the microcontroller.
  • the timer calculates a water inlet flow rate.
  • control program monitors signals received from the at least one flow sensor and generates a pulse width modulated control signal to be applied to the pump motor based on these flow sensor signals.
  • two flow sensors are in communication with the microcontroller. Two flow sensors are required when a shower system incorporates a mixer with two water inlets where a flow sensor is located on each water inlet. A single flow sensor is sufficient where there is only one water inlet such as an electric shower.
  • the flow sensor is a turbine flow sensor.
  • a GEMS FT-110 series sensor is used.
  • the microcontroller has a user configuration interface.
  • the microcontroller has an RS232 interface. This allows external access to important data on the microcontroller.
  • a laptop can be coupled to the microcontroller via the RS232 interface for in-house diagnostics.
  • the microcontroller has an analog to digital A/D converter.
  • a series transformer power supply is connected between the mains electricity supply and the microcontroller.
  • the output of the series transformer power supply is full wave rectified.
  • a 5V power supply for the microcontroller is generated from the series transformer power supply using a linear regulator.
  • the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) mode of control for the pump motor lowers the parts count/cost and reduces power losses/heat generation.
  • a PWM carrier frequency in the range of 7 to 9 KHz is used.
  • the PWM carrier frequency is 8KHz. This figure strikes a balance between minimising the audible noise that is emitted from the motor at the PWM frequency whilst providing adequate motor speed control resolution.
  • a memory of the microcontroller stores a table of acceptable values for the A/D converter.
  • the table of acceptable values indicate acceptable values of AC mains voltage.
  • the memory of the microcontroller has at least one set of default tables containing empirical values of pulse width modulated duty cycle versus inlet flow rate. These are the default settings which an installer can adjust to suit the particular dimensions associated with the specific shower tray being installed.
  • the memory of the microcontroller has a set of default tables for each different diameter of outlet pipe on which the pump is to be mounted.
  • the installer can select the relevant default table to suit the outlet pipe diameter when installing the control system via the user configuration interface.
  • control system has means for delaying the start-up of the pump until a predetermined volume of inlet water has passed the inlet water measuring means.
  • start-up delay based on the volume of inlet water delivered is adjustable by the installer via the user configuration interface.
  • the microcontroller has a reset means.
  • the reset means ensures that the microcontroller will reset to a safe mode for a re-start in the event of a microcontroller crash.
  • the means for controlling the voltage applied to the pump motor has start-up means for identifying when the predetermined volume of inlet water has been delivered via the water dispensing unit.
  • the start-up means comprises a start-up software control module reading values from the timers of the microcontroller and comparing them to a pre-set start-up volume of inlet water prior to initiating the pump.
  • the start-up volume is stored in the memory of the microcontroller which is adjustable by the installer via the user configuration interface.
  • the microcontroller In the event of system configuration values such as start-up delay volume being corrupted / lost, the microcontroller has a safe mode which initiates the pump immediately upon detection of a flow of water by at least one flow sensor. The system will also run at full speed to avoid flooding and will overrun for the maximum duration to ensure that the tray is clear.
  • control system has means for compensating for variation in AC mains input voltage.
  • the compensating means monitors values from the analogue to digital converter of the microcontroller.
  • the compensating means comprises a compensating software control module executing on the microcontroller for reading values from the A/D converter and for determining exception values outside an accepted envelope of values and in response to identification of exception values modifying the pulse width modulated signal being applied to the pump motor to compensate for the exception values.
  • a compensating software control module executing on the microcontroller for reading values from the A/D converter and for determining exception values outside an accepted envelope of values and in response to identification of exception values modifying the pulse width modulated signal being applied to the pump motor to compensate for the exception values.
  • control system has over pumping means.
  • control system has means for monitoring the operating current and voltage values of the pump motor.
  • the control system has means for shutting down the pump in response to a threshold pump operating current value being read.
  • the pump operating current shutdown threshold value is stored in the memory of the microcontroller.
  • control system has means for briefly reactivating the pump a number of minutes after the pump is switched off in response to the water inlet flow stopping.
  • this removes any runoff water from shower curtains and the like.
  • the pump is reactivated for a short period of time. This time period is preferably in the range of 10 to 45 seconds.
  • the present invention also provides a control program executable on a microcontroller for controlling the rate of a pump on a water drainage outlet of a water dispensing unit, the control program having a software control module for reading signals from water inlet flow rate measuring means and a software control module for controlling the pump on the water drainage outlet based on the signals read from the water inlet flow rate measuring means.
  • the pump software control module controls a voltage applied to an electric motor of the pump.
  • the software control module for controlling a voltage applied to the pump motor sets the rate of the pump so that the water inlet flow rate of the water dispensing unit and the water outlet flow rate of the pump are substantially equal.
  • control program comprises a start-up software control module reading values from timers of the microcontroller and comparing them to a pre-set start-up volume of inlet water prior to initiating the pump.
  • start-up volume of inlet water is stored in the memory of the microcontroller and is adjustable via a user configuration interface.
  • control program has a compensating software control module executing on the microcontroller for reading values from the A/D converter and for determining exception values outside an accepted envelope of values and in response to identification of exception values modifying the pulse width modulated signal being applied to the pump motor to compensate for the exception values.
  • a compensating software control module executing on the microcontroller for reading values from the A/D converter and for determining exception values outside an accepted envelope of values and in response to identification of exception values modifying the pulse width modulated signal being applied to the pump motor to compensate for the exception values.
  • the control program has a pump shutdown software control module for gradually ramping the pump motor speed down via the PWM signal when the water inlet flow stops and monitoring the load current on the pump for shutting the pump down when the load current falls below a predetermined threshold value.
  • control program has a pump reactivating software control module which has means for identifying a pump shut down condition, means for counting a predetermined period of time and means for initiating the voltage control means to run the pump for a short duration of time.
  • the present invention further provides a water dispensing unit having a water supply means and a water retaining means having a water drainage outlet and a pump on the water drainage outlet, the water dispensing unit having a system for controlling the rate of the pump on the water drainage outlet of the water dispensing unit, the system comprising means for measuring the water inlet flow rate of the water supply means to the water dispensing unit and means for controlling the pump on the water drainage outlet based on the measured water inlet flow rate.
  • the pump control means has a means for controlling a voltage applied to an electric motor of the pump.
  • the means for controlling the voltage applied to the pump motor of the pump sets a pump rate which substantially equalises the water inlet flow rate of the water supply means and the water outlet flow rate of the pump.
  • the water dispensing unit is a shower unit
  • the water supply means is a shower head supplied with water
  • the water retaining means is a shower tray.
  • a control system and shower apparatus indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for controlling the rate of a pump 2 on a shower drainage outlet 3 having one flow sensor 4, see Fig. 1 , or two flow sensors 5, 6, see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in communication with a microcontroller 7.
  • the microcontroller 7 has a pulse width modulator 9 for applying a pulse width modulated signal 11 to the motor of the pump 2 via a MOSFET (not shown).
  • the flow sensors 4, 5, 6 are coupled to the microcontroller 7 which has a control program running thereon. The speed of the pump 2 is controlled to obtain a pump rate which is substantially equal to the water inlet flow rate measured by the flow sensor 4 or flow sensors 5, 6.
  • the mains electricity supply is coupled to the microcontroller 7 via a transformer 22 which steps the mains voltage down to 24V.
  • the 24V supply is full wave rectified and smoothed using a smoothing capacitor.
  • the smoothing capacitor is preferably a 6600 ⁇ F reservoir capacitor.
  • the water inlet 28 flows into the electric shower unit 24 which also has a mains electricity supply 25 for powering a heating element.
  • a shower head 26 is located above a shower tray 27 which is possibly in a boat or located level with ground level to allow wheelchair occupants to roll straight on.
  • the outlet pipe 3 of the shower tray 27 has the pump 2 in fluid communication therewith.
  • control system and shower apparatus 1 is identical to the control system and shower apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1 except that the shower has a flow sensor 5, 6 located on both the hot and cold inlets 31, 32 which are fed into a mixing unit 33.
  • the flow sensors 5, 6 are both connected to the microcontroller 7.
  • the microcontroller 7 has an analogue to digital A/D converter 41.
  • the flow sensors 5, 6 are turbine flow sensors which convert the water inlet flow into digital signals 35, 36 which are transferred to timers 13 on the microcontroller 7 which compute values for water inlet flow rates.
  • the microcontroller 7 also has an RS232 interface 38 which enables developers/engineers to view data from the microcontroller 7 using another computer such as a laptop 39.
  • the laptop 39 has a Visual Basic ® diagnostic interface program loaded thereon for the purposes of in-house testing.
  • the microcontroller 7 also has system memory 41 such as Flash, EEPROM and SRAM and general purpose I/O lines 42 which are connected to a parameter setup and configuration interface 43.
  • the configuration interface 43 allows the operator to restore default operating settings on the microcontroller 7.
  • the configuration interface 43 allows the operator to manually set an overall inlet flow rate v pump speed profile at the installation phase.
  • the installer selects a water inlet flow rate and maintains a watch on the level of the pool of water in the shower tray 27.
  • the installer can increase or decrease the speed of the pump 2 until the level of the water in the shower tray remains constant.
  • This calibration information is then stored within the control systems non-volatile memory 41 and the calibration is only required at a single point using a typical inlet water flow rate.
  • the configuration interface 43 also allows the operator to manually adjust a non-linear section of the overall water inlet rate v pump speed profile.
  • an installer adjusts the flow rate of the shower unit across its full range and observes the pool of water in the shower tray 27. This highlights flow rates at which the pumping rate needs adjustment. If a particular flow rate shows a need for adjustment, the installer adjusts the speed of the pump 2 at that flow rate and the control program linearly interpolates new pump speed values for a variable band either side of the adjusted speed.
  • the configuration interface 43 also allows the operator to set a start-up delay until a predetermined volume of water has entered the shower tray 27.
  • a person enters the shower and turns on the shower unit by switching on the electric shower unit or turning the mixing valve of a non-electric shower unit to an on position.
  • the control program executing continuously on the microcontroller 7 identifies an input signal from the flow sensors 4 or 5 and 6 when the shower is turned on.
  • the start-up software control module is called which compares values of volume of water delivered into the shower measured by timers 13 against a predetermined start-up volume of water stored in the memory of the microcontroller 7.
  • the voltage control means software control module (VCMSCM) for the pump motor is called and executes on the microcontroller 7 generating a pulse width modulated duty cycle control signal which applies a voltage to the pump motor via a MOSFET.
  • the pulse width modulated duty cycle control signal depends on the water inlet flow rate which is also calculated by the timers 13 which convert the digital signal of the flow sensors 4 or 5 and 6 into a water inlet flow rate.
  • the water inlet flow rate recorded by the timers 13 is compared by the VCMSCM to a default table of pulse width modulated duty cycle versus inlet flow rate and the VCMSCM selects the PWM duty cycle associated with the measured water inlet flow rate.
  • the water inlet flow rate is continuously monitored in real time and any adjustments are made as and when required by the VCMSCM to maintain the balance between water in and water out of the shower unit.
  • the values of the signals generated by the A/D converter 41 are monitored by the mains voltage compensating software control module executing on the microcontroller 7. These values are monitored in order to identify any variation in the AC mains input voltage.
  • the compensating software control module monitors values recorded by the A/D converter 41 and compares them against pre-recorded values stored on the memory of the microcontroller 7 to identify exception values which fall outside an envelope of acceptable values. In the event of such exception values, the compensating software control module modifies the PWM signal being applied to the pump motor to compensate for the variation in the mains voltage. Otherwise, the transformer output is unregulated and the percentage variation in the mains voltage would be mirrored in the transformer's output voltage which affects the pump motor speed by the same amount.
  • the control program executes a pump shutdown software control module which gradually ramps the pump motor speed down via the PWM signal when the water inlet flow stops as identified by the flow sensors 4 or 5 and 6.
  • the pump shutdown software control module also monitors the load current on the pump 2 and compares this value to a predetermined threshold value stored in the memory of the microcontroller 7.
  • the pump shutdown software control module shuts the pump 2 down when the load current equals or is less that the predetermined threshold current value.
  • the control program has a pump reactivating software control module for briefly reactivating the pump a number of minutes, for example ten minutes after the pump 2 is switched off in response to the water inlet flow stopping. This removes any runoff water from shower curtains and the like.
  • the pump 2 is reactivated for a short period of time in the range of 10 to 45 seconds.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Control Of Positive-Displacement Pumps (AREA)
  • Bathtubs, Showers, And Their Attachments (AREA)
  • Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)
  • Control Of Non-Positive-Displacement Pumps (AREA)

Description

  • This invention relates to a system for controlling the rate of a pump on a water drainage outlet of a water dispensing unit and in particular to a system for controlling the rate of a pump on a water drainage outlet of a shower.
  • In certain situations it is necessary to be able to pump water from the outlet pipe of a water dispensing unit such as a shower into the surrounding main water drainage system. One example of this is the situation where a shower tray is located level with the ground level to allow wheelchair occupants to roll directly onto the shower tray. In these circumstances, it is not possible for the water draining from the shower tray to flow under gravity into the surrounding drainage system because the shower tray outlet pipe is below the other drainage pipes. A further example of a situation where it is necessary to pump water from a shower tray outlet pipe occurs in boats where water drained from a shower tray must be pumped overboard. At present, the method of controlling water outlet pipe drainage pumps is to place an on/off sensor in the water supply conduit which turns the drainage pump on when the sensor indicates that water is flowing in the water supply conduit.
  • It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problem of variation between water inlet flow rate and water outlet flow rate in water dispensing units such as domestic showers incorporating a water outlet pipe drainage pump.
  • Accordingly, the present invention provides a shower apparatus having a shower tray with a waste water drainage outlet therein to be connected by piping to a water point, a pump disposed within said piping, a shower head positioned above the shower tray and to be integrated into an inlet water supply and a system for controlling the flow rate of the pump, the system comprising means for measuring the water inlet flow rate of the inlet supply water, means for controlling the rate of the pump comprising means for controlling a power signal to an electric motor for the pump to set a pump rate which substantially equalises the water inlet flow rate through the shower head and the water outlet flow rate of the pump wherein the means for controlling the power signal to the electric motor is a micro controller with a control program running thereon, and wherein the control program has a pump shutdown software control module for gradually ramping the pump motor speed down via a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal when the water inlet flow stops and monitoring the load current on the electric motor of the pump for shutting the pump down when the load current falls below a predetermined threshold value.
  • Preferably, the means for controlling the pump comprises means for controlling a voltage applied to an electric motor of the pump.
  • Ideally, the means for controlling the voltage sets a pump rate which substantially equalises the water inlet flow rate of the water dispensing unit and the water outlet flow rate of the pump.
  • Preferably, the means for measuring the water inlet flow rate comprises at least one flow sensor in communication with the inlet water supply.
  • Ideally, the at least one flow sensor generates a digital signal containing information in relation to the water inlet flow rate.
  • The means for controlling the voltage applied to the pump motor is a microcontroller with a control program running thereon.
  • Ideally, the microcontroller has a pulse width modulator for applying a pulse width modulated signal to the pump motor.
  • Advantageously, the pulse width modulated duty cycle during which a voltage is to be applied to the pump motor is variable in response to a variation in the measured water inlet flow rate allowing the pump speed to vary with varying water inlet flow rates.
  • Preferably, the microcontroller is an Atmel AVR ATmega 32.
  • Ideally, the pump is a 24V Gulper ® 220 manufactured by Munster Simms Engineering Limited.
  • Ideally, the digital signal generated by the at least one flow sensor is transmitted to a timer of the microcontroller.
  • Preferably, the timer calculates a water inlet flow rate.
  • Ideally, the control program monitors signals received from the at least one flow sensor and generates a pulse width modulated control signal to be applied to the pump motor based on these flow sensor signals.
  • Ideally, two flow sensors are in communication with the microcontroller. Two flow sensors are required when a shower system incorporates a mixer with two water inlets where a flow sensor is located on each water inlet. A single flow sensor is sufficient where there is only one water inlet such as an electric shower.
  • Ideally, the flow sensor is a turbine flow sensor.
  • Preferably, a GEMS FT-110 series sensor is used.
  • Ideally, the microcontroller has a user configuration interface.
  • Preferably, the microcontroller has an RS232 interface. This allows external access to important data on the microcontroller. A laptop can be coupled to the microcontroller via the RS232 interface for in-house diagnostics.
  • Preferably, the microcontroller has an analog to digital A/D converter.
  • Ideally, a series transformer power supply is connected between the mains electricity supply and the microcontroller.
  • Preferably, the output of the series transformer power supply is full wave rectified.
  • Ideally, a 5V power supply for the microcontroller is generated from the series transformer power supply using a linear regulator.
  • Advantageously, the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) mode of control for the pump motor lowers the parts count/cost and reduces power losses/heat generation.
  • Ideally, a PWM carrier frequency in the range of 7 to 9 KHz is used.
  • Most preferably, the PWM carrier frequency is 8KHz. This figure strikes a balance between minimising the audible noise that is emitted from the motor at the PWM frequency whilst providing adequate motor speed control resolution.
  • Preferably, a memory of the microcontroller stores a table of acceptable values for the A/D converter. Advantageously, the table of acceptable values indicate acceptable values of AC mains voltage.
  • Ideally, the memory of the microcontroller has at least one set of default tables containing empirical values of pulse width modulated duty cycle versus inlet flow rate. These are the default settings which an installer can adjust to suit the particular dimensions associated with the specific shower tray being installed.
  • Preferably, the memory of the microcontroller has a set of default tables for each different diameter of outlet pipe on which the pump is to be mounted.
  • Ideally, the installer can select the relevant default table to suit the outlet pipe diameter when installing the control system via the user configuration interface.
  • Ideally, the control system has means for delaying the start-up of the pump until a predetermined volume of inlet water has passed the inlet water measuring means. Advantageously, the start-up delay based on the volume of inlet water delivered is adjustable by the installer via the user configuration interface.
  • Ideally, the microcontroller has a reset means. The reset means ensures that the microcontroller will reset to a safe mode for a re-start in the event of a microcontroller crash.
  • Preferably, the means for controlling the voltage applied to the pump motor has start-up means for identifying when the predetermined volume of inlet water has been delivered via the water dispensing unit.
  • Ideally, the start-up means comprises a start-up software control module reading values from the timers of the microcontroller and comparing them to a pre-set start-up volume of inlet water prior to initiating the pump. Advantageously, the start-up volume is stored in the memory of the microcontroller which is adjustable by the installer via the user configuration interface.
  • In the event of system configuration values such as start-up delay volume being corrupted / lost, the microcontroller has a safe mode which initiates the pump immediately upon detection of a flow of water by at least one flow sensor. The system will also run at full speed to avoid flooding and will overrun for the maximum duration to ensure that the tray is clear.
  • Ideally, the control system has means for compensating for variation in AC mains input voltage.
  • Preferably, the compensating means monitors values from the analogue to digital converter of the microcontroller.
  • AC mains input voltage variations are mirrored in the output value of the A/D converter.
  • Preferably, the compensating means comprises a compensating software control module executing on the microcontroller for reading values from the A/D converter and for determining exception values outside an accepted envelope of values and in response to identification of exception values modifying the pulse width modulated signal being applied to the pump motor to compensate for the exception values.
  • Preferably, the control system has over pumping means.
  • Ideally, the control system has means for monitoring the operating current and voltage values of the pump motor.
  • The control system has means for shutting down the pump in response to a threshold pump operating current value being read.
  • Ideally, the pump operating current shutdown threshold value is stored in the memory of the microcontroller.
  • Preferably, the control system has means for briefly reactivating the pump a number of minutes after the pump is switched off in response to the water inlet flow stopping. Advantageously this removes any runoff water from shower curtains and the like.
  • Ideally, the pump is reactivated for a short period of time. This time period is preferably in the range of 10 to 45 seconds.
  • The present invention also provides a control program executable on a microcontroller for controlling the rate of a pump on a water drainage outlet of a water dispensing unit, the control program having a software control module for reading signals from water inlet flow rate measuring means and a software control module for controlling the pump on the water drainage outlet based on the signals read from the water inlet flow rate measuring means.
  • Ideally, the pump software control module controls a voltage applied to an electric motor of the pump. Ideally, the software control module for controlling a voltage applied to the pump motor sets the rate of the pump so that the water inlet flow rate of the water dispensing unit and the water outlet flow rate of the pump are substantially equal.
  • Ideally, the control program comprises a start-up software control module reading values from timers of the microcontroller and comparing them to a pre-set start-up volume of inlet water prior to initiating the pump. Advantageously, the start-up volume of inlet water is stored in the memory of the microcontroller and is adjustable via a user configuration interface.
  • Preferably, the control program has a compensating software control module executing on the microcontroller for reading values from the A/D converter and for determining exception values outside an accepted envelope of values and in response to identification of exception values modifying the pulse width modulated signal being applied to the pump motor to compensate for the exception values.
  • The control program has a pump shutdown software control module for gradually ramping the pump motor speed down via the PWM signal when the water inlet flow stops and monitoring the load current on the pump for shutting the pump down when the load current falls below a predetermined threshold value.
  • Ideally, the control program has a pump reactivating software control module which has means for identifying a pump shut down condition, means for counting a predetermined period of time and means for initiating the voltage control means to run the pump for a short duration of time.
  • The present invention further provides a water dispensing unit having a water supply means and a water retaining means having a water drainage outlet and a pump on the water drainage outlet, the water dispensing unit having a system for controlling the rate of the pump on the water drainage outlet of the water dispensing unit, the system comprising means for measuring the water inlet flow rate of the water supply means to the water dispensing unit and means for controlling the pump on the water drainage outlet based on the measured water inlet flow rate.
  • Preferably, the pump control means has a means for controlling a voltage applied to an electric motor of the pump.
  • Ideally, the means for controlling the voltage applied to the pump motor of the pump sets a pump rate which substantially equalises the water inlet flow rate of the water supply means and the water outlet flow rate of the pump.
  • Ideally, the water dispensing unit is a shower unit, the water supply means is a shower head supplied with water and the water retaining means is a shower tray.
  • The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show by way of example only, two embodiments of a system for controlling the rate of a pump on a shower drainage outlet. In the drawings:-
    • Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of a system for controlling the rate of a pump on the drainage outlet of an electric shower unit;
    • Fig. 2 is a schematic drawing of a system for controlling the rate of a pump on the drainage outlet of a shower unit with two water inlet supplies and a mixing valve; and
    • Fig. 3 is a schematic drawing of a microcontroller and peripheral devices.
  • Referring to the drawings, there is shown a control system and shower apparatus indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for controlling the rate of a pump 2 on a shower drainage outlet 3 having one flow sensor 4, see Fig. 1, or two flow sensors 5, 6, see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in communication with a microcontroller 7. The microcontroller 7 has a pulse width modulator 9 for applying a pulse width modulated signal 11 to the motor of the pump 2 via a MOSFET (not shown). The flow sensors 4, 5, 6 are coupled to the microcontroller 7 which has a control program running thereon. The speed of the pump 2 is controlled to obtain a pump rate which is substantially equal to the water inlet flow rate measured by the flow sensor 4 or flow sensors 5, 6.
  • The mains electricity supply is coupled to the microcontroller 7 via a transformer 22 which steps the mains voltage down to 24V. The 24V supply is full wave rectified and smoothed using a smoothing capacitor. The smoothing capacitor is preferably a 6600µF reservoir capacitor. In Fig. 1, the water inlet 28 flows into the electric shower unit 24 which also has a mains electricity supply 25 for powering a heating element. A shower head 26 is located above a shower tray 27 which is possibly in a boat or located level with ground level to allow wheelchair occupants to roll straight on. The outlet pipe 3 of the shower tray 27 has the pump 2 in fluid communication therewith.
  • In Fig. 2, the control system and shower apparatus 1 is identical to the control system and shower apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1 except that the shower has a flow sensor 5, 6 located on both the hot and cold inlets 31, 32 which are fed into a mixing unit 33. The flow sensors 5, 6 are both connected to the microcontroller 7.
  • Referring now to Fig. 3, the microcontroller 7 has an analogue to digital A/D converter 41. The flow sensors 5, 6 are turbine flow sensors which convert the water inlet flow into digital signals 35, 36 which are transferred to timers 13 on the microcontroller 7 which compute values for water inlet flow rates. The microcontroller 7 also has an RS232 interface 38 which enables developers/engineers to view data from the microcontroller 7 using another computer such as a laptop 39. The laptop 39 has a Visual Basic ® diagnostic interface program loaded thereon for the purposes of in-house testing. The microcontroller 7 also has system memory 41 such as Flash, EEPROM and SRAM and general purpose I/O lines 42 which are connected to a parameter setup and configuration interface 43.
  • The configuration interface 43 allows the operator to restore default operating settings on the microcontroller 7. The configuration interface 43 allows the operator to manually set an overall inlet flow rate v pump speed profile at the installation phase. In order to set the overall inlet flow rate versus pump speed profile the installer selects a water inlet flow rate and maintains a watch on the level of the pool of water in the shower tray 27. The installer can increase or decrease the speed of the pump 2 until the level of the water in the shower tray remains constant. This calibration information is then stored within the control systems non-volatile memory 41 and the calibration is only required at a single point using a typical inlet water flow rate.
  • The configuration interface 43 also allows the operator to manually adjust a non-linear section of the overall water inlet rate v pump speed profile. As part of the installation process, an installer adjusts the flow rate of the shower unit across its full range and observes the pool of water in the shower tray 27. This highlights flow rates at which the pumping rate needs adjustment. If a particular flow rate shows a need for adjustment, the installer adjusts the speed of the pump 2 at that flow rate and the control program linearly interpolates new pump speed values for a variable band either side of the adjusted speed.
  • The configuration interface 43 also allows the operator to set a start-up delay until a predetermined volume of water has entered the shower tray 27.
  • In use, a person enters the shower and turns on the shower unit by switching on the electric shower unit or turning the mixing valve of a non-electric shower unit to an on position. The control program executing continuously on the microcontroller 7 identifies an input signal from the flow sensors 4 or 5 and 6 when the shower is turned on. The start-up software control module is called which compares values of volume of water delivered into the shower measured by timers 13 against a predetermined start-up volume of water stored in the memory of the microcontroller 7. When the timers 13 measure a volume of water equal to the start-up volume of water stored in the memory, the voltage control means software control module (VCMSCM) for the pump motor is called and executes on the microcontroller 7 generating a pulse width modulated duty cycle control signal which applies a voltage to the pump motor via a MOSFET. The pulse width modulated duty cycle control signal depends on the water inlet flow rate which is also calculated by the timers 13 which convert the digital signal of the flow sensors 4 or 5 and 6 into a water inlet flow rate. The water inlet flow rate recorded by the timers 13 is compared by the VCMSCM to a default table of pulse width modulated duty cycle versus inlet flow rate and the VCMSCM selects the PWM duty cycle associated with the measured water inlet flow rate. The water inlet flow rate is continuously monitored in real time and any adjustments are made as and when required by the VCMSCM to maintain the balance between water in and water out of the shower unit.
  • As the person continues to shower, the values of the signals generated by the A/D converter 41 are monitored by the mains voltage compensating software control module executing on the microcontroller 7. These values are monitored in order to identify any variation in the AC mains input voltage. The compensating software control module monitors values recorded by the A/D converter 41 and compares them against pre-recorded values stored on the memory of the microcontroller 7 to identify exception values which fall outside an envelope of acceptable values. In the event of such exception values, the compensating software control module modifies the PWM signal being applied to the pump motor to compensate for the variation in the mains voltage. Otherwise, the transformer output is unregulated and the percentage variation in the mains voltage would be mirrored in the transformer's output voltage which affects the pump motor speed by the same amount.
  • When the person turns the shower off, the control program executes a pump shutdown software control module which gradually ramps the pump motor speed down via the PWM signal when the water inlet flow stops as identified by the flow sensors 4 or 5 and 6. The pump shutdown software control module also monitors the load current on the pump 2 and compares this value to a predetermined threshold value stored in the memory of the microcontroller 7. The pump shutdown software control module shuts the pump 2 down when the load current equals or is less that the predetermined threshold current value. The control program has a pump reactivating software control module for briefly reactivating the pump a number of minutes, for example ten minutes after the pump 2 is switched off in response to the water inlet flow stopping. This removes any runoff water from shower curtains and the like. The pump 2 is reactivated for a short period of time in the range of 10 to 45 seconds.
  • Variations and other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined in th appended claims.

Claims (14)

  1. A shower apparatus (1) having a shower tray (27) with a waste water drainage outlet (3) therein to be connected by piping to a water point, a pump (2) disposed within said piping, a shower head (26) positioned above the shower tray (27) and to be integrated into an inlet water supply and a system for controlling the flow rate of the pump (2), the system comprising means for measuring the water inlet flow rate of the inlet supply water, means (7) for controlling the rate of the pump (2) comprising means for controlling a power signal to an electric motor for the pump (23) to set a pump rate which substantially equalises the water inlet flow rate through the shower head and the water outlet flow rate of the pump (2); wherein the means for controlling the power signal to the electric motor is a micro controller (7) with a control program running thereon, and wherein the control program has a pump shutdown software control module for gradually ramping the pump motor speed down via a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal when the water inlet flow stops and monitoring the load current on the electric motor of the pump (2) for shutting the pump (2) down when the load current falls below a predetermined threshold value.
  2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for measuring the water inlet flow rate comprises at least one flow sensor (4, 5, 6) in communication with the inlet water supply.
  3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the control program monitors signals received from the at least one flow sensor (4, 5, 6) and generates a pulse width modulated control signal to be applied to the pump motor based on these flow sensor signals.
  4. An apparatus as claimed in Claims 2 to 3, wherein the microcontroller (7) has a user configuration interface (43).
  5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the microcontroller (7) has a memory (41) and an A/D converter (141) and the microcontroller (7) stores a table of acceptable values for an A/D converter (141) in the memory (41).
  6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system has means for delaying the start-up of the pump (2) until a predetermined volume of inlet water has passed the inlet water measuring means.
  7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system has means for compensating for variation in AC mains input voltage.
  8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the compensating means monitors values from the analogue to digital converter (141) of the microcontroller (7).
  9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system has means for shutting down the pump (2) in response to measuring a threshold pump operating current value.
  10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pump operating current shutdown threshold value is stored in the memory (41) of the microcontroller (7).
  11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system has means for briefly reactivating the pump (2) a number of minutes after the pump (2) is switched off in response to the water inlet flow stopping.
  12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 11, wherein the control program executable on the microcontroller (7) for controlling the rate of a pump (2) on a water drainage outlet (3) has a software control module for reading signals from water inlet flow rate measuring means and a software control module for controlling the pump (2) on the water drainage outlet (3) based on the signals read from the water inlet flow rate measuring means.
  13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 5 or 12, wherein the control program has a compensating software control module executing on the microcontroller (7) for reading values from the A/D converter (141) and for determining exception values outside an accepted envelope of values and in response to identification of exception values modifying the pulse width modulated signal being applied to the pump motor to compensate for the exception values.
  14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control program has a pump reactivating software control module which has means for identifying a pump shut down condition, means for counting a predetermined period of time and means for initiating the voltage controls means to run the pump (2) for a short duration of time.
EP06742834.2A 2005-05-06 2006-05-08 A system for controlling the rate of a pump on a water drainage outlet of a water dispensing unit Active EP1877665B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0509258.0A GB0509258D0 (en) 2005-05-06 2005-05-06 A system for controlling the rate of a pump on a water drainage outlet of a water dispensing unit
PCT/EP2006/004290 WO2006119951A1 (en) 2005-05-06 2006-05-08 A system for controlling the rate of a pump on a water drainage outlet of a water dispensing unit

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1877665A1 EP1877665A1 (en) 2008-01-16
EP1877665B1 true EP1877665B1 (en) 2013-11-06

Family

ID=34685176

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06742834.2A Active EP1877665B1 (en) 2005-05-06 2006-05-08 A system for controlling the rate of a pump on a water drainage outlet of a water dispensing unit

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1877665B1 (en)
GB (2) GB0509258D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2006119951A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2436877A (en) * 2006-04-07 2007-10-10 Dlp Ltd Improvements in and relating to electric showers
GB0607040D0 (en) 2006-04-07 2006-05-17 Dlp Ltd Improvements in and relating to electric showers
GB2446370A (en) * 2007-02-07 2008-08-13 Dlp Ltd Shower waste pump and supply control
GB2447654B (en) 2007-03-17 2011-09-14 Dlp Ltd Pumped shower draining device
GB2447893A (en) * 2007-03-24 2008-10-01 Dlp Ltd Shower flow simulator
GB2466507B (en) 2008-12-24 2012-03-28 Dlp Ltd Pumped shower draining device
EP2501866A1 (en) * 2009-11-17 2012-09-26 DLP Limited Improvements in or relating to control of shower apparatus
GB2478290A (en) * 2010-03-01 2011-09-07 Antoni Harold Nikolas Gontar Flow sensor for wirelessly controlling a shower pump or shower waste water pump
GB201020421D0 (en) * 2010-12-02 2011-01-19 Munster Simms Eng Ltd Shower pump system with diagnostic capabilities
DE102021110938A1 (en) 2021-04-28 2022-11-03 GANG-WAY GmbH Gesundheitszentrum und Fachbetrieb für barrierefreies Wohnen Method for controlling a pump, control device, shower arrangement and storage medium

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH05141831A (en) * 1991-11-15 1993-06-08 Nec Corp Structure of controlling liquid coolant circulation volume
GB9305876D0 (en) * 1993-03-22 1993-05-12 Gontar Antoni H N Drain unit
GB2355653B (en) * 1999-08-27 2004-03-31 Macro Marine Ltd Improvements in shower installations

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1877665A1 (en) 2008-01-16
GB2440295A (en) 2008-01-23
GB0721411D0 (en) 2007-12-12
WO2006119951A1 (en) 2006-11-16
GB2440295B (en) 2010-11-24
GB0509258D0 (en) 2005-06-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1877665B1 (en) A system for controlling the rate of a pump on a water drainage outlet of a water dispensing unit
RU2455575C1 (en) Control method of hot water temperature in hot water supply system at low water flow rate
RU2621932C2 (en) Hot water supplying device and method of hot water supply
US20220341202A1 (en) Swimming Pool Pressure and Flow Control Pumping and Water Distribution Systems and Methods
US11018610B2 (en) Motor drive system and method
RU2702827C2 (en) Device and method of pump control
US9719241B2 (en) Method for operating a wastewater pumping station
WO2013130701A1 (en) Hot water service monitoring
CA1313558C (en) Method of setting the output of a pump
KR101602644B1 (en) Instantaneous heated water supplying apparatus for purifying apparatus
RU2615086C2 (en) Hot water supplying device and method for hot water supply
US11401938B2 (en) Motor drive system and method
JP4219613B2 (en) Variable speed water supply device
JP4077277B2 (en) Variable speed water supply device
KR100217254B1 (en) The control method of leakage prevention in a supply pressure system
KR102203593B1 (en) Control device and method of hot water heater output built in instantaneous hot water module of bidet
CN108291551B (en) Pump device, industrial water system, operation method of industrial water system and self-learning method of delivery pump
JP2007187067A (en) Water supply device for automatically adjusting pump stop rotating speed
CN114376411B (en) Control method and device for water treatment device, storage medium and water treatment device
RU2284394C2 (en) Water-supply system control method
HUE030006T2 (en) Controlling under surface heating/cooling
JP4205409B2 (en) Pump operation control method and operation control apparatus
JPH0639305Y2 (en) Water level detector in bathtub
JP2995987B2 (en) Hot water mixing equipment
JP2006207421A (en) Water supply system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20071109

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
TPAC Observations filed by third parties

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNTIPA

TPAC Observations filed by third parties

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNTIPA

TPAC Observations filed by third parties

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNTIPA

TPAC Observations filed by third parties

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNTIPA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20110325

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20130620

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 639684

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20131215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602006039130

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140102

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20131106

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 639684

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20131106

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140306

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140306

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602006039130

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20140807

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602006039130

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140807

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140508

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140531

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140508

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 11

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140207

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20060508

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20131106

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 12

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 13

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230330

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240529

Year of fee payment: 19

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240520

Year of fee payment: 19

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240524

Year of fee payment: 19