EP3114352A1

EP3114352A1 - Pump apparatus for water management

Info

Publication number: EP3114352A1
Application number: EP14709908.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johannes Gungl; Florian SOOR; Horst SCHNÜRLE; Thomas Sauter; Ralf KOZIOLLEK
Original assignee: Husqvarna AB
Current assignee: Husqvarna AB
Priority date: 2014-03-05
Filing date: 2014-03-05
Publication date: 2017-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 2034-03-05
Also published as: WO2015131939A1; CN106062373A; CN106062373B; EP3114352B1

Abstract

A pump apparatus (100, 500) for water management includes an inlet (106, 507), an outlet (116, 509), and a pump housing (102, 502) defining a pressure chamber (104, 504). The pressure chamber (104, 504) is in fluid communication with the inlet (106, 507) and the outlet (116, 509). A user interface (130, 508) associated with the pump apparatus (100, 500) includes a display unit (132, 510) to display an error message associated with one or more operational parameter of the pump apparatus, and input means (134, 512) to receive a user input. The display unit being configured to display at least one error remedy instruction. The input means (134, 512) allow a user to select at least one error remedy instruction.

Description

PUMP APPARATUS FOR WATER MANAGEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a pump apparatus for water management and more particularly to a method and system for providing an error remedy instruction associated with the pump apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Pump apparatus, such as, electric pressure pumps, pressure tank units, or fuel-powered pressure pumps are generally used for various types of water management applications including gardening, agriculture, industrial or domestic water supply. Typically, any error that occurs during the initial set-up or during the operation of the pump apparatus may often require a user to refer an instruction or maintenance manual or guidebook to check for an error remedy instruction. Sometimes, the pump apparatus may include a user interface to display an error message associated with one or more operational parameters of the pump apparatus. This allows the user to look at the error message and check for the remedy instruction in the instruction manual accordingly. Moreover, the instruction manual may include contact information of a service center to either call or e-mail them with the details of the error message.

Finding information in the instruction manual and, in a way, communicating with the service center is an extended task and may also involve a misinterpretation of the displayed error message which may further delay the resolution of the error. Further, the based on the geographical location for the installation of the pump apparatus, reachability and printed language of the instruction manual may further devalue this approach. Among all the things, the user has to store and manage the instruction manuals to readily recover and browse through a multitude of pages to locate the remedy instruction. Moreover, in the due course of the resolution of the error, the user may require to either switch OFF the pump apparatus or at least temporarily halt the operation. This may cause the displayed error message on the control display to be lost and can not be recovered again.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing, there is a need for an improved method and system for providing an error remedy instruction associated with a pump apparatus.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the problems discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved according to a pump apparatus for water management and a method of operating the pump apparatus. The pump apparatus includes an inlet, an outlet, and a pump housing defining a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet of the pump apparatus. A user interface associated with the pump apparatus includes a display unit to display an error message associated with one or more operational parameter of the pump apparatus, and input means to receive a user input to display at least one error remedy instruction. Further, the input means allows a user to select the error remedy instruction. The error remedy instruction displayed on the display unit provides an efficient and hassle-free way for finding error remedy instruction as compared to the looking for information in a printed instruction manual or other type of printed material having a multitude of pages. In an embodiment, the user interface is disposed on the pump housing of the pump apparatus. In an alternative embodiment, the user interface is a remote device linked to the pump apparatus via a communication link.

According to an embodiment, the pump apparatus includes a diagnostic unit operatively connected to one or more sensors, the display unit and the input means. The sensors are configured to monitor the one or more operational parameters of the pump apparatus and provide signals to the diagnostic unit. Based on the received signals, the diagnostic unit identifies a fault and executes an error mode to stop an operation of the pump apparatus. During the error mode the error message is displayed on the display unit. Further, based on the user inputs, the diagnostic unit executes an error remedy mode to display the error remedy instruction on the display unit. The user interface is preprogramed to provide most appropriate remedy instruction based on the error message and avoids any sort of misinterpretation of the fault. The error message and the error remedy instruction may be displayed in a preferred language as selected by the user during the initial set up based on geographical and/or individual preference. This also avoids any kind of misinterpretation of the error message and/or the error remedy instruction by the user. Furthermore, based on the user input the diagnostic unit may selectively execute a reset mode to exit from the error mode.

According to an embodiment, the diagnostic unit includes a memory to set a first error status flag and a second error status flag in active states. The memory is configured to set the first error status flag and the second error status flag in the active states upon activation of the error remedy mode and the error mode, respectively. Further, when the first error status flag and the second error status flag are in the active states, the diagnostic unit continuously executes the error remedy mode and the error mode, respectively. Thus, following a maintenance operation on the pump apparatus, once the user switch ON the pump apparatus, the pump apparatus starts in the error mode or the error remedy mode. This allows the user to confirm action items performed, during the maintenance operation or in case the fault is not resolved, the user can select other instructions directed towards the resolution of the fault using the input means. The memory is configured to set the first error status flag and the second error status flag to inactive states during the execution of the reset mode. Moreover, the diagnostic unit may also execute an error signalling mode when the fault is identified to provide an audio or visual warning signal to the user during the fault. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pump apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a user interface of the pump apparatus during an error mode;

FIG. 2B illustrates the user interface of the pump apparatus during an error remedy mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the pump apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for executing the error remedy mode in the pump apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a pump apparatus, according to another embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pump apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pump apparatus 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , is embodied as an electric pressure pump for water management, in particular for use in house, garden and/or industrial application. In various other embodiments, the pump apparatus may be include other pump assemblies, such as submersible pumps, garden pumps, fountain pumps, pressure tank units or the like. Alternatively, the pump apparatus may include fuel powered garden pumps used for rain-water management, domestic water supply, or waste-water.

The pump apparatus 100 includes a pump housing 102 made of an impact-resistant plastic or metal, such as stainless steel. The pump housing 102 defines a pressure chamber 104. The pressure chamber 104 may house an electric motor driven impeller (not shown) disposed on a pump shaft, and also may be air-cooled. The pump housing 102 also defines a motor chamber 105 to house the electric motor which is mechanically coupled to the pump shaft and configured to rotate the impeller.

The pump apparatus 100 includes at least one inlet 106 arranged in fluid communication with the pressure chamber 104 for the intake of a fluid (e.g. water or rain-water or waste-water). The inlet 106 is provided with an externally threaded inlet connection port 108 to connect with a suction hose via a hose connector and/or via a pre-filter. Further, a replaceable pump filter unit 1 10 is provided with the inlet 106 to define a filling port 112 through which, for example, the fluid into the pressure chamber 104 can be filled. The filling port 112 is generally closed a first sealing cap 114.

The pump apparatus 100 further includes an outlet 116. The outlet 116 is also arranged in fluid communication with the pressure chamber 104 via a pressure fluid line 118. A check valve unit 120 may be disposed on the pressure fluid line 1 18. The check valve unit 120 is configured to prevent the fluid from draining back from the pump apparatus 100 into the suction or supply hose. Additionally, the check valve unit 120 may be used to supply the fluid at a pre-set pressure. In an embodiment, the check valve unit 120 may include a control member, such as a knob, for manual opening of the check valve unit 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 116 may include first and second outlet connection ports 122a, 122b to allow a user to use either one or both of the outlet connection ports 122a and 122b. In an embodiment, the first outlet connection port 122a may be swivelling type to further customize the connection according to the user's individual requirements. Alternatively, when not in use the first outlet connection port 122a may be closed by a second sealing cap 124. It will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that, a discharge hose may be connected to the outlet 116, at the first and second outlet connection ports 122a and/or 122b, via a hose connector.

Further, the pump apparatus 100 may include a handle 126 connected to the pump housing 102 and can be used for carrying the pump apparatus 100 around. Moreover, the pump apparatus 100 may include a drainage port 128 along with a drain screw 129 to empty the pump apparatus 100 during storage, transportation or a maintenance operation.

The pump apparatus 100 includes a user interface 130 associated with the pump apparatus 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 130 is deposed on the pump housing 102 and provides an access to the user to achieve effective control and operation of the pump apparatus 100. Further, the user interface 130 may provide a feedback associated with the various operational parameters of the pump apparatus 100, which aids the user in making operational decisions. Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the user interface 130 may be provided as a remote device linked to the pump apparatus 100 via a communication link. In an exemplary embodiment, a remotely located user interface and can be accessed using a computer system, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal display assistant (PDA), a tablet or the like and configured to communicate with the pump apparatus 100 over a wired or a wireless network.

The user interface 130 includes a display unit 132 and a plurality of input means 134 which are configured to receive one or more user inputs. In an embodiment, the display unit 132 may be an electronic control display, including, but not limited to, Light-Emitting Diode (LED), Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD), and/or Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), or the like. Further, the display unit 132 may include a backlight, reflector, or any other form of illumination source. In an embodiment, the input means 134 may include a membrane keypad 136 associated with the display unit 132. The membrane keypad 136 includes pressure pads each having an outline and a symbol printed on a flat, flexible surface. Alternatively, the input means 134 may be embodied as a display keyboard/keypad, a set of soft keys, dials or switches which are programmable to execute a number of functions rather than being associated with a fixed set of functions.

In an embodiment, a manually operated power switch 137 for turning ON and OFF of the pump apparatus 100 is provided with the user interface 130. While the power switch 137 is in an OFF position (as shown in FIG. 1 ), the user interface 130 is inactive. During a normal mode of operation of the pump apparatus 100, the power switch 137 is in an ON position and the display unit 132 is configured to display one or more operational parameters of the pump apparatus 100, including, but not limited to, power ON status, pump ON status, throughput or a pressure range (min/max), frost indication (at low operating temperature), or an indication of the mode of operation (automatic/manual). In an event of a fault in the pump apparatus 100 an error mode is executed and the display unit 132 is configured an error message associated with the one or more operational parameters of the pump apparatus 100. In an embodiment, the error message may include one or more set of predefined codes, may be in a shortened form, but primarily, indicative of an error information associated with the one or more operational parameters of the pump apparatus 100. In an embodiment, the error message may include for example, but not limited to, a letter, a word, a phrase, a symbol, a pattern using the symbols, a gesture, or a combination of these. Moreover, the user interface 130 may include one or more audio or visual indication means to provide a warning signal while displaying the error message on the display unit 132.

In an exemplary embodiment, the error information indicated by the error message may include, for example, but not limited to, power failure/interruption, thermal overload, direct sunlight/increase in the display temperature, fluid suction failure, reduction in throughput at the outlet, reduction in throughput at the inlet, and the like. In another exemplary embodiment, a more detailed or specific error information may be indicated by the error message, which may include, for example, but not limited to, leak on at the inlet, suction hose is no longer in the fluid, the fluid reservoir (e.g. water storage tanks) is empty, pump filter unit is blocked, leak on at the outlet, throughput is less than a pre-defined threshold, and the like. Further, in an embodiment, during the error mode the pump apparatus 100 may be switched ON for a pre-determined time of the error message without the pump apparatus 100 being switched OFF by an electronic control system.

According to embodiment of the present invention, based on an input received from the user using the input means 134 an error remedy mode is executed. During the error remedy mode, the display unit 132 is configured to display an error remedy instruction based on the error message. Moreover, the display unit 132 is configured to display more than one error remedy instruction and allow the user to review and select the at least one error remedy instruction using the input means 134. According to an exemplary embodiment, details of the user interface 130 during the error mode and the error remedy mode are illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively.

In the exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2A, during an error mode E the error message as displayed on an error page 200 on the display unit 132 may include an error code for example, "ERROR #N" and error phrases to provide an indication of the error information to the user. Herein, N as displayed during the error code may be 0, 1 , 2 or the like represents a page and/or error index and will accordingly change as the user browse from one error page to another. In the illustrated embodiment, the error information is pertaining to the fluid suction failure is displayed and the error message may read the following:

ERROR # N

-- LEAK ON THE INLET SIDE

-- SUCTION HOSE IS NO LONGER I N FLU ID

-- SUCTION FILTER BLOCKED,

and other possible reasons directed towards the fluid suction failure, such as:

-- FLU ID RESERVOI R IS EMPTY,

which may be provided down the list on the error page 200. In an embodiment, the membrane keypad 136 may include pressure pads 138a, 138b, and 138c which may be used to browse through and/or select the error message. As illustrated the pressure pads 138a and 138c are arrow keys configured to move on a previous error page (e.g. ERROR # N-1 ) or execute an error remedy mode R, respectively, when pressed by a finger by the user. The error remedy mode R according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2B.

Referring to FIG. 2B, during the error remedy mode R the error remedy instruction as displayed on an error remedy page 202 on the display unit 132. The error remedy page 202 may include an instruction or a set of instructions, for example, a remedy phrase to provide an action item for the user to resolve the fault. In the illustrated embodiment, the action item for the user pertaining to the error information, for example, the leak on the inlet side, is displayed and the error remedy instruction may read the following :

-- CHECK ALL SUCTION HOSE CONNECTIONS, and other instructions directed towards the resolution of the fluid suction failure, such as:

-- SUBMERGE SUCTION HOSE IN THE FLUID -- CLEAN SUCTION FILTER,

may be provided on the error remedy page 202, which can be viewed by using the pressure pads 138a and 138c.

In another embodiment, the error information is pertaining to the power failure/interruption is displayed on the error page 200 and the error message may read the following:

ERROR # N+1

-- POWER FAILURE,

or other possible reasons directed towards the power failure/interruption. In this case, the action item for the user pertaining to the error information, for example, power failure, is displayed on the error remedy page 202 and the error remedy instruction may read the following:

- CHECK FUSES AND ELECTRIC CABLES

- CONTACT SERVICE CENTER

and the error remedy instruction may also include contact information, such as contact number or e-mail address of the service center.

The error remedy instruction displayed on the error remedy page

202 provides an efficient and hassle-free way for finding remedy instruction as compared to the looking for information in a printed instruction manual or other type of printed material. This way, the user doesn't have to manage or remember the multitude of pages in the instruction manual. Moreover, the user interface 130 is pre-programed to provide most appropriate remedy instruction based on the selected error message on the error page 200 and this avoids any sort of misinterpretation of the displayed error message which can otherwise delays the resolution of the error and even deteriorates or damage the pump apparatus 100.

Based on the action item pertaining to the error information displayed on the error remedy page 202 the user may switch OFF the pump apparatus 100 and perform a maintenance operation. During the maintenance operation the power switch 137 is kept in the OFF position and the user interface 130 is inactive and no information is displayed on the display unit 132. In an embodiment, during the maintenance operation a manufacturer's logo or product brand may be displayed on the display unit 132.

Following the maintenance operation on the pump apparatus 100, once the user switch ON the pump apparatus 100 using the power switch 137, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pump apparatus 100 starts in the error remedy mode and the display unit 132 displays the error remedy page 202. This allows the user to confirm the action item performed, during the maintenance operation and press the pressure pad 138b (as shown in FIG. 2B) and executes a reset mode to exit the error remedy mode R and/or the error mode E and reset the display unit 132 to display the normal mode of operation of the pump apparatus 100. Alternatively, in case the user identify the fault associated with the operational parameters of the pump apparatus 100 is not resolved, the user can select other instructions directed towards the resolution of the fault using the pressure pads 138a and 138c.

Moreover, during an initial set of the pump apparatus 1 00 the user interface 1 30 may allow the user to select a preferred language to display the error information and remedy instructions based on the geographical location of the installation and/or the user's individual preference. This helps the user to knowledgeably make selection and follow the other instructions displayed on the display unit 1 32. This also avoids any kind of misinterpretation of the error information and remedy instructions by the user.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the pump apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the pump apparatus 100 may include a diagnostic unit 300 embodied as a programmable control module 302 (e.g. an Electronic Control Unit) which is operatively connected to a plurality of sensors, such as sensors 304a, 304b, and 304c. The sensors 304a, 304b, and 304c are configured to monitor the one or more operational parameters of the pump apparatus 100. The control module 302 is also operatively connected to the display unit 132 and the input means 134 of the user interface 130. The control module 302 may include a processor 306 operably associated with other electronic components such as, a storage device or memory 308, a sensor interface 310, a control signal interface 312 and/or various communication channels, such as communication channels 314a, 314b, and 314c for receiving and transmitting signals.

The processor 306 may be one or more general purpose processing units and or special purpose units (for example, ASICs, FPGAs, etc.) and represent one or more logic and/or processing units used by the user interface 130 to perform certain communications, control, and/or diagnostic functions. For example, the processor 306 may be adapted to determine and provide the operational parameters information of the pump apparatus 100. Further, the processor 306 may be adapted to execute a set of programs or instructions, including from the memory 308. In an exemplary embodiment, functionality of the processor 306 may be embodied within an integrated microprocessor or microcontroller, including integrated CPU, memory, and one or more peripherals.

The memory 308 may represent one or more known systems capable of storing information, including, but not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), magnetic and optical storage devices, disks, programmable, erasable components such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.), and non-volatile memory such as flash memory. In an embodiment, the memory 308 may include a set of module maps or data structure to store the pre-programmed error codes, error messages and error remedy instructions.

The sensors 304a, 304b, and 304c may include one or more sensors for detecting the operational parameters of the pump apparatus 100 for example, but not limited to, inlet pressure sensor, outlet pressure sensors, flow sensors, or the like. The sensors 304a, 304b, and 304c may be Hall-Effect sensor, piezoelectric sensor, strain gauge, or the like. The diagnostic unit 300 is configured to receive voltage or current signals indicative of the operational parameters of the pump apparatus 100 from the sensors 304a, 304b, and 304c via the sensor interface 310. Based on the received signals, the memory 308 may be operable on the processor 306 to identify the fault associated with the operational parameters of the pump apparatus 100 and subsequently execute the error mode, such as the error mode E, to stops an operation of the pump apparatus 100.

Further, during the error mode, the processor 306 is configured to generate one or more control signals and transmit the control signals via the control signal interface 312 to display the error message on the display unit 132. According to an embodiment of the present invention, based on the user input via the input means 134, the diagnostic unit 300 is configured to execute the error remedy mode, such as the error remedy mode R to display the error remedy instructions on the display unit 132. During the error remedy mode, the processor 306 is configured to generate one or more control signals and transmit the control signals via the control signal interface 312 to display the error remedy instructions on the display unit 132. In an exemplary embodiment, the control signals are transmitted to the user interface 130 using the communication channels 314a, 314b, and 314c. However, in an alternative embodiment, the control signals may be wirelessly transmitted to the user interface 130 over a communication network such as Wi-Fi, cellular or satellite communication network.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the diagnostic unit 300 may include a first error status flag F1 and a second error status flag F2 stored in the memory 308. While executing the error remedy mode using the input means 134, the memory 308 is configured to set the first error status flag F1 in an active state to continuously execute the error remedy mode, such as the error remedy mode R. Further, while executing the error mode, the memory 308 is configured to set the second error status flag F2 in an active state to continuously execute the error mode, such as the error mode E. Moreover, based on the user input to execute the reset mode, the memory 308 configured to set the first and second error status flag F1 , F2 to an inactive state. In the exemplary embodiment disclosed above, the pressure pad 138b is pressed to execute the reset mode. In an alternative embodiment, the reset mode is executed by switching ON and OFF the pump apparatus 100.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 400 for executing an error remedy mode, such as the error remedy mode R, in the pump apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. At step 402 of the method 400, a fault in the pump apparatus 100 is identified by the diagnostic unit 300 and an error mode, such as the error mode E is executed. This also stops all the subroutines associated with the pump apparatus 100. However, the user interface 130 and the display unit 132 may be switched ON for the pre-determined time of the fault. In an exemplary embodiment, the pre-determined time may be in a range of about 2 minutes to 1 0 minutes. In an embodiment, the diagnostic unit 300 may also execute an error signalling mode such that the one or more audio or visual indication means associated with the user interface 130 may provide the warning signal to the user during the error mode E.

Following step 402, at step 404, based on the input provided by the user using the input means 134 the diagnostic unit 300 may execute an error remedy mode, such as the error remedy mode R. If the error remedy mode R is not executed by the user (Step 404: NO), at step 406 an error code such as "ERROR #N" is displayed on the display unit 132 by the diagnostic unit 300. Further, following step 406 after the pre- determined time the pump apparatus 100 is switched OFF by the diagnostic unit 300. According to an embodiment of the present invention, if the error remedy mode R is executed by the user (Step 404: YES) (or automatically executed by the pump apparatus 100 itself when the first error status flag F1 is in active state), at the following step 408 the diagnostic unit 300 is configured to recall and display a last saved error page, such as the error page 200, or a last saved error remedy page, such as the error page remedy 202, on the display unit 132. As described above, the error message displayed on the error page 200 may be indicative of error information associated with the one or more operational parameters of the pump apparatus 100 and the remedy instruction displayed on the error remedy page 202 may be indicative of an action item to resolve the fault in the pump apparatus 100. Based on the error information and/or the action item the user may execute the reset mode by the diagnostic unit 300 at step 410. If the reset mode is executed by the user (Step 410: YES), the memory 308 of the diagnostic unit 300 may reset the display unit 132 and allow the user to start the pump apparatus 100 following the maintenance operation at step 412. In an embodiment the reset mode may be executed by pressing the pressure switch 138b of the membrane keypad 136.

In an embodiment, if the reset mode is not executed by the user

(Step 410: NO), and the based on the inputs from the user the display unit 132 may display a previous page or a next page by pressing the pressure pads 138a and 138c, respectively. At step 414, the diagnostic unit 300 may detect an input from the input means 134 to move to the previous page on the display unit 132. In an exemplary embodiment, the diagnostic unit 300 may detects if the pressure pad 138a is pressed to move to the previous page on the display unit 132. If the input to move to the previous page is detected by the diagnostic unit 300 (Step 414: YES), the diagnostic unit 300 may check if a current page index is greater than a starting page index at step 416. If the current page index is greater than the starting page index (step 416: YES), the display unit 132 displays the previous page and/or a starting page based on the current page index, at step 418. However, if the current page index is equal to the starting page index (step 416: NO), the display unit 132 continues with the display of the starting page, at step 420. Moreover, at step 418 the memory 308 may save the newly displayed page and set the first error status flag F1 and/or the second error status flag F2 in an active state to continuously execute the error mode or the error remedy mode.

According to an embodiment, if the input to move to the previous page is not detected by the diagnostic unit 300 (Step 414: NO), at step 422 the diagnostic unit 300 may detect an input from the input means 134 to move to the next page on the display unit 132. In an exemplary embodiment, the diagnostic unit 300 may detects if the pressure pad 138c is pressed to move to the next page on the display unit 132. If the input to move to the previous page is detected by the diagnostic unit 300 (Step 422: YES), the diagnostic unit 300 may check if the current page index is less than a last page index at step 424. If the current page index is less than the last page index (step 424: YES), the display unit 132 displays the next page and/or a last page based on the current page index, at step 426. However, if the current page index is equal to the last page index (step 424: NO), the display unit 132 continues with the display of the last page, at step 428. Moreover, at step 426 the memory 308 may save the newly displayed page and set the first error status flag F1 and/or the second error status flag F2 in an active state to continuously execute the error mode or the error remedy mode.

FIG. 5 illustrates a pump apparatus 500 embodied as a pressure tank unit, according to another embodiment of the invention. The pump apparatus 500 may be constructed of a plurality of functional units that are coordinated such that a spatially compact, and easy to install and functional configuration can be achieved. The pump apparatus 500 includes a drive motor and a pump impeller disposed in the housing 502. Further, a pressure chamber 504 and a pressure switch 506 are provided and hydraulically and/or electrically connected together with the drive motor and the pump impeller. An inlet 507 and an outlet 509 are in fluid communication with the pressure chamber 504.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pump apparatus 500 includes a user interface 508 deposed on the housing 502. The user interface 508 includes a display unit 510, a plurality of input means 512 which are configured to receive one or more user inputs, and a manually operated switch 514 for turning ON and OFF of the pump apparatus 500. In an event of a fault in the pump apparatus 500 an error mode is executed and the display unit 510 is configured to display an error page containing an error message associated with the one or more operational parameters of the pump apparatus 500. According to embodiment of the present invention, during the error mode an error remedy mode is executed, and the display unit 510 is configured to display an error remedy mode containing an error remedy instruction based on an input received from the user using the input means 512. Moreover, the display unit 510 is configured to display more than one error remedy instruction and allow the user to select the at least one error remedy instruction using the input means 512.

Following the maintenance operation on the pump apparatus 500, based on the error remedy instruction, once the user switch ON the pump apparatus 500 using the switch 514, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pump apparatus 500 starts in the error mode and/or the error remedy mode and the display unit 510 displays the error page or the error remedy page with the error remedy instruction. This allows the user to confirm the action item performed, during the maintenance operation and, exit the error mode and reset the display unit 510 using the input means 512. Alternatively, in case the user identifies the fault associated with the operational parameters of the pump apparatus 500 is not yet resolved, the user can select other instructions directed towards the resolution of the fault using the input means 512.

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

PART LIST

100 pump apparatus

102 pump housing

104 pressure chamber

105 motor chamber

106 inlet

108 inlet connection port

110 pump filter unit

112 filling port

114 first sealing cap

116 outlet

118 pressure fluid line

120 check valve unit

122a first outlet connection port

122b second outlet connection port

124 second sealing cap

126 handle

128 drainage port

129 drain screw

130 user interface

132 display unit

134 input means

136 membrane keypad

137 power switch

138a pressure pad

138b pressure pad

138c pressure pad

200 error page

202 error remedy page

300 diagnostic unit

302 control module 304a sensor

304b sensor

304c sensor

306 processor

308 memory

310 sensor interface

312 control signal interface

314a communication channel

314b communication channel

314c communication channel

E error mode

R error remedy mode

F1 first error status flag

F2 second error status flag

400 method

402 step

404 step

406 step

408 step

410 step

412 step

414 step

416 step

418 step

420 step

422 step

424 step

426 step

428 step

500 pump apparatus

502 housing

504 pressure chamber 506 pressure switch 507 inlet

508 user interface 509 outlet

510 display unit 512 input means 514 power switch

Claims

1 . A pump apparatus (100, 500) for water management comprising: at least one inlet (106, 507);

at least one outlet (116, 509);

a pump housing (102, 502) defining a pressure chamber (104, 504) in fluid communication with the at least one inlet (106, 507) and the outlet (116, 509); and

a user interface (130, 508) associated with the pump apparatus (100, 500), the user interface (130, 508) comprising:

a display unit (132, 510) configured to display an error message associated with one or more operational parameter of the pump apparatus (100, 500); and

a plurality of input means (134, 512) configured to receive a user input,

characterised in that

the display unit (132, 510) configured to display at least one error remedy instruction, and the plurality of input means (134, 512) configured to allow a user to select the at least one error remedy instruction.

2. The pump apparatus (100) according to claim 1 further comprising a diagnostic unit (300), and one or more sensors (304a, 304b, 304c) configured to monitor the one or more operational parameters of the pump apparatus (100), the diagnostic unit (300) is operatively connected to the sensors (304a, 304b, 304c), the display unit (132) and the input means (134), the diagnostic unit (300) configured to:

receive signals indicative of the operational parameters of the pump apparatus (100) from the sensors (304a, 304b, 304c);

identify at least one fault in the pump apparatus (100) based on the received signals; execute an error mode (E) when the fault is identified to stop an operation of the pump apparatus (100); and

selectively execute a reset mode based on the user input to exit from the error mode (E).

3. The pump apparatus (100) according to claim 2, wherein during the error mode (E) the error message is displayed on the display unit (132).

4. The pump apparatus (100) according to claim 2, wherein, based on the user input, the diagnostic unit (300) configured to execute an error remedy mode (R), during the error remedy mode (R) the error remedy instruction is displayed on the display unit (132).

5. The pump apparatus (100) according to claim 4, the diagnostic unit (300) comprises a memory (308) configured to set a first error status flag

(F1 ) in an active state, the first error status flag (F1) in the active state continuously executes the error remedy mode (R).

6. The pump apparatus (100) according to claim 5, wherein, based on the user input to execute the reset mode, the memory (308) configured to set the first error status flag (F1 ) to an inactive state.

7. The pump apparatus (100) according to claim 5, wherein the memory (308) configured to set the first error status flag (F1 ) in an active state upon an activation of the error remedy mode (R).

8. The pump apparatus (100) according to claim 4, the diagnostic unit (300) comprises a memory (308) configured to set a second error status flag (F2) in an active state, the second error status flag (F2) in the active state continuously executes the error mode (E).

9. The pump apparatus (100) according to claim 8, wherein, based on the user input to execute the reset mode, the memory (308) configured to set the second error status flag (F2) to an inactive state.

10. The pump apparatus (100) according to claim 8, wherein the memory (308) configured to set the second error status flag (F2) in an active state upon an activation of the error mode (E).

1 1 . The pump apparatus (100) according to claim 2, the diagnostic unit (300) further configured to execute an error signalling mode when the fault is identified.

12. The pump apparatus (100, 500) according to claim 1 , wherein the user interface (130, 508) is disposed on the pump housing (102, 502).

13. The pump apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the user interface is a remote device linked to the pump apparatus via a communication link.

14. A method of operating a pump apparatus (100, 500) for water management, the method comprising:

monitoring one or more operational parameters of the pump apparatus (100, 500);

receiving signals indicative of the operational parameters of the pump apparatus (100, 500);

identifying at least one fault in the pump apparatus (100, 500) based on the received signals; and

executing an error mode (E) when the fault is identified to display an error message on a display unit (134, 510) of a user interface (130, 508) associated with the pump apparatus (100, 500),

characterised in that an error remedy mode (R) is executed within the error mode (E) based on a user input using a plurality of input means (134, 512) of the user interface (130, 508), and while during the error remedy mode (R) the display unit (132, 510) displays at least one error remedy instruction.

15. The method according to claim 14 further comprises selectively executing a reset mode based on the user input to exit from the error mode (E).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein executing the error remedy mode (R) comprises setting a first error status flag (F1 ) in an active state, the first error status flag (F1 ) in the active state continuously executes the error remedy mode (R).

17. The method according to claims 1 6, wherein executing the reset mode comprises resetting the first error status flag (F1 ) to an inactive state.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein executing the error mode (E) comprises setting a second error status flag (F2) in an active state, the second error status flag (F2) in the active state continuously executes the error mode (E).

19. The method according to claims 1 8, wherein executing the reset mode comprises resetting the second error status flag (F2) to an inactive state.

20. The method according to claims 14 further comprises executing an error signalling mode while executing the error mode (E).