EP3945214A1 - Control interface of a pump - Google Patents
Control interface of a pump Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3945214A1 EP3945214A1 EP20188095.2A EP20188095A EP3945214A1 EP 3945214 A1 EP3945214 A1 EP 3945214A1 EP 20188095 A EP20188095 A EP 20188095A EP 3945214 A1 EP3945214 A1 EP 3945214A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- pump
- control interface
- time period
- controller
- set time
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 31
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001934 delay Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013021 overheating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001953 sensory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001052 transient effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D15/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or systems
- F04D15/0077—Safety measures
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D15/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or systems
- F04D15/02—Stopping of pumps, or operating valves, on occurrence of unwanted conditions
- F04D15/0209—Stopping of pumps, or operating valves, on occurrence of unwanted conditions responsive to a condition of the working fluid
- F04D15/0218—Stopping of pumps, or operating valves, on occurrence of unwanted conditions responsive to a condition of the working fluid the condition being a liquid level or a lack of liquid supply
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D15/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or systems
- F04D15/02—Stopping of pumps, or operating valves, on occurrence of unwanted conditions
- F04D15/0281—Stopping of pumps, or operating valves, on occurrence of unwanted conditions responsive to a condition not otherwise provided for
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F05D2260/00—Function
- F05D2260/85—Starting
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to pumps. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a control interface which allows a safe and convenient operation of a pump, particularly a submersible pump.
- Pumps such as submersible pumps might include a control interface to operate the pumps.
- the control interface includes one or more buttons, switches, and indicators to allow interaction of a user with different modes and more importantly to start the pumps.
- '700 reference An example of a submersible pump is provided by US4021700 (hereinafter referred to as '700 reference).
- the '700 reference provides a three-phase submersible pump motor which includes time delays before shutdown to avoid undesired nuisance shutdowns otherwise caused by transient or momentary conditions.
- the pump motor When the pump motor is de-energized in response to an underload condition, it is automatically restarted after a predetermined time delay. All of the delay functions are precisely determined by division of the power line frequency. Downhole pressure and temperature are also sensed and if they become excessive the motor is automatically de-energized to prevent overheating.
- the '700 reference does not disclose a simple, safe interface which allows automatic starting of the pump motor based on factors such as a user-specified condition.
- the control interface includes a power supply.
- the control interface includes a controller to control the power supply and to activate an operating feature of the pump.
- the controller is actuated by a user action.
- the control interface is characterized in that the controller comprises an evaluation unit, wherein a pumping action of the pump is activated by the controller proving the power to the motor of the pump after receiving a start signal provided by the evaluation unit.
- the evaluation unit provides the start signal either if a pre-set time period that the controller received power from the power supply has lapsed and/or the pump further comprises a liquid sensor and this liquid sensor detects liquid...
- the present disclosure provides a simple, user-friendly, and efficient control interface which allows safe activation of the pumping action based on the pre-set time period. This by avoiding unnecessary dry-run of the pump or the need to manipulate the pump when being at least partially submerged.
- the pre-set time period is in a range of about 10 second to about 90 seconds.
- the countdown of this pre-set time period give an operator of the pump the chance to do perform activities on the pump without it already performing pumping action.
- the range of the pre-set time period may be any value based on the pump, user preferences or other implementation factors.
- the control unit further includes a memory storing a value that is representative of the time the pump received power from the power supply. If the memory stores a value that is associated with the remainder of the time period the motor of the pump is not supplied with power it is possible to pause the process of automatically switching on the pumping action for an indefinite time and resume the count down at the paused position later.
- the countdown could be paused when the pump is removed from the electric power supply and can be resumed when reconnected.
- the pre-set time period after which the evaluation unit provided its start signal to supply power to the motor of the pump start from the beginning is displayed by one or more of a LED, and an LCD provided on one of the control interface and a separate location. This may serve as a visual indicator for the operator of the pump regarding the count of the pre-set time period.
- the user interface is incorporated into the housing of the pump (100). This avoids the need of separate component in addition to the pump housing this making the pump more smooth and user friendly.
- the control interface includes a memory unit associated with the power supply and the controller. This allows application benefits such as accurate storing and checking of the pre-set time period by the memory unit.
- the operating feature is one or more of activation of the pump, a mode change, and a timer mode. This may allow the control interface to activate different operating features or modes of the pump.
- the pump is a submersible pump.
- the submersible pump generally leads to safety concerns related to activation in a submerged condition, which is addressed safely and conveniently by the control interface of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a pump 100 having a control interface 150.
- the present disclosure illustrates a submersible pump, however, the present disclosure may be implemented with any other pump such as, but not limited to, impulse pumps, battery pump, velocity pumps, gravity pumps since the present disclosure is not to be limited by the type/size/mechanism of the pump in any manner.
- FIGS. 1 , 2 illustrate the pump 100 before and after submerging in a liquid 110.
- the liquid 110 may be water or any other liquid as used or known in the relevant art.
- the pump 100 includes a pump body 102.
- the pump body 102 forms a main compartment 104 having an intake 106 (shown in FIG. 2 ) and a discharge 108 for the liquid 110 (shown in FIG. 2 ).
- the liquid 110 is pumped up from the intake 106 and pumped out from the discharge 108.
- the pump body 102 also includes a liquid sensor or has alternatively the liquid sensor attached to it. With this embodiment the liquid sensor is able to detect liquid when the pump is at least partly submerged therein.
- the pumps 100 control interface 150 includes one or more lighting units 152 (generally LEDs 152 and both these terms used interchangeably hereinafter).
- the control interface 150 of the present disclosure may generally be an electronic screen with touch-sensitive LEDs 152 which detect a user action 160.
- the one or more lighting units 152 may be sensory means which detect the user action 160 and enable the pump 100 to operate after a pre-set time period T, based on the user action 160.
- the lighting units 152 allow to adjust the maxim and minimum water level that is controlled by the pumping action of the pump 100.
- the one or more lighting units 152 may be present between a top 112 and a bottom 114 of the pump body 102.
- the present disclosure illustrates the lighting units 152 starting around the top 112 of the pump body 102, however actual implementations may have the lighting units 152 in any position, orientation, style, part, and the like of the pump body 102.
- the present disclosure pertains to constraints related to handling, operating, running the pump 100 (particularly the submersible pump 100 ) before and during the submerged state in the liquid 110 as illustrated in FIG. 2 . As will be evident, any interaction with the pump 100 in the submerged state may lead to safety, operational and other hazards, both for users and the pump 100.
- the pump body 102 is made of any material such as a water proof material. From aesthetics and implementation benefits, some part, or components of the pump body 102 can be made of a transparent material. Further, the pump body 102, or any component of the pump 100 can be made of any or a combination of a metal, and a polymer or any other material as used or known in the relevant art.
- the pump 100 is setup for the pre-fixed time period T by interaction with the control interface 150. This may be required due to safety, legal, and implementation constraints with operating the pump 100 in the submerged state.
- the control interface 150 of the present disclosure allows users to safely setup the pump 100 with the pre-fixed time period T before placing the pump 100 within the liquid 110, as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the control interface 150 allows start of the pre-fixed time period T only after detecting power from a power supply 130 (shown in FIG. 3 ) connected to the pump 100. This may ensure additional safety and check to allow running of the pump 100 based on the pre-fixed time period T and the power from the power supply 130.
- any number of checks and safety precautions may be setup with the pump 100, as per user preference or application requirements.
- the pump 100 may start running after the pre-set time period T based on detecting of the liquid 110 or say a sufficient level of the liquid 110 to ensure safety and efficiency of operation.
- the controller that comprises an evaluation unit to activate the pumping action of the pump 100 by proving the power can act in different ways. That is for example that the evaluation unit provides a start signal after a pre-set time period T of the controller 120 receiving power from the power supply 130 has lapsed.
- the pump 100 further comprises a liquid sensor and the evaluation unit provides a start signal if this liquid sensor detects liquid. Or alternatively both of the before mentioned conditions have to be fulfilled that is the start signal is just provided if a pre-set time period T has lapsed and the liquid is detected.
- control interface 150 may allow visual, audio, notification, or any other alert to users regarding finish of the pre-set time period T which will also signal the starting/running of the pump 100.
- the pump 100 may have a preset gesture for setting the pre-set time period T.
- the preset gesture may include pressing on any of the one or more lighting units 152 of the control interface 150 as illustrated with the user action 160 in FIG. 1 , however actual implementation of the preset disclosure may have any other type/position/setting for the preset gesture i.e. the user action 160.
- the pump 100 might be equipped with indicators 154 being one or more lighting units (for example LEDs) or LCD displays allowind to show the pre-set time period T, and a running count thereof, which is set after the user action 160 (say by the hand).
- the one or more indicators 154 show dynamically the current count of the pre-set time period T and makes it more visible, and noticeable for the user.
- the pump 100 starts running only after finish of the pre-fixed time period T as will be indicated by illumination or display status.
- FIG. 3 illustrates the control interface 150 of the pump 100.
- the control interface 150 includes the power supply 130.
- the control interface 150 includes a controller 120 to activate an operating feature of the pump 100 by supplying power to the motor of the pimp 100.
- the operating feature is one or more of activation of the pump 100, a mode change, and a timer mode. This may allow the control interface 150 to activate different operating features of the pump 100.
- the controller 120 is actuated by the user action 160 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the control interface 150 of the present disclosure allows that a pumping action of the pump 100 is activated post the pre-set time period T after receiving power from the power supply 130 by supplying the motor of the pump with power.
- power is supplied to the motor after a liquid sensor on the pump 100 has detected liquid.
- controller 120 just supplies power to the motor of the pump 100 both post the pre-set time period T after receiving power from the power supply 130 and if a liquid sensor on the pump 100 has detected liquid.
- the present disclosure provides a simple, user-friendly, and efficient control interface 150 which allows safe activation of the pump 100 based on the pre-set time period T.
- the control interface 150 includes a memory unit 140 associated with the power supply 130 and the controller 120. This allows storing and checking of the pre-set time period T, and/or the power from the power supply 130 by the memory unit 140. It is advantageous if this memory stores the current value even after removal of the electric power supply. In this case it is possible that after re-connection of the pump 100 to the electric power supply the the remainder of the pre-set time period T is counted downwards, avoiding the case where the complete pre-set time period T comes into play.
- one or more of the pumping action or the operating feature of the pump 100 is activated based on detection of the power supply 130 by the memory unit 140 of the pump 100. This allows activation of the pump 100 only after the safety-check of detecting the power supply 130, and after user-verifiable count of the pre-set time period T.
- the present disclosure illustrates the pump 100 as a submersible pump 100, however the control interface 150 may be readily applicable with any pump without any limitation.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the pump 100 with the control interface 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the control interface 150 allows different levels or modes of control of the pump 100.
- the control interface 150 can allow to perform various levels of control of the pump 100 such as, for example but need not necessarily, total control of the pump 100 where the control interface 150 can be used to control any function of the pump 100 without any restriction. Further, there may be situations where the control interface 150 may be able to control the pump 110 with some restrictions, for whatsoever reason, such as only power control of the pump 100.
- the control interface 150 includes a control button 156 and an indicator 154 (for example a LCD display).
- the present disclosure provides the control interface 150 with a compact, user-friendly, and aesthetic arrangement without compromising with ease-of-use and convenience with application of the control interface 150.
- the present disclosure further avoids need of multiple levers, buttons etc. to perform changes to the various modes, parameters operable by the control interface 150 of the pump 100. This allows ease of operation and setup of the pump 100 for running in the submerged state by a common user.
- a count of the pre-set time period T is displayed by one or more indicators 154, or any display means provided on the control interface 150. This may serve as a visual indicator to users regarding the count of the pre-set time period T.
- the indicator 154 of the present disclosure is preferably placed around the top 112 of the pump body 102 for ease of access, visibility, and notice of users.
- the pre-set time period T is in a range of about 10 second to about 90 seconds.
- the range of the pre-set time period T may be any value based on the pump 100, user preferences or other implementation factors.
- the preset time period T may be generally decided based on user ability to safely and conveniently move and setup the pump 100 from dry state (as shown in FIG. 1 ) to being submerged in the liquid 110 (as shown in FIG. 2 ). Further, the preset time period T may be readily configurable, modifiable by user interaction with the control interface 150 of the pump 100.
- control button 156 operates the pump 100 based on the user action 160.
- the indicators 154 may also indicate one or more operating features (or parameters) of the pump 100, such as by means of different colors, patterns, and any other indicator.
- Such embodiments may make the control interface 150 safe and convenient to use while providing ease-of-operation and aesthetic benefits for application of the control interface 150. In such cases, different operations such as switch "ON”, “OFF”, mode changes and the like may be undertaken by different user actions with the control interface 150, based on the safety provided by the pre-fixed time period T for the pump 100.
- control interface 150 may be adapted to interact with a user portable device (such as smartphone, tab and the like) to convey any message/notification/alert regarding mode change, operating features, time periods to the user portable device in real-time, or as per feature preference set by the user.
- the control interface 150 may also allow activation, switching of different modes, operational features with application of the user portable device.
- Such arrangement is merely for exemplary purposes, and the present disclosure can be readily used with any wireless device to the convey a message/notification/alert, as known or used in the art.
- the control interface 150 of the present disclosure allows use of one or more of electronic (the lighting units 152 ), indicators 154, mechanical (the control button 156 ), or wireless (the user portable device and the like) to interact and activate the pumping action of the pump 100. Further, the control interface 150 allows a safe, user-friendly activation of the pump 100 by taking advantage of the buffer pre-set time period T which is activated after providing power supply 130 to the pump 100. The control interface 150 also provides visual indication and/or alerts to users regarding the count of the pre-set time period T by means of one or more indicators 154.
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Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates to pumps. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a control interface which allows a safe and convenient operation of a pump, particularly a submersible pump.
- Pumps such as submersible pumps might include a control interface to operate the pumps. The control interface includes one or more buttons, switches, and indicators to allow interaction of a user with different modes and more importantly to start the pumps. However, there are safety, legal, and implementation constraints to operate (i.e. switch ON) the pump in a submerged condition of the pump.
- Further, there are concerns regarding operating or starting the pump outside water which may lead to a dry run condition. The dry run may lead to undesirable damage and problems related to deaeration if the pump is submerged into a liquid while running
- An example of a submersible pump is provided by
US4021700 (hereinafter referred to as '700 reference). The '700 reference provides a three-phase submersible pump motor which includes time delays before shutdown to avoid undesired nuisance shutdowns otherwise caused by transient or momentary conditions. When the pump motor is de-energized in response to an underload condition, it is automatically restarted after a predetermined time delay. All of the delay functions are precisely determined by division of the power line frequency. Downhole pressure and temperature are also sensed and if they become excessive the motor is automatically de-energized to prevent overheating. However, the '700 reference does not disclose a simple, safe interface which allows automatic starting of the pump motor based on factors such as a user-specified condition. - Thus, there is a need for an improved control interface for a pump which provides safe and user-friendly operation of the pump.
- In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a control interface of a pump. The control interface includes a power supply. The control interface includes a controller to control the power supply and to activate an operating feature of the pump. The controller is actuated by a user action. The control interface is characterized in that the controller comprises an evaluation unit, wherein a pumping action of the pump is activated by the controller proving the power to the motor of the pump after receiving a start signal provided by the evaluation unit. Hereby the evaluation unit provides the start signal either if a pre-set time period that the controller received power from the power supply has lapsed and/or the pump further comprises a liquid sensor and this liquid sensor detects liquid... Thus, the present disclosure provides a simple, user-friendly, and efficient control interface which allows safe activation of the pumping action based on the pre-set time period. This by avoiding unnecessary dry-run of the pump or the need to manipulate the pump when being at least partially submerged.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pre-set time period is in a range of about 10 second to about 90 seconds. The countdown of this pre-set time period give an operator of the pump the chance to do perform activities on the pump without it already performing pumping action. The range of the pre-set time period may be any value based on the pump, user preferences or other implementation factors.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit further includes a memory storing a value that is representative of the time the pump received power from the power supply. If the memory stores a value that is associated with the remainder of the time period the motor of the pump is not supplied with power it is possible to pause the process of automatically switching on the pumping action for an indefinite time and resume the count down at the paused position later. This could be initiated by a manual action by pressing a start/stop button. Alternatively, in particular if the memory is a permanent one, the countdown could be paused when the pump is removed from the electric power supply and can be resumed when reconnected. Thus avoiding that after reconnection of the pump to the electric power supply the pre-set time period after which the evaluation unit provided its start signal to supply power to the motor of the pump start from the beginning (thus ignoring the already period of the past countdown). Further this allows application benefits such as accurate storing and checking of the pre-set time period by the memory unit.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the count of the pre-set time period is displayed by one or more of a LED, and an LCD provided on one of the control interface and a separate location. This may serve as a visual indicator for the operator of the pump regarding the count of the pre-set time period. - According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user interface is incorporated into the housing of the pump (100). This avoids the need of separate component in addition to the pump housing this making the pump more smooth and user friendly. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control interface includes a memory unit associated with the power supply and the controller. This allows application benefits such as accurate storing and checking of the pre-set time period by the memory unit.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, the operating feature is one or more of activation of the pump, a mode change, and a timer mode. This may allow the control interface to activate different operating features or modes of the pump.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pump is a submersible pump. The submersible pump generally leads to safety concerns related to activation in a submerged condition, which is addressed safely and conveniently by the control interface of the present disclosure.
- Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.
- The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a pump, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the pump submerged in a liquid, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 show a block diagram of a control interface of the pump, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a pump, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. - 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.
- Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.
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FIG. 1 illustrates apump 100 having acontrol interface 150. The present disclosure illustrates a submersible pump, however, the present disclosure may be implemented with any other pump such as, but not limited to, impulse pumps, battery pump, velocity pumps, gravity pumps since the present disclosure is not to be limited by the type/size/mechanism of the pump in any manner. -
FIGS. 1 ,2 illustrate thepump 100 before and after submerging in aliquid 110. Theliquid 110 may be water or any other liquid as used or known in the relevant art. Thepump 100 includes apump body 102. Thepump body 102 forms amain compartment 104 having an intake 106 (shown inFIG. 2 ) and adischarge 108 for the liquid 110 (shown inFIG. 2 ). The liquid 110 is pumped up from theintake 106 and pumped out from thedischarge 108. In one embodiment it is possible that thepump body 102 also includes a liquid sensor or has alternatively the liquid sensor attached to it. With this embodiment the liquid sensor is able to detect liquid when the pump is at least partly submerged therein. - Advantageously the
pumps 100control interface 150 includes one or more lighting units 152 (generallyLEDs 152 and both these terms used interchangeably hereinafter). Thecontrol interface 150 of the present disclosure may generally be an electronic screen with touch-sensitive LEDs 152 which detect auser action 160. The one ormore lighting units 152 may be sensory means which detect theuser action 160 and enable thepump 100 to operate after a pre-set time period T, based on theuser action 160. As will be appreciated with combined reference toFIGS. 1 ,2 thelighting units 152 allow to adjust the maxim and minimum water level that is controlled by the pumping action of thepump 100. The one ormore lighting units 152 may be present between a top 112 and abottom 114 of thepump body 102. The present disclosure illustrates thelighting units 152 starting around the top 112 of thepump body 102, however actual implementations may have thelighting units 152 in any position, orientation, style, part, and the like of thepump body 102. The present disclosure pertains to constraints related to handling, operating, running the pump 100 (particularly the submersible pump 100) before and during the submerged state in the liquid 110 as illustrated inFIG. 2 . As will be evident, any interaction with thepump 100 in the submerged state may lead to safety, operational and other hazards, both for users and thepump 100. - In an embodiment, the
pump body 102 is made of any material such as a water proof material. From aesthetics and implementation benefits, some part, or components of thepump body 102 can be made of a transparent material. Further, thepump body 102, or any component of thepump 100 can be made of any or a combination of a metal, and a polymer or any other material as used or known in the relevant art. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , thepump 100 is setup for the pre-fixed time period T by interaction with thecontrol interface 150. This may be required due to safety, legal, and implementation constraints with operating thepump 100 in the submerged state. Thecontrol interface 150 of the present disclosure allows users to safely setup thepump 100 with the pre-fixed time period T before placing thepump 100 within the liquid 110, as shown inFIG. 2 . Thecontrol interface 150 allows start of the pre-fixed time period T only after detecting power from a power supply 130 (shown inFIG. 3 ) connected to thepump 100. This may ensure additional safety and check to allow running of thepump 100 based on the pre-fixed time period T and the power from thepower supply 130. - In some embodiments, any number of checks and safety precautions may be setup with the
pump 100, as per user preference or application requirements. In a non-limiting example, thepump 100 may start running after the pre-set time period T based on detecting of the liquid 110 or say a sufficient level of the liquid 110 to ensure safety and efficiency of operation. Thus the controller that comprises an evaluation unit to activate the pumping action of thepump 100 by proving the power can act in different ways. That is for example that the evaluation unit provides a start signal after a pre-set time period T of thecontroller 120 receiving power from thepower supply 130 has lapsed. In another example thepump 100 further comprises a liquid sensor and the evaluation unit provides a start signal if this liquid sensor detects liquid. Or alternatively both of the before mentioned conditions have to be fulfilled that is the start signal is just provided if a pre-set time period T has lapsed and the liquid is detected. - Further, the
control interface 150 may allow visual, audio, notification, or any other alert to users regarding finish of the pre-set time period T which will also signal the starting/running of thepump 100. - The
pump 100 may have a preset gesture for setting the pre-set time period T. The preset gesture may include pressing on any of the one ormore lighting units 152 of thecontrol interface 150 as illustrated with theuser action 160 inFIG. 1 , however actual implementation of the preset disclosure may have any other type/position/setting for the preset gesture i.e. theuser action 160. - The
pump 100 might be equipped withindicators 154 being one or more lighting units (for example LEDs) or LCD displays allowind to show the pre-set time period T, and a running count thereof, which is set after the user action 160 (say by the hand). The one ormore indicators 154 show dynamically the current count of the pre-set time period T and makes it more visible, and noticeable for the user. During implementation, thepump 100 starts running only after finish of the pre-fixed time period T as will be indicated by illumination or display status. -
FIG. 3 illustrates thecontrol interface 150 of thepump 100. Thecontrol interface 150 includes thepower supply 130. Thecontrol interface 150 includes acontroller 120 to activate an operating feature of thepump 100 by supplying power to the motor of thepimp 100. In some embodiment, the operating feature is one or more of activation of thepump 100, a mode change, and a timer mode. This may allow thecontrol interface 150 to activate different operating features of thepump 100. Thecontroller 120 is actuated by the user action 160 (shown inFIG. 1 ). Thecontrol interface 150 of the present disclosure allows that a pumping action of thepump 100 is activated post the pre-set time period T after receiving power from thepower supply 130 by supplying the motor of the pump with power. In an other possible embodiment power is supplied to the motor after a liquid sensor on thepump 100 has detected liquid. In yet another embodiment thecontroller 120 just supplies power to the motor of thepump 100 both post the pre-set time period T after receiving power from thepower supply 130 and if a liquid sensor on thepump 100 has detected liquid. - Thus, the present disclosure provides a simple, user-friendly, and
efficient control interface 150 which allows safe activation of thepump 100 based on the pre-set time period T. Further, thecontrol interface 150 includes amemory unit 140 associated with thepower supply 130 and thecontroller 120. This allows storing and checking of the pre-set time period T, and/or the power from thepower supply 130 by thememory unit 140. It is advantageous if this memory stores the current value even after removal of the electric power supply. In this case it is possible that after re-connection of thepump 100 to the electric power supply the the remainder of the pre-set time period T is counted downwards, avoiding the case where the complete pre-set time period T comes into play. - In some embodiment, one or more of the pumping action or the operating feature of the
pump 100 is activated based on detection of thepower supply 130 by thememory unit 140 of thepump 100. This allows activation of thepump 100 only after the safety-check of detecting thepower supply 130, and after user-verifiable count of the pre-set time period T. The present disclosure illustrates thepump 100 as asubmersible pump 100, however thecontrol interface 150 may be readily applicable with any pump without any limitation. -
FIG. 4 illustrates thepump 100 with thecontrol interface 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thecontrol interface 150 allows different levels or modes of control of thepump 100. Thecontrol interface 150 can allow to perform various levels of control of thepump 100 such as, for example but need not necessarily, total control of thepump 100 where thecontrol interface 150 can be used to control any function of thepump 100 without any restriction. Further, there may be situations where thecontrol interface 150 may be able to control thepump 110 with some restrictions, for whatsoever reason, such as only power control of thepump 100. As illustrated, thecontrol interface 150 includes acontrol button 156 and an indicator 154 (for example a LCD display). The present disclosure provides thecontrol interface 150 with a compact, user-friendly, and aesthetic arrangement without compromising with ease-of-use and convenience with application of thecontrol interface 150. The present disclosure further avoids need of multiple levers, buttons etc. to perform changes to the various modes, parameters operable by thecontrol interface 150 of thepump 100. This allows ease of operation and setup of thepump 100 for running in the submerged state by a common user. - As illustrated in
FIG. 4 , a count of the pre-set time period T is displayed by one ormore indicators 154, or any display means provided on thecontrol interface 150. This may serve as a visual indicator to users regarding the count of the pre-set time period T. Theindicator 154 of the present disclosure is preferably placed around the top 112 of thepump body 102 for ease of access, visibility, and notice of users. In a non-limiting example, the pre-set time period T is in a range of about 10 second to about 90 seconds. The range of the pre-set time period T may be any value based on thepump 100, user preferences or other implementation factors. The preset time period T may be generally decided based on user ability to safely and conveniently move and setup thepump 100 from dry state (as shown inFIG. 1 ) to being submerged in the liquid 110 (as shown inFIG. 2 ). Further, the preset time period T may be readily configurable, modifiable by user interaction with thecontrol interface 150 of thepump 100. - In some embodiments, the
control button 156 operates thepump 100 based on theuser action 160. Further, theindicators 154 may also indicate one or more operating features (or parameters) of thepump 100, such as by means of different colors, patterns, and any other indicator. Such embodiments may make thecontrol interface 150 safe and convenient to use while providing ease-of-operation and aesthetic benefits for application of thecontrol interface 150. In such cases, different operations such as switch "ON", "OFF", mode changes and the like may be undertaken by different user actions with thecontrol interface 150, based on the safety provided by the pre-fixed time period T for thepump 100. - In some embodiments, the
control interface 150 may be adapted to interact with a user portable device (such as smartphone, tab and the like) to convey any message/notification/alert regarding mode change, operating features, time periods to the user portable device in real-time, or as per feature preference set by the user. Thecontrol interface 150 may also allow activation, switching of different modes, operational features with application of the user portable device. Such arrangement is merely for exemplary purposes, and the present disclosure can be readily used with any wireless device to the convey a message/notification/alert, as known or used in the art. - The
control interface 150 of the present disclosure allows use of one or more of electronic (the lighting units 152),indicators 154, mechanical (the control button 156), or wireless (the user portable device and the like) to interact and activate the pumping action of thepump 100. Further, thecontrol interface 150 allows a safe, user-friendly activation of thepump 100 by taking advantage of the buffer pre-set time period T which is activated after providingpower supply 130 to thepump 100. Thecontrol interface 150 also provides visual indication and/or alerts to users regarding the count of the pre-set time period T by means of one ormore indicators 154. - 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.
-
- 100
- Pump
- 102
- Pump Body
- 104
- Main Compartment
- 106
- Intake
- 108
- Discharge
- 110
- Liquid
- 112
- Top
- 114
- Bottom
- 120
- Controller
- 130
- Power Supply
- 140
- Memory Unit
- 150
- Control Unit
- 152
- Lighting units/LEDs
- 154
- Indicator
- 156
- Control button
- 160
- User Action
- T
- Pre-fixed Time Period
Claims (7)
- A control interface (150) of a pump (100), the control interface (150) comprising:a power supply (130); anda controller (120) configured to control the power supply (130) and to activate an operating feature of the pump (100), wherein the controller (120) is configured to be actuated by a user action (160);characterized in that:the controller comprises an evaluation unit,wherein a pumping action of the pump (100) is activated by the controller (120) proving the power to the motor of the pump after receiving a start signal provided by the evaluation unit,wherein the evaluation unit provides a start signal either if a pre-set time period (T) that the controller (120) received power from the power supply (130) has lapsed and/or if the pump (100) further comprises a liquid sensor and this liquid sensor detects liquid.
- The control interface (150) of claim 1, wherein the pre-set time period (T) is in a range of about 10 second to about 90 seconds.
- The control interface (150) any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the controller (120) further includes a memory that stores a value that is representative of the time the pump (100) received power from the power supply (130).
- The control interface (150) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a count of the pre-set time period (T) is displayed by one or more of a LED, and an LCD (154) provided on one of the control interface (150) and a separate location.
- The control interface (150) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface is incorporated into the pump body (102).
- The control interface (150) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating feature is one or more of activation of the pump (100), a mode change, and a timer mode.
- The control interface (150) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (100) is a submersible pump (100).
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20188095.2A EP3945214B1 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2020-07-28 | Control interface of a pump |
PCT/EP2021/061938 WO2022022869A1 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2021-05-06 | Control interface of a pump |
EP21723733.8A EP4189247A1 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2021-05-06 | Control interface of a pump |
CN202180047250.9A CN115917158A (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2021-05-06 | Control interface for a pump |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20188095.2A EP3945214B1 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2020-07-28 | Control interface of a pump |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3945214A1 true EP3945214A1 (en) | 2022-02-02 |
EP3945214B1 EP3945214B1 (en) | 2024-05-15 |
Family
ID=71842567
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20188095.2A Active EP3945214B1 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2020-07-28 | Control interface of a pump |
EP21723733.8A Withdrawn EP4189247A1 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2021-05-06 | Control interface of a pump |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP21723733.8A Withdrawn EP4189247A1 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2021-05-06 | Control interface of a pump |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP3945214B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN115917158A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022022869A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP4328452A1 (en) * | 2022-08-24 | 2024-02-28 | Ningbo Junhe Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. | Submersible pump and automatic liquid level control method |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4021700A (en) | 1975-06-04 | 1977-05-03 | Borg-Warner Corporation | Digital logic control system for three-phase submersible pump motor |
US4444545A (en) * | 1982-04-08 | 1984-04-24 | Sanders David F | Pump control system |
US4705456A (en) * | 1986-08-08 | 1987-11-10 | Consolidated Electric Co. | Control panel structure for a liquid pumping station |
US5190442A (en) * | 1991-09-06 | 1993-03-02 | Jorritsma Johannes N | Electronic pumpcontrol system |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3367533A1 (en) * | 2017-02-27 | 2018-08-29 | Xylem IP Management S.à.r.l. | Method for controlling a pump connected to a pump network |
-
2020
- 2020-07-28 EP EP20188095.2A patent/EP3945214B1/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-05-06 WO PCT/EP2021/061938 patent/WO2022022869A1/en active Application Filing
- 2021-05-06 EP EP21723733.8A patent/EP4189247A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2021-05-06 CN CN202180047250.9A patent/CN115917158A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4021700A (en) | 1975-06-04 | 1977-05-03 | Borg-Warner Corporation | Digital logic control system for three-phase submersible pump motor |
US4444545A (en) * | 1982-04-08 | 1984-04-24 | Sanders David F | Pump control system |
US4705456A (en) * | 1986-08-08 | 1987-11-10 | Consolidated Electric Co. | Control panel structure for a liquid pumping station |
US5190442A (en) * | 1991-09-06 | 1993-03-02 | Jorritsma Johannes N | Electronic pumpcontrol system |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP4328452A1 (en) * | 2022-08-24 | 2024-02-28 | Ningbo Junhe Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. | Submersible pump and automatic liquid level control method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3945214B1 (en) | 2024-05-15 |
EP4189247A1 (en) | 2023-06-07 |
CN115917158A (en) | 2023-04-04 |
WO2022022869A1 (en) | 2022-02-03 |
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