ES2824075T3 - Pump using multi-voltage electronics with dry-running and overvoltage protection - Google Patents

Abstract

A pump system (100) comprising: a pump (10) configured to accept various input voltages corresponding to a user-selected voltage setting and to operate the pump (10) at a different flow rate based on a specific application after the selected voltage is supplied to a motor (14a, 140a) to operate the pump (10), the pump (10) having a signal processor (12), the signal processor (12) is configured to : receive signaling containing information on the selected voltage, and also containing information on whether a current consumption of the pump (10) is less than a predetermined low current level corresponding to the selected voltage or is greater than a current level predetermined high current level corresponding to the selected voltage, the predetermined low current level being lower than the predetermined high current level to determine a corresponding range e to the selected voltage setting; and determining the corresponding information containing signaling as to whether to turn off the pump (10) after a predetermined time if the sensed current is less than the respective predetermined low current value to provide overvoltage and dry running controller functionality, in based at least partially on received signaling, characterized in that a power adapter (250) having voltage settings, each voltage setting configured to be configured by a user to provide the selected voltage corresponding to the different flow rate selected by the user for a specific application, configured the power adapter (250) to respond to the voltage configuration selected by the user and provide the selected voltage corresponding to the voltage configuration, and the signal processor (12) that is part of a printed circuit board assembly (120), ref hereinafter referred to as PCBA.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Pump using multi-voltage electronics with dry-running and overvoltage protection

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pump system and more specifically to a pump system that uses multi-voltage electronics and multiple voltage settings to provide dry-running and over-voltage protection to a particular pump model, as well as providing multiple rates of discharge. flow depending on the voltage setting selected.

2. Description of Related Art

Most of the pumps on the markets are normally voltage specific with motors for each voltage. When the pump is running and the fluid is depleted, there is a float switch / level switch that shuts off the pump that is mounted external to a container or tank, or the pump simply continues to run until damaged or shut down manually.

Some shortcomings of these known pump designs include the fact that multiple pump models are required for different voltages. Also, when pumps run dry, they are often damaged and require maintenance.

US 2009/0213515 describes a multichannel active sensing and switching device (ASSD) 2 having a multiple sensing and switching module 4 and a controller module 6, for example, as described in paragraph [0057]. In operation, a controller module responds to the load type sensor that signals and provides the controller's signaling to control the operation of the different types of load in real time so that events such as real-time tasks are handled immediately and concurrently. .

Document US 2004/0265135 describes a vacuum pumping device having a mechanical oil pump and an electronic control device for supplying power to an electric motor by means of a voltage signal SU. The electronic control device has a frequency converter that controls an excitation frequency Fecc of the voltage signal SU supplying the motor. Under transient conditions the drive frequency Fecc of the power supply signal SU for the motor can be varied to keep the pump speed constant.

US 2006/0130504 describes a vapor compression system having a fluid circuit and 1st and 2nd blowing devices. A refrigerant circulates through the fluid circuit and has a variable speed compressor and a 1st and 2nd heat exchangers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In summary, by using an electronic printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) internal to a pump, it is capable of accepting 12/24 (possibly 32V as well) VDC as well as using an external wall-mounted power supply to convert 115 / 230 VAC to run a pump model. The PCBA may also contain software features and controller functionality that protect against dry running and overvoltage situations to protect not only the electronics but the overall pump.

The present invention includes a pump with a signal processor, including where the signal processor is part of an electronic printed circuit board (PCBA) assembly, configured to:

receive the information containing the signaling about a voltage that is supplied to a motor to operate a particular pump model, and also contains information about whether a current draw of the pump is lower than a predetermined low current level or is higher than a predetermined high current level; Y

determining whether to turn off the pump after a predetermined time, based at least partially on the received signaling.

The signal processor, which includes the PCBA, is configured to provide control signaling to shut down the pump after a predetermined time if the current draw is less than the predetermined low current level or is greater than the predetermined high current level , where the predetermined low current level and the predetermined high current level depend on the voltage supplied to the motor to operate the particular pump model.

The present invention includes one or more of the following features:

The signal processor, which includes the PCBA, is configured to provide control signaling to shut down the pump after the predetermined time if the current draw is less than the predetermined low current level or is greater than the predetermined high current level , where the predetermined low current level and the predetermined high current level depend on the voltage supplied to the motor to operate the particular pump model.

The signal processor, which includes the PCBA, is configured to provide control signaling to shut down the pump to protect the pump against dry running and / or surge conditions.

Control signaling includes flashing a switch light if the current draw of the pump is either less than the predetermined low current level or greater than the predetermined high current level. The signal processor, which includes the PCBA, is configured, programmed or adapted to operate on the specific pump model that has an input voltage, and can also be configured, programmed or adapted to operate on a different specific pump model than has a different input voltage. For example, the signal processor, which includes the PCBA, can be configured with a respective software routine for each particular pump model, and implement the appropriate software routine based at least partially on the voltage that is supplied to the pump. motor to run the particular pump model. Indeed, the PCBA can be universally configured to work with many pump models.

The particular pump model is one of a series of pumps that have different voltage requirements, including a 12-volt pump, a 24-volt pump, or a 32-volt pump, and so on. In the pump series, each particular pump model has a respective motor that has a corresponding voltage requirement.

The pump contains the PCBA within its casing.

Pump system

According to some embodiments, the present invention is a pump system featuring a power adapter in combination with a pump having a signal processor, including where the signal processor is part of an electronic printed circuit board (PCBA) assembly. ). The power adapter includes voltage settings, each configured to be set by a user to provide a selected voltage. The signal processor is configured to receive information containing signaling about the selected voltage that is supplied to a motor to run the pump, and also containing information about whether a pump current draw is less than a low current level. predetermined or is greater than a predetermined high current level; and determining whether to turn off the pump after a predetermined time, based at least in part on the received signaling.

The pump system includes one or more of the following features:

Each voltage setting corresponds to a respective flow rate of the pump.

Voltage settings include at least two voltage settings, for example, selected from a group that includes a 6-volt setting, a 9-volt setting, a 12-volt setting, an 18-volt setting, and an 18-volt setting. 24 volts.

The PCBA is configured to receive the detected signaling from some combination of a fluid supply sensor, a pressure sensor, a fluid level sensor, and determine whether to turn off the pump after the predetermined time, based on at least a partial to received detected signaling, including when the fluid supply sensor, pressure sensor, or fluid level sensor is activated.

The signal processor is configured to implement a start-up process, for example, that includes detecting that the selected voltage is being supplied to the motor.

The start-up process includes priming the pump to the selected voltage; and either shutting down the pump after the predetermined time if the pump does not prime, or running the pump if the pump primes.

The signal processor is configured to implement a normal operating mode process, for example, including continuing to run the pump if the pump is primed; determining whether the pump experiences a current draw by comparing a detected pump current draw with a predetermined low current value corresponding to the detected selected voltage; and shutting down the pump after the predetermined time if the detected current is less than the respective predetermined low current value.

The normal operating mode process also includes, for example, continuing to operate the pump if the pump primes; determine if the pump experiences high current draw by comparing it to current detected being consumed by the pump with a predetermined high current value; and shutting down the pump after the predetermined time if the detected current is greater than the predetermined high current value.

The predetermined high current value includes a respective predetermined high current value corresponding to the selected voltage detected.

The default high current value includes a single high current value for any selected voltage detected.

The fluid supply sensor is configured to detect a fluid supply, and provide a fluid supply signal containing information about the fluid supply, including when the fluid supply is empty.

The pressure sensor is configured to sense a fluid pressure, and provide a fluid pressure signal that contains information about the fluid pressure.

The fluid level sensor is configured to sense a fluid level, and provide a fluid level signal that contains information about the fluid level.

The pump includes an on / off switch that has a built-in light. The built-in light is configured to receive light control signaling and either turn on when the pump is running or flash when the pump is turned off. The signal processor is configured to provide light control signaling.

The pump is configured to contain the power adapter to form an integrated pump system. For example, the power adapter is configured in the pump housing with the appropriate selectable voltage settings adapted to extend outside and external to the housing for selection by the user.

Possible applications may include, for example, bag-in-box fluid transfer, bottled water dispensers, self-filling coffee makers, beverage dispensers, general fluid transfer, water pressure systems, or chemical spray systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings include Figures 1-8, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, as follows:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of the pump, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the components that are part of a pump, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pump, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a block diagram of a flow chart for providing overvoltage and dry run protection in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a diagram of a pump, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a block diagram of the components that are part of, or cooperate with, a pump, including a motor, sensor input devices, an on / off switch, and a module for receiving input voltage as power from selectable input, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a block diagram of a flow chart for a control algorithm, for example, having a start-up process and a normal mode of operation, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a block diagram of a power adapter having selectable voltage settings, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1-4 show embodiments that are part of parent patent application Serial No. 13 / 708,075; and Figures 5-8 show embodiments which are part of the aforementioned provisional patent application Serial No. 61 / 818,147, and which now form the basis for this CIP patent application. Figure 1: The basic pump 10

By way of example, Figure 1 shows the present invention in the form of a pump indicated generally 10 that includes a signal processor, including where the signal processor is part of a printed circuit board assembly 12 (PCBA ), configured for

receive signaling that contains information about a voltage that is supplied to a motor to operate a particular pump model, and also that contains information about whether a consumption of pump current is less than a predetermined low current level or is greater than a predetermined high current level; Y

determining whether to turn off the pump after a predetermined time, based on at least partially received signaling.

Pump 10 may also include other components and pump parts indicated generally 14 in Figure 1 that are not part of the underlying invention, for example, including a motor 14a, an on / off switch 14, a plug 14c power supply, a pressure switch 14d and a front end pump portion 14e, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The power supply plug 14c is configured to receive or accept 12/24 (possibly 32V + also) VDC as well as using an external wall-mounted power supply to convert 115/230 VAC to run a pump model. Pressure switches such as element 14d are known in the art, they can be configured to sense the pressure of fluid being pumped, and provide corresponding signaling, for example, to turn off the pump if the sensed pressure exceeds a pumping pressure. default. The front end pump portion such as the element generally indicated as element 14e can be configured to pump the fluid or liquid of interest via pump 10 and are known in the art, such that the scope of the invention is not. intended to be limited to any specific type, class or configuration thereof.

The signal processor, which includes the PCBA 12, can be configured to provide control signaling to turn off the pump 10 after the predetermined time, for example, if the current draw of the pump 10 is less than the predetermined low current level. or it is higher than the predetermined high current level depending on the voltage that is supplied to the motor 14a (Figure 2) to operate the particular pump model. For example, the control signaling may contain information for turning the motor 14a on or off. The signal processor, which includes the PCBA 12, can be configured to provide control signaling to shut down the pump 10 to protect the pump 10 against dry running and / or pump overvoltage conditions, consistent with routine Pump control indicated generally as 20 and shown in Figure 4. For example, see steps 20d, 20h, and 20k.

The control signaling may include flashing a switch light if the current draw of the pump is either less than the predetermined low current level or greater than the predetermined high current level, consistent with the pump control routine 20 shown in Fig. Figure 4. Again, see steps 20d, 20h, and 20k. Control signaling includes turning on a switch light when power is removed from pump 10. See steps 20g and 20i.

The signal processor, which includes the PCBA 12, can be configured and programmed to operate on the particular pump model that has an input voltage, and can be appropriately configured, programmed, and / or operated also to operate on a Different concrete pump that has a different input voltage to drive a pump motor.

The signal processor, which includes the PCBA 12, can be configured with at least one processor and at least one memory that includes computer program code, the at least one memory, and the configured computer program code, with the at least one processor. , to cause the signal processor to receive the signaling that contains information about the voltage that is supplied to the motor to operate the particular pump model, and also that contains information about whether the current consumption of the pump is lower than the level predetermined low current or is higher than the predetermined high current level; and determining whether to turn off the pump after the predetermined time, based at least in part on the received signaling.

The present invention may also take the form of a method that includes the steps for receiving signaling containing information about a voltage that is supplied to a motor such as 14a (Figure 2) to operate a particular pump model, and also contains information on whether a current consumption of the pump 10 is less than a predetermined low current level or is greater than a predetermined high current level; and determining whether to turn off the pump after a predetermined time, based on at least partially received signaling.

By way of example, the direct current voltage can be in a range of about 12-32 volts; and the alternating current voltage may be in a corresponding range of about 115/230 volts, although the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular voltage or range of voltages.

Signal processor 12

By way of example, and consistent with that described herein, the functionality of the signal processor, device or module and / or the PCBA 12 may be implemented to receive the signaling, process the signaling therein, and / or provide the signaling. control, using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these, although the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited by any embodiment concrete of it. In a typical software implementation, the signal processor, which includes the PCBA 12, may include, or take the form of, one or more microprocessor-based architectures having a microprocessor, a random access memory (RAM), a memory read-only (ROM) devices and control input / output, data, and the address bus architecture that connects them. A person skilled in the art would be able to program such a microprocessor-based implementation to perform the functionality set forth herein, as well as other functionality described herein, without undue experimentation. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular implementation using technology well known now or developed later in the future. Furthermore, the scope of the invention is intended to include a signal processor either as part of the aforementioned apparatus, as a standalone module, or in combination with other circuitry to implement another module.

Techniques for receiving signaling in such a signal processor, device, module or PCBA as element 12 are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or class thereof well known or developed later in the future. Based on this understanding, a person skilled in the art would appreciate, understand, or be able to implement and / or adapt the signal processor, device, module, or PCBA as item 12 without undue experimentation to receive the information contained in the signaling. about a voltage that is supplied to a motor to drive a particular pump model, and also contains information about whether a pump current draw is less than a predetermined low current level or is greater than a predetermined high current level , consistent with what is stated in the present report.

Techniques for determining signaling from other signaling are also known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or class of these well known now or further developed in the future. Based on this understanding, a person skilled in the art would appreciate, understand, and be able to implement and / or adapt the signal processor, device, module, or PCBA as item 12 without undue experimentation to determine whether to turn off the pump after a predetermined time, based at least partially on received signaling.

Techniques for providing signaling to a signal processor such as element 12 are also known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or class of these well known now or further developed in. the future. Based on this understanding, a person skilled in the art would appreciate, understand, and be able to implement and / or adapt the signal processor, device, module, or PCBA as item 12 without undue experimentation to provide the control signaling to turn off. the pump after the predetermined time if the current consumption of the pump is less than the predetermined low current level or is greater than the predetermined high current level, where the predetermined low current level and the predetermined high current level depend on the voltage that is supplied to the motor to operate the particular pump model, consistent with what is stated herein.

It is also understood that apparatus 10 may include one or more other modules, components, processing circuitry, or circuitry 14 to implement other functionality associated with the underlying apparatus that is not part of the underlying invention, and therefore not described in detail herein. By way of example, the one or more other modules, components, processing circuits, or circuitry may include random access memory, read-only memory, input / output circuitry, and data and address buses for use in connection with the implementation of the signal processing functionality of the processor, or the signal devices or components, etc.

Figure 4 The method

Figure 4 shows a flow chart generally denoted 20 having steps 20a, 20b, 20c, ..., 20j, and 20k for operating pump 10, including providing overvoltage and dry run protection controller functionality, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In addition to the controller functionality discussed in Figure 4, the signal processor, which includes the PCBA 12, can be configured to run a timeout to shut down the pump, for example, which is included to prevent the pump from emptying a container or fluid reservoir if there is any leakage in the system as a whole. As an example, the timeout feature executed can take the form of a predetermined timeout, for example, which can be set to 5 minutes and can be set for any time, this is a security feature to avoid the pump to empty the container or reservoir of a fluid. The timeout executed feature can also be used as a general safety shutdown. Based on the flow chart in Figure 4 and steps 20a, 20b, 20c, ..., 20j, and 20k discussed therein, a person skilled in the art would understand, appreciate, and be able to program the signal processor, which includes the PCBA 12, with a computer program to implement the control functionality to run the particular pump model according to the present invention.

Applications

The present invention may also be used in, or form part of, or used in conjunction with, any fluid handling application. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to being implemented in any type or class of pump well known now or developed later in the future, and may include diaphragm pumps, positive displacement pumps, etc.

Pump with multiple voltage inputs for various flow / pressure rates, multiple feedback devices, dry-running and time-out capability

Description of other prior art devices

Typical diaphragm pumps known in the art are designed with a single voltage / power input and deliver a specific flow / pressure rate, have no feedback input, or are limited to one type (typically a mechanical pressure switch or the like). . Some disadvantages of these prior art pumps include the following: Limited applications, pressure and flow rates are not adjustable, and they are not capable of different device / sensor inputs. Multiple motor / pump combinations are necessary to achieve different flows and pressures.

Compendium of additional features

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pump may have the ability to accept various voltage inputs (6/9/12/18/24 vdc) through a network adapter. This will allow users to select different flow rates for their applications.

Different types of sensors can be integrated with the pump to monitor fluid supply, pressure, fluid level, etc. Reverse polarity, overvoltage, dry running and timeout protections can also be integrated into the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) and control algorithm software.

Figures 5-8: Detailed Description of Additional Features

The following are additional features that may be used in conjunction with those described in the aforementioned parent application, for example, including what is shown and described in connection with Figures 1-4 herein.

Pump system

Figures 5-8 show a pump system featuring a power adapter 250 (Figure 8) in combination with a pump 100 (Figure 5) having a signal processor, for example, which may take the form of element 12 in Figure 1, and / or which may be part of a printed circuit board (PCBA) assembly 120 (Figure 6).

Pump 100 may include motor housing 110, PCBA 120, motor 140a, light / rocker switch 140b, DC plug 140c, mounting feet 140d1, 140d2, and pump head 140e. By way of example, as shown the pump 100 may be configured as a diaphragm pump, and the pump head 140e may include standard diaphragm components, including a diaphragm, wobble plate, reciprocating pistons, check valves. , etc., all of which would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. The pump head 140e is not described in detail as it is not part of the innovation point of the underlying invention. Furthermore, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to implementations related only to diaphragm pumps, for example, it is envisaged to implement embodiments of the present invention using other types or classes of pumps well known now or further developed in the future, for example, including positive displacement pumps, etc.

Consistent with that shown in Figure 8, the power adapter 250 may include selectable voltage settings 256a, 256b, 256c, 256d, 256e, each configured to be set by a user to provide a selected voltage, for example, to the motor. 140a of pump 100. By way of example, the selectable voltage settings 256a, 256b, 256c, 256d, 256e may be a push button switch type, a slide / alternator type switch, and so on. The power adapter 250 may also include a wall connector 252 having pins, as shown in Figure 8, for example, to plug into a standard wall socket (not shown), and a housing 253 to contain the plug. electronics associated with selectable voltage settings 256a, 256b, 256c, 256d, 256e. The power adapter 250 may also include a cable 254a and a coupler 254b for plugging into the DC plug 140c (Figure 5) of the pump 100. A person skilled in the art would be able to configure or implement such a power adapter without undue experimentation. consistent with what is described herein, as well as what is known in the prior art. Furthermore, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or class of power adapter either known now or further developed in the future.

Also envisioned are embodiments where the pump 100 can be configured to contain a power adapter in its housing to form an integrated pump system. For example, you can configure an adapter such as element 250 in the pump housing, for example, in the motor housing 110 (Figure 5), with suitable selectable voltage settings such as voltage settings 256a, 256b, 256c, 256d, 256e adapted to extend outward and external to the pump housing for user selection. In such an integrated pump system, for example, the housing 253 (Figure 8) and the pump housing, for example, the motor housing 110 (Figure 5), can be configured as an integral unit.

In operation, the signal processor can be configured to receive the information containing signaling about the selected voltage, for example, received from the power adapter 250 (Figure 8), being supplied to the motor 140a to operate the pump 100, and also containing information on whether a current draw of the pump 100 is less than a predetermined low current level or is greater than a predetermined high current level; and determining whether to turn off the pump 100, for example, after a predetermined time, based at least partially on the received signaling.

Selectable voltage settings

By way of example, selectable voltage settings 256a, 256b, 256c, 256d, 256e may include at least two voltage settings, for example, selected from a group that includes a 6-volt setting, a 9-volt setting , a 12-volt setting, an 18-volt setting, and a 24-volt setting. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular voltage configuration or configurations; and embodiments are envisioned using other types of voltage settings well known now or further developed in the future, for example, including a 32 volt setting, depending on the particular application of the present invention.

Each voltage setting 256a, 256b, 256c, 256d, 256e may correspond to a respective flow rate of the pump. For example, the 6 volt setting may correspond to a first flow rate; the 9 volt setting may correspond to a second flow rate, for example, that is, higher than the first flow rate; the 12 volt setting may correspond to a third flow rate, for example this is higher than the second flow rate; the 18 volt setting may correspond to a fourth flow rate, for example this is higher than the third flow rate; and the 24 volt setting may correspond to a fifth flow rate, for example this is higher than the fourth flow rate. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular flow rate or rates; and the embodiments are conceived using other types of flow rate (s) well known now or further developed in the future, for example, depending on the particular application of the present invention.

As an example, the voltage signaling received by the DC plug 140c (Figure 5) of the pump 100 of the coupler 154b of the power adapter 250 can be received and processed by the module 134 to receive the input voltage as input power. selectable shown in Figure 6, and voltage signaling can be provided from module 134 to PCBA 120 via tracks 134a, 134b.

Sensors 130

Consistent with that shown in Figure 6, and by way of example, the PCBA 120 may be configured to receive detected signaling from one or more sensors 130, for example, including some combination of a fluid supply sensor, a pressure sensor , a fluid level sensor, and determining whether to turn off the pump 100 after the predetermined time, based at least in part on the received detected signaling, including when the fluid supply sensor, pressure sensor, or pressure sensor fluid level are activated. In particular, the fluid supply sensor can be configured to detect a fluid supply, and provide a fluid supply signal that contains information about the fluid supply, including when the fluid supply is empty or depleted. The pressure sensor can be configured to sense a fluid pressure, and provide a fluid pressure signal that contains information about the fluid pressure. The fluid level sensor can be configured to detect a fluid level, and provide a fluid level signal that contains information about the fluid level. The PCBA 120 can be coupled to the one or more sensors using tracks 130a, 130b, and the detected signaling can be received along tracks 130a, 130b. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular sensor or sensors; and embodiments are envisioned using other types of sensor or sensors well known now or further developed in the future, for example depending on the particular application of the present invention. Furthermore, fluid supply sensors, pressure sensors, and fluid level sensors are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or class thereof. now or developed later in the future.

132 on / off switch

Consistent with that shown in Figure 6, and by way of example, pump 100 may include an on / off switch 132, for example, having a built-in light. The built-in light can be configured to receive light control signaling and either turn it on when pump 100 is running or blink when pump 100 is turned off. The signal processor can be configured to provide light control signaling, for example, via tracks 132a, 132b that engage on / off switch 132 and PCBA 120 together. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any one circuit breaker. concrete on / off; and the embodiments are envisioned using other types or classes of on / off switch well known now or further developed in the future, for example depending on the particular application of the present invention, including a light switch having LED illumination. . Furthermore, on / off switches, for example, having an integrated light, are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or class thereof well known now or developed. later in the future.

Start-up process and normal operating mode

Consistent with that shown in Figure 7, the signal processor may be configured to implement a control algorithm 200, for example, which may include a start-up process 202 and / or a mode 204 of normal operation.

The Commissioning Process 202

By way of example, the signal processor can be configured to implement the start-up process 202, for example, including the use of one or more steps 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d.

In step 202a, power can be applied to pump 100 by power adapter 250 (Figure 8), for example, in the form of a voltage setting output corresponding to settings 256a, 256b, 256c, 256d, 256e of selectable voltage supplied from coupler 254b of power adapter 250 to pump 100's DC plug 140c. By way of example, step 202a may include the user's connection of power adapter 250 to a wall outlet (not shown) , connect coupler 254b of power adapter 250 into pump 100's DC plug 140c, and select one of the selectable voltage settings 256a, 256b, 256c, 256d, 256e to determine which voltage setting output will be provided by the power adapter 250 to motor 140a of pump 100.

In step 202b, the signal processor can be configured to implement control algorithm software to detect the selected voltage that is supplied to motor 140a. If the signal processor does not detect the selected voltage that is supplied to motor 140a, then step 202a may need to be re-implemented, for example, by the user. Algorithms for detecting a voltage that is supplied to a motor are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or class of these well known now or further developed in the future. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art would be able to implement said algorithm to detect said voltage that is supplied to said motor such as motor 140a without undue experimentation based on those described in the instant patent application.

In step 202c, the signal processor can be configured to implement control algorithm software to prime pump 100 at the selected voltage. The control algorithm software can be configured to prime pump 100 based on the selected voltage, for example, using a different control algorithm for each different selected voltage. Alternatively, the control algorithm software can be configured to prime pump 100, for example, using a standard implementation to prime for each different selected voltage. Algorithms for priming pumps are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or class thereof well known now or further developed in the future. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art would be able to implement said algorithm to prime said pump as pump 100 without undue experimentation based on what is described in the instant patent application.

In step 202d, the signal processor can be configured to implement the control algorithm software to either turn off the pump 100 after the predetermined time if the pump 100 does not prime, or to run the pump 100 after the predetermined time if the pump 100 is primed. Algorithms for shutting down pumps after a predetermined time if a pump does not prime, or operating the pump if the pump does prime, are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any kind or concrete class of the same well known now or developed later in the future. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art would be able to implement said algorithm to turn off or operate said pump like pump 100 without undue experimentation based on those described in the instant patent application.

Process 204 of the normal operating mode

The signal processor can be configured to implement normal operation mode processing, for example, including the use of one or more steps 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, 204e, 204f, and 204g.

In step 204a, the signal processor can be configured to implement control algorithm software to continue to operate pump 100 if pump 100 primes. Algorithms for operating pumps if pumps are primed are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or class thereof well known now or further developed in the future. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art would be able to implement said algorithm to operate said pump such as pump 100 without undue experimentation based on what is described in the instant patent application.

In step 204b, the signal processor can be configured to implement control algorithm software to determine if pump 100 experiences low current draw by comparing a detected current being drawn by pump 100 with a low current value. corresponding to the selected voltage detected. As an example, if the selected voltage is in the range of 10-12 volts, then the respective default low current value can be approximately 0.3 amps, if the selected voltage is in the range of 16-18 volts, then the predetermined low current value can be about 0.5 amps; and if the selected voltage is in the range of 22-24 volts, then the respective predetermined low current value may be about 0.7 amps. Algorithms for determining whether pumps experience low current draw by comparing the detected current draw to some predetermined current value are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or class of equipment. the same well known now or developed later in the future. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art would be able to implement said algorithm to operate said pump as pump 100 without undue experimentation based on what is described in the instant patent application.

If the determination in step 204a is yes, then the signal processor can be configured to implement the control algorithm software associated with step 202d, for example, to turn off the pump 100 after the predetermined time if the detected current is less. than the predetermined low current value, including flashing the light on the on / off switch 132, consistent with the above. As an example, if the selected voltage is in the range of 10-12 volts, and the sensed current being drawn by pump 100 is less than approximately 0.3 amps, then the signal processor can be configured to turn off the pump. 100 and flashing the light on the on / off switch 132, for example, by sending appropriate control signaling to the pump 100 and to the on / off switch 132. Alternatively, if the selected voltage is in the range of 16-18 volts and the sensed current being drawn by pump 100 is less than approximately 0.5 amps, then the signal processor can be configured to shutdown pump 100 and flashing the light in the on / off switch 132. Alternatively, if the selected voltage is in the range of 22-24 volts, and the sensed current being drawn by pump 100 is less than approximately 0.7 amps, then the signal processor can be configured to turn off pump 100 and flashing the light in the on / off switch 132. If the determination in step 204b is no, then the signal processor can be configured to implement control algorithm software to continue to operate pump 100, consistent with step 204a. Algorithms for turning off pumps and / or flashing lights are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or class thereof well known now or further developed in the future. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art would be able to implement said algorithm to operate said pump as pump 100 without undue experimentation based on what is described in the instant patent application.

In step 204c, the signal processor can be configured to implement control algorithm software to determine if pump 100 experiences high current draw by comparing a sensed current being drawn by pump 100 with a predetermined high current value. , for example including a respective predetermined high current value corresponding to the selected voltage detected. The functionality can be part of the so-called overvoltage protection and functionality. Embodiments are envisioned in which the predetermined high current value depends on the selected voltage, as well as in which a predetermined high current value is used for any selected voltage. If the determination in step 204c is no, then the signal processor can be configured to implement control algorithm software to continue to operate pump 100, consistent with what was discussed in connection with step 204a. Algorithms for determining whether pumps experience large current draw by comparing detected current draw to some predetermined current values are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or class of equipment. the same well known now or developed later in the future. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art would be able to implement said algorithm to operate said pump as pump 100 without undue experimentation based on what is described in the instant patent application.

If the determination in step 204c is yes, then in step 204d the signal processor can be configured to implement the control algorithm software to turn off the pump, for example, after the predetermined time, if the detected current is greater than the respective predetermined high current value, for example, consistent with that discussed in connection with step 202d.

In step 204e, the signal processor may be configured to implement control algorithm software to determine if one or more of the sensors 130 is activated, for example, including some combination of a fluid supply sensor, a pressure sensor, a fluid level sensor. If the determination in step 204e is yes, then in step 204f the signal processor can be configured to implement the control algorithm software to turn off the pump, for example, after the predetermined timeout, consistent with that discussed in relative to step 202d. The functionality can be part of the so-called dry running functionality, for example when the liquid being pumped has been used up. In addition, the signal processor can be configured to implement control algorithm software to put pump 100 in a standby mode, for example, until pressure is released from pump 100. If the determination in step 204e is no, then the signal processor can be configured to implement the control algorithm software to continue to operate the pump 100, consistent with what was discussed in connection with step 204a. Algorithms for determining whether the sensors are activated, for example, including some combination of a fluid supply sensor, a pressure sensor, a fluid level sensor, are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not. it is intended to be limited to any particular type or class thereof well known now or further developed in the future. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art would be able to implement said algorithm to operate said pump as pump 100 without undue experimentation based on what is described in the instant patent application.

In step 204g, the signal processor may be configured to implement control algorithm software to determine if pump 100 runs for more than a predetermined time, eg, including a predetermined number of minutes. The functionality can be part of the so-called time-out capability and functionality. If the determination in step 204g is yes, then in step 204d the signal processor may be configured to implement the control algorithm software to turn off the pump 100, for example, after the predetermined time, consistent with what has been discussed in relation to with step 202d. If the determination in step 204g is no, then the signal processor can be configured to implement control algorithm software to continue to operate pump 100, consistent with what was discussed in connection with step 204a. Algorithms for determining how long a pump is running are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or class thereof well known now or further developed in the future. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art would be able to implement said algorithm to operate said pump as pump 100 without undue experimentation based on what is described in the instant patent application.

Possible applications may include, for example, bag-in-box fluid transfer, bottled water dispensers, self-filling coffee makers, beverage dispensers, general fluid transfer, water pressure systems, or chemical spray systems.

Claims (14)

1. A pump system (100) comprising: a pump (10) configured to accept various input voltages corresponding to a user-selected voltage setting and to operate the pump (10) at a different flow rate based on a particular application after the selected voltage is supplied to a motor (14a, 140a) to operate the pump (10), the pump (10) having a signal processor (12), the signal processor (12) is configured to: receive signaling containing information about the selected voltage, and also containing information on whether a current consumption of the pump (10) is less than a predetermined low current level corresponding to the selected voltage or is greater than a predetermined high current level corresponding to the selected voltage, the predetermined low current level being lower than the predetermined high current level to determine a range corresponding to the selected voltage setting; Y determine the corresponding information containing signaling as to whether to turn off the pump (10) after a predetermined time if the sensed current is less than the respective predetermined low current value to provide overvoltage and dry run controller functionality, based on at least partially to the received signaling, characterized in that a power adapter (250) having voltage settings, each voltage setting configured to be configured by a user to provide the selected voltage corresponding to the different flow rate selected by the user for a particular application, configured the adapter (250 ) power to respond to the user-selected voltage setting and provide the selected voltage corresponding to the voltage setting, and the signal processor (12) that is part of a printed circuit board assembly (120), hereinafter referred to as PCBA. 2. A pump system (100) according to claim 1, wherein each voltage setting corresponds to a respective flow rate of the pump (10). A pump system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the voltage settings include at least two voltage settings selected from a group that includes a 6-volt setting, a 9-volt setting, a 12 volts, an 18 volt setting, and a 24 volt setting. A pump system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the PCBA (120) is configured to receive sensed signaling from a fluid supply sensor, or a pressure sensor, or a fluid level sensor, and determining whether to turn off the pump (10) after the predetermined time, based on at least partially received detected signaling, including when the fluid supply sensor, pressure sensor, or fluid level sensor is activated. . 5. A pump system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the signal processor (12) is configured to implement a start-up process comprising: detecting the selected voltage that is supplied from the power adapter (250) to the motor (14a); and where the start-up process includes prime the pump (10) to the selected voltage, and either turn off the pump (10) after the predetermined time if the pump (10) does not prime, or run pump (10) if pump (10) primes or the signal processor (12) is configured to implement a normal operating mode process comprising: determining whether the pump (10) experiences a first current draw by comparing a sensed current that is consumed by the pump (10) with a respective predetermined low current value corresponding to the selected sensed voltage, and turning off the pump (10) after the predetermined time if the detected current is less than the respective first predetermined current value; or the normal operating mode process includes: determining whether the pump (10) experiences a second current draw by comparing a sensed current that is drawn by the pump (10) to a predetermined high current value, and turn off the pump (10) after the predetermined time if the detected current is higher than the predetermined high current value. 6. A pump system (100) according to claim 1, wherein The signal processor (12) is configured to implement a normal operating mode process comprising: determining whether the pump (10) experiences a first current draw by comparing a sensed current that is consumed by the pump (10) with a respective predetermined low current value corresponding to the selected voltage, and turning off the pump (10) after the predetermined time if the detected current is less than the respective first predetermined low current value; or the normal operating mode process includes: determining whether the pump (10) experiences a second current draw by comparing the sensed current that is drawn by the pump (10) with a predetermined high current value; and turning off the pump (10) after the predetermined time if the detected current is greater than the respective predetermined high current value. A pump system (100) according to claim 5, wherein either the second predetermined current value is a respective predetermined high current value corresponding to the detected selected voltage, or the predetermined high current value is a single second value. current for any selected voltage detected. A pump system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the normal operating mode process includes: determining whether the pump (10) experiences a second current draw by comparing the sensed current that is drawn by the pump (10) to a predetermined high current value; Y turn off the pump (10) after the predetermined time if the detected current is higher than the predetermined high current value. A pump system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the normal operating mode process includes: determining whether the pump (10) experiences a second current draw by comparing a sensed current that is drawn by the pump (10) with a predetermined high current value; and shutting down the pump (10) after the predetermined time if the detected current is greater than the predetermined high current value. A pump system (100) according to claim 4, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to sense a fluid pressure, and provide a fluid pressure signal containing information about the fluid pressure. A pump system 8100) according to claim 4, wherein the fluid level sensor is configured to sense a fluid level, and provide a fluid level signal containing information about the fluid level. A pump system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the pump comprises an on / off switch having an integrated light. A pump system (100) according to claim 12, wherein the integrated light is configured to receive the light control signaling and either turn on when the pump (10) is running or flash when the pump (10) is turned off. , and the signal processor (12) is configured to provide the light control signaling. A pump system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the pump system (100) is configured as an integral pump system such that the pump (10) contains the network adapter (250); and the pump (10) comprises a housing, including a motor housing (110); and the tension settings are adapted to extend outward and external to the pump casing (10) to be selected by the user.