SK7659Y1 - System for controlling and / or monitoring of the pool - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a central element (1), which brings together in one body an input interface, control unit, communication module (2), output interface, protective and power electrical features. The control unit is connected to the input interface, the output interface and the communication module (2). Input interface is connected to at least one physical value sensor pool water and the output interface is connected to at least one regulatory element. The control unit is adapted to control the output interface according to instructions received through the communication module (2) and / or by programmed algorithms that take into account the recorded value of the input interface. Centralization of the control and monitoring of all devices and features of the swimming pool (3) provides a synergistic benefit, the originally separate subsystems can build binding. This simplifies installation, reducing the risk of bad interconnections. The system can be controlled remotely via mobile phone, tablet, computer, or even via a graphical interface of home automation with the KNX protocol. The central element (1) has in the body created interconnections that are needed for all possible relations between the subsystems of the pool (3), free clamps of interfaces allow later simple adding features swimming pools (3).

Description

SK 7659 Υ1

Technical field

The technical solution relates to a system for controlling, controlling or monitoring the condition and operation of a swimming pool or multiple swimming pools by means of a remote access point, which may advantageously be a mobile telephone of a user or a pool manager. The system is flexibly applicable to virtually any pool and is not limited to a particular type of peripheral control element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various swimming pool water quality control systems are known whose primary task was to ensure the necessary hygienic parameters. Gradually, other tasks, such as controlling the lighting or sound of the pool, etc., were added to these tasks. This has increased the complexity of the pool's control and regulating devices, using separate controls for each task, causing not only opaque control but also unnecessary loss of chemical products used to affect the quality of the pool water.

The incompatibility of the various peripheral devices of the pool is also related to the fact that these devices usually come not only from different manufacturers, but also from completely different industries. The elements through which the pool water flows are produced by different manufacturers, such as electronic sensors or sliding pool damping.

The solution of EP2878745 (A1) is used to control an underwater robot that collects data and sends it to the central office. Such a separate arrangement allows only pool monitoring, not pool parameter management. WO 2011004015 (A2) discloses a remote server to which data from multiple pools is collected over a communication network. The solution is not able to provide feedback and the remote server complicates the collection of local data. The system according to CN102493684 (A) clarifies the system for controlling and controlling the temperature in the pool, the system is not able to control and control other pool functions. CN202369456 (U) discloses a system capable of managing multiple functions of a pool, but this system does not have an open architecture that would allow general use for different pools with different accessories.

The disclosure of US6125481 (A) discloses a system where a different pool function is controlled by a controller, but the system is relatively complicated and poorly adaptable to different conditions of different pools.

Known systems and subsystems are not only characterized by low mutual compatibility, but also have problems to cooperate with the possible management of an intelligent house. There is a need, and is not known, for a system that allows convenient control and monitoring of the pool via a remote communication device, such as a mobile phone or standard elements, or control systems used for smart homes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above mentioned drawbacks are substantially eliminated by a system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool, which comprises at least one sensor of physical value of the swimming pool water and at least one regulating element connected to the swimming pool device according to the present invention. in one unit, it associates an input interface connected to at least one pool water sensor, a central element having a control unit, and an output interface connected to a control element.

The control unit is connected to the input and output interfaces within the central element and is also connected to the communication module. The control unit is adapted to control the output interface according to instructions received through the communication module and according to programmed algorithms that take into account the sensed values on the input interface. The control unit is also intended to access the scanned values via the communication module to the remote display device. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit may take the form of a local server to which it can be connected via a communication module.

The central element will usually have the external form of a body, a box, a box, where different control and monitoring subsystems of the pool are combined in one body. An essential part of the central element is the control unit, which is equipped with appropriate software and allows to evaluate the signals received from the sensors of different physical values of the pool water, based on them and in accordance with programmed algorithms the control unit controls the output interfaces.

The term physical value of swimming pool water is to be understood in this document as any measurable property, a circumstance that is used to control and monitor the pool. For example, water temperature, water quality measured by pH, redox, free chlorine, water level

SK 7659 Υ1 in the pool or in the buffer tank, it may also be the flow rate of water in the respective lines and the like.

Several processes in the pool are related to consumption or are directly accompanied by the consumption of electricity or other medium. It is therefore advantageous to sense the distribution and / or consumption of electric power or other medium. This sensing enables indirect identification of various conditions, while also providing the possibility to inform the user of the consumption and the possible imminent need to replenish the respective medium. Controlling the power consumption, ie sensing the actual power consumption of individual devices and elements of the pool, provides the possibility to evaluate different states of these devices and elements, even if these devices and elements do not have their own diagnostics. For example, increased current consumption of the electric motor indicates valve opening problems or pump mechanical problems, and the like.

For this reason, it is advantageous if at least one power supply sensor of the individual power or control elements is connected to the central element. This connection can also be realized by sensing the electrical values at the output interface within the central element. The output interface can directly provide power control of connected devices and elements. The current and voltage analysis provides important information on the operation of the respective device or element.

In addition to at least one pool water sensor, an ambient sensor such as a temperature or humidity sensor around the pool, a dimming sensor, a motion sensor around the pool or within a designated zone, a heating water temperature sensor may be connected to the central interface input interface. and so on.

The central element provides the advantage that all available signals from the sensors of the pool and its surroundings arrive at the input interface in one body. Centralization of the input values creates the first and main prerequisite for complex management, control and monitoring of the pool. In the present technical solution, the originally crushed single-purpose control units are replaced by a central element which combines all available inputs. This will make it possible to assess the situation in relation to the current events, for example the system will not add a chemical to the water when the filter is rinsed. Such consideration of the optimal operation of individual pool equipment has not been possible so far, as each subsystem had its own decision algorithms that were not covered by parameters from the other subsystems.

The output interface can be in the form of a terminal block, where the individual terminals are supplied with a control, power voltage for individual controlled elements, devices or subsystems. In order to provide adequate power parameters at the output interface, it comprises a central contactor element, starting contactors, and the like. An instruction from the control unit controls the motor trigger or frequency converter or contactor directly within the central element body, the output of which is driven by the relevant pool device, for example an electric motor of the pump.

The central element merges the originally fragmented levels of management. First of all, it merges the reception of all signals from the sensors into one device, but also merges the control platform with the power outputs. This means that in one integral body of the central element the received signals are evaluated at the level of the control unit and also in one body there is a power switching. This twofold centralization approach brings a technical solution with high flexibility and easy deployment in different conditions. There is no need to design a control system for each pool per partes, nor does it need to be re-designed, as was the case with prior art solutions. When assembling the system, a central element is used which has all existing forms of inputs and outputs. The central element is thus ready for operation at any swimming pool. Depending on the equipment of the pool, several entries and exits may remain unoccupied, but this is not an advantage. Such an arrangement allows additional equipment to be added later without replacing the central element or part of the subsystem. The central element is ready for such later replenishment from the moment of first connection. An example of such a later adaptation of the system is a change in the method of chemical treatment of the pool water. For example, we can change the original chlorine treatment without changing the dosing device and its original logic. Importantly, the internal interconnection of the input interface with the control unit that controls the output interface is interconnected in the central element for all interconnections that may occur during pool control.

Another important feature of this technical solution is the interconnection of the control unit with the communication module. In particular, the communication module has the task of receiving instructions from a remote device, such as a mobile phone or a smart home, and also has the task of sending the requested system status information to such a remote device. The communication module is permanently connected to the control unit. The communication module on the outside may have a cable connector for connection to a LAN network (for example, in particular as an RJ45), it may be WiFi or Bluetooth, or may have an EIB / KNX bus. It is advantageous if the communication module has several of the above platforms at the same time. Typically, the communication module will have an Internet connection, a WiFi connection to communicate around the pool, and an EIB / KNX connector through which the central element can be integrated into a wider intelligent house system. This will allow the user to view and set the required pool parameters from their mobile phone, which connects to the control unit via an Internet connection. At the same time, if he is already at home by the pool, he can through the same mobile

SK 7659 Υ1 telephone to communicate with the pool via Wi-Fi. This eliminates the need to have a separate remote control for the pool. In fact, so far, the pool has had several separate remote controls for different subsystems, which was incompatible and even less comfortable.

Through the EIB / KNX protocol, the central element is also capable of communicating with decentralized house management, and from the perspective of other smart house devices, the pool control and / or monitoring system appears to be one regulatory element. This is also an important advantage of the present invention, since it is also possible to indirectly control devices and elements of the pool which do not have or do not operate via the KNX protocol. do not meet the KNX standard.

The central element may also include a residual current device in its body, which is preceded by all outputs on the output interface. The residual current circuit breaker disconnects all outputs from the voltage in the event that part of the electric current passes outside the protected circuits. The RCD can be wired so that the control unit is powered from the power supply before the RCD with the communication module is connected to maintain system connectivity and the ability to send a system status report to the remote device.

The central element may also include single-phase or three-phase circuit breakers to protect individual outputs at the output interface.

The view side of the central element may include a display, for example an LCD, to display selected data from the control unit. Such a display is primarily of complementary purpose. The data will be displayed more conveniently and comprehensively on a remote communication device, for example a smartphone that connects to the central element via a communication module. The display on the remote communication device can also be realized through the controls of the intelligent house system to which the central element is connected.

The central element is adapted to receive signals from the sensors in various communication protocols, both in digital and analog form. Advantageously, an analog-to-digital converter may be provided between the sensor and the control unit. This transducer may be a separate sensor-specific hardware transducer, or it may be an emulated transducer capable of converting data of different communication rates, bits, parity, emulating input on the encoder side according to the type of connected transducer. By emulation, it is meant to imitate one element by another.

An essential feature of the present solution is the use of a central element with a control unit which is able to cooperate with peripheral devices, sensors, solenoid valves, pumps of different design, which may come from different, even incompatible manufacturers. The central element thus forms a unifying element that brings together different platforms.

The role of the communication module is to give the user the ability to control all activities from the remote access point. The term distant is to be understood very broadly, it can be a distance in the order of meters, where a Wi-Fi or NFC can be sufficient to create a communication channel, and it can also be accessed over the Internet from anywhere on Earth. At the same time, a service worker, ie an expert, a professional who has a deeper knowledge of the individual links between the devices and the elements of the pool, is connected to the control unit via the communication module. Usually, user and service access will be differentiated by disposition privileges. The service technician will be able to change multiple constraints, settings, and system criteria. At the same time, the control module will send data, messages, alarm messages, e-mails about the upcoming supply or replacement time, or the need to service a particular device or feature through the communication module.

Since some pool subsystems are shipped with a fixed plug power line that would need to be removed to connect the cable to the interface terminal block, the central element may be provided with electrical outlets that are part of the output interface. The power supply of these sockets will be controlled by the control unit.

An important advantage of the present invention is the ease of use for any pool, with all the functionality and adjustment options available in one central feature that allows remote management. The presented technical solution enables quick installation of the system, reduces the risk of poor connection of individual elements and equipment of the pool. Last but not least, the aesthetic aspect is also important when several different control units in separate boxes are replaced by one central element with clear interfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technical solution is explained in more detail with the help of Figures 1 to 5. The scale used between the individual devices of the pool as well as the schematic pictures of these devices are only informative, non-binding or have been directly modified for clarity.

SK 7659 Υ1

Fig. 1 is a view of a central element body where current protectors, circuit breakers and contactors are available on the front face. The dashed line is the communication module. Its indicated location is only illustrative.

Figure 2 is a wiring diagram of a central element with individual single pool devices where water quality and filtration are controlled.

Figure 3 shows a pool management and monitoring system with a more complex set of equipment including lighting and overlay.

Figure 4 shows a spill pool where all available functions are controlled and monitored.

Figure 5 shows the various connectivity options of the system with the user or the repairer. The user icons at the bottom left show a computer, tablet, mobile phone, and home automation system as examples of the system user interface of the present invention.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

The system of this example in Figures 1, 2 and 5 is used to control and monitor a swimming pool 3 with basic functions.

The system has a central element 1 with a communication module 2 having an internet connection 20 via a LAN connector RJ45. The central element 1 is fully equipped with all interfaces. The central element 1 has a residual current circuit breaker on the front wall which also functions as a main circuit breaker. Furthermore, in this example, it has three motor switches, one for the filter pump motor 4, the other for the optional accessory motors. On the front wall according to figure 2, there are also three circuit breakers and four contactors for dosing pumps 17, six-way valve control 19, pool overlay 12, heating valve 10, water admission valve 9, light 22, attractions and auxiliary technologies.

In this example, the front wall of the central member 1 also includes a simple display for operatively displaying current states and settings. There are also buttons to move through the menu. Both the display and the buttons on the display are only ancillary, all functions and in a more pleasant graphical environment are accessible via the user's mobile phone.

The communication module 2 comprises a Wi-Fi element having a rSMA connector on the surface of the central element 1 for connecting a 2.4GHz antenna. In this example, on the side wall of the housing of the central member 1 there are two BNC connectors for connecting the ORP electrode and the pH electrode. There are also two pneumatic switches on the sides, for example to control two separately operated attractions of the pool 3.

The input and output interfaces consist mainly of terminal blocks in two lines on the top side of the housing of the central element 1. These interfaces are intended for the connection of inputs and outputs. It is possible to connect the sensor 6 of the pool water temperature, the sensor 18 of the outdoor temperature, the sensor 13 of the temperature of the external heating system 10, the sensor 7 of the pool water quality, e.g. free chlorine sensor, optical level sensor 11, ultrasonic level sensor 11. The output interface includes overlap terminals 12 for swimming pool 3, four metering pumps 17, two separate attractions, light 22, filter pump 4, filtration setting, three way heating valve 10, water inlet valve 9, flush valve, UV lamp, salinator 15, generator 8 ozone, heat pump. The communication module 2 has an RJ-45 connector, a KNX connector 21 and a BUS proprietary bus.

Despite the wide range of inputs and outputs, the central element 1 in this example is only connected to the pool water sensor 7, the metering pump 17, the injection valves 16 and the filter pump 4. The other inputs and outputs are free, unoccupied and usable later expanding the pool functions 3.

To the control unit in the central element j. the user connects using their mobile phone, which has a software application with a clear graphical environment. The mobile phone connects to the control unit via the communication module 2 via Wi-Fi if the user is within range of Wi-Fi at home. In this case, the mobile phone acts as a remote control with a large display. From the same mobile phone, the user can also connect to the communication module 2 via the Internet from anywhere. In addition to the operating memory, the control unit also has a memory for storing measured values from all sensors connected to the central element T. This memory also stores the calculated values of water consumption, electricity and pool water treatment products. In this example, the control unit also includes a messaging block through which messages with preselected information types are sent to the user and the repairer.

Example 2

In this example, the swimming pool 3 has a wider accessory according to Figures 1, 3 and 5, which includes a filter pump 4, a flow sensor 5, a temperature sensor 6, a pool water quality sensor 7 (pH, redox, free chlorine), an ozone generator 8, a valve 9 water filling, level sensor 11, overlap 12 of pool 3, UV lamp 14, salinator 15,

71 injection valves 16, metering pumps 17, outside temperature sensor 18, multi-way filter 19 for flushing the filter, light 22.

Said devices and elements of the swimming pool 3 are connected to the respective input and output interfaces of the central element L During installation, the worker places the central element X in a suitable location and connects the cables to all sensors according to the identification of the terminals on the input interface. It connects to the output interface according to the unified manual all power and control of the control elements, motors and other power elements. In this case, for example, the output interface terminals for the filter pump motor 4 already have the necessary electrical protection within the central element 1, the wiring utilizes a motor starting contactor. Installation work is simplified, it is sufficient to correctly identify the individual cables and connect them to the corresponding terminal. This significantly reduces the possibility of poor wiring and speeds up installation.

In the control unit of the central element X, the basic set of relations and relations between the sensors and the control elements is preset from the factory and also optimal values of the system parameters are recorded here. This ensures that the system is immediately ready for operation without further programming or parameter setting after mounting the central element i and simply connecting the cables. At the same time, it is possible to change these parameters and links through a mobile application on a smartphone, a desktop application, a tablet application, or through a home automation graphical interface. A service technician can usually change a wider set of settings than an ordinary user.

The system, by means of the central element 11, records the history and statistics of the operation of the individual devices and elements of the pool 3. Based on these data, it is able to determine the upcoming service intervals or the expiration time of a product added to the pool water. In this example, it sends a message to the user's e-mail address as well as to the service technician, and also sends an SMS just before the deadline.

Example 3

The system of this example includes all available devices and elements of Figures 1, 4 and 5. The central element X, as in the previous examples, in one body includes protective electrical elements such as a residual current circuit breaker and circuit breakers, also includes a control unit with memory , the communication module 2 connected to the control unit and also includes input and output interfaces. The central element X also includes power electrical elements such as contactors, motor switches and relays.

The overflow pool 3 has in this example a filter pump 4, flow sensor 5, temperature sensor 6, pool water quality sensor 7 (pH, redox, free chlorine), ozone generator 8, water charge valve 9, heating W, level sensor 11, overlap 12 of pool 3, heating temperature sensor W, UV lamp 14, salinator 15, injection valves 16, metering pumps 17, outdoor temperature sensor 18, multi-way filter flushing valve 19, light 22. Level sensor 11 is located in the buffer tank. Attractions such as colored lights 22, fountains and sound are controlled by the central T element

The central element X also has an upload unit, by means of which the firmware (software) recorded in the memory of the control unit can be remotely modified. The system parameters can also be changed remotely via service access. Between the individual devices and the elements of the pool 3 there is a control of the mutual relations. The central element X not only evaluates the activity time of the individual devices and elements, but also examines their electrical and product and water consumption. This allows various undesirable conditions to be detected. For example, the decreasing level of pool water, followed by the activation of the water inlet valve 9, indicates a leak in the system. If the opening time of the water inlet valve 9 exceeds a set value that may correspond to the natural evaporation of water on hot days, the central element X sends a message about a probable system error. If the pool water loss is high or if the moisture sensor in the pool well 3 detects a flood in the well, the central element X stops the water flow through the water inlet valve 9 and also stops the filter pump 4 which could be damaged by dry operation or contribute to greater water loss.

These individual relationships and relationships between the measured values of the swimming pool 3 and the activation of the respective control and power devices and elements are preset in the central element X and the installer does not even have to think about them. Thanks to the centralization of the system, regulatory and control options were created which were not easily possible with the individual control of each device and component separately.

Industrial usability

Industrial applicability is obvious. According to this technical solution, it is possible to repeatedly manufacture and use a system for controlling or monitoring various pools with different levels of equipment and accessories, the system being characterized by simple installation and flexibility.

Claims (19)

EN 7659 Υ1 PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool comprising at least one sensor of physical value of swimming pool water and at least one control element connected to a swimming pool device (3), characterized in that it has a central element (1) which integrates in one unit input interface, control unit, communication module (2) and output interface, control unit connected to input interface, output interface and communication module (2), input interface connected to at least one pool water sensor, output interface connected with at least one control element, wherein the control unit is adapted to control the output interface according to instructions received through the communication module (2) and / or according to programmed algorithms that take into account the sensed values on the input interface. The system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to claim 1, characterized in that the input interface or the output interface is connected to at least one electrical supply voltage sensor of individual devices and / or elements of the pool (3). A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one ambient sensor or at least one swimming pool accessory parameter (3) is connected to the central element (1). Swimming pool control and / or monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the communication module (2) has a network LAN connector and / or a Wi-Li interface and / or a KNX connector (21), preferably having all the aforesaid connecting elements at the same time. A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the communication module (2) has a Bluetooth interface and / or a USB connector. A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the central element (1) has an external body form in which the electrical protective elements, the electrical power elements and the input and output interface terminals are combined. for all pool equipment and features (3). A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to claim 6, characterized in that the central element (1) has in its body a residual current circuit breaker, at least one electric circuit breaker, at least one electric contactor, preferably at least one motor switch. Pool control and / or monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control unit has a memory for storing the measured values from the sensors connected to the central element (1) and for storing the calculated water consumption values and / or electricity and / or preparations consumed for the treatment of pool water. Pool control and / or monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a filter pump (4) and / or a flow sensor (5) and / or a sensor (5) are connected to the central element (1). 6) a temperature and / or a pool water quality sensor (7), and / or an ozone generator (8), and / or a water supply valve (9), and / or a heating (10), and / or a level sensor (11) and / or an overlap (12) of the pool (3), and / or a temperature sensor (13) of the heating (10), and / or a UV lamp (14), and / or a salinator (15), and / or injection valves (16). and / or metering pumps (17), and / or an outside temperature sensor (18), and / or a multi-way filter (19) for flushing the filter, and / or a light (22). A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control unit is adapted to be operated via a communication module (2) via a mobile phone and / or tablet, and / or a computer, and / or via the home automation graphical interface. A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the control unit has a block for sending messages to the user and / or to the repairer. A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the central element (1) has a display on the front wall for displaying the values and states of the system. A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the central element (1) has at least one hardware or emulated analog-to-digital converter connected to the input interface. A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the central element (1) has communication access for the user and the service technician with different dispositions for adjusting the system parameters. A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the central element (1) has on its body a accessible standardized electrical socket which is part of the controlled output interface. A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to any one of claims 1 to 15, 7 SK 7659-1, characterized in that the central element (1) has a rSMA connector. A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the central element (1) has a BNC connector. A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the control unit has a block for changing the software uploaded by the manufacturer by means of an upload via the communication module (2). A system for controlling and / or monitoring a swimming pool according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the central element (1) has an internet connection (20).