WO2007147202A1 - Système et procédé de sécurité pour piscines - Google Patents

Système et procédé de sécurité pour piscines Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007147202A1
WO2007147202A1 PCT/AU2007/000849 AU2007000849W WO2007147202A1 WO 2007147202 A1 WO2007147202 A1 WO 2007147202A1 AU 2007000849 W AU2007000849 W AU 2007000849W WO 2007147202 A1 WO2007147202 A1 WO 2007147202A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pump
switching means
outlet
inlet
basin
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2007/000849
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gary Hall
Original Assignee
Gary Hall
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2006903353A external-priority patent/AU2006903353A0/en
Application filed by Gary Hall filed Critical Gary Hall
Publication of WO2007147202A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007147202A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/06—Safety devices; Coverings for baths
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/12—Devices or arrangements for circulating water, i.e. devices for removal of polluted water, cleaning baths or for water treatment
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a safety system for swimming pools, and in particular, swimming pools which include a pumping system.
  • swimming pools including hot tubs, spa baths and the like are found in many places including the backyards of homes, and, in recreational facilities and tourist resorts which are generally open to the public.
  • Most swimming pools will include a pump for pumping water out of the pool via an outlet and through a cleaning or filtration system, before returning the water back into the pool via an inlet. As water is being pumped out of the pool, a suction is created at the outlet of the pool.
  • the present invention seeks to alleviate the problem described above in relation to the prior art.
  • the present invention involves several different broad forms. Embodiments of the invention may include one or any combination of the different broad forms herein described.
  • the present invention provides a system for use with a swimming pool, the swimming pool including a basin, and, a pump for pumping water out of the basin via an outlet and for pumping water in to the basin via an inlet, the inlet and outlet being in fluid communication via a piping system; and the system including: a sensor for sensing when flow of water between the outlet and inlet is impeded during operation of the pump; and a first switching means operatively connected to the sensor whereby the first switching means is adapted to automatically deactivate operation of the pump when the sensor detects an obstruction in the flow of water between the outlet and the inlet.
  • a filtration system and/or chlorination system may be disposed between the basin inlet and outlet.
  • the piping system typically includes a suction line through which water is piped outwardly of the basin by the pump, and, a return line via which water is piped into the basin by the pump.
  • the power supply includes a mains power supply.
  • the power supply may conveniently be fed in a series configuration from a salt-chlorinator timing device or any other suitable device which may be drawing power from the mains power supply.
  • the first switching means may be variable between at least a closed and an opened position wherein when it is arranged in the closed position it activates the pump by closing a circuit between the power supply and the pump. Conversely, when the first switching means is arranged in the opened position, the power supply is automatically disconnected from the pump so as to deactivate the pump.
  • the first switching means includes a vacuum switch.
  • the sensor includes a vacuum tube having a first end in fluid communication with the suction line, and a second end operatively connected with the first switching means.
  • the vacuum tube may typically be connected to the suction line via a "tee-piece" fitting.
  • the vacuum tube may include a uni- directional valve which may enable fluid to flow through the valve in a direction from the switch end of the vacuum tube towards the suction line.
  • a uni- directional valve which may enable fluid to flow through the valve in a direction from the switch end of the vacuum tube towards the suction line.
  • the vacuum switch may be programmed to commence operation after a delay interval at initial start up of the present invention.
  • this takes into account initial fluctuations in pressure within the piping system of the swimming pool during initial start up before pressure in the piping system normalises.
  • the delay interval may be at least approximately 5 seconds.
  • the present invention includes a means of manually re-setting the system once power has been disconnected from the pump. Once re-set, the vacuum condition within the vacuum tube may be restored to its initial state, and/or, the first switching means may be returned to its closed state to enable the power supply to be connected to the pump.
  • the present invention may also include an alarm which may be adapted to output an audible or visual alert whenever a blockage is detected in the outflow of water from the pool.
  • the alarm typically includes a loudspeaker for outputting audible alerts, and/or, a light source for outputting a visual alert.
  • the alarm may also be powered from the mains power supply.
  • the alarm may be muted for instance, by using an electro-mechanical switch to selectively disconnect power to either the loudspeaker or light source.
  • the alarm may be programmed to re-set after a time interval wherein the time interval may be pre-programmed or user-selected. Typically the timer interval may be approximately 30 minutes.
  • the present invention includes a second switching means for manually deactivating operation of the pump.
  • the first switching means may be bypassed whereby, the pump may not be automatically deactivated upon detection of an obstruction in the outflow of water from the swimming pool.
  • the second switching means may be actuated by a user so as to manually deactivate the pump by for instance disconnecting the power supply from the pump.
  • the means of actuating the second switching means may be a mechanical button which when pressed, may cause the second switching means to deactivate the pump in an emergency.
  • the present invention may further include an operational mode switch whereby, a user may use the operational mode switch to selectively alternate between operation of the first switching means and the second switching means.
  • the manual operation of the second switching means may be advantageous for instance where the user is required to conduct routine maintenance upon the pool and it is not desirable for the pump to be switched off automatically whenever an obstruction in the outlet is detected. That is, when cleaning a swimming pool, obstructions in the flow of water through the suction line are to be expected.
  • a key may be required in order to adjust the operational mode switch between automatic and manual operational modes.
  • the first switching means remains always connected whereby the pump will be automatically deactivated when an obstruction is detected.
  • the manual operation mode of the second switching means may only be operational when the key is inserted.
  • the present invention may include an electronic keypad operatively connected with the operational mode switch wherein the keypad enables the operational mode switch to be adjusted between automatic and manual operational modes when a use enters a correct code or password into the keypad.
  • the present invention includes a housing for accommodating the present invention.
  • the present invention includes a user control panel including at least one of the following:
  • a digital and/or analogue pressure gauge which may provide a visual representation of a pressure value in the suction line.
  • the pressure gauge may be operably connected to the sensor and may be adapted to output a pressure value by reference to the received sensor value.
  • the user control panel may be disposed on an outside surface of the housing.
  • the present invention provides a method of operating a swimming pool, the swimming pool including a basin, and, a pump for pumping water out of the basin via an outlet and for pumping water in to the basin via an inlet, the inlet and outlet being in fluid communication via a piping system; and the method including the steps of: sensing when flow of water between the outlet and inlet is impeded during operation of the pump; and automatically deactivating operation of the pump when the sensor detects an obstruction in the flow of water between the outlet and the inlet.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention installed to a swimming pool system
  • FIG. 2 depicts a housing and control panel which is used in accordance the first embodiment
  • Figure 3 is an electrical schematic of one aspect of the first embodiment.
  • Figure 1 depicts a first embodiment of the present invention including a pool basin (1), a pump (2) for pumping water out of the basin via an outlet (1a) and for pumping water in to the basin (1) via an inlet (1b).
  • the inlet (1b) and outlet (1a) are in fluid communication via a piping system (3).
  • the system also includes a pressure sensor (4) for sensing when flow of water between the outlet (1a) and inlet (1b) is impeded during operation of the pump (2).
  • the piping system (3) includes a suction line (3a) through which water is piped outwardly of the basin (1) by the pump (2), and, a return line (3b) via which water is piped into the basin (1) by the pump (2).
  • a filter (7) and salt cell (8) are connected in a series configuration with the piping system (3) between the pump (2) and the inlet (1b) of the pool basin (1).
  • Power is supplied to the embodiment via a salt chlorinator timing device (9) which in turn is powered from a mains power supply (10).
  • the embodiment is interfaced with the pump (2) via a 10 amp socket and interfaces with the salt chlorinator timing device (9) via a 10 amp 3 pin plug.
  • the first embodiment includes a vacuum switch (6a) which is variable between at least a closed and an opened position.
  • the vacuum switch (6a) activates the pump motor (2) by closing a circuit between the power supply (10) and the pump (2).
  • the vacuum switch (6a) is arranged in the opened position, the power supply (10) is disconnected from the pump (2) so as to deactivate the pump (2).
  • the sensor (4) includes a vacuum tube (4) having a first end in fluid communication with the suction line (3a), and a second end operatively connected with the vacuum switch (6a).
  • the vacuum tube (4) is connected to the suction line (3a) via a "tee-piece" fitting (4b).
  • the vacuum tube (4) includes a uni-directional valve (4c) which enables fluid to flow through the valve (4c) in a direction from the switch end of the vacuum tube (4) towards the suction line (3a).
  • the vacuum tube (4) is factory set at -2OkPa and can be adjusted if necessary by a user.
  • the vacuum switch (6a) is programmed to commence operation after a 5-second delay interval at initial start up so as to take into account initial fluctuations in pressure within the piping system (3) of the swimming pool during initial start up before pressure in the piping system (3) normalises.
  • the first embodiment includes a re-set button operatively connected to the vacuum tube (4) which is used to manually re-set the system once power has been disconnected from the pump (2). Once re-set, the vacuum condition within the vacuum tube (4) is able to be restored to its initial state.
  • the first embodiment includes an alarm (11) which is fed from the mains power supply (10) and adapted to output an audible sound via a loudspeaker (11) whenever a blockage is detected in the outflow of water from the pool (1).
  • the alarm (11) is able to be muted by a user activating an ON/OFF mute button (11a) which when pressed, is able to selectively connect and disconnect power to the loudspeaker (11).
  • the alarm (11) is programmed to automatically re-set after a period of 30 minutes after being triggered.
  • the first embodiment also includes a second switching means (6b) to allow a user to manually deactivate operation of the pump (2).
  • the vacuum switch means (6a) is bypassed whereby, the pump (2) is not able to be automatically deactivated upon detection of a blockage in the outflow of water from the swimming pool (1).
  • the power supply (10) is disconnected from the pump (2).
  • the means of actuating the second switching means (6b) includes a depressible mechanical "Emergency Stop" button (12).
  • the "Emergency Stop” button is mounted at a location which is easily accessible to users in an emergency situation.
  • the button may be mounted at a side of the pool where it is readily visible.
  • the first embodiment includes an operational mode switch (13) whereby, a user is able to use the operational mode switch (13) to selectively interconnect or disconnect either one of the first automatic vacuum switch means (6a), or, the second manual switching means (6b) between the power supply (10) and pump (2) so as to effect automatic or manual switching modes respectively at any given time.
  • a key is required in order to adjust the operational mode switch (13) between automatic and manual operational modes.
  • the manual operation mode is only able to be effected when the key is inserted in a key slot (13a). When the key is removed from the key slot (13a), the first vacuum switch means (6a) remains always connected whereby the pump (2) will be automatically deactivated when a blockage is detected.
  • an electronic keypad can be operatively connected with the operational mode switch wherein the keypad enables the operational mode switch to be adjusted between automatic and manual operational modes when a use enters a correct code or password into the keypad.
  • a housing (6) is also provided for accommodating the first embodiment and a user control panel is (14) disposed on an outward-facing surface of the housing (6) providing a user with at least the following: (a) the operational mode switch (13) to allow switching between automatic and manual modes;
  • the housing (6) is mounted vertically in a substantially vibration- free location.
  • the housing (6) can be made from a plastic material and have holes drilled in a bottom surface of the housing (6) to allow for the vacuum tube (4), and power cables (16,17) to be inserted into the housing (6) as required.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Control Of Positive-Displacement Pumps (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système destiné à être utilisé avec une piscine, la piscine comprenant un bassin, et une pompe pour vider par pompage l'eau du bassin par le biais d'une sortie et pour amener par pompage l'eau dans le bassin par le biais d'une entrée, un circuit de tuyauterie assurant la communication fluidique entre l'entrée et la sortie. Le système comprend un capteur permettant de détecter toute entrave à l'écoulement d'eau entre la sortie et l'entrée au cours du fonctionnement de la pompe; et un premier dispositif de commutation connecté de manière opérationnelle au capteur, ledit premier dispositif de commutation étant adapté pour désactiver automatiquement le fonctionnement de la pompe quand le capteur détecte une obstruction dans l'écoulement de l'eau entre la sortie et l'entrée.
PCT/AU2007/000849 2006-06-21 2007-06-18 Système et procédé de sécurité pour piscines WO2007147202A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2006903353 2006-06-21
AU2006903353A AU2006903353A0 (en) 2006-06-21 A safety system and method for swimming pools

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007147202A1 true WO2007147202A1 (fr) 2007-12-27

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2007/000849 WO2007147202A1 (fr) 2006-06-21 2007-06-18 Système et procédé de sécurité pour piscines

Country Status (1)

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WO (1) WO2007147202A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017218345A1 (fr) * 2016-06-12 2017-12-21 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Entraînement de moteur à caractéristiques de commande d'humidité

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992013195A1 (fr) * 1991-01-22 1992-08-06 Jedray Pty. Ltd. Dispositif de securite
US6059536A (en) * 1996-01-22 2000-05-09 O.I.A. Llc Emergency shutdown system for a water-circulating pump
US6157304A (en) * 1999-09-01 2000-12-05 Bennett; Michelle S. Pool alarm system including motion detectors and a drain blockage sensor
US6227808B1 (en) * 1999-07-15 2001-05-08 Hydroair A Unit Of Itt Industries Spa pressure sensing system capable of entrapment detection
US6342841B1 (en) * 1998-04-10 2002-01-29 O.I.A. Llc Influent blockage detection system
EP0863278B1 (fr) * 1997-03-05 2004-03-03 Plasteral, S.A. Dispositif de contrôle du fonctionnement d'une pompe

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992013195A1 (fr) * 1991-01-22 1992-08-06 Jedray Pty. Ltd. Dispositif de securite
US6059536A (en) * 1996-01-22 2000-05-09 O.I.A. Llc Emergency shutdown system for a water-circulating pump
EP0863278B1 (fr) * 1997-03-05 2004-03-03 Plasteral, S.A. Dispositif de contrôle du fonctionnement d'une pompe
US6342841B1 (en) * 1998-04-10 2002-01-29 O.I.A. Llc Influent blockage detection system
US6227808B1 (en) * 1999-07-15 2001-05-08 Hydroair A Unit Of Itt Industries Spa pressure sensing system capable of entrapment detection
US6157304A (en) * 1999-09-01 2000-12-05 Bennett; Michelle S. Pool alarm system including motion detectors and a drain blockage sensor

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017218345A1 (fr) * 2016-06-12 2017-12-21 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Entraînement de moteur à caractéristiques de commande d'humidité

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