Smart switches for pumps

Abstract

This utility model discloses an intelligent switch for a pump, including a switch assembly and a signal acquisition assembly electrically connected to the switch assembly. The switch assembly includes a controller main control board, a controller male plug, and a controller female plug. The controller male plug is electrically connected to an external source, and the controller female plug is electrically connected to a water pump. The signal acquisition assembly includes a signal sensing guide rod electrically connected to the controller main control board, a first float located at the lower part of the signal sensing guide rod, and a second float located at the upper part of the signal sensing guide rod. A retaining ring for limiting the movement of the first and second floats is also provided between the signal sensing guide rod and the signal sensing guide rod. A protective cover is also provided outside the signal sensing guide rod, the first float, and the second float. The upper part of the protective cover has a protective cover cover for limiting the movement of the second float. This utility model has high reliability, wide applicability, convenient installation, and fault self-diagnosis and alarm functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of intelligent switch technology, and in particular to intelligent switches for pumps. Background Technology

[0002] Smart water pumps are widely used in industrial, commercial, and residential sectors, especially in automatically activating and promptly draining water when it accumulates in basements or on the ground floor of buildings. However, existing smart water pumps are typically expensive and have certain limitations in terms of installation and application scenarios.

[0003] Specifically, currently common smart water pumps include those with attached float switches and those with electronic probe switches. However, the former requires a relatively long float power cable in series during operation, and the attached float needs considerable vertical movement space. This necessitates a large sump for installation, making traditional attached float switch smart pumps unsuitable for space-constrained sump installation scenarios. The latter type of pump is typically only usable in clean water environments. When encountering oil stains, sediment, or other debris, the probe may fail to detect them properly, causing the pump to malfunction and affecting its reliability and applicability. These shortcomings of existing technologies cause significant inconvenience to consumers and limit the widespread adoption and application of smart water pumps in various scenarios. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model aims to solve the problems of existing intelligent water pumps, such as high price, limited installation conditions, high water quality requirements, and inability to effectively perform fault self-diagnosis. It provides a pump intelligent switch with self-diagnosis failure alarm, convenient maintenance, small size, compact structure, high reliability, and convenient and quick use. It can be paired with most non-intelligent water pumps on the market to enable them to have the functions of intelligent water pumps.

[0005] A smart switch for pumps according to this utility model includes: A switching assembly and a signal acquisition assembly electrically connected to the switching assembly, the switching assembly including a controller main control board, a controller male plug and a controller female plug, the controller male plug being electrically connected to an external source, and the controller female plug being electrically connected to a water pump; The signal acquisition component includes a signal sensing guide rod electrically connected to the main control board of the controller, a first float disposed at the lower part of the signal sensing guide rod, and a second float disposed at the upper part of the signal sensing guide rod. The signal sensing guide rod is also provided with a retaining ring for limiting the position between the first float and the second float. It also includes a protective cover disposed outside the signal sensing guide rod, the first float, and the second float. The upper part of the protective cover is provided with a protective cover cover for limiting the position of the second float. The signal sensing rod is triggered when the first float approaches the retaining ring and / or the second float approaches the top cover of the protective cover.

[0006] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the switch assembly further includes a controller housing disposed outside the controller main control board, and a power indicator light, an alarm indicator light, a timer, and an alarm switch disposed on the controller housing and electrically connected to the controller main control board.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the protective cover is further provided with a fixed bracket, the upper part of the protective cover cover is provided with a nut, the main control board of the controller is connected to the signal sensing rod through a signal line, and the signal line is fixed to the upper cover of the protective cover through the nut.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the controller main control board includes a microcontroller and a power supply circuit, a buzzer drive circuit, a relay drive circuit, a delay circuit, and a mute circuit, which are electrically connected to the microcontroller.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the controller further includes a sampling circuit, which is connected between the microcontroller and the power supply circuit. The microcontroller uses the sampling circuit to detect whether the controller female plug is connected to the water pump and whether the water pump operating current is abnormal.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the microcontroller is connected to the buzzer through the buzzer drive circuit to control the buzzer to emit an alarm.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the microcontroller is connected to the relay via the relay drive circuit to control the power supply of the controller female plug to the water pump.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the first float includes a first float, the second float includes a second float, the first float and the second float are arranged in parallel, and both the first float and the second float are magnetic reed switches.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the controller main control board further includes a power interface, which is used to supply power to the internal power supply of the controller main control board and to supply power to the water pump when the first float and / or the second float is triggered.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the microcontroller is a 32-bit ARM architecture microcontroller with model number LKS32MC037M6S8.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: the device integrates a self-test failure alarm function, the controller main control board can periodically detect the operating status of the water pump and signal acquisition components, and can issue audible and visual alarms in a timely manner under various abnormal conditions such as water pump not connected, water pump abnormality, float failure, and operation timeout, thereby improving the operational reliability of the equipment and enabling early detection and handling of potential problems.

[0016] This invention effectively blocks debris and reduces the impact of liquid surface fluctuations on the float by using a protective cover, making signal acquisition more stable. It is suitable for water environments containing impurities, greatly expanding the application scenarios and reducing the maintenance frequency.

[0017] This invention can be paired with most non-intelligent water pumps on the market. There is no need to replace the entire water pump; simply adding this intelligent switch device can realize the intelligent function of the water pump. Installation is convenient and quick, reducing the user's cost of intelligent upgrade.

[0018] This invention enables the water pump to run under no-load by periodically and automatically powering on the main control board of the controller. This effectively prevents the water pump from becoming stuck due to prolonged inactivity, thus extending the service life of the water pump.

[0019] This utility model features a dual-float parallel design, which allows the system to start even if one float fails, with the other serving as a backup float, thus improving redundancy and stability. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a smart switch for a pump in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the switch body in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an isometric view of a pump intelligent switch in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of the power supply circuit in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of a buzzer drive circuit in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of the delay circuit in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a circuit diagram of a mute circuit in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a circuit diagram of a microcontroller in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a circuit diagram of the power interface in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a circuit diagram of the float in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of a pump intelligent switch module in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram: Switch assembly 1, Controller male plug 11, Controller female plug 12, Controller main control board 13, Power indicator light 132, Alarm indicator light 133, Timer 134, Alarm switch 135, Controller housing 14, Signal line 2, Signal acquisition assembly 3, Signal sensing rod 31, First float 321, Second float 322, Protective cover 33, Protective cover top cover 331, Retaining ring 341, Fixing bracket 35, Nut 36, Power circuit 1301, Sampling circuit 1302, Buzzer drive circuit 1303, Relay drive circuit 1304, Delay circuit 1305, Mute circuit 1306, Microcontroller 1307, Power interface 1308, First float 1309, Second float 13010. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this utility model, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0024] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0025] For the problems mentioned in the background art, please refer to the appendix. Figures 1-3 As shown, this utility model provides an intelligent switch for pumps, which mainly consists of two parts: a switch assembly 1 and a signal acquisition assembly 3. The switch assembly 1 and the signal acquisition assembly 3 are electrically connected via a signal line 2.

[0026] First, the switch assembly 1 includes a controller main control board 13, a controller male plug 11, a controller female plug 12, and a controller housing 14 disposed outside the controller main control board 13.

[0027] The controller male plug 11 is used to connect to an external power source to provide operating power for the entire device. The controller female plug 12 is used to connect in series with the power plug of an external water pump to control the power supply to the water pump. The controller housing 14 protects the internal controller main control board 13, and is also equipped with a power indicator light 132, an alarm indicator light 133, a timer 134, and an alarm switch 135.

[0028] In a further embodiment, such as Figures 4-8 As shown, the main control board 13 is the core of the entire device, which integrates a power supply circuit 1301, a sampling circuit 1302, a buzzer drive circuit 1303, a relay drive circuit 1304, a delay circuit 1305, a mute circuit 1306, a microcontroller 1307, and a power interface 1308.

[0029] In a further embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the power supply circuit 1301 is responsible for converting the external power supply into a voltage suitable for the operation of each component. It has EMC function and π-type filtering. The DC-DC chip generates +5V voltage to power the microcontroller and relay. The LNK306DG-TL is a non-isolated power supply IC with a BUCK topology and can generate +15V.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the power interface 1308 is used to supply power to the internal power supply of the controller main control board 13 and to supply power to the water pump when the first float 1309 and / or the second float 13010 are triggered. The specific wiring method is shown in the attached figure. Figure 10 As shown, it consists of a US standard three-prong socket, a plug, and prongs.

[0031] In a further embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the sampling circuit 1302 is connected between the microcontroller 1307 and the power supply circuit 1301. It detects the output current of the controller's female connector 12 in real time through the sampling resistor R10. The sampling resistor R10 has a value of 10MΩ, is made of alloy, and has a full-load power of 3W. When the system is running, a voltage drop occurs across the resistor. After being amplified by the microcontroller's internal operational amplifier, the actual current value is calculated, which can be used for no-load and overload protection. The microcontroller 1307 determines whether the water pump is connected to the system or whether the water pump is experiencing no-load / overload or other abnormal conditions based on the current value. Figure 5 As shown, the buzzer driver circuit 1303 is connected to the buzzer TMB12A05, receives instructions from the microcontroller 1307, and drives the buzzer to emit a continuous or intermittent alarm sound.

[0032] In a further embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the relay drive circuit 1304 is connected to the relay HF152F / 005-1HST, receives instructions from the microcontroller 1307, drives the relay to switch states, thereby controlling the power supply to the controller female plug 12 and realizing the start and stop of the water pump.

[0033] In a further embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the delay circuit 1305 allows the user to adjust the delay time after the water pump stops by rotating a potentiometer. The delay time range is 5s-4.5s. Since this system is only suitable for water pumps driven by a unidirectional induction motor, the relay model can be HF152F / 005-1HST, rated at 16A, with a maximum switching current of 20A. The microcontroller outputs a high level to drive the transistor, thereby changing the relay state.

[0034] The mute circuit 1306 is controlled by the alarm switch 135. When the microcontroller 1307 receives a high or low level change in the SILENS pin, it can turn the buzzer alarm sound on or off.

[0035] The 1307 microcontroller serves as the core processor. Preferably, it is a 32-bit ARM architecture microcontroller with the model number LKS32MC037M6S8, responsible for handling the float switch status, driving the relay, calculating the delay time, executing the self-test program, and handling various alarm logic.

[0036] In addition, the controller housing 14 is also equipped with a power indicator light 132 and an alarm indicator light 133 to facilitate user operation and understanding of the equipment status.

[0037] In this embodiment, the signal acquisition component 3, such as Figure 3 As shown, it includes a signal sensing guide rod 31, a first float 321 disposed at the lower part of the signal sensing guide rod 31, a second float 322 disposed at the upper part of the signal sensing guide rod 31, a protective cover 33 disposed outside the signal sensing guide rod 31, the first float 321 and the second float 322, and a retaining ring 341 for limiting the position.

[0038] The signal sensing guide rod 31 is equipped with a signal sensing device, on which a first float 321 and a second float 322 are connected in series. The first float 321 includes a first float 1309, and the second float 322 includes a second float 13010. They are connected in parallel and are both magnetic reed switches, such as FRS-16A22SMDH1015, which can work stably in underwater environments.

[0039] A retaining ring 341 is positioned between the signal sensing guide rod 31 and the first float 321 and the second float 322 to limit the rising height of the first float 321 and confine its range of motion to the lower section. The signal sensing guide rod 31 is triggered when the first float 321 approaches the retaining ring 341.

[0040] A protective cover 33 surrounds the signal sensing guide rod 31, covering the two floats. The main function of the protective cover 33 is to block impurities in the liquid, such as oil stains and sediment, from affecting the movement of the floats and to reduce the impact of liquid surface fluctuations on the floats, thereby improving the stability and reliability of signal acquisition. The upper part of the protective cover 33 has a protective cover cap 331, which limits the rising position of the second float 322. When the second float 322 approaches the protective cover cap 331, it triggers the signal sensing guide rod 31.

[0041] Preferably, the protective cover 33 is further provided with a fixing bracket 35, which is used to conveniently fix the signal acquisition component 3 to the water collection pit or other external device. The upper part of the protective cover 331 is provided with a nut 36, and the signal line 2 is fixed to the upper cover 331 of the protective cover through the nut 36, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the controller main control board 13 and the signal sensing rod 31 through the signal line 2.

[0042] Workflow: such as Figure 11 As shown, after the smart switch is powered on, the controller main control board 13 will perform a self-test. If there are no abnormalities in the system, the green light in the power indicator 132, i.e., the first indicator light, will flash once every three seconds, indicating that the device is in normal standby mode.

[0043] Water pump start-up trigger: When the liquid level in the sump rises, causing the first float 321 to rise to the limiting position of the retaining ring 341, the lower end of the signal sensing rod 31 is triggered, and the signal is transmitted to the controller main control board 13 through the signal line 2. After processing and judging the signal, the controller main control board 13 controls the controller female plug 12 to be powered on through the relay drive circuit 1304, so that the connected water pump starts pumping water. At this time, the first indicator light in the power indicator light 132 is constantly lit.

[0044] Low water level sensor fault and no pump alarm: After the water pump starts, if the sampling circuit 1302 detects that there is no water pump connection on the controller female plug 12 or the water pump current is abnormal, such as no-load, the controller main control board 13 will determine that there is an abnormality. At this time, the power indicator light 132 and the alarm indicator light 133 will flash simultaneously, and the buzzer will sound an alarm continuously.

[0045] High water level alarm and fault detection: If the liquid level continues to rise, exceeding the first float 321 and causing the second float 322 to rise to the limit position of the protective cover 331, the upper end of the signal sensing rod 31 will be triggered. At this time, the controller main control board 13 will simultaneously detect whether the lower end of the signal sensing rod 31, i.e., the first float, has been triggered. If the lower end is not triggered, it indicates that the first float 321 may be damaged or the water pump is abnormal, and the controller main control board 13 will activate the high water level alarm. At this time, the second indicator light in the alarm indicator light 133, i.e., the red light, will be constantly lit, and the buzzer will sound an intermittent alarm. The controller female plug 12 will still maintain power supply to keep the water pump working, but will issue a warning.

[0046] Water pump operation timeout alarm: If the water pump continues to run for more than the preset ten-minute timer 134 in the main control board 13 of the controller and still does not stop working, the main control board 13 of the controller will determine that it is abnormal. At the same time, the alarm indicator 133 will flash alternately and the buzzer will sound continuously to remind the user to check.

[0047] Regular self-check and anti-jamming function: When the smart switch is powered on normally, every week or at a preset time, the controller main board 13 will power on the water pump and run it under no-load for 5 seconds, while simultaneously checking the water pump and signal acquisition component 3 for any abnormalities. This function can effectively prevent the water pump from being stuck together due to prolonged inactivity, thus extending the water pump's lifespan and improving its reliability.

[0048] Personnel can turn off the buzzer alarm function by toggling the alarm switch 135, but this will not affect other detection and control functions.

[0049] The various components of this invention work closely together to form a highly efficient, reliable, and intelligent water pump control system. The dual float design and protective cover improve the stability and anti-interference capability of signal acquisition; the multiple detection logics and alarm mechanisms on the controller's main board enable comprehensive fault monitoring and early warning; and the periodic self-testing and anti-jamming functions enhance the water pump's service life and reliability.

[0050] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it. They cannot be used to limit the protection scope of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be covered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A smart switch for pumps, characterized in that, include: The switch assembly (1) and the signal acquisition assembly (3) electrically connected to the switch assembly (1) are provided. The switch assembly (1) includes a controller main control board (13), a controller male plug (11) and a controller female plug (12). The controller male plug (11) is electrically connected to the outside, and the controller female plug (12) is electrically connected to the water pump. The signal acquisition component (3) includes a signal sensing guide rod (31) electrically connected to the main control board (13) of the controller, a first float (321) disposed at the lower part of the signal sensing guide rod (31), and a second float (322) disposed at the upper part of the signal sensing guide rod (31). The signal sensing guide rod (31) is also provided with a retaining ring (341) for limiting the position between the first float (321) and the second float (322). It also includes a protective cover (33) disposed outside the signal sensing guide rod (31), the first float (321), and the second float (322). The upper part of the protective cover (33) is provided with a protective cover cover (331) for limiting the position of the second float (322). The signal sensing rod (31) is triggered when the first float (321) approaches the retaining ring (341) and / or the second float (322) approaches the protective cover (331).

2. The intelligent switch for a pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switch assembly (1) also includes a controller housing (14) disposed outside the controller main control board (13) and a controller housing (14) disposed on the controller housing (14) and connected to the controller main control board (13), power indicator (132), alarm indicator (133), timer (134) and alarm switch (135) respectively.

3. The intelligent switch for a pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective cover (33) is also provided with a fixed bracket (35), and the upper part of the protective cover (331) is provided with a nut (36). The controller main control board (13) is connected to the signal sensing guide rod (31) through the signal line (2), and the signal line (2) is fixed to the protective cover (331) through the nut (36).

4. The intelligent switch for a pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller main control board (13) includes a microcontroller (1307) and a power supply circuit (1301), a buzzer drive circuit (1303), a relay drive circuit (1304), a delay circuit (1305), and a mute circuit (1306) that are electrically connected to the microcontroller (1307).

5. A smart switch for a pump according to claim 4, characterized in that, The controller also includes a sampling circuit (1302), which is connected between the microcontroller (1307) and the power supply circuit (1301). The microcontroller (1307) uses the sampling circuit (1302) to detect whether the controller female plug (12) is connected to the water pump and whether the water pump operating current is abnormal.

6. The intelligent switch for pumps according to claim 4, characterized in that, The microcontroller (1307) is connected to the buzzer through the buzzer driver circuit (1303) to control the buzzer to emit an alarm.

7. The intelligent switch for pumps according to claim 4, characterized in that, The microcontroller (1307) is connected to the relay via the relay drive circuit (1304) to control the power supply of the water pump to the controller female plug (12).

8. The intelligent switch for pumps according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first float (321) includes a first float (1309), and the second float (322) includes a second float (13010). The first float (1309) and the second float (13010) are connected in parallel, and both the first float (1309) and the second float (13010) are magnetic reed switches.

9. A smart switch for a pump according to claim 8, characterized in that, The controller main control board (13) also includes a power interface (1308), which is used to supply power to the internal power of the controller main control board (13) and to supply power to the water pump when the first float (1309) and / or the second float (13010) are triggered.

10. A smart switch for a pump according to claim 4, characterized in that, The microcontroller (1307) is a 32-bit ARM architecture microcontroller with model number LKS32MC037M6S8.

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