CONTROL BOXES PRINCIPALLY FOR USE WITH EQUIPMENT OF SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS

Abstract

Control boxes with segregated low- and high-voltage components are described. Service technicians (or others) requiring access to one set of components may do so without necessarily accessing the other set. Dual user interfaces may be utilized, further, with one interface being present at the control box and the other being remote therefrom.

Claims

1. A control device configured to control equipment of a swimming pool or spa, comprising: a. a first sub-panel containing high-voltage components; b. a second sub-panel containing low-voltage components; c. a first closure device for accessing the first sub-panel without accessing the second sub-panel; and d. a second closure device for accessing the second sub-panel without accessing the first sub-panel.

2. A control device according to claim 1 further comprising a first user interface.

3. A control device according to claim 2 further comprising a door configured to open to expose an interior region including the first sub-panel, the second sub-panel, and the first user interface.

4. A control device according to claim 1 further comprising equipment for receiving and processing information transmitted from a master device.

5. A system for controlling equipment of a swimming pool or spa, comprising: a. a portable device configured to transmit and receive information wirelessly; and b. a control box comprising: i. a first sub-panel containing high-voltage components; ii. a second sub-panel containing low-voltage components; iii. a first closure device for accessing the first sub-panel without accessing the second sub-panel; iv. a second closure device for accessing the second sub-panel without accessing the first sub-panel; v. equipment for receiving and processing information transmitted from the portable device; and vi. wiring electrically connecting at least one of the high-voltage components of the low-voltage components directly or indirectly with the equipment of the swimming pool or spa.

6. A system for controlling equipment of a swimming pool or spa, comprising: a. a master device comprising main logic electronics; and b. a control box (i) separate from the master device, (ii) functioning as a servant to the master device, and (iii) comprising at least one high-voltage component.

7. A system for controlling equipment of a swimming pool or spa, comprising: a. a master device comprising a first user interface; and b. a control box (i) separate from the master device, (ii) functioning as a servant to the master device, and (iii) comprising a second user interface.

8. A system for controlling equipment of a swimming pool or spa, comprising: a. a master device compatible with multiple wireless protocols; and b. a control box (i) separate from the master device and (ii) functioning as a servant to the master device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a control box and portable device consistent with the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates certain internal portions of the control box and portable device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary control box 10 and portable device 14 of the present invention. Portable device 14 is identified as the master device, whereas control box 10 (and its incorporated components) may function as slave, or servant, to device 14. Portable device 14 preferably is configured to transmit and receive information wirelessly. In addition to a wireless radio, portable device 14 also may, if desired, incorporate Ethernet capabilities and main logic.

[0019] FIG. 2 generally depicts control box 10 with a door 18 thereof open so as to expose interior region 22. Interior region 22 may be divided into sub-panels, including high-voltage sub-panel 26 (containing, e.g., electric relays) and low-voltage sub-panel 30 (containing, e.g., solid-state electronics). Although sub-panels 26 and 30 may be configured in any appropriate way, preferably they have independent closure devices so that one sub-panel 26 or 30 may be accessed without accessing the other sub-panel 30 or 26. Interior region 22 may include at least one user interface 34, typically as part of the low-voltage sub-panel. Another user interface 38, as noted above, may exist as part of portable device 14.

[0020] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. As an example of contemplated modifications, device 14 need not necessarily be portable, even though it is intended to be separate from control box 10. Device 14 further may be configured to access the Internet and receive and transmit information via the Internet.