EP3364114A1 - Flushing device for flushing a water line - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a flushing device for flushing a water pipe, wherein the flushing device has at least one inlet hose (1) with a pipe connection for connection to the water pipe to be flushed, at least one drain hose (5) for draining the water, at least one valve (2), which Inlet hose (1) with the drain hose (5) connects, a valve control (3), at least one sensor (8,14) and a data storage module (4) for storing measurement data and / or parameters of the flushing device. The task of protecting water pipes as effectively as possible from microbial infestation by rinsing with such a device and to provide a device which ensures an unmanipulable and forgery-proof recording of the rinsing processes is achieved with regard to the invention in that the data storage module ( 4) stores at least during an open position of the valve (2) at intervals measurement data and / or parameters and at least the valve (2), the valve control (3) and the data storage module (4) in a sealed sheath (9) is arranged. The storage of the data in the data storage module (4) is preferably encrypted to achieve greater security against manipulation.

Description

The invention relates to a flushing device for flushing a water pipe, wherein the flushing device has at least one inlet hose, a pipe connection for connection to the water pipe to be flushed, at least one drain hose for draining the water, at least one valve which connects the inlet hose to the drain hose, a valve control, has at least one sensor and a data storage module for storing measurement data and / or parameters of the flushing device.

The microbial infestation of water pipes, especially drinking water pipes in buildings, is a common problem, especially when it comes to longer retention time of water in the pipes. These contaminants not only have a disadvantageous effect on the performance of the pipelines, but also pose a significant health risk for the users of the affected water supply facilities. Due to standing water for a long time, microorganisms and biofilms form on the inner water depending on the water and ambient temperature Surface of the pipes, which are difficult to remove again. Often it will require a rinse with hot water or sometimes even special cleaning agents. In particular, the contamination with Legionella bacteria often poses a great danger in buildings or parts of buildings which are not used continuously or in which there are no or insufficient water circulations in the pipes. This applies particularly to public institutions or hotels, but can also occur, for example, in newly-rented apartments that were left empty for a long time before the rental. Problems of this kind can usually be prevented and, if necessary, even rectified by regular rinsing sufficient amount of water are performed. For this purpose, devices are already known which perform rinses to prevent or eliminate the colonization of harmful germs. However, these devices are either very expensive because they provide a complex implementation in the water supply system and therefore also difficult to build into existing buildings, or run only very rudimentary, and do not meet the demands placed on them.

In the DE 10 2014 113 914 A1 a device is described which establishes a connection to a drinking water line and has a valve which can be opened and closed by a valve control. This rinses can be initiated. However, the device does not measure any parameters of the water, and the valve control opens the valve only according to preset Time intervals. There is no record of flushing and under what circumstances. This is disadvantageous because it is difficult to prove whether and to what extent rinses were performed. This is very disadvantageous, especially in the case of economical use of buildings, since it can not be determined whether sufficient rinsing has been carried out or, if appropriate, existing standards or regulations with regard to rinses have been complied with.

From the GB 2496640 A a rinsing station is known, which provides a data memory which records data and parameters of the rinsing station, as well as an interface for retrieving these data. The disadvantage of this embodiment, however, is the uncertainty of the data. Since microbial water contamination such as Legionella contaminations can cause major health problems that can lead to death, the safe, clear and undistorted detection of the flushes or their parameters is essential. This is also evident in the adoption of ever stricter standards requiring rinsing. This also creates the need to ensure that the recorded flush data can not be corrupted or manipulated.

The EP 2 439 174 A1 describes a flushing device which provides a data processing unit arranged in a housing. Although this protects the data processing unit, the security against counterfeiting is still insufficient.

The US 2008/0149180 A1 describes a meter box which is biometrically secured. Data stored by him are protected. However, this is an elaborate, permanently installed embodiment which is not suitable for securing the water quality of the lines by flushing.

In the GB 2452311 A a temperature measuring device is described which provide non-volatile storage media. This increases the tamper resistance of the temperature measuring device. However, the measuring device is only for measurement and does not ensure that the water line remains contamination-free.

The object of the present invention is thus to overcome the problems described and to provide a flushing device for flushing a water pipe, wherein the flushing device at least one inlet hose, a pipe connection for connection to the water pipe to be flushed, at least one drain hose for draining the water, at least one valve which connects the inlet hose with the drain hose, a valve control, at least one sensor and a data storage module for storing measurement data and / or parameters of the flushing device, which is adapted to protect water pipes by flushing as effectively as possible against microbial infestation or him to remedy and ensures the most unmanipulatable and forgery-proof recording of rinses.

This object is achieved with respect to the invention in that the data storage module is a tamper-proof data storage module which stores at least during an open position of the valve at intervals measurement data and / or parameters and at least the valve, the valve control and the data storage module in a sealed shell is arranged.

The provision of these two safety precautions prevents on the one hand a manipulation of the valve and the valve control. On the other hand, it is doubly ensured that the data of the data storage module are not manipulated, since this too is surrounded by the sealed envelope and is additionally forgery-proof. Even if an unauthorized person finds a way to open the sealed envelope in the most inconspicuous and hardly noticeable manner, he is prevented by the falsification of the data storage module from changing the recording data unnoticed.

If the data storage is carried out in the form of a forgery-proof data storage module, then it can be ensured that the data can be read out via an interface if necessary, present in a genuine and unmanipulated manner, and proof can be provided of any flushes or their circumstances. The security of the data makes the possibility of manipulation unquestionable, even in situations involving several parties involved, such as the rental of an apartment, the operation of a public institution and the like. The valve control is suitable for carrying out rinsing operations according to a predetermined pattern. The intervals and the flushing time can be configured differently depending on the application. Thus, in most cases, it is sufficient to perform only one rinse per day with a length of a few minutes in order to prevent microbial infestation. If contamination already exists, smaller intervals and longer flushing durations may be necessary. The security against counterfeiting can be achieved both by a specific hardware version, by a specific software version or by a combination of the two.

The recorded data can be selected differently depending on the embodiment, type of sensors and needs. In any case, it is particularly advantageous to record the valve position and the given time. However, it does not limit itself to it, but can also record other parameters of the device or the water, for example, by a variety of sensors.

The pipe connection for connection to the water pipe to be flushed is to allow drainage from the water pipe when the valve is open. For this purpose, the pipe connection, via a supply hose, in conjunction with the valve, which forms in the open state, the connecting member between pipe connection and drain hose. If the drain hose is attached to a suitable waste water connection when installing the rinsing station or if it is placed in or fastened in a suitable drain, such as the drain of a shower or washbasin, the water can be removed from the water pipe via the pipe connection, inlet hose, open valve and drainage hose. The pipe connection can be at different positions of the water pipe with this in water-bearing connection. Particularly advantageous, however, is the attachment to a tapping point, since so the entire piping system is flushed to the tapping point. In this case, the tapping point does not necessarily have to be made unusable, a T-piece can be installed in order to maintain the function, or, if appropriate, the tap of the tapping point can be replaced by a suitable tap with a second outlet opening.

The data recording can be done depending on the state of the valve, other parameters and values of the device or the water or even completely independent of these. It may be useful to record measurement data and / or parameters of the flushing device at regular intervals. Typically, the records are made only during rinsing. The recording frequency may also be made dependent on a parameter other than the valve position. For example, it may be useful to make the recording frequency dependent on values of the sensor data. For example, if the temperature is measured and the temperature approaches a certain limit, the recording frequency can be increased.

The security against forgery of the data storage module can be achieved in different ways. Particularly advantageous for this purpose is the arrangement of a sealable sleeve around the data storage unit. As a result, this is protected against unwanted external influences and manipulation and opening by an unauthorized person is immediately apparent. In this case, this shell can protect not only the data storage module but also other important elements of the flushing device. For example, the valve control could also be protected from external impact by the shell. It is important, however, in any case, the shell to be designed so that only through seal breakage access to the parts therein can be made and possibly cable connections between inside and outside the shell lying parts via fasteners in the shell or through such openings of the shell to lead through which no access can be made without immediately recognizable destruction of the shell.

It is particularly advantageous if the data memory itself is counterfeit-proof. So in any case a manipulation can be excluded. For this purpose, suitable storage units of various types can be used. However, the execution as RAM, PROM, EEPROM or flash memory is particularly advantageous. It is also conceivable for security reasons to provide two or more data memories of the same or different embodiments in order to make data loss, for example by destruction, even less likely.

Depending on the embodiment of the data memory, a continuous power supply may be necessary, but at least during a read or write operation a power supply is necessary. Particularly advantageous is to provide a separate power supply for the data storage module, as well as in case of loss of primary power to the rinse station, for example, in an attempt to manipulate the data storage can continue to record. The data storage module does not necessarily have to have its own energy supply, it can also be related to the primary energy supply of the rinsing station. For example, one could effect this primary power supply in the form of a battery, a rechargeable battery or a power connection, and additionally provide a battery or rechargeable battery in the data storage module. As a result, the data storage module can be powered primarily by the primary power supply, and fall back on its own power supply in the event of a voltage drop. It may also be advantageous to power sensors or other elements of the device via the data storage module to maintain their function even in the event of failure of the primary power supply.

If it is to be ensured that only a certain group of people have access to the stored data, then it is advantageous to encrypt the data in real time in a manner that saves it. This can prevent data theft.

In a preferred embodiment, the data storage module is assigned a system clock. This can be prevented that the stored time data can be falsified by unauthorized adjustment of a possibly assigned to the valve control clock.

If a locating device is provided in the rinsing device, then additional position data can be stored. This has an advantage in particular in flushing devices which are intended to be used temporarily in one place and later on another to become. The geographical determination, in particular by GPS, makes the assignment of the data easier and additionally specifies the stored data.

It is particularly advantageous to provide a temperature sensor which measures the temperature of the water. Since the temperature plays a vital role in microbial growth, the measurement and optionally recording of the water temperature or the course of the water temperature during a rinse can provide information on how the intervals or rinsing time can be optimized, or about which and in which Period rinses are needed. In general, it makes sense to include many parameters and sensor data in the determination of the optimal washing program.

Especially with old water pipes or water pipes in tall buildings or those with complex water supply system, it may be advantageous to provide a water flow sensor to determine not only the flow time but also the amount of water passing. Even a water pressure sensor can be very important in the evaluation of the condition of the water pipe and thus choice of the wash program.

Preferably, a check valve is arranged between inlet hose and drain hose, which prevents backflow into the inlet hose when the valve is open. As a result, it is possible to prevent a return flow into the elements of the device arranged upstream of the check valve and also of the connected water line even if an overpressure is formed in the discharge hose, for example due to a blockage.

The essential function of the valve control is the timely opening and closing of the valve. As already described, this usually takes place according to a predetermined, optionally adaptable rinsing plan, or also according to a variable rinsing plan which is dependent on certain parameters. In any case, it makes sense to provide a timer, which ensures that the valve is opened and closed according to the specified plan. However, it may be useful to take the time of the timer of a built-in clock in the clock, or even a system clock, which is assigned to the data storage module.

In a preferred variant, the flushing device has a strainer or filter, which is arranged between inlet hose and drain hose, preferably in front of the valve and cleans the water passing through. This has not only the advantage of cleaning the water and protection of the valve, but it can be detected when emptying the filter macroscopic or when installing a suitable filter and microscopic contaminants. This information can be procured on the nature of the water pipe.

Particularly in the case of water supply systems which are not used for certain periods and therefore do not have the need for flushing continuously, it is particularly advantageous if the flushing device is designed to be transportable. For this purpose, a compact arrangement of the individual elements makes sense. Optionally, the inlet hose and drain hose of the flushing device can be designed to be removable in order to better arrange for transport can. It is particularly advantageous if at least the valve, the valve control, and the data carrier of the flushing device are arranged in a fixed casing, with at least one inlet connection and at least one drain connection for connection to the inlet hose and the drain hose. This results in a very easy to transport embodiment, which can be easily carried from one place to the next. This panel may be openable to gain access to the interior elements or to stow the hoses for transport inside the enclosure. Optionally, a separate bag or a closable space for the hoses can be provided. It is also advantageous to place the sensors within the fairing, but if present, the indicators of the sensors may be embedded in the fairing or outside the fairing to allow reading without opening. In a particularly preferred variant, all elements of the flushing device are in the proper operation in the interior of the panel, with the exception of the inlet hose and drain hose.

If a communication unit, preferably for communication via a wireless connection in the flushing device is arranged, so data can be sent to a receiver and optionally also received, in particular if the communication unit is connected to the data storage module and / or the valve control. This can on the one hand a read-out of stored data or retrieval of current data, but on the other hand, the activation or deactivation of the flushing device, or make the adjustment or change the Spülplan possible. If the connection is established wirelessly, for example by WLAN, Bluetooth, radio, or other suitable systems and protocols, then the data exchange can also take place over greater distances and no physical connection to the flushing device has to be established. It is also possible to carry out the communication unit so that the flushing device connects to the Internet via a LAN connection, WLAN connection or by radio or otherwise to the Internet and thus transmits data.

Furthermore, displays for displaying measured values and / or parameters of the flushing device can also be provided. This allows you to spot immediately be made apparent which settings currently exist, which values were measured and the like. This display can be done for example by a simple analog temperature or pressure display, but can also be represented by a digital display such as a flat screen.

Fig. 1

eine Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Spülvorrichtung in schematischer Darstellung.

In the following, the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiment shown in the figures. It shows:

Fig. 1

an embodiment of a flushing device according to the invention in a schematic representation.

In Fig. 1 the construction of an embodiment is shown schematically. It is a compact design with a supply hose 1, which is connected via a pipe connection, not shown, with a water pipe to be flushed, and the water via a feed connection 12 to a solid, cuboid panel 6, the water of a connected water pipe to a particulate filter 7 passes. Furthermore, a temperature sensor 8 is arranged with an indication outside the panel 6, which measures the water temperature of the water flowing through the conduit in front of the particle filter. A line carries the water from the filter 7 on to a valve 2. This is designed as a solenoid valve and is opened and closed by a valve control 3. The valve controller 3 is connected to a data storage module 4, wherein the data storage module 4 can exchange data with the valve controller 3. Power is supplied via a 230 V power line, which is inserted into the panel 6. Via a transformer 10, the voltage is transformed according to the requirements of the data storage module and valve control and optionally rectified. Both the valve 2, the valve control 3 and the data storage module 4 are surrounded by a sealed shell 9, which can only be opened by breaking the seal. Further, in this embodiment, the power supply of the valve controller 3 via the data storage module 4 causes no scavenging which is not recorded. Since only power is supplied to the valve controller when the data storage module is getting power, it can be ensured that the stored records are complete. From the valve 2 a line leads to a check valve 11, which prevents a return to the valve, the other elements and also in the connected water pipe. From the check valve 11, a line leads to a drain connection 13 and to a pressure sensor 14, the display of which is outside the panel 6. At the drain connection 13, a drain hose 5 is attached, which discharges the water into a suitable drain. Thus, when the valve is open, the water pipe to be flushed with the drain flow connected and the water is on the flushing device discharged in the direction of flow 15. The data storage module 4 can receive parameters and measured data via the connection with the valve control 3 and connections (not shown) to the temperature sensor 8 and the pressure sensor 14, possibly transmitting them to the valve control 3 and recording them.

Claims (15)

Flushing device for flushing a water pipe, wherein the flushing device has at least one inlet hose (1), a pipe connection for connection to the water pipe to be flushed, at least one drain hose (5) for discharging the water, at least one valve (2) which supplies the inlet hose (1) with the drain hose (5) connects, a valve control (3), at least one sensor (8,14) and a data storage module (4) for storing measurement data and / or parameters of the flushing device, characterized in that the data storage module (4) a tamper-proof data storage module (4) which stores at least during an open position of the valve (2) at intervals measurement data and / or parameters and at least the valve (2), the valve control (3) and the data storage module (4) in a sealed shell (9) is arranged. Flushing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the data storage module (4) has a data memory which is counterfeit-proof and preferably designed as RAM, PROM, EEPROM or flash memory. Flushing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the data storage module (4) is assigned its own power supply. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the data in the data storage module (4) are stored encrypted. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the data storage module (4) is associated with a system clock. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flushing device has a locating device, preferably a GPS locating device. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a sensor (8, 14) is a temperature sensor (8). Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a sensor (8, 14) is a flow water meter. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a sensor (8, 14) is a water pressure sensor (14). Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the flushing device has a check valve (11). Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the valve control (3) has a timer. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that between the inlet hose (1) and drain hose (5) a strainer and / or filter (7) is arranged. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the flushing device is transportable. Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least the valve (2), the valve control (3), and the data storage module (4) of the flushing device in a fixed casing (6) are arranged, with at least one inlet connection (12 ) and at least one drain connection (13) for connection to the inlet hose (1) and the drain hose (5). Flushing device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the flushing device has a communication unit, preferably for communication via a wireless connection.

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