AU2011101142A4

AU2011101142A4 - Valve Assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2011101142A4
Application number: AU2011101142A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dean Bertuola; Gary White
Original assignee: Bertuola Dean
Current assignee: Bertuola Dean
Priority date: 2010-09-15
Filing date: 2011-09-06
Publication date: 2011-10-13
Anticipated expiration: 2019-09-06

Abstract

C:NRPorntbDCCTZS\383398 I I.DOC-24)/2011 A valve assembly for connecting to a water supply system which has a mains supply and an auxiliary supply, the assembly including: a first branch which includes a first inlet for 5 connection to the mains supply and a first solenoid valve; a second branch which includes a second inlet for connection to the auxiliary supply and a second solenoid valve, the first and second branches having a common outlet; control means for controlling operation of the solenoid valves such that a user can manually switch the solenoid valves open or closed so as to select whether water from the mains or auxiliary supply passes to the common 10 outlet; and sensing means to sense availability of the auxiliary supply when that supply is selected, the control means being responsive to the sensing means to change the state of the solenoid valves if the amount of water available in the auxiliary supply falls below a predetermined level. 14 r ------------------------ Figure 1

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 INNOVATION PATENT SPECIFICATION (ORIGINAL) Name of Applicant: Gary White AND Dean Bertuola Actual Inventors: Gary White; and Dean Bertuola Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, I Nicholson Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia Innovation Patent specification for the invention entitled: "Valve Assembly" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: C\NPonblDCC\TZS\383398 11DOC-24/08&201 VALVE ASSEMBLY Technical Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to a valve assembly. For example, a valve assembly which can be connected into a water supply system which has a mains supply and an auxiliary supply such as a water tank. Background of the Invention 10 Fully automatic systems which enable switching between alternative supplies of water have been previously proposed. For instance, some automatic systems operate to normally use water available from a water tank for toilet flushing and/or supply to washing machines, the arrangement being such that once the water tank has been emptied the 15 system automatically connects the mains supply to these fixtures. These systems have the disadvantage that the user does not have significant control over usage of water from the water tank and the water tank can be emptied at times when it would be desirable to conserve levels of water in the water tank for later use. Also, the systems may be relatively expensive and are difficult to retrofit, sometimes requiring replacement of a 20 pump which could be used to increase the pressure of water delivered from the water tank. It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above mentioned difficulties, or at least provide a useful alternative. 25 Summary of the Invention In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a valve assembly for connecting to a water supply system which has a mains supply and an auxiliary supply, the assembly including: a first branch which includes a first inlet for connection to the mains 30 supply and a first valve; a second branch which includes a second inlet for connection to the auxiliary supply and a second valve, the first and second branches having a common C NRPotbNDCC\TZS\3833981I.DOC.24/08/2011 -2 outlet; control means for controlling operation of the valves such that a user can manually switch the valves open or closed so as to select whether water from the mains or auxiliary supply passes to the common outlet; and sensing means to sense availability of the auxiliary supply when that supply is selected, the control means being responsive to the 5 sensing means to change the state of the valves if the amount of water available in the auxiliary supply falls below a predetermined level. Preferably, the auxiliary supply includes a water tank and the sensing means includes a water level sensor operable to reverse the state of the valves if the water level in the tank 10 falls below a predetermined level. Preferably, the water level sensor comprises a float sensor. Preferably, the control means includes a timer which can be set so that either the mains supply or the auxiliary supply can be selected for a predetermined amount of time before 15 reverting to the other water supply. Preferably, the control means is configured so that selection of the mains supply initiates the timer so that the valve assembly will revert to the auxiliary supply after 24 hours. Preferably, the control means includes first and second switches which can be selected by a 20 user to effectively select supply of water from the mains supply or the auxiliary supply to the outlet. Preferably, the switches form part of a control module which is located remote from the first and second valves. Preferably, the control module includes indicating devices to indicate the state of the valves. Preferably, the indicating devices include one or more LED's mounted on a face plate of the control unit adjacent to the switches. 25 Preferably, the valves are solenoid valves. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling a supply of water from a mains supply and an auxiliary supply, the method 30 including: coupling a first valve to the mains supply; coupling a second valve to the auxiliary supply; connecting the outlets of the valves together; providing manual switches C:\NRPorbl\DCOTZ\3S33981. DOC.24/082I1 -3 to enable a user to manually select opening of the first or second valve and closing of the other valve; providing sensing means for sensing availability of the auxiliary supply when that supply is selected; and providing control means for changing the state of the valves when the availability of water in the auxiliary supply falls below a predetermined level. 5 Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described, by way of non limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: 10 Figure 1 is a schematic view of a water supply system incorporating a valve assembly; Figure 2 is an exploded view of a valve assembly; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the valve assembly; 15 Figure 4 shows a sectioned side view of a float sensor of the water supply system; Figure 5a is an exploded view of a control module of the water supply system; and Figure 5b is a perspective view of the control module. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention 20 The valve assembly 10 shown in Figure 1 is for connecting to a water supply system 12 which has a mains supply 14 and an auxiliary supply 16. As shown in Figure 2, the assembly 10 includes a first branch 18 which includes a first inlet 20 for connection to the mains supply 14 and a first valve 22. The assembly 10 also includes a second branch 24 25 which includes a second inlet 26 for connection to the auxiliary supply 16 and a second valve 28. The first and second branches 18, 24 have a common outlet 30. The assembly includes control means 32 for controlling operation of the first and second valves 22, 28 such that a user can manually switch the valves open or closed so as to select whether water from the mains or auxiliary supply 14, 16 passes to the common outlet 30. The 30 assembly 10 also includes sensing means 34 to sense availability of the auxiliary supply 16 when that supply is selected. The control means 32 is responsive to the sensing means 34 C:WRPonblDCC\TZS833981_1 DOC-2418/20II -4 to change the state of the valves 22, 28 if the amount of water available in the auxiliary supply 16 falls below a predetermined level. The water supply system 12 shown in Figure 1 includes a toilet 6 and a washing machine 5 8. In the example shown, the auxiliary water supply line 16 is in communication with a rainwater tank. The toilet 6 and washing machine 8 are coupled to the supply lines 14 and 16 via a valve unit 36. The valve unit 36 and control unit 26 form part of the valve assembly 10. The valve unit 36 includes an outlet line 38 which is connected to branch lines 40 and 42 for supplying water to the toilet 6 and washing machine 8 respectively. 10 Normally the valve unit 36 would be located at a convenient location near the branch lines 40 and 42. For instance the valve unit 36 could be mounted on an external wall adjacent to a bathroom/laundry wall. Alternatively, the valve unit 36 could be located beneath the floor of a dwelling or at any other convenient location. The control unit 32 would normally be located inside the dwelling at a convenient location such as in the laundry 15 and/or bathroom of the dwelling and within 15 meters of the valve unit 36. The control unit 32 is connected to the valve unit 36 by means of a communication cable 44 to enable convenient control of the state of the valve unit 36 from inside the dwelling. Sensing means 34 is connected to the assembly via communication cable 46 and is 20 operable to sense the availability of water in the rainwater tank when the auxiliary supply is selected so that the state of the valve unit 36 may be changed to select the mains water supply line 14 when the level of water in the rainwater tank falls below a predetermined level. 25 The valve unit 36 shown in Figures 2 and 3 includes a first check valve 48 which is coupled to the first valve 22, the outlet of which is connected to a first branch line 50. The valve unit 36 includes a second check valve 52 and the second valve 28, the outlet of which is connected to a second branch line 54. The branch lines 50 and 54 are connected together so as to form the common outlet line 30. The first check valve 48 includes 30 threads 56 which enable it to be coupled to the mains supply line 14. The second check valve 52 includes threads 58 which enable it to be coupled to the auxiliary water supply C:\NRPoFbl\DCC\TZS\3833981 1.DOC-24M0V201 I -5 line 16. The common outlet line 30 includes threads 60 which enable it to be connected to the outlet line 38. A printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown) is received in housing 62 to control the 5 operation of the valves 22, 28 so that only one of the valves is open during operation. The timing of operation of the valves may be varied so that overlap of open valves may be controlled as desired. Providing a separate PCB within the valve unit 36 increases the distance which the control unit 32 may be placed from the valve unit 36. Charge pumps and capacitors (not shown) may be used to increase the voltage available for switching the 10 valves 22, 28. In the example shown, the valves 22, 28 are solenoid valves, and more particularly, latching type solenoids which operate from low DC voltages such as 9 volts. Using latching type solenoids allows the valve unit 36 to maintain its selected state without 15 requiring a constant supply of power. In the example shown, the valve assembly is powered by two 9 volt batteries located in the control unit 32. The system is configured to draw a low level of power from the batteries so that the valve assembly 10 can operate for approximately 30 months on this power supply. 20 The branch lines 50, 54 and outlet line 30 could be injection moulded to suit coupling to the solenoid valves 22, 28. Alternatively, these branch lines could be assembled from known PVC or copper plumbing fittings. The float sensor 64 shown in Figure 4 includes a float 66, a switch 68 contained within the 25 float 66 and a support 70. The float sensor 64 is in communication with the control unit 32 via cable 72 so that the valve assembly 10 can switch between the mains water supply line 14 and the auxiliary water supply line 16 once the water level inside the tank falls to a predetermined level. Advantageously, if only a limited amount of tank water is available and it is desirable to keep that water for other purposes, such as watering a garden or fire 30 fighting, water can be reserved inside the tank for these purposes. This is especially beneficial if the water supply system 12 is used in areas having low or sporadic rainfall C \NRPorbl\DCCTZSB333981_l.DOC-24/08/2011 -6 and/or water restrictions. The position of the float sensor 64 within a tank can be varied by adjusting the position of the support 70 on the cable 72 relative to the float 66. Support 70 is configured to be fixed 5 to the roof of a tank and the amount of cable between the support 70 and the float 66 is determinative of the water level inside the tank at which a switch 68, which is disposed within float 66, is activated. In the example shown, the float sensor 64 can be installed up to 35 metres from the control unit 32. 10 The control unit 32 shown in Figures 5a and 5b includes a housing 74 within which control circuitry, including PCB 76, is located. The housing includes a wall plate 80 which can be mounted on a wall of a dwelling similar to a standard wall plate used for switches and/or powerpoints or the like. The main body of the housing 74 is located within the wall cavity. The wall plate 80 houses three push button switches 82, 84 and 86 and two indicator LED's 15 88 and 90. In the example shown, each of switches 82 and 84 include a LED incorporated within the switch and operable to illuminate the switch to indicate which of the solenoids is open and hence whether water is being supplied to the fixtures from the mains or the tank. Operation of third switch 86 activates either of the LED's inside switches 82, 84 to indicate which of the solenoids is open. 20 The first switch 82 is operable so as to turn the first solenoid 22 on. The solenoid valve 22 is a hold-on type so that once the switch 82 is momentarily pressed the solenoid 22 will turn on and remain on. The second switch 84 is operable so that once pressed momentarily it will turn the second solenoid valve 28 on so that it will then remain on. Solenoids 22, 25 28, which are controlled by the PCB in the valve unit 36 based on output of the control unit 32, are configured so that only one of the solenoids 22, 28 is on at any one time. In one example, the control unit 32 includes a timer (not shown) which can be set so that either the mains water supply or the auxiliary water supply can be selected for a 30 predetermined amount of time before reverting to the other water supply. In one example, the timer is configured to active after 24 hours so that selection of the mains water supply C WRPotnbDCCTZS\3833981I.DOC-2408/201 1 -7 will only be maintained for 24 hours before reverting to the auxiliary supply. The control unit 32 is configured so that once batteries 92a, 92b are installed, solenoids 22, 28 are activated so that the water tank supply is selected. The LED inside switch 84 will 5 illuminate for 5 seconds to indicate that the unit is active. The LED 84 will then turn off for 2 seconds, and then illuminate for a further 5 seconds, to indicate that the respective solenoid has fired and that the tank water supply is selected. The control unit 32 is configured so that simultaneous operation of both first and second 10 switches 82, 84 will lock the unit so as to prevent accidental activation. LED 88 will illuminate to indicate that the control unit 32 has been locked. The control unit 32 is also configured so that once the voltage drops below a predetermined level, such as six volts for example, the system will automatically select the mains water supply and all the LED's will flash so as to indicate low power. In the example shown, LED 90 will illuminate to 15 indicate that there is a low water level inside the water tank. A method of controlling a supply of water from a mains supply 14 and an auxiliary supply 16 includes: coupling a first valve 22 to the mains supply 14; coupling a second valve 28 to the auxiliary supply 16; connecting the outlets of the first and second valves 22, 28 20 together; providing manual switches 82, 84 to enable a user to manually select opening of the first or second valve 22, 28 and closing of the other valve; providing sensing means 34 for sensing availability of the auxiliary supply 16 when that supply is selected; and providing control means 32 for changing the state of the valves 22, 28 when the availability of water in the auxiliary supply 16 falls below a predetermined level. 25 The invention has been described in the context of domestic situations but could also be used in other situations such as commercial, agricultural or sporting environments where there are alternative supplies of water available. 30 While we have shown and described specific embodiments of the present invention, further modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art. We desire it to be C:RPortbNDCC\TZS\333981_1.DOC-24//20II -8 understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular forms shown and we intend in the append claims to cover all modifications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this invention. 5 Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. 10 The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims

1. A valve assembly for connecting to a water supply system which has a mains supply and an auxiliary supply, the assembly including: 5 a first branch which includes a first inlet for connection to the mains supply and a first valve; a second branch which includes a second inlet for connection to the auxiliary supply and a second valve, the first and second branches having a common outlet; control means for controlling operation of the first and second valves such that a 10 user can manually switch the valves open or closed so as to select whether water from the mains or auxiliary supply passes to the common outlet; and sensing means to sense availability of the auxiliary supply when that supply is selected, wherein the control means is responsive to the sensing means to change the state of 15 the valves if the amount of water available in the auxiliary supply falls below a predetermined level.

2. The valve assembly claimed in claim 1, wherein the auxiliary supply includes a water tank and the sensing means includes a water level sensor operable to reverse the state 20 of the valves if the water level in the tank falls below a predetermined level.

3. The valve assembly claimed in claim 2, wherein the water level sensor comprises a float sensor. 25

4. The valve assembly claimed in any one of claims I to 3, wherein the control means includes a timer which can be set so that either the mains supply or the auxiliary supply can be selected for a predetermined amount of time before reverting to the other water supply. 30

5. The valve assembly claimed in claim 4, wherein the control means is configured so that selection of the mains supply initiates the timer so that the valve assembly will revert C NRPonbl\DCC\TZS\383398 11 DOC-2410Q01 I -10 to the auxiliary supply after 24 hours.

6. The valve assembly claimed in any one of claims I to 5, wherein the control means 5 includes first and second switches which can be selected by a user to effectively select supply of water from the mains supply or the auxiliary supply to the outlet.

7. The valve assembly claimed in claim 6, wherein the switches form part of a control module which is located remote from the first and second valves. 10

8. The valve assembly claimed in claim 7, wherein the control module includes indicating devices to indicate the state of the valves.

9. The valve assembly claimed in claim 8, wherein the indicating devices include one 15 or more LED's mounted on a face plate of the control unit adjacent to the switches.

10. The valve assembly claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the valves are solenoid valves. 20

11. A method of controlling a supply of water from a mains supply and an auxiliary supply, the method including: coupling a first valve to the mains supply; coupling a second valve to the auxiliary supply; connecting the outlets of the first and second valves together; 25 providing manual switches to enable a user to manually select opening of the first or second valve and closing of the other valve; providing sensing means for sensing availability of the auxiliary supply when that supply is selected; and providing control means for changing the state of the valves when the availability 30 of water in the auxiliary supply falls below a predetermined level.