DE102016013583A1 - Sanitary fitting with bypass valve - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a water saving system with a sanitary fitting (2), for shower, tub or sink, which is connected in the hot water inlet (8) with an upstream, mechanical or electrical bypass valve (1) having a second outlet (10). for further use of water. According to the invention, when opening the valve of the sanitary fitting (2), the cooled water in the hot water line in the bypass valve (1) automatically into the flow for reuse (10) and after the preselected water temperature is reached, the bypass valve (1) switches automatically the water flow in the flow to the valve (2) to.

Description

The invention relates to a water saving system for sanitary fittings for different taps, such as shower, bath or sink, in the private, commercial and public sector according to the preamble of claim 1.

The main function of a sanitary fitting is to mix the cold and hot water, which is made available from the installed water pipe, and to provide the consumer as needed. The set desired temperature is not reached at the beginning of the tapping process in the rule, because the water in the hot water line has cooled in the period of non-use. The length of the water pipe from the fitting to the water heater and the length of time between uses affect the cooled water volume. The user often allows the mixed water, which is not desirably tempered, to flow unused into the drain of the sanitary object before the actual use of the mixed water. It is on the one hand to the ecological problem of water saving and on the other hand to a comfort problem, for example when showering at the beginning to cold water from the shower and you have to wait too long for the desired water temperature.

The problem is known and can be remedied for example by the use of a circulation pump. The hot water in the pipe system for hot water supply is continuously circulated. For this purpose, a separate return line must be installed. In addition, higher heat losses and a further energy requirement for the pump occur. Ecologically and economically, the problem is not sufficiently solved with a circulation system.

From the patent US2012 / 0118414 is a system for saving water for a shower device known. Here, a temperature-sensitive 2-way valve is installed in combination with a backflow preventer between fitting and overhead shower. When water is used, water is automatically directed into the storage tank, which is colder than the set desired temperature. After reaching the set temperature, the water is automatically directed to the overhead shower. The water from the storage tank is then passed through a channel with metering in the flowing water to the overhead shower. The disadvantages of the system lie in the storage and size of the storage and in the hygiene problem caused by the residual water in the storage tank, so that drinking water quality is not guaranteed.

The object of the invention is to provide a universally applicable system for saving water and to increase the comfort in different water applications. The object is solved by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims.

The invention is based on the fact that a bypass valve is arranged in front of the sanitary shut-off valve. When hot water flows below a preset temperature, the bypass valve directs the water to another water channel. The switching operation is performed manually or automatically by various technologies, such as hydraulic, electric, pneumatic, magnetic operation. An electrical bypass valve preferably consists of two solenoid valves, a temperature sensor and an electronic control, which can be controlled by cable and / or wirelessly.

The upstream bypass valve should ensure that hot water always flows out at the desired temperature when opening the valve. The discharge of the cooled water in the hot water pipe takes place when the sanitary fitting is opened, resulting in a short waiting time for the user. Alternatively, a derivative can take place with a time delay before opening by the user, so that when opening the valve immediately water flows out in the desired temperature. This is possible by means of more different technologies, such as automatic opening of the valve due to a preset time via a timer or by an electrical signal for switching the valve by a sensor on the door, on the light switch or by other electrical impulses. This offers great benefits in terms of water savings and increased comfort for the user, especially with hotel bathrooms, as the desired water temperature is immediately available.

A simple technical solution is the manual switching on by means of a switch, push button or similar actuators directly on the valve, which is mounted as a single module in or in front of the wall. The operation of the electrical bypass valve is made more comfortable when connected to a smart home network, for example by touch sensor, remote control via smartphone and by means of an intelligent controller that stores and evaluates the user behavior.

The user recognizes the setting of the valve, in economy or normal mode, by means of a display, such as color markings, symbols or characters. This allows the user simply switch between the two types of functions as needed. The return from the economy to the normal function usually takes place automatically via a thermostatic valve. It is also conceivable manual reset by a corresponding control. In this embodiment, it is a manual 2-way valve. The water saving system has a modular design so that the modules can be used individually or in combination depending on requirements and installation conditions. The thermo-bypass valve, mounted in a housing with one inlet and two outlets, is installed between the hot water inlet to the valve in different positions, as well as in the housing of the sanitary fitting, as well as at the fittings of the fitting, for example S-connection or hose connection , Accessibility to the maintenance of the valve should be given. The return water is directed through a corresponding channel in the designated memory.

The return water is used differently depending on the installation. A simple technical solution is to drain the water into an existing rainwater or gray water tank. This water is then usually used via a separate line, for example for irrigation, toilet flushing or for the washing machine.

For integration in the valve, the bypass valve is preferably placed between the hot water connection and the mixing unit, for example a manual ceramic mixing unit or a thermostatic control unit.

Also in this integration in the valve is a mechanical, electrical or automatic bypass valve can be used. Due to the connection for the water return, a flush-mounted installation should preferably be used, as otherwise the third water connection is visible from the outside.

The thermal bypass valve with electrical control offers the possibility to perform a thermal disinfection of the water pipe to the sanitary fitting. The system is switched so that the hot water is returned via the return line. This means a large increase in scald protection for the user and a reduction in water consumption.

The invention and its advantageous embodiments and further developments and advantages thereof are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

• 1 eine Sanitärarmatur mit vorgeschalteten Bypass-Ventil
• 2 eine Armatur mit integriertem Bypass-Ventil im Warmwasser-Zulauf
• 3 eine Armatur mit integriertem Bypass-Ventil im Mischwasserkanal
• 4 Ausführungsbeispiel Bypass-Ventil in Normalstellung
• 5 Ausführungsbeispiel Bypass-Ventil in Sparstellung
• 6 Ausführungsbeispiel Bypass-Ventil mit manueller Umstellung
• 7 Ausführungsbeispiel eines elektrischen Bypass-Ventils

In a schematic representation:

• 1 a sanitary fitting with upstream bypass valve
• 2 a valve with integrated bypass valve in the hot water inlet
• 3 a valve with integrated bypass valve in the mixed water channel
• 4 Embodiment Bypass valve in normal position
• 5 Exemplary bypass valve in economy position
• 6 Exemplary bypass valve with manual changeover
• 7 Embodiment of an electric bypass valve

In the 1 is schematically a bypass valve 1 , with a sanitary fitting 2 shown. About a pipeline 8th the hot water gets through the bypass valve 1 for connection to the valve 11 directed. The sanitary fitting 2 is over the cold water pipe 9 supplied with water. The upstream bypass valve should ensure that when the valve is opened hot water always runs out at the set temperature. About an actuator 4 the valve can be put in a position where the incoming water 8th not to the sanitary fitting 2 but in a water return 10 is directed. Not shown are alternative systems for switching the valve. The adjustment of the valve can be outside the valve body 7 respectively. The setting is preferably recognizable to the user. The provision of the valve can via the actuator 4 or automatically by means of a corresponding temperature sensor and an actuator, such as bimetal or solenoid valves, done. The actuator 4 For example, it can also be equipped with a time-controlled automatic closing and opening function.

In 2 schematically is a sanitary fitting with integrated bypass valve, arranged in the hot water inlet shown. The cold water 9 is via the cold water connection 12 inside the valve body 14 to the temperature mixing valve 13 directed. The hot water 8th is via the hot water connection 11 inside the valve body 14 to the bypass valve 1 and then to the temperature mixing valve 13 directed. After the temperature mixing valve is a shut-off valve 15 arranged so that the user of the sanitary fitting the temperature via the temperature mixing valve and the amount through the shut-off valve 15 can adjust. This controlled temperature functionality is a well-known technology in thermostats. A combination of the temperature and quantity adjustment is known as mixing cartridge with ceramic sealing discs.

The sanitary fitting with integrated bypass valve is preferably installed flush-mounted, as it differs from the normal fitting installation, a third water pipe is required. With a corresponding connection system for the valve with three inlet and outlet connections, surface-mounted fittings can also be easily installed and replaced.

In 3 schematically a sanitary fitting with integrated bypass valve, arranged behind the shut-off valve, shown. The cold water 9 is via the cold water connection 12 inside the valve body 14 to the temperature mixing valve 13 directed. The hot water 8th is via the hot water connection 11 within the valve body to the temperature mixing valve 13 directed. Following in the direction of water flow is a shut-off valve 15 and the bypass valve 1 arranged. From the bypass valve, the mixed water becomes the outlet 17 the sanitary fitting 14 directed. When the economy function is switched on, the water from the bypass valve within the sanitary fitting becomes the drainage connection 16 and over the return water line 10 directed.

4 shows an embodiment of a manual, thermal bypass valve in cartridge construction. Shown is a normal position in which warm water is passed through the valve to the usual water tapping point. The warm water flows from the inlet 8th in the valve chamber 18 , with the two valve openings to drain for use 17 and the flow to a memory 16 , With the double seal 20 can each have an opening through the function of the integrated actuator made of memory metal 19 be opened and closed. In the example shown, the memory metal in hot water in the valve chamber has a curved shape in cold water a straight shape. Through the appropriate alloy of the memory metal, the temperature point of the change in shape can be precisely determined. Due to the shape of the memory metal, the distance between the two seals and the distance of the sealing surfaces is automatically closed when you open a drain the other flow. The memory metal element 19 is with the double seal 20 and a sliding element 23 firmly connected, so with the control 4 a manual changeover between the two drainage openings 21 and 22 is possible.

In 5 the position of the bypass valve is shown in a saving function in which, for example, cold water from the valve chamber 18 to the storage process 16 is directed. The memory metal 19 has taken the straight form with cold water and thereby shifts the double seal 20 ,

In 6 the position of the bypass valve with locked economy function is shown. The mobile storage 23 the valve unit with double seal 20 allows a manual movement of the valve unit, so that regardless of the position of the actuator 19 , for example, the memory metal, the drain holes 21 and 22 can be opened or closed. The cold, incoming water is now not directed towards the store, but flows through the valve opening 22 to the outlet of the valve.

In 7 is schematically an electrical bypass valve 25 shown with a sanitary fitting. In the arrangement of the electrical bypass valve before the mixing and shut-off valve of the valve preferably two valves, such as solenoid valves, are used, which are fully functional even at normal water pressure in the supply line and the two outlets can open and close each 100%. The settings are usually temperature-controlled and / or time-controlled.

About a pipeline 8th the hot water is through a solenoid valve 26 to the connection 11 the sanitary fitting 2 directed. The sanitary fitting is via the cold water pipe 9 supplied with water. In the bypass valve 25 are two solenoid valves 26 and 27 with an electrical control 28 connected. A temperature sensor 5 reports the water temperature in the pipeline 8th to the electronic control, via the cable line 29 is powered. The operation of the bypass valve can be done via cable 30 with actuator 31 and / or via radio transmitter 32 and actuator 33 respectively. By means of the electronic control, the temperature of the switching point between the two solenoid valves can be adjusted. If the temperature of the incoming water is below the adjusted temperature of the switching point, the solenoid valve becomes 27 opened and the solenoid valve 26 closed, so that the incoming water is directed into a store. If the temperature of the incoming water is higher than the set temperature of the switching point, the solenoid valve becomes 26 opened and the solenoid valve 27 closed, so that the incoming water is directed to sanitary fitting.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Bypass valve, mechanical or electrical

2

plumbing fixture

3

2-way valve

4

jig

5

temperature sensor

6

display element

7

valve housing

8th

Hot water supply line

9

Cold water supply line

10

Water return line

11

Hot water connection

12

Cold water connection

13

Temperature mixing valve

14

fitting housing

15

shut-off valve

16

exhaust port

17

Faucets spout

18

valve chamber

19

Actuator memory metal

20

double seal

21

Valve opening memory

22

Valve opening drain

23

valve unit

24

cartridge housing

25

Bypass valve, electric

26

Solenoid valve inlet

27

Solenoid valve return

28

Electronic control

29

power connection

30

connection cable

31

Actuator, cable

32

radio transmitter

33

Actuator, wireless

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2012/0118414 [0004]

Claims (10)

Water saving system with a sanitary fitting (2), for a shower, bath or washbasin, which is connected in the hot water inlet (8) to an upstream mechanical or electric bypass valve (1) having a second outlet (10) for further water use, characterized in that when opening the valve of the sanitary fitting (2), the cooled water in the hot water line in the bypass valve (1) is automatically passed into the flow for reuse (10) and after the preselected water temperature is reached, the bypass valve (1 ) automatically switches to the outlet to the valve (2). Water saving system after Claim 1 , characterized in that the changeover of the bypass valve (1) takes place automatically and in addition a manual change in both directions by activating the actuating element (4) is possible. Water saving system after Claim 1 , characterized in that in the bypass valve (1) within the water flow, a temperature sensor (5) and an actuator, such as a thermocouple, a memory metal component or solenoid valves, are present. Water saving system after Claim 1 , characterized in that the actuating element (31 & 33) of the electrical bypass valve (25) via cables or wirelessly by electrical, magnetic, hydraulic and / or pneumatic signals is controlled. Water saving system after Claim 1 , characterized in that the changeover of the bypass valve (1) is timed by a timer with or without remote control. Water saving system after Claim 1 , characterized in that at the bypass valve (1) a display element (6) is arranged, at which the user can recognize the position of the valve. Water saving system after Claim 1 , characterized in that the bypass valve (1) with housing (7) and actuator (4) is an independent module in the water saving system, which is installed in the vicinity of the sanitary fitting (2) depending on the installation conditions on or under the wall. Water saving system after Claim 1 , characterized in that the sanitary fitting with an integrated bypass valve (1) and an additional discharge port (16) is provided for returning the cold water from the hot water pipe. Water saving system after Claim 1 , characterized in that the integrated bypass valve (1) in the sanitary fitting (14) between the hot water connection (11) and temperature mixing valve (13) in the housing (14) is arranged. Water saving system after Claim 1 , characterized in that the electrical bypass valve (25) by means of a corresponding remote control (33) is used to perform a thermal disinfection, wherein briefly hot water through the piping system to the bypass valve (25) and then via the water return line 10 to is directed to a memory.

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