DE202016101695U1 - Distributor and control and / or regulating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An integral manifold (100) for a control device (200) for automatically monitoring water demand and for controlling and / or regulating the supply of water to a water usage system, comprising: a water passageway (1); a first input (2) for receiving water from a supply source; a first valve body and valve seat assembly (7) for connecting the passageway to the first inlet; a port (4) for admitting and discharging air into and out of the passage; a first exit (3) from the passage for connection to the system; a second outlet (6) for draining water from the passageway; and a second valve body and valve seat assembly (9) for connecting the passageway to the second outlet.

Description

The present invention relates to a distributor and a control and / or regulating device for automatically monitoring a water demand in and controlling and / or regulating the water supply to a water consumption system, which may also be referred to as a water-consuming system.

When a water usage system is supplied directly from a source of water supply, it is desirable to provide for provisions to prevent backflow of water from the system to the source to avoid contaminating the water provided by the source. If the source of supply is a public network, such provision may be required by law. One possible way to comply with such laws is to provide an air gap in a water passage or water channel.

A control and / or regulating device for monitoring a water demand in and controlling and / or regulating the water supply to a water consumption system (eg, a central heating system) is of GB 2299690 known.

The problem to be solved by the invention according to claim 1 is to provide a more easily constructed distributor for a control and / or regulating device for automatically monitoring a water demand in and controlling and / or regulating the water supply to a water consumption system.

This problem is solved by the invention according to claim 1. The purpose of the invention is achieved by providing an integral manifold which is easier to manufacture, e.g. B. by injection molding. In this way, a simply manufactured device for monitoring a water demand and for controlling and / or regulating a water supply to a water consumption system is provided.

Summary

It becomes an integral distributor ( 100 ), comprising a water passage ( 1 ), a first entrance ( 2 ) for receiving water from a supply source, a first valve body and valve seat assembly ( 7 ) for connecting the passage ( 1 ) with the first input ( 2 ), a connection ( 4 ) for admitting and discharging air from or to the passage ( 1 ), a first output ( 3 ) from the passage ( 1 ) to connect to the system, a second output ( 6 ) for draining water from the passage ( 1 ) and a second valve body and valve seat assembly ( 9 ) for connecting the passage ( 1 ) with the second output ( 6 ). Such a distributor ( 100 ) is useful in a control device ( 200 ) for automatically monitoring a water supply of a water consumption system.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are provided by the dependent claims, as will become apparent from the following description.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 a partial sectional view of an embodiment of a distributor shows; and

2 shows a front view of an embodiment of a device.

Referring first to 1 , there is presented an integral distributor which is generally associated with ( 100 ), for a control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) for automatically monitoring a water demand and for controlling and / or regulating and / or regulating the water supply to a water consumption system.

The distributor ( 100 ) is shown with different fittings mounted thereon, which will be described in detail below. In terms of scarcity, characteristics of the distributor ( 100 ) with reference to a device ( 200 ), the distributor ( 100 ), but the characteristics of the distributor ( 100 ) isolated from the device ( 200 ) be appropriate.

The integral distributor ( 100 ) may be made by injection molding, for example by injection molding of a plastic material. Accordingly, the distributor ( 100 ) and the device ( 200 ), which will be described in detail below, are provided relatively economically.

The distributor ( 100 ) comprises a water passage ( 1 ), whereby the water passage ( 1 ) effectively provides an air gap or air gap between a water source and a system such that there is virtually no risk of water entering the source from the system, as will be described in detail below, with reference to the use of the manifold (US Pat. 100 ) and the device ( 200 ).

The distributor ( 100 ) comprises a first entrance ( 2 ) for receiving water from a supply source and a first Ventilkörper- and Valve seat arrangement ( 7 ) for connecting a passage ( 1 ) with the first input ( 2 ). A first, normally-closed valve ( 8th ) can be attached to the first valve body and seat assembly ( 7 ), as in 1 shown.

The distributor ( 100 ) also includes a connection ( 4 ) for introducing and discharging air to and from the passage ( 1 ). A bleed valve ( 5 ), which is normally open for the passage of air, but which is closed by or in the presence of water, can be connected to the port ( 4 ).

The distributor ( 100 ) also includes a first output ( 3 ) from the passage ( 1 ) to connect to a system.

In addition, the distributor ( 100 ) a second output ( 6 ) to drain water from the passage ( 1 ).

The distributor ( 100 ) comprises a second valve body and valve seat arrangement ( 9 ) for connecting the passage ( 1 ) with the second output ( 6 ). A second, normally-open valve ( 10 ) can be attached to the second valve body and valve seat assembly ( 9 ), as in 1 shown.

The first and the second valve ( 8th . 9 ) can be electrically operated solenoid-operated (solenoid) valves. Such valves ( 8th . 9 ) may be connected to and operated by a processor, as described in detail below.

The distributor ( 100 ) can be a receptacle for a first check valve ( 11 ) between the first input ( 2 ) and the first valve arrangement ( 7 ). Furthermore, the distributor ( 100 ) a receptacle for a second check valve ( 12 ) between the first check valve ( 11 ) and the first valve arrangement ( 7 ). As can be seen, a first and / or second check valve ( 11 . 12 ) at the distributor ( 100 ) to be appropriate.

The distributor ( 100 ) may be a receptacle for a third check valve ( 13 ) between the water passage ( 1 ) and the first output ( 3 ). In addition, the distributor ( 100 ) a receptacle for a fourth check valve ( 14 ) between the third check valve ( 13 ) and the first output ( 3 ). As can be seen, a third and / or fourth check valve ( 13 . 14 ) at the distributor ( 100 ) to be appropriate.

The third and / or fourth check valve ( 13 . 14 ) may include a check valve, a flow regulator, or a flow regulator.

The distributor ( 100 ) may further comprise a first connector ( 15 ) for a pressure sensor between the first input ( 2 ) and the first valve arrangement ( 7 ). A control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) may include a first pressure sensor connected to the first connector ( 15 ) connected is.

The distributor ( 100 ) may further comprise a second connector ( 16 ) for a pressure sensor between the first output ( 3 ) and the water passage ( 1 ) and / or receptacles for the third and fourth check valve ( 13 . 14 ), if any. The control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) may include a second pressure sensor connected to the second connector ( 16 ).

As in particular in 2 is shown, a control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) for automatically monitoring a water demand in a water usage system and for controlling and / or regulating the water supply to a water consuming system comprising the integral distributor ( 100 ).

The control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) may further include a processor for receiving signals from the first and second pressure sensors and for controlling and / or regulating the first and second valves ( 8th . 10 ).

The processor may be programmed to operate the system in response to a need by opening the first valve (FIG. 8th ) and closing the second valve ( 10 ) to provide water. If the water supply is at a sufficient pressure, the first pressure sensor will provide a signal indicating that a first pressure threshold has been exceeded; the processor may be programmed to provide water to the system only when this pressure threshold is exceeded. A demand may be indicated by the second pressure sensor providing a signal indicating that a second pressure threshold has not been exceeded.

The processor may also be programmed to terminate or adjust the water supply to the system in response to satisfaction of a need by closing the first valve and opening the second valve. The requirement fulfillment can be indicated by the second pressure sensor providing a signal according to which the second pressure threshold value is reached or exceeded.

The processor may also be programmed to terminate or prevent the supply of water to the system in response to a potential leak in the system, by closing the first valve and opening the second valve. One potential leakage within the system may be indicated by the second pressure sensor providing a signal indicating that a pressure increase has not occurred within a predetermined time period. Alternatively, a leak may be indicated by the second pressure sensor providing a signal indicative of a pressure drop within a predetermined time period. Such situations may indicate faults within the system, in particular that the system may leak, as described in detail below.

The processor may be programmed to signal an alarm. Such a signal can be heard audibly by means of a connected loudspeaker and / or visibly, for example by displaying a fault on a display ( 19 ), as in 2 shown. The processor may be programmed to signal an alarm, for example, if the first pressure sensor does not provide a signal indicating that a first pressure threshold has been exceeded. Such a situation can occur when the water supply pressure is too low, for example due to a water supply fault. The display ( 19 The display may also indicate different characteristics of the leak, for example, whether the leak is a relatively fast or a relatively rapid leak. The processor may be programmed to reset the alarm condition, for example, if the power to the processor is removed.

Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be programmed to signal an alarm if, when the first valve is opened and the second valve is closed, the second pressure sensor provides a signal indicative of no pressure increase within a predetermined time period. Such a situation may indicate a failure to fill the system, in particular that the system may be leaking.

Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be programmed to signal an alarm if, when the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened, the second pressure sensor provides a signal indicative of a pressure drop within a predetermined time period. Such a situation may indicate an error in the system, in particular that the system can leak on it. For example, if the pressure in the system drops slowly but continuously over a long period of time, such a pattern may indicate a slow leak. In such a situation, the device ( 200 ) fill the system several times over a relatively long period of time.

There is also provided a water consumption system (for example a central heating and / or hot water system) connected to the first outlet ( 3 ) a control and / or regulating device ( 200 ), as described above. When the device ( 200 ) and connected to a system, an actuation of the device ( 200 ) automatically supply the system with water whenever needed, so that the system remains supplied with water at a desired operating pressure.

Now the use of the distributor ( 100 ) and the device ( 200 ), with many benefits to the reader.

When used, the first input ( 2 ) connected to a water supply source in which there is a pressure above the operating water pressure in the water consumption system for which the water demand and the water supply are to be monitored and controlled and / or regulated, for example a so-called "closed" central heating system.

The first, spring-loaded, solenoid-operated, normally-closed valve ( 8th ) is between the passage ( 1 ) and the first entrance ( 2 ) used. In the closed position, water is prevented from entering the passage ( 1 ) until the first valve ( 8th ) is open. The first exit ( 3 ) is used to connect to the water consumption system. Between the first exit ( 3 ) and the passage ( 1 ) are a third and a fourth check valve ( 13 . 14 ) to prevent water from entering the system ( 1 ) to flow.

One or more of the third and fourth check valves ( 13 . 14 ) may be a flow restricting check valve. The use of such a check valve can help to provide water hammers within the system, distributor ( 100 ) and the device ( 200 ) to reduce. In the illustrated example, the fourth check valve is ( 14 ) a flow-limiting check valve.

The second exit ( 6 ) is directed downwards when the device ( 200 ) is installed. Between the passage ( 1 ) and the second output ( 6 ) is the second, spring loaded, solenoid operated, normally open valve ( 10 ) used. Because the second valve ( 10 ) is biased to a normally-open position, this can ensure that any water entering the passage ( 1 ) inadvertently occurs, for example due to a leakage, from the supply by the normally-closed valve ( 8th ) or out of the system through the third and fourth check valves ( 13 . 14 ), through the second exit ( 6 ) will escape. Thus, in normal use, water leaking from the system will be discharged from the second outlet (FIG. 6 ) escape. The second exit ( 6 ) is preferably arranged as shown to be in an intermediate container ( 17 ) with a pipe ( 12 ), which leads to a drainage, is connected. In this way, a visible indication of a leak can be provided. 4 ) is directed upwards, as shown, when the device ( 200 ) is installed. With the connection ( 4 ) is an automatic bleed valve ( 5 ) connected. The air valve or bleeder valve ( 5 ) is normal-open, to allow air flow into the passage ( 1 ) or from the passage ( 1 ), but closes when it is reached by water within the passageway. Such devices are known.

A drop in pressure within the system causes a sensor to interfere with the second connector ( 16 ) to provide the processor with a signal indicative of the pressure drop. Consequently, the solenoids or magnetic switches of the normally-closed valve ( 8th ) and the normally-open valve ( 10 ) is energized by the processor, indicating the states of the first and second valves ( 8th . 10 ) reverses.

The entrance ( 2 ) should be connected to a water supply source that provides water at a pressure that is above the operating pressure needed in the controlled water usage system. This condition is confirmed by the processor by receiving a signal at a pressure sensor which is connected to the first connector ( 10 ) connected is. The processor may be programmed such that only if the first connector ( 15 ) sufficient pressure, the processor is the solenoid for reversing the conditions of the first and the second valve ( 8th . 10 ) energizes or turns on.

Opening the normally-closed valve ( 8th ) allows water from the supply into the passage ( 1 ) through the entrance ( 2 ) and the first and second check valves ( 11 . 12 ) to flow. Closing the normally-open valve ( 10 ) prevents that same water from the second exit ( 6 ) to escape. The automatic bleeder valve ( 5 ) allows air through the port ( 4 ) or the mouth to escape, so that the passage ( 1 ) is filled with water. When the passage ( 1 ) is filled with water, the vent valve closes ( 5 ) to prevent the escape of water through the connection ( 4 ) to prevent. As a result, water pressure forms within the passage ( 1 ) out. Once the pressure within the passage ( 1 ) is greater than the pressure within the system, water from the passage ( 1 ) through the third and the fourth check valve ( 13 . 14 ) flow. This water then flows into the system and the water pressure in the system rises. The one with the second connector ( 16 Sensor will provide a signal to the processor indicating that the pressure in the system is increasing. When a pressure threshold corresponding to the satisfaction of the water demand within the system is reached or exceeded, the processor will shut off the solenoids to stop the conditions of the first and second valves (FIGS. 8th . 10 ) to reverse to their normally-open or normally-closed positions, respectively. Closing the first valve ( 8th ) cuts the water supply to the passage ( 1 ), and the opening of the second valve ( 10 ) makes it possible in the passage ( 1 ) remaining water, through the second exit ( 6 ) to escape. The automatic bleeder valve ( 5 ) allows air into the passage ( 1 ), so that the water escapes and no airbag occurs. The passage ( 1 ) thereby becomes an effective air gap between the entrance ( 1 ) and the first output ( 3 ), which is connected to the system so there is little or no risk of water being sucked from the system to the supply.

As can be seen, all of the following components would have to fail for water to flow from the system to the supply: the fourth check valve (FIG. 14 ), the third check valve ( 13 ), the second, normally-open valve ( 10 ), the first, normally-closed valve ( 8th ), the second check valve ( 12 ), as well as the first check valve ( 11 ). An occurrence of such simultaneous errors of such a large number of individual components is so unlikely that the likelihood of such occurrence is considered negligible. Accordingly, contamination of the supply is satisfactorily prevented.

As used in the specification and claims, the terms "comprising" and "having" and variations thereof mean that the described features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted as excluding the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the above description or the following claims or the attached drawings, according to their specific form or in the form of a means for performing the disclosed function or a method or process for achieving the disclosed result, may, as appropriate, be used separately or in any combination of such features for realizing the invention in its different forms.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Water passage

2

First entrance

3

First exit

4

connection

5

vent valve

6

Second outlet

7

First valve body and valve seat assembly

8th

First valve

9

Second valve body and valve seat arrangement

10

Second valve

11

First check valve

12

Second check valve

13

Third check valve

14

Fourth check valve

15

First connector

16

Second connector

17

container

18

drain connection

19

display

100

distributor

200

control device

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

• GB 2299690 [0003]

Claims (19)

Integral distributor ( 100 ) for a control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) for automatically monitoring water demand and for controlling and / or regulating the water supply to a water usage system, comprising: a water passage ( 1 ); a first entrance ( 2 ) for receiving water from a supply source; a first valve body and valve seat assembly ( 7 ) for connecting the passage to the first input; a connection ( 4 ) for introducing and discharging air into and out of the passage; a first exit ( 3 ) from the passage for connection to the system; a second exit ( 6 ) for draining water from the passage; and a second valve body and valve seat assembly ( 9 ) for connecting the passage to the second exit. Control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) for automatically monitoring a water demand in a water consumption system and for controlling and / or regulating the water supply in the one water consumption system comprising the integral distributor ( 100 ) according to claim 1. Control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to claim 2, further comprising: a first check valve ( 11 ) between the first input ( 2 ) and the first valve arrangement ( 7 ) and optionally a second check valve ( 12 ) between the first check valve and the first valve assembly. Control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising: a third check valve ( 13 ) between the water passage ( 1 ) and the first output ( 3 ) and optionally a fourth check valve ( 14 ) between the third check valve and the first output. Control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to claim 4, wherein the third and / or fourth check valve ( 13 . 14 ) is a check valve with a flow regulator. Control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising: a first, normally-closed valve mounted on the first valve body and valve seat assembly (10); 7 ) is attached; and / or a second, normally-open valve mounted on the second valve body and valve seat assembly. Control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising a venting valve ( 5 ), which is normally open to the air passage but closed in the presence of water and which is connected to the port ( 4 ) connected is. Control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: the distributor ( 100 ) further between the first input ( 2 ) and the first valve body a first connector ( 15 ) for a pressure sensor, and the control and / or regulating device comprises a first pressure sensor connected to the first connector. Control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein: the distributor ( 100 ) further between the first output ( 3 ) and the water passage ( 1 ) a second connector ( 16 ) for a pressure sensor, and the control and / or regulating device comprises a second pressure sensor connected to the second connector. Control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a processor for receiving signals from the first and the second pressure sensor, and for controlling and / or regulating the first and the second valve, if present. Control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the processor is programmed to supply the system with a need in water by opening the first valve and closing the second valve, when: the first pressure sensor provides a signal indicating that a first pressure threshold is exceeded and the second pressure sensor provides a signal indicating that a second pressure threshold is not exceeded. Control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to claim 11, wherein the processor is programmed to terminate the water supply to the system when required by closing the first valve and opening the second valve, when: the second pressure sensor provides a signal indicating that the second pressure threshold reached or is exceeded. Control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the processor is programmed to terminate or prevent the supply of water to the system at a possible leak in the system by closing the first valve and opening the second valve, when: the second pressure sensor provides a signal indicating that a pressure increase has not occurred within a predetermined period of time. Control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to any one of claims 11, 12 or 13, wherein the processor is programmed to terminate or prevent the supply of water to the system in the event of a possible leak in the system by closing the first valve and opening the second valve, if: the second Pressure sensor provides a signal indicating a pressure drop within a predetermined period. Control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the processor is programmed to signal an alarm condition when: the first pressure sensor does not provide a signal indicating that a first pressure threshold is exceeded when the first valve is open and the second valve is closed and the second pressure sensor provides a signal indicative of no pressure increase over a predetermined time period and / or when the first valve is closed and the second valve is open and the second pressure sensor provides a signal indicative of a pressure drop within a predetermined time period , Water consumption system connected to the first outlet ( 3 ) a control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to one of claims 2 to 15. Central heating and / or hot water system connected to the first outlet ( 3 ) a control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) according to one of claims 2 to 15. Distributor ( 100 ) or control and / or regulating device ( 200 ) substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and shown therein. Any new feature or combination of features as described herein and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Images