DE4341898A1 - Measurement of domestic water pressure using sensors either side of filter assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A domestic water supply system incorporates a filter assembly (2) and a pressure regulator assembly (3) with two or more pressure sensors (6,7,8) which detect the water pressure at selected places in the dwelling. The pressure sensors (6,7,8) are linked to a control unit (4) by means of which both the absolute and differential pressures can be determined. The water filter (2) has an electric motor-driven (22) cleaning assembly (21) by means of which the sieve (23) may be freed of particle deposits. The pressure drop in the filter (2) can be determined by means of the pressure sensors (6,7) located before and after the filter, and the electric motor (22) activated to clean the sieve (21).

Description

The invention relates to a domestic water system in the preamble of claim 1 described Art.

Domestic water systems of the type in question have been around for a long time known and are so in countless single and multi-family houses such as public buildings and the like in use.

Such domestic water systems, but especially the filter device conditions, are subject to conditions in the inflowing water impurities of a certain pollution and must therefore be cleaned Cleaned from time to time.

In order to clean the filter device, for example, from the CH-PS 675 546 a filter device with manually operated from the outside tigbaren cleaning device known. This filter device has a hollow cylindrical arranged in a filter bell Filter screen that is flowed through from the outside in. For Cleaning this filter screen is on the inside of the filter bell arranged a set of brushes, the radial bristles up to reach the outside of the filter screen. The filter screen is also axially movable and for cleaning filter residues rotatable past the brushes. At the bottom of the filter bell is a  Flush valve arranged when the filter is moved axially sieves is opened and is used to wash away the filter residue.

The disadvantage of this filter device is that cleaning of the filter sieve only takes place if the mechanical cleaning device of the filter device really from one Person is operated manually. Experience shows, however, that such filter devices, if at all, only very sporadically are cleaned, and in that way such filter devices, despite the existing cleaning option, often very strong are dirty. Since the filter devices are also often difficult accessible places will be cleaned additionally difficult.

The degree of contamination of such a filter device depends on it largely depends on the water quality and water consumption. While the water quality is generally constant, can water consumption over a period of a few weeks or months, for example seasonal, very strong swan ken. In other words, the degree of pollution the domestic water system is not constant over a certain period of time is, but can have great differences.

Thus, a periodic cleaning, which depends on the time will not represent the optimum, especially since the cleaning tervall, to be on the safe side, the worst possible case must be designed. That means that a periodi  cal cleaning of the filter device generally in too short Intervals would or should be carried out.

Since with each cleaning process a relatively large amount of water used, brings a periodic cleaning of the Filter device at short intervals with the disadvantage that an unnecessarily large amount of water is used. With a big one House water system in an apartment building can for a Reini process of filtering several hundred liters Water are consumed. However, since water, the longer the more, for precious good, this must be avoided under all circumstances the.

WO 87/07850 describes an apparatus for cleaning liquids filter known. This apparatus has a mechanical one Electric motor rotating filter drum. At the outlet of the device is a mechanical, spring-loaded sensor device for detection absolute liquid pressure, to close the outlet line and arranged to switch the inlet line. As soon as a certain fluid pressure below at the outlet of the filter is stepped, the sensor device switches, whereby a Cleaning process of the filter drum is triggered by the Electric motor operated and the filter drum on cleaning brushes is turned over. At the same time there is a second sensor the main water pipe from the inlet pipe of the filter separated, and this inlet pipe with a sewage pipe connected via which they remove during the cleaning process  dirt can be removed. A disadvantage of this Ap ready for cleaning liquid filters is that the structure is very complex that many, dirt-sensitive wear parts are present and that no filtered during cleaning Liquid is available at the exit. Another disadvantage is also that only the outlet pressure as a relevant determination size is used to trigger a cleaning process. This means that with high inlet pressure and dirty fil no cleaning of the filter is carried out, while at low inlet pressure and clean filter a cleaning process can be triggered.

Another problem that occurs in generic domestic water systems gen is the fact that through the known pressure reduction ornamental valves, which have a spring-loaded closing element conditions, the pressure is reduced only in a relatively rough framework or is regulated because the pressure reducing valves on the one hand a rela tively large hysteresis and on the other hand their characteristic values due to pollution and aging. Since the one however, the pressure in domestic water systems in various areas Fluctuations would be an exact adherence to the pressure desirable at the exit of the domestic water system. Another after part of the known pressure reducing valves is that they are not quickly and easily set to different outlet pressures can be, and that thereby equipment that is for a low Nominal pressure are designed, not directly to the domestic water system  or an outgoing line connected or alternatively be can be driven.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a domestic water system to improve in the preamble of claim 1 mentioned type in such a way that this has a higher operational reliability, a vollau enables automatic operation and with the lowest possible sub maintenance costs come up.

This object is achieved by the characterizing part of claim 1 led characteristics solved.

A trained according to the preamble of claim 1 domestic water System with at least two arranged at selected locations Pressure sensors, for the first time, enables a qualitative statement about the condition of the domestic water system, for example about its Degree of pollution, can be made. Because of this measurement solution (s) can, for example, be the optimal time for a trip determined the filter device and a cleaning process to be triggered.

A preferred embodiment of the domestic water system is a Pressure regulating valve with an adjustable by an electric motor Ren locking member, which can be operated via the control unit is. With such a trained, via the control unit Actuatable pressure regulating valve, the pressure at the outlet of the Pressure regulating valve set much more precisely than before  respected. Such a configuration also enables for the first time that the outlet pressure changes quickly and easily can be changed.

A preferred further development of the domestic water system also provides propose to improve the main tap in such a way that for example, in the event of a line break, via the control unit can be operated electrically, so that the water supply under will break.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to Drawings are explained in more detail. The drawings show:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a domestic water system. and

Fig. 2 shows a filter device with an electric motor-operated cleaning device.

With reference to FIG. 1, the basic structure and the effect will be the Domestic Water invention are explained. On the inlet side, a main tap 1 is arranged at the entrance to the domestic water station. This is followed by a filter device 2 in the direction of flow and then a pressure regulating device 3 . A first pressure sensor 6 is arranged between the main tap 1 and the filter device 2 , while a second pressure sensor 7 is arranged between the filter device 2 and the pressure regulating device 3 . A third pressure sensor 8 is arranged behind the pressure regulating device 3 .

The main tap 1 has a closure member 11 which is coupled to an electromagnet 12 and can be actuated by the latter. The filter device 2 has a cleaning device with Bür most 21 , which can be actuated by an electric motor 22 , so that the actual filter 23 can be mechanically freed of filter residues. At the bottom of the filter device 2 , a flush valve 24 is arranged, through which the filter residues can be abge. This valve 24 is also coupled to the electric motor 22 and opens during the cleaning process of the filter 23 . The pressure regulating device 3 has a spring-loaded closing element which is coupled to an electric motor 32 directly or via a spring 31 . By means of this electric motor 32 , the closing element can thus be adjusted or its pretensioning force can be changed. The closing element can also be used to close the supply line by completely closing it. The principle of pressure regulating units is known as such, which is why further explanations can be dispensed with.

A control unit, generally designated 4, is provided for evaluating the pressure sensor signals and for controlling the electromagnet 12 and the two electric motors 22 , 32 . As pressure sensors 6 , 7 , 8 preferably piezoelectric, piezoresisti ve, inductive or capacitive pressure sensors, or pressure sensors based on strain gauges, are used. Passive transducers can be supplied with energy by the control unit 4 .

The mode of operation of the domestic water system shown here is as follows: The absolute pressure can be measured with each of the pressure sensors 6 , 7 and 8 . The control unit 4 , to which the pressure sensors are connected, is designed such that both the absolute pressure detected by each individual pressure sensor and differential pressures can be determined. The pressure drop of the upstream and downstream of the filter device 2 to parent pressure sensors 6 and 7 by a Ver equal to the signals tereinrichtung 2 are determined in the Fil, the pressure drop Meantime based on the arranged upstream and downstream of the pressure reducing valve 3 pressure sensors 7 and 8 in the pressure reducing valve 3 is determined can be.

The pressure drop in the filter device 2 is a measure of the degree of contamination of the filter 23 . In other words, that at a certain flow through the filter device 3 , based on the difference between the pressures detected by the two sensors 6 and 7, the contamination of the filter 23 is determined and thereby the optimal time for cleaning the filter device 2 is determined can. This can be done, for example, in that the control unit 4 holds a limit switch, which actuates the electric motor 22 of the filter device 2 when a predetermined differential pressure is reached and opens the flushing valve, whereby the filter device 2 is cleaned and the filter residues are flushed away via the valve 24 .

This makes it possible for the first time that the filter device 2 is only really cleaned if it has a certain degree of contamination. In addition, it is prevented in this way that the filter 23 is cleaned at too short intervals, which is associated with unnecessary water consumption, or that this is cleaned too little, which leads to an excessive pressure drop in the line network and the risk of destruction of the filter device 2 would bring with it.

Also be calculated by the attached before and after the pressure regulator 3 arranged pressure sensors 7, 8 new possibilities bezüg Lich the regulation and control of the pressure regulator. 3 In this way, the output pressure can be detected and the pressure regulating device 3 can be controlled via the control unit 4 and the electric motor 32 . Furthermore, it is also possible to use a plurality of pressure regulating devices 3 , the outlet pressure of which can be adjusted absolutely and, for example, looked up devices which can not withstand high pressures. Such an arrangement is conceivable, for example, for individual outgoing lines. The regulation of the output pressure of such a pressure regulating device could, for example, take place in that a pulse is sent to the control unit 4 when a certain device is switched on, and this then reduces the pressure in the desired pressure regulating device 3 or increases it if necessary until the device connected downstream is adjusted.

There are further possibilities for detecting the water pressure in the pipes. It is therefore entirely possible to detect a possible line break by means of intelligent logic, which is preferably integrated in the control unit 4 . For example, an unusually steep increase in water consumption, a constantly exceptionally high water consumption or even constant water consumption over an unusually long period serve as indicators of a line break or leak.

It is also conceivable, in addition to those arranged Pressure sensors also sensors that measure the flow rate to arrange. Using such sensors could be done in a simpler way be determined whether there is a leak between the sensors arranged is in the line. For example, through an arrangement a sensor in front and a sensor behind the filter device can be determined whether at best the filter device itself un is tight.

The arrangement of the pressure regulator 3 behind the Filterein device 2 , as shown in the previous embodiment, has the advantage that the pressure regulator 3 is acted upon with purified water. However, this arrangement is not mandatory. The two devices 2 , 3 can thus be exchanged in terms of their arrangement. The arrangement of the two devices 2 , 3 can depend, for example, on whether the filter device 2 is designed for the high inlet pressure prevailing in the feed line. In the case of an arrangement of the pressure regulating device 2 upstream of the filter device 3 , the foremost pressure sensor 6 can at best be dispensed with, since with the two pressure sensors 7 , 8 present , both the pressure drop in the filter device 2 and the absolute pressure at the outlet of the pressure regulating device 2 can be measured or determined.

Fig. 2 shows a possible embodiment of the Filtereinrich device 2nd This has a vertically axial sieve drum 125 which is rotatably and axially movable in a filter bell 126 and is attached to the connection housing 127 of the domestic water system in a known manner, not shown. The sieve drum 125 consists of a hollow cylindrical filter sieve 23 , through which a radial flow flows from the outside inwards, which is carried at its upper end by a guide sleeve 130 and at its lower end by a flange 131 . In the assigned to the central filter outlet opening of the connection housing 127 , an upper bearing sleeve 132 is used to receive the guide sleeve 130 . At the lower end of the sieve drum 125 there is an adjusting spindle 128 which is connected in a coaxial arrangement to the sieve drum 125 with the flange thereof and is rotatably and axially movably mounted in a lower bearing sleeve 126 provided on the bottom of the filter bell 126 . The rotary movement and the axial movement of the screen drum 125 are coordinated by a threaded connection between the adjusting spindle 128 and the lower bearing sleeve.

As previously mentioned, the screening drum 125 can be cleaned by means of the electric motor 22 . For this purpose, the adjusting spindle 128 is coupled to the electric motor 22 via a gear 135 arranged in a gear housing 134 . The electric motor 22 is fastened to the transmission housing 134 , while the latter is fixed to the filter bell 126 via a flange 137 . The adjusting spindle 128 is provided with a rectangular cross section in its lower region. In this area, a gear 136 provided with an inner square is pushed onto the threaded spindle 128 , the inner square of the gear 136 being somewhat larger than the outer square of the adjusting spindle 128 , so that a relative displacement of the adjusting spindle 128 with respect to the gear 136 is possible . The gear 136 in turn is coupled to the electric motor 22 via the gear 135 . Both the electric motor 22 and the transmission 135 are known, which is why there is no need to go into them in detail here. At the lower end of the flange 137 , a hose connector 129 is also rotatably attached, through which water accumulating during the cleaning process can be drained, which will be explained in more detail below.

The adjusting spindle 128 and the lower bearing sleeve assigned to it together form the flushing valve 24 . The adjusting spindle 128 has an axial, downwardly open flushing channel 133 , which is continued in the hose connector 129 in the form of a bore and is connected on its upper side to a transversely arranged passage opening 139 . The lower opening of the rinsing channel is set up for the connection to a rinse water drain.

In the normal position, not shown, ie in the "filtering" position, the sieve drum 125 is rotated downward into its end position via the adjusting spindle 128 . In this position, the passage opening 139 is covered by the bearing sleeve 132 , ie the flushing valve 24 is closed, so that the water flowing into the outer space 140 of the sieve drum 125 flows through the filter sieve 23 as a whole. With raised perforated drum 125 of FIG. 2 which is now exposed through opening connecting the valve 24 to the exterior space 140 of the perforated drum 125 with the flushing channel 133rd As a result, part of the water supplied flows through the flushing channel 133 , while at the same time the remaining part of the inflowing water continues to be supplied to the consumer as process water through the filter screen 123 . Due to the coordinated rotary and axial movement of the screen drum 125 , the opening and closing of the flushing valve 24 takes place gradually and smoothly.

On the inside of the filter bell 126 , a set of, for example, five brushes 21 is attached as cleaning device, the radial bristles of which extend to the outside of the filter screen 23 .

To clean the sieve drum 125, it is rotated using the electric motor 22 . By the rotation of the adjusting spindle 128 , the sieve drum 125 is lifted at the same time, the gear 136 provided with the inner square remaining in its vertical position. As a result of the rotation, the filter screen 23 is rotated past the brushes 21 and freed of filter residues by their bristles.

At the same time, the flush valve 24 opens, so that the water now flowing through the flushing channel 133 flushes away the filter residues detached from the filter screen 23 .

The electric motor 22 is preferably controlled via the control unit 4 described above. The adjusting spindle 128 is rotated by the electric motor, so that the sieve drum 125 and the filter sieve 23 are rotated and axially displaced. In addition, the flush valve 24 is thereby opened. The rotary movement of the electric motor 22 is stopped by a mechanical limit switch, which is not shown in favor of a clear representation. Subsequently, the electric motor 22 is left in this position for a moment, so that the actual flushing operation can take place. Then the direction of rotation of the electric motor 22 is changed and this is put back into operation until the flush valve 24 is closed again. Here, too, the rotary movement is stopped again via a mechanical limit switch (not shown). After the electric motor 22 has rotated the adjusting spindle 128 into the lower stop position, the adjusting spindle 128 is preferably rotated a little upwards again, for example a quarter turn, thereby preventing the adjusting spindle 128 from becoming stuck. As already mentioned above, this cleaning is always carried out when the pressure drop in the filter device 2 has reached a certain level.

Instead of mechanical limit switches, for example Encoders, timers, Hall sensors or the like used become.

Of course, a generic electric motor 22 can also be coupled to the backwashable filter devices together with the control unit 4 . Such backflushable filter devices have, in addition to the training features described above, a mechanism in the form of an internal, switchable valve. This mechanism allows the water flow to be reversed so that the filter screen is flown through from the inside to the outside during the cleaning process. This mechanism is coupled to the adjusting spindle and can therefore be actuated by the electric motor. In other words, opening the flush valve and rotating the filter screen also actuates the backwash mechanism. These backwashable Filterein devices thus have a mechanical cleaning and a hydraulic cleaning of the filter screen at the same time. Such backwashable filter devices have been known for a long time, which is why further explanations can be omitted here.

The embodiments shown above are in no way intended be final, but just a few options one Show domestic water system designed according to the invention.  

In summary it can be said that the arrangement of Pressure sensors at selected points in a domestic water system and the evaluation of these pressure signals, a domestic water system essential be operated more reliably and economically than before can. Due to the presence of at least two pressure sensors can absolute and differential pressures within the house water location determined and evaluated. This results in completely new ones Possibilities regarding the control and / or regulation of Appa advise such as a filter device and a pressure regulator. So the domestic water system can be fully automatic can be controlled and the water consumption for cleaning the filter facility can be minimized. Over such pressure sensors it is too possible to capture unpredictable operating conditions and the take appropriate measures. For example, a Pipe break detected by an intelligent control unit and the main tap or the closing member of the pressure regulating device device can be closed remotely. The domestic water system can also supplemented with sensors that measure the flow rate become.

Claims (12)

1. domestic water system with an inlet for fresh water and an outlet for process water, wherein between the inlet and the outlet let a filter device ( 2 ) and a pressure regulating device ( 3 ) for reducing and / or regulating the water pressure are arranged, characterized by at least two selected Places the house water system arranged pressure sensors ( 6 , 7 , 8 ), which detect the pressure prevailing in the house water system at these points, by a control unit ( 4 ), to which the sensors ( 6 , 7 , 8 ) are connected and by means of which the absolute pressures and / or the differential pressure or the differential pressures are / are determined at these points, and at least one of the following features:

• - The filter device (2) has an electrically operable cleaning device (21) on the filter for removing residues, wherein the cleaning device (21) is betae tigbar Steuerein by the unit (4) in dependence on the determined pressure values;
• - The pressure regulating device ( 3 ) has an electrically driven closing member for regulating or adjusting the pressure at the outlet of the pressure regulating device ( 3 ), the closing member being operable by the control unit as a function of the determined pressure values,
• - In the area of the inlet there is an electrically actuable main tap ( 1 ) which can be actuated by the control unit ( 4 ) depending on the pressure values determined.

2. domestic water system according to claim 1, characterized in that in front of and behind the filter device ( 2 ) a pressure sensor ( 6 , 7 ) for detecting the pressure drop in the filter device ( 2 ) is arranged, and that when a certain diffe rence pressure is exceeded control unit (4) comprises for the electrical cleaning of the filter means supply (2) provided for the electric motor (22) controls so that a cleaning operation is performed, wherein the filtering means (2) is designed such that during the cleaning operation at the output of the filter means (2 ) Hot water is available. 3. domestic water system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the Filterein direction ( 2 ) has a hollow cylindrical filter screen ( 23 ), which flows from the outside inwards radially and wherein the cleaning device a set of brushes ( 21 ) with radial, up to the filter screen ( 23 ) approaching bristles, characterized in that the filter device ( 2 ) additionally has a Ven tilvorrichtung which switches the water flow in the Filterein direction ( 2 ) during their cleaning, so that the filter screen ( 23 ) from the inside out is flowed through, and that at the bottom of the filter device ( 2 ) a ge with the electric motor ( 22 ) coupled flush valve ( 24 ) is arranged, which opens during cleaning and enables washing away of the filter residues. 4. domestic water handling device according to one of the preceding claims as by that in the region of the outlet liereinrichtung the Druckregu (3) a pressure sensor (8) is arranged for detecting the outlet pressure, wherein, when a predetermined deviation of the discharge pressure, the closing member of the pressure regulator (3) is adjusted so that the pressure at the outlet is adjusted to the setpoint. 5. house water installation according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure reducing means (3) is disposed downstream of said filter means (2), characterized in that three pressure sensors (6, 7, 8) are provided, wherein the first pressure sensor (6) in front of said filter means (2), the second pressure sensor (7) between the filter means (2) and the Druckregu liereinrichtung (3) and the third pressure sensor (8) is arranged behind the pressure regulator (3). , 6 house water installation according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure regulator (3) means in the flow direction before the filter is placed (2), characterized in that a pressure sensor (7) between the pressure regulating means (3) and the filter means (2) and another pressure sensor ( 8 ) is arranged behind the filter device ( 2 ), and that at most a third pressure sensor ( 6 ) arranged in front of the pressure regulating device ( 3 ) is provided. 8. Domestic water system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main tap ( 1 ), due to the detected by one or more sensors ( 6 , 7 , 8 ) over a certain period of time water pressure and / or by one or more sensors ( 6 , 7 , 8 ) detected gradient of the water pressure, via ei ne corresponding, preferably in the control unit ( 4 ) inte grated evaluation electronics can be closed. 9. domestic water system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the closing member of the pressure regulating device, due to the by one or more sensors ( 6 , 7 , 8 ) detected over a certain period of water pressure and / or by one or more Sensors ( 6 , 7 , 8 ) detected gradients of the water pressure can be completely closed via a corresponding evaluation electronics, preferably integrated in the control unit ( 4 ). 10. Domestic water system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure sensors ( 6 , 7 , 8 ) are designed mechanically or electronically. 11. Domestic water system according to one of the preceding claims, there characterized in that piezoelectric, piezoresistive, in ductive or capacitive pressure sensors, or pressure sensors on Deh measurement strip base are used.   12. Domestic water system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to the pressure sensors ( 6 , 7 , 8 ) sensors are arranged at selected points of the domestic water system, which measure the flow rate. 13. Domestic water system according to claim 12, characterized in that the additional sensors are also connected to the control unit ( 4 ).