EP0794381B1 - Water damage protection device - Google Patents

Abstract

An installation comprises: (a) moisture sensors (4) located in the floor section of a space to be protected e.g. a building with several taps; and (b) the closing device positioned in the central supply line (1) leading to the taps.

Description

The invention relates to a device with a closure member for automatic closing of a hose or Pipeline for the transport of liquid media, in particular Water, when a signal occurs, e.g. B. when exceeded a predeterminable, monitored by a sensor Limit value from this sensor or one downstream of the sensor Electronics is generated, with at least two Moisture sensors in the floor area of a protected area Space or a building with several taps arranged are, and that the closure member is in the central Supply line to the tap is located.

Such a device is known from GB-A 2202358.

In pipeline installations for liquid media - e.g. B. always occur in drinking water or process water installation networks cases of damage due to pipe or hose breaks or leaky connecting parts, fittings or devices. The Damage to the installation network is usually small, large on the other hand, the consequential damage is often the result of the loss of major ones Amounts of water and especially from the leaked Water caused water damage. The main problem is to make a leak as soon as possible after it Recognize and eliminate occurrences.

Appropriate water damage protection devices for. separate devices connected to a water supply network are e.g. B. known from US-PS 5 086 806 and EP 0.222 174. A disadvantage of However, these devices are used for hedging are designed for only one device. With several Devices in z. B. an apartment or a house therefore naturally installed several such protective devices become.

Another similar device is known from EP 0 257 575, but for the protection of entire piping systems is determined and thus complex monitoring lines along the entire main and branch lines.

Another device is in the not yet published German patent application 195 08 114.5 with the title "Water damage protection device" described, here a central locking of the water pipe takes place as soon as over the water meter detected an unusual water withdrawal becomes. But an unreasonable restriction of comfort Avoiding for the water user should be the permissible Water abstraction should be defined as generously as possible, whereby in the event of damage, a certain amount of water is inevitable must exit before the closure member the water pipe closes.

In contrast, the object of the present invention is a Device and a method of the type described in the introduction to imagine that in the event of damage, the water supply reliably shuts off, the emerging water volume and the restriction of comfort should be minimized.

This object is achieved in that in the central supply line additionally in front of or behind the closure member a volume flow meter in the hose or pipeline is arranged, the electrical measurement signals in Dependence on the volume flow through the hose or pipe as well as the flow time, and that a Electronic control device is provided, the measurement signals are supplied, and which are based on a specifiable, stored programs depending on the received Measurement signals, for example when a Limit value, control signals either directly to the closure member or delivers to an actuator that cause a closing or opening of the closure member.

By providing several to be protected in the floor area Distributed humidity sensors practically comprehensive water damage monitoring guaranteed. Because this is controlled by the humidity sensors Locking device in the central feed line to the Dispensers, it is ensured that after detection a punctual water damage the entire pipe is closed immediately, so that no further consequential damage may occur.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the sensors used over fixed, for example in the Wall, installable housing connected to a low voltage network, which connects to the electronic Control device and the closure member manufactures. If the low voltage network is flush-mounted, are the connection points on the wall visually covered by the housing and there is a way to provide strain relief for the connecting lines to the sensors.

The electrical contact between the moisture sensor is preferred and plug-in housing, which is the assembly simplified.

In a particularly comfortable embodiment of the invention can use one or more of the sensors used Radio connected to the electronic control device his. This eliminates the need for a low voltage network for signal transmission in the building.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, one or several of the sensors used on the electrical Electricity network of the building in question with the electronic Control device to be connected. This also makes one Radio system saved as in the previous embodiment.

In particularly advantageous developments of this embodiment the sensors have a standardized electrical Socket connection on, with which they simply in one in the socket in the room in question can.

In other developments of this embodiment, that communication between sensor and electronic Control device by frequency modulation of the electrical Mains voltage is effected.

It is also advantageous if the moisture sensor and / or the wall housing with a reset switch to reopen of the closure member is equipped. This can the closure member after closing the central feed line from the installation location of the sensor (or the housing) can be opened again by manually operating the switch.

According to the invention in addition to the humidity sensors, a central one Sensor for monitoring the time-dependent volume flow provided in the supply line. So the number the required humidity sensors for monitoring for example, kept an entire house relatively small become.

A further development of this embodiment is particularly preferred, where the volume flow sensor interacts with the electronic control device closing the Closure member causes when a specified as a limit Volume flow is exceeded if the duration of an uninterrupted Water withdrawal a predetermined limit exceeds or if the water volume tapped without interruption exceeds a predefinable limit.

Preferably on the electronic control device Adjustment devices are provided with which the limit values are preset so that the system according to the respective Operator needs can be set.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention Moisture sensors used when wetted with water change their electrical conductivity. In this way can be directly affected by the effects of moisture electrical control signals are generated.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the Moisture sensors each have two electrodes, between which electrical current can only flow, if there is water as an electrolyte between them. In order to prevents the corresponding moisture sensor responds to a liquid other than water.

Alternatively, there are embodiments in which those used Moisture sensors contain a body that its volume changes when it comes into contact with water, an electrical switch via this change in volume is operated.

In a further alternative embodiment, that the humidity sensors used have a float switch included at a developing fluid level floats up and actuates an electrical switch.

A method of operation also falls within the scope of the invention a device of the type described above, in which the central locking device is closed automatically, if any of the installed moisture sensors are damp finds. This will cause a leak in the water network, for example a broken pipe further flow of water prevented, so that the scope the resulting water damage can be limited considerably can.

A method variant in which the Closing device opened again with a reset switch if a moisture sensor accidentally contains water has been brought into contact.

According to the central locking member controlled on the one hand by the moisture sensors, but also closed when a central volume flow meter detects a limit violation. This can also cause water to escape, for example to the outside in the event of a water pipe break in an outer wall of the building be stopped without moisture sensors outside must be present.

A further development of this method variant is particularly preferred, where that by exceeding the limit closed shutter after a certain shutter time is automatically reopened and kept open if the volume flow is smaller after opening than before closing or decreased to 0 l / h, however is closed again immediately if this is not the case Is the case, this test at least at intervals is repeated once, preferably several times. This has the user the option of using his water damage protection device to communicate. For example, he should tapped water for too long or a maximum permissible volume flow have exceeded, the water damage protection device closes first the supply line, however, can after a short time, once she registered that no If there is a real damage, release the water network again.

Further advantages of the invention result from the description and the drawing. The shown and Embodiments described are not intended to be final Understand enumeration, but rather have exemplary Character for the description of the invention.

Fig. 1

ein Schema einer einfachen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Wasserschadenschutzvorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung der Anwendung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einem Gebäude, welches im Vertikalschnitt dargestellt ist;

Fig. 3

einen Feuchtigkeitssensor mit Wandanschlußgehäuse;

Fig. 4

eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit Volumenstromsensor und Grenzwerteinstellung; und

Fig. 5

ein Flußdiagramm für den Funktionsablauf der erfindungsgemäßen Wasserschadenschutzvorrichtung.

The invention is illustrated in the drawing and is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1

a diagram of a simple embodiment of the water damage protection device according to the invention;

Fig. 2

is a schematic representation of the application of the device according to the invention in a building, which is shown in vertical section;

Fig. 3

a humidity sensor with wall junction box;

Fig. 4

an embodiment of the device according to the invention with volume flow sensor and limit value setting; and

Fig. 5

a flowchart for the functional sequence of the water damage protection device according to the invention.

Example 1:

A preferred variant has in the central water inlet (1) e.g. B. behind the water meter of the public water supplier and a central one in front of the water distributor (2) Closure member (3) (Fig. 1) z. B. a diaphragm valve, which is controlled with a solenoid valve. However, it is also any other type of electrically controllable closure member possible.

In front of a broken water pipe or other leaks of the water network to be protected (Fig. 2) are in the most critical areas (tapping points, Washing machine, dishwasher etc.) humidity sensors (4) attached, the moisture occurring in the floor area (11) can recognize and in collaboration with a electronic control device (5) when occurrence of Moisture cause the central occlusion organ (3) the water supply stops. The sensors (4) (Fig. 3) are with the electronic control device (5) via electrical Low voltage lines (6, 6a) connected.

Example 2:

The sensors (4) are particularly preferred (FIG. 3) a firm z. B. in the wall (12) installable housing (7) connected to the extra-low voltage network (6). Most notably the electrical contact between the (sensor) line is preferred (6a) and the housing (7) with the help of a light separable connector.

Example 3:

The sensors (4) and the connection housing (7) are whole particularly preferably equipped with a reset switch (8), to after closing the closure member (3) to be able to open it again from where the sensor is installed.

Example 4:

To determine the number of moisture sensors required (4) To be able to limit the water damage protection device additionally with a central sensor (9) for monitoring of the volume flow flowing in the feed line (1) equipped, e.g. B. a water meter (Fig. 4). This solves in cooperation with the electronic control device (5) a closing of the closure member (3) from when a the volume flow specified as the limit value is exceeded or if the duration of a continuous water withdrawal exceeds a predefinable limit or if that without Interruption of tapped water volume a predeterminable Limit exceeded. These are very particularly preferred Limit values on the electronic control device (5) with corresponding setting devices (10) adjustable.

Example 5:

A preferred moisture sensor (4) works on the basis an electrical conductivity change due to wetting the sensor with water.

The moisture sensor (4) particularly preferably contains one Arrangement of two electrodes, between which only electrical Electricity can flow if (in the event of damage) between them is water as an electrolyte.

Example 6:

Another preferred type of moisture sensor includes one Body that changes volume when mixed with water comes into contact and an electrical one via this volume change Switch operated.

Example 7:

Another preferred type of moisture sensor includes one Float switch, which is at a developing liquid level floats up and so an electrical switch actuated.

Example 8:

A water damage protection device according to Examples 1- 3 is operated particularly advantageously as follows:

Place one of the moisture sensors (4) at its installation location the occurrence of moisture firmly, so it gives over the Low voltage line (6, 6a) a signal to the electronic Control device (5), which in turn the shut-off device (3) closes. Is there a broken pipe or another Leaks in the water network before, so will another Afterflow of water prevented. However, was only accidentally Spilled water (e.g. in the bathtub area), see above the user can use the reset switch (8) to close the shutter (3) open again.

Example 9:

In a particularly preferred development (FIG. 3) the moisture sensor (4) from the housing (7), for. B. means a connector to be disconnected to a disability to avoid floor cleaning work by the sensor and also a signal trigger by cleaning water to prevent.

In this case, a system is particularly advantageous tolerated some time (e.g. a few minutes) during the the sensor is unplugged, but in the event that the sensor was forgotten, the operator by closing it of the closure member (3) forces or at least by means of an optical or acoustic signal, reinsert the sensor and thus the monitoring ensure again.

Example 10:

A water damage protection device according to Example 4 is operated particularly advantageously as follows: The in places installed with a particularly high probability of damage Sensors (bath, shower, toilet, kitchen etc.) monitor the unwanted Leakage of water from the installation network as in Example 9 described. Those areas that don't or only with great effort using moisture sensors can be monitored such. B. cable ducts, garden connections, Living rooms with water pipes laid on the floor or wall etc., are based on the time-dependent total volume flow, which is determined centrally via the sensor (9) is being supervised. If the sensor exceeds an specified limit value, the electronic Control device (5) the closure member (3) closed.

Was the closure member (3) by exceeding a Limit value closed, it will be particularly advantageous Method by the electronic control device (5) after a certain time, e.g. B. a few seconds, opened again. Is the measured volume flow after the Opening smaller than before closing (alternatively, as The criterion here is a decrease in the volume flow to 0 l / h), then the closure member (3) remains open. If this is not the case, the closure member closes (3) immediately again. This test is timed Distance from z. B. repeated several times a few minutes. So the user has the option of using his water damage protection device to communicate. That is, it should be accidentally have tapped water for too long or the maximum permissible volume flow or the maximum uninterrupted Have tapped volume, closes the invention Water damage protection device the supply line (1). However, when one or all of the water taps are closed the device registers this with the above described, reopening the closure member (3) and can be informed that there is no damage is present, but the user only a controlled one Has exceeded the limit value (Fig. 5).

Claims (9)

1. Device comprising a closing means for automatically closing a hose or pipe line for transporting liquid media, in particular water, at the occurrence of a signal which is generated by a sensor or an electronic unit connected downstream of the sensor when e.g. a predeterminable limiting value monitored by the sensor is exceeded, wherein at least two moisture sensors (4) are disposed in the floor region (11) of a room or a building to be protected, wherein the room or the building comprise several tapping points, and the closing means (3) is located in the central feed line (1) to the tapping points,
   characterized in that
   a volume flow measuring device is disposed in the central feed line (1) additionally before or after the closing means (3) in the hose or pipe line, wherein the volume flow measuring device issues electric measuring signals in dependence on the volume flow through the hose or pipe line and on the flow duration, and that an electronic control device (5) is provided which is fed with the measuring signals and issues, on the basis of a predeterminable stored program and in dependence on the measuring signals received, control signals either directly to the closing means (3) or to an actuating device which effect closure or opening of the closing means (3).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the used sensors are connected via housings (7) which can be rigidly installed e.g. in the wall, to an extra-low voltage network which provides a connection to the electronic control device (5) and the closing means (3).
3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the electric contact between moisture sensor (4) and housing (7) can be plugged.
4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more of the sensors used are connected to the electronic control device (5) via radio.
5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more of the sensors used are connected via the electric mains supply of the relevant building to the electronic control device (5), and that the communication between sensor and electronic control device (5) is effected through frequency modulation.
6. Device according to any one of the claims 2 through 5, characterized in that the moisture sensor (4) and/or the housing (7) is/are provided with a reset switch (8) for reopening the closing means (3).
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to the moisture sensors (4), a central sensor (9) is provided for monitoring the time-dependent volume flow in the feed line (1), and that he volume flow sensor (9) effects closure of the closing means (3) in cooperation with the electronic control device (5) when a volume flow, predetermined as limiting value, is exceeded, when the duration of uninterrupted water removal exceeds a predeterminable limiting value or when the water volume tapped without interruption exceeds a predeterminable limiting value.
8. Method for operating a device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central closing means (3) is automatically closed when one of the installed moisture sensors (4) detects moisture, and that the central closing means (3) is also closed when the central volume flow measuring device detects that a limiting value has been exceeded.
9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the closing means (3) which was closed after a limiting value had been exceeded is automatically re-opened after a certain closure time and is kept open if the volume flow after opening is smaller than before closure or has been reduced to 0 l/h, but is immediately closed again if this is not the case, wherein this test is repeated in time intervals at least once, preferably a few times.

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