EP2653624A1 - Sewage lifting station, safety device therefor and method for operating same - Google Patents

Abstract

The sewage lifting system (10) comprises a collecting container (50) for collecting sewage (30), and a supply line (40), which is connected with the collecting container for supplying sewage from multiple sewage generators (60,62). A safety unit (90) is provided, which comprises a central transmitter unit (75) and one or multiple remote receiver units (85), which are assigned to the sewage generators. A warning signal (82) and a blocking signal (92) are emitted by the transmitter unit. An independent claim is included for a method for operating a sewage lifting system.

Description

The invention relates to a wastewater lifting plant with at least one collecting container, at least one supply line which is connected to the collecting container for supplying waste water from several wastewater generators, a pumping device for pumping out the wastewater from the collecting container via at least one discharge line, and a sensor unit which detects a The invention further relates to a safety device for a lifting installation according to claim 9 and a method for operating a sewage lifting installation according to claim 10.

Such sewage lifting systems are used when below a backflow level, which usually corresponds to the road surface or a channel, wastewater accumulates, which can not be easily derived in the central sewer system. In these cases, the wastewater is pumped by the lifting system to a level above the backflow level, in order to be able to drain into the channel system from there. For this purpose, the wastewater first flows into a collecting container, which is arranged in the basement of a building. When reaching a certain level, the collected wastewater is then pumped out.

If the operation of a lifting plant is disturbed, for example due to defective pumps or clogged pipes, there is a risk of overflowing of the collecting tank. The escaping wastewater then enters basements, which can lead to even small amounts to great damage. It is therefore known to provide lifting systems with a warning device in case of overcrowding or against malfunction.

From the US 5,314,313 or the DE 10 2005 060 556 A1 go out a sewage lifting plant with a collecting container, which emit an alarm signal when reaching a certain level, indicating a fault.

The US 3,644,916 describes an alarm system for a lifting system, which monitors the operating status of the system and emits a signal to a remote from the lifting system alarm system via wire or phone in case of failure. At a critical level, motors can also be activated to activate an auxiliary pump unit.

Even if the malfunctions are detected by a warning system and reported reliably, flooding of the basement can not always be prevented if the alarm either goes unnoticed for too long or if the responsible service team is not fast enough to repair the lifting system ,

The invention has for its object to provide a wastewater lifting system, a safety device for such a lifting system and a method for operating, with which a high reliability against flooding is achieved.

The object is achieved by a wastewater lifting plant with the features of claim 1, by a securing device with the features of claim 9 and by a method according to claim 10. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims.

The wastewater lifting plant according to the invention is characterized in that a safety device is provided, which has a central transmitting unit and one or more decentralized receiving units which are assigned to the wastewater generators, that a blocking signal can be emitted by the transmitting unit with a warning signal and that the receiving units are formed at Receive the blocking signal to block a wastewater generator to avoid a supply of additional wastewater.

A basic idea of the invention can be seen in the fact that in the event of an accident the formation of additional wastewater can be stopped immediately. Is the operation of the lifting system, for example, by a defective pump or clogged lines disturbed, the closure of the wastewater generator an inflow of additional waste water and thus prevents overflow of the collection container, which could result in great damage in a short time.

Sewage generators within the meaning of the invention include not only sanitary facilities, such as showers, sinks or toilets, but also household appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers. The latter, in particular, are frequently operated in the absence of humans and can thus continue to produce wastewater in spite of acoustic alarm signals.

The safety device has the function of transmitting a blocking signal to the receiving units via the transmitting unit in order to be able to automatically block the wastewater generators when a critical limit level of the waste water in the collecting container has been reached. This has the advantage that the wastewater production is interrupted immediately, without a manual shutdown is necessary. Even if the accident goes unnoticed for a long time, flooding by dammed wastewater can be avoided by the safety device.

To determine the filling level within the collecting container, all possible sensor units can be used, such as, for example, float sensors, vibration sensors or also sensors for measuring the electrical conductivity, which changes with the immersion of the sensor into the liquid. The transmitter unit can be combined with the sensor in new systems or be connected in retrofits so with an existing sensor unit that the blocking signal is generated at an electrical warning signal or warning pulse. A warning signal is in the context of the invention, a trigger signal.

The assignment of a receiving unit to one or more wastewater producers also allows separate blocking of individual wastewater producers. For example, washing machine groups that produce large amounts of waste water could be blocked, while at the same time necessary sanitary facilities such as sinks and toilets are still in operation.

The delivery of a warning signal to the safety device can also be done by another device, such as a control unit, which controls the pumping device. Is the pumping power due to a technical error or due to a clogged Reduced discharge line, a warning signal can be delivered to the safety device.

In a particular embodiment, the receiving unit is designed to block the power supply of the associated wastewater generator. The receiving unit can, for example, have a remote-controlled switch which is connected via a receiver to the transmitting unit of the safety device and prevents the power supply of the wastewater supplier assigned to it when a blocking signal is received. The suppression of the power supply has the advantage that the disconnected devices, such as washing machines or dishwashers, usually take no damage and can be easily activated later again. The power cutoff quickly and reliably prevents the generation of other wastewater. Even with infrared sensors operated faucets can be switched off with it.

Preferably, the receiving unit is permanently installed in or on an electrical outlet for the operation of the wastewater generator and has a switch for line interruption. As a result, wastewater generators can be connected via the receiving unit to the securing device, without having to be converted consuming. As a receiving unit, for example, a plug or adapter may be provided, which is plugged into the socket. As a switch, for example, a relay or a semiconductor switch could be provided, which as soon as the transmitting unit of the security device sends a blocking signal, reliably leads to a galvanic isolation of the connected to the switch wastewater generator. The transmission of the blocking signal can also take place via the internal power network of the building. The blocking signal is modulated for this purpose by means of a carrier frequency system to one or more carrier frequencies and sent between two sockets to the receiving unit. The receiving units can also be arranged in or on the devices.

Especially with the blocking of electrical wastewater generators via the socket, the transmission can be wired, in particular via the power grid. A high degree of flexibility is achieved in that the transmitting unit is wirelessly connected to the receiving units. The wireless connection has the advantage that the receiving units in a simple way with the central transmitting unit the security device can be connected, even if the receiving units are removed by walls or ceilings of the transmitting unit. A time-consuming laying of connection cables is eliminated. All kinds of wireless connection forms can be provided for the connection, for example via infrared signals, or radio signals, or also via optical and acoustic signals.

Preferably, a wastewater generator blocked by the receiving unit is automatically unlocked again by an activation signal emitted by the transmitting unit. As a result, after the occurrence of an accident, as a result of which a wastewater generator has been blocked, quickly return to normal operation possible. Due to the central control of the receiving units via the transmitting unit, the receiving units do not have to be activated again individually, which would be enormously complicated depending on the number of receiving units. In addition, an unlocking can be made, for example by securing with a key or a digital code only by an authorized person, if the accident is reliably eliminated.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the receiving unit has a check valve for interrupting a fresh water supply and / or a discharge line of the wastewater generator. As a result, especially sanitary facilities such as showers, toilet flushing and faucets of sinks can be reliably blocked.

Both the fresh water connection and the outflow line can have an electrically lockable by the transmitting unit valve. At the same time, the power supply of the wastewater generator can be blocked, which would be relevant, for example, in dryers with spin function to prevent both the spin process and the outflow of the resulting spin water from the device.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the sensor unit is designed to detect at least two mutually different limit fill levels and to emit warning signals associated with the various limit fill levels when detecting the respective limit fill level. This has the advantage that each receiving unit can be controlled by a specific warning signal, whereby depending on the reached limit level one of the receiving unit associated wastewater consumers can be locked. As a result, waste water consumers can be blocked depending on various levels of limit, depending on priority.

This offers the possibility of first disconnecting wastewater generators, whose operation can be dispensed with without much loss of comfort, and of operating important wastewater generators for everyday use, such as sanitary facilities or modern condensing water heaters, for as long as possible.

Only a rise of the waste water up to the maximum limit level within the collection container leads to the complete blocking of all connected to the receiving units wastewater generator. The different limit levels can be detected both by a single sensor unit and by a plurality of sensor units. It is also possible to provide a plurality of collecting containers, the complete filling of which leads to the delivery of a discrete blocking signal by the transmitting unit, which in turn is forwarded to a specific receiving unit or to receiving unit groups.

In a further embodiment, the sensor unit is connected to an alarm system, which is designed to deliver an optical and / or acoustic alarm signal. The alarm system has the function of registering incidents in the components of the lifting system and then triggering an alarm signal. Alarm may be triggered, for example, by a defective pumping device, by broken check valves in the discharge line, by blockage within the line, or even when the level of sewage within the collection container reaches a critical level.

As an alarm signal can also be provided Hupton, which is clearly clearly perceptible by people in the area. Also visual alarm signals, such as a red flashing display in the stairwell and / or in the basement of the building can be used. The alarm signal could also be forwarded automatically to a corresponding service facility in order to remedy the incident as quickly as possible by trained service staff.

The invention also relates to a securing device for a lifting system with a central transmitting unit and one or more decentralized receiving units, which can be assigned to wastewater generators, wherein the transmitting unit with a sensor unit for detecting a limit level is connectable, wherein by the transmitting unit, a blocking signal can be sent, and wherein the receiving units are designed to block a wastewater generator to prevent generation of further wastewater upon receipt of a blocking signal.

The safety device can be connected to a sensor already existing lifting equipment, which greatly simplifies the retrofitting of the lifting system with the safety device. The blocking signal can also be transmitted via an already existing electrical network from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit.

In addition, it is possible that the fuse unit comprises not only sensors for level measurement but also sensors for moisture measurement or odor sensors, which are arranged outside of the collecting container. This can also be a leakage of waste water from the reservoir, which is caused for example by leaks or defective valves, detected and lead to the delivery of a warning signal.

The invention further relates to a method for operating a wastewater lifting plant, wherein wastewater from one or more wastewater producers is fed via at least one supply line to a collecting container, wherein waste water collected in the collecting tank is pumped out with a pumping device from the collecting container via at least one discharge line, and wherein an upper limit level the waste water in the collecting container is detected by a sensor unit which emits a warning signal when the limit level is reached. The method is characterized in that on reaching the limit level, a transmitting unit emits a blocking signal to the central receiving units, which are assigned to the wastewater generators, and that the receiving units lock a wastewater generator to prevent the supply of additional wastewater upon receipt of the blocking signal.

Fig. 1

einen Querschnitt durch ein Gebäude mit einer erfindungsgemäße Hebeanlage;

Fig. 2

eine vergrößerte Darstellung der Empfangseinheit;

The invention will be further explained with reference to a preferred embodiment that is shown schematically in the drawings. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a cross section through a building with a lifting system according to the invention;

Fig. 2

an enlarged view of the receiving unit;

Fig. 1 shows a wastewater lifting plant 10 according to the invention, which is installed in the lower part of a building 1. The wastewater lifting plant 10 comprises a collecting tank 50, into which wastewater 30 is introduced via a feed line 40. The level of the waste water 30 within the collection container 50 is measured via a float sensor 70, which is guided on the left inner wall of the collecting container 50 on a guide tube. When the waste water 30 reaches a first level 78, the float sensor 70 sends a signal to a control unit 23, which is provided to control a pump 20.

The wastewater 30 is then pumped up via a discharge line 42 from the collecting container 50 to a pipe loop 45, which is located above the backflow level 5. From there, the pumped up wastewater 30 can drain into the sewage system 14. Below the pipe loop 45, a check valve 48 is installed in the discharge line 42, which prevents idling of the pipe loop 45. In addition, a slide 47 is provided above the non-return valve 48, which can close the discharge line 42 to protect the maintenance personnel during maintenance.

To compensate for pressure fluctuations resulting from the filling and emptying of the collecting container 50, a ventilation shaft 52 is provided, which is connected to the upper end of the collecting container 50.

In the lower part of the building 1, in a basement room 55, about washing machine groups are housed as wastewater generators 60 and 62, which are taken as needed by residents of the building 1 in operation. The wastewater connections of the respective wastewater generator 60 and 62 are located below the backflow level 5. A regular gravity drainage is not possible due to the lack of free slope to the sewer system 14. Therefore, the waste water generated by the washing machines is introduced via the waste water connections 64 in the supply line 40 and from there into the collection container 50 of the wastewater lifting plant 10. For power supply, the wastewater generator 60 and 62 to a receiving unit 85 which is connected to a socket 87 connected.

If the operation of the wastewater lifting plant is disturbed, for example, by a defective pump 20 or by a blockage in the discharge line 42, the waste water 30 in the collecting tank 50 may increase.

If the wastewater 30 reaches the critical limit level 80, the float sensor 70 emits a warning signal 82 to a safety device 90, which in turn sends a blocking signal 92 to a receiving unit 85 via a transmitting unit 75. As soon as the receiving unit 85 receives the blocking signal 92, the power supply is interrupted within the receiving unit 85 and thus the power supply of the wastewater generators 60 and 62 is prevented.

The shutdown of the waste water generator 60 and 62 reliably prevents further wastewater 30 is generated, which would lead to a backlog of waste water within the feed line 40 at a filled to the limit level 80 sump 50. As a result, damage can be avoided in most cases, which would be caused by the backwater of the wastewater and a concomitant flooding of the basement room 55. At the same time, the warning signal 82 emitted by the float sensor 70 triggers an alarm via an alarm 65, which generates a loud horn. Even if the alarm is noticed only after some time, the further generation of waste water is blocked by the safety device 90 for the time being.

In Fig. 2 the operation of the receiving unit 85 will be explained in more detail. The receiving unit 85 consists of a power supply 105, which supplies a receiver 110 with the necessary voltage. The power supply 105 is connected to the power network, represented by the contact points P and N, via electrical lines 101 and 102. The receiver 110 forms, together with a coil 115, the control circuit 120 of a relay 140. On the load circuit 130 of the relay 140, contact points 135 and 136 are provided, to which a washing machine 60, shown schematically by the dashed line, is connected. The power circuit 130 is connected to the power network of the building 1 and normally closed.

As soon as the receiver 110 receives a blocking signal 92 emitted by the transmitting unit 75 of the securing device 90, a switch 112 is closed, which closes the control circuit 120. Then, the coil 115 is traversed by current and the normally open contact 144 is attracted by the magnetic action of the coil 115 and thus interrupts the load circuit 130. The connected to the load circuit washing machine is thereby disconnected immediately from the mains.

If the fault of the lifting system 10 is corrected, the power supply of the control circuit 120 can be interrupted by a circuit of the switch 112 again by an activation signal emitted by the transmitting unit 75, whereby due to the decreasing magnetic force of the coil 115 of the normally open contact 144 again springs back the starting position and the load circuit 130 thus closes again. After the activation signal, the receiving unit 85 is again in the starting position.

The receiving unit 85 can be plugged, for example, to a regular outlet. An installation below the socket inside a building wall is possible in which the receiving unit 85 is installed as a connecting element between the power of the building and the socket, and thus the socket can be disabled via the receiving unit.

Claims (10)

Sewage lifting plant (10) with: at least one collecting container (50) for collecting waste water (30), at least one supply line (40) which is connected to the collecting container (50) for supplying wastewater (30) from a plurality of wastewater generators (60, 62), - A pumping device (20) for pumping the waste water (30) from the collecting container (50) via at least one discharge line (42) and a sensor unit (70) which is designed to detect an upper limit level (80) of the waste water (30) in the collecting container (50) and to emit a warning signal (82) when the limit level (80) is reached, characterized, - that a securing device (90) is provided, which has a central transmitter unit (75) and one or more remote receiver units (85) connecting the waste water generators (60, 62) are associated, - That by the transmitting unit (75) at a warning signal (82) a blocking signal (92) can be emitted, and - That the receiving units (85) are adapted, upon receipt of the blocking signal (92) to lock a wastewater generator (60, 62) to avoid a supply of further wastewater (30). Sewage lifting plant (10) for raising wastewater according to claim 1,
characterized,
in that the receiving unit (85) is designed to block the power supply of the associated wastewater generator (60, 62). Sewage lifting plant (10) according to claim 2,
characterized,
in that the receiving unit (85) is permanently installed in or on an electrical socket for the operation of the wastewater generator (60, 62) and has a breaker switch. Sewage lifting plant (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized,
in that the transmitting unit (75) is in wireless communication with the receiving units (85). Sewage lifting plant according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4,
characterized,
that by the receiving unit (85) locked waste water generator (60, 62) emitted by from the transmitting unit (75) activation signal is automatically unlockable again. Sewage lifting plant according to one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized,
that the receiving unit (85) comprises a check valve for interrupting a supply of fresh water and / or a drain line of the waste water generator (60, 62). Sewage lifting plant (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized,
in that the sensor unit (70) is designed to detect at least two mutually different limit fill levels (80) and to emit warning signals (82) associated with the various limit fill levels upon detection of the respective limit fill level. Sewage lifting plant (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized,
in that the sensor unit (70) is connected to an alarm system (65) which is designed to emit an optical and / or acoustic alarm signal. Securing device for a lifting installation according to one of Claims 1 to 8, having a central transmitting unit (75) and one or more decentralized receiving units (85), the wastewater generators (60, 62) being assignable, - wherein the transmitting unit (75) is connectable to a sensor unit (70) for determining a limit level (80), - By the transmitting unit (75) a blocking signal (92) can be sent, and - wherein the receiving units (85) are adapted, upon receipt of a blocking signal (92) a wastewater generator (60, 62) to prevent generation of further wastewater (30) to block. Method for operating a wastewater lifting plant (10), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein - Wastewater (30) from a plurality of wastewater generators (60, 62) via at least one feed line (40) is fed to a collecting container (50), - That in the collecting container (50) collected wastewater (30) with a pumping device (20) from the collecting container (50) via at least one discharge line (42) is pumped, and an upper limit level (80) of the waste water (30) in the collecting container (50) is detected by a sensor unit (70) which emits a warning signal (82) when the limit level (80) is reached, characterized,
that upon reaching the limit level (80) a transmitting unit (75) emits a blocking signal (92) to decentralized receiving units (85) which are assigned to the wastewater generators (60, 62), and
in that the receiving units (85), upon receipt of the blocking signal (92), block a wastewater generator (60, 62) for avoiding the supply of further waste water (30).

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