GB2582187A

GB2582187A - A water flow device

Info

Publication number: GB2582187A
Application number: GB1910270.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gooch Colin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-03-15
Filing date: 2019-07-18
Publication date: 2020-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-18
Also published as: WO2020188248A1; GB2582187B; GB201910270D0; GB201903554D0

Abstract

A water flow device 99 comprising a body (3 figure 1) with an entrance (6 figure 1) and an exit (7 figure 1), wherein the body is engageable with water supply pipework 100, and a valve 28 operable between a first condition allowing passage of water through the body (3 figure 1) between the entrance (6 figure 1) and the exit (7 figure 1), and a second condition preventing passage of water through the body (3 figure 1) between entrance (6 figure 1) and the exit (7 figure 1). There is also a flow sensing means 27 for sensing water flow through the body (3 figure 1) between the entrance (6 figure 1) and the exit (7 figure 1), as well as a timer 25 which is configured to activate in response to the sensing of a water flow by the flow sensing means 27. The timer 25 automatically causes the valve 28 to move to the second condition if a continuous water flow is sensed for a predetermined period. A wireless communication element 24 is also configured to transmit an alert associated with the valve operation to an external device if the valve 28 has been operated into the second condition by the timer 25.

Description

A Water Flow Device Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a water flow device, in particular a device for monitoring or preventing excessive water flow; more particularly but not exclusively a 5 device for monitoring or preventing excessive water flow through pipework.

Background

Increasing numbers of users are aware of environmental factors such as costs of resources, as increasing pressures on the world, environmental and economic factors are prevalent.

In particular many such users may be subject to water meters which register the quantities of water that are used in a property.

Additionally or alternatively prolonged periods of water flow in a property can be symptomatic of issues in the system or pipework.

For example, if water is flowing continuously there is a good chance that there is a leak 15 in the water system of that property. Such leaks can be catastrophic as water damage can be difficult to remedy, and may be occurring in a part of the property that cannot be visibly controlled.

Existing devices are known which can automatically shut-off the water flow upon detection of a leak. These are, however, inconvenient for legitimate users of the water in 20 a property, since the device must be overridden at the location of the shut-off valve.

Prior Art

CA 2 897 310 (CASTLEBRIDGE) discloses a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a sensing device detects water flowing through the pathway and starts a timer. The valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly when the time elapses. The valve assembly indicates whether the valve plug is in an open or closed position.

US 2011 0 155 269 (MARTIN) discloses an invention that aims to conserve water and energy by monitoring and limiting water usage in both commercial and residential settings. The device employs a mechanical timer and plate valve to control the amount of time water is running and to notify the user that, after a set amount of time has elapsed, the water will shut off. The device can be easily retrofit for use in commercial and residential buildings, and sea going vessels, as well as applied to commercial kitchens and outdoor commercial and residential landscape. The user is restricted to a fixed maximum duration of water. After a pre-set time has elapsed, the water flow will stop. This water conservation invention has wide application in commercial and residential settings as a means to pride consumers with an effective, easy and inexpensive way to save hundreds of thousands of gallons of water from being wasted monthly.

GB 2472678 (SALES) discloses apparatus for preventing fluid leaking from a fluid system comprises a mains inlet pipe, a plurality of distribution pipes, a control valve positioned on the mains pipe and a timer set with a predetermined time, e.g. 6 minutes.

The valve is controlled by a timer to shut off the mains supply in the event that fluid passes through the pipe for longer than the specified time. A remote control is also provided to reset the valve once it has shut. Preferably, the control valve is a spring-biased solenoid valve, while the remote control is portable and wireless. The fluid in the pipe may be drinking water or alternatively heating oil or domestic gas. Preferably a flow detector / sensor is provided downstream of the control valve. A manual bypass valve may be provided. An arrangement as above if installed in a house will ensure that a prolonged leakage does not occur.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a water flow device comprising a body with an entrance and an exit, wherein the body is engagable with water supply pipework; a valve being operable between a first condition allowing passage of water through the body between the entrance and the exit and a second condition preventing passage of water through the body between the entrance and the exit; a flow sensing means for sensing a water flow through the body between the entrance and the exit; a timer which is configured to activate in response to the sensing of a water flow by the flow sensing means, the timer automatically causing the valve to operate into the second condition if a continuous water flow is sensed for a predetermined period; and a wireless communication element configured to transmit an alert associated with the valve operation to an external device if the valve has been operated into the second condition by the timer.

The provision of a water flow device which allows a remote operator to determine whether a leak has occurred in a location is extremely powerful, particularly as the present water flow device integrates directly into a water supply pipe. The present invention alerts a user to the existence of a leak once detected, which allows for the problem to be investigated as a matter of urgency, and significantly reduces the risk of catastrophic damage to the property in the intervening period.

Preferably, the valve may comprise a solenoid valve.

A solenoid valve provides a simple valve which can be released into a default-closed position, which is required in a leak-safe environment.

Optionally, there may be provided a mains electrical connection for powering at least the timer and/or valve.

A mains power supply ensures that the water flow device is unlikely to drain its 30 electrical energy reserves at a critical time, and therefore will likely remain constantly operational.

The water flow device may further comprise an onboard battery for powering at least the timer and/or valve.

It may be preferable to provide an onboard battery which allows for the separation of 5 the water flow device from the mains supply, since the mains supply can be readily disrupted in flooding conditions which might arise from a leak.

In a preferable embodiment, the valve may comprise a rotatable valve element. The valve may comprise an impeller, and furthermore the valve may comprise a locking 10 means for inhibiting a rotation of the impeller in the second condition. The impeller may be configured to act as a flow sensor for the flow sensing means.

The provision of a rotatable element such as an impeller provides not only a means of closing off the water supply by preventing the rotation of the element, but also can act 15 as the flow sensing means of the invention, thereby fulfilling a dual purpose.

In one arrangement, the locking means may be associated with an axle of the impeller. Additionally, or alternatively, the locking means may comprise a magnetic locking element.

Locking of the rotation of the impeller provides a simple means of blocking the flow through the valve in a way which is less likely to become clogged by mineral deposits, which can be more problematic for linear actuators.

Optionally, the valve may comprise a first said impeller and a second said impeller arranged in series, the first said impeller being configured to act as a valve member of the valve, and the second said impeller being configured to act as a flow sensor for the flow sensing means. The first said impeller may be larger than the second said impeller.

A dual impeller arrangement can provide a true fail-safe condition for the valve; if one impeller fails, the other can still be locked to ensure that the valve does not accidentally allow water through even in a leak condition. This may also serve to alleviate issues with pressurisation on one or other side of the impellers, since there is always an effective relief chamber positioned between the first and second impellers.

Preferably, the rotatable valve element may be associated with a dynamo for charging 5 the device.

A dynamo can be used to ensure that any onboard battery can be kept at a suitable operating charge, preferably by electrical generation from the expected flow of water when the water supply is in use.

There may be a valve override element which operates the valve into the first condition to permit charging of the device by the dynamo, If the charge of the device becomes depleted, then the default status of the valve is to shut off the water flow by operating the valve into the second condition. This causes problems where water flow is required. It is therefore desirable to provide a means, manual or otherwise, of permitting water flow through the device in order for the dynamo to recharge the device.

Furthermore, the timer may be configured to deactivate the override element once the device has charged to a predetermined charge status.

It is preferred that the override of the valve be automatically deactivated by the timer after a predetermined duration or charge status, in order that the device does not result 25 in an uncontrolled flow of water which could otherwise result in leaks or floods.

The timer may preferably be configured to trigger an alert if a continuous water flow is sensed for a second predetermined period which is shorter than the first predetermined period.

In order to provide the user with an opportunity to override the timer activation of the valve where a water supply is required continuously for an extended period, it is preferred that the user be notified in advance of an impending shut-off, so that they have an opportunity to active the override functionality.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a water flow control 5 system comprising: a water flow device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and at least one user device which is communicable with the wireless communication element to at least receive alerts from the water flow device.

The provision of one or more user devices in conjunction with the water flow device 10 allows for a user, which may be a property owner or maintenance staff, to be kept aware of any unexpected issues with the water supply. This allows for a rapid response to unexpected incidents which might otherwise lead to flooding.

Optionally, the or each user device may be configured to provide a reset command to 15 the timer to reset the predetermined period and prevent the valve operating into the second condition.

If the user does wish to override the timer, then this can be easily performed by activation of the relevant sequence on a user device. This may be as simple as pressing a 20 reset button on the user device.

There may be at least one first said user device which is configured to provide the said reset command, and at least one second said user device which is not permitted to provide the said reset command. The or each first user device may be a central operational hub. The or each second user device may be a smartphone or computer device.

It is preferred that the user be unable to override the valve when off-site. This ensures that alerts cannot just be ignored, which might result in flood damage to the property.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a water flow device 30 comprising a body with an entrance and exit, wherein the body is arranged to be installed in pipework and the entrance comprises an entrance into the body and the exit comprises an exit from the body; wherein the body comprise a valve arranged to be moved from a first position allowing passage of water through the body to a second position preventing passage of water through the body, and a timer, and a remote control mechanism.

In this way, it may be envisaged that the device of the present invention provides a valve system that can attach to the mains water supply of a domestic or commercial property which is intended to prevent floods from occurring before that can cause significant damage.

The device will cut the water supply to the property after a pre-determined amount of 10 time after it is initially drawn -for showering, washing up etc. The amount of time could be set by the user. If a task requires water to be running for longer than the predetermined time (such as washing a car or watering a garden), there would be an override function, so the user could set the required time period.

In some embodiments it may be envisaged that this may be controlled by a hub-type 15 device which could be wall mounted or sat on a worktop. After an override is set and water is used, it may be envisaged that the device will automatically revert to the original pre-determined time limit.

In some embodiments the device can also connect to a software application to control the override function and so that the user can monitor and control the valve if they are 20 away from the property. The hub could be set to produce an audible alarm sound.

The valve may be arranged to prevent flow from the entrance to the exit. The valve may comprise a solenoid valve or other gate valve.

The device may consequently be envisaged to comprise an electrical energy source.

In some embodiments this energy source may be locally harvested, for example from 25 flow of water through the body. In other embodiments in addition or the alternative the electrical energy source may comprise a battery or batteries, or a mains electrical energy source.

In this way, the timer may provide a means of timing flow through the body. The timer may comprise a mechanical or digital timer. The device may be arranged to register flow through the body.

The timer may comprise a local valve control or timer control.

In some embodiments the remote control mechanism may comprise a wireless transceiver.

In this way it may be envisaged that the device may be controlled from a separate device or piece of electronic equipment for example.

In some embodiments the equipment may comprise a smartphone or similar. In this way 10 it may be envisaged the device may be controlled remotely by commonly available equipment, and associated software.

The remote control mechanism may be arranged to activate the valve at a predetermined time period.

In some embodiments the timer may comprise a clock, which may be set locally or 15 remotely, or which may be linked to a remote control mechanism. The timer control may therefore be operative to allow flow in predetermined periods of a day.

In some embodiments the body may comprise a local control mechanism or local control means or display means. Such control means or display means may comprise a touchscreen panel or similar, and/or may comprise a screen of light display.

In some embodiments the device comprises a flow sensing means for registering flow through the body. For example, the flow sensing means may comprise one or more sensors. The sensor may comprise a water pressure sensor, movement sensor, reed switch, optical or acoustic sensor.

In some embodiments the device comprises an alert means. Such alert means may be 25 locally and/or remotely located. Such alert means may provide an alert that the valve and/or timer is in use, or about to be in use.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the device according to a 5 first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional representation of a second embodiment of a water flow device according to the first aspect of the invention; and Figure 6 shows a water flow control system in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown an embodiment of the device 99 generally comprising a water flow device comprising a body 3 with an entrance 6 and an exit 7, wherein the body 3 is arranged to be installed in pipework 100 and the entrance 6 forming a pipework entrance into the body and the exit 7 forming a pipework exit from the body; wherein the body comprises a valve 28, and a timer 25, and a remote control module 24. The remote control module is preferably formed as a communications chip capable of receiving and/or transmitting signals relevant to the timer 25.

With particular reference to the pictured embodiment the device 99 comprises a substantially rectangular body formed of two parts 4, 5 arranged so that the pipework 25 100 is enabled to pass through the body 3 from top to bottom, and arranged to be located in standard water pipework, typically a main water inlet to a property.

The body 3 may be formed from a plastics material, or similarly water-impermeable material to protect the internals from water ingress. The two parts 4, 5 of the body 3 may be provided so as to be separable to access the internals, and may have one or more locking mechanisms, such as the connectable fastening elements 2 indicated in Figures 1 and 2.

The two-part housing of the body 3 may be highly advantageous, since it allows for the water flow device 99 to be readily serviced. However, it may therefore be desirable to ensure that the connectable fastening elements 2 are provided with an anti-tamper device, in order to ensure that the water supply cannot be interfered with.

A display means 1 is arranged on the front face of the body 3, comprising a countdown and/or clock timer. It will be appreciated, however, that the device 99 could be provided without any form of display means 1 directly thereon, with any relevant information being transmitted to a remote device for display instead. This display means 1 may be provided as an LCD or LED display. The display means 1 may also be configured to display additional information relating to the device 99, for instance, water usage.

The body 3 may be internally divided into different sections via a dividing wall 10, which may allow the electrical components of the water flow device 99 to be kept separate from the water flow components, such as the valve 28.

In this way the device may be envisaged to be installed in water pipework to avoid 20 excessive flow-through of water, for example when an appliance of pipe down-flow allows excessive flow, and consequently flow through the device is recognised to be excessive or for too long.

The pictured embodiment of the device in Figures 1 to 4 therefore sits in line with the mains water supply, and dramatically reduces the chance of damage caused by floods.

The device cuts off the water supply to the property after 30 minutes of continuous water flow, which minimises the damage caused by burst pipes and faulty valves. The user can override this if needed. It will be apparent to the skilled user that the total cutoff time could readily be varied, for instance, to 10 minutes of continuous water flow, minutes of continuous water flow, 40 minutes of continuous water flow, 50 minutes of continuous water flow, or an hour of continuous water flow, by way of example only.

The body consists of two halves and is preferably injection moulded and screwed together, allowing the user access to the internals as required.

When the water is in use a water pressure sensor 27 may be used to detect flow from the entrance 6 and will start the timer. Any appropriate flow sensing means may be considered, however, and options will be discussed in more detail below.

The device comprises backup batteries 26 if there is a mains power issue, and a mains electrical supply wire 8. It may also be possible to provide the device 99 which is solely operable via an onboard battery, thereby negating any requirement for a mains electrical supply. This would allow the device to remain operational even in the event of a power cut, which often occurs concurrently with flooding.

The remote control mechanism Wi-Fi (RIM) module 24, being an example of a wireless communications element, connects the device 99 to other user devices, such as 15 a smart home hub and/or smartphone application.

After, for example, 30 minutes of continuous water flow a solenoid valve 28 will then cut off the water supply through the body 3, unless the user has manually overridden the timer. In this embodiment, the continuous flow must be detected by the water pressure sensor 27 for the complete 30-minute period; if the water pressure sensor 27 detects a cessation in the water flow, then the timer will be reset automatically.

The timer control 25 is connected to both the water pressure sensor 27 and the solenoid valve 28. When the water pressure sensor 27 has detected flow for the timer 25 countdown duration, the valve 28 can be closed.

The timer countdown can be set at a default period of 30 minutes, the user can remotely 25 override this if they need constant water use for longer. The user may also be able to locally override the timer, if required.

The main source of power may, in one embodiment, be mains electricity, which is connected using a UK standard three pin plug in the pictured embodiment. It may be envisaged that other embodiments may utilise different means of harvesting or supplying energy to the device.

The user can simply turn, for example, a tap which is in use off, and then on again to restart the water flow, and the process will start again. This may obviate the need to 5 provide a dedicated override functionality.

The timer is arranged to let the user know how much time they have left before the valve cuts off the water supply.

The home hub and software application remote control mechanisms may be envisaged to have an alert or alarm system to let the user know when the water supply is about to cut off It will also signify a fault in the system. In particular, it is preferred that the timer be programmed with a predetermined alert time which is less than the shut-off time. For instance, the predetermined alert time might be 25 minutes where the shut-off time is 30 minutes. In this scenario, an alert would be issued after 25 minutes, providing the user with a five-minute window in which they can override the timer. The predetermined alert time can be set as required by the user.

Furthermore, it may be envisaged that with the remote control mechanism both the application and the home hub will have a button that can be pressed to instantly cut off the water supply by closing the valve. This may be useful where the user intends to interfere with the water supply, for example, performing work on the local pipe network, or if a leak has already been detected.

The pictured embodiment further comprises a battery management module 29, a plug 52 for engagement between the solenoid valve 28 and mechanical pipe gate, and a pipe valve 51 for the sensor 27.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated 25 that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the water flow device, and is indicated globally at 199. Identical or similar components of the invention to those described in connection with the first embodiment will be referenced using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for brevity.

The device 199, which is here a water flow device but could readily be reconfigured for use with other fluids, comprises a body 102 within which is positioned a valve 128 installable into a supply pipework, preferably for water. The device 199 includes an entrance 106 and exit 107.

The valve 128 may comprise a rotatable valve element, which may be provided as an impeller, and in the depicted embodiment is illustrated as first and second impellers 160, 162 arranged in series within the valve 128, with a relief chamber 163 being formed therebetween. It will be apparent that the valve 128 may be operable with only a single rotatable valve element, however.

The valve 128 includes a flow sensing means, which may be formed by, for instance, 15 the first impeller 160, which may be provided as a smaller impeller than the second impeller 162. As water passes over or through the first impeller 160, flow is sensed, which can then in turn activate the timer 125.

The rotatable valve element, here the first impeller 160, may be configured to act as, or be associated with, a dynamo. This may then be connected to an onboard battery device 20 164. This has the advantage of eliminating the need for a mains power supply for the water flow device 199.

Where a dynamo is used for charging, there may be an issue where the charge of the device becomes depleted over time when there is minimal water usage. In this scenario, the valve 128 cannot be operated into its first, open condition, due to lack of power. It may therefore be preferable to provide a valve override element to force the valve into the first condition so that water can flow for a period of time, charging the device 199 via the dynamo.

The timer 125 could therefore be used to deactivate the valve override device once sufficient charge is present, which could be determined using a charge determination circuit associated with the onboard battery device 164.

The valve override element could be a local device, which is manually operated by a user at the water flow device 199, or could have a separate power supply which is independent of the power supply to the water flow device 199 to therefore permit remote operation of the valve override element for charging the water flow device 199 via the dynamo.

On installation, if the onboard battery device 164 is uncharged, it may be necessary for the water flow device 199 to enter a start-up sequence in which the user permits water to flow through the valve 128 in order to generate electrical energy to charge the onboard battery device 164. In such an arrangement, a controller 166 of the water flow device 199 may be configured to ignore commands or override commands from the timer 125, since the dynamo may not be sufficient to charge the onboard battery device 164 during thc, for example, 30-minutc flow window.

A corresponding maintenance mode could be considered as well, in which flow is permitted through the valve 128 without activating the timer 125, in order to generate electricity for a depleted onboard battery device 164.

The timer 125, or a secondary timer, could also be configured to permit a water flow for regular periods, particularly where no flow has been detected for a predetermined time which might be indicative of a long vacancy of the building in which the water flow device is installed 199. Periodic activation, for example, once per day, preferably where no water flow has otherwise been detected, could prevent or inhibit the build-up of chemical depositions on or in the valve 128 which might otherwise inhibit correct activation thereof In particular, this might inhibit the formation of limescale, reducing the need to repair the water flow device 199 if it becomes stuck or clogged.

The second impeller 162 may be provided as the valve member, by preventing the rotation thereof once the timer 125 period has expired following detection of the water flow. The axle of the second impeller 162 could be locked in order to prevent further water flow, or, as in the depicted embodiment, a separate control member could be provided. Here this is provided as a magnetic latching element 169 which can be activated and deactivated to engage with a magnetic portion of the second impeller 162 to thereby lock its rotational position and prevent water flow thereacross.

The controller 164 provides the commands which activate the magnetic latching element 169 or similar valve member operation, and may be a processor which is formed with an integral timer. The controller is in communication with the wireless communication element 168, such as a radio-frequency transceiver, Wi-Fi (RTM) transceiver, or similar communications module.

The wireless communication element 168 is preferably able to not only send signals, such as alert signals which may be indicative of the activation of the valve 128 in response to the timer 125 countdown, but may also be able to receive commands from external sources.

A typical water flow control system 200 is illustrated in Figure 6. The water flow device 15 199 is communicable with one or more remote devices via the wireless communication element 168.

In the depicted embodiment, there are two different types of remote device, which respectively have different control privileges. Whilst the first remote device is indicated as a display of a central home hub 270 and the second remote device is shown as a user smartphone 272, it will be apparent that any remote device communicable with the water flow device 199 could be configured so as to fall within either category, without necessarily being limited to being a particular type or class of device.

The central home hub 270 may be in a fixed location in the location in which the water flow device 199 is installed. In this instance, since the central home hub 270 is located within the same physical location as the water flow device 199, there is an expectation that it would be permissible for a user to override the timer 125 of the water flow device 199 if necessary. A user may wish to do so, for example, if they were running a deep bath, watering the garden, washing their car, and so on.

Override functionality may therefore be provided via the central home hub 270, for instance, by the sending of an override command to the timer 125 of the water flow device 199. This could, for instance, be provided via a first, short-range wireless communications protocol which ensures that the override function can only be activated at the relevant location.

On the other hand, there may be a computer application or similar program loaded onto the user smartphone 272 or similar portable device which is capable of at least receiving alerts from the water flow device 199. The user smartphone 272 may be prevented, however, from utilising the same override functionality as the central home hub 270, since there is no requirement for a portable device to be in the same location as the water flow device 199. This may prevent a user from overriding the timer 125 unintentionally, which could result in a leak continuing.

The user smartphone 272 may communicate via a second communications protocol, such as via a computer network, with the water flow device 199. Additionally, if the user smartphonc is determined to be in the same location as the water flow device, for example by detection of an in-use IP address of the user smartphone 272. Alerts may be provided, for instance, as SMS messages.

An associated computer application with the water flow system 200 may advantageously have the capability of indicating to the user their water usage, and may 20 link to other smart home devices.

It will be appreciated that, in particular for installation of the present water flow device in the United Kingdom, that the water flow device must meet with the relevant local regulations. In the United Kingdom, this is governed by the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, known as WRAS, and identifies that a product and its components have been tested for compliance with water quality regulations. In particular, the water flow device will be produced using non-leaching components which would render the water therethrough unsafe for drinking.

It will also be appreciated that, whilst the hereto described embodiments of the invention relate to the use of a timer to shut off the water flow after a predetermined period, an equivalent determination could be made based on an assessment of the water flow or volume passed through the water flow device. This could be calculated based on the flow sensing means, to determine the rate of water flow through the device.

The predetermined period could therefore be defined based on the total flow or volume, 5 and may be dynamic in the time domain. In other words, a shorter or longer period may be dynamically calculated if the water flow is higher or lower than anticipated.

It is therefore possible to provide a water flow device which is capable of cutting off a water supply to a property in the event of the detection of an unexpected water flow, which may be indicative of a leak. This can be wirelessly coupled to a remote user device which allows for the identification of the leak so that maintenance of the system can be performed without significant damage to the property in the interim period.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of 15 one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

Claims 1. A water flow device comprising: a body with an entrance and an exit, wherein the body is engagable with water supply pipework; a valve being operable between a first condition allowing passage of water through the body between the entrance and the exit and a second condition preventing passage of water through the body between the entrance and the exit; a flow sensing means for sensing a water flow through the body between the entrance and the exit; a timer which is configured to activate in response to the sensing of a water flow by the flow sensing means, the timer automatically causing the valve to operate into the second condition if a continuous water flow is sensed for a predetermined period; and a wireless communication element configured to transmit an alert associated with the valve operation to an external device if the valve has been operated into the second condition by the timer.
2. A water flow device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a solenoid valve.
3. A water flow device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein comprising a mains electrical connection for powering at least the timer and/or valve.
4. A water flow device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an onboard battery for powering at least the timer and/or valve.
5. A water flow device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve comprises a rotatable valve element.
6. A water flow device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve comprises an impeller.
7. A water flow device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the valve comprises a locking means for inhibiting a rotation of the impeller in the second condition.
8. A water flow device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the locking means is associated with an axle of the impeller.
9. A water flow device as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the locking means comprises a magnetic locking element.
10. A water flow device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the impeller is configured to act as a flow sensor for the flow sensing means.
11. A water flow device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the valve comprises a first said impeller and a second said impeller arranged in series, the first 15 said impeller being configured to act as a valve member of the valve, and the second said impeller being configured to act as a flow sensor for the flow sensing means.
12. A water flow device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first said impeller is larger than the second said impeller.
13. A water flow device as claimed in any one of the claims 5 to 12, wherein the rotatable valve element is associated with a dynamo for charging the device.
14. A water flow device as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a valve override element which operates the valve into the first condition to permit charging of the device by the dynamo,
15. A water flow device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the timer is configured to deactivate the override element once the device has charged to a predetermined charge 30 status.
16. A water flow device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the timer is configured to trigger an alert if a continuous water flow is sensed for a second predetermined period which is shorter than the first predetermined period.
17. A water flow control system comprising: a water flow device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; and at least one user device which is communicable with the wireless communication element to at least receive alerts from the water flow device.
18. A water flow control system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the or each user device is configured to provide a reset command to the timer to reset the predetermined period and prevent the valve operating into the second condition.
19. A water flow control system as claimed in claim 18, wherein there is at least one first said user device which is configured to provide the said reset command, and at least one second said user device which is not permitted to provide the said reset command.
20. A water flow control system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the or each first user device is a central operational hub.
21. A water flow control system as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the or each second user device is a smartphone or computer device.
22. A water flow device comprising a body with an entrance and an exit, wherein the body is arranged to be installed in pipework and the entrance comprises an entrance into the body and the exit comprises an exit from the body; wherein the body comprises a valve arranged to be moved from a first position allowing passage of water through the body to a second position preventing passage of water through the body, and a timer, and a remote control mechanism.