RU174451U1 - The device of economical water consumption - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for economical water consumption refers to plumbing equipment and sanitary-engineering devices and is intended to control a water tap. The device includes a nozzle, a control unit with a power source and two bistable solenoid valves installed at the points of connection of the crane mixer hoses to the hot and cold water mains. The nozzle contains an infrared sensor made in one separate casing and a touch activation button for forced long-term switching on of the water supply. The power source is autonomous with a total voltage of 6 V. The technical result is to increase the versatility of the device while increasing the resource of operability and safety of its use. 2 s.p. f-ly, 2 Fig.

Description

The device for economical water consumption refers to sanitary-technical water-folding devices and can be used in distribution systems for household and drinking water for hygienic and other purposes where water taps are used.

Water procedures related to hygiene, the washing process, the collection of water - all this is done with the help of water taps, while the need for economical use of water is very important and today is an urgent problem. Saving water consumption means not only a rational approach to its use, but also a good way to reduce the size of utility bills. Statistics show that only 3/4 of the total water consumption can be attributed to useful consumption. The remaining 1/4 is water loss, and the task of users is to minimize unnecessary waste of water, and for this it is not necessary to change the existing plumbing to a more modern one.

A large amount of water is consumed just like that, for example, because it is inconvenient for the user to close the taps once more when washing dishes, cutlery, as long as the washed dishes are put in and the next one is taken, the water simply flows and a significant amount of water goes into the sewer . If necessary, wash dirty hands, then you must also wash the faucet itself - a trifle, but again an excess flow of water. At the same time, an increase in utility water tariffs and the widespread installation of water metering devices make us think about the economical use of water resources.

And most importantly, respect for water is the protection of the environment. Water on our planet is a valuable resource, but its quantity is limited. Due to the saving of water, the amount of energy for its reproduction is significantly reduced, the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is reduced, and thereby the environmental situation is improved.

From the prior art it is known "Device for saving water Semykina" (Patent RU No. 147923 U1, F16K 31/62, publ. 11/20/2014), containing two bistable solenoid valves that open or close for fluid flow, depending on the direction applied to their current coils, a two-position electric foot switch with a return spring, a direct current source and a capacitor.

A disadvantage of the known device is that it involves operation from a 220 V network through a converter, and where water is present, this is dangerous, since a converter failure compromises the operability of the equipment and the safety of users. The foot switch in the form of a pedal is a mechanical device and therefore quickly wears out, which is its weak point, and, in addition, the pedal located on the floor attracts the attention of children and pets, which is unsafe, since flooding of the room is possible.

Sensor devices for saving water consumption are widely known, for example, electronic taps (Patent US 2015292187 A1, E03C 1/04, E03C 1/05, publ. 10/15/2015; US Patent No. 2016333556 A1, E03C 1/04, E03C 1/05 , F16K 11/074, F16K 31/04, F16K 37/00, publ. November 17, 2016; Patent CN No. 203821502 U1, E03C 1/04, E03C 1/046, E03C 1/05, publ. 09/10/2014). Known automatic crane (Patent CN No. 105804166 A1, E03C 1/042, E03C 1/05, publ. 07.27.2016), which includes: base; crane with sensor; a housing configured to receive at least one water inlet pipe and having a nozzle for supplying water; a valve module for regulating the flow of water from the nozzle, controlled by an electromagnetic actuator; a control device for controlling the flow of water from the nozzle; controller with touch module and control unit. Known electronic crane with a motion sensor (US Patent No.2010208465 A1, E03C 1/04, F16K 11/00, published July 21, 2016), comprising: a crane body with a drain pipe and a lever, where a movement sensor and a touch button are mounted in the drain pipe switching; mounting shank; control unit with electronic valves inside; separately executed power module; mixer unit; mixer; two underwater flexible hoses and a mixer hose.

Touch electronic taps are an excellent alternative to electromechanical devices to save water, and especially for use in public places, but their main disadvantage is the constant temperature of the water. And this is not the best option, for example, for use in kitchen sinks in everyday life, since the kitchen often needs to use a different temperature of water, because for each action it should be different: for washing vegetables, water is warm, for greasy dishes - hot and for broth it’s cold. In other words, in the kitchen it is very important to constantly change the temperature of the water, and in automatic sensor mixers it is quite difficult to do. In addition, infrared sensors are already directly integrated into the drain pipes of the faucets, and therefore, when switching to their use, it will be necessary to change all the existing plumbing, which is costly since electronic taps are very expensive.

The nozzles for water taps are also well known to save water consumption, which are connected directly to the drain pipe of an existing tap using an adapter (for example, “Infrared sensor on a water mixer”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rdRLdnst8s ), which are quickly installed and are much cheaper than mixer taps equipped with a sensor.

The closest to the achieved result (prototype) is the "Touch water-saving nozzle on the tap" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qxyxPiXN7E), which includes a special adapter, a body with internal and external threads, which is inserted instead standard mesh-aerator and is located on the drain pipe of the mixer tap; a control unit located inside the nozzle, consisting of a printed circuit board, a valve for blocking the water supply opening and a compartment in the rear of the nozzle for the power source in the form of four finger batteries; built-in infrared sensor that regulates movement, and a touch button for switching modes. The sensor nozzle is made with the ability to work in two modes: manual and automatic.

However, this nozzle, like all known nozzles, is remarkably suitable only for owners of electric water heaters (boilers), which are configured to supply water of a certain temperature. For standard water valves, where the water temperature is adjusted approximately, there may be some inconvenience. For example, when in the beginning very hot water can flow from the tap due to the difference in the pressure level in the pipes, because there is an uneven distribution of the supply of hot and cold water to the tap, since the pressure in the hot water line is higher than with cold water. In such cases, you need to drain a certain amount of water until it cools down, and this is its extra consumption. But very hot water can go even if there is a boiler, since the peculiarity of their operation is that the boiler is filled only with cold water, and during heating the pressure inside the tank increases, and hot water also tends to exit to the cold water main. Another nuance is manifested if the boiler is located far from the tap. In this case, until the moment when the hot water starts to flow, it is necessary to drain the cold water already in the pipe between the boiler and the nozzle, and this is also the loss of water, although its savings are claimed.

A common drawback of all known nozzles is that they are installed only on mixer taps, which have aerators and threads on the mixer at the end of the drain nozzle of the tap. In addition, the batteries are inserted into a special compartment designed for them, which is mounted at the rear of the nozzle, which makes the design heavier both in weight and visually (it looks bulky and the style of the mixer does not change for the better).

The basis of this technical solution is the task of expanding the arsenal of technical equipment for a similar purpose, which consists in creating a device that allows the user to retrofit an existing water tap for the purpose of efficient and rational consumption of water. The device should eliminate the above disadvantages of the prototype and should be convenient, inconspicuous, aesthetic "switch / switch" of water, blocking the flow of water in the water supply in the absence of the need for its use.

The technical result consists in increasing the versatility of the device while increasing the resource of operability and safety of use.

The solution to the problem and the achievement of the claimed technical result is ensured by the design of the device for economical water consumption, comprising a control unit with a power source in a separate compartment; a nozzle connected to the control unit with built-in infrared sensor and touch activation button for forced long-term inclusion of water and made in a separate casing; two bistable solenoid valves connected to the control unit, which are installed on the corresponding water pipelines with cold and hot water that they overlap.

The nozzle (the visible part of the device for economical water consumption) is barely noticeable and does not violate the aesthetic design of the water tap, as it is located directly under the base of the mixer tap on the sink console and does not catch the eye. And the control unit is hidden from the user's eyes in the space under the sink. The nozzle has a rounded shape, visually combined with the body of the mixer tap and the coating color identical to the coating of the mixer itself. The shape and color of the coating may vary.

The device for economical water consumption is made with the possibility of working in two modes: the first is typical when used for everyday needs and the second mode is for forced long-term inclusion of water in order to quickly fill the tanks. The modes are controlled by using an infrared sensor of the presence of an object in the zone of its sensitivity and a touch activation button. The algorithm of the device for economical water consumption when controlled by the touch activation button involves a forced long-term inclusion of water supply and automatic shutdown after, for example, a three-minute interval. This programmable function protects the user from forgetfulness or unforeseen situations with the mixer tap in the open position and the risk of flooding the room.

The device for economical water consumption is configured to adjust the sensitivity of the infrared sensor from a distance. The water temperature is set, as is usually done on the mixer: either using the lever of a single-grip faucet-mixer, or the usual valves for manual control.

The touch activation button with an unlimited number of pressing cycles does not wear out, does not break, does not clog, and does not require strong pressing force.

Bistable solenoid valves are reliable and functional fittings for piping systems and their service life is very long. Until the moment of failure, each valve is able to work until the number of starts reaches about one million, and the time required for its operation can be from 0.03 to 0.5 seconds. The valves can also be used as shut-off valves, which additionally ensures safety.

An autonomous power supply, made with a total voltage of 6 V, is safe to use and allows the device for economical water consumption to become independent of the state of the mains, with the ability to work even when the power is turned off. Power can be supplied from either a single battery or batteries, in particular, from AAA finger-type batteries / accumulators in an amount of at least 4 pcs.

The structural elements of the device for economical water consumption are made using high quality materials that have undergone special processing for corrosion resistance.

The set of essential features of the proposed technical solution allows to obtain the effect of saving water consumption by using it only for its intended purpose and without replacing the mixer tap of any configuration that is already available to the user, while preserving its aesthetic appearance and features of controlling the water temperature, and at the same time provides convenience and safety to the user.

Achieving the claimed technical result is provided by:

- the performance of the infrared sensor and activation button in a miniature casing, matched to the style of a water tap, as well as the location of the control unit under the sink, which makes the device for economical water consumption generally not noticeable;

- the ability to install the nozzle under an existing tap of any configuration, which increases the versatility of the device for economical water consumption and at the same time provides convenience to the user, since there is no need to use taps with threads at the end of the drain pipe;

- the use of two bistable solenoid valves, as well as a touch activation button, which increases the wear resistance of the device for economical water consumption, and accordingly increases the service life and safety at the same time;

- the use of high quality materials that have undergone special processing for corrosion resistance, which gives the device high performance, and generally increases the versatility of the device for economical water consumption;

- placement of the control unit in the space under the sink with a compartment for an autonomous power source, which makes the device for economical water consumption inconspicuous, which is convenient and safe for its use, and accordingly increases versatility.

The device for economical water consumption is easy to install even for users who do not understand plumbing and does not pose a serious problem. It is mounted on any crane with the possibility of receiving a touch mixer, and when dismantled, it again becomes an ordinary crane. Or, for example, with a change of residence, you can simply screw it up and install it in a new place.

The device for economical water consumption is hygienic, as it avoids the frequent physical contact of dirty hands and the tap. Users are spared the need to once again touch the faucet handles (lever / valves) with dirty hands, for example, when cooking, which also reduces the risk of infection with various infectious diseases.

The main advantages of the proposed technical solution:

- response time instantly;

- a casing with an infrared sensor and a touch activation button occupies a small space and does not catch the eye;

- the control unit is hidden from the user's eyes;

- mounted on a mixer tap of any configuration.

The essence of the proposed technical solution is illustrated by the following drawings (Fig. 1-2):

in FIG. 1 is a general view of an economical water consumption device;

in FIG. 2 - illustrates the installation of the nozzle on the console of the sink.

The device for economical water consumption (Fig. 1) includes a nozzle 1 with a built-in infrared sensor 2 and a touch activation button 3 made in a separate casing 4, a control unit 5 with a compartment for an autonomous power source (not shown), and two bistable electromagnetic valves 6 and 6 '.

The nozzle 1 (Fig. 1 and 2) contains a housing 7 on which a casing 4 is mounted with an infrared sensor 2 and a touch activation button 3 mounted therein. The nozzle 1 is made with the possibility of placement directly under the base of the body of the mixer tap at the place of its installation on the console of the sink. The nozzle 1 is connected to the control unit 5 of the power cable 8 through a connector with the cable 9. The power cable 8 is laid through a channel (not shown) for the purpose inside the case 7 of the nozzle 1 with access to the hole 10. The case 7 is made in a particular case flat and round in in the form of a washer with a hole 10 in the center and a channel (not shown) for laying a power cable 8 located in its cavity. The hole 10 is intended for the passage of water hoses, fasteners and power cable 8.

The infrared sensor 2, on the operation of which depends at what point in time the water supply will be turned on or off, consists of a radiating and receiving element (not shown). The principle of operation of the infrared sensor 2 is based on the formation of the corresponding electrical signals when hands or objects appear in the zone of its operation. The response range is selected during installation to ensure the absence of false positives and the distance is 8-12 cm from the location of the infrared sensor 2.

The activation touch button 3 is sealed on the sensitive surface side and is intended for forced long-term switching on of the water supply to the mixer and is programmed for a certain period of time when water flows from the tap, for example, for 3 minutes.

The casing 4 is designed to protect the infrared sensor 2 and the touch activation button 3 from moisture. The casing 4 is made miniature, streamlined teardrop-shaped, interchangeable. The casing 4 can be selected depending on the type of tap with which it is planned to use a device for economical water consumption. It can be made with a difference in height, size, shape, angle of inclination with respect to the plane of the sink and the coating material (paint, chrome, etc.) in order to visually adapt to a specific type of mixer and sink.

The control unit 5 is installed under the sink on the plane of the furniture / on the wall and is designed to provide the function of controlling the operation of electromagnetic valves when an infrared sensor detects 2 objects in the zone it controls. In a separate compartment of the control unit 5 there is an autonomous power supply (not shown), which is made in the form of a battery or a set of batteries / accumulators with a total voltage of 6 V. The control unit 5 is equipped with three cables 9, 9 'and 9' 'with connectors to ensure its connection with other elements of the device.

Valves 6 and 6 'are made bistable (pulse) and electromagnetic (solenoid) with an electromechanical principle of operation (switching from closed to open position). Each of the two bistable solenoid valves 6 and 6 'is mounted on a corresponding blocked water supply at the point of connection of water hoses (flexible hoses) or copper pipes of the faucet of the faucet to the mains with hot and cold water. Valves 6 and 6 'are designed to regulate the passage of fluid depending on the supply of voltage (or pulse) to their solenoids (coils). By means of valves 6 and 6 ', an effect of saving water consumption is provided and a convenient system for quickly shutting off the water supply is realized. Valves 6 and 6 'are connected to the control unit 5 of the cables 11 and 11' through connectors with its cables 9 'and 9' ', respectively (Fig. 1).

The device for economical water consumption is mounted as follows.

First carry out the dismantling of the mixer tap. Disconnect the flexible hoses (or copper tubes) of the mixer from the water inlets. Then set the nozzle 1 on the console of the sink. Combine its hole 10 with an existing hole in the console so that the infrared sensor 2 is oriented strictly towards the potential outflow of water from the drain pipe of the tap. The power cable 8 is routed to a hole in the sink. Then, the disassembled faucet-mixer is returned to the installation site on the console of the sink and it is fixed directly on the surface of the body 7 of the nozzle 1 using standard fastening elements (Fig. 2). Connect the valve 6 to the pipe (water supply) of cold water and to the corresponding flexible connection of the tap mixer. Similarly, connect another valve 6 'to the pipe (water) of hot water. The control unit 5 is fixed on the furniture plane under the sink. The connectors of the power cable 8 and the cables 11 and 11 'are connected to the connectors of the cables 9, 9' and 9 '', respectively, thereby completing the installation of the device for economical water consumption. The sensitivity zone of the infrared sensor 2 is adjusted. Immediately after installation, the economical water consumption device is ready for operation, which is carried out as follows.

Turn the lever of the single-handle mixer tap (or open the valves of a conventional mixer tap) in order to adjust the pressure and temperature of the water.

The mixer tap only works when hands or objects to be washed fall under the drain pipe of the tap. For example, bring the palms of the hands to the spout from below into the sensitivity zone of the infrared sensor 2. The infrared sensor 2, when it detects an object in the zone it controls, immediately works. The electrical signals emitted by the radiating element of the infrared sensor 2 are reflected from the hands of the user and transferred to the receiving element, where they are converted into the corresponding control signals, which are transmitted through the wire of the power cable 8 to the electronic circuit of the control unit 5. The control unit 5 processes the information from the infrared sensor 2 and generates pulse control signals of a certain polarity for subsequent transmission through the corresponding wires of the cables 9 ', 9' 'and 11, 11' to the valves 6 and 6 '. As a result, an electric impulse will be applied to the valves 6 and 6 ', which will translate them into a normally open position. At the same time, water will enter the mixer and pour from the drain pipe of the tap (spout). Valves 6 and 6 'remain open while their coils are energized.

The hands are removed (even a small lead to the side is enough). A reverse polarity pulse is supplied to the valves 6 and 6 ', which puts them in a normally-closed position. The spout stops. To supply water again, hands are brought down again.

To quickly fill the tanks touch the touch button 3 activation. Touch button 3 activation is activated. The infrared sensor 2 is blocked and the mixer tap is already operating as standard for the programmed times, for example 3 minutes.

Thus, the proposed device for economical water consumption is made with wear-resistant elements, which provides an increase in the serviceability resource, as well as with a useful function that allows to significantly save water consumption. It is convenient for use in everyday household use, as it is ergonomic. Universally, as it is suitable for installation on any water tap already available to the user at a relatively low cost.

Claims (3)

1. A device for economical water consumption, comprising a control unit with a power source, an infrared sensor and a touch activation button, characterized in that it contains two bistable solenoid valves connected to the control unit, which are installed on the corresponding water pipelines with cold and hot water that they overlap, the infrared sensor and touch activation button are made in a separate casing and are integrated in the nozzle, also connected to the control unit, and the nozzle is made with the possibility of its mon also on the console of the sink under the base of the body of the mixer tap, and the control unit - with the possibility of location under the sink of the sink. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the nozzle body is made in particular flat and round in the form of a washer. 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing for the infrared sensor and activation button is made in particular miniature, streamlined teardrop-shaped and can be different depending on the type of crane - in height, size, shape, angle of inclination relative to the plane sink and coating material.

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