WO2004106791A1 - Vanne de regulation de fluide - Google Patents

Vanne de regulation de fluide Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004106791A1
WO2004106791A1 PCT/AU2004/000716 AU2004000716W WO2004106791A1 WO 2004106791 A1 WO2004106791 A1 WO 2004106791A1 AU 2004000716 W AU2004000716 W AU 2004000716W WO 2004106791 A1 WO2004106791 A1 WO 2004106791A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
valve
shower
water
valve means
fully open
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2004/000716
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David O'halloran
Original Assignee
Dafro Systems Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dafro Systems Pty Ltd filed Critical Dafro Systems Pty Ltd
Priority to AU2004243339A priority Critical patent/AU2004243339A1/en
Publication of WO2004106791A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004106791A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
    • E03B7/00—Water main or service pipe systems
    • E03B7/07—Arrangement of devices, e.g. filters, flow controls, measuring devices, siphons or valves, in the pipe systems
    • E03B7/071—Arrangement of safety devices in domestic pipe systems, e.g. devices for automatic shut-off
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
    • E03B1/00—Methods or layout of installations for water supply
    • E03B1/04—Methods or layout of installations for water supply for domestic or like local supply
    • E03B1/041—Greywater supply systems
    • E03B1/042—Details thereof, e.g. valves or pumps
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/05—Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
    • F16K31/42—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid by means of electrically-actuated members in the supply or discharge conduits of the fluid motor
    • F16K31/423—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid by means of electrically-actuated members in the supply or discharge conduits of the fluid motor the actuated members consisting of multiple way valves
    • F16K31/426—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid by means of electrically-actuated members in the supply or discharge conduits of the fluid motor the actuated members consisting of multiple way valves the actuated valves being cylindrical sliding valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K37/00—Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
    • F16K37/0025—Electrical or magnetic means
    • F16K37/0041—Electrical or magnetic means for measuring valve parameters
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F13/00—Apparatus for measuring by volume and delivering fluids or fluent solid materials, not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G01F13/006—Apparatus for measuring by volume and delivering fluids or fluent solid materials, not provided for in the preceding groups measuring volume in function of time
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D7/00—Control of flow
    • G05D7/06—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D7/0617—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials
    • G05D7/0629—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials characterised by the type of regulator means
    • G05D7/0635—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials characterised by the type of regulator means by action on throttling means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fluid control valve device and more particularly to a fluid control valve device incorporating a timer adapted to reduce or divert fluid flow after a predetermined time.
  • the invention has particular utility as a water control valve for use in a shower to severely restrict or interrupt the water flow after a predetermined period of time or after a predetermined volume, thereby encouraging the user to turn off the water flow and exit the shower.
  • a water control valve for use in a shower to severely restrict or interrupt the water flow after a predetermined period of time or after a predetermined volume, thereby encouraging the user to turn off the water flow and exit the shower.
  • a flow reducing shower rose In the area of water conservation there are many domestic situations where water usage could be reduced to a significant extent and there is no better example than the shower where a long standing problem of people taking far too long in the shower has not been satisfactorily addressed.
  • One attempt to address the problem has comprised the use of a flow reducing shower rose but this solution is only partially successful as it is often the case that
  • the main disadvantage with the known device is the inability to conveniently retrofit the device in a building because of the need for access to the wall cavity, which generally requires major inconvenience and cost. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid control valve, especially a water control valve, which is relatively simple in construction and which can be readily installed in the exposed water pipe to a shower rose, thereby rendering the device suitable for retrofitting. Accordingly the invention provides a fluid control valve device comprising a housing having a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, valve means within said housing for controlling fluid flow between said inlet and outlet ports, and an electronic control module for controlling operation of said valve means between a fully open position and a restricted flow position.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a water control valve with side cover removed, according to a first embodiment of the invention, showing the valve in the reset or initial position;
  • Figure 2 is a similar view to Figure 1 but shows the valve in the open position
  • Figure 3 is a similar view to Figures 1 and 2 showing the valve in the open position but about to move back to a "restricted flow" position;
  • Figure 3 a is a perspective view of the top of the main valve body;
  • Figure 4 is a similar view to Figures 1 - 3 and shows the valve in the "restricted flow” position prior to resetting of the device to the reset or initial position;
  • Figure 5 is a schematic side elevational view of a water control valve, with side cover removed, according to a further embodiment of the invention, showing the valve in the reset or initial position;
  • Figure 6 is a similar view to Figure 5, showing the further embodiment with the valve in the open position.
  • the water control valve is adapted for use as a shower control valve and, in use, is connected between a wall outlet pipe (not shown) to a shower arm (not shown) so as to control water flow to the shower arm.
  • the control valve regulates the water flow to the shower arm.
  • Inlet port 26 is connected to the water outlet pipe and outlet port 27 receives the shower arm. It is a simple matter to install the control valve merely by removing the shower arm from its connection at the wall outlet and placing the control valve between the outlet and shower arm. This procedure can be performed without the need for a skilled tradesman.
  • water flowing in via inlet port 26 and out via outlet port 27 will cause water wheel 18 to rotate in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 3.
  • the vanes 38 of the water wheel 18 have radially sliding plates (not shown) that bear on the chamber wall since the chamber is eccentric in order for the water wheel to rotate as water passes between the inlet port 26 and the outlet port 27.
  • the water wheel 18 incorporates a generator 24 whereby rotation of the water wheel causes electrical power to be generated for supplying an electronic circuit (not shown) located in an electronics location pad 28 as can be seen in Figures 1 - 4.
  • the electronic circuit (not shown) incorporates a microprocessor and is adapted to control the solenoid 29.
  • the solenoid 29 is arranged to acuate lever 31 to control operation of the piston 14 as will become apparent hereinbelow.
  • the piston 14 is shown in its uppermost position in chamber 32 whereby there is only a restricted passage available for flow between the inlet port 26 and the outlet port 27 past the piston 14 (see arrow A). It will be noted that the piston 14 has a thin neck 33 between its ends which allows full flow between inlet port 26 and outlet port 27 when the neck 33 is in complete alignment with the outlet port 27. In Figure 1 with the piston in its uppermost position only a small part of the neck 33 is in alignment with the outlet port 27 and therefore only a restricted flow is available. In this initial position, the hot and cold taps (not shown) which provide water flow to the inlet port 26 are in a closed condition.
  • the water wheel 18 rotates and generator 24 commences generating power to supply the electronic circuit (not shown).
  • the electronic circuit detects rotation of water wheel 18 it starts a timer which times the period of full flow of water through the water control valve. The duration of full water flow may be varied by the electronic circuit but is typically 4 minutes in the case of a shower.
  • the electronic circuit actuates solenoid 29 which causes lever 31 to close the bleed valve 12 whereby pressure to the chamber 32 above piston 14 is shut off (see Figure 3).
  • bleed valve Once the bleed valve is closed pressure in the chamber above the piston 14 is reduced to atmospheric pressure by means of bleed hole 35 ( Figure 3a) which is connected to the chamber 32 by groove 36.
  • the return spring 15 is then able to return the piston 14 to its uppermost position as shown in Figure 4. This action reduces the flow of water to the shower arm to a fast trickle so that it no longer provides an effective shower and the user is encouraged to turn off the hot and cold water taps.
  • FIGS 5 and 6 show a second preferred embodiment.
  • the same reference numerals are used in Figures 5 and 6 to indicate like or similar parts to the first embodiment.
  • the essential difference in this second embodiment is that the water wheel or turbine 18 is eliminated and instead of replaceable battery 40 is used to provide power to the electronic circuit (not shown).
  • the result is a simpler construction which is obviously cheaper to manufacture.
  • the downside is that the battery will need to be replaced periodically but it is envisaged that 3-4 years battery life is readily achievable with consistent use of the device.
  • a pressure switch 39 is provided for sensing initial water flow when the taps are turned on.
  • the pressure switch closes a switch (not shown) between the battery and the electronic circuit to turn the circuit on and thereby commence a shower time (4 minutes).
  • a warning buzzer (not shown) in the device sounds to alert the user that the shower will soon finish.
  • a timer in the electronic circuit signals the solenoid to open thereby causing the piston to move to the restricted flow (dribble mode) position.
  • the device of the described embodiments is an integrated unit that is fixed to the shower outlet between the wall and the original shower arm and thus is readily installed by a non-skilled person.
  • the operation of the device is controlled by the electronic circuit which is powered either by a generator operated by water flow or by a replaceable battery. Therefore, there is no need for a mains electric supply to the unit.
  • a rechargeable battery (not shown) in the electronic circuit provides residual power to the circuit components.
  • a warning buzzer may be incorporated into the electronic circuit to provide a warning to the user as the end of the normal shower time approaches.
  • a microprocessor in the electronic circuit may measure water flow through the water wheel by counting the revolutions thereof and may cause actuation of the solenoid after a predetermined water flow rather than after a predetermined time.
  • a flow measuring sensor may be provided so that the timer can control volume delivered as well as elapsed time.
  • the shuttle valve (piston) is eliminated and the water wheel or turbine is used to reduce the flow of water between the inlet port and the outlet port. This is achieved by applying a braking force to the turbine either by electrical resistance or by actuating a mechanical brake to slow rotation of the water wheel whereby only a "trickle" flow appears at the outlet port.
  • valves Whilst a shuttle valve arrangement is used in both the above described embodiments it will be evident that other types of valves such as diaphragm valves may be used.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Bathtubs, Showers, And Their Attachments (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif à vanne de régulation de fluide conçu pour réguler l'écoulement de l'eau dans une douche et conçu pour être raccordé entre un tuyau de sortie murale et un bras de douche. Après un laps de temps prédéterminé, un module de commande électronique (28) présent dans le dispositif fait passer une vanne (12) installée dans le dispositif, d'une position pleinement ouverte à une position presque fermée, ce qui réduit considérablement l'écoulement de l'eau, et l'utilisateur est encouragé à sortir de la douche et à fermer les robinets de la conduite d'amenée. Après un autre laps de temps prédéterminé, le dispositif est remis à zéro, ce qui permet une nouvelle utilisation normale de la douche. Il est également possible qu'un avertissement sonore soit produit avant que la vanne ne passe de la position pleinement ouverte à la position presque fermée.
PCT/AU2004/000716 2003-05-30 2004-05-28 Vanne de regulation de fluide WO2004106791A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2004243339A AU2004243339A1 (en) 2003-05-30 2004-05-28 Fluid control valve

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003902701 2003-05-30
AU2003902701A AU2003902701A0 (en) 2003-05-30 2003-05-30 Fluid control valve

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004106791A1 true WO2004106791A1 (fr) 2004-12-09

Family

ID=31953742

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2004/000716 WO2004106791A1 (fr) 2003-05-30 2004-05-28 Vanne de regulation de fluide

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2003902701A0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2004106791A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006012669A1 (fr) * 2004-08-02 2006-02-09 Don Dwyer Dispositif d'économie d'eau de douche
US9574331B2 (en) 2012-06-18 2017-02-21 Kenneth McLeod Wright Shower flow monitor and display
WO2023237999A1 (fr) * 2022-06-07 2023-12-14 Maree Johannes Hendrik Loubscher Procédé de commande d'un ensemble vanne

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2619476A1 (de) * 1976-05-03 1977-11-24 Eberspaecher J Duschanlage
DE3503783A1 (de) * 1984-02-17 1985-08-22 Stefan 6650 Homburg Forsch Ventilsteuerung fuer duschen
WO1989009311A1 (fr) * 1988-03-30 1989-10-05 Meltronic B.V. Systeme regulateur de sortie d'eau
WO1993014451A1 (fr) * 1992-01-20 1993-07-22 Gregory Allan Stokes Systeme de commande de douche a minuterie electronique
AU2630792A (en) * 1992-10-08 1994-04-28 David Andrew Law Water control valve
AU5755194A (en) * 1993-02-26 1994-09-01 Steven Head Faucet timer unit
GB2340964A (en) * 1998-08-26 2000-03-01 Eco Logic Controlling water supply valves
US6129103A (en) * 1999-09-15 2000-10-10 Fields; Acie R. Timed control valve and method of using the same
US20020148515A1 (en) * 2001-04-13 2002-10-17 Coffey John B. Water monitoring system

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2619476A1 (de) * 1976-05-03 1977-11-24 Eberspaecher J Duschanlage
DE3503783A1 (de) * 1984-02-17 1985-08-22 Stefan 6650 Homburg Forsch Ventilsteuerung fuer duschen
WO1989009311A1 (fr) * 1988-03-30 1989-10-05 Meltronic B.V. Systeme regulateur de sortie d'eau
WO1993014451A1 (fr) * 1992-01-20 1993-07-22 Gregory Allan Stokes Systeme de commande de douche a minuterie electronique
AU2630792A (en) * 1992-10-08 1994-04-28 David Andrew Law Water control valve
AU5755194A (en) * 1993-02-26 1994-09-01 Steven Head Faucet timer unit
GB2340964A (en) * 1998-08-26 2000-03-01 Eco Logic Controlling water supply valves
US6129103A (en) * 1999-09-15 2000-10-10 Fields; Acie R. Timed control valve and method of using the same
US20020148515A1 (en) * 2001-04-13 2002-10-17 Coffey John B. Water monitoring system

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006012669A1 (fr) * 2004-08-02 2006-02-09 Don Dwyer Dispositif d'économie d'eau de douche
US9574331B2 (en) 2012-06-18 2017-02-21 Kenneth McLeod Wright Shower flow monitor and display
WO2023237999A1 (fr) * 2022-06-07 2023-12-14 Maree Johannes Hendrik Loubscher Procédé de commande d'un ensemble vanne

Also Published As

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