WO2020259485A1 - 具有连接远程操作的截止阀的水处理系统 - Google Patents

具有连接远程操作的截止阀的水处理系统 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020259485A1
WO2020259485A1 PCT/CN2020/097674 CN2020097674W WO2020259485A1 WO 2020259485 A1 WO2020259485 A1 WO 2020259485A1 CN 2020097674 W CN2020097674 W CN 2020097674W WO 2020259485 A1 WO2020259485 A1 WO 2020259485A1
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Prior art keywords
threshold
signal
water
treatment system
water treatment
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PCT/CN2020/097674
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
斯科特 卡尔格雷戈里
Original Assignee
海尔智家股份有限公司
海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司
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Application filed by 海尔智家股份有限公司, 海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司 filed Critical 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority to CN202080045439.XA priority Critical patent/CN113993819A/zh
Priority to EP20832242.0A priority patent/EP3992155A4/en
Publication of WO2020259485A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020259485A1/zh

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/008—Control or steering systems not provided for elsewhere in subclass C02F
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/42—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by ion-exchange
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J49/00—Regeneration or reactivation of ion-exchangers; Apparatus therefor
    • B01J49/80—Automatic regeneration
    • B01J49/85—Controlling or regulating devices therefor
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/42—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by ion-exchange
    • C02F2001/425—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by ion-exchange using cation exchangers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/005—Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC]
    • C02F2209/008—Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC] comprising telecommunication features, e.g. modems or antennas
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/40—Liquid flow rate
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/42—Liquid level
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/44—Time
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2307/00—Location of water treatment or water treatment device
    • C02F2307/14—Treatment of water in water supply networks, e.g. to prevent bacterial growth

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to water treatment systems, such as water softening systems and inlet water treatment systems. Specifically, the present invention relates to an inlet water treatment system with features for monitoring water flow and communicating with remote devices.
  • Water treatment systems are usually divided into two categories: inlet systems and use inlet systems.
  • the inlet water treatment system can be installed on the water pipe to treat the water flowing into the house or other building through the water pipe.
  • the inlet water treatment system can provide treated water throughout the building (such as a residence).
  • the inlet water treatment system When installed, the inlet water treatment system is usually upstream of the plumbing system in the building.
  • the water flowing into the plumbing system in the building may be excessive or unintentional.
  • the faucet may be opened unintentionally, or a leak may occur in the pipe system.
  • this kind of water flow may cause an increase in water bills and may even cause damage to surrounding parts of the building. For example, building materials sensitive to moisture may be damaged by water from leaking pipes.
  • an inlet water treatment system that can also detect potentially problematic water flows (eg, possible leaks) and provide early warning of such water flows would be useful.
  • an inlet water treatment system is provided.
  • the inlet water treatment system is connected between the water supply system and the pipeline system.
  • the inlet water treatment system includes valves downstream of the water supply system and upstream of the piping system.
  • the inlet water treatment system also includes a network communication module.
  • the inlet water treatment system also includes a water flow meter configured to detect the flow into the pipeline system.
  • the water flow meter is also configured to measure the duration and flow rate of the flow condition.
  • the inlet water treatment system also includes a water tank and a salt reservoir, and the internal volume of the water tank has ion exchange resin.
  • the inlet water treatment system also includes a controller.
  • the controller communicates with the network communication module and the water flow meter, and is operatively connected with the valve.
  • the controller is used to receive a signal characterizing the measured flow condition from the water flow meter, and to automatically close the valve in response to the signal from the water flow meter or in response to the signal received from the remote user interface device via the network communication
  • a method of operating an inlet water treatment system connected between a water supply system and a pipe system includes: a valve downstream of the water supply system and upstream of the piping system; a water tank having an ion exchange resin in the internal volume of the water tank; and a salt reservoir.
  • the method includes receiving a signal from a water flow meter in an inlet water treatment system. This signal characterizes the measured flow through the inlet water treatment system into the pipeline system. The signal corresponds to the duration and flow rate of the measured flow condition measured by the water flow meter.
  • the method also includes automatically closing the valve in response to a signal from the water flow meter or in response to a signal received from the remote user interface device via the network communication module.
  • Fig. 1 provides a perspective view of a water treatment system according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 provides a front view of the exemplary water treatment system of Figure 1.
  • FIG. 3 provides a flowchart of an exemplary method of operating an inlet water treatment system according to one or more additional exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • approximate terms such as “substantially”, “approximately” or “approximately” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms are included within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “substantially vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of a vertical line in any direction (for example, clockwise or counterclockwise).
  • FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a water treatment system 10 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 provides a front view of the water treatment system 10.
  • the water treatment system 10 can treat water from a water supply system (not shown), such as a municipal water source or a well.
  • the water treatment system 10 may be a water softener commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, which can remove or reduce hardness, for example, mineral content from water.
  • water includes purified water and compounds containing water and other elements (such as calcium, chlorine, and fluorine), salts, bacteria, nitrates, organics, and other chemical compounds Or a solution or mixture of substances.
  • the water softening system 10 can remove selected solutes, such as minerals (eg, calcium or magnesium), and other components from the water.
  • the water treatment system 10 may be an inlet system.
  • the water treatment system 10 may be connected between a water supply system (for example, a municipal water system or a well as described above) and a pipe system.
  • the water treatment system 10 may be connected to the entire piping system of the building and/or upstream of substantially all piping systems of the building.
  • a building can be any enclosure or structure in which the occupants use or consume water and/or water-using devices such as household appliances or industrial equipment are located, where the occupants and/or devices fetch water via a pipe system.
  • the building may be, for example, a residential building (such as a house), a commercial building (such as an office or a factory), or a mixed-use facility, among other possible examples.
  • a person of ordinary skill in the art generally understands the structure and function of the building and the associated piping system therein. It can be seen that, for the sake of brevity and clarity, this article will not further show or describe in detail.
  • the inlet water treatment system 10 may be connected to a water supply system via a water pipe 100, and the inlet water treatment system 10 may include a valve 28, an inlet 30, and an outlet 32.
  • the system receives water, and the water can flow into the water treatment system 10 via the inlet 30.
  • the treated (eg, softened) water may leave the water treatment system 10 at the outlet 32 of the water treatment system.
  • the water treatment system 10 can provide treated (for example, softened) water to the plumbing system of the building via the outlet 32.
  • the inlet water treatment system may further include a water flow meter 26.
  • the water flow meter 26 can measure and/or detect all or substantially all of the water introduced from the water supply system into the pipeline system.
  • the inlet water treatment system 10, and particularly its valve 28, may be connected between the water supply system and the pipe system, for example, it may be downstream of the water supply system and upstream of the pipe system. Therefore, the inlet water treatment system 10 can provide the function of shutting off all or substantially all water flow into the plumbing system of the building by closing the valve 28.
  • the valve 28 may be an external component of the water treatment system 10, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the valve 28 is connected upstream of the inlet 30. In other embodiments, the valve 28 may be an internal component of the water treatment system 10.
  • Fig. 2 is a front view of the inlet water treatment system 10 of Fig. 1.
  • the inlet water treatment system 10 includes a control panel 20 including a plurality of input selectors 24 and a display 22.
  • control panel 20 and the input selector 24 together form a user interface input for the operator to select periods and characteristics, and the display 22 indicates the selected characteristics, countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to the user.
  • control panel 20, the input selector 24, and the display 22 may have any other suitable configurations.
  • one or more of the input selectors 24 may be configured as a manual "button" input selector, or alternatively may be configured as a touch screen on the display 22, for example.
  • the inlet water treatment system 10 may be an inlet water softener 10, as described above.
  • the inlet water softener 10 may include a water tank 12 in which ion exchange resin 14 is stored inside the water tank 12 (for example, in the internal volume of the water tank 12).
  • the inlet water softener 10 may also include a salt reservoir 16.
  • the water softener 10 directs the water to be treated (softened) to and through the water tank 12, wherein the ion exchange resin 14 absorbs minerals from the water before the softened water flows to the pipe system, such as , Calcium and magnesium.
  • the water tank 12 can be flushed with a salt solution to refill the resin 14 and restore the ability of the resin 14 to absorb more minerals from the introduced water.
  • the incoming water may be diverted to and passed through the salt reservoir 16 before being directed to the water tank 12.
  • the water can be mixed with the salt in the reservoir 16 to form a salt solution.
  • salt as used herein may refer to table salt (for example, sodium chloride) and/or other suitable salts (such as potassium chloride).
  • the water flow meter 26 may be used to measure or estimate the remaining life of the ion exchange resin 14 based on cumulative measurements of water drawn through the water treatment system 10. In this embodiment, after a predetermined total amount of water has been pumped through the water treatment system 10, the water can be diverted to the salt reservoir 16 as described, and the accumulation can then be reset after refilling the ion selective resin with the salt solution. Water flow measurement.
  • the inlet water treatment system 10 may include a level sensor 18 in the salt reservoir 16 or connected to the salt reservoir 16 and configured to detect in the reservoir 16 The level of salt.
  • the operation of the inlet water treatment system 10 is controlled by a treatment device or controller 34, which is operatively coupled to an input selector 24 located on the control panel 20 for user manipulation to select the operation of the water treatment system 10 And features.
  • the controller 34 may also be operably coupled to various other components of the inlet water treatment system 10, such as a flow meter 26 (FIG. 1), a valve 28, a level sensor 18, other suitable sensors, and the like.
  • the controller 34 may operate various components of the inlet water treatment system 10 to perform selected system operations and features.
  • the controller 34 is a "processing device” or “controller
  • processing device or “controller” can refer to one or more microprocessors, micro A controller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a semiconductor device, and is not necessarily limited to a single element.
  • the controller 34 may be programmed to operate the inlet water treatment system 10 by executing instructions stored in the memory.
  • the controller may include one or more A storage element or associated with it, such as RAM, ROM, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).
  • the instruction can be software or any set of instructions, which is stored in the processing device When executed, the processing device is caused to perform operations.
  • the controller 34 may include one or more processors and associated storage devices, which are configured to execute various computer-implemented functions and/or instructions (for example, execute Methods, steps, calculations, etc., and store related data as disclosed herein). It should be noted that the controller 34 as disclosed herein can and can operate to perform any method and associated method steps as disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the inlet water treatment system 10 communicating with the remote user interface device 300 via the network communication module 36.
  • the inlet water treatment system 10 and in particular its controller 34 may be configured to communicate with a separate device external to the appliance, such as a communication device or other remote user interface device 300.
  • the remote user interface device 300 may be a laptop computer, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a wearable device, a smart home system, and/or various other suitable devices.
  • the inlet water treatment system 10 may include a network communication module, such as a wireless communication module 36, which is used to communicate with a remote user interface device 300.
  • the network communication module 36 includes a network interface so that the controller 34 of the inlet water treatment system 10 can be connected to one or more networks and communicate with one or more network nodes through the one or more networks.
  • the network communication module 36 may also include one or more transmitting, receiving or transceiving components, which are used to transmit/receive communication with other devices, and the other devices are communicatively connected with the inlet water treatment system 10.
  • the network communication module 36 may communicate with the controller 34, for example, coupled or connected to the controller, to send signals to and receive signals from the controller 34.
  • the network communication module 36 may be configured to communicate with the remote user interface device 300 through the network 200.
  • the network 200 may be or include various possible communication connections and interfaces, for example, such as Zigbee, BLUETOOTH, WI-FI, or any other suitable communication connections.
  • the remote user interface device 300 may include a memory for storing and retrieving programming instructions.
  • the remote user interface device 300 may be a smart phone operable to store and run an application program (also referred to as an "app"), and may include a remote user interface provided as a smart phone application.
  • the inlet water treatment system 10 and the remote user interface device 300 may be matched in wireless communication.
  • the network communication module 36 is the wireless communication module 36
  • they may be wirelessly connected via the network communication module 36.
  • the inlet water treatment system 10 may receive a signal 1000 from the remote user interface device 300, for example, a wireless signal.
  • the signal 1000 sent from the remote user interface device 300 may include data encoded therein, the data including commands for the inlet water treatment system 10.
  • the signal 1000 can be sent and received in two directions (e.g., sent to and from each of the remote user interface device 300 and the inlet water treatment system 10).
  • the water flow meter 26 can measure and/or detect all or substantially all of the water sucked from the water supply system into the pipeline system, especially when the water treatment system 10 is an inlet system so that the water flows from the inlet water treatment system 10 When the water supply system enters the piping system.
  • the water flow meter 26 may be configured to detect and measure the flow conditions entering the pipe system, and may also be configured to measure the duration and flow rate of the flow conditions.
  • the controller 34 may communicate with the water flow meter 26, for example, the controller 34 may be connected to the water flow meter 26, such as through one or more communication lines (e.g., signal lines, shared communication bus), or may be connected wirelessly.
  • such communication may include the controller 34 receiving various signals from the water flow meter 26 that characterize the measured flow conditions.
  • a signal from a water flow meter may be or include data representing or proportional to the measured duration and flow rate of the flow.
  • the controller 34 may compare the duration of the flow condition with a first threshold (for example, a time or duration threshold), and may compare the flow rate of the flow condition with a second threshold (for example, a flow rate threshold).
  • a first threshold for example, a time or duration threshold
  • a second threshold for example, a flow rate threshold
  • the first threshold and the second threshold may be stored in the memory of the controller 34.
  • the first threshold and the second threshold may be received by the controller 34 from the remote user interface device 300, such as via the network communication module 36, and then stored in the memory of the controller 34.
  • At least one of the first threshold and the second threshold may be user selectable.
  • the first threshold may be defined in response to a user input received by the remote user interface device 300 and sent to the controller.
  • at least one of the first threshold and the second threshold may be predefined.
  • the second threshold value may be entered into the memory of the controller 34 during manufacturing.
  • the controller 34 may close the valve 28.
  • the controller 34 may automatically close the valve 28 in response to a signal received from the water flow meter 26.
  • “automatically” includes closing the valve 28 immediately after receiving a signal from the water flow meter 26 (eg, without waiting for any user input).
  • the controller 34 may close the valve 28 in response to a signal from the remote user interface device 300.
  • the controller 34 may send a signal to the remote user interface device 300 via the network communication module 36 in response to the signal received from the water flow meter 26.
  • the signal to the remote user interface device 300 may include user notifications corresponding to the measured flow conditions. The user may then decide to close the valve 28, for example, in response to a user notification.
  • providing notifications to the user may include providing graphical or written notifications and/or sound notifications.
  • Such notifications can be delivered via the water treatment system 10, for example, its user interface, such as the display 22, and/or via a remote user interface on the remote user interface device 300.
  • the notification may be a written notification, for example, one or more text messages.
  • Such written notification may include, for example, a text message delivered to a mobile phone, tablet computer, smart phone, smart watch, desktop computer, or any other suitable communication device via email or SMS.
  • Text messages can also be delivered via the Internet, a home network (e.g., intranet), or any other suitable network. Further, such written notifications may be delivered via a dedicated computer program such as a smart phone application or "app". In addition, the written notification may also include displaying a text message on the display 22 of the water treatment system 10 and/or instead of displaying a text message on the remote user interface device 300. It is understood that any combination of such messages may be provided, for example, various combinations of emails, SMS messages, and some or all of the display 22 on the remote user interface device 300 may be provided.
  • the measured flow conditions may be possible adverse conditions, such as possible leaks or malfunctions, for example, a continuously operating toilet or a broken pipe.
  • user notifications may include flow alarms, such as continuous flow alarms.
  • the flow alarm may be one or more of a low flow alarm, a medium flow alarm, or a high flow alarm.
  • the selection of which alarm(s) to provide may be based on one or both of the first threshold and the second threshold.
  • the first threshold value may range from about one minute to about ninety minutes, for example, in some embodiments, the first threshold value may be between about five minutes to about sixty minutes, such as from about ten minutes to about four minutes. In fifteen minutes.
  • the second threshold may range from about one tenth of a gallon per minute (0.1 gpm) to about ten gallons per minute (10 gpm), for example, in some embodiments, the second threshold may be at about Between three tenths of a gallon (0.3 gpm) and about five gallons per minute (5 gpm), such as between about 1 gallon per minute (1 gpm) and three gallons per minute (3 gpm).
  • the first threshold and the second threshold will change opposite to each other, for example, a high flow rate of a short duration can trigger a flow alarm, while a low flow rate can only trigger a flow alarm after a longer duration.
  • the first threshold may be about sixty minutes
  • the second threshold may be about three tenths of gallons per minute (0.3 gpm)
  • the user notification may include a low flow alarm.
  • some embodiments may also or alternatively include a first threshold of about thirty minutes, a second threshold of about two gallons per minute (2 gpm), and user notifications corresponding to the foregoing thresholds may include a medium flow alarm.
  • further embodiments may also or alternatively include a first threshold of about five minutes, a second threshold of about five gallons per minute (5 gpm), and the user notification may include a high flow alarm.
  • a first threshold of about five minutes
  • a second threshold of about five gallons per minute (5 gpm)
  • the user notification may include a high flow alarm.
  • multiple first and second thresholds may be included, such as a first low flow threshold and a second low flow threshold, a first medium flow threshold and a second medium flow threshold, and/or a first high Flow threshold and second highest flow threshold.
  • the controller 34 may be configured to provide one or more user notifications when the measured flow condition exceeds any one or more of the threshold pair.
  • the controller 34 may provide a medium flow continuous flow notification when the duration of the measured flow condition exceeds the first medium flow threshold and the flow rate of the measured flow condition exceeds the second medium flow threshold, and/or when the measured flow condition When the duration of the flow condition exceeds the first high flow threshold and the flow rate of the measured flow condition exceeds the second high flow threshold, a high flow continuous flow notification is provided.
  • the controller 34 may be configured to provide only the notification corresponding to the threshold pair reached first, for example, when the first high flow threshold and the second high flow threshold are exceeded and the first high flow threshold corresponds to the ratio Only high flow notifications are provided for a shorter duration of the first medium flow threshold or the first low flow threshold.
  • the controller 34 of the water treatment system 10 may be operatively connected to the valve 28.
  • the controller 34 may be operatively connected to the valve 28, whereby the controller 34 may be configured to allow fluid to flow.
  • the valve 28 is actuated between the open position and the closed position that prevents or obstructs fluid flow.
  • the controller 34 may be connected to the valve 28 and/or its actuators, and may be configured to actuate the valve 28, such as to close the valve 28, thereby shutting off all or substantially all or substantially all of the access from the water supply system into the plumbing system of the building. All water flows.
  • the controller 34 is operable to respond to a signal from the input selector 24 (e.g., to respond to user input received via the input selector 24 and/or to respond to a signal from the remote user interface device 300, such as via network 200 and network communication
  • the module 36 closes the valve 28 in response to the signal received from the remote user interface device 300) or automatically in response to a detected possible backflow condition.
  • the user may desire to use the valve 28 of the water treatment system 10 to shut off the water flow.
  • the user may desire to cut off the water flow to the piping system in order to check and/or repair known or suspected leaks or other adverse or unintentional flow conditions.
  • the water treatment system 10 can identify suspicious unintentional flow conditions based on the measured duration and flow rate of the measured flow conditions measured by the flow meter 26, as described above.
  • the water treatment system 10 may then notify the user of the flow conditions, such as through one or more of the above-mentioned low, medium, and/or high flow alarms, or alternatively may automatically close the valve 28, so that the water treatment system 10 may also The situation is notified to the user and the valve 28 has been closed.
  • the user notification may be provided by the inlet water treatment system 10 on its display 22 and/or via the remote user interface device 300.
  • the system 10 can thus provide a function of detecting unintentional flow conditions by using the flow meter 26 and closing the valve 28 to reduce or alleviate the unintentional flow conditions.
  • the system 10 may provide the following functions: notify or warn the user of unintentional flow conditions (including when the user is not in the building, such as when the user is not at home) via the remote user interface device 300, and respond to the remote user interface device 300 A command or input from the user is entered to close the valve 28. The command or input can also be provided when the user is not actually in the building.
  • the water treatment (eg, softening) system 10 may include a salt level sensor 18 configured to detect the salt level in the reservoir 16.
  • the controller 34 may communicate with the level sensor 18, for example connected to the level sensor, and may be used to receive a signal from the level sensor 18 that characterizes the detected level of salt in the reservoir 16.
  • the controller 34 may provide a low salt user notification.
  • providing a low salt notification may include sending a signal including a low salt notification to the remote user interface device 300 via the network communication module 36 in response to a signal received from the level sensor 18 that is less than the salt refill threshold.
  • embodiments of the present invention also include a method of operating an inlet water treatment system, such as the exemplary method 400 illustrated in FIG.
  • the water treatment system can be connected between the water supply system and the pipeline system.
  • the water treatment system may include: a valve downstream of the water supply system and upstream of the piping system; a water tank having an ion exchange resin in the internal volume of the water tank; and a salt reservoir.
  • the inlet water treatment system operated in method 400 may be the inlet water softener 10 described above. As illustrated in FIG.
  • the method 400 may include, for example, receiving a signal 410 from the water flow meter 26 of the inlet water softener 10, where the signal 410 includes and/or characterizes the measured flow through the inlet water treatment system into the pipeline system And the signal 410 corresponds to the duration and flow rate of the measured flow condition measured by the water flow meter.
  • the method 400 may also include a decision step 420.
  • the decision step 420 may include: determining whether the duration of the measured flow condition characterized by the signal 410 is greater than a first threshold; and determining whether the flow rate of the measured flow condition characterized by the signal 410 is greater than a second threshold.
  • the sending step 430 may include: in response to the signal received from the water flow meter, sending the signal from the inlet water treatment system to the remote user interface device via the network communication module of the inlet water treatment system.
  • the signal sent in the sending step 430 may include a user notification corresponding to the measured flow condition.
  • the user notification may include a flow alarm, such as one or more of a low flow alarm, a medium flow alarm, or a high flow alarm, as described above.
  • the method 400 may further include the steps of: closing the valve in response to a signal received from the remote user interface device via the network communication module.
  • the user may receive a flow alert on the remote user interface device and respond
  • the user can input a command to close the valve via the remote user interface device, thereby alleviating unintentional flow conditions.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Water By Ion Exchange (AREA)
  • Measuring Volume Flow (AREA)

Abstract

一种入口水处理系统(10)，其包括阀(28)和网络通信模块(36)，还包括水流量计(26)，该水流量计(26)被配置成检测进入管道系统中的流动缺口并且测量流动情况的持续时间和流速。入口水处理系统(10)还包括其中具有离子交换树脂(14)的水箱(12)。该入口水处理系统(10)用于从水流量计(26)接收表征所测量的流动情况的信号(410)；还可以被配置成响应于来自水流量计(26)的信号(410)或响应于从远程用户界面装置(300)接收的信号(1000)而自动地关闭阀(28)。

Description

具有连接远程操作的截止阀的水处理系统 技术领域
本发明总体涉及水处理系统，诸如水软化系统和入口水处理系统。具体地，本发明涉及具有用于监测水流情况并与远程装置通信特征的入口水处理系统。
背景技术
水处理系统通常分为两类：入口系统和使用口系统。入口水处理系统可以安装在水管道上，以便处理通过水管道流入住宅或其它建筑物中的水。由此，入口水处理系统可以遍及建筑物(例如住宅)提供处理过的水。
当安装时，入口水处理系统通常在建筑物中的管道系统的上游。在一些情况下，流入建筑物中的管道系统中的水可能是过量或无意的。例如，水龙头可能无意中打开，或者在管道系统内可能发生泄漏。随着时间的推移，这种水流可能导致水费增加，甚至可能对建筑物的周围部分造成损坏，例如，对潮湿敏感的建筑材料可能被来自泄漏管道的水损坏。
因此，还能够检测潜在有问题的水流(例如，可能的泄漏)并且提供这种水流的早期警告的入口水处理系统将是有用的。
发明内容
本发明的各个方面以及优点将会在下文的描述中进行阐述，或者是通过描述可以显而易见的，或者是可以通过实施本发明而学到。
在一个示例性实施方式中，提供了一种入口水处理系统。该入口水处理系统连接在供水系统与管道系统之间。入口水处理系统包括在供水系统下游和管道系统上游的阀。入口水处理系统还包括网络通信模块。入口水处理系统还包括水流量计，该水流量计被配置为检测进入到管道系统中的流动情况。水流量计还被配置为测量流动情况的持续时间和流速。入口水处理系统还包括水箱和盐储存器，水箱的内部容积中具有离子交换树脂。入口水处理系统还包括控制器。控制器与网络通信模块和水流量计通信，并且与阀可操作地连接。控制器用于从水流量计接收表征测量的流动情况的信号，并且响应于来自水流量计的信号或响应于经由网络通信模块从远程用户界面装置接收的信号而自动地关闭阀。
在另一个示例性实施方式中，提供了一种操作连接在供水系统与管道系统之间 的入口水处理系统的方法。水处理系统包括：阀，该阀在供水系统下游和管道系统上游；水箱，该水箱的内部容积中具有离子交换树脂；以及盐储存器。该方法包括：接收来自入口水处理系统中的水流量计的信号。该信号表征所测量的通过入口水处理系统进入管道系统中的流动情况。信号对应于由水流量计测量的所测量流动情况的持续时间和流速。该方法还包括：响应于来自水流量计的信号或响应于经由网络通信模块从远程用户界面装置接收的信号而自动地关闭阀。
参照下文的描述以及所附权利要求，本发明的这些和其它的特征、方面以及优点将变得更好理解。结合在本说明书中并且构成本说明书一部分的附图显示了本发明的实施方式并且与描述一起用于对本发明的原理进行解释。
附图说明
参照附图，说明书中阐述了面向本领域普通技术人员的本发明的完整公开，这种公开使得本领域普通技术人员能够实现本发明，包括本发明的最佳实施例。
图1提供了根据本发明的一个或多个示例性实施方式的水处理系统的立体图。
图2提供了图1的示例性水处理系统的前视图。
图3提供了根据本发明的一个或多个另外示例性实施方式的操作入口水处理系统的示例性方法的流程图。
具体实施方式
现在将详细地参照本发明的实施方式，其中的一个或多个示例示于附图中。每个示例都以对发明进行解释的方式给出，并不对本发明构成限制。实际上，对于本领域技术人员而言显而易见的是，能够在不偏离本发明的范围或者精神的前提下对本发明进行多种改型和变型。例如，作为一个实施方式的一部分示出或者进行描述的特征能够用于另一个实施方式，从而产生又一个实施方式。因此，期望的是，本发明覆盖落入所附权利要求及其等同形式的范围内的这些改型以及变型。
如本文中使用的，近似的用语，如“大体”、“大致”或“大约”包括在比所述值大或小百分之十内的值。当在角度或方向的上下文中使用时，这种术语包括在比所述角度或方向大或小十度内。例如，“大体竖直”包括在垂直线在任意方向上(例如，顺时针或逆时针)的十度内的方向。
图1提供了根据本发明的一个或多个示例性实施方式的水处理系统10的立体图。图2提供了水处理系统10的前视图。水处理系统10可以处理来自供水系统(未 示出)(诸如市政水源或井)的水。例如，水处理系统10可以是本领域普通技术人员通常理解的水软化器，该水软化器可以从水去除或降低硬度，例如，矿物质含量。如本领域普通技术人员将理解的和如本文所使用的，术语“水”包括净化水和含有水和其它元素(例如钙、氯和氟)、盐、细菌、硝酸盐、有机物以及其它化学化合物或物质的溶液或混合物。进一步地，本领域普通技术人员将认识到，水软化系统10可以从水去除选定的溶质，诸如矿物质(例如，钙或镁)以及其他成分。
如图1例示，水处理系统10可以是入口系统。例如，水处理系统10可以连接在供水系统(例如，如上所述的市政水系统或井)与管道系统之间。例如，水处理系统10可以连接在建筑物的整个管道系统和/或建筑物的基本上所有管道系统的上游。建筑物可以是居住者使用或消耗水和/或诸如家用电器或工业设备的用水装置位于其中的任意封闭物或结构，其中，居住者和/或装置经由管道系统取水。由此，建筑物可以是例如住宅建筑物(诸如房屋)、商业建筑物(诸如办公室或工厂)或混合用途的设施、以及其他可能的示例。本领域普通技术人员通常理解建筑物以及其中的关联管道系统的结构和功能，由此可见，为了简洁和清楚起见，本文中不进一步详细示出或描述。
如图1中示意性例示的，入口水处理系统10可以经由水管道100连接到供水系统，并且入口水处理系统10可以包括阀28、入口30以及出口32，入口30可以经由水管道100从供水系统接收水，并且水可以经由入口30流入到水处理系统10中。在流过水处理系统10并被其处理后，如下面将更详细地描述的，处理过的(例如，软化后的)水可以在水处理系统的出口32处离开水处理系统10。由此，水处理系统10可以经由出口32向建筑物的管道系统提供处理过的(例如，软化后的)水。在入口30与出口32之间，例如，在入口30的下游和出口32的上游，入口水处理系统还可以包括水流量计26。由此，水流量计26可以测量和/或检测从供水系统引入到管道系统中的所有或基本上所有的水。
入口水处理系统10并且特别是其阀28，可以连接在供水系统与管道系统之间，例如，可以在供水系统的下游和管道系统的上游。因此，入口水处理系统10可以提供通过关闭阀28来切断进入建筑物管道系统中的所有或基本上所有水流的功能。在一些实施方式中，阀28可以是水处理系统10的外部部件，例如如图1例示，其中，阀28连接在入口30的上游。在其它实施方式中，阀28可以是水处理系统10的内部部件。
图2是图1的入口水处理系统10的前视图。如在图2中可以看到的，入口水处 理系统10包括控制面板20，该控制面板包括多个输入选择器24和显示器22。
控制面板20和输入选择器24共同形成用于操作者选择周期和特性的用户界面输入，并且显示器22指示所选择的特征、倒计时定时器和/或用户感兴趣的其它项目。然而，应当理解，在其他示例性实施方式中，控制面板20、输入选择器24以及显示器22可以具有任意其他合适的配置。例如，在其他示例性实施方式中，输入选择器24中的一个或多个可以被配置为手动“按钮”输入选择器，或者另选地可以被配置为例如显示器22上的触摸屏。
在至少一些实施方式中，如上所述，入口水处理系统10可以是入口水软化器10。如图2中示意性例示的，入口水软化器10可以包括水箱12，该水箱12内部(例如，水箱12的内部容积内)储存有离子交换树脂14。入口水软化器10还可包括盐储存器16。如本领域普通技术人员通常理解的，水软化器10将待处理(软化)水引导至并通过水箱12，其中，离子交换树脂14在软化后的水流至管道系统之前从水吸收矿物质，例如，钙和镁。当树脂14变得充满目标矿物质时，可以用盐溶液冲洗水箱12以对树脂14进行重新填充并恢复树脂14从引入的水吸收更多矿物质的能力。例如，引入的水可以在被引导到水箱12之前转向到并通过盐储存器16。由此，水可以与储存器16中的盐混合以形成盐溶液。应当理解，本文所用的"盐"可以指食盐(例如，氯化钠)和/或其它合适的盐(诸如氯化钾)。例如，水流量计26可以用于基于通过水处理系统10抽取的水的累积测量来测量或估计离子交换树脂14的剩余寿命。在这种实施方式中，在已经通过水处理系统10抽取预定总量的水之后，水可以如所述地转向到盐储存器16，然后可以在用盐溶液重新填充离子选择树脂之后重置累积的水流测量。
在入口水处理系统10中可以另外包括各种传感器和其它测量装置。例如，除了上述水流量计26之外，入口水处理系统10可以包括料位传感器18，该料位传感器在盐储存器16中或连接到盐储存器16，并且被配置成检测储存器16中的盐的料位。
入口水处理系统10的运行由处理装置或控制器34控制，该处理装置或控制器可操作地联接到位于控制面板20上的输入选择器24，用于用户操纵以选择水处理系统10的操作和特征。控制器34还可以可操作地联接到入口水处理系统10的各种其它部件，诸如流量计26(图1)、阀28、料位传感器18、其它合适的传感器等。响应于用户对输入选择器24的操作，控制器34可以操作入口水处理系统10的各种部件来执行选定的系统操作和特征。
控制器34是“处理装置”或“控制器|，并且可以如本文所述的具体实施。如本文中使用的，“处理装置”或“控制器”可以指一个或多个微处理器、微控制器、专用集成电路(ASIC)或半导体装置，并且不是必须限于单个元件。控制器34可以被编程为通过执行存储在存储器中的指令来操作入口水处理系统10。控制器可以包括一个或多个存储元件或与其关联，存储元件诸如例如RAM、ROM或电可擦可编程只读存储器(EEPROM)。例如，指令可以是软件或指令的任意集合，该软件或指令的任意集合在由处理装置执行时，使得处理装置执行操作。控制器34可以包括一个或多个处理器和关联的存储装置，该处理器和存储装置被配置成执行各种计算机实施的函数和/或指令(例如，执行方法、步骤、计算等，并且存储如本文所公开的相关数据)。应当注意，如本文所公开的控制器34能够并且可以运行为执行如本文所公开的任意方法和关联的方法步骤。
图2示意性地例示了经由网络通信模块36与远程用户界面装置300通信的入口水处理系统10。如图2所示，入口水处理系统10并且特别是其控制器34，可以被配置成与电器外部的单独装置通信，诸如通信装置或其它远程用户界面装置300。远程用户界面装置300可以是手提电脑、智能电话、平板电脑、个人电脑、可穿戴装置、智能家居系统和/或各种其他合适的装置。入口水处理系统10可以包括网络通信模块，例如，无线通信模块36，该模块用于与远程用户界面装置300通信。在各种实施方式中，网络通信模块36包括网络接口，使得入口水处理系统10的控制器34可以连接到一个或多个网络并且通过一个或多个网络与一个或多个网络节点通信。网络通信模块36还可以包括一个或多个发送、接收或收发部件，这些部件用于发送/接收与其他装置的通信，其他装置与入口水处理系统10通信地联接。网络通信模块36可以与控制器34通信，例如，联接或连接到控制器，以向控制器34发送信号和从控制器34接收信号。
如图2中示意性地例示的，网络通信模块36可以被配置成通过网络200与远程用户界面装置300通信。网络200可以是或包括各种可能的通信连接和接口，例如，诸如Zigbee、BLUETOOTH、WI-FI或任意其它合适的通信连接。远程用户界面装置300可以包括用于存储和检索编程指令的存储器。例如，远程用户界面装置300可以是可操作为存储并运行应用程序(也被称为“应用(app)”)的智能电话，并且可以包括被提供为智能电话应用的远程用户接口。
入口水处理系统10和远程用户界面装置300可以在无线通信中匹配，例如，在网络通信模块36是无线通信模块36的实施方式中，可以经由网络通信模块36无线 连接。入口水处理系统10可以从远程用户界面装置300接收信号1000，例如，无线信号。从远程用户界面装置300发送的信号1000可以包括在其中编码的数据，该数据包括用于入口水处理系统10的命令。如图2所示，信号1000可以在两个方向上(例如，发送到和来自于远程用户界面装置300和入口水处理系统10中的每一个)发送和接收。
如上所述，水流量计26可以测量和/或检测从供水系统吸入到管道系统中的所有或基本上所有的水，特别是在水处理系统10是入口系统使得水经由入口水处理系统10从供水系统进入管道系统的情况下。例如，水流量计26可以被配置成检测并测量进入管道系统中的流动情况，并且还可以被配置成测量流动情况的持续时间和流速。控制器34可以与水流量计26通信，例如，控制器34可以诸如通过一个或多个通信线路(例如，信号线路、共享通信总线)连接到水流量计26，或者可以无线地连接。例如，这种通信可以包括控制器34从水流量计26接收表征所测量的流动情况的各种信号。例如，来自水流量计的这种信号可以是或包括表示流动情况的所测量持续时间和流速或与其成比例的数据。控制器34可以将流动情况的持续时间与第一阈值(例如，时间或持续时间阈值)进行比较，并且可以将流动情况的流速与第二阈值(例如，流速阈值)进行比较。例如，第一阈值和第二阈值可以存储在控制器34的存储器中。在至少一些实施方式中，第一阈值和第二阈值可以由控制器34诸如经由网络通信模块36从远程用户界面装置300接收，然后存储在控制器34的存储器中。在一些实施方式中，第一阈值和第二阈值中的至少一个可以是用户可选择的。例如，第一阈值可以响应于由远程用户界面装置300接收并被发送到控制器的用户输入来定义。在另外的实施方式中，第一阈值和第二阈值中的至少一个可以是预定义的。例如，第二阈值可以在制造时录入到控制器34的存储器中。
当所测量的流动情况的持续时间大于第一阈值且所测量的流动情况的流速大于第二阈值时，控制器34可以关闭阀28。在一些实施方式中，控制器34可以响应于从水流量计26接收的信号而自动关闭阀28。在这种实施方式中，“自动地”包括在从水流量计26接收信号之后立即(例如，不等待任何用户输入)关闭阀28。在其它实施方式中，控制器34可以响应于来自远程用户界面装置300的信号而关闭阀28。例如，控制器34可以响应于从水流量计26接收的信号经由网络通信模块36向远程用户界面装置300发送信号。例如，到远程用户界面装置300的信号可以包括与所测量的流动情况对应的用户通知。然后，用户可以决定关闭阀28，例如，响应于用户通知。
在各种实施方式中，向用户提供通知可以包括提供图形或书面通知和/或声音通知。这种通知，无论是书面的、声音的或两者，都可以经由水处理系统10，例如，其用户界面，诸如显示器22，和/或经由远程用户界面装置300上的远程用户界面来传递。各种组合，甚至包括水处理系统10的用户界面和远程用户界面装置300两者上的书面和声音通知两者都是可能的。在各种示例性实施方式中，通知可以是书面通知，例如，一个或多个文本消息。这种书面通知可以包括例如经由电子邮件或SMS传递到移动电话、平板电脑、智能电话、智能手表、台式电脑或任意其他合适的通信装置的文本消息。文本消息也可以经由互连网、家庭网络(例如，内联网)或任意其它合适的网络来传递。进一步地，这种书面通知可以经由诸如智能电话应用程序或“应用”的专用计算机程序来传递。另外，书面通知还可以包括在水处理系统10的显示器22上以及/或者代替在远程用户界面装置300上显示文本消息。理解，可以提供这种消息的任意组合，例如，可以提供各种组合的电子邮件、SMS消息以及远程用户界面装置300上的显示器22中的一些或全部。
在特定实施方式中，所测量的流动情况可以是可能的不利情况，诸如可能的泄漏或故障，例如，持续运行的马桶或破损的管道。由此，用户通知可以包括流量警报，诸如连续流量警报。例如，流量警报可以是低流量警报、中等流量警报或高流量警报中的一个或多个。提供哪个(哪些)警报的选择可以基于第一阈值和第二阈值中的一个或两个。例如，第一阈值的范围可以从约一分钟到约九十分钟，例如，在一些实施方式中，第一阈值可以在约五分钟至约六十分钟之间，诸如在约十分钟至约四十五分钟之间。同样以示例的方式，第二阈值的范围可以从约每分钟十分之一加仑(0.1gpm)到约每分钟十加仑(10gpm)，例如，在一些实施方式中，第二阈值可以在约每分钟十分之三加仑(0.3gpm)至与约每分钟五加仑(5gpm)之间，诸如在约每分钟1加仑(1gpm)至每分钟三加仑(3gpm)之间。
通常，第一阈值和第二阈值将彼此相反地变化，例如，短持续时间的高流速可以触发流量警报，而低流速仅可在较长持续时间之后触发流量警报。例如，在一些实施方式中，第一阈值可以是约六十分钟，第二阈值可以是约每分钟十分之三加仑(0.3gpm)，并且用户通知可以包括低流量警报。作为另一示例，一些实施方式还可以或替代地包括约三十分钟的第一阈值、约每分钟两加仑(2gpm)的第二阈值，并且对应于前述阈值的用户通知可以包括中等流量警报。作为另外的示例，另外的实施方式还可以或替代地包括约五分钟的第一阈值、约每分钟五加仑(5gpm)的第二阈值，并且用户通知可以包括高流量警报。例如，在一些实施方式中，可以包括 多个第一和第二阈值，诸如第一低流动阈值和第二低流动阈值、第一中等流动阈值和第二中等流动阈值、和/或第一高流动阈值和第二高流动阈值。在这种实施方式中，控制器34可以被配置成在所测量的流动情况超过阈值对中的任意一个或多个时提供一个或多个用户通知。比如，控制器34可以在所测量的流动情况的持续时间超过第一中等流动阈值并且所测量的流动情况的流速超过第二中等流动阈值时，提供中等流动连续流动通知，和/或在所测量的流动情况的持续时间超过第一高流动阈值并且所测量的流动情况的流速超过第二高流动阈值时，提供高流动连续流动通知。在其它实施方式中，控制器34可以被配置成仅提供对应于首先达到的阈值对的那个通知，例如，当超过第一高流动阈值和第二高流动阈值并且第一高流动阈值对应于比第一中等流动阈值或第一低流动阈值更短的持续时间时仅提供高流量通知。
如上所述，在一些实施方式中，水处理系统10的控制器34可以与阀28操作地连接，例如，控制器34可以操作地连接到阀28，借此，控制器34可以在允许流体流动的打开位置与阻止或阻碍流体流动的关闭位置之间致动阀28。例如，控制器34可以连接到阀28和/或其致动器，并且可以被配置为致动阀28，诸如以关闭阀28，从而切断从供水系统进入建筑物管道系统中的所有或基本上所有水流。控制器34可操作为响应于来自输入选择器24的信号(例如，响应于经由输入选择器24接收的用户输入和/或响应于来自远程用户界面装置300的信号，诸如经由网络200和网络通信模块36从远程用户界面装置300接收的信号)或者自动地响应于检测到的可能的逆流情况，关闭阀28。在一些情况下，由于建筑物的长期空置，诸如建筑物是住宅时的空闲期，用户可能期望使用水处理系统10的阀28来切断水流。在其它情况下，用户可能期望切断到管道系统的水流，以便检查和/或修理已知或怀疑的泄漏或其它不利或无意的流动情况。特别地，水处理系统10可以基于由流量计26测量的所测量流动情况的所测量持续时间和流速来识别可疑的无意流动情况，如上所述。水处理系统10然后可以诸如通过上述低、中等和/或高流量警报中的一个或多个将流动情况通知给用户，或者另选地可以自动关闭阀28，于是水处理系统10还可以将流动情况通知给用户并且阀28已经关闭。如上所述，用户通知可以由入口水处理系统10在其显示器22上和/或经由远程用户界面装置300提供。因此，在水处理系统10是入口水处理系统的情况下，系统10从而可以提供利用流量计26检测无意流动情况并且通过关闭阀28来缩减或减轻无意流动情况的功能。例如，系统10可以提供以下功能：经由远程用户界面装置300向用户通知或警告无意流动情况(包括当用户不在建筑物中时，例如当用户不在家时)，并且响应于在远程用户界面装 置300处录入的来自用户的命令或输入来关闭阀28，该命令或输入也可以在用户实际不在建筑物中时提供。
如上所述，水处理(例如，软化)系统10可以包括被配置成检测储存器16中的盐料位的盐料位传感器18。在这种实施方式中，控制器34可以与料位传感器18通信，例如连接到料位传感器，并且可以用于从料位传感器18接收表征储存器16中的盐的检测料位的信号。当来自另外传感器18的信号表征储存器16中的盐的检测料位小于盐再填充阈值时，控制器34可以提供低盐用户通知。例如，提供低盐通知可以包括响应于从料位传感器18接收的小于盐再填充阈值的信号，经由网络通信模块36向远程用户界面装置300发送包括低盐通知的信号。
现在转到图3，本发明的实施方式还包括操作入口水处理系统的方法，诸如图3所例示的示例性方法400。水处理系统可以连接在供水系统与管道系统之间。在一些实施方式中，水处理系统可以包括：阀，该阀在供水系统下游和管道系统上游；水箱，该水箱的内部容积中具有离子交换树脂；以及盐储存器。例如，在至少一些实施方式中，在方法400中操作的入口水处理系统可以是上文所述的入口水软化器10。如图3例示，方法400可以包括：例如从入口水软化器10的水流量计26接收信号410，其中，信号410包括和/或表征通过入口水处理系统进入管道系统中的所测量的流动情况，并且信号410对应于由水流量计测量的所测量流动情况的持续时间和流速。方法400还可以包括决定步骤420。决定步骤420可以包括：确定由信号410表征的所测量流动情况的持续时间是否大于第一阈值；以及确定由信号410表征的所测量流动情况的流速是否大于第二阈值。当步骤420处的确定是肯定的时，例如，当所测量的流动情况的持续时间大于第一阈值并且所测量的流动情况的流速大于第二阈值时，方法400可以前进到发送步骤430。发送步骤430可以包括：响应于从水流量计接收的信号，经由入口水处理系统的网络通信模块将信号从入口水处理系统发送到远程用户界面装置。在发送步骤430中发送的信号可以包括与所测量的流动情况对应的用户通知。例如，用户通知可以包括流量警报，诸如低流量警报、中等流量警报或高流量警报中的一个或多个，如上所述。在至少一些实施方式中，方法400还可以包括以下步骤：响应于经由网络通信模块从远程用户界面装置接收的信号而关闭阀，例如，用户可以在远程用户界面装置上接收流动警报，并且作为响应，例如在复查流动警报并且确定所表征的流动不是预期的或期望的之后，用户可以经由远程用户界面装置输入关闭阀的命令，从而减轻无意流动情况。
本书面描述使用示例对本发明进行了公开(其中包括最佳实施例)，并且还使本 领域技术人员能够实施本发明(其中包括制造和使用任何装置或系统并且执行所包含的任何方法)。本发明的可专利范围通过权利要求进行限定，并且可以包括本领域技术人员能够想到的其它的示例。如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有区别的结构元件，或者如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有实质区别的等同结构元件，则期望这种其它的示例落入权利要求的范围中。

Claims (20)

  1. 一种入口水处理系统，该入口水处理系统连接在供水系统与管道系统之间，其特征在于，所述水处理系统包括：
    阀，该阀在所述供水系统的下游和所述管道系统的上游；
    网络通信模块；
    水流量计，该水流量计被配置为检测进入到所述管道系统中的流动情况，并且被配置为测量所述流动情况的持续时间和流速；
    水箱，所述水箱的内部容积中具有离子交换树脂；
    盐储存器；
    控制器，该控制器与所述网络通信模块和所述水流量计通信，并且与所述阀可操作地连接，所述控制器用于：
    从所述水流量计接收表征测量的流动情况的信号；并且
    响应于来自所述水流量计的所述信号或经由所述网络通信模块从远程用户界面装置接收的信号中的一个关闭所述阀。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的系统，其特征在于，所述控制器还用于响应于从所述水流量计接收的所述信号而经由所述网络通信模块向所述远程用户界面装置发送信号，其中，到所述远程用户界面装置的所述信号包括与所述所测量的流动情况对应的用户通知，并且其中，所述控制器用于响应于经由所述网络通信模块从所述远程用户界面装置接收的所述信号而关闭所述阀。
  3. 根据权利要求1所述的系统，其特征在于，所述所测量流动情况包括具有大于第一阈值的持续时间和大于第二阈值的流速的所测量流动情况，并且所述用户通知包括流量警报。
  4. 根据权利要求3所述的系统，其特征在于，所述第一阈值在五分钟至六十分钟之间，并且所述第二阈值在每分钟十分之三加仑至每分钟五加仑之间。
  5. 根据权利要求4所述的系统，其特征在于，所述第一阈值为六十分钟，所述第二阈值为每分钟十分之三加仑，并且所述用户通知包括低流量警报。
  6. 根据权利要求4所述的系统，其特征在于，所述第一阈值为三十分钟，所述第二阈值为每分钟两加仑，并且所述用户通知包括中等流量警报。
  7. 根据权利要求4所述的系统，其特征在于，所述第一阈值为五分钟，所述第 二阈值为每分钟五加仑，并且所述用户通知包括高流量警报。
  8. 根据权利要求3所述的系统，其特征在于，所述控制器还用于经由所述网络通信模块从所述远程用户界面装置接收所述第一阈值和所述第二阈值，并且将所述所接收的第一阈值和第二阈值存储在所述控制器的存储器中。
  9. 根据权利要求1所述的系统，其特征在于，还包括料位传感器，该料位传感器被配置为检测所述储存器中的盐的料位，其中，所述控制器与所述料位传感器通信，并且还用于从所述料位传感器接收表征所述储存器中的盐的检测料位的信号，并且在来自所述料位传感器的所述信号表征所述储存器中的盐的所述检测料位小于盐再填充阈值时，响应于从所述另外传感器接收的所述信号，经由所述网络通信模块向所述远程用户界面装置发送包括低盐通知的信号。
  10. 根据权利要求1所述的系统，其特征在于，所述网络通信模块是无线通信模块。
  11. 一种操作连接在供水系统与管道系统之间的入口水处理系统的方法，所述水处理系统包括：阀，该阀在所述供水系统下游和所述管道系统上游；水箱，所述水箱的内部容积中具有离子交换树脂；以及盐储存器，其特征在于，所述方法包括：
    接收来自所述入口水处理系统中的水流量计的信号，所述信号表征所测量的通过所述入口水处理系统进入所述管道系统中的流动情况，所述信号对应于由所述水流量计测量的所述所测量流动情况的持续时间和流速；以及
    响应于来自所述水流量计的所述信号或经由网络通信模块从远程用户界面装置接收的信号中的一个关闭所述阀。
  12. 根据权利要求11所述的方法，其特征在于，还包括：响应于从所述水流量计接收的所述信号，经由所述入口水处理系统的所述网络通信模块将信号从所述入口水处理系统发送到所述远程用户界面装置，其中，到所述远程用户界面装置的所述信号包括与所述所测量的流动情况对应的用户通知，并且其中，关闭所述阀的所述步骤包括响应于经由所述网络通信模块从所述远程用户界面装置接收的所述信号关闭所述阀。
  13. 根据权利要求11所述的方法，其特征在于，所述所测量的流动情况的所述持续时间大于第一阈值，并且所述所测量的流动情况的所述流速大于第二阈值，并且所述用户通知包括流量警报。
  14. 根据权利要求13所述的方法，其特征在于，所述第一阈值在五分钟至六十 分钟之间，并且所述第二阈值在每分钟十分之三加仑至每分钟五加仑之间。
  15. 根据权利要求14所述的方法，其特征在于，所述第一阈值为六十分钟，所述第二阈值为每分钟十分之三加仑，并且所述用户通知包括低流量警报。
  16. 根据权利要求14所述的方法，其特征在于，所述第一阈值为三十分钟，所述第二阈值为每分钟两加仑，并且所述用户通知包括中等流量警报。
  17. 根据权利要求14所述的方法，其特征在于，所述第一阈值为五分钟，所述第二阈值为每分钟五加仑，并且所述用户通知包括高流量警报。
  18. 根据权利要求13所述的方法，其特征在于，还包括：经由所述网络通信模块利用所述入口水处理系统从所述远程用户界面装置接收所述第一阈值和所述第二阈值，并且将所述所接收的第一阈值和第二阈值存储在所述入口水处理系统的存储器中。
  19. 根据权利要求11所述的方法，其特征在于，还包括：从料位传感器接收表征所述储存器中的盐的检测料位的信号；以及在来自所述料位传感器的所述信号表征所述储存器中的盐的所述检测水平小于盐再填充阈值时，响应于从所述料位传感器接收的所述信号，经由所述网络通信模块向所述远程用户界面装置发送包括低盐通知的信号。
  20. 根据权利要求11所述的方法，其特征在于，经由所述网络通信模块将所述信号从所述入口水处理系统发送到所述远程用户界面装置包括经由无线通信模块无线地发送所述信号。
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