Safety valve, safety fitting and method for controlling a safety valve

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a safety valve, comprising the following steps: providing a safety valve, the safety valve (7) comprising: a valve having an inlet and an outlet, the flow rate of water being changeable by changing the valve position, at least one temperature sensor, and at least one control unit; defining at least one valve position; defining a temperature threshold; determining user actuation; setting at least one valve position by at least partially opening the valve after the user actuation has been determined; detecting water temperature using at least one temperature sensor; comparing the detected water temperature with the temperature threshold; automatically closing the valve when the detected water temperature is higher than the temperature threshold; defining a first interval and a second interval, the second interval being defined relative to the first interval based on a recorded temperature curve; waiting during the first interval or the second interval after the valve has been automatically closed due to exceeding the temperature threshold and before the valve is automatically opened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling a safety valve and a safety valve, in particular a safety valve for service or drinking water. Background Art

[0002] Electronic mixers or thermostats are known from the prior art, which have cold water and hot water inlets and at least one mixed water outlet. Such devices also have a temperature sensor, with which the mixed water temperature can be detected. The flow rates of the cold water and hot water in the mixer are determined based on the measured temperatures. Mixers of this type are expensive and only operate reliably above a certain flow rate.

[0003] Such devices will not work reliably at low water flow rates and there is a risk that the user could scald themselves. There are water conservation regulations that only allow a maximum water consumption of 0.5 litres per minute. Thermostats no longer work reliably in this range.

[0004] If a static mixer is used in which the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water is fixed via corresponding pipe cross sections, safety at the tap location cannot be directly guaranteed.

[0005] In the case of a series of tap locations with premixed water, as is often seen in public facilities, safety cannot be ensured directly at the tap location either. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a safety valve, a safety valve and a safety fitting by which the above-mentioned disadvantages can be avoided.

[0007] This object is achieved by a method according to the features of the invention. Further embodiments of the method, the safety valve and the safety fitting are described below.

[0008] The method for controlling a safety valve according to the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0009] - providing a safety valve comprising a valve having an inlet and an outlet, wherein with the valve the flow rate of water can be varied by changing the valve position, the valve comprising at least one temperature sensor by means of which the temperature of the water can be detected, and the valve comprising at least one control unit by means of which the data of the at least one temperature sensor can be processed and by means of which the valve can be actuated;

[0010] - defining at least one valve position;

[0011] - define temperature thresholds;

[0012] -Detect user actions;

[0013] - setting the at least one valve position by at least partially opening the valve after a user operation has been determined;

[0014] - using the at least one temperature sensor to detect the water temperature;

[0015] - comparing the detected water temperature with a temperature threshold;

[0016] - Automatically close the valve when the detected water temperature is higher than the temperature threshold.

[0017] With such a method, it is possible to prevent too much hot water from passing through the valve, for example, if the cold water supply is interrupted or the water mixer upstream of the valve is defective and there is only hot water at the inlet of the valve. The temperature threshold can be defined depending on the downstream application of the valve. In order to avoid damage to human tissue due to thermal effects, the temperature of the water flowing through the valve should be below 45 degrees Celsius. At a temperature threshold of 40 degrees Celsius, it can be ensured that no scalding will occur. By integrating the control unit, the valve can be operated automatically and independently of the entire control system. This reduces installation and maintenance work.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0019] - define at least one interval;

[0020] - Waiting is performed during the at least one interval after the valve has been automatically closed due to exceeding a temperature threshold and before the valve is automatically opened.

[0021] By means of these process steps it is possible to check whether the temperature threshold is continuously exceeded and thus whether the defect persists or whether it is a temporary fault which does not require manual intervention.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0023] - The signal is transmitted by means of a transmission unit to a user, a control center or a display unit.

[0024] For example, exceeding a temperature threshold can be transmitted. The signal can be transmitted by wire or wirelessly. For example, if a temperature threshold is exceeded, it can be displayed locally by means of a light source or a screen. Alternatively, it can be transmitted to the user or his analysis device, or it can be transmitted to a control center. It can then be decided in all cases whether manual intervention is required.

[0025] In one embodiment, a first valve position and a second valve position are defined, and the first valve position is set when the detected water temperature is below a temperature threshold, and the second valve position is set when the valve is automatically opened. Below the temperature threshold, as much water as is necessary for the application downstream of the valve can pass through the valve. If the valve is automatically opened after the temperature threshold has been exceeded in order to check the current water temperature, the valve can be set so that a minimum amount of water for a reliable temperature measurement can pass through the valve. The control unit can prevent the valve from opening automatically if, for example, the presence of a user is detected.

[0026] In one embodiment, a first interval and a second interval are defined, the second interval being defined relative to the first interval based on the recorded temperature profile. The higher the level of the temperature profile, the longer the subsequent interval will be.

[0027] The mentioned embodiments of the method may be performed in any combination as long as they do not contradict each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Various embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a safety valve according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the location of taps in a row with valves and mixers according to the invention;

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a faucet fitting with an upstream valve according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a faucet fitting with an integrated valve according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 Is based on an integrated mixer Figure 4 Extraction accessories;

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic temperature curve of water flowing through a safety valve according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic temperature curve of water flowing through a safety valve according to a further embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a safety valve 7 according to the invention is shown, which has a valve 1 , a valve inlet 3 , a valve outlet 4 and at least one temperature sensor 2 a, 2 b , 2 c , wherein a temperature sensor may be arranged at the inlet 3 and / or in the valve 1 and / or at the outlet 4. The control unit and any transmission unit are not shown.

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic representation of a row of tap locations 8 with a valve 7 and a mixer 5 according to the invention is shown. The mixer 5 is fed with cold water C and hot water H and delivers mixed warm water to a mixed water line 6. The mixed water line 6 conducts the warm water through the valve 7 to a draw location.

[0038] Figure 3 A schematic representation of a tap fitting 8 with an upstream valve 7 according to the invention is shown. An angle valve 9 is connected upstream of the safety valve 7.

[0039] Figure 4 A schematic representation of a tap fitting 8 with an integrated valve 7 according to the invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 5 The invention shows a method with an integrated mixer 5 according to Figure 4 An extraction fitting, wherein the cold water line C and the hot water line H lead to a mixer 5.

[0041] Figure 6 1 shows a schematic temperature profile of water flowing through a safety valve 7 according to an embodiment of the invention. The temperature profile shown starts with an initial temperature T0, which is set when the valve has not been operated for a long time. For example, the initial temperature T0 may correspond to the ambient temperature. At a first point in time Z1, a user actuation is detected and a first valve position V1 is set, whereby the measured water temperature rises to the desired mixing temperature T1. The safety valve remains open because the measured temperature is below the temperature threshold T S Subsequently, the cold water supply fails. At a second time point Z2, a user actuation is detected and the first valve position V1 is set. Due to the lack of cold water, the temperature determined by the safety valve exceeds the temperature threshold T S , so the safety valve is immediately and automatically closed. Over time, the measured temperature decreases as heat is released into the environment. As long as the measured temperature is above the temperature threshold, the valve will not be opened upon user actuation. If, as a result of cooling, the measured temperature drops below the temperature threshold, the valve is opened upon user actuation, as shown at a third time point Z3. If the temperature rises above the temperature threshold again, the valve is closed again. Before a fourth time point Z4, the interference has been resolved. If the measured temperature is below the temperature threshold upon user actuation, the valve is opened and the measured temperature drops to the desired mixing temperature.

[0042] Figure 7FIG. 4 shows a schematic temperature curve of water flowing through a safety valve according to a further embodiment of the present invention. At a second time point Z2, the temperature exceeds the temperature threshold T S is detected again, and the safety valve is immediately and automatically closed. In this embodiment, the valve automatically opens after the first interval I1, but only the amount of water required for reliable temperature measurement is allowed to pass through the valve. That is, the valve is opened slightly or opened for a shorter time. If the measured temperature is still higher than the temperature threshold, the valve automatically closes, and the self-opening is repeated after the first interval has passed. This continues until the temperature drops below the threshold. In a further embodiment, the second interval I2 is defined based on the temperature curve and relative to the first interval I1. For example, if the measured temperature is still generally too high after the first interval has passed, the duration of the second interval is defined as longer than the duration of the first interval. That is, the higher the temperature exceeds, the longer the subsequent interval becomes. Accordingly, the subsequent interval becomes shorter as the temperature excess becomes smaller.

[0043] Reference numerals list

[0044] 1 Valve

[0045] 2 a,b,c Temperature Sensor

[0046] 3 Entrance

[0047] 4. Export

[0048] 5. Mixer

[0049] 6 Mixing water line

[0050] 7 Safety valve

[0051] 8 Faucet Location

[0052] 9 Angle valve

[0053] C. Cold water

[0054] H Hot water

[0055] V 1,2 Valve position

[0056] T 0,1 temperature

[0057] T S Temperature threshold

[0058] Z 1,2,3,4 Time

[0059] I 1,2 Interval

Claims

1. A method for controlling a safety valve, comprising the following steps: - providing the safety valve (7), the safety valve (7) comprising: - a valve (1) having an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), wherein the flow rate of water through said valve (1) can be varied by changing the valve position, - at least one temperature sensor (2 a , 2 b , 2 c ), - capable of processing said at least one temperature sensor (2 a , 2 b , 2 c ) and capable of actuating at least one control unit of the valve (1); - defining at least one valve position in which the valve (1) is at least partially opened; - Define the temperature threshold (T S ); - determining user actuation; - setting the at least one valve position after a user actuation has been determined; - using the at least one temperature sensor (2 a , 2 b , 2 c ) to detect water temperature (T); - Compare the detected water temperature (T) with the temperature threshold (T S ) for comparison; - When the detected water temperature (T) is higher than the temperature threshold (T S ) automatically closes the valve (1) without user activation; - defining a first interval (I1) and a second interval (I2), the second interval (I2) being defined relative to the first interval (I1) based on the recorded temperature curve; - the valve (1) has been due to exceeding the temperature threshold (T S ) and is automatically closed until the valve (1) is automatically opened, the valve waits during the first interval (I1) or the second interval (I2).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Further comprising the steps of: - The signal is transmitted by means of a transmission unit to a user, a control center or a display unit.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A first valve position (V1) and a second valve position (V2) are defined, and the first valve position (V1) is set when the detected water temperature (T) is lower than the temperature threshold (T S ), and the second valve position (V2) is set when the valve (1) is automatically opened.

4. A safety valve (7), comprising: - a valve (1) having an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), wherein the flow rate of water through said valve (1) can be varied by changing the valve position, - at least one temperature sensor (2 a , 2 b , 2 c ),as well as - capable of processing said at least one temperature sensor (2 a , 2 b , 2 c ) and capable of actuating at least one control unit of the valve (1), wherein the control unit is designed such that the method according to one of claims 1 to 3 can be performed, wherein a first interval (I1) and a second interval (I2) can be defined during which the valve (1) has been subjected to the temperature exceeding the temperature threshold (T S ) and is automatically closed until the valve (1) is automatically opened, wherein the second interval (I2) is defined relative to the first interval (I1) based on the recorded temperature curve.

5. The safety valve (7) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The temperature sensor (2 a , 2 b , 2 c ) is arranged in the region of the inlet (3), the outlet (4) or the valve (1).

6. The safety valve (7) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The valve (1) comprises a valve from the group consisting of: a solenoid valve, an electric cartridge valve, a spindle valve, a proportional valve and a ball valve.

7. The safety valve (7) according to claim 5, characterized in that The valve (1) comprises a valve from the group consisting of: a solenoid valve, an electric cartridge valve, a spindle valve, a proportional valve and a ball valve.

8. Safety valve (7) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that A transmission unit is included which is operably connected to the control unit, and the transmission unit can be used to transmit signals to a user, a control center or a display unit by wire or wirelessly, or the transmission unit can be used to receive signals.

9. A safety accessory, comprising: - a safety valve (7) according to one of claims 4 to 8, and - Extraction position (8).

10. The safety accessory according to claim 9, characterized in that: The safety valve (7) is arranged before the extraction point (8) or in the extraction point (8).

11. The safety accessory according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The extraction locations (8) comprise extraction locations from the group consisting of: basin accessories, kitchen accessories, shower accessories and bathroom accessories.

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