Installation system and specially designed switching valve

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an installation system comprising at least one connection head with a filter cartridge, A switching valve is connected to a water inlet and a draw-off point, as well as to the connection head via two lines. In its default position, the switching valve directs water from the water inlet directly to the draw-off point. The switching valve includes an actuator, in particular a magnetic actuator. Activating the actuator allows water to flow from the water inlet, through the connection head, and through the filter cartridge.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to an installation system with a filter cartridge for water treatment. The invention further relates to a switching valve designed for such an installation system. Background of the invention

[0002] German patent application DE 10 2020 128 216 A1 discloses an installation system with a filter cartridge. This system includes a bypass that diverts the water around the filter cartridge. Radio-controlled switching valves allow the system to be temporarily switched to a state in which the incoming water is routed through the filter cartridge. This allows for the easy, temporary dispensing of treated, and in particular softened, water at the point of use, for example, when needed for preparing a hot beverage or watering plants. Object of the invention

[0003] The invention, in contrast to the prior art described above, is based on the objective of providing such a system with a bypass in which the integration and installation of the corresponding components is simplified. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is already solved by an installation system and by a switching valve according to one of the independent claims.

[0005] Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0006] The invention relates to an installation system comprising a connection head with a filter cartridge.

[0007] The connector head includes an inlet and an outlet. The connector head is used to insert the filter cartridge. Water can be passed through the filter cartridge via the connector head.

[0008] The filter cartridge can be designed as desired. It serves to treat the incoming water. Specifically, the filter cartridge can contain a material, such as an ion exchange resin, for softening the incoming water. Furthermore, the filter cartridge can include media for adding minerals. The filter cartridge can also contain media for disinfection and the removal of contaminants, such as activated carbon.

[0009] The installation system also includes a switching valve.

[0010] The switching valve includes an inlet for connection to a building's water supply. It also includes an outlet for connecting a water outlet, in particular a tap.

[0011] The inlet and outlet can be designed, in particular, as connection spigots for a connecting piece of a pipeline.

[0012] The switching valve is therefore installed inline in the water pipe.

[0013] In its default state, the switching valve directs the incoming water, namely the water from the water connection, directly to the point of use. In its default state, the switching valve thus forms a bypass, directing the water directly to the point of use without it being treated by the filter cartridge.

[0014] Furthermore, the switching valve is connected to the connection head via two lines: an additional outlet and an additional inlet. The switching valve thus comprises four connections and is installed inline in the water line via one inlet and one outlet, and connected to the supply and return lines of the filter cartridge's connection head via another inlet and one outlet.

[0015] The four connections are arranged on a single housing of the switching valve.

[0016] The switching valve also includes an actuator, whereby by activating the actuator water can be directed from the water connection via the connection head through the filter candle.

[0017] The actuator can be designed as a magnetic actuator. The actuator allows the incoming water to be temporarily diverted from the bypass through the filter cartridge and then to the point of use.

[0018] This allows the installation system to be temporarily put into a state in which the water is treated.

[0019] The fact that all the necessary components are integrated into a single switching valve allows for a particularly simple design and installation.

[0020] In particular, an existing installation system with a filter candle can be easily retrofitted via the switching valve to redesign the installation system so that water is only temporarily passed through the filter candle.

[0021] The switching valve is preferably controllable wirelessly, for example via an electronic mobile device such as a smartphone and / or via a radio switch.

[0022] In a further development of the invention, the switching valve includes a water meter.

[0023] The water meter can be arranged, in particular, in a connection port of the switching valve. For example, the water meter can include an insert which is inserted into the connection port, in particular clamped in place.

[0024] The water meter can be designed in particular as a turbine wheel meter, in which the axis of a turbine wheel is aligned coaxially to the connection nozzle.

[0025] The water meter makes it easy to detect whether water is being drawn at the point of use.

[0026] The water meter can be located, in particular, in the outlet nozzle.

[0027] A signal from the water meter detects when the tap is opened and closed. For example, when the user activates the actuator, the switching valve changes from its default state to the state in which water flows through the filter cartridge. The user can then draw water from the point of use, particularly from the tap. As soon as the user closes the tap again, this is detected by the water meter, and the switching valve returns to its default state, namely bypass operation.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, switching to the default state is delayed. The switching valve only switches back to bypass operation after a predetermined, in particular stored, time during which no water is drawn. This allows treated water to be drawn from the tap several times in succession without the user having to activate the switching valve. For example, the user can fill several glasses in succession without having to activate the switching valve after briefly closing the tap.

[0029] Preferably, when the switching valve is actuated, the actuator is initially activated only for a predetermined period. This means that after the predetermined period has elapsed, without any water being drawn, the switching valve returns to its default state. This prevents the actuator from remaining activated for an extended period if the user does not draw any water after activating it.

[0030] The water meter can also record the amount of water passing through the filter cartridge. This amount can be used to calculate the filter cartridge's capacity. Based on the measured amount of water flowing through the switching valve when the filter is activated, the user can be notified when the filter cartridge needs to be replaced. This notification can be sent to the user, for example, via a portable mobile device such as a smartphone.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the actuator closes a first valve, which closes a flow path via the filter candle, when actuated, so that this valve opens.

[0032] The first valve can be designed in particular as a diaphragm valve.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the actuator simultaneously releases a second valve, which opens a flow path via the bypass, upon actuation, so that it closes.

[0034] The second valve can be designed, in particular, as a check valve. Furthermore, the second valve can include a spring that closes the valve or at least assists in closing it when it is released by the actuator.

[0035] Preferably, the first and second valves are arranged coaxially to each other in the housing of the switching valve and are actuated by a single plunger of the actuator.

[0036] When activated, the actuator closes the valve, which forms a bypass in its normal state, and simultaneously opens the valve that allows the flow path through the filter candle.

[0037] The plunger of the actuator can be designed in such a way that, due to a spring preload, it closes the first valve, in particular the diaphragm valve, in the resting state.

[0038] Activating the actuator pulls the plunger back against the spring preload, thus releasing at least the first valve.

[0039] The connection head for the filter cartridge may include an adjustable blending device.

[0040] The blending device forms a bypass in the head of the filter cartridge, which serves to adapt the treatment to the specific quality, in particular the hardness, of the incoming water. Specifically, the connection head for the filter cartridge is designed such that only a portion of the flow passes through the ion exchange material of the filter cartridge, while another portion is directed less deeply into the filter cartridge and thus only passes through other water treatment media, such as activated carbon.

[0041] Such a system is known and is marketed by the applicant under the trade name Bestmax®.

[0042] The invention further relates to a switching valve, which is designed in particular for the installation system described above.

[0043] The switching valve can therefore include all the features described above in connection with the switching valve. The switching valve includes an inlet for a water connection and an outlet for a draw-off point. Furthermore, as already described above, the switching valve includes an inlet and outlet for a filter cartridge.

[0044] According to the invention, the switching valve comprises an actuator by means of which it is possible to switch from a basic state, in which the flow path through the switching valve runs via a bypass from the inlet for the water connection to the outlet for the point of use, to an operating state in which the water is passed through the filter candle.

[0045] Preferably, the switching valve includes a water meter, in particular a water meter which is inserted into an inlet or outlet of the switching valve.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first valve is opened via the actuator, which releases the flow path through the filter candle, preferably while a second valve is closed simultaneously, which closes the bypass.

[0047] The first and second valves are preferably arranged coaxially and coupled together.

[0048] It is specifically intended that the first valve is designed as a diaphragm valve, which is closed by the actuator in the initial state.

[0049] Simultaneously, the second valve is held open by the actuator. This can be achieved, in particular, by a spring that presses a plunger of the actuator against the first valve.

[0050] When the actuator is activated, the plunger retracts against the spring preload, opening the first valve and closing the second valve.

[0051] Preferably, the switching valve can be moved to its default state based on a signal from the water meter.

[0052] The first and second valves are preferably arranged within the housing of the switching valve between an inlet and an outlet. This ensures a compact design. Brief description of the drawings

[0053] The subject matter of the invention will below be described with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 will be explained in more detail. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a switching valve. Fig. Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of the switching valve in its normal state. Fig. Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the switching valve with the actuator activated. Fig. Figure 4 shows an installation system with the switching valve in its basic state. Fig. Figure 5 shows the installation system with the actuator activated. Detailed description of the drawings

[0054] Fig. Figure 1 shows a switching valve 100 in a perspective embodiment.

[0055] The switching valve 100 comprises a housing 101, which in this embodiment comprises the upper housing part 101a, which is connected to the lower housing part 101b via the screws 118.

[0056] The screws 118 pass by inlet 102 and outlet 103.

[0057] The inlet for water connection 102 and the outlet to the draw-off point 103 are designed as pipe stubs and are arranged opposite each other. This allows the switching valve to be easily installed inline in a water pipe.

[0058] In this embodiment, the outlet 104 to the filter candle and the inlet 105 for the filter candle's return flow branch off from the lower housing part 101b at right angles to the inlet 102 and outlet 103. A geometrically different configuration is also possible (not shown).

[0059] These components are also designed as pipe stubs.

[0060] A flange 108 of an actuator 106 is connected to the upper part of the housing 101a by means of the screws 118.

[0061] Actuator 106 is a magnetic actuator.

[0062] This includes electrical connections 107a and 107b.

[0063] Fig. Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of the switching valve 100 in its basic state.

[0064] In its basic state, the switching valve operates in bypass mode, i.e., the water flows from the inlet 102 through the housing 101 directly to the outlet 103.

[0065] The actuator 106 comprises a housing 109, in which in particular the electromagnet (not shown) can be arranged.

[0066] A plunger 110 sits in a channel and is pushed forward by the preload of the spring 111, which is inserted into the channel.

[0067] This causes the plunger 110 to bring a diaphragm valve 112 into contact with an inner chamber 113 of the housing 101.

[0068] In the basic state shown here, no water can flow into the inner chamber 113 via an outer chamber 119, which is coupled to the inlet 105 for the filter candle.

[0069] The diaphragm of the diaphragm valve 112 is connected to the check valve 114 via a suitable insert, for example, a water-permeable linkage or a coupling piece 116. The coupling piece 116 thus forms a piston that couples the diaphragm valve 112 to the coaxially arranged check valve 114. The diaphragm valve 112 and the check valve 114 are therefore switched simultaneously.

[0070] Due to the preload of spring 111, the check valve 114 is in a forced open state, allowing water to flow laterally from inlet 102 through the check valve 114 into the inner chamber 113. The inlet water thus flows in bypass mode via the inner chamber 113 directly to outlet 103.

[0071] A water meter 120 is installed in the pipe section from outlet 103 to the point of use. The water meter 120 includes an insert 121, which is inserted into the pipe section, in particular clamped in place.

[0072] The insert 121 is designed as a carrier of an axis 122 arranged coaxially to the output 103.

[0073] A paddle wheel 123 is mounted on the axle 122 and is set in motion by the flow of water.

[0074] The impeller or a cap placed on the impeller 123 contains at least one magnet 124, via which the signal from the water meter 120 can be picked up contactlessly on the outer wall via a sensor (not shown).

[0075] Between the upper housing part 101a and the lower housing part 101b there is a seal 117 for the housing 101, which is located on the opposite side of the input 102 and output 103 with respect to the position of the actuator 106.

[0076] Fig. Figure 3 is a longitudinal section in the actuated state of actuator 106.

[0077] By applying a voltage, the plunger 110 was reset against the preload provided by the spring 111.

[0078] Water can now flow from the outer chamber 119 into the inner chamber 113.

[0079] Simultaneously, the check valve 114 closes. To ensure reliable closure, the check valve 114 is moved into the closed position by the differential pressure. The spring 115 assists in closing the check valve 114.

[0080] The water can no longer flow from entrance 102 into inner chamber 113.

[0081] Instead, the water flows from inlet 102 via outlet 104 to the filter candle and from there back via inlet 105.

[0082] The water flows through the outer chamber 119 past the diaphragm of the diaphragm valve 112 into the inner chamber 113.

[0083] From there, the water passes through the water meter to outlet 103.

[0084] Fig. Figure 4 shows an installation system in its basic state, i.e., in bypass mode.

[0085] The switching valve 100 is installed inline in the line leading from the cold water connection 2 to the tap 3.

[0086] The switching valve 100 is connected to a power outlet via a power supply unit 4.

[0087] The switching valve 100, of which in this view only the housing and not the parts shown in the drawings are visible. Fig. 1 to Fig. The system, which is shown in the three internal components, operates in bypass mode in the basic state depicted here. When the tap is opened, cold water flows directly from cold water connection 2 to tap 3.

[0088] The switching valve is also coupled to a filter candle 10, which is connected via the connection head 11 to the corresponding input and output of the switching valve 100.

[0089] The connection head 11 includes an adjustable blending device 12, via which the softening effect of the filter cartridge 10 can be adjusted.

[0090] In the basic state shown here, no water flows over the filter candle 10.

[0091] Will be, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, if the system is activated, for example, via a portable mobile device, such as a smartphone 5 or via a radio switch 6, the switching valve 100 switches from a bypass operation to a filter operation.

[0092] The inlet water now flows via outlet 104 to the connection head 11 of the filter candle 10, through the filter candle 10 and from there back to the inlet 105 of the switching valve 100, from where it is directed to tap 3.

[0093] The user can now dispense treated, especially softened, water.

[0094] When the user closes tap 3, this is detected by the water meter integrated into the switching valve 100, and the actuator is de-energized, causing the switching valve 100 to return to bypass mode. This resetting to bypass mode preferably occurs with a time delay, allowing the user to draw treated water from tap 3 several times in succession without having to reactivate the system each time.

[0095] Preferably, the current operating status is displayed to the user on the smartphone 5 and / or on the radio switch 3.

[0096] The invention made it possible, in particular, to simplify the installation of a system from which only temporarily treated water is to be drawn. Reference symbol list 1 Installation system 2 cold water connections 3 taps 4 Power supply 5 Smartphone 6 wireless switches 10 filter candles 11 Connection head 12 Blending device 100 switching valve 101 cases 101a Housing top 101b Lower housing part 102 Inlet for water connection 103 Exit to the sampling point 104 Output to filter candle 105 Inlet Return Filter Candle 106 Actuator 107a,b electrical connection 108 Flange 109 Actuator housings 110 pestles 111 spring 112 Diaphragm valve 113 inner chamber 114 Check valve 115 spring 116 coupling piece 117 Seal 118 screw 119 outer chamber 120 water meters 121 deployment 122 axle 123 impeller 124 Magnet QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 128 216 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Installation system comprising at least one connection head with a filter candle, a switching valve which is connected to a water connection and a tapping point as well as to the connection head via two lines, whereby the switching valve in a basic state directs water from the water connection directly to the tapping point, wherein the switching valve comprises an actuator, in particular a magnetic actuator, wherein by activating the actuator water can be conducted from the water connection via the connection head through the filter candle. [2] Installation system according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the switching valve includes a water meter. [3] Installation system according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the water meter is arranged in a connection socket of the switching valve. [4] Installation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the actuator can be activated via a remote control, in particular a smartphone and / or a radio switch. [5] Installation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuator releases a first valve, in particular a diaphragm valve, which closes a flow path via the filter candle, when actuated, so that it opens. [6] Installation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuator releases a second valve, in particular a check valve, which opens a flow path via a bypass, when actuated, so that this closes. [7] Installation system according to claims 5 and 6, characterized by that the first and second valves are coaxially aligned and arranged between an inlet and an outlet of the switching valve. [8] Installation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the switching valve can be reset to its basic state via the water meter. [9] Installation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connection head includes an adjustable blending device. [10] Switching valve, in particular designed for an installation system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an inlet for a water connection and an outlet for a tapping point, as well as an output and an input for a filter candle, wherein the switching valve comprises an actuator by means of which it can be switched from a basic state in which the flow path through the switching valve runs via a bypass from the inlet for the water connection to the outlet for the withdrawal point, into an operating state in which the water is passed through the filter candle. [11] Switching valve according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the switching valve includes a water meter. [12] Switching valve according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the water meter is inserted into an inlet or outlet of the switching valve. [13] Switching valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a first valve is opened via the actuator, which releases the flow path through the filter candle, while at the same time a second valve can be closed, which closes the bypass. [14] Switching valve according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the first and second valves are arranged coaxially and coupled to one another, in particular by means of a piston. [15] Switching valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the switching valve can be set to the basic state based on a signal from the water meter.

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