Installation system and switching valve designed for same

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an installation system, comprising at least one connection head with a filter candle, further comprising a switching valve which is connected to a water connection and a removal point and, via two lines, to the connection head. In a basic state, the switching valve conducts water directly to the removal point. The switching valve comprises an actuator, in particular a magnetic actuator. Through activation of the actuator, water can be conducted from the water connection via the connection head through the filter candle.

Description

[0001] Installation system and switching valve designed for this purpose

[0002] Description

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to an installation system with a filter candle for water treatment. Furthermore, the invention relates to a switching valve designed for such an installation system.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] The published patent application DE 10 2020 128 216 A1 shows an installation system with a filter cartridge. This includes a bypass that directs the water past the filter cartridge. Using radio-controlled switching valves, the system can be temporarily set to a state in which the incoming water is directed through the filter cartridge. This makes it easy to temporarily withdraw treated, particularly softened, water at the point of use, for example, when needed for preparing a hot beverage or watering plants.

[0007] Task of the invention

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing such a system with a bypass in which the integration and installation of the corresponding components is simplified. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is already achieved by an installation system and by a switching valve according to one of the independent claims.

[0010] Preferred embodiments and developments of the invention can be taken from the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0011] The invention relates to an installation system which comprises a connection head with a filter candle.

[0012] The connection head comprises an inlet and an outlet. The connection head is used to insert the filter cartridge. Water can be directed through the filter cartridge via the connection head.

[0013] The filter candle can be designed as desired. The filter candle serves to treat the incoming water. In particular, the filter candle can comprise a material, for example, an ion exchange material for softening the incoming water. Furthermore, the filter candle can comprise media for the addition of minerals. The filter candle can also contain media for disinfection and for the removal of pollutants, such as activated carbon.

[0014] The installation system also includes a switching valve.

[0015] The switching valve comprises an inlet via which it can be connected to an on-site water supply. Furthermore, the switching valve comprises an outlet for connecting a tapping point, in particular a water tap. The inlet and outlet can be designed, in particular, as connecting pieces for a pipe connection.

[0016] The switching valve is therefore installed inline in the water pipe.

[0017] In its basic state, the switching valve directs the incoming water, namely the water from the water connection, directly to the draw-off point. In its basic state, the switching valve thus forms a bypass, which directs the water directly to the draw-off point without it being treated by the filter candle.

[0018] Furthermore, the switching valve is connected to the connection head via two lines, namely an additional output and an additional input. The switching valve therefore comprises four connections and is installed inline in the water line via an inlet and outlet, and connected to the supply and return lines of the filter cartridge's connection head via another inlet and outlet.

[0019] The four connections are arranged on a single housing of the switching valve.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The actuator can be designed, in particular, as a magnetic actuator. The actuator can temporarily direct the incoming water through the filter candle and then to the extraction point instead of via the bypass.

[0022] This allows the installation system to be temporarily set to a state in which the water is treated. The fact that all the necessary components are integrated into a single switching valve enables a particularly simple design and installation.

[0023] In particular, an existing installation system can be easily retrofitted with a filter candle via the switching valve in order to redesign the installation system in such a way that water is only temporarily passed through the filter candle.

[0024] The switching valve can preferably be controlled wirelessly, for example via an electronic mobile device such as a smartphone and / or via a radio switch.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, the switching valve comprises a water meter.

[0026] The water meter can, in particular, be arranged in a connection piece of the switching valve. For example, the water meter can comprise an insert that is inserted, in particular clamped, into the connection piece.

[0027] The water meter can in particular be designed as a turbine wheel meter, in which the axis of a turbine wheel is aligned coaxially to the connection piece.

[0028] The water meter can be used to easily determine whether water is being drawn at the point of use.

[0029] The water meter can in particular be arranged in the outlet nozzle. Using a corresponding signal from the water meter, it can be recorded when the tap is opened and closed. If, for example, the actuator is activated by the user, the switching valve switches from its basic state to the state in which the water flows over the filter candle. The user can then draw water from the withdrawal point, in particular at the tap. As soon as the user closes the tap again, this is recorded by the water meter and the switching valve switches back to its basic state, namely bypass operation.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, switching to the basic state occurs with a time delay. The switching valve therefore only switches back to bypass mode after a predetermined, in particular stored, time during which no water is drawn. This allows treated water to be drawn several times in succession at the tapping point without the user having to activate the switching valve. This allows the user, for example, to fill several glasses one after the other without having to activate the switching valve after briefly turning off the tap.

[0031] Preferably, when the switching valve is activated, the actuator is initially activated only for a predefined period of time. This means that after the predefined period of time has elapsed without water being drawn, the switching valve returns to its initial state. This prevents the actuator from remaining activated for an extended period if the user does not draw any water after activating it.

[0032] The water meter can also record the amount of water flowing through the filter cartridge. This amount can be used to calculate the filter cartridge capacity. Based on the measured amount of water flowing through the switching valve when activated, the user can be signaled when the filter cartridge needs to be replaced. The user can receive a corresponding notification via a portable mobile device, such as a smartphone.

[0033] 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 it opens.

[0034] The first valve can in particular be designed as a diaphragm valve.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the actuator simultaneously releases a second valve, which opens a flow path via the bypass, when actuated, so that the second valve closes.

[0036] The second valve can be designed, in particular, as a check valve. Furthermore, the second valve can comprise a spring that closes the valve or at least assists in its closure when it is released by the actuator.

[0037] Preferably, the first and second valves are arranged coaxially to one another in the housing of the switching valve and are actuated via a single tappet of the actuator.

[0038] When activated, the actuator closes the valve, which in its basic state forms a bypass, and simultaneously opens the valve that opens the flow path through the filter candle. The actuator's plunger can, in particular, be designed such that, due to a spring preload, it closes the first valve, in particular the diaphragm valve, in its basic state.

[0039] By activating the actuator, the tappet is retracted against the spring preload, thus releasing at least the first valve.

[0040] The connection head for the filter candle can include an adjustable blending device.

[0041] The blending device forms a bypass in the head of the filter candle, which serves to adapt the treatment to the respective quality, particularly the hardness, of the incoming water. In particular, the connection head for the filter candle is designed such that only a partial flow is passed through an ion exchange material of the filter candle, while another partial flow is passed less deeply into the filter candle and thus only passes through other water treatment media, such as activated carbon.

[0042] Such a system is known and is marketed by the applicant under the trade name Bestmax®.

[0043] The invention further relates to a switching valve which is particularly designed for the installation system described above.

[0044] The switching valve can therefore include all of 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 tapping point. Furthermore, as already described above, the switching valve includes an outlet and inlet for a filter cartridge.

[0045] According to the invention, 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.

[0046] Preferably, the switching valve comprises a water meter, in particular a water meter, which is inserted into an inlet or outlet of the switching valve.

[0047] 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, wherein preferably at the same time a second valve is closed, which closes the bypass.

[0048] The first and second valves are preferably arranged coaxially and coupled to one another.

[0049] It is particularly provided that the first valve is designed as a diaphragm valve, which is closed by the actuator in the basic state.

[0050] At the same time, 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 onto the first valve.

[0051] When the actuator is activated, the plunger retracts against the spring preload, opening the first valve and closing the second valve. Preferably, the switching valve can be reset to its initial state based on a signal from the water meter.

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

[0053] Brief description of the drawings

[0054] The subject matter of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment using the drawings Fig. 1 to Fig. 5.

[0055] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a switching valve.

[0056] Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the switching valve in the basic state.

[0057] Fig . 3 is a longitudinal section of the switching valve with activated

[0058] Actor .

[0059] Fig. 4 shows an installation system with the switching valve in the basic state.

[0060] Fig . 5 shows the installation system with the actuator activated .

[0061] Detailed description of the drawings

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a perspective embodiment of a switching valve 100.

[0063] 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. The screws 118 extend past the inlet 102 and the outlet 103.

[0064] The inlet for the water connection 102 and the outlet for the tapping point 103 are designed as pipe sockets and are arranged opposite each other. This allows the switching valve to be easily installed inline in a water pipe.

[0065] In this embodiment, the outlet 104 for the filter cartridge and the inlet 105 for the filter cartridge return flow branch off from the housing base 101b at right angles to the inlet 102 and outlet 103. A different geometric design is also possible (not shown).

[0066] These components are also designed as pipe sockets.

[0067] By means of the screws 118, a flange 108 of an actuator 106 is connected to the upper housing part 101a.

[0068] The actuator 106 is a magnetic actuator.

[0069] This includes the electrical connections 107a and 107b .

[0070] Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the switching valve 100 in the basic state.

[0071] In the 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.

[0072] The actuator 106 comprises a housing 109, in which, in particular, the electromagnet (not shown) can be arranged. A plunger 110 is seated in a channel and is pushed forward by the preload of the spring 111 inserted into the channel.

[0073] As a result, the tappet 110 brings a diaphragm valve 112 into sealing contact with an inner chamber 113 of the housing 101.

[0074] In the ground state shown here, an external

[0075] Chamber 119 , which is coupled to the inlet 105 for the filter candle, no water can flow into the inner chamber 113.

[0076] The membrane of the diaphragm valve 112 is connected to the check valve via a suitable insert, for example a water-permeable rod or a coupling piece 116.

[0077] 114 . The coupling piece 116 thus forms a

[0078] Piston, the diaphragm valve 112 with the coaxially arranged

[0079] Check valve 114 couples . Diaphragm valve 112 and

[0080] Check valve 114 is switched simultaneously.

[0081] Due to the preload of the spring 111, the

[0082] Check valve 114 in a forced open state, so that from the inlet 102 the water flows laterally through the

[0083] Check valve 114 can flow into the inner chamber 113.

[0084] The inlet water flows in bypass mode over the inner

[0085] Chamber 113 directly to exit 103 .

[0086] In the pipe section of the outlet 103 to the extraction point there is a

[0087] Water meter 120 is inserted. The water meter 120 comprises an insert 121 which is inserted, in particular clamped, into the pipe section.

[0088] The insert 121 is designed as a support for an axle 122 arranged coaxially with the outlet 103. An impeller 123 is pushed onto the axle 122 and is set in motion by the flow of water.

[0089] In the impeller or in a cap placed on the impeller 123 there is at least one magnet 124, via which the signal of the water meter 120 can be picked up contactlessly on the outer wall via a sensor (not shown).

[0090] Between the upper housing part 101a and the lower housing part 101b there is a seal 117 for the housing 101, which is arranged on the opposite side of the inlet 102 and the outlet 103 with respect to the position of the actuator 106.

[0091] Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section of the actuator 106 in the actuated state.

[0092] By applying a voltage, the plunger 110 was reset against the preload by the spring 111.

[0093] Water can now flow from the outer chamber 119 into the inner chamber 113.

[0094] At the same time, the check valve 114 closes. To ensure reliable closure, the check valve 114 is moved into the closed state by the differential pressure. The spring 115 assists in closing the check valve 114.

[0095] The water can now no longer flow from the inlet 102 into the inner chamber 113.

[0096] Instead, the water flows from the inlet 102 via the outlet 104 to the filter cartridge and from there back via the inlet 105. The water flows through the outer chamber 119 past the diaphragm of the diaphragm valve 112 into the inner chamber 113.

[0097] From there the water flows via the water meter to outlet 103 .

[0098] Fig. 4 shows an installation system in the basic state, i.e. in bypass operation.

[0099] The switching valve 100 is installed inline in the line leading from the cold water connection 2 to the water tap 3 .

[0100] The switching valve 100 is connected to a socket via a power supply 4.

[0101] The switching valve 100, of which the housing is shown in this view and not the internal components shown in the drawings Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, operates in bypass mode in the basic state shown here. If the water tap is opened, cold water flows from the cold water connection 2 directly to the water tap 3.

[0102] The switching valve is also coupled to a filter candle 10, which is connected via the connection head 11 to the corresponding inlet and outlet of the switching valve 100.

[0103] The connection head 11 comprises an adjustable blending device 12, via which the softening effect of the filter candle 10 can be adjusted.

[0104] In the basic state shown here, no water flows over the filter candle 10. If, as shown in Fig. 5, 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 bypass operation to filter operation.

[0105] The inlet water now flows via the 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 further directed to the water tap 3.

[0106] The user can now draw treated, particularly softened, water.

[0107] When the user closes the faucet 3 again, this is detected by the water meter integrated into the switching valve 100, and the actuator is de-energized again, so that the switching valve 100 switches back to bypass mode. The resetting to bypass mode preferably occurs with a time delay, so that the user can draw treated water from the faucet 3 several times in succession without having to reactivate the system each time.

[0108] Preferably, the current operating status is displayed to the user on the smartphone 5 and / or on the radio switch 3 .

[0109] The invention has made it possible to simplify the installation of a system in which only temporarily treated water is to be withdrawn. List of reference symbols

[0110] 1 installation system

[0111] 2 Cold water connection 3 Faucet

[0112] 4 Power supply

[0113] 5 smartphones

[0114] 6 radio switches

[0115] 10 Filter candle 11 Connection head

[0116] 12 Blending device

[0117] 100 switching valve

[0118] 101 housings

[0119] 101a Upper housing part 101b Lower housing part

[0120] 102 Input for water connection

[0121] 103 Exit to the withdrawal point

[0122] 104 Outlet to filter candle

[0123] 105 Input return filter candle 106 Actuator

[0124] 107a, b electrical connection

[0125] 108 flange

[0126] 109 Actuator housing

[0127] 110 Tappet 111 Spring

[0128] 112 Diaphragm valve

[0129] 113 inner chamber

[0130] 114 Check valve

[0131] 115 Spring 116 Coupling piece

[0132] 117 Seal

[0133] 118 Screw

[0134] 119 outer chamber

[0135] 120 Water meter 121 Insert 122 Axle

[0136] 123 Impeller

[0137] 124 Magnet

Claims

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 withdrawal point and via two lines to the connection head, wherein the switching valve in a basic state directs water from the water connection directly to the withdrawal 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 in that the switching valve comprises a water meter.

3. Installation system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the water meter is arranged in a connection piece of the switching valve.

4. Installation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 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 in 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 the valve opens. 6 . Installation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator releases a second valve, in particular a check valve, which opens a flow path via a bypass, when actuated, so that the latter closes.

7. Installation system according to claim 5 and 6, characterized in 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 in that the switching valve can be reset to the basic state via the water meter.

9. Installation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection head comprises 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 withdrawal point, as well as an outlet and an inlet 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, to an operating state in which the water is passed through the filter candle.

11. Switching valve according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the switching valve comprises a water meter.

12. Switching valve according to the preceding claim, characterized in 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 in that a first valve is opened via the actuator, which releases the flow path through the filter candle, wherein at the same time a second valve can be closed, which closes the bypass. 14 . Switching valve according to the preceding claim, characterized in 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 in that the switching valve can be set to the basic state on the basis of a signal from the water meter.

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