Water distribution system for domestic and / or office buildings

Abstract

A water distribution system (10) for a domestic and / or office building (15), the system (10) comprising: - a wall (20, 21) of the building (15), - a conduit (30) at least partially arranged in the wall (20, 21), - a tube (40, 40a-c) configured to be arranged at least partially inside the conduit (30), - a water socket (50, 50a-b) configured to be mounted to the wall (20, 21), wherein the water socket (50, 50a-b) comprises a water outlet (55) configured to be fluid ica lly connected to the tube (40, 40a-c), - a water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) adapted to generate a pressure in the range of 0.2 bar to 6 bar and configured to supply water through the tube (40, 40a-c) from a water supply (70, 70a-b) to the water socket (50, 50a-b), - a control unit (80) configured to control the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b), - a power source (90) configured to power the control unit (80), wherein the pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) and the control unit (80) are located in or in proximity of the building (15).

Description

[0001] Water distribution system for domestic and / or office buildings

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a water distribution system for domestic and / or office buildings and to a method of installing said water distribution system.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Water distribution systems for domestic and / or office buildings are known and are used, for example in irrigation systems for plants. Irrigating plants, i.e. watering the plants, poses challenges in particular within building infrastructure, e.g. on balconies, terraces, inside households or offices, on house fronts and roofs. For instance, during an absence of the plant owner, e.g. during the holiday season, or due to inadvertence, the plants are often left without adequate irrigation and, consequently, dry up and die. Manual watering is furthermore labor and consequently cost intensive.

[0006] A known solution from the state of the art is an irrigation system, typically comprising a pump that pumps water from a water tank through hoses, which are lying on the floor, to the plants. Hoses lying on the floor pose a security risk as it is easy for an individual to stumble over them. These hoses suffer from rapid mechanical failure as they may be stepped onto by individuals and / or they are exposed to sunlight which causes rapid aging of the hoses. Conventional irrigation systems are prone to water leaks as a result of frequent movements of the hoses lying on the floor, for example due to cleaning work done on the floor on which they are lying. In addition, conventional irrigation systems have increased space requirements due to their hoses lying on the floor resulting, for example, in an increased difficulty to position furniture around them. Furthermore, hoses on the floor are aesthetically unpleasing.

[0007] Further, conventional irrigation systems are often complicated to set up and maintain, they are often prone to mechanical failure, and they often use constant high water pressure in the hoses resulting in an increased leakage risk. Furthermore, irrigation systems that use the drinking water supply are expensive to install and maintain. Disclosure of the Invention

[0008] It is one objective of the present invention to provide a water distribution system for domestic and / or office buildings with high reliability.

[0009] The objective is achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Other advantageous embodiments are listed in the dependent claims as well as in the description below.

[0010] A first aspect of the invention relates to a water distribution system for domestic and / or office buildings. The system comprises:

[0011] - A wall of a building: The wall is advantageously a vertical wall of the building, but it may also be a horizontal wall, i.e., a floor or a ceiling. The building is the domestic and / or office building.

[0012] - A conduit at least partially arranged in the wall.

[0013] - A tube configured to be arranged at least partially inside the conduit.

[0014] - A water socket configured to be mounted to the wall: The water socket comprises a water outlet configured to be fluidically connected to the tube, i.e. the socket is adapted to be connected to the tube in such a manner that water from the tube arrives at the water outlet.

[0015] - A water pressurizing unit adapted to generate a pressure in the range of 0.2 bar to 6 bar and configured to supply water through the tube from a water supply to the water socket.

[0016] - A control unit configured to control the water pressurizing unit.

[0017] - A power source configured to power the control unit.

[0018] The pressurizing unit and the control unit are located in or in proximity of the domestic and / or office buildings.

[0019] In this context, "in proximity" is to be understood such that the length of the tube is sufficient to connect the pressurizing unit (which is in turn connected to the control unit) to the socket via the conduit. In particular, the pressurizing unit and the control unit are located less than 30 meters away from the building, more particularly less than 10 meters away from the building, most particularly less than 5 meters away from the building. Advantageously, office buildings are buildings that comprise at least one office, in particular in which at least half of the total footage of the building comprises offices.

[0020] The wall may be an inner wall separating two rooms inside the building, or it may be an outer wall separating a room of the building from the outside of the domestic and / or office building.

[0021] The conduit may be a mechanically flexible conduit or a mechanically rigid conduit. The conduit may have a maximum diameter 10 mm and 150 mm, in particular between 15 mm and 80 mm. The conduit may comprise and / or consist of a polymer or a metal.

[0022] The tube may have a maximum diameter between 4 mm and 50 mm, in particular between 5 mm and 25 mm. The tube may comprise or consist of a polymer. The tube may be mechanically flexible.

[0023] Advantageously, the tube is more flexible than the conduit. In this case, the conduit is better able to withstand forces, e.g., while being built into the wall, whereas the tube is better suited to be introduced into the conduit once the conduit is in place.

[0024] The tube being configured to be arranged at least partially inside the conduit allows for an increased protection of the tube. This is particularly advantageous as it reduces a length of the tube prone to be stumbled over, for example because it is lying on the floor. This reduces the risk of leakage, especially the risk of leakage generated by mechanical stress applied to the tube, for example by a person stumbling on the tube lying on the floor.

[0025] The conduit also protects the building infrastructure from potential leaks from the tube, as the water will be collected by the conduit.

[0026] While still preserving the advantages of the tube extending in the conduit in the wall, the tube being configured to be arranged at least partially inside the conduit has the advantage of allowing easy servicing of the tube. In particular, it makes it easy to replace the tube as the tube may be replaced by a new tube without the need for damaging the wall with the conduit through which at least part of the tube extends. Advantageously, the tube is configured to be removably arranged in the conduit, i.e., it can be removed from the conduit without disassembling the wall at least partially. On the other hand, the conduit is advantageously fixedly mounted to the wall, i.e., the conduit cannot be removed from the wall without disassembling the wall at least partially.

[0027] The tube may be a single, continuous tube, or it may comprise one or more tube sections interconnected by coupling sections.

[0028] The conduit gives further flexibility to the water distribution system as the conduit may be preinstalled in the wall of the building. The preinstalled conduit allows to retrofit and / or update the water distribution system in the building without the need of construction works on the wall.

[0029] The water socket may have a maximum size, i.e., a maximum extension in any direction, of 20 cm, in particular for being more easily mountable.

[0030] The water socket may be configured to be mounted on the wall and / or configured to partially extend inside the wall. The water socket may comprise a valve, in particular a mechanical valve, fluidically connected to the water outlet.

[0031] The water pressurizing unit may be a passive water pressurizing unit, for example using gravity to generate water pressure, which reduces the power consumption of the pressurizing unit. The water pressurizing unit may, however, also be an active water pressurizing unit, for example converting electrical energy into hydraulic energy.

[0032] The water pressurizing unit may have a connector configured to connect the water pressurizing unit to the tube in order to fluidically connect the water pressurizing unit to the tube. This renders mounting and disassembling the system easier.

[0033] The water pressurizing unit may be configured to generate a pressure in the range of 0.2 bar to 6 bar. In particular, the water pressurizing unit is adapted to sustain, in particular for at least 1 minute, a pressure in the range of 0.2 bar to 6 bar in the water distribution system, in particular in the tube, with the one or more water outlets closed.

[0034] Advantageously, the pressure is sufficient to overcome differences in height between the pressurizing unit and the plant. On the other hand, it is advantageously not too large in order to keep the components simple and to reduce the leakage in case of a leak in the system.

[0035] Advantageously, the water pressurizing unit is adapted to sustain, in particular for at least 1 minute, a pressure in the range of 0.2 bar to 6 bar in the water distribution system, in particular in the tube, with a flow in the range of 0.15 liter / minute to 0.5 liter / minute flowing through the one or more water outlets.

[0036] The control unit may be configured to control the flow and / or the pressure generated by the water pressurizing unit.

[0037] The water pressurizing unit may comprise a pump, wherein the control unit is configured to control a water pressure or flow generated by the pump. Advantageously, the pump is connected to and powered by the power source.

[0038] Advantageously, the system further comprises a pipe embedded into the wall, wherein the pipe forms at least part of said conduit.

[0039] Advantageously, the conduit is formed, at least in part, by the pipe embedded into the wall. This pipe may, e.g., be cast into the wall while constructing the wall, or it may be embedded into the wall after the wall was constructed. In particular, it may be of a material different from the rest of the wall.

[0040] Casting the pipe into the wall reduces the complexity and the work needed to put the pipe in the wall in the first place. Further, walls with a pipe cast in them may be fabricated at a distant location and mounted on site.

[0041] Alternatively, or in addition thereto, at least part of the conduit may be formed by a cavity formed in, in particular cast into, a building element, such as a brick-like or plate-like element, used for building the wall.

[0042] A wall, in particular a horizontal wall, i.e., a floor or a ceiling, may have cavities cast in it, in particular elongated cavities. In the context of this application, such elongated cavities may be considered as conduits even if they do not include a dedicated pipe defining the wall of the conduit. In particular, terrace boards comprising elongated cavities created within the material of the boards when casting the boards may form horizontal walls, where the elongated cavities, i.e. the space delimited by them, form the conduits.

[0043] Advantageously, the pressurizing unit comprises a pump. This is advantageous as it puts less restriction on the position of the water pressurizing unit. For example a water pressurizing unit comprising a pump does not need, for example, gravity to generate pressure. For this reason a water pressurizing unit comprising a pump may be placed at the lowest altitude of the water distribution system.

[0044] Advantageously, the system further comprises a water tank as a water supply, which makes the system autonomous from an external water supply. In particular, the water tank is configured for containing water at ambient pressure.

[0045] In particular, the pump is arranged at or in the water tank, in particular in a removable cover of the water tank for easier mounting and disassembly.

[0046] The water tank may be connected to a permanent water supply, or to non-permanent water supply like a rainwater collector, for refilling. The water tank may comprise a float valve for closing the connection to said permanent or non- permanent water supply when the water tank is full of water.

[0047] Advantageously, the system comprises several water tanks for redundancy. Advantageously, each water tank comprises a pressurizing unit, in particular a pump, in communication with the control unit and configured to be controlled by the control unit. Advantageously, for better protection, at least 20%, in particular at least 60%, more particularly at least 80%, of a length of the tube is located inside the conduit.

[0048] The tube may be a PVC tube, in particular the tube may have a diameter in the range of 4 mm to 20 mm.

[0049] The system may further comprise:

[0050] - a plant pot and

[0051] - an auxiliary tube attachable to the plant pot, wherein the auxiliary tube is connectable, in particular reversibly connectable, to the water socket such that the plant pot is fluidically connected to the water tank.

[0052] The auxiliary tube attached to the plant pot may be used for drip irrigating the plant pot. Drip irrigating the plant pot using the auxiliary tube may be understood as the water tank being fluidically connected to the plant.

[0053] The plant pot may comprise a water reservoir and may be sub- irrigable from the water reservoir, i.e. the water is fed, with the auxiliary tube, to the water reservoir, from where it is fed to the plant. The auxiliary tube may be connectable, in particular reversibly connectable, to the water reservoir. The system may further comprise a valve, in particular a float valve, in the water reservoir. The valve is configured to close a water input to the water reservoir above a defined water level in the water reservoir, i.e., the flow of incoming water is stopped when the water level reaches the defined water level.

[0054] The water socket may comprise a valve, in particular a valve configured to be electrically actuated.

[0055] The water socket may comprise at least one lock mechanism at the water outlet for reversibly connecting the water socket and the auxiliary tube in a water-tight manner, i.e., the auxiliary tube can be connected to and removed from the water outlet without damaging it. This allows to flexibly change the configuration of the system.

[0056] Advantageously, the lock mechanism is a "Quick Connect", which is defined as a mechanism where the outlet and the auxiliary can be connected by means of pushing the auxiliary tube axially (i.e., in an axial direction of the tube) onto / into the outlet but where, after connecting the auxiliary tube and the outlet, an axial pulling force is unable to reversibly disconnect the auxiliary tube from the outlet.

[0057] In particular, the lock mechanism is configured to close the water outlet in absence of the auxiliary tube.

[0058] The water socket may comprise several lock mechanisms, which allows to connect several auxiliary tubes to a single socket.

[0059] The system may further comprise several water sockets and several tubes, wherein the tubes are configured to connect the water sockets to the pressurizing units. This allows to set up complex irrigation schemes.

[0060] The system may comprise several pressurizing units for redundancy.

[0061] In this case, advantageously, the distribution system further comprises several one-way valves, with each one-way valve configured to fluidically connect at least one pressurizing unit to the tube. This allows to easily connect the several pressurizing units to the tube, with each of them being able to feed water to the tube without undesired backflow into the other pressurizing unit(s). The water socket may be configured to protrude at most 3 cm from the wall, in particular at most 2 cm, more particularly at most 1 cm, in the intended use.

[0062] Advantageously, in this case, the water socket comprises a base plate with the water outlet protruding by at most 3 cm from a back side of the base plate, in particular at most 2 cm, more particularly at most 1 cm, wherein the socket is configured to be connected to the tube from the back side. The base plate can then be mounted with its back side against the wall.

[0063] The system may further comprise at least one of

[0064] - a flow sensor, in particular arranged at the water pressurizing unit, in communication with the control unit and configured to measure a flow generated by the water pressurizing unit, and / or

[0065] - a pressure sensor, in particular arranged at the water pressurizing unit, in communication with the control unit and configured to measure a pressure generated by the water pressurizing unit,

[0066] - a water level sensor, in particular arranged in the water tank, in communication with the control unit and configured to measure a water level in the water tank.

[0067] These sensors can be used to monitor the system. In particular, the control unit may be adapted to detect a leak by means of at least one of these sensors and to switch off the pressurizing unit when a leak is detected.

[0068] The control unit may be configured to switch the water pressurizing unit on and off intermittently, in particular at regular time intervals and / or in response to a sensor input. In particular, a sensor input from a flow sensor and / or a pressure sensor and / or a water level sensor.

[0069] The control unit may be configured to stop the water pressurizing unit in response to a flow in the tube being above an upper threshold value, said upper threshold value may be a value above 0.5 liter / minute. In particular, this flow may be measured by the flow sensor. This allows to stop feeding water to the tube, e.g., in the event of a leak.

[0070] Advantageously, the control unit is configured to stop the water pressurizing unit in response to a flow in the tube, in particular as measured by the flow sensor, being below a lower threshold value. In particular, said lower threshold value may be a value below 0.15 liter / minute. This allows to stop feeding water to the tube, e.g., in the event of a blockage. The flow rate may also drop below a lower threshold value, said lower threshold value may be a value below 0. 15 liter / minute, as a result of closed water outlets, for example due to all water reservoirs of connected plant pots being completely filled with water.

[0071] The control unit may be configured to keep the water pressurizing unit running while a flow in the tube, in particular as measured by the pressure sensor, is in a range between 0. 15 liter / minute and 0.5 liter / minute.

[0072] The control unit may be configured to stop the water pressurizing unit in response to a detected unusual water consumption pattern.

[0073] To do so, the control unit may be configured to measure, over a period of time, an operating value of the system.

[0074] In another embodiment, in order to determine an unusual water consumption pattern, the control unit may be configured to use at least one parameter descriptive of a time variation of said value for detecting an erroneous state of the system and for switching off the pump. In other words, a value, such as the on / off state of the pump or a change in water level or flow rate or pressure in the system, is recorded as a function of time. At least one parameter is derived as a function of the temporal change of said value, and this parameter is used for detecting the erroneous state, such as a leak.

[0075] For example, if the value is the on / off state of the pump, the parameter may be the maximum or the average on-time recorded over a predefined time window, for example the past week. This parameter is compared to the current on-time. If the current on-time exceeds the maximum previous on-time or the average previous on-times in said predefined time window by a factor of, e.g., 2, the control unit may conclude that the system has a malfunction, such as a leak, and may switch off the pump.

[0076] In another example, the value may be the flow rate in the tube, measured by the flow sensor or indirectly measured by the water level sensor. In this case, the parameter may be the flow rate average during the on-states of the pump over a past time window, e.g. 10 seconds, after the pump has been turned on. The current flow rate average is compared to the maximum or the average of the average flow rate in a short time window, recorded over a longer period of time, e.g. one week. If the current flow rate average exceeds the maximum or average of previous average flow rates by, e.g., a factor of 2, the control unit may conclude that the system has a malfunction, such as a leak, and may switch off the pump.

[0077] In another example, the pump may be connected to the power source through a current sensor. The current sensor is in communication with the control unit. The current sensor is configured to measure the electrical current consumed (i.e. flowing from the power source to the pump) by the pump. The values may be the electrical current and the flow rate, wherein the electrical current is, for example, measured through the current sensor. If the electrical current measured during the on-state of the pump is below a threshold value, said threshold value may be a value in the range of 10 mA to 300 mA, and, at the same time, the flow rate falls below a threshold, said threshold may be a value below 0.2 liter / minute, the control unit may conclude that the system has a malfunction, such as a leak where air can enter the tube.

[0078] In particular, recording the operating value of the system over a period of time may comprise recording a time series of the parameter (such as the pressure or flow rate over a plurality of times) and / or recording the times at which the parameter changes its value (such as the times when the pump is switched on and off, or when the flow is over 0.15 liter / minute). The recorded operating values may be stored locally, in particular in the control unit. Alternatively or in addition thereto, they may also be stored remotely, e.g., on the cloud if the control unit is equipped with a suitable communication unit as described in more detail below.

[0079] If the user changes the configuration of the system, such as adding another plant pot to the system (wherein the plant pot is, e.g., to be watered), the pattern will change. Therefore, the control unit advantageously comprises a user interface for entering a configuration change and is adapted to re-record the pattern when the user interface is operated.

[0080] Advantageously, the control unit is configured to, for leak-testing the water distribution system, in response to having generated a stop pressurizing signal (as described above):

[0081] - wait for a first preconfigured time duration, the first preconfigured time duration being comprised in the range of 0 to 60 minutes, in particular 10 minutes. - control the water pressurizing unit with the step of generating pressure in the tube for a second preconfigured time duration, said second preconfigured time duration being in the range of 0.1 to 30 minutes, in particular 3 minutes.

[0082] If the average flow rate in the tube while the water pressurizing unit is generating pressure stays below a threshold value, the threshold value being smaller than 0.15 liter / minute, the control unit may conclude that the system does not exhibit any leakage.

[0083] The control unit may be configured to start the water pressurizing unit every threshold time interval, in particular at least every 24 h or every 48 h.

[0084] The control unit may be configured to turn off the pump once the pump pumped a predefined maximum volume of water during each on-state of the pump. The predefined maximum volume of water may correspond to the maximum capacity of the attached water consumption units such as a plant pot comprising a water reservoir. For instance, if a plant pot with a reservoir having a capacity of 2 L is comprised (and connected) in the system, the control unit may be configured to pump a maximum of 2 L at each on-state of the pump. This is advantageous as it allows to limit the amount of water that may be leaked by the system.

[0085] The control unit may be configured to generate a passive water leakage detection signal in response to the water level sensor in the water tank detecting a water level reduction rate during an off-state of the pump surpassing a threshold value, in particular surpassing 0.5 liter / hour, more particularly surpassing 1 liter / hour.

[0086] The control unit may be configured to generate a passive water leakage detection signal in response to the water level sensor in the water tank detecting a water level reduction during an off-state of the pump surpassing a predefined maximum water volume, for example corresponding to the maximum capacity of the attached water consumption units such as a plant pot comprising a water reservoir. Alternatively, the predefined maximum water volume may be the sum of typical maximum water volumes consumed per plant.

[0087] Such a passive leakage detection is advantageous as it allows to detect a passive water leak, for example a leak that leaks water even when the pump is turned off. During said passive leak, water may escape the water tank through gravitational flow of water.

[0088] The water outlet may be connected or may be connectable, in particular through the auxiliary tube, to at least one among the group of

[0089] - a planter,

[0090] - a water reservoir fixed to a planter,

[0091] - an air humidifier,

[0092] - a water source configured to give access to drinking water to pets,

[0093] - a cleaning station of a cleaning robot,

[0094] - a birdbath,

[0095] - an aquarium,

[0096] - a wall garden,

[0097] - a raised bed,

[0098] - a balcony garden,

[0099] - a roof greening system,

[0100] - a solar panel cooling system,

[0101] - a water cooling system,

[0102] - an air conditioning unit,

[0103] - hydroponic and aquaponic systems.

[0104] The control unit may be configured, for leak-testing the water distribution system, to control the water pressurizing unit with the steps of

[0105] - generating pressure in the tube,

[0106] - measuring the flow generated by the water pressurizing unit and / or measuring the resulting pressure in the tube, in particular by the pressure sensor,

[0107] - generating a leak detection signal in case of a persisting non-zero flow generated by the water pressurizing unit and / or a drop in pressure in the tube.

[0108] The control unit may be configured, for leak-testing the water distribution system, to control the water pressurizing unit with the steps of

[0109] - measuring the flow generated by the water pressurizing unit and comparing it with a threshold value, in particular a flow generated in a preconfigured time interval,

[0110] - generating a leak detection signal in case the flow reached or surpassed the threshold value, in particular in case the accumulated flow over a preconfigured time interval reached or surpassed the threshold value. The control unit may be configured, for leak-testing the water distribution system, to control the water pressurizing unit with the steps of

[0111] - determining the state of the water pressurizing unit,

[0112] - measuring a water level in the water tank, in particular using the water level sensor,

[0113] - generating a leak detection signal in case the water level in the water tank decreased more than a predefined threshold value while the water pressurizing unit was turned off.

[0114] Advantageously, the system further comprises a communication unit in communication with the control unit. The communication unit may be configured to send data and / or receive data to / from an external element, in particular to / from a smartphone and / or to / from a cloud infrastructure.

[0115] The control unit may be configured to send an alarm, in particular to send an alarm to the smartphone and / or to the cloud infrastructure, in response to a detected unusual water consumption pattern.

[0116] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of installing the water distribution system as described before in a building. The method comprising the steps of

[0117] - arranging at least part of the tube in the conduit located at least partially in the wall,

[0118] - arranging the water socket at the wall, and

[0119] - connecting the water outlet of the water socket to the tube

[0120] Advantageously, the water socket is adapted to be mounted to a wall at an end of the outlet and to be mated with said end.

[0121] Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of leaktesting the system (in particular the tube), in particular leak-testing as described above. Leak-testing may be executed by the control unit. Leak-testing may be done using the pressurizing unit comprised in the system, or using an external pressurizing unit to be temporarily connected to one of the water sockets. The use of such an external pressurizing unit is advantageous as it allows to leak-test the system during installation, for example when the water pressurizing unit of the system is not yet installed. Further such an external pressurizing unit may be configured to provide higher pressures than the water pressurizing unit of the system, for example said external pressurizing unit may provide a water pressure of 8 bar. Such higher water pressure may allow to detect smaller leaks and / or to detect leaks more efficiently.

[0122] Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of embedding a pipe in the wall of the building for forming at least part of the conduit, i.e. the pipe forms at least part of the conduit.

[0123] The invention also relates to a building with such water distribution system. In said building, at least part of the tube is arranged in the conduit and the socket is arranged on the wall at an end of the conduit. The tube is connected to the socket as well as to the water pressurizing unit.

[0124] Further, office buildings may include, for example, shopping centers, schools, fitness centers, administrations. In particular, office buildings do not comprise agricultural buildings.

[0125] The invention also relates to the use of the water distribution system as described above in a domestic building and / or in an office building, in particular in an office.

[0126] The water distribution system as described above may be considered to be used in an office if the conduit of the system is at least partially arranged in a wall comprised in and / or delimiting the office.

[0127] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0128] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent from the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed figures. Identical reference signs correspond to identical structural components. Short overview of the figures:

[0129] Figure 1 : Schematic representation of a first embodiment of the water distribution system. Figure 2: Schematic representation of a second embodiment of the water distribution system comprising two water tanks.

[0130] Figure 3: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a water socket.

[0131] Figure 4: Schematic representation of another embodiment of a water socket.

[0132] Figure 5: Schematic representation of the connections between several water sockets.

[0133] Figure 6: Schematic sectional view of a water socket arranged in a wall.

[0134] Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0135] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the water distribution system 10. The system 10 comprises a water tank 70 as a water source, wherein the water tank 70 contains water.

[0136] The water tank 70 has a capacity of, e.g., 30 liters of water. A pump 62 is mounted to a cover 60 of the water tank 70. The pump can generate a pressure of, e.g., 5 bar while the water output of the pump is closed.

[0137] The pump 62 sucks water out of the water tank 70 and pumps it into a tube section 40a extending to a first water socket 50a. Tube section 40a forms part of a tube 40 to be described in more detail below.

[0138] The tube section 40a, just like any other tube section on the tube or tubes 40, may have an inner diameter of 6 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm and is made of PVC.

[0139] The pump 62 can sustain, for at least 30 minutes, a flow rate of 0.5 liter / minute at a pressure of 2 bar in the tube section 40a.

[0140] The first water socket 50a comprises a water terminal 55a with a Quick Connect mechanism (not shown). The tube section 40a is reversibly connected by means of the Quick Connect (not shown) to the water terminal 55 a.

[0141] In the first water socket 50a, the water terminal 55a is further connected to two or more sections 40b, 40c of the tube 40, as seen by the two tube 40 segments extending out of the first water socket 50a inside a building 15 wall 20. Both of these tube sections 40b, 40c extend in conduits 30 inside the wall 20.

[0142] The conduits 30 have an inner diameter of, e.g., 30 mm and are mechanically less flexible than the tube 40 for the reasons mentioned above.

[0143] The tube section 40b extends to a second water socket 50b mounted on the exterior side of the building wall 20, e.g. on a balcony 25, wherein the tube segment 40b is connected to the water outlet 55b from a rear side of the second water socket 50b, i.e. from the side of the water socket 50b facing the wall 20.

[0144] At the side of the second water socket 50b facing away from wall 20, an auxiliary tube 45 is reversibly connected to a water outlet 55b of the socket. The auxiliary tube 45 is reversibly connected to the water outlet 55b through a Quick Connect (not shown) comprising a closing mechanism (not shown). The Quick Connect allows to easily connect the auxiliary tube 45 to the water outlet 55b by mechanically pressing the auxiliary tube 45 into the Quick Connect mechanism.

[0145] The closing mechanism is opened by the presence of the auxiliary tube 45 in the Quick Connect mechanism and is closed in the absence of the auxiliary tube 45 in the Quick Connect mechanism. Alternatively, the closing mechanism may be plug. Therefore, the closing mechanism prevents water from exiting the water outlet 55b in the absence of a connected auxiliary tube 45, preventing water spillage.

[0146] The auxiliary tube 45 is also connected to a water reservoir 201 of a plant pot 200.

[0147] At the entrance of the auxiliary water tube 45 into the water reservoir 201, there is a float valve 202 configured to prevent water from entering the reservoir 201 from the auxiliary water tube 45 if the water reservoir 201 is full.

[0148] From the first water socket 50a located closest to the water tank 70, a further tube section 40c extends in another conduit 30 located inside the building wall 20. Tube section 40c extends towards the floor 21, i.e. a horizontal wall, of the building 15.

[0149] Tube section 40c extends to the opposite side of the building (left side of the building in Fig. 1) through the conduit 30 located in the floor 21 of the building 15 before reaching another second water socket 50b. As for the second water socket 50b on the balcony 25, also this second water socket 50b (left side of the building in Fig. 1), the second tube section 40c is connected to the water outlet 55b from a rear side, i.e. from the side of the water socket 50b facing the wall 20.

[0150] At the opposite side of socket 50b, an auxiliary tube 45 is reversibly connected to the water outlet 55b.

[0151] The auxiliary tube 45 connects the water reservoir 201 of the plant pot 200 to the water outlet 55b of the second water socket 50b. At the entrance of the auxiliary water tube 45 into the water reservoir 201, there is a float valve 202 configured to prevent water from entering the reservoir 201 from the auxiliary water tube 45 if the water reservoir 201 is full.

[0152] A one-way valve 100 is connected between the pump and the tube in a direction such that water can pass from the water tank 70 towards the plant pots 200. Said one-way valve 100 prevents passive water flow into the water tank 70 when the pump 62 is turned off.

[0153] A control unit 80 is connected by means of a wired or wireless connection 85 to the pump 62 and to a flow sensor 120. The pump 62, the control unit 80 and the flow sensor 120 are connected to the power grid 90 of the building 15 as power source.

[0154] The control unit 80 controls the pump 62. The control unit 80 receives input from the flow sensor 120.

[0155] The control unit 80 starts the pump 62 at regular intervals, e.g. once every 24h.

[0156] While the pump 62 is running, the control unit 80 monitors, through flow sensor input from flow sensor 120, the water flow rate that the pump 62 is generating. If the water flow rate generated by the pump 62 is, e.g., below 0.15 liter / minute for a time duration of 10 seconds, the control unit 80 stops the pump 62. A flow rate below 0.15 liter / minute indicates that both reservoirs 201 of the plant pots 200 are full and their water entry is closed by their respective float valves 202.

[0157] If the water flow rate generated by the pump 62 is, e.g., above 0.5 liter / minute for a time duration of 10 seconds, the control unit 80 stops the pump 62. A flow rate above 0.5 liter / minute indicates that there is a larger water leakage in the system 10, for example caused by the tube 40 being disconnected from the water outlet 55a / 55b of the water socket 50 closest to the water tank 70. If the pump 62 has been running for a time duration of, e.g., 20 minutes, the control unit 80 stops the pump 62. The pump 62 running for 20 minutes is indicative of a technical defect, for example the flow sensor 120 no longer providing accurate data and / or that the water distribution system has a water leakage.

[0158] The water tank 70 comprises a water level sensor 128. The water level sensor 128 is in communication with the control unit 80. The control unit 80 is configured to monitor the water level in the tank 70 using the water level sensor 128.

[0159] A communication unit 95 is in communication with the control unit 80. The communication unit 95 is configured to send and / or receive communication data from the control unit 80 and to send this communication data to a smartphone and / or a cloud infrastructure.

[0160] Figure 2 shows the connection topography of different components of a second embodiment of the water distribution system 10. It is understood that the emphasis here is on the topography of the system 10. Some features of the system, such as building 15, are not shown in Fig. 2 and may be similar to how they are described in the context of Fig. 1.

[0161] Starting on the lower right of Fig. 2, the system 10 comprises a first water tank 70a with a cover 60a, a pump 62a, a control unit 80, and a power source 90, wherein these components have similar fimctions / working principles as the same components described in relation with Figure 1. The water tank is connected 127 to a permanent water supply 126 for automatic refilling, wherein a float valve 125 closes the connection when the water tank 70 is full. In this embodiment, the permanent water supply is a water supply of the domestic and / or office building, i.e., the main water supply of the building.

[0162] A tube 40 connects the pump 62 to four plant pots 200, an air humidifier 203, and a second pump 62b. The second pump 62b is mounted to a second cover 60b of a second water tank 70b. Close to each water tank 70a, 70b, in particular less than 20 cm away, there is a respective one-way valve mounted in the tube 40. Both one-way valves 100 are mounted in a direction such that water can pass from the water tank 70 towards the plant pots 200 and other water receives, such as air humidifier 203. These one-way valves prevent the situation where, for example, the first pump 62a pumps water into the tube 40, through the second pump 62b and into the second water tank 70b, which may lead to an overfilling of the second water tank 70b.

[0163] The control unit 80 is connected by means of a connection to the second pump 62b and controls the second pump 62b. Having two water tanks 70a, 70b in the system 10 allows for a longer, timewise, water supply without the need to refill. This may be advantageous, for example, if the system is used to irrigate plants in the plant pots 200 during a prolonged absence of the plant owner.

[0164] Further, the presence of two water tanks 70a, 70b with their respective pumps 60a, 60b makes the system 10 more failsafe since if one of the pumps 62a, 62b fails, the system can still provide water using the working pump 62a, 62b. The tube 40 may be connected to the plant pots 200 in a series connection and / or in a parallel connection.

[0165] Shown here in Fig. 2 are both, series and parallel connections. Starting from the left side of Fig. 2, the tube exiting the second water tank 70b is connected in series to the first two plant pots 200 (from left to right) and is connected in parallel to the last two plant pots 200 (from left to right).

[0166] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a water socket 50, in particular a second water socket 50b, as seen from the side of the water outlets. The water socket comprises two water outlets 55, each connected to a Quick Connect mechanism 56 allowing to releasably connect an auxiliary tube to it by axially pushing the auxiliary tube, with an optional adapter at its end, onto or into the Quick Connect mechanism.

[0167] The water socket 50 comprises a frame 51 and a central part 52, wherein the central part 52 may be removed from a mount installed in the wall by unscrewing a screw 53. Removing the central part 52 gives access to the tube section connected to the water outlet 55, which facilitates maintenance of the system 10, in particular of the tube section running along the conduit within the wall.

[0168] When the central part 52 is affixed to the wall, it pushes the frame 51 against the wall and holds it in position. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a water socket 50. The water socket 50 is similar to the one shown in Fig. 3, however, in this embodiment, the water socket 50 only comprises one water outlet 55. The water outlet 55 is connected to a Quick Connect mechanism 56.

[0169] Figure 5 shows a connection topography of water sockets 50, in particular of second water sockets. Shown are four water sockets 50 each comprising two water outlets 55 and two Quick Connect mechanism 56 connected to the water outlets 55. A fifth water socket 57 does not comprise any water outlets or Quick Connect mechanism.

[0170] The eight water outlets 55 of the four water sockets 50 are connected by a tube 40, wherein the tube extends through several conduit sections 30.

[0171] Every one of the eight water outlets 55 can be connected to a water pressurizing unit, for example a pump connected to a water tank. The remaining water outlets may be connected, for example, to plant pots, air humidifiers, or other devices that consume the water provided by the system.

[0172] The water socket 57 without water outlets is advantageously placed between two water sockets 50 separated by a long distance, for example 15 meters. The water socket 57 without water outlets allows for better maintenance. For example, if placed between two water sockets 50 separated by 15 meters, the replacement of the tube section connecting said two water sockets 50 is facilitated as the length over with the replacement tube section needs to be inserted into the conduit is divided into two shorter length, namely the length from the water socket 57 without water outlets to the respective two water sockets 50. The water socket 57 also allows for bifurcations and manual valves to be included in the installation (water distribution system), which can then easily be serviced and exchanged via the socket.

[0173] As illustrated by Fig. 5, the first and second water sockets, i.e., the water sockets 50a connected to a pump and the sockets 50b connected to a waterconsuming device, can be of the same design.

[0174] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a water socket 50, which may be a first water socket 50a and / or a second water socket 50b. Water socket 50 has a base plate 160 with a front side 162 and a back side 164. In its position mounted to the wall 20, front side 162 faces away from the wall 20 and back side 164 faces the wall 20.

[0175] Base plate 160 may comprise the frame 51 and the central part 52 mentioned above, but it may, e.g., also be made of a single piece.

[0176] Water outlet 55 (which acts as the water terminal for the first water socket 50a, i.e., for the water socket at the pump) is to the front side 162 base plate 160 and carries the Quick Connect mechanism 56. The water outlet 55 may protrude from the base plate 160 or be mounted behind the base plate 160, accessible through a hole in the base plate 160.

[0177] At the back side 164 of base plate 160, water socket 50 comprises one or more ports 66 adapted to form watertight connections with tube sections 40b, 40c. Each port is fluidically connected to water outlet 55 as denoted by dotted lines 68.

[0178] If there is more than one such port 66, the ports 66 are advantageously fluidically interconnected in order to form fluid interconnections between all tube sections 40b, 40c... arriving at a given water socket 50.

[0179] If there is more than one such port 66 and the ports are interconnected, any unused port 66 is typically closed by means of a stopper.

[0180] Alternatively to providing several ports 66 at the back side 164, the water socket 50 may also comprise only a single port 66. In that case, if the water socket 50 is to be connected to several tube sections 40b, 40c..., suitable T-pipe sections may be used. Additional tubing elements such as X-pipes, manual closing valves or check valves may also be housed within the water socket 50.

[0181] Water socket 50 is mounted at the exit of one or more of the conduits 30.

[0182] Advantageously, water socket 50 is mounted over a cavity 170 in wall 20, with one or more of the conduits 30 formed by pipes 31 cast in the wall 20, also ending at the cavity 170, thereby providing a protected space for receiving the ports 66 and connecting them to the tube sections 40b, 40c.

[0183] Hence, advantageously, water socket 50 has a front side 162 and a back side 164, with at least one water outlet 55 (which may also act as a water terminal or water inlet) at its front side 164 and with one or more ports 66 adapted to form a watertight connection with the tube 40 at its back side 164.

[0184] If the water socket 50 is to be connected, at its back side, to more than one tube section, it advantageously comprises several ports 66 at its back side 64.

[0185] If the water socket 50 is to be connected, at its front side 162, to more than one tube section or auxiliary tube, it advantageously comprises several water outlets 55.

Claims

Claims1. A water distribution system (10) for a domestic and / or office building (15), the system (10) comprising:- a wall (20, 21) of the building (15),- a conduit (30) at least partially arranged in the wall (20, 21),- a tube (40, 40a-c) configured to be arranged at least partially inside the conduit (30),- a water socket (50, 50a-b) configured to be mounted to the wall (20, 21), wherein the water socket (50, 50a-b) comprises a water outlet (55) configured to be fluidically connected to the tube (40, 40a-c),- a water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) adapted to generate a pressure in the range of 0.2 bar to 6 bar and configured to supply water through the tube (40, 40a-c) from a water supply (70, 70a-b) to the water socket (50, 50a-b),- a control unit (80) configured to control the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a- b),- a power source (90) configured to power the control unit (80), wherein the pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) and the control unit (80) are located in or in proximity of the building (15).

2. The water distribution system (10) according to claim 1 further comprising a pipe embedded into the wall, wherein the pipe forms at least part of said conduit (30).

3. The water distribution system (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) comprises a pump (62, 62a-b), wherein the control unit (80) is configured to control a water pressure or flow generated by the pump (62, 62a-b).

4. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a water tank (70, 70a-b) as the water supply (70, 70a-b), in particular configured to contain water at ambient pressure, in particular wherein the pump (62, 62a-b) is arranged at or in the water tank(70, 70a-b), in particular in a removable cover (60, 60a-b) of the water tank (70, 70a-b).

5. The water distribution system (10) according to claim 4 comprising several water tanks (70, 70a-b).

6. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 20%, in particular at least 60%, more particularly at least 80%, of a length of the tube (40, 40a-c) is located inside the conduit (30).

7. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tube (40, 40a-c) is a PVC tube, in particular having a diameter in the range of 4 mm to 20 mm.

8. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising- a plant pot (200) and- an auxiliary tube (45) attachable to the plant pot (200), wherein the auxiliary tube (45) is connectable, in particular reversibly connectable, to the water socket (50, 50a-b) such that the plant pot (200) is fluidically connected to the water tank (70, 70a-b).

9. The water distribution system (10) according to claim 8, wherein the plant pot (200) comprises a water reservoir (201) and is sub-irrigable from the water reservoir (201), wherein the auxiliary tube (45) is connectable, in particular reversibly connectable, to the water reservoir (201).

10. The water distribution system (10) according to claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising a valve (202), in particular a float valve (202), in the water reservoir (201) configured to close a water input to the water reservoir (201) above a defined water level in the water reservoir (201).

11. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water socket (50, 50a-b) comprises a valve (56), in particular a valve configured to be electrically actuated.

12. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water socket (50, 50a-b) comprises at least one lock mechanism (56) at the water outlet (55) for reversibly connecting the water socket and an auxiliary tube (45), in particular wherein the lock mechanism (56) is configured to close the water outlet (55) in absence of the auxiliary tube (45).

13. The water distribution system (10) according to claim 12, wherein the socket (50, 50a-b) comprises several lock mechanisms (56).

14. The water distribution system (10) according to any of the preceding claims comprising several pressurizing units (62, 62a-b), and in particular wherein the distribution system (10) further comprises several check valves (100), with each check valve (100) configured to fluidically connect at least one pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) to the tube (40, 40a-c).

15. The water distribution system (10) according to claim 14 comprising several water sockets (50, 50a-b) and several tubes (40, 40a-c), wherein the tubes (40, 40a-c) are configured to connect the water sockets (50, 50a-b) to the pressurizing units (62, 62a-b).

16. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water socket (50, 50a-b) is configured to protrude at most 3 cm from the wall, in particular at most 2 cm, more particularly at most 1 cm, in the intended use.

17. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of- a flow sensor (120), in particular arranged at the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b), in communication with the control unit (80) and configured to measure a flow generated by the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b), and / or- a pressure sensor, in particular arranged at the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b), in communication with the control unit (80) and configured to measure a pressure generated by the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b),- a water level sensor (128), in particular arranged in the water tank (70, 70a- b), in communication with the control unit (80) and configured to measure a water level in the water tank (70, 70a-b).

18. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (80) is configured to switch the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) on and off intermittently, in particular at regular time intervals and / or in response to a sensor input, in particular a sensor input from a flow sensor (120) and / or a pressure sensor and / or a water level sensor (128).

19. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (80) is configured to stop the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) in response to a flow in the tube (40, 40a-c), in particular as measured by a flow sensor (120), being above an upper threshold value, in particular above 0.5 liter / minute.

20. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (80) is configured to stop the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) in response to a flow in the tube (40, 40a-c), in particular as measured by a flow sensor (120), being below a lower threshold value, in particular below 0.15 liter / minute.

21. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (80) is configured to keep the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) running while a flow in the tube (40, 40a-c), inparticular as measured by a pressure sensor, is in a range between 0. 15 liter / minute and 0.5 liter / minute.

22. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (80) is configured to stop the water pressurizing unit in response to a detected unusual water consumption pattern.

23. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (80) is configured to start the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) every threshold time interval, in particular at least every 24 h or every 48 h.

24. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water outlet (55) is connected or connectable, in particular through the auxiliary tube (45), to at least one among the group of- a planter,- a water reservoir fixed to a planter,- an air humidifier (203),- a water source configured to give access to drinking water to pets,- a cleaning station of a cleaning robot,- a birdbath,- an aquarium,- a wall garden,- a raised bed,- a balcony garden,- a roof greening system,- a solar panel cooling system,- a water cooling system,- an air conditioning unit,- hydroponic and aquaponic systems.

25. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (80) is configured, for leak-testing the waterdistribution system (10), to control the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) with the steps of- generating pressure in the tube (40, 40a-c),- measuring a flow generated by the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) and / or measuring a resulting pressure in the tube (40, 40a-c), in particular by a pressure sensor,- generating a leak detection signal in case of a persisting non-zero flow generated by the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) and / or in case of a drop in pressure in the tube (40, 40a-c).

26. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (80) is configured, for leak-testing the water distribution system (10), to control the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) with the steps of- measuring a flow generated by the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) and comparing it with a threshold value, in particular a flow generated in a preconfigured time interval,- generating a leak detection signal in case the flow reached or surpassed the threshold value, in particular in case the accumulated flow over a preconfigured time interval reached or surpassed the threshold value.

27. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (80) is configured, for leak-testing the water distribution system (10), to control the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) with the steps of- determining the state of the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b)- measuring a water level in the water tank (70), in particular using the water level sensor (128),- generating a leak detection signal in case the water level in the water tank (70) decreased more than a predefined threshold value while the water pressurizing unit (62, 62a-b) was turned off.

28. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication unit (95) in communication with the control unit (80), wherein the communication unit (95) is configured to send data and / or receive data to / from an external element, in particular to / from a smartphone and / or to / from a cloud infrastructure.

29. The water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (80) is configured to send an alarm, in particular to send an alarm to a smartphone and / or to a cloud infrastructure, in response to a detected unusual water consumption pattern.

30. A method of installing the water distribution system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims in a building comprising the steps of- arranging at least part of the tube (40, 40a-c) in the conduit (30) located at least partially in the wall (20, 21),- arranging the water socket (50, 50a-b) at the wall (20, 21), and- connecting the water outlet (55) of the water socket (50, 50a-b) to the tube (40, 40a-c).

31. The method of installing the water distribution system (10) according to claim 30, further comprising the step of- embedding a pipe in the wall (20, 21) of the building (15) for forming at least part of the conduit (30).

32. Use of the water distribution system (10) according to any one of the claims 1 to 29 in a domestic building (15) and / or in an office building (15).

Images