A cabinet for cold and hot consumption water with necessary valves and distribution pipes

The compact water distribution system addresses inefficiencies in existing systems by integrating a motor-actuated spindle for leak prevention and a circulation pump, ensuring safe and efficient hot water access with reduced leakage and maintenance, while preventing Legionella bacteria growth.

GB2623453BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-11THOR FROLICH BRAATHEN
View PDF 8 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
GB2024000613
Authority / Receiving Office
GB · GB
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-06-23
Filing Date
2022-06-23
Publication Date
2026-02-11
Estimated Expiration
2042-06-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing water distribution systems lack efficient and compact designs that can handle varying water pressures, prevent Legionella bacteria growth, and ensure quick access to hot water without energy wastage, while maintaining safety against leakage and easy maintenance.

Method used

A compact cabinet design with integrated valves and distribution pipes that accommodate pressures up to 5 bars, separate cold and hot water systems, include a motor-actuated spindle for leak prevention, and incorporate a circulation pump for immediate hot water availability, along with a compact distribution pipe for easy installation and maintenance.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a safe, efficient, and energy-saving water distribution system that prevents Legionella bacteria, ensures quick hot water access, and reduces leakage risks, while allowing easy assembly and maintenance.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000001_0000
    Figure 00000001_0000
  • Figure 00000002_0000
    Figure 00000002_0000
  • Figure 00000003_0000
    Figure 00000003_0000
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A cold water cabinet (41) comprising a valve housing (22) intended for an ingoing pressure above 5 bars. The valve housing (22) is moulded in one unit and comprising therein a shut-off valve (2), a ch
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[0012] The present invention is defined by the appended claims. According to the invention one of more of the following advantages are achieved:

[0013] A cold water cabinet for inbound water having a pressure below 5 bars, having all the necessary functions, including water stop, in a single valve housing.

[0014] A cold water cabinet for inbound water having a pressure above 5 bars, having all the necessary functions, including water stop, in a single valve housing.

[0015] Only three necessary connections for valves, supply pipe, water meter and distribution pipe. Easy assembling and service for water filter in a much lower cabinet than present cabinets.

[0016] No legionella bacteria since the cold water is divided from the hot water in two separate cabinets.

[0017] Valve spindles with quadruple safety against external leakage and safety to bypass, by activation of spindle, due to prevention of chalk pollution in plungers.

[0018] An upper valve part with motor actuator and auxiliary manual stop function, by which the motor can acuate the spindle and plunger to close against a seat.

[0019] Cabinet with outlet to drain, which secures against internal leakage in the cabinet and pipe-in-pipe type pipes from the cabinet, which are mounted in connections to a distribution pipe.

[0020] A new distribution pipe with a centre mounted connection for easy connection of water meter. [0021 ] A hot water cabinet with all options, without or with a temperature regulation valve mounted therein. For long piping, an easy mounting of a circulation pump is provided, along with a return pipe to circulate water back to the water heater, to make hot water at the right temperature immediately available when a tap is opened. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Figure 1 shows a prior art flow-stop valve seen from the outside, Figure 2 shows a section of a prior art pressure reduction valve according to EP1845430A2, Figure 2a shows a prior art distribution pipe 1 according to PCT / NO2020 / 050140, Figure 3 shows a first embodiment according to the present invention of a combined valve having shut-off, pressure adjustment and water-stop functions, Figure 4 shows a second embodiment according to the present invention of a combined valve having shut-off, pressure adjustment and water-stop functions, Figure 5 shows a distribution pipe adapted to be used with the valves of figures 3 and 4, Figure 6 shows a cold water cabinet with the distribution pipe of figure 5 and the valve of figure 3, Figure 7 shows a cold water cabinet with the distribution pipe of figure 5 and the valve of figure 4, Figure 8 shows a hot water cabinet with the distribution pipe of figure 5, and Figure 9 shows a hot water cabinet with the distribution pipe of figure 5 and a pressure regulation valve. Drawings

[0023] Fig. 3 shows a valve 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It comprises an upper part 2, a spindle 3 with two O-rings 4 and a cone and O-ring seal 5 for quadruple sealing against external water leakage. The cone and O-ring 5 prevent plaque in the cylinder bore 6 in open position. The control wheel 7 rotates the spindle 3 in and presses the check valve 8 with its rubber seal end 9 against a straight and conical seat 10 for double sealing by the shut-off valve 70 function. By non-return function, a spring 11 pushes the check valve 8 with its outer end 71, having a rubber seal end 9 against the straight portion of the seat 10 for sealing. Control of the sealing of check valve is done through an opening closed by a control plug 12 in the form of a screw.

[0024] During tapping, the water flows into the valve 1 at an inlet 60, through the check valve 8, up into a filter 13 for cleaning and into an upper part of the valve 1 and out through an outlet 61 when the water stop valve 30 is open to let water pass a seat 21.

[0025] During cleaning of the filter 13, the check valve 8 is closed by turning the wheel 7, and an internal tap (not shown) in the house is opened to relieve the pressure. A plug 14 is unscrewed for removal and cleaning of the filter 13. The cleaned filter 13 is thereafter mounted and the plug 14 is installed. The whole procedure may be performed in 2 minutes by the landlord.

[0026] The valve is provided with a water stop valve 30. A motor 31 actuates a spindle 29b to an open position for free passage of water past a seat 21. The spindle 29b has the same quadruple safety against leakage with 3 O-rings 73 plus a cone 74 at the outer end of the bore 75. The building has electrical sensors arranged at positions prone to water leakage. In case of a leakage, the sensor transmits a message to an electrical cabinet providing power to the motor 31, which then closes the water stop valve 30 by pushing the spindle 29b against the seat 21. A manual override button 32 may be used to close the water stop valve 30.

[0027] The valve 1 is designed for external water pressure into the valve 1 at less than 5 bars. As explained, it comprises a combined shut-off valve 70, check valve 8, control plug, filter water stop valve by means of motor 31.

[0028] Figure 4 shows in a second embodiment, a valve for external ingoing pressure above 5 bars. A valve housing 22 has the same combined shut-off 70 and check valve 8, control plug 12 and filter 13 with plug 14 as the embodiment of figure 3. Instead of the water stop valve of figure 3, this embodiment has a pressure reduction valve 63 similar to the one shown in figure 2. Instead of the manual shut-off function through a wheel 115 (as shown in figure 2), a motor 31 has been coupled to the spindle 29, so that the valve can function as a water stop valve.

[0029] Moreover, the valve has been improved for regulation of the pressure to between 3 and 5 bars, by means of a set screw 23. O-rings 24 and 24a prevent external leakage if a membrane 25 is leaking. An inbound pressure from 16 to 5 bars presses against the membrane 25 which pushes on a spindle in the form of an axle 26 for larger or smaller opening through a seat 27. The whole valve is balanced with a spring 62 and pressure against a plunger 28, which is guided in a cylindrical hole 72 in the spindle 29. The motor 31, with an auxiliary manual closing 32 button, is provided at the upper end of the spindle 29. In case of a leakage inside the housing the provided sensors will send a message, and electricity will be provided to the motor, which then rotates the spindle approximately two turns and closes a plunger 28 against a seat 27. A water damage is thereby prevented.

[0030] The valve of figure 4 is thus a complete valve with shut-off 70 function, check valve function and water stop function. The plunger 28 is being closed and opened at each tapping of a water tap in the building. Due to this regular movement of the plunger, it does not get stuck because of lime and will have a good function also as water stop function, when needed. [0031 ] Figure 5 shows a distribution pipe 37, which is generally of the type shown in PCT / NO2020 / 050140. In addition to the known features, the pipe 37 of figure 5 is improved with two alternative connections in the centre, a first connection 36 for incoming water in connection with a cold water meter (not shown), or a connection 38 for hot water. Connections 39 are for connection of pipes, with nine pipes upwards to the second floor and ten pipes downwards for first floor. A bracket 40 is integrated in the pipe 37 for mounting to a side wall in the cabinet.

[0032] Figure 6 shows a cold water cabinet 41 for consumption water with a ready provided valve group 1 for incoming pressure below 5 bars. It has a shut-off valve 70, a control plug 12, a plug 14 for access to a filter 13. The valve 1 is connected to a knee pipe 33 which other end is connected to a water meter 35, which in turn is connected at the opposite end to the distribution pipe 37. The distribution pipe 37 is attached to the side of the cabinet through the bracket 40 and the knee pipe 33 through a bracket 34 to the top of the cabinet 41. The pipe connections 39 are shown facing upwards and downwards, but the connected pipes are not shown. Due to the compact distribution pipe 37 and valve 1, the cabinet can be as small as 42 cm in height and 540 mm wide.

[0033] Figure 7 shows the same cabinet 41 as in figure 6 with the knee pipe 33, the water meter 35 and the distribution pipe 37 attached to the cabinet through the brackets 34, 40. A valve 22 according to the embodiment of figure 4 is here mounted for an incoming pressure above 5 bars. A water stop valve 30 is also included.

[0034] As explained above in connection with figure 4, the plunger 28 can be activated to close against its seat 27 by rotating the spindle 29 rotations. The cabinet 41 has an outlet to drain (not shown) which secures against leakage in cabinet and the pipes connected to the distributor pipe 37 are of the pipe-in-pipe type.

[0035] Fig. 8 shows a hot water cabinet 41 for hot consumption water. The distribution pipe 37 is connected to the left sidewall of the cabinet 41 and an attachment bolt 42 is attached to the top of the cabinet. The distribution pipe 37 has outlets 39 for nine pipes upwards and ten pipes downwards. A T-pipe 44 is mounted to the connection 38. Hot water from a water heater (not shown) having a temperature regulation valve (not shown) that is adjusted to provide 40-63 degrees water, is flowing into pipe 43 when a tap connected to one of the connections 39 is opened. A connection 45 of the T-tube 44 is plugged in a first embodiment.

[0036] In buildings with long pipes from the water heater and into the cabinet 41 through the pipe 43, a circulation pump 46 can be connected to the connection 45, which in turn is connected to a bend 47 and a return pipe 48 leading the water back to the tank of the water heater when there is no tapping of water. The water will then immediately have the right temperature when flowing to the tapping location. This results in less water and energy consumption since one does not have to wait for the correct temperature during tapping.

[0037] Fig. 9 shows another embodiment of a hot water cabinet 41 for hot consumption water. The distribution pipe 37 is connected to the left side 40 of the cabinet and an attachment bolt 42 is attached to the top of the cabinet to a connection 36. The distribution pipe 37 has nine pipe connections 39 upwards and ten pipes downwards, one for each tapping location for hot water in the building.

[0038] In a building with a water heater without thermostatic mixing valve, a thermostatic mixing valve 49 can be mounted in the cabinet 41 into connection 38. During tapping, hot water is led from the water heater through a pipe 43 and cold water is lead through a pipe 51. These two water flows are mixing to the wanted temperature in the valve 49. The temperature is adjusted with wheel 50. Mixed water is led into the connection 38 and through the distributor pipe 37 and connection 39 to the tapping location. The valve 49 is in a first version plugged in connection 45 (not shown).

[0039] As explained above in connection with figure 8, when there is a long piping between the water heater and the cabinet 41, a circulation pump 45 with return pipe 48 to water heater can be attached to the connection 45.

Claims

1. A combination valve (1) having a valve housing (22) intended for an ingoing pressure above 5 bars, the valve housing (22) being moulded in one unit and comprising therein a shut-off valve (70), a control plug (12), a filter (13), and a combined pressure reduction valve (72) and water stop valve (30); said combined pressure reduction valve (72) and water stop valve (30) having a first spindle (26); said first spindle (26) having a plunger (28) at a first end; an opening between said plunger (28) and an associated seat (27) being controlled by a second spindle (29), said second spindle (29) being coupled to said plunger (28) at an opposite end thereof relative to said first spindle (26), and an adjustable first spring (62) arranged at an opposite second end of said first spindle (26); said first spindle (26), said plunger (28), said seat (27), said second spindle (29) and said first spring (62) being arranged concentric about a common axis; said second spindle (29) being coupled to a motor (31); said motor (31) actuating said second spindle (29) to move said plunger (28) against said seat (27) and close said water stop valve (30), said motor being coupled to at least one water leak sensor, characterised in that said shut-off valve (70) is a combined check valve (8) and shut off valve comprising a third spindle (3), a valve body received by said third spindle (3), said valve body having an outer end (71) that is configured to seal against a seat (10), a second spring (11) configured to push the outer end (71) against the seat (10) and a control wheel (7) for manually rotating said third spindle (3) and thereby pressing the outer end (71) against the seat (10).

2. The valve according to claim 1, characterised in that the shut off valve (70) has a spindle (3) with at least two O-rings (4) sealing against a bore (6) into which said spindle (3) is arranged, as well as a conical seal (5) at an end of the bore (6) against a water side of the bore (6).

3. The valve according to claim 1, characterised in that the water stop valve (30) has a spindle (29, 29b) with at least two O-rings (73) sealing against a bore (75) into which said spindle (29, 29b) is arranged, as well as a conical seal (74) at an end of the bore (75) against a water side of the bore (75).

4. The valve according to claim 1, characterised in that said shut of valve (70) outer end (71) having a combined conical and straight seal (9) that is adapted to cooperate with said seat (10), said seat (10) being a combined conical and straight seat.5 5. The valve according to claim 1, characterised in that a membrane isarranged between said first spindle (26) and said first spring (62), and that an adjustment screw is arranged at the opposite end of said first spring (62) from said first spindle (26).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Water pipe provided with leakproof valve

    CN107795732A

  • DE000202014U1

  • flushing device for flushing water meters

    DE202015105690U1

  • Concealed Hinge

    EP1431488A1

  • Arrangement and method for regulating the output flow pressure of a water fitting

    EP3637216A1