System for controlling water, gas, light and temperature in living spaces and premises

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for controlling water, gas, light and temperature in living spaces and premises that comprises a polyhedral box (1) made of non-electrically conductive material and the inside of which is divided into two portions (3 and 4) separated by a wall (5) made of the same material. When viewed from the front and once it is installed, the box has an upper portion (3) and a lower portion (4), the upper portion (3) housing a battery (6) with a voltage output that is suited to the working voltage of the installed electronic circuit (7). Said electronic circuit (7) is formed by a timer (8), a microprocessor-assisted control stage (9), a power stage (10), an acoustic alarm, and the switches and potentiometers (11) that control a safety mechanism against water leaks, a plunger (16) being connected to a spring (22) that is supported on a crosshead (23) with a resistance calculated to offer a minimal load.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Water, gas, electricity and temperature control system in living and commercial spaces

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention aims to control the water, gas, electricity, and temperature supplies inside homes, commercial premises, or industrial warehouses, preventing unnecessary leaks not only of water, but also of gas, electricity, and indoor temperature. This control system is governed by a computerized unit that analyzes consumption at all times, even using artificial intelligence, and alerts the user of potential incidents, the most important of which are leaks, through an app installed on their mobile phone. It also helps re-educate users on the use of utilities. Artificial intelligence obtains information on the daily use of utilities and advises the user to optimize consumption and re-educate their use.

[0005] Patent ES 2 332 495 A1, entitled "Protection against leaks in water networks," is well-known and refers to the control and monitoring of sanitary water supply to detect leaks or excessive water consumption. This is achieved by means of a plunger and a magnetic detector operating inside a box made of non-conductive material with a pipe for connection to the network, which activates a solenoid shut-off valve in the event of a water leak. In relation to this previous patent, the current patent not only protects against water leaks, but also against gas, electricity, and temperature leaks. Therefore, compared to the previous patent, this one protects the entire house.

[0006] In the present invention, the fluid detection system (both water and gas) incorporates, in addition to the plunger system, a venturi effect detection system that measures the pressure at the inlet of the flow, whether liquid or gas, and the narrowest point. When the fluid flows, a pressure differential is generated, which is detected by a load cell. The venturi effect allows for the detection of very small flow rates, which is a significant advantage over the previously described system. The shut-off mechanism for leaks or excessive water and gas consumption is achieved by means of a solenoid valve.

[0007] These two systems, the plunger and the Venturi effect, are used to detect the flow rate of both domestic hot water and gas, not just for detecting water leaks as the previous system does. Each supply includes both systems. These systems are installed at the supply inlet, both for domestic hot water and gas.

[0008] As for the detection of electrical consumption, it is carried out using a voltmeter at the supply input.

[0009] Temperature control is carried out using an electronic thermometer.

[0010] The present invention relates to a safety mechanism to ensure that water, gas, and electricity are not wasted unnecessarily, by measuring the regulation of the time of use, the temperature of the fluid, the regulation of the flow rate, and the electrical consumption, and this mechanism can be programmed at will.

[0011] It is installed in the most convenient location on the network, inside or outside the home or business. It's common for a cistern to malfunction, not properly closing the water outlet and continuously consuming water without being noticed. It's also common to leave a tap running after a power outage, or to leave the gas system improperly shut off or a light left on. In these and other cases where the flow rate, pressure, or temperature of the water or gas, or electricity consumption varies from the programmed setting, the mechanism would act by shutting off the supply.

[0012] The user programs the mechanism for the time of greatest use, ideal temperature, flow rate, or required pressure, and the corresponding device shuts off the supply once that time has elapsed or in the event of any detected variation in flow rate, pressure, or temperature, preventing losses and unwanted situations. After the device has cut off the water, gas, or electricity supply, it can be restarted at the touch of a button, or by closing and reopening the water tap, gas outlet, or the electrical power supply. This analyzes whether the mechanism has shut down due to the programmed time having passed. In this case, the timer will begin counting down again, or if an abnormal loss or leak of water or gas, or abnormal electricity consumption has triggered the safety device.When the water, gas, or electricity supply stops, the electronic circuit resets the timer and other detectors to zero, waiting for a new consumption time.

[0013] The mechanism proposed by the present invention is regulated by the user according to his consumption needs and type of installation, industrial or domestic, with a heating circuit or only for cold water, to prevent frost, for pressurized water or with a certain flow rate, as well as gas or electricity.

[0014] Its field of application is in the water, gas, electricity, and indoor temperature installation industry, and particularly in the leak detection safety device industry.

[0015] Some models are known in this field of technology that do not contribute to the state of the art the novel features proposed by the present invention. For example, document ES 2 190 521 T3 proposes a leak locator based on the hissing produced by a leak and its localization using high-sensitivity microphones.

[0016] Document 2 023 194 also presents another leak detector based on the introduction of a low-intensity radioactive element into the pipes, which, when blocked by the leak, can be detected by a radiation meter.

[0017] These documented models present the following disadvantages compared to the proposed invention: their high cost, the need for special and expensive equipment to carry out their task, the intervention of specialized personnel, and dubious effectiveness.

[0018] In view of these drawbacks described, the present invention contributes to the state of the art with novel, simple and easy-to-execute solutions that result in the following advantages:

[0019] - Very low cost, as they are built with conventional materials available on the market.

[0020] - Ease of use, it can be easily programmed by anyone without prior knowledge.

[0021] - No specialized personnel is required for installation.

[0022] - No maintenance required.

[0023] - Simple to manufacture, durable, and highly effective. - It can replace the stopcock, which in the case of water or gas, due to infrequent use and constant contact with water or gas, can often develop rusty deposits, making them impossible to operate.

[0024] All of these combined elements give rise to a final result that provides significant differentiating characteristics compared to the current state of the art.

[0025] Thus, the present invention is constituted from the following elements: A box made of non-conductive material, polyhedral in shape, the interior of which is divided into two parts separated by a wall of the same material.

[0026] Viewed from the front and once installed, the box has an upper and lower section. The upper section houses a battery with a voltage output suitable for the operating voltage of the installed electronic circuit. This electronic circuit consists of a timer, a microprocessor-assisted control stage, a power stage, and the switches and potentiometers that control the mechanism. The lower part of the box is provided with perforations for ventilation and to prevent condensation. On one side, it houses a water inlet, consisting of a threaded pipe for connection to the mains supply. The pipe is inserted into a flow-detecting valve, through which water enters the mechanism, sending a signal to the electronic circuit via a detector, which starts the timer.This detector valve consists of a plunger that slides inside a cylinder fitted with a screw to control a minimum flow rate when the mechanism is inactive. The cylinder has two lower and two upper perforations, sufficient for the required flow rate, which carry the water through the interior of the housing.

[0027] The plunger is connected to a compression spring, which rests on a crosspiece, with resistance calculated to offer a minimum load, actuating under the pressure of the water flow and closing completely when it is not required.

[0028] Installed inside the plunger is a magnetic field interrupter detector consisting of a circular magnet embedded within the plunger and a proximity reed switch sensor housed in the detector valve housing. This is so that when the plunger moves, it is activated, sending a signal to the electronic unit. The crosshead supporting the spring has a section appropriate to avoid interfering with the fluid flow. Following the aforementioned detector valve and incorporated into the same pipe, a flow meter, a pressure detector, and a temperature meter are installed for possible requirements of different water or fluid installations, all of them electrically connected to the control stage of the electronic circuit. This is followed by a solenoid shut-off valve, electrically connected to the power stage of the electronic circuit and connected by means of a thread to the water outlet pipe to the outside.

[0029] The device begins to operate when the fluid enters through the water inlet provided in the mechanism and enters the detector valve. It passes through the flow, pressure, and temperature detectors, which communicate the start of operation to the control stage. The electronic circuit receives information from the detectors and begins counting down the time programmed in the timer, closing the flow of fluid through the solenoid valve when the timer reaches zero or the control stage detects any variation in the other detectors. When any tap in the installation is opened, the mechanism restarts, repeating the same cycle. When the electronic circuit detects an anomaly, it cuts off the flow, restoring it a few seconds later for a very short time, and then permanently shuts off again until the user voluntarily restarts it.If there is no response from any user, the circuit understands that it is indeed an abnormal flow and permanently cuts off the flow. The small amount of fluid allowed to pass through due to slack, the cylinder screw, or the arrangement of the magnets in the housing prevents the detector from being activated by minor drips or garden irrigation systems, which would cause undesirable operation. Once the spring begins its movement, due to the water pressure, it passes through the lower holes of the plunger, continuing its path to the upper holes, and from there to the solenoid valve, the final element of the mechanism that opens the network to be protected.

[0030] This device has a Wi-Fi communication module for connecting to the internet and transferring information to software that can be downloaded to a mobile device, an app, or a central server from which supply control management is performed.

[0031] A different embodiment incorporates, instead of the battery, a power supply provided with a transformer with the appropriate voltage output and a rectifier.

[0032] / / / Another different embodiment incorporates in the outer area of ​​the tank located at the inlet end of the tube, inside it, a turbine, driven by the pressure of the water entering the mechanism, connected to a direct current generator that in turn charges a battery that supplies current to the mechanism.

[0033] In another embodiment, the power input is connected directly to the rectifier input, with the electronic circuit operating on mains voltage. The box also incorporates a cover housing the circuit controls, the timer, the operating indicator lights, and a display screen with the appropriate information.

[0034] In another different embodiment the mechanism incorporates at least one detector.

[0035] In a different way, the dividing wall of the box is arranged parallel to the bottom, so that it has a front and a back compartment.

[0036] It may also incorporate at least one magnetic detector to have the option of allowing more or less fluid to pass through when the mechanism is inactive.

[0037] In another different embodiment, instead of a solenoid valve, it has another electric closing system from those existing on the market.

[0038] Differently, the detector valve is provided with an adjustable orifice that directly connects the network inlet with the cylinder, and allows the determined quantity to pass even with the piston closed.

[0039] In a different way, the device includes an acoustic alarm.

[0040] In a different way, the microprocessor is programmed to send an SMS message to the user informing them of the fault via a transmitter.

[0041] Alternatively, the mechanism has a low-battery warning. The electronic circuit also has a transmitter compatible with the frequency of a remote control.

[0042] In another different embodiment the detector valve is replaced by another type of flow detector.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] For a better understanding of this specification, drawings are attached which, as a non-limiting example, describe a preferred embodiment of the invention:

[0045] Figure 1.- Diagram of the mechanism

[0046] Figure 2.- Detection system using the Venturi effect that measures the pressure at the inlet of the flow, whether liquid or gas, and the narrowest point.

[0047] The following numbered elements are highlighted in these figures:

[0048] 1.- Box

[0049] 2.- Inlet pipe thread

[0050] 3.- Upper part

[0051] 4.- Bottom

[0052] 5.- Separating wall

[0053] 6.- Battery 7.- Electronic circuit

[0054] 8.- Timer

[0055] 9.- Control stage

[0056] 10.- Power stage

[0057] 11.- Controls

[0058] 12.- Lower box perforations

[0059] 13.- Inlet pipe

[0060] 14.- Detector valve

[0061] 15.- Valve flow detector

[0062] 16.- Plunger

[0063] 17.- Cylinder

[0064] 18.- Screw

[0065] 19.- Lower valve perforations

[0066] 20.- Upper valve perforations

[0067] 21.- Valve housing

[0068] 22.- Pier

[0069] 23.- Spring support crosspiece

[0070] 24.- Magnet

[0071] 25.- Reed detector

[0072] 26.- Flowmeter

[0073] 27.- Pressure detector

[0074] 28.- Temperature meter

[0075] 29.- Electro cut-off valve

[0076] 30.- Outlet pipe thread

[0077] DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0078] A preferred embodiment of the proposed invention, including the numerical references in parentheses, is constituted from the following elements: A box (1) made of non-conductive material, polyhedral in shape, the interior of which is divided into two parts (3 and 4) separated by a wall (5) of the same material. Viewed from the front and once installed, the box has an upper part (3) and a lower part (4). The upper part (3) houses a battery (6) with a voltage output suitable for the working voltage of the installed electronic circuit (7). This electronic circuit (7) is formed by a timer (8), a control stage (9) assisted by a microprocessor and another power stage (10) and the switches and potentiometers that control the mechanism (11). The lower part of the box (4) is provided with perforations (12) for ventilation and to prevent possible condensation.On one side it houses a water inlet, consisting of a pipe (13) provided with a thread (2), for connection to the network and inserted, inside, into a flow detector valve (14), through which the water enters the mechanism, giving a signal to the electronic circuit by means of a detector (15), which starts the timer (8). This detector valve (14) consists of a piston (16) that slides inside a cylinder (17) provided with a screw (18) to control a minimum of fluid when the mechanism remains inactive. The cylinder (17) has two lower perforations (19) and two upper ones (20), sufficient for the passage of the required flow and which carries the water through the inside of the housing (21).

[0079] The plunger (16) is connected to a compression spring (22), which rests on a crosspiece (23), with resistance calculated to offer a minimum load, being activated by the pressure of the water flow and closing completely when it is not required.

[0080] Inside the plunger (16) is installed a magnetic field switch detector (24 and 25) consisting of a circular magnet (24) included inside the plunger and a proximity switch sensor (25) housed in the housing (21) of the detector valve (14) so ​​that when the plunger (16) moves, it (25) is activated, sending the signal to the electronic unit (7). The crosshead (23) for supporting the spring (22), has an appropriate section so as not to interfere with the flow of the fluid in its path. After the aforementioned detector valve (14) and incorporated in the same pipe (13), a flow meter (26), a pressure detector (27) and a temperature meter (28) are installed, for possible requirements of different water or fluid installations, all of them electrically connected to the control stage (9) of the electronic circuit (7).Next, a cut-off solenoid valve (29), electrically connected to the power stage (10) of the electronic circuit (7) and which, by means of a thread (30), connects to the water outlet pipe to the outside.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. System for controlling water, gas, electricity and temperatures in living spaces and premises, consisting of the following elements: A box (1) made of non-conductive material, polyhedral in shape, the interior of which is divided into two parts (3 and 4) separated by a wall (5) made of the same material. Viewed from the front and once installed, the box has an upper part (3) and a lower part (4).Characterized in that the upper part (3) houses a battery (6) with a voltage output suitable for the working voltage of the installed electronic circuit (7), said electronic circuit (7) being formed by a timer (8), a control stage (9) assisted by a microprocessor, another power stage (10), an acoustic alarm and the switches and potentiometers that control the mechanism (11), while the lower part of the box (4) is provided with perforations (12) and on one side it houses a water inlet, consisting of a pipe (13) provided with a thread (2), and inserted inside the box (1) in a flow detector valve (14), and a detector that gives a signal to the electronic circuit, this detector valve (14) consisting of a piston (16) that slides inside a cylinder (17) provided with a flow control screw (18) and said cylinder (17) having two lower perforations (19) and two superiors (20),. The plunger (16) is connected to a compression spring (22), which rests on a crosshead (23), with resistance calculated to offer a minimum load. Inside the plunger (16) is installed a magnetic field switch detector (24 and 25) consisting of a circular magnet (24) included inside the plunger and a proximity reed switch sensor (25) housed in the housing (21) of the detector valve (14). The crosshead (23) for supporting the spring (22), has an appropriate section so as not to interfere with the flow of the fluid in its path. After the aforementioned detector valve (14) and incorporated in the same pipe (13), are installed, a flow meter (26), a pressure detector (27) and a temperature meter (28), all of them electrically connected to the control stage (9) of the electronic circuit (7).Next, a cut-off solenoid valve (29), electrically connected to the power stage (10) of the electronic circuit (7), equipped with a threaded outlet pipe.

2. Water, gas, light and temperature control system in living spaces and premises according to claim 1, characterized in that instead of taking electrical energy from a battery, it takes it directly from the grid through a power supply provided with a rectifier.

3. Water, gas, electricity and temperature control system in living spaces and premises according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that instead of a battery or power supply, the current input is connected directly to the network, the electronic circuit operating with the voltage of the latter.

4. Water, gas, light and temperature control system in living spaces and premises according to claim 1, characterized in that the controls of the electronic circuit, the timer, the operating lights and a display screen are incorporated into a cover of the box (1).

5. Water, gas, light and temperature control system in living spaces and premises according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanism incorporates at least one detector.

6. Water, gas, light and temperature control system in living spaces and premises according to claim 1, characterized in that the dividing wall (5) of the box (1) is arranged parallel to the bottom, so that it has an interior compartment and an upper one.

7. Water, gas, electricity and temperature control system in living spaces and premises according to claim 1, characterized in that it incorporates at least two network detectors.

8. Water, gas, electricity and temperature control system in living spaces and premises according to claim 1, characterized in that the detector valve is provided with an adjustable orifice that directly connects the network inlet with the cylinder.

9. System for controlling water, gas, electricity and temperatures in living spaces and premises according to claim 1, characterized in that the microprocessor is programmed to send an SMS message to the user through a transmitter.

10. Water, gas, light and temperature control system in living spaces and premises according to claim 1, characterized in that the detector valve (14) is replaced by another type of flow detector.

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