Valve closure device

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-contained valve closure device comprising a case (1) that can be secured to the body of a valve and that immobilises a servomotor (4) that can be connected to the valve shaft (2) by means of a coupling element (5). The outside of the case (1) has a series of sensor plates (3) that detect the presence of liquid. The device also comprises a microprocessor (6) connected to the servomotor (4), such that the microprocessor (6) is configured to activate the servomotor (4) in the closure direction of the valve when a plate (3) detects liquid.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] VALVE CLOSING DEVICE

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] The present invention relates to a self-contained valve closing device, which detects the presence of leaks or losses and causes the valve to close.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] The state of the art is known for valves that connect a network to a point of use using hoses, or small flexible pipes, for example, to supply faucets. These connections are generally arranged vertically and located in hidden locations. If a leak develops in the valve or any connection, the user doesn't notice it until it has caused significant damage.

[0007] US7066192 is known to have a device that attaches to a valve to close it if an abnormal consumption is detected. This system requires a complete installation, with remote elements and a coupling to the pipe itself. Therefore, it is complex to install and cannot be installed if the pipe is hidden, as is common in homes and buildings in general.

[0008] The applicant is not aware of any valve closure device that is self-contained, such that it is sufficient to install the device on the valve without the need for further operations.

[0009] BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention consists of a valve closing device according to the independent claims and whose vahantes solve the problems of the state of the art.

[0011] To achieve this, the valve closing device uses a servomotor that can be connected directly to a shaft or via a removable coupling. The servomotor is housed in a housing that can be secured (by threading, bayonet, etc.) to the valve body, and which immobilizes the servomotor. The exterior of the housing, both on its body and at the connection to the valve body (threading, bayonet connection, etc.), has a series of sensors that detect the presence of fluid. A microprocessor connected to the servomotor is configured to activate the servomotor in the valve closing direction when any of the plates detects liquid. The sensors can be sensor plates that detect the presence of liquid, gas sensors, etc., depending on the intended use of the valve to which the device is connected.

[0012] It is applicable to any type of valve: ball, butterfly, gate, diaphragm... as long as the servomotor performs the opening and closing movement that the valve requires.

[0013] Ideally, the microprocessor is connected to a wireless communication system that receives valve opening and closing commands. This system can be a standalone module or integrated into its own board. Thus, the microprocessor can be configured to issue an alert via the wireless communication system, issuing the alert upon detection of liquid by the boards or gas by the gas sensors.

[0014] Other variations can be seen in the rest of the report.

[0015] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] For a better understanding of the invention, the following figures are included, which show exemplary embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1: Exploded view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0018] MODES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Below, a brief description is given of an embodiment of the invention, as an illustrative and non-limiting example thereof.

[0020] The device shown in Figure 1 is based on a housing (1) that can be attached to a valve body, aligned with the axis (2) of the latter. The exterior of the housing (1) in this example has a series of sensor plates (3), which detect the presence of water or other liquid. To ensure rapid detection, the plates (3) are distributed evenly over the surface of the housing (1), and may include the area in contact with the valve body. In one embodiment, the plates form a coil around the housing (1). These plates (3) vary their conductivity when wet, so their control plate (31) detects the presence of liquid by monitoring the conductivity. Examples of materials for these plates (3) would be copper, graphite, nickel or aluminum, and they may be any conductive material.

[0021] The valve shaft (2) is connected to a servomotor (4) by means of a coupling (5). The coupling (5) is preferably removable in order to select the appropriate one, in shape and length, to the valve where the device is coupled. This coupling (5) may not be necessary if the servomotor shaft (4) is suitable in shape and position to connect to the valve shaft (2). The servomotor (4) is connected to a microprocessor (6) that has a connection to the control board (31) of the boards (3) and a wireless communication system (7), which can be Bluetooth or WiFi, among other options. As indicated, the wireless communication system (7) can be integrated into the microprocessor (6).

[0022] The servomotor (4) is anchored to the housing (1), such that the movement of the shaft (2) is resisted by the valve body itself through the housing (1). This implies that the invention does not need an external element to absorb the reaction to the turning force.

[0023] The servomotor (4) can be turned by a preset amount, such as a quarter of a turn, or by a more variable amount until a tightening torque is reached. In the case of most valves, such as ball or angle valves (Figure 1), the quarter turn allows the valve to be switched from open to closed or vice versa.

[0024] In use, the user will use the wireless communication system (7) to open or close the valve using a home automation system, an assistant such as Siri or Alexa, or an application on a mobile phone, tablet or similar. The housing (1) may also have a control button so that the microprocessor (6) actuates the servomotor (4) in the desired direction when the user so indicates. The microprocessor (6) can notify the home automation system of this change via the wireless communication system (7).

[0025] In one embodiment, the microprocessor (6) or, where appropriate, the wireless communication system (7) if, in this case, it is not integrated into the microprocessor. It will send a closing signal to all other devices, especially upstream of its position, either directly or through the home automation system, the assistant... In the same way, it will be attentive to receive closing orders from other similar devices. In that case, the wireless communication system (7) is configured to receive external alerts and transmit a closing order to the microprocessor (6).

[0026] If, with the valve open, the plates (3) detect the presence of moisture, due to a leak downstream, including the valve itself, the microprocessor (6) will order the servomotor (4) to rotate the shaft (2) and close the valve. The microprocessor (6) can use the wireless communication system (7) to issue an alert to the home automation system, the assistant or the user's application.

[0027] As the valve can be of different diameters, it may be necessary to incorporate a relay to the servomotor (4), so that the power supply to the microcontroller (6) opens the relay and allows the power supply to the servomotor (4) at a higher voltage.

[0028] The device may be powered by a mains connection or by a rechargeable or replaceable battery. Where appropriate, the microprocessor (6) may provide information about the battery status via the integrated wireless communication system or wireless communication system (7).

Claims

CLAIMS 1- Valve closing device, for valves that control the passage of a fluid, comprising a servomotor (4) connectable to a shaft (2) by means of a coupling (5), characterized in that it comprises a housing (1) integral with the body of the valve that immobilizes the servomotor (4), the exterior of the housing (1) having a series of sensors with a control board (31), which detect the presence of the fluid, and because it comprises a microprocessor (6) connected to the servomotor (4), such that the microprocessor (6) is configured to activate the servomotor (4) in the direction of closing the valve when the control board (31) detects fluid by means of the sensors. 2- Valve closing device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the servomotor (4) is configured to rotate a quarter of a turn. 3- Valve closing device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the microprocessor (6) is connected to a wireless communication system (7) for receiving valve opening and closing orders. 4- Valve closing device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the microprocessor (6) includes a wireless communication system (7) for receiving valve opening and closing orders. 5- Valve closing device, according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the microprocessor (6) is configured to issue an alert through the wireless communication system (7) with the detection of liquid by the plates (3). 6- Valve closing device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensors are plates (3) that conduct liquid detection. 7- Valve closing device, according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises plates (3) in the connection to the valve body. 8- Valve closing device, according to claim 5, characterized in that the wireless communication system (7) is configured to receive external alerts and transmit a closing order to the microprocessor (6). 9- Valve closing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensors and the control board are gas sensors. 10- Valve closing device, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a relay connected to the microcontroller (6) for activating the servomotor (4).

Images