WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a water supply system. The system comprises a central water supply, a plurality of water taps, at least one operation device located at one water tap, a piping system connecting the central water supply and the plurality of water taps, the piping system comprising a separate flow path from the central water supply to each water tap, and a controller for individually controlling a flow of water from the central water supply to the plurality of water taps and individually controlling an outlet temperature of the flow of water at an outlet of the central water supply. The controller is located at the central water supply, and the controller is operable via the operation device at the water tap.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. A water supply system comprising: a central water supply, a plurality of water taps; an operation device located at one water tap, a piping system connecting the central water supply and the plurality of water taps, the piping system comprising a separate flow path from the central water supply to each water tap; and a controller for individually controlling a flow of water from the central water supply to the plurality of water taps and individually controlling an outlet temperature of the flow of water at an outlet of the central water supply; the controller comprising a valve for each water tap, the valve being configured for controlling both the flow of water and the outlet temperature of the flow of water; wherein the controller is located at the central water supply, and wherein the controller is operable via the operation device at the water tap and is configured to control the flow of water and the outlet temperature based on a received demand from the operation device.

17. The water supply system according to claim 16, wherein the operation device is configured to generate an electric demand signal, and wherein the controller is configured to receive the electric demand signal and configured to control the flow of water and the outlet temperature in response to the demand signal.

18. The water supply system according to claim 16, wherein an operation device is located at each water tap, and wherein the operation device is configured for communication with the controller to control the flow of water to the water tap and to control the outlet temperature of the flow of water from the central water supply.

19. The water supply system according to claim 16, wherein the operation device is configured to receive an operation signal in the form of at least one of a touch signal, an audible signal, and a gesture signal, and configured to operate the controller based on the received signal.

20. The water supply system according to claim 16, further comprising a database, wherein the controller is in communication with the database comprising a plurality of predetermined control strategies, each defining a requested water flow and a requested temperature, and wherein the operation device is configured for selection of at least one predetermined control strategy.

21. The water supply system according to claim 16, wherein the controller comprises at least one flow regulator for controlling of the flow of water.

22. The water supply system according to claim 16, wherein the piping system comprises an inner tube and an outer tube being co-axially arranged, where the outer tube is configured for protection of the inner tube.

23. The water supply system according to claim 16, further comprising a monitoring unit, wherein the controller is configured to forward to the monitoring unit a use signal specifying the flow of water from the central water supply, and wherein the monitoring unit is configured to store said use signal.

24. The water supply system according to claim 23, wherein the controller is further configured to forward to the monitoring unit a temperature signal specifying the temperature of the flow of water from the central water supply, and wherein the monitoring unit is configured to store said temperature signal.

25. The water supply system according to claim 16, further comprising an additional supply device, wherein the central water supply is in fluid communication with the additional supply device comprising an additional medium, and wherein supply of the additional medium to at least one water tap is controlled by the controller.

26. The water supply system according to claim 25, wherein the controller is configured for simultaneous control of supply of the flow of water and supply of the additional medium to at least one water tap.

27. A method of controlling a water supply system comprising a central water supply; a plurality of water taps; an operation device located at one water tap; a piping system connecting the central water supply and the plurality of water taps, the piping system comprising a separate flow path from the central water supply to each water tap; and a controller for individually controlling a flow of water from the central water supply to the plurality of water taps and individually controlling an outlet temperature of the flow of water at an outlet of the central water supply, the controller comprising a valve for each water tap, the valve being configured for controlling both the flow of water and the outlet temperature of the flow of water, the controller being located at the central water supply; the method comprising a step of operating the controller via the operation device at the water tap to control the flow of water and the outlet temperature based on a received demand from the operation device.

28. A controller for controlling a flow of water in a water supply system, the controller comprising an operation device for receiving a user demand, a flow regulator and a temperature regulator for controlling a flow in the water supply system and for controlling an outlet temperature of the flow of water at an outlet of the central water supply, the controller comprising a valve for each water tap, the valve being configured for controlling both the flow of water and the outlet temperature of the flow of water; and a communication device for communication with the operation device, wherein the controller is configured to control the flow of water and an outlet temperature of the flow of water at an outlet of the central water supply based on a received demand from the operation device.

29. The controller according to claim 28, wherein the flow regulator and the operation device are two separate devices, and wherein the flow regulator is configured to be positioned at a central water supply.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be further described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0064] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a water supply system,

[0065] FIG. 2 illustrates parts of an embodiment of a water supply system,

[0066] FIG. 3 illustrates parts of an embodiment of controller for a water supply system,

[0067] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate parts of the controller illustrated in FIG. 3,

[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates parts of an embodiment of a controller for a water supply system,

[0069] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates water flow through a controller for a water supply system,

[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates separate parts of an embodiment of a controller for a water supply system,

[0071] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate parts of an embodiment of a controller for a water supply system during maintenance/repair,

[0072] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate an embodiment of a flow regulator,

[0073] FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate an embodiment of regulation elements of the flow regulator illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C,

[0074] FIGS. 12A-12E illustrate the regulation element of FIG. 11B in different positions,

[0075] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a cross-section of a part of a controller for a water supply system,

[0076] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section of a part of a controller for a water supply system,

[0077] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a water supply system,

[0078] FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of an operation device,

[0079] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate an alternative embodiment of an operation device,

[0080] FIGS. 18A-18D illustrate a further alternative embodiment of an operation device, and

[0081] FIGS. 19A-19C illustrate a further alternative embodiment of an operation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0083] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a water supply system 1. The water supply system 1 comprises a central water supply 2 and at least one water tap 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the system comprises five different water taps 3, where BR is a bath, HV is a washbasin, and KV is a kitchen washbasin. An operation device 4 is located at each of the water taps 3.

[0084] A piping system 5 connects the central water supply 2 and each of the water taps 3. The piping system 5 forms a flow path for water from the central water supply 2 to each of the water taps 3. The piping system 5 is formed by separate pipes extending from the central water supply 2 to each of the water taps 3 to from a separate flow path to each water tap 3.

[0085] The water supply system 1 further comprises a controller 6 for controlling a flow of water from the central water supply 2 to the water taps 3 and for controlling the temperature of the water. The controller 6 is located at the central water supply 1, and is operable via the operation device 4 at the water tap 3.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the water supply system 1 is arranged in a single-family house 7 which is seen from above.

[0087] FIG. 2 illustrates parts of an embodiment of a water supply system 1. Each of the boxes 100 comprises six separate controller elements 6′ (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 5). Each controller element 6′ forms part of the controller 6 for controlling a flow of water and for controlling the temperature of the water. The piping system 5 forming a separate flow path for water from the central water supply 2 to each of the water taps 3 is illustrated by a part of the separate pipes extending from each of the boxes 100.

[0088] FIG. 3 illustrates parts of an embodiment of controller 6 for a water supply system 1. The controller 6 comprises six separate flow regulators 14, each comprising a valve house (see FIG. 14), two regulation elements (see FIGS. 11A and 111B) and a step motor 16. The hot water inlet 17A and the cold water inlet 17B are located above to provide hot water and cold water to each flow regulator. The piping system 5 forming a separate flow path for water from the central water supply 2 to each of the water taps 3 are to be connected at the outlet 18. At the outlets 18, the pipes (not shown) are connected via a valve which enables manual shut-off of a single pipe in case of repair, maintenance, or emergency.

[0089] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate parts of the controller 6 illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0090] FIG. 6 illustrates parts of a controller 6 for controlling the flow of water of an embodiment of a water supply system 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 6 comprises six separate housing elements 10, three manifolds 12, and six flow regulators in the form of valves 14 (see FIG. 3), where a valve 14 is located in each of the separate housing elements 10. Thus, the illustrated controller 6 is configured for controlling a flow of water to six water taps 3. The piping system 5 forming a flow path for water from the central water supply 2 to each of the water taps 3 is illustrated by a part of the separate pipes extending from each of the housing elements 10.

[0091] The inlet of hot and cold water is illustrated by the two valves 13.

[0092] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates water flow through a controller 6 for a water supply system 1. Hot water and cold water are supplied to each flow regulator 14 via a hot water inlet 17A and a cold water inlet 17B. A common hot water pipe 117A supplies hot water, whereas a common cold water supply pipe 117B supplies cold water. In the flow regulator 14, the hot and cold water is mixed to provide water at a requested temperature and flow. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow regulator 14 comprises regulation elements (see also FIGS. 11A and 111B) and a step motor, as described below in relation to FIGS. 10-14.

[0093] The controller 6 illustrated in FIG. 7 further comprise an additional valve 114 to allow supply of an additional medium to at least one water tap. In the illustrated embodiment, the additional medium can be supplied to each water tap, as an additional valve 114 is provided in communication with each flow regulator 14. A common additional medium pipe 117C supplies the additional medium.

[0094] The water and the additional medium are supplied to each water tap via separate outlets 18.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, separate flow meters FM and temperature sensors TS are provided at each outlet 18 to thereby provide the ability of monitoring consumption of water both with regard to flow and temperature.

[0096] FIG. 8 illustrates separate parts of the controller 6 illustrated in FIG. 6 in an exploded view. Two valves 14 can be attached to the manifold 12 and each of the valves 14 can be covered by a separate housing element 10.

[0097] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate separate parts of the controller 6 illustrated in FIG. 6 during maintenance/repair.

[0098] FIG. 9A illustrates replacement and/or adjustment of components of the valve 14. The replacement/adjustment can be performed by opening the housing element 10.

[0099] FIG. 9B illustrates replacement of an entire control element 6′ of the controller 6. The entire control element 6′ can be removed by loosening the four screws 11 and the pipe 5.

[0100] FIG. 9C illustrates replacement of parts of the valve 14, where the valve 14 is first removed from the controller 6 and subsequently repaired.

[0101] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate an embodiment of a flow regulator 14 in the form of a valve. The flow regulator 14 comprises a valve house 14A, 14B, two regulation elements 15A, 15B (see also FIGS. 11A and 11B), and a step motor 16. The step motor 16 is configured for moving one of the regulations elements 15B relative to the other regulation element 15A. It should be understood that the step motor in another embodiment may be substituted by another type of motor or drive element capable of moving at least one of the regulation elements.

[0102] The inlet to the flow regulator 14 comprises a hot water inlet 17A and a cold water inlet 17B. When moving one of the regulation elements 15B, an opening ratio is adjusted to thereby adjust the flow of water and the temperature of the water leaving the flow regulator 14. The hot water inlet 17A and the cold water inlet 17B are located at one side of the regulation elements 15A, 15B, whereas the outlet 18 of the flow regulator 14 is located at the opposite side of the regulation elements. A mixing chamber 118 is formed at this opposite side of the regulation elements 15A, 15B. The outlet 18 is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber 118 to provide water of required flow and temperature at each water tap.

[0103] FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate an embodiment of regulation elements 15A, 15B of the flow regulator in FIGS. 10A-10C. In the illustrated embodiment, the regulation element 15B is the movable element, whereas the other regulation element 15A is the stationary element.

[0104] The openings 19A in the stationary regulation element 15A are in fluid communication with the hot water inlet 17A and a cold water inlet 17B, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable regulation element 15B comprises ten openings 19B. Some of the openings 19B are of different size. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 19B are identical in pairs; i.e. the ten openings 19B are formed so that five different sizes are present. The flow through the flow regulator 14 is dependent on the overlap between the openings 19A in the stationary regulation element 15A and the openings 19B in the movable regulation element 15B.

[0105] The overlap also determined the temperature of the flow of water.

[0106] FIGS. 12A-12E illustrate the regulation element 15B of FIG. 11B in different positions. The different positions correspond to different temperature of the flow of water:

FIG. 12A—a water flow at 6 degrees at 1/5 flow
FIG. 12B—a water flow at 60 degrees at 5/5 flow (fully open)
FIG. 12C—a water flow at 20 degrees at 2/5 flow
FIG. 12D—a water flow at 38 degrees at 4/5 flow
FIG. 12E—zero water flow.

[0107] The water flows through the flow regulator via the non-coloured openings in FIGS. 12A-12E. The dark coloured openings and the shaded openings are openings in the movable regulation element 15B being blocked by the stationary regulation element 15A.

[0108] It should be understood that the above figures correspond to a specific embodiment of the flow regulator 14 with the regulation elements 15A, 15B illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B. Flow and water temperature can be varied by providing regulation elements of another size and/or shape, with a different number of openings, with a different size and/or shape of the openings, etc.

[0109] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a cross-section of a part of a controller 6 for a water supply system 1. The flow regulator 14 comprises two regulation elements 15A, 15B (see also FIGS. 11A and 11B), and a step motor 16. The inlet to the flow regulator 14 comprises a hot water inlet 17A and a cold water inlet 17B. The hot water inlet 17A and the cold water inlet 17B are located at one side of the regulation elements 15A, 15B, whereas the outlet 18 of the flow regulator 14 is located at the opposite side of the regulation elements. A mixing chamber 118 is formed at this opposite side. The outlet 18 is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber 118 to provide water of required flow and temperature at each water tap. An additional valve 114 is provided to allow supply of an additional medium to at least one water tap. The additional medium is provided via the additional valve 114 to the mixing chamber 118.

[0110] When the additional medium is provided via the additional valve 114, the regulation elements 15A, 15B may be in closed configuration, whereby water is not allowed to flow through the openings 19A, 19B (see FIG. 11A, 11B) in the regulation elements. Thereby it may be achieved, that the additional medium flows backwards into the hot water and cold water supply.

[0111] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section of a part of a controller 6 for a water supply system 1. The flow regulator 14 comprises two regulation elements 15A, 15B and a step motor 16. The inlet to the flow regulator 14 comprises a hot water inlet 17A and a cold water inlet 17B. An additional medium is provided at the inlet 17C. The outlet 18 is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber 118 to provide water of required flow and temperature at each water tap.

[0112] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a water supply system 1. The upper controller 6A comprises eight manifolds for supply of water to eight different water taps. The middle controller 6B comprises eight manifolds for supply of water to eight different water taps in the form of heaters, such as radiators and/or floor heaters. The lower controller 6C comprises eight manifolds for the return of water form eight different heaters.

[0113] The flow directions are illustrated by the arrows 30. The water supply system 1 further comprises a number of check valves 32 and a pump 34.

[0114] The water supply system further comprises three different reservoirs 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper reservoir 36 labelled 1 is for boiling water, the middle reservoir 36 labelled 2 is for cold water, whereas the lower reservoir 36 labelled 3 is for cold, sparkling water. The three reservoirs 36 (i.e. additional supply devices each comprising an additional medium) are in fluid communication the controller 6D enabling supply of the additional medium to the controllers 6A, 6B, and 6C via an additional inlet (not shown) in each of the controllers.

[0115] FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of an operation device 4. At the left part of FIG. 9, the operation device 4 is mounted at the wall next to water tap 3 in the form of a washbasin. At the upper part of the operation device 4, the water temperature is displayed, here as 28.6 degrees Celsius. The touch panel 20 is for registration of a touch to thereby operate the controller.

[0116] The illustrated operation device 4 comprises a gesture sensor 22 configured for sensing a gesture of a user. In one embodiment, the gesture sensor 22 may be configured to control operation based on the following gestures: An ‘up’ gesture may increase the flow, whereas a ‘down’ gesture may decrease the flow. ‘Left’ and ‘right’ gestures may increase and decrease the temperature, respectively. A gesture towards the gesture sensor 22 may turn on and/or turn off water. It should be understood, that the above gestures are meant as examples of gestures only. In an alternative embodiment, ‘left’ and ‘right’ gestures may increase and decrease the flow, respectively.

[0117] It should furthermore be understood, that other gestures may also be applicable, such as gestures of different speed/sensitivity or such as circular gestures.

[0118] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate an alternative embodiment of an operation device 4. In FIG. 17B the internal parts of the operation device 4 are visible. The operation device 4 comprises a battery 28, a proximity sensor 24, and three distance sensors 26. In the illustrated embodiment, a user can choose between five levels of water flow and ten levels of water temperature. This is done by hovering the hand over the three distance sensors 26. By moving the hand up, down, and from side to side, flow and temperature are controlled. The proximity sensor 24 which can be touchless or an on/off button can be used to turn on and off the water tap.

[0119] An LED 28 is integrated in the operation device 4. The LED 28 may be used to provide feedback to a user.

[0120] FIGS. 18A-18D illustrate an alternative embodiment of an operation device 4. The illustrated operation device 4 is of a size and shape which allows the operation device to be built into a fixation 40 for a traditional wall socket. The fixation 40 is illustrated in a front-view and from behind in FIGS. 18C and 18D. FIG. 18A is a front view of the operation device 4, and FIG. 18B illustrated the operation device 4 inserted flush into a wall in the fixation 40.

[0121] The illustrated operation device 4 comprises four press buttons 42 for controlling water flow and water temperature, an LED 28 to provide feedback to a user, and a sensor 24 which can be used to turn on and off the water tap.

[0122] FIGS. 19A-19C illustrate an alternative embodiment of an operation device 4. The illustrated operation device 4 is likewise of a size and shape which allows the operation device to be built into a fixation 40 for a traditional wall socket. The fixation 40 is illustrated in a front-view in FIG. 19C. FIG. 19A is a front view of the operation device 4, and FIG. 19B illustrated the operation device 4 inserted flush into a wall in the fixation 40.

[0123] The illustrated operation device 4 comprises four touch sensors 44 for controlling water flow and water temperature by touching the sensors 44, and an LED 28 to provide feedback to a user.