U.S. patent application number 13/581394 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-20 for flow controller for liquids, having an energy supply by means of the flow.
Invention is credited to Cristobal Guzman.
Application Number | 20120318386 13/581394 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44356734 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120318386 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Guzman; Cristobal |
December 20, 2012 |
FLOW CONTROLLER FOR LIQUIDS, HAVING AN ENERGY SUPPLY BY MEANS OF
THE FLOW
Abstract
The invention relates to a flow controller for fluids, having an
energy supply by means of the flow of said fluid. Said flow
controller consists of a supply line for the fluid and a turbine
wheel which is rotationally mounted and through which the fluid
flows and which drives an electric generator which charges the
energy accumulator and a consumption point for the fluid. The
forwarding of the liquid can be blocked by a shut-off valve which
can be electrically controlled by control electronics which use at
least one sensor and which can be adapted to various types of
sensors and to the characteristics of the various types of
consumption points and the shut-off valve, the control electronics
and the sensor can be supplied with electric energy by the energy
accumulator.
Inventors: |
Guzman; Cristobal;
(Guglingen, DE) |
Family ID: |
44356734 |
Appl. No.: |
13/581394 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
February 24, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE11/00179 |
371 Date: |
August 27, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/560 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24H 2240/00 20130101;
F05B 2220/604 20130101; Y10T 137/8376 20150401; E03D 5/10 20130101;
F05B 2220/602 20130101; F03B 13/00 20130101; F24H 2240/01 20130101;
F24D 19/1018 20130101; F05B 2220/20 20130101; F05B 2220/7068
20130101; Y02B 10/50 20130101; E03C 1/057 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/560 |
International
Class: |
F01D 1/02 20060101
F01D001/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 25, 2010 |
DE |
10-2010-009-215.0 |
Claims
1. Flow controller for liquids having an energy supply by means of
the flow of said liquid, consisting of: a supply line for the
liquid and a turbine wheel, which is rotationally mounted and
through which the liquid can flow, and which drives an electrical
generator, which charges an energy accumulator and a consumption
point for the liquid, characterized in that transmission of the
liquid can be blocked by a shut-off valve, which can be
electrically actuated by control electronics, which is evaluated by
at least one sensor, and which can be adapted to various types of
sensors and the characteristics of different types of consumption
points, and the shut-off valve and control electronics and sensor
can be supplied with electrical energy by the energy
accumulator.
2. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the
control electronics has at least one input for a second sensor, of
which the signal can be evaluated by the control electronics and
can be taken into account in the adaptation to the consumption
point in each case during actuation of the shut-off valve.
3. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the
consumption point is a washbasin or a toilet flush a shower or a
bathtub or another sanitary object or a radiator or a cooling
element or another temperature-control device or a beverage
dispenser or another liquid discharge or a plant to be watered or
another agricultural or forestry device.
4. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the
turbine wheel is a thin-walled hollow cylinder, which is
rotationally mounted on its outside and which is equipped on its
inside with radially oriented guide vanes.
5. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that
there are fastened on the outside of the turbine wheel permanent
magnets. which are disposed at very low distances from the
stationary electrical coils and thereby emit an electrical current
when the turbine wheel is rotated.
6. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that for
sanitary applications an ultrasound sensor or an infrared sensor or
a light barrier registers the presence of a hand or another body
region.
7. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, for
sanitary applications, the control electronics, by means of a
multistage or analogue sensor, changes the pressure of the
outflowing liquid in dependence on the distance from the body part
that is perceived as nearest.
8. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, for
sanitary applications, the control electronics, registers the
signals of a second sensor for temperature control, the second
sensor registering a space that is located outside the consumption
point and the ingress of a body part and/or an object into a first
edge region of the space increases the temperature and the
introduction into a second edge region of the space reduces the
temperature.
9. Flow controller according to claim 8, characterized in that the
temperature is varied by mixing two liquids with temperatures that
differ from one another in each case.
10. Flow controller according to claim 8, characterized in that the
varying of the setpoint value for the temperature is also possible
without flow of the liquid.
11. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the
setpoint value and/or the actual value for the temperature can be
indicated by means of a display, for example in stages or as a
numerical value.
12. Flow controller according to claim 8, characterized in that the
control electronics evaluates a second sensor as temperature
sensor, and regulates the temperature in dependence on this
measurement and the set temperature setpoint value.
13. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that:
the supply line for the hot liquid can be changed over by the
control electronics to a removing circulation line on the start
command for a supply of liquid to the consumption point, a second
sensor registers the temperature in the supply line and the control
electronics only releases the supply to consumption point and
blocks the circulation line when the temperature setpoint value has
been reached.
14. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the
shut-off valve can be shifted by means of a current pulse in each
case into a particular position and remains in this position
without energy supply.
15. Flow controller according to claim 14, characterized in that
the shut-off valve only has the two positions "open" and
"closed."
16. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the
liquid flows through a first shut-off valve, which is disposed in
the vicinity of the turbine wheel and which only has the positions
"open" and "closed" and the liquid flows from there into an
intermediate vessel, of which the outlet can be closed by means of
a second shut-off valve with a plurality of positions.
17. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the
voltage of the energy accumulator can be monitored by the control
electronics and if the voltage of the energy accumulator sinks
below a particular minimum value, the control electronics opens the
shut-off valve and keeps it open until the electrical generator has
increased the voltage of the energy accumulator by a particular
amount.
18. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the
sensor is a contact on the cover of a toilet, which can be
registered by the control electronics and the turbine wheel is
installed in a supply line of the flush tank and the shut-off valve
is disposed in the outlet line of the liquid from the flush tank
and after the cover of the toilet has been closed, the shut-off
valve is opened for a particular time or until a particular liquid
amount has flowed through.
19. Flow controller according to claim 18, characterized in that,
by means of a further sensor, the weight of a mass lying in the
toilet bowl can be registered, which can be evaluated by the
control electronics and, with increasing mass, the amount of the
amount of liquid that is outlet from the flush tank for flushing is
also increased.
20. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, in
the case of a consumption point, as a radiator that is to be heated
or cooled by means of liquid, the sensor is a temperature sensor
and below a settable minimum temperature, the shut-off valve can be
opened and remains open until an adjustable maximum temperature has
been reached and a temperature setpoint value, which lies
approximately midway between these two extremes, can be externally
entered into the control electronics.
21. Flow controller according to claim 10, characterized in that
the control electronics varies the temperature setpoint value in
dependence on the time of day and/or the day of the week and/or the
opening of windows and/or doors.
22. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that:
the consumption point is at least one plant in the soil or in
another substrate and the sensor is a moisture sensor and the
liquid serves for watering the plant.
23. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that:
the consumption point is a vessel that can be filled with the
liquid and the supply line has a U-shaped end portion that can be
mounted on the edge of the vessel and the first sensor is disposed
on the U-shaped end portion and during mounting of the end portion
on the edge of the vessel, the shut-off valve can be opened by the
control electronics and the second sensor is also disposed on the
end portion and registers the fact that the level of the liquid has
reached a particular distance from the edge of the vessel and at
this level, the shut-off valve can be closed by the control
electronics.
24. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the
control electronics is disposed on a circuit board, which can be
formed into a hollow cylindrical segment or into a polygonal hollow
column.
25. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that
further electrical consumers can be connected to the energy
accumulator or to the control electronics and supplied, such as,
for example: lighting elements and/or heating and/or other
electrical equipment.
26. Flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the
turbine wheel and the shut-off valve are disposed in the outflow
line of a central water accumulator of a watering system and the
turbine wheel and the electrical generator are dimensioned so large
that, besides the shut-off valve, further electrical consumers can
be operated, such as, for example, lighting elements or heating for
plants to be watered.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a flow controller for liquids,
having an energy supply by means of the flow of said liquid, said
flow controller consisting of a supply line for the liquid and a
turbine wheel, which is rotationally mounted and through which the
liquid can flow and which drives an electrical generator which
charges an energy accumulator and a consumption point for the
liquid.
[0002] In the prior art, the consumption of liquids has become an
everyday activity for everyone. Probably the most frequent
application example is the supply of water to washbasins, toilets,
showers, bathtubs, bidets and other elements in the sanitary
area.
[0003] Another form of consumption of liquid is a radiator. Here,
liquid is supplied, of which only the heat contained therein is
"consumed."The liquid itself is, after cooling, returned for
heating. In everyday language, it is also termed "consumption" If
beverage liquids are drawn from a dispenser and drunk.
[0004] Consumption of water also includes watering plants.
[0005] All these application cases have one thing in common, namely
that the supply of the liquid to the consumption point must be
controlled. In the simplest case it only needs to be switched off
and on.
[0006] In the prior art, numerous variants of mechanical valves are
known, which are manually operated by means of a hand wheel or by
means of a lever. Also known are electrically switchable valves,
which are not only used in large systems but, e.g., also in public
toilets for opening and closing the water supply line for hand
washbasins and urinals.
[0007] In particular from these application cases, it is known that
mechanical shut-off valves can be contaminated so that the user is
very reluctant to touch them. The use can avoid this contact if a
sensor registers, for example, the hands below the water faucet of
a hand washbasin or a different sensor registers that a person
approaches a urinal and than moves away from it again.
[0008] These electrical circuits have the disadvantage that not
only a water line, but also an electrical line, must be laid to the
tap point. Since the electrical line can come into contact with
liquid, it must be executed with elevated moisture resistance. One
effort is also the laying and connecting of the electrical
line.
[0009] This effort is still within reasonable limits in the case of
a new building. However, in the case of retrofitting a tap point
with an electrically operated shut-off valve, a considerable
engineering effort is necessary.
[0010] In the prior at, German Offenlegungsschift DE 101 44 602,
Lorenz, describes a water wheel against which the liquid at the tap
point flows. On the shaft of this water wheel, an electrical
generator is disposed, which, as the water wheel rotates, generates
electrical energy, which is used for illuminating the water
jet.
[0011] This Offenlegungsschrift, however, does not provide
indication of how the liquid stream itself can be controlled.
[0012] Against this background, it is the object of the invention
to develop a device for drawing of liquids comprising a generator
in the liquid stream, with which the energy generated from the
electrical generator can be used to actuate the liquid streams
appropriate to the respective application. In particular, a central
functional unit is to be created, which is universally applicable
and adaptable for applications of a wide variety of kinds and of a
wide variety of sizes.
[0013] As a solution, the invention teaches that the transmission
of liquid can be blocked by a shut-off valve, which can be
electrically actuated by control electronics, which evaluates at
least one sensor and which can be adapted to various types of
sensors and to the characteristics of various types of consumption
points, and the shut-off valve, the control electronics and the
sensor can be supplied with electrical energy from the energy
accumulator.
[0014] The decisive feature of the invention is thus the connection
of an electrically actuatable shut-off valve with control
electronics adapted thereto, which comprises variability for the
connection of various types of sensors. The control electronics
monitors the energy supply for at least one sensor.
[0015] In addition, the connections for these sensors are present
in the hardware and additionally a preprogrammed selection of
algorithms, of which one serves for adaptation to the operating
characteristic of the sensors that are used in each case.
[0016] The control electronics are additionally equipped with
various software blocks for the evaluations of the sensors in
adaptation to the respective application case.
[0017] For a mechanical switch, it is appropriate that it is
"debounced" in the control electronics. In the case of a change of
the switch position, that contact of a mechanical switch jumps back
somewhat after the first encounter with its contact surface, and
then immediately impacts on the contact surface again, whereupon
the next recoil follows, but with greatly decreasing amplitude.
These oscillations must be suppressed by the control electronics
and are transformed into a clear, logical level, which clearly
changes only a single time upon a change of the switch
position.
[0018] Another algorithm is a switching threshold for a proximity
initiator with an analogue output signal, e.g. in dependence on the
approach of a body part to the Initiator.
[0019] If the electrical shut-off valve only has the two states
"blocked" and "open," then in the simplest case the evaluation of
the sensor is only two-stage.
[0020] A multi-stage evaluation of the sensor is appropriate if the
electrical shut-off valve permits a plurality of switching states,
such as, for example, "half closed."
[0021] Another variant may be the timing of the shut-off valve,
that is to say the rapid exchange between "open" and "closed." In
this case, however, a possibly increased energy demand must be
taken into account.
[0022] Another possible variant, which can be programmed in the
hardware and software of the control electronics, is an analogue
evaluation of a sensor and an analogue actuation of the shut-off
valve. For example, in the case of a relatively large distance of
the hands from the sensor on the water faucet of a hand washbasin,
the shut-off valve can be only partly opened to keep the water
pressure in limits and therefore release only a partial quantity of
the maximum possible water stream. Only if the hand is very close
to the sensor, and thereby the desire for maximum water pressure is
documented, does the shut-off valve open completely.
[0023] For use in sanitary applications, such as, e.g., hand
washbasins. bidets and showers, in which the fed water must come
into immediate contact with a part of a person, liquid also flows
immediately and directly on activation of a sensor. The end of the
flow process is marked by the removal of the human body or his body
parts that is located close to the sensor.
[0024] Another variant that can be selected via the software is
operation as a toilet flush or as a watering unit. Here, the
control electronics must let through a particular amount of liquid
on an impulse, that is to say the shut-off valve is automatically
switched off after a certain time or after a certain amount
measured by the control electronics.
[0025] In further variants, two sensors act on a single shut-off
valve or the control electronics are operated by two shut-off
valves, e.g. for hot and for cold water.
[0026] In the simplest case of control electronics according to the
software, the software and the hardware of the control electronics
thus already contain a plurality of partial regions than can be
variably adapted to various applications.
[0027] Moreover, a multiplicity of further variants is interesting.
It has already been mentioned that the control electronics also
have an input for at least one further sensor, of which the
signals, like the signals of the first sensor, can also be
evaluated by the control electronics and permits adaptation to the
respective consumption point. In the simplest case, both sensors
act on the actuation of only one shut-off valve.
[0028] In a further variant, the second sensor primarily actuates a
second shutoff valve and the software takes care of a connection of
the two shut-off valves.
[0029] A flow controller according to the invention is applicable
wherever a liquid flows in a line, which ends at a point at which
the liquid is intended to develop a particular effect. Interesting
applications are in the sanitary area of living rooms and
workrooms, such as washbasins, bidets or showers, or other drawing
points for water.
[0030] In the sanitary area, tap points for bathtubs are often
required to be opened until a particular filling amount has been
reached. Another desirable parameter may be the maintenance of a
particular water temperature. Variants of this mode of operation
are the temperature as a primary setpoint value, on which a
particular filling amount is superimposed. Another conceivable
variant is the automatic control of the water temperature, on the
cooling of which during the use of the bathtub, hot water is
additionally admitted when the temperature falls below a particular
minimum value.
[0031] Another characteristic requires the closed-loop control of a
radiator by a hot-water heating system.
[0032] And yet another characteristic is required for watering a
plant or for a beverage dispenser.
[0033] It is common to all applications that a turbine wheel is
disposed in the supply line. In a design known for the turbine, the
turbine wheel consists of an axle that is rotationally mounted and
on which radially outwardly facing guide vanes are arranged. A
turbine of this kind is known on a very large some as a Pelton
turbine for hydraulic power stations.
[0034] Since, however, the flow controller according to the
invention is usually used for liquid lines with very much smaller
diameters. It may be more advantageous if the bearing of the
turbine wheel is disposed outside the supply line and the drain
line on a relatively very large diameter, through which the liquid
flows.
[0035] In this case, the turbine wheel is a thin-walled hollow
cylinder, which is rotationally mounted on its outer side and
which, on its inner side, is fitted with radially aligned guide
vanes. These guide vanes can meet one another in the center in a
streamlines central body, e.g. a drop-shaped body, which displaces
the liquid to the outer region of the pipe cross-section, but,
unlike turbines of the prior art, does not contain rotational
bearings.
[0036] In a further advantageous variant, permanent magnets are
fastened on the outside of such a turbine wheel, which take on the
function of the rotor of the electric generator. To this end,
stationary electrical coils are disposed at very low distances from
the permanent magnet. When the turbine wheel rotates, the permanent
magnets move pest at a very low distance from the coils as a result
of which their magnetic field permeates the coils. By this means an
electrical current is induced in the coils, which can be picked up
at the connection terminals of the coil.
[0037] For example in sanitary applications, as sensor, an
ultrasound sensor or an infrared sensor or a light barrier can
detect the presence of a hand or another body part.
[0038] In sanitary applications, it is appropriate in another
interesting embodiment that the control electronics changes the
pressure of the emerging liquid by means of a multistage or
analogue sensor, in dependence on the registered distance from the
body part.
[0039] Another very interesting additional function in the sanitary
area is the contact-free closed-loop control of the water
temperature at consumption points, for example in open toilets.
Here, it is very appropriate if the individual visitors must not
directly contact the water faucet, and therefore not, for their
part, contaminate it.
[0040] Even if they accidentally knock against the water faucet,
the next user is thus not forced to touch the water faucet to
initiate a water jet or to adjust the water temperature.
[0041] There are also water faucets that can be initiated
contactlessly, in which, however, the adjustment of the water
temperature is only possible by contacting and pivoting a lever.
That is immaterial, since this selection lever for temperature may
again be a source of infection.
[0042] The invention therefore proposes that, in sanitary
applications, the control electronics for temperature control
according to the invention evaluate the signals of a second sensor,
which registers the space outside the consumption point. At a
particular place within this space, a body part or an object is
introduced, whereupon the control electronics according to the
invention change the temperature setpoint. The introduction of the
body part into a first edge region can, for example, increase the
temperature and the introduction of the body part into a second
edge region can lower the temperature.
[0043] The operation of such a contactless temperature actuator is
greatly facilitated if an optical or acoustic display acknowledges
the temperature setpoint value that is set in each case. A very
simple display is a range of light emitting diodes that is
distributed over the adjustment range. If the highest temperature
is activated, for example, a red light-emitting diode lights up at
a boundary of the setting space. If, on the other hand, the lowest
temperature is preselected, a blue light-emitting diode lights up
at the opposite edge of the setting space. The lighting up of the
light-emitting diodes may be the signal that the temperature
adjustment has been activated. After a certain time, this display
is canceled automatically and thereby reports the readiness to
allow a new temperature adjustment to be executed.
[0044] It corresponds to the normal conventions if such a
temperature adjustment is oriented parallel to the front side of
the person using the tap point. Then it is advisable to arrange the
activation of the highest temperature to the left and the
activation of the lowest temperature only at the right-hand
side.
[0045] In an alternative embodiment, only a switching function for
"increase temperature" and a further switching function for "reduce
temperature" may be present.
[0046] However, it is also conceivable for a multiplicity of
switching functions to be distributed over the "switch space," so
that a particular temperature can be activated as setpoint value by
introducing a body part or an object into this space.
[0047] The aforementioned closed-loop temperature control will take
place in most cases in that two liquids having temperatures
different from one another are mixed. To this end, the closed-loop
flow controller according to the invention requires an actuation
for two mutually separate shut-off valves.
[0048] Another interesting alternative embodiment is that varying
the setpoint value for temperature is passible even when the liquid
is not flowing. This variant corresponds to the widely known
"single-lever mixers" insofar as the angular position of the
controlling lever is transferred to a row of light-emitting diodes
or a digital display of the temperature setpoint value.
[0049] A further increase of the comfort of such a closed-loop flow
control is the evaluation by a first temperature sensor, which
registers the temperature of the supplied hot liquid and the
evaluation of a second temperature sensor, which registers the
temperature of the mixture. With this second sensor, the control
electronics is made capable of automatically re-adjusting the
preselected temperature.
[0050] A further increase of the comfort and a significant water
saving is achieved with the activation of a circulation line
according to requirements: If the supply line for the hot water is
so long that it cools significantly between the heat source and the
consumption source, the closed-loop flow controller according to
the invention can then no longer set a desired temperature setpoint
value if the liquid directly behind the shut-off valve for the hot
water has cooled below the desired setpoint value.
[0051] An additional function that saves water is a so-called
"circulation line," which is only activated when the water behind
the shut-off valve, which was originally sufficiently heated, has
cooled again. If a start command is given for tapping water with a
particular temperature setpoint value that is higher than the
temperature of the water currently at the shut-off valve, then the
control electronics according to the invention does not at first
switch the supply line to the tap point.
[0052] On operation of the water faucet according to the invention
in this embodiment, water thus does not emerge at the first moment.
Instead, the supply line is connected via an electrically
switchable changeover valve to a removing circulation line. This
circulation line brings the water that was once hot but has since
cooled back to the heater until water with a sufficiently high
temperature arrives in the supply line again. Only then does the
control electronics switch back the changeover valve for the
circulation line and the shut-off valve for the outlet released.
Only now does water flow to the consumption point, but with
precisely the desired temperature.
[0053] Various designs for the shut-off valves of a flow controller
according to the invention are conceivable. In the simplest
embodiment, the shut-off valve only has the two positions "open"
and "closed." The shut-off valve opens as soon as electrical energy
is supplied. When electrical voltage is no longer applied, it is
closed again by the force of a spring. This ensures that, even with
the failure of the energy, it is never accidentally opened.
However, it is disadvantageous that energy is required continuously
to hold the valve open.
[0054] The invention therefore alternatively proposes shut-off
valves that only require a current pulse to be adjusted to a
particular position. Without energy supply, it remains in this
position. An undesirable, too-long opening of the valve on failure
of the electrical energy supply can be avoided by the fact that the
charge state of the energy accumulator is monitored and, if it
falls below a minimum value, the shut-off valves is still closed
with the "last residue" of the energy.
[0055] Most kinds of turbine wheels are optimized for a particular
water pressure at a particular flow velocity. If the operating
point falls below this value, for example by a halving of the flow
quantity, then the energy quantity generated by the turbine wheel
is not only halved but also decreases to a much stronger degree. In
the case of drawing of small amounts of water at a slow rate, this
can lead to the turbine wheel no longer generating a sufficient
quantity of energy to maintain the functioning of the flow
controller according to the invention.
[0056] For these cases, the invention proposes, as a variant, that
an intermediate container is present, into which the liquid flows
always with nominal pressure and nominal velocity. To this end, the
access to the intermediate container must be controlled via a
shut-off valve that only has the positions "open" and "closed."
From the intermediate container, the liquid can also be let out in
its very much lower flow velocity by means of a second shut-off
valve with various positions. To this end, the turbine wheel always
operates in its nominal range and therefore reaches its optimum
efficiency. When the intermediate contain is filled, the first
shut-off valve must close and then open again when the intermediate
container is almost emptied.
[0057] Since the flow controller according to the invention in
principle takes its entire energy supply only from the flowing
liquid, with repeated drawing of very low amounts of liquid, the
energy content of the energy accumulator may fall below a critical
minimum level.
[0058] The invention therefore proposes, as an advantageous
variant, that the voltage of the energy accumulator is continually
monitored by the control electronics. In the event of the voltage
of the energy accumulator falling below a particular minimum value,
the control electronics opens the shut-off valve automatically and
holds it open until the electrical generator has increased the
voltage of the energy accumulator back to a particular minimum
value or by a particular amount.
[0059] This functionality naturally presupposes that the drawing of
a quantity of liquid is possible without risk and at relatively low
cost. In the case of a hand washbasin, that would be conceivable in
principle. Appropriately, however, the control electronics should
make it known by means of a signal, for example, a light-emitting
diode or an acoustic alarm, that it will shortly open the water
faucet.
[0060] As mentioned above, a closed-loop flow controller according
to the invention can also be used for flushing a toilet, in this
case, the first sensor of the control electronics is a contact on
the cover of a toilet. The turbine wheel is installed in the liquid
supply of the flush tank. The shut-off valve is arranged in the
outlet line of the liquid from the flush tank.
[0061] If, when the toilet is used, its lid is opened and then
closed again, the closing of the cover is the command for the
shut-off valve to open for a particular time or for a particular
quantity of fluid to flow through. The time span or amount should
thus be programmable.
[0062] In a further refinement of this application, the amount of
the water used for flushing is automatically adjusted to the
disposal task. This purpose could be served by a further sensor,
which registers the weight of the mass lying in the toilet bowl. As
sensor, a flexible plastic balloon could be used in the depression
of the toilet, which adjusts a sensor via a pneumatic line by means
of a weight resting on it. With increasing modulation of this
sensor and thereby increasing weight of the mass, the amount of the
liquid released from the flush tank for flushing is increased.
[0063] An entirely different application of a flow controller
according to the invention is a radiator. In principle, that is
usually a metal hollow body through which heated liquid flows. The
through-flowing liquid amount emits the heat stored in it through
the walls of the radiator to the room to be heated.
[0064] A flow controller according to the invention is applicable
as temperature controller. A temperature sensor must register the
temperature of the room to be heated. Below a minimum temperature
that is adjustable at the control electronics the electrical
shut-off valve is opened such that heated liquid flows through the
radiator and heats the surroundings. As soon as the temperature
sensor registers that the room temperature has risen to a second
maximum value, which is adjustable at the control electronics, the
control electronics closes the shut-off valve again.
[0065] Appropriately, the externally adjustable temperature
setpoint value should lie between these two extremes. The switch
stroke determined by the interval between the minimum temperature
and maximum temperature should generally only be chosen when the
flow controller is put Into operation, but not adjusted during
continuing operation.
[0066] A further, appropriate additional function of a heating
controller is the possibility of a general lowering of the
temperature setpoint value of particular times of day, e.g. the
so-called night lowering--or for particular weekdays, that is to
say for predictable work-free days in office rooms. If the opening
of windows or doors can be registered, e.g. by means of a contact,
which the control electronics of the flow controller according to
the invention continually evaluates, a heat loss during ventilation
can be reduced by switching off the heating.
[0067] Another, very interesting application area of a flow
controller according to the invention is monitoring the watering of
at least one plant in the soil or another substrate. To this end,
the first sensor of the flow controller must be a moisture sensor
and the liquid must be suitable for watering the plant, that is to
say provided with suitable nutrients and fertilizers as
required.
[0068] The moisture sensor continually measures the moisture in the
soil or in the substrate. If the value falls below a preselected
minimum value, the flow controller opens the shut-off valve. If the
moisture sensor responds sufficiently rapidly, it can terminate the
liquid supply itself when a maximum value for the moisture has been
reached.
[0069] If, however, the time delay between the application of the
liquid on the soil and the registration by the liquid sensor is
very large, the control electronics should emit a determined amount
of liquid, which is preselected when it is put into operation.
[0070] Thereafter, a pause should be inserted in the cycle for the
evaluation of the liquid sensor, which corresponds at least to the
average time taken by the liquid to penetrate as far as the liquid
sensor.
[0071] Another, very interesting application of a flow controller
according to the invention is the automatic filling of an arbitrary
vessel, which is to be filled with a liquid. For this embodiment,
the invention proposes that, at the end of the supply line, a
U-shaped end piece is disposed, which can be mounted on the edge of
the vessel. The first sensor is arranged on this U-shaped end piece
such that it is activated by the mounting of the end piece on the
edge of the vessel. Thereupon the control electronics opens the
shut-off valve such that the feed of liquid begins.
[0072] For the closing of the shut-off valve in good time, there
must be mounted on the aforementioned end place a second sensor,
which registers that the level of the liquid has reached a
particular distance from the edge of the vessel. When the second
sensor transmits this signal to the control electronics, the latter
switches the shut-off valve on again.
[0073] This second sensor may be, for example, an ultrasonic
sensor. Another, very simple embodiment comprises two electrodes,
which register the conductivity of the liquid. Another variant is a
fork light barrier. Even in the case of clear liquids, vortices and
air bubbles form on the surface, which can be registered by this
fork light barrier.
[0074] As an alternative embodiment, further electrical consumers
can be connected to the energy accumulator, such as, for example,
lighting elements and/or heaters and/or other electrical devices.
It goes without saying that this dimensioning of the electrical
generator and the liquid pressure necessary for its operation and
the necessary liquid amount must be adapted to the consumer.
[0075] In a further very advantageous application of a flow
controller according to the invention, the turbine wheel and the
shut-off valve are disposed in the outflow line of a central water
reservoir of a watering system. The turbine wheel and the
electrical generator are dimensioned so large that, besides the
shut-off valve, further electrical consumers can be operated, such
as for example, lighting elements or heating for plants to be
watered.
[0076] If the central water reservoir is emptied during the day, it
can be refilled at night with inexpensive night power. Since the
water reservoir is geometrically higher than the surfaces to be
watered, energy stored therein is available, which has already been
generated with relatively inexpensive night power. This energy can
be called up at any time of the day, even during day hours, when
the electrical energy from the power grid is otherwise considerably
more expensive.
[0077] Whenever watering is carried out, the electrical generator
is also activated thereby and generates electrical energy. This
energy can be used, for example, for heating and illuminating
plants in greenhouses. And which is also still very low on days In
spring or autumn, when the weather is still very cloudy and/or the
exterior temperature is still very low.
[0078] This configuration is particularly advantageous if, in
addition to the flow controller according to the invention, the
watering is switched over from distribution of the water by
squirting or spraying with high pressure to a drop-by-drop supply
of the water with direct lines to the plants.
[0079] The crucial advantage of the flow controller according to
the invention is that the proportion of the mechanical energy that
is stored in the central water accumulator, which had previously
been "wasted" for spraying the water, is, instead, converted into
electrical energy that can be used again for other purposes. By
this means, an additional lighting or heating of the plants is
possible, which, compared to the previous configuration, does not
cause significant extra expenditure of operating costs.
[0080] Further details and features of the invention are explained
below in greater detail with reference to an example. However, this
is not intended to limit the invention but only to explain it. In
schematic view:
[0081] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section through a flow controller in a
water faucet on a wash basin
[0082] FIG. 1 shows a "water faucet" on the edge of a wash basin in
cross-section. At the right-hand portion, the columnar housing of
the water faucet can be seen, in which the supply line 1 is
integrated. It can be seen how this supply line 1 is connected
downwardly to a supply having the liquid 2. FIG. 1 shows very
clearly how, in the supply line 1, the liquid 2 rises as far as the
shut-off valve 6. In the embodiment shown here, it is a washer,
which is pushed by a hard plate onto an opening in the water
faucet. For electrical actuation of the shut-off valve 6, there
serves an actuator 61, which is illustrated in greater detail in
the figure.
[0083] In FIG. 1, it can be clearly seen that the gasket of the
shut-off valve 6 must be raised up to release the passageway for
the liquid 2. From there, the liquid then flows further through the
approximately horizontal arm as far as the outlet of the
illustrated water faucet.
[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, an electrical generator 4 is
mounted on the turbine wheel 3, the essential components of which
are the permanent magnet 41 on the rotating portion of the
electrical generator 4 and the coils 42 in the stationary portion
of the electrical generator 4.
[0085] In the section of FIG. 1, it can be readily seen that the
permanent magnet 41 is mounted on a sleeve, which accommodates the
turbine wheel 3 in Its interior. Since the front portion of the
cylindrical sleeve has been removed in the drawing, the connecting
surfaces of the four vanes 31, which face the viewer, of the
turbine wheel can be clearly seen behind. These vanes 31 bear a
streamlined displacement body in the center of the turbine
wheel.
[0086] This streamlined body only serves to displace the liquid
stream to the outer region of the guide vanes, where the lever arm
is sufficiently long with respect to the axis of rotation to
generate a torque. In departure from water turbines of the prior
art, the bearings of this turbine wheel, however, are disposed on
the sleeve, which contains the turbine wheel. For this application
case, the invention proposes sliding bearings, since they are
surrounded by the liquid stream. In the illustrated embodiment, two
annular sliding bearings are provided, which are recognizable as
cross-hatched rectangles in the section of FIG. 1. These sliding
bearings are the bearings both for the electrical generator 4 on
the outside as well as for the turbine wheel 3 on the inside of the
two sliding bearings.
[0087] In FIG. 1, it can be clearly seen how the connection cable
43 is led from the coil 42, in a hollow space through the
approximately horizontal portion of the water faucet, into its
tower-like, perpendicular portion.
[0088] There, the control electronics 7 is installed in a hollow
space, which can be clearly seen in FIG. 1 as an electronic circuit
board, which is shown as a section in the drawing. The two sensors
81 are also wired to this electronic circuit board 7. In the
illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first sensor 81 consists of
two portions, namely a transmitter and a receiver. If the pulses or
rays emitted by the transmitter are reflected by a body below the
outlet of the liquid 2, this signal can be received by the second
portion of the first sensor 81, whereupon the control electronics 7
releases the actuation 61 of the shut-off valve 8. In FIG. 1, the
cable 82 for electrical connection to the actuation 61 can be
clearly seen at the top on the water faucet.
[0089] In FIG. 1, in the hollow space of the vertical portion of
the water faucet, there is installed the energy accumulator 9, of
which the two poles are connected to the control electronics 7, so
that the charging and discharging of the energy accumulator 9 can
be monitored from there.
[0090] In FIG. 1, an integrated module can be seen, consisting of
the turbine wheel 3 in the sleeve, with the sliding bearings
mounted thereon, and the permanent magnet 41, which is also mounted
externally on the outside of the sleeve around the turbine wheel,
as well as the coils 42 as stationary portion of the electrical
generator 4.
[0091] In FIG. 1, it can be clearly seen how the outer housing of
the head of the water faucet, which is also the holder of the coils
42, is screwed into the horizontal arm of the water faucet by means
of a screw thread. The step-by-step sequence of assembly can also
be readily understood in FIG. 1: It begins with the Outer housing,
which is then followed by the upper sliding bearing of the coils,
then the sleeve together with the inner turbine wheel, the
permanent magnet, which if fastened on the outside, and the coils,
which lie thereon, and subsequently the lower sliding bearing and
finally the lower terminating ring, which fixes the coil body in
the outer housing and is also the support for the lower sliding
bearing.
[0092] Together with the surrounding housing, a module is thus
created, which can also be used in entirely different applications.
The electronic circuit board, too, can also be used in other
modules. Only the lead-in for the sensors that are used in each
case is to be matched to the special features of each application
case, for which purpose software, which can be called up on the
electronic circuit board, and optional hardware is present.
LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0093] 1 Supply line for the liquid 2
[0094] 2 Liquid, drives the turbine wheel en route to the
consumption point 5
[0095] 3 Turbine wheel, driven by liquid 2, drives the electrical
generator 4
[0096] 31 Vanes of the turbine wheel 3
[0097] 32 Bearings of the turbine wheel 3
[0098] 4 Electrical generator, charges the energy accumulator 9
[0099] 41 Permanent magnet on the rotating portion of the
electrical generator 4
[0100] 42 Coils, in the stationary portion of the electrical
generator 4
[0101] 43 Connection cable of the coils 42
[0102] 5 Consumption point 5 for the liquid 2
[0103] 6 Shut-off valve, controls the flow of the liquid 2
[0104] 61 Actuation of the shut-off valve 6
[0105] 62 Cable for actuation 61
[0106] 7 Control electronics, controls shut-off valve 6
[0107] 81 First sensor, evaluated by control electronics 7
[0108] 82 Second sensor, evaluated by control electronics 7
[0109] 9 Energy accumulator, can be charged by electrical generator
4
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