GB2267513A

GB2267513A - Water supply apparatus incorporating an overflow sensing devices

Info

Publication number: GB2267513A
Application number: GB9310888A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter John Morris; Alan Ronald Viney
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-06-04
Filing date: 1993-05-26
Publication date: 1993-12-08
Anticipated expiration: 2013-05-26
Also published as: GB2267513B; GB9310888D0

Abstract

A water supply apparatus comprises reservoir means 1, in which, if the level of water contained within said reservoir exceeds a predetermined level, water enters a sensor means 9 where its presence is detected by a sensor. The sensor means is arranged to provide an output signal to an alarm system 12 and/or a water supply cut-off valve 13 when the presence of water is detected. A sensor means is also disclosed in which water entering the sensor means is collected in a recess containing the means for sensing the presence of water in the recess. <IMAGE>

Description

Improvements in and relating to Water Supply Systems and Water Sensing Devices The present invention relates to apparatus for, and for use in, limiting or avoiding waste of water resulting from overflow of water from cisterns, tanks and the like reservoirs of water.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a water supply apparatus comprising reservoir means for containing water, water inlet means for the reservoir means provided with a first valve operable in accordance with the level of water in the reservoir means to admit water to the reservoir means to maintain or return the level of the water in the reservoir means at or to a predetermined first level, water outlet means through which water is withdrawn from the reservoir means and sensor means for detecting when the water in the reservoir means rises to a second level above the predetermined first level.

The apparatus may include overflow means through which water can flow from the reservoir means in the event that the level of the water in the reservoir means rises above the predetermined level, for example as a result of failure of the first valve means. The sensor means may be associated with the overflow means, being mounted in the opening of the overflow means or in a pipeline connected to the overflow means. Alternatively, the sensor means may be mounted within the reservoir means independently of any overflow means provided.

The sensor means may be arranged to cause operation of visible and/or audible alarm means in the event of detection by it of water and/or to cause operation of a second electrically operable valve connected in means supplying water to the reservoir inlet means to cut off the supply of water.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a sensor means for detecting when the level of water in a water reservoir reaches a predetermined level, e.g. for use in the above described water supply apparatus, comprising a housing having a recess for receiving and retaining water, a water sensor mounted within the recess for sensing the presence of water in the recess and inlet means at the upper end of the housing for permitting water to flow into the recess when the level of water in the water reservoir reaches said predetermined level.

Drain means may be provided at the lower end of the recess to allow the water collected in the recess to be released.

The inlet means may be a pipe having at least one aperture therein for co-operation with the recess.

The pipe may have a number of small circumferentially spaced apertures provided to allow co-operation with the recess.

The sensor of the sensor means may, for example, comprise a float arranged to operate a switch or other mechanism, or may be a pair of electrodes.

The sensor means is advantageously designed so that the sensor is activated when water flows into the recess and is maintained in that state until the water is drained from the recess and may be provided with separate inlet and outlet means to allow water to enter and exit the recess.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic part sectional view of an embodiment of a water supply apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a similar view showing modifications thereto; Figure 3 is a sectional view through a first embodiment of a sensor means according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a plan view of the sensor means of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a sensor means according to the present invention; Figure 6 is a plan view of the sensor means of Figure 5; and Figure 7 is a side view of the sensor means of Figure 5.

The apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings comprises a reservoir 1 for water, e.g. a water tank or cistern, which, as is conventional, has a water outlet 2, which may be valved (not shown), and a water inlet 3 provided with a first valve 4 which is operable to admit water into the reservoir 1 to maintain, or return, the level of liquid in the reservoir 1 at or to a predetermined level 5. As shown, the valve 4 is controlled by a float 6 as is conventionally used for lavatory cisterns and cold water supply tanks, but it will be appreciated that the valve 4 may take other conventional forms.

The reservoir 1 is also provided with an overflow outlet 7 positioned above the predetermined level 5 of water but through which water can escape in the event of failure of the valve 4. The overflow outlet 7 is connected to an overflow pipe 8 which, where possible, is arranged to discharge any overflow water in a conspicuous manner so that the overflow condition will be detected, and can be remedied, quickly. However, it is not always possible to do this and, frequently, the overflow discharges inconspicuously, e.g. in a remote location, so that it may not be noticed for some time and this can lead to unnecessary waste of water.

According to the present invention, the reservoir is provided with sensor means 9 for sensing and signalling when the level of water exceeds the predetermined level indicating failure of the valve 4. As shown in Figure 1, the sensor means 9 is connected to the overflow outlet 7 externally of the reservoir so that water flowing through the overflow outlet 7 flows through the sensor means 9 into the overflow pipe 8. An alternative arrangement is shown in dotted lines in Figure 1 in which the sensor means 9a is connected in a spur pipe 8a connected to the main overflow pipe 8. It may alternatively be connected in the main pipe 8 but at a point downstream of the connection of pipe 8 to outlet 7.

Figure 2 shows two alternative locations for the sensor means 9, both within the reservoir 1. In one, shown at 9c, the sensor means is connected in the overflow outlet 7 so that water flows into the sensor means and then into the overflow, and, in the other, shown at 9c, the sensor means is mounted within the reservoir but unconnected with the outlet 7. In this latter arrangement, the sensor means 9b may be positioned so as to detect a rise of the level of water in the reservoir to a level above above the predetermined level 5 but below the level at which it will flow into the outlet 7, with a view to avoiding overflow of water.

In a further modification (not shown), in which the outlet 2 is provided with outflow means for controlling or metering outflow of water, e.g. a valve or siphon, as for example in a lavatory cistern, the sensor means may be incorporated in or mounted on such outflow means which may then be modified to provide an overflow path for water through the sensor means and through the outflow means in the event of failure of the valve 4.

The sensor means may take any appropriate form. It may comprise a float or an optical or infra-red sensor, electrodes or a mercury switch associated with a pivoting float. Where a float is used, it may be arranged to operate a switch or change the state of another electrical component or may be connected to actuate another mechanism.

As shown, the sensor means 9 is connected to an electric circuit 10 including control means 11 to cause, locally or, as shown, remotely, actuation of an audible and/ or visible alarm 12, e.g. a bell, buzzer or light, and/or to operate an electrically operable valve 13 connected in the pipe 14 supplying water to the reservoir inlet 3 to cut off the supply of water to the reservoir. The circuit control means 11 may be powered by mains power or low voltage power through a transformer from the mains, or by battery. Where an audible and/or visible alarm is actuated by the sensor means 9, it may be located in the region of the reservoir 1 or, as shown, may be positioned at a remote location, from which for example the condition of some or all the reservoirs in a building or group of buildings, can be monitored.

As shown, actuation of the sensor means 9 causes operation of both alarm means 12 and valve 13. In a modification, the sensor means 9 may be connected only to alarm means 12 or only to a valve 13, depending on the circumstances and requirements.

A first embodiment of a sensor means for use in the above described apparatus is shown in Figures 3 and 4. The sensor means comprises a housing 20 having a recess, which, as shown, may be provided by the lower part of a generally cup-shaped portion 21, in which a sensor 22 is mounted. As shown the sensor is mounted in an apertured flange 23 which is seated in a step in the housing or may be formed integrally with the housing. Portion 21 is, as shown, generally cylindrical and is provided with at least one opening 24 to the exterior which, as shown, is in the form of a short pipe 25 opening laterally into portion 21. The lowest level of opening 24 determines the level at which water will enter the housing 20.Where the sensor means is coupled in a pipe, or otherwise needs to provide for the throughflow of water through it, two openings 24 are provided and the ends of these openings may be adapted to enable connection into pipe-work. Where the device is used as shown in broken lines in Figure 1, one opening 24 may be omitted or provided with a closure to prevent escape of water from the housing.

In the configuration of 9c in Figure 2, at least one opening 24 is required.

For convenience and protection of the sensor 22, the portion 21 is upwardly closed by wall 26.

In use of the above described sensor means, water flows into one or more of the openings 24 and fills the recess provided by the lower part of housing portion 21 to cause operation of or activate the sensor 22. The sensor 22 will then remain operated or activated until such time as positive action is taken to empty the water in the lower part of portion 21. This means that any equipment connected to the sensor 22, such as an alarm or valve, cannot be reset until an operator has attended the site of the overflow condition to empty the lower part of portion 21 and remedy the overflow condition. For convenience of emptying portion 21, the lower end comprises a removable cap 27, e.g. threaded onto the cylindrical body. Alternatively any convenient manually operable closable drain means may be provided in the lower end of portion 21.

As shown in Figure 3, the sensor 22 comprises a float 28 mounted and retained on a rod 29. In this particular embodiment, the float carries a magnet which operates a switch located in portion 30. To signal that the presence of water has been detected in the cup-shaped portion 21 the switch is electrically connected to an appropriate circuit 10 by wires 31 which exit through the housing 20 at an appropriate point. In a modification, where the sensing device is mounted externally of the reservoir and is visible, the float may be arranged to cause a finger to project outwardly of the housing, the projection of the finger being visible and signalling to the user that there is an overflow condition.

The housing 20 of the above described sensor may be made of any suitable materials, such for example a synthetic plastics, or non-ferrous metal, e.g. bronze or copper.

With reference to Figures 5, 6 and 7 there is shown a second embodiment of a sensor means for use in a water supply apparatus to sense when the level of water in a reservoir means exceeds a predetermined level.

The sensor means comprises a housing 40 having a recess in the form of a chamber 41, a water sensing means in the form of a float operated switch 42 mounted in the chamber 41 and inlet means in the form of an apertured pipe 44 extending through the upper end of the housing 40 to connect the chamber 41 to the reservoir means, the level of water in which is to be sensed.

The pipe 44 is sealingly connected to the walls at the upper end of the housing 40 and has a number of small circumferentially spaced apertures 45 in the portion of the pipe 44 between the walls of the housing 40 to allow water entering the pipe 44 to pass into the chamber 41.

Where the sensor means is coupled into a pipeline or otherwise needs to provide for the throughflow of water, such as sensor 9 on Figure 1, then both ends of the pipe 44 are adapted for connection to the additional pipework.

However, where the sensor means is used where no throughflow is required, such as sensor means 9a on Figure 1, then one end of the pipe 44 is closed off by an end cap or other closure means.

The lower end of the chamber 41 is provided with a threaded drain plug 46 so that any water contained within the chamber 41 can be released to empty the chamber 42.

On one side of the housing 40 there is mounted a sealable terminal box 48 to provide a waterproof enclosure for any electric or electronic devices or wiring connections associated with the water sensing means. A cable 50 may extend from the terminal box 48 for connection to an electrical circuit similar to circuit 10 of Figures 1 and 2.

Where the sensor means is battery operated, cable 50 may be omitted, the battery being housed in housing 40.

The float operated switch 42 is connected to the interior of the terminal box 48 by means of a flanged connection extending through the wall of the housing 40 upon which the terminal box 48 is mounted.

An indicator light 49 may be mounted on the top of the terminal box 48, the light being for connected to the electric circuit of the sensor means to provide a local visible alarm in the event that the chamber 41 fills with water.

In use, when water in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined overflow level, it will enter the sensor means via the pipe 44 and flow through the apertures 45 into the chamber 41 thereby filling the chamber 41 with water and activating the float operated switch 42. The float operated switch 42 will remain activated until such time as positive action is taken to empty the water from the chamber 41 by removing the drain plug 46. This means that any equipment connected to the sensor means such as an alarm or valve will remain activated until cancelled by an operator who has either attended the site of the overflow condition to empty the chamber 41 and remedy the overflow or operated an override device.

Although the sensor means has been described with reference to sensor in the form of a float operated switch it will be appreciated that other means, such as electrode sensors 42A which, when bridged by water, close a circuit, or any other convenient water level sensors could be used to sense the presence of water in chamber 41.

It will be appreciated that the housing 40 could be made of any suitable material such as synthetic plastics or a non-ferrous material such as bronze or copper.

It will be appreciated that the pipe 44 could be a pre-existing pipe onto which the sensor means is fitted after puncturing the wall of the pre-existing pipe in an appropriate manner.

It will also be appreciated that inserted length 'L' of this sensor means is somewhat less than the equivalent length for the sensor means previously described and this can be advantageous when incorporating the sensor means into a pipeline where space is limited.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the reservoir is provided with inlet and overflow openings in the side walls.

These openings may alternatively be provided by the upper ends of pipes projecting upwardly from openings in the bottom wall of the reservoir, as is conventional, or in other conventional ways.

There is thus provided apparatus for detecting and alerting operators and users of water supply systems to a failure of the system which is causing, or may lead to a condition causing, waste of water, to enable the user or operator of the system to remedy the condition rapidly and thereby minimise or avoid waste of water.

Claims

1. A water supply apparatus comprising reservoir means for containing water, water inlet means for the reservoir means provided with a first valve operable in accordance with the level of water in the reservoir means to admit water to the reservoir means to maintain or return the level of the water in the reservoir means at or to a predetermined first level, water outlet means through which water is withdrawn from the reservoir means and sensor means for detecting when the water in the reservoir means rises to a second level above the predetermined first level.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the apparatus further comprises overflow means through which water can flow from the reservoir means if the level of the water in the reservoir means rises above the second predetermined level.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which the sensor means is mounted in the opening of the overflow means.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which the sensor means is mounted in a pipeline connected to the overflow means.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the sensor means is mounted within the reservoir means.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the sensor means is arranged to activate an alarm means when the level of the water in the reservoir is detected as having reached the second predetermined level.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the sensor means is arranged to activate a second valve means to cut off the supply of water to the reservoir means when the level of the water in the reservoir is detected as having reached the second predetermined level.

8. A water supply apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9. A sensor means for detecting when the level of water in a water reservoir reaches a predetermined level comprising a housing having a recess for receiving and retaining water, a water sensor mounted within the recess for sensing the presence of water in the recess and inlet means at the upper end of the housing for permitting water to flow into the recess when the level of the water in the reservoir reaches said predetermined level.

10. A sensor means as claimed in claim 9 in which the recess is provided with means at the lower end thereof to allow the water collected in the recess to be released.

11. A sensor as claimed in claim 9 or in claim 10 in which the inlet means comprises a pipe having at least one aperture therein for allowing water to flow therefrom into the recess.

12. A sensors means as claimed in claim 11 in which the pipe is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures.

13. A sensor means as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12 in which the sensor comprises a float arranged to operate a switch.

14. A sensor means as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12 in which the sensor comprises a pair of electrodes.

15. A sensor means as claimed in any of claims 9 to 14 in which the sensor is activated when water flows into the recess and is maintained in that state until the water is drained from the recess.

16. A sensor means as claimed in any of claims 9 to 15 in which there is provided separate inlet and outlet means to allow water to enter and exit the recess.

17. A sensor means substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.