ELECTRIC WATER HEATING APPLIANCE

Abstract

ELECTRIC WATER HEATING APPARATUS The present invention relates to an electric water heating apparatus (100) having three or more water outlets (3,4,5), which can be activated alternately or simultaneously, where one of them is connected to a shower head and the other two lead to a first water outlet (3) known as a shower head and a second water outlet (4) known as a shower head, wherein the water jets from the first and second (3,4) outlets are substantially concurrent, and can be angularly adjusted for greater user convenience.

Description

1 / 11 Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for an ELECTRIC WATER HEATING APPARATUS.

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric water heating device containing at least three water outlets, which can be operated alternately or simultaneously. The great peculiarity of the present invention relates to the fact that, in addition to the shower head found in electric water heating devices, the device also comprises at least two water outlet screens, the two outlets being arranged so that the water flows out concurrently.

[0002] This patent application claims internal priority over patent application BR102012026585-0 filed on October 17, 2012. State of the Art

[0003] Currently, there are numerous types of electric water heating appliances available on the market, in a wide variety of configurations to meet the diverse desires and needs of users.

[0004] The first water heating devices, popularly called showers, generally have a straight water outlet, i.e., parallel to an imaginary vertical axis. In these cases, as a rule, the device is connected to a pipe that moves it away from the wall at a distance capable of providing the necessary comfort to the user.

[0005] These devices have always served, and still serve, the user very well due to the fact that they provide a comfortable and high-quality shower; however, if the user does not want to wet their hair for some reason, they must remain in a not very comfortable position, causing discomfort that is greater in the case of an elderly or obese person, or someone who has some difficulty with their mobility. Petition 870220016927, dated 25 / 02 / 2022, page 9 / 45 2 / 11 mobility.

[0006] To solve this problem, devices have been developed that have the water outlet inclined in relation to an imaginary vertical axis, as revealed by document PI88064492.

[0007] This type of appliance has an angled outlet and is popularly called a showerhead. Its advantage is that it does not require a pipe-type support for installation, being instead fixed to the wall. This design allows for the use of heavier components compared to traditional vertical outlet appliances (showerheads), expanding the range of possibilities for the creation of their respective industrial design.

[0008] Angled outlet devices (showers) emerged to fill an existing gap not filled by vertical outlet devices, which is the fact that they allow the user, if desired, to avoid wetting their head and hair, depending on the user's relative position in relation to the device.

[0009] These devices function properly and allow the user to take a shower without getting their head or hair wet, however, if the user wants to take a shower with the water outlet in a vertical position, it will not be possible, even if it is an adjustable outlet, because the device is attached to the wall.

[00010] Some adaptations and systems have been developed so that the devices can have two outlets, in addition to the eventual outlet for the showerhead. One of these solutions is revealed by the prior art document MU6501401-4. This document discloses a shower comprising a pipe that projects the outlet from the wall and directs it to two water spray points, these points being located at different distances from the wall. Although these points Petition 870220016927, dated 25 / 02 / 2022, page 10 / 45 3 / 11 can be articulated, this solution is applicable to the house's existing plumbing system, therefore requiring pre-installed hot water piping in the dwelling. This technology is therefore not applicable to electric water heating equipment.

[00011] Note that an electric water heater is more complex than a traditional shower. Its construction includes a series of elements that hinder the passage of hot water through the central piping. For this reason, it is necessary that an electric water heater be properly designed so that the water flows comfortably for the user and safely for the equipment, preventing premature wear of the water heating element.

[00012] Document MU7501618-4 also discloses a solution that uses an electric water heater with two water outlets. Note that the solution comprises two water outlets, each set away from the wall by its own pipe to allow for vertical water distribution. Additionally, only one of the pipes carries water from the building's plumbing to the electric water heater, with the second pipe serving only to position the second water outlet away from the wall. It should also be noted that in this solution, the first outlet is an electric water heater and the second outlet is simply a conventional water diffuser. Its configuration is as follows: the electric water heater has, in addition to its water outlet, an outlet equivalent to that where the hose for the showerhead is connected. From this outlet, a hose connects via a valve to the second outlet.Naturally, this solution, besides being impractical, Petition 870220016927, dated 25 / 02 / 2022, page 11 / 45 4 / 11 has several drawbacks. On the one hand, the second outlet cannot guarantee the same water outlet temperature as the first outlet, as it is quite far from the water heating region, losing temperature on the way it needs to reach the second outlet. On the other hand, even if the previous solution were resolved, the solution presents two vertical water outlets and no angled outlet, that is, one that competes with the vertical outlet.

[00013] Finally, the previous technical document PI1002472-7 discloses an electric water heating device, detached from the wall by a pipe and equipped with two concentric water outlets for vertical water discharge, the difference between the outlets being a smaller internal area for spreading and an external area for greater water dispersion. This shower, like the previous ones, uses a showerhead mounted on a pipe. Thus, they all have the limitations of not being able to provide both a vertical outlet (showerhead) and a wall-mounted outlet (shower head) to provide comfort and convenience to the user.

[00014] Thus, state-of-the-art electric water heaters do not yet offer a solution that can serve, simultaneously or alternately, as a shower and / or a showerhead in a single device. Objective of the Invention

[00015] The present invention aims to provide an electric water heating device comprising at least two water outlets, each equipped with its own diffuser, in such a way that the water jet between them is substantially concurrent.

[00016] The present invention also aims to provide an electric water heating device where the plurality of Petition 870220016927, dated 25 / 02 / 2022, page 12 / 45 5 / 11 water outlets can operate simultaneously or separately, with their operation being selected manually or automatically.

[00017] The present invention also aims to provide an electric water heating device in which the water outlets comprise at least one shower, where the water outlet is straight, parallel to an imaginary vertical axis, and at least one hand shower, where the water outlet is inclined to an imaginary vertical axis, with the optional existence of a hand shower, generally configured by a hose with a shower head of reduced mechanical dimensions when compared to the outlets equipped with diffusers directly associated with the body of the device.

[00018] Finally, the present invention also aims to provide an electric water heating device where the physical parameters of the shower can be adjusted in various ways, including mechanical, electromechanical, and electronic control, with or without indication to the user of the physical parameters, such as power, inlet and outlet temperatures, flow rate, which can be displayed mechanically, analogically, digitally, through displays, LEDs, lamps, among others. Brief Description of the Invention

[00019] The objectives of the present invention are achieved by means of an electric water heating apparatus comprising a water inlet, a heating chamber and at least one first and second water outlet, each comprising a diffuser installed in the body of the apparatus, such that the water jet from the first and second water outlets is substantially concurrent. Brief Description of the Figures

[00020] For a better understanding of the present invention, it is made in Petition 870220016927, dated 25 / 02 / 2022, page 13 / 45 6 / 11 followed by a detailed description of the same, making reference to the attached drawings: Figure 1 is a lower right perspective illustration of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 2 is a lower left perspective illustration of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 3 is a front illustration of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 4 is a front exploded view of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 6 is a view of an enlarged detail A of Figure 5, showing the angular adjustment system; Figure 7 is a view of an enlarged detail B of Figure 5, showing the angular adjustment system; Figure 8 is a view of a possible constructive variation of the present invention; and Figure 9 is a view of a possible constructive variation of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Figures

[00021] As described above, the present invention relates to an electric water heating apparatus, more particularly for building installation for use in bathing. The main feature of the present invention is the possibility of having two or more water outlets with their respective diffusers 33, 36 in a single apparatus. As will become clear from the explanations in Figures 1 to 9, such a constructive configuration in an electric water heating apparatus allows the user differentiated use. Thus, it is possible to receive a jet of water in one Petition 870220016927, dated 25 / 02 / 2022, page 14 / 45 7 / 11 position substantially parallel to a vertical axis, like a water jet in a position concurrent with that. Alternatively, an electrical device of the present invention may have three, four, five or more water outlets, thus allowing for greater user involvement and comfort.

[00022] For a better understanding of the present invention, the term shower describes a water outlet whose jet is substantially perpendicular to the floor, or parallel to an imaginary vertical axis. A shower-type water outlet is represented in the figures as second outlet 4.

[00023] In turn, the term shower head corresponds to a water outlet that is concurrent with the shower jet, that is, whose jet describes an angle other than 90° with the floor. A shower head type water outlet is represented in the figures as first outlet 3.

[00024] Furthermore, each water outlet 3,4 can have its jet directed by means of a pivoting or angular movement of the spreader 33, 36 in relation to the body of the device 100, and can also be selectively operated so that the water flows through all outlets at the same time or only through one or part of them. Such selection can be made manually or automatically, depending on the user's preference. The sieves can thus be angularly adjustable, according to the user's preference, with the adjustment of the device parameters (temperature, flow rate or any other) being implemented through mechanical, electromechanical or electronic controls or, even, in any other way that the device design allows.

[00025] It should also be noted that, as is typical in 100 electric water heating appliances, an additional outlet is common. This water outlet is represented as a third water outlet 5 and is particularly characterized by being configured Petition 870220016927, dated 25 / 02 / 2022, p. 15 / 45 8 / 11 as a small orifice to which a hose (not shown) of sufficient length is attached to direct the water flow towards a small diffuser located at the end of the hose. If the user does not wish to use the shower head, the third water outlet 5 can be closed with the aid of a plug (not shown). It should be noted that this type of water outlet, commonly called a shower head, should not be confused with the water outlets mentioned above. Note that the first and second water outlets 3,4 refer to the outlets that conventionally have their strainer or diffuser 33, 36 directly associated with the body of the appliance 100, differing from design to design. In turn, the third water outlet 5 or shower head is simply a small orifice present in the body of the appliance 100 to direct the water in a more specific way.This element is therefore common to virtually all devices and should not be considered, for the purposes of the present invention, as a water outlet that is actually used for showering, especially since the flow rate allowed by the showerhead is quite low.

[00026] For a better understanding of the present invention, figures 1 to 9 show a preferred, but not mandatory, configuration of the present invention.

[00027] The electric water heating apparatus 100 of the present invention comprises a body having a first portion 1 and a second portion 2 which can be combined to configure the apparatus 100. The first portion comprises the first water outlet 3 and the second portion 2 comprises the second water outlet 4. Naturally, each portion 1,2 may comprise one or more water outlets, the number of outlets being limited only by the characteristics of each design.

[00028] The present invention will therefore have at least two outputs. Petition 870220016927, dated 25 / 02 / 2022, page 16 / 45 9 / 11 of water for bathing, possibly with an additional outlet for the hand shower. In these circumstances, the appliance 100 will have three water outlets, the first, second and third outlets being 3, 4, and 5 of water.

[00029] In general terms, the apparatus of the present invention provides for the use of a temperature selector element 6, designed to allow the selection of the apparatus's power levels. Optionally, this temperature adjustment can be complemented by a second fine temperature adjustment button 7, whose function is to provide a more refined power adjustment. The apparatus also comprises a closing and finishing cover 9 designed to be fixed in a position symmetrically opposite to the temperature selector element 6, and may also be equipped with a user interface 11, which allows the user to know the values ​​of the adjusted and measured physical parameters of the apparatus.

[00030] The operation of the electric water heating device 100 can be understood by observing Figure 5, which shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device of the present invention. This figure allows one to observe the path taken by the water, which enters the device 100 through a water inlet 22 located at its rear, allowing fluid communication between the building's hydraulic installation and the heating chamber 20.

[00031] This communication occurs through a water inlet duct 24, located in the heating chamber 20, where an electrical resistance 26 is housed. Once in contact with the electrical resistance 26, the water exits the heating chamber 20 through the outlet duct 25, connecting to the diverter 15 which, in this specific case, has three outlets. Two of these outlets communicate, respectively, to the first outlet 3 through the first diverter element 14 (shower diverter), and to the second outlet 4 through the second diverter element 17 (shower diverter), where the Petition 870220016927, dated 25 / 02 / 2022, page 17 / 45 10 / 11 third branch element 18 (showerhead branch) connects branch 15 to the third water outlet 5.

[00032] Note that in the event that there are more water outlets with their respective spreaders, the diverter 15 will also have more outlets so that these can be operationally selected.

[00033] It should also be noted that the present invention further comprises an outlet selector element 8 which is associated with the diverter 15 to allow the user to select the desired water outlet or outlets.

[00034] Figures 4 present a front exploded view of the assembly of the present invention, allowing a better understanding of the functioning of the creation. It can be observed that the apparatus 100 is formed by two halves that form a first portion 1 and a second portion 2. The first water outlet 3 and the second outlet 4 receive the connection of the derivation elements 14,17, which communicate respectively and fluidically with a first hydraulic conductor element 16 and a second hydraulic conductor element 13.

[00035] The second hydraulic conductor element 13 is configured to be the upper closure of a flexible or non-flexible complement element 4B, which works in conjunction with the diffuser 4A to configure the shower. Similarly, the first hydraulic conductor element 16 is configured to be the upper closure of a flexible or non-flexible complement element 3B, which works in conjunction with the diffuser 3A to configure the shower.

[00036] As mentioned, the present invention provides for the possibility of the screens or spreaders allowing angular adjustment. Figure 6 shows an enlarged detail of the first angular regulating system 27 of the shower, which consists of teeth 29, flexible or not, associated with the first portion 1 of the body of the device 100, the Petition 870220016927, dated 25 / 02 / 2022, page 18 / 45 11 / 11 which are designed to serve as a basis for the interference sliding of pins 30 associated with the spreader of the first water outlet 3, and these pins 30 may or may not be flexible.

[00037] Similarly, figure 7 shows an enlarged detail of the second angular regulating system 28 of the shower, which consists of teeth 29, which may eventually be smaller, flexible or not, associated with the second portion of the body of the device 100. These teeth 29 are designed to serve as a base for the interference sliding of other pins 30, existing in the diffuser of the second water outlet 4, and these pins 30 may also be flexible or not.

[00038] Furthermore, figures 8 and 9 show an example of a possible constructive variation, where each water outlet 3,4 can be configured by, at least, a single orifice, in the form of a geometric figure composed mostly of straight lines 33 or curves 36 for both the shower and the showerhead.

[00039] Having described examples of preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses other possible variations, being limited only by the content of the appended claims, including possible equivalents. Petition 870220016927, dated 25 / 02 / 2022, page 19 / 45

Claims

1 / 1 CLAIMS 1. An electric water heating apparatus (100) comprising a water inlet (22), a heating chamber (20) housing an electric resistance (26), and first and second water outlets (3, 4), the water outlets (3, 4) being selectively operable, manually or automatically, simultaneously or alternately by means of an outlet selector element (8), wherein the first outlet (3) is associated with a first portion (1) of the apparatus body (100) and the second outlet (4) with a second portion (2) of the apparatus body (100), the first and second portions (1, 2) being connectable to each other, the apparatus (100) being characterized in that the first and second water outlets (3, 4) each comprise a diffuser (33, 36) installed in the apparatus body (100), such that the jet water from the first and second outlets (3,4) of water is concurrent, where at least one of the first and second outlets (3,4) The water comprises an angular regulating system (27, 28) for altering the direction of the water jet, the angular regulating systems (27, 28) each comprising a set of teeth (29) implemented in portions (1, 2) of the apparatus body (100), the teeth (29) being designed to allow interference sliding of pins (30) associated with the water outlet spreader (3, 4).

2. Electric water heating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that each spreader of each water outlet (3,4) is configured by at least one orifice in the form of a geometric figure composed mostly of straight lines (33) or curves (36). Petition 870220100827, dated 01 / 11 / 2022, page 19 / 20

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