Drainage system and shower room or shower cubicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a drainage system for recovering thermal energy from a shower room grey water flow or a faucet grey water flow. The drainage system includes: a drainage collector having a receiving surface for receiving grey water and a drainage collector outlet formed in the receiving surface for discharging the grey water from the receiving surface; a heat exchanger configured to heat the introduced cold water flow using the grey water; an upstream filter and a downstream filter, the upstream filter and the downstream filter being arranged to filter grey water flowing along the receiving surface to the outlet of the drain collector, the upstream filter includes a first filter screen protruding from the receiving surface and the downstream filter includes a second filter screen disposed upstream of the drain collector outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a drainage system for recovering heat energy from a grey water flow. The invention also relates to a shower cubicle or shower cubicle comprising such a drainage system. Background Art

[0002] A shower cubicle typically comprises a shower head fluidly connected to a shower mixer configured to mix hot water from a hot water supply and cold water from a cold water supply. The hot water supply may be, for example, water heated by a domestic boiler (using combustible fuels, electricity, district heating or a heat pump). Therefore, a shower cubicle is an energy-intensive unit that consumes a large amount of energy to heat hot water for showering.

[0003] Devices for recovering heat from grey shower water (i.e. waste water discharged from a shower floor into a shower drain system) are known from the prior art, e.g. from GB2232749, US4619311, GB2052698 and DE29615555. Such devices are usually installed in a shower drain system to recover heat from grey shower water, e.g. from a shower tray, using a plate heat exchanger with high thermal efficiency. However, since the heat exchanger and the shower drain system are susceptible to scaling, e.g. caused by grease deposits, hair products such as conditioner and debris such as hair or textile fibers in the grey shower water, the grey shower water system will become clogged and / or the efficiency of the heat exchanger will decrease over time. The more heat energy the heat exchanger recovers, i.e. the more heat energy is removed from the grey shower water, the more susceptible it is to scaling, since the removal of heat energy leads to the solidification of grease and wax, for example. Therefore, cleaning of the heat recovery shower drain system is crucial.

[0004] Cleaning of shower drain systems, and in particular heat exchangers, is time consuming, cumbersome, may expose the user to detergents, and is generally considered offensive.Therefore, there is a need in the industry for an improved shower drain system. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and to provide a drainage system for recovering heat energy from a shower grey water flow or a tap grey water flow, which drainage system is improved compared to the solutions of the prior art by providing a configuration that enables effective and easy-to-maintain filtering of the grey water. In particular, effective filtering is achieved upstream of the heat exchanger of the drainage system. Thereby, problems associated with scaling, drain blockage or partial drain blockage caused by grease, shower products and / or debris and hair deposited in the grey water can be reduced or even avoided. Thus, the heat energy recovery of the system can be improved. Moreover, the drainage system of the present invention is relatively simple, cost-effective and user-friendly. This and other objects that will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by means of a drainage system and a shower room or shower cubicle comprising such a drainage system.

[0006] The present invention is based on the insight that effective filtering of grey water can be achieved by providing an upstream filter and a downstream filter, through which the grey water passes before reaching the heat exchanger of the system. Furthermore, by arranging at least two filters at a drain collector having a receiving surface for receiving the grey water, i.e. at the drain collector before the grey water passes through the drain collector outlet and further into the drain system towards the heat exchanger, an easy and effective cleaning of the system can be performed, since debris is filtered very early in the drain system, i.e. high upstream. Furthermore, since the filters are arranged upstream of the drain collector outlet and thus above a continuously wetted section of the drain system, biological growth in the filters and filter waste can be reduced.

[0007] According to at least a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drainage system for recovering heat energy from a shower grey water flow or a tap grey water flow. The system comprises:

[0008] a drain collector having a receiving surface for receiving grey water and a drain collector outlet formed in the receiving surface for discharging the grey water from the receiving surface,

[0009] a heat exchanger arranged downstream of the drain collector outlet and comprising a grey water inlet and a grey water outlet, the heat exchanger being configured to heat the incoming cold water flow using grey water flowing from the grey water inlet to the grey water outlet,

[0010] - an upstream filter and a downstream filter arranged to filter the grey water flowing along the receiving surface to the drain collector outlet, wherein the upstream filter comprises a first filter screen protruding from the receiving surface and the downstream filter comprises a second filter screen arranged upstream of the drain collector outlet.

[0011] Thus, an improved drainage system including effective filtering of grey water is provided. Thus, debris such as textile fibers and hair can be at least partially prevented from entering the drain collector outlet and the heat exchanger. The upstream filter and the downstream filter are arranged so that during use, the grey water flowing through the receiving surface first encounters the upstream filter, is filtered by the upstream filter, and then reaches the downstream filter, is filtered by the downstream filter, and then reaches the drain collector outlet and further reaches the heat exchanger. Therefore, the upstream filter and the downstream filter can be said to be arranged in series and are arranged to filter the grey water before the grey water reaches the heat exchanger. By filtering the grey water by two sequentially arranged upstream and downstream filters, an additional filtering effect of the grey water is achieved. For example, if the upstream filter has a filtering performance of 60% (i.e., 60% of the debris is captured in the upstream filter and 40% of the debris passes through the upstream filter; 60% is based on weight, for example) and the downstream filter has a filtering performance of 70%, then the overall filtering performance of the upstream filter and the downstream filter is 1-(0.30*0.40) equals 0.88, i.e. 88%. Therefore, by providing a plurality of filters each having a relatively low filtering performance and arranging the plurality of filters as an upstream filter and a downstream filter arranged successively, the overall filtering performance increases exponentially to become relatively high. Since the upstream filter and the downstream filter are arranged upstream of the drain collector outlet, an easy and effective cleaning of the drain system can be performed when the debris is filtered upstream of the drain collector outlet. The drain collector outlet is usually connected to the grey water inlet of the heat exchanger by means of a connecting conduit. Therefore, the debris is filtered upstream of such a connecting conduit and upstream of the heat exchanger.

[0012] According to at least one example embodiment, the first filter screen protrudes or extends outwardly from the receiving surface, say for example in a direction along a geometric normal to the receiving surface or slightly inclined (e.g. up to + / - 30°) relative to such geometric normal.

[0013] According to at least one example embodiment, the receiving surface is a horizontally arranged surface or a substantially horizontally arranged surface. The receiving surface can be slightly inclined from the outer periphery to the center of the receiving surface (e.g., inclined up to + / -15° relative to the horizontal plane). Typically, the drain collector outlet is arranged in the center of the receiving surface. The drain collector outlet is typically arranged to provide a flow section of gray water in a vertical direction relative to the receiving surface. Therefore, since the receiving surface is typically arranged to provide a flow section of gray water along the receiving surface in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction, the flow direction of the gray water will change from a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction to a vertical or substantially vertical direction in the drain collector outlet during use. As previously mentioned, the drain collector outlet can be connected to the gray water inlet of the heat exchanger by means of a connecting conduit. The connecting conduit can include a drain cup or a drain cup portion. Typically, the drain cup or the drain cup portion is vertically arranged below the drain collector outlet.

[0014] According to at least one example embodiment, the second filter screen of the downstream filter is a mesh covering the outlet of the drain collector.

[0015] Thereby, an improved filtering performance is achieved. Thereby, debris can be at least partially prevented from entering the drain collector outlet and the heat exchanger. The mesh piece can be referred to as a filter. The mesh size of the second filter screen is, for example, between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, such as between 1 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0016] According to at least one example embodiment, the second filter screen is a bowl-shaped, conical or concave mesh. In other words, the mesh can be bent or cup-shaped. The shape of the mesh can be concave or convex, i.e. bent downward or bent upward. According to at least one example embodiment, the first filter screen is hemispherical.

[0017] According to at least one example embodiment, the drainage system further comprises an intermediate filter arranged downstream of the upstream filter and upstream of the downstream filter, the intermediate filter comprising a third filter screen protruding from the receiving surface in a manner corresponding to the first filter screen of the upstream filter.

[0018] Thus, the filtering performance of the drainage system is further improved. The third filter screen can be, for example, arranged to protrude from the receiving surface in a manner corresponding to the first filter screen. Therefore, the third filter screen can protrude or extend outward from the receiving surface, such as, for example, along the geometric normal of the receiving surface or slightly inclined relative to such geometric normal (for example, up to + / -30°) to protrude or extend outward from the receiving surface. The third filter screen can be arranged to be closer to the drainage collector outlet than the first filter screen. That is, for the corresponding sections of the first filter screen and the third filter screen, the third filter screen is arranged to be closer to the drainage collector outlet when compared with the first filter screen. Typically, the upstream filter, the intermediate filter and the downstream filter are arranged successively. Therefore, during use, the gray water first passes through the upstream filter, then through the intermediate filter, and then through the downstream filter.

[0019] According to at least one example embodiment, the first filter screen of the upstream filter is arranged to surround the drain collector outlet and the downstream filter.

[0020] Thus, a simple but effective construction of the first filter screen is provided to ensure that all grey water entering the drain collector outlet is filtered by the upstream filter.

[0021] According to at least one example embodiment, the first filter screen of the upstream filter surrounds the third filter screen of the intermediate filter.

[0022] Thus, a simple but effective structure of the first filter screen is provided to ensure that all grey water entering the third filter screen of the intermediate filter is first filtered by the upstream filter. The third filter screen of the intermediate filter can be arranged to surround the drain collector outlet and the downstream filter. Thus, a simple and effective structure of the third filter screen is provided to ensure that all grey water entering the drain collector outlet is filtered by the intermediate filter.

[0023] According to at least one example embodiment, each of the first filter screen and the third filter screen is shaped as an elliptical ring or an annular ring.

[0024] Thus, a simple but effective structure of the first filter screen and the third filter screen is provided to ensure that all the gray water entering the drain collector outlet passes through the upstream filter and the intermediate filter. In other words, the first filter screen can be shaped as a filter wall that surrounds or surrounds the intermediate filter and the drain collector outlet. Therefore, this filter wall can be circular in shape or shaped as an ellipse. However, this filter wall can alternatively be a rectangular shape. Correspondingly, the third filter screen can be shaped as a filter wall that surrounds or surrounds the drain collector outlet. Therefore, this filter wall can be circular in shape or shaped as an ellipse, but can also be a rectangular shape. Therefore, the upstream filter and the intermediate filter can be shaped as a filter wall that surrounds or surrounds the drain collector outlet.

[0025] According to at least one example embodiment, the upstream filter and the downstream filter are arranged to filter the entirety of the grey water or subsequently the entirety of the grey water flowing along the receiving surface.

[0026] However, as will be described later in the text, the upstream filter may include at least two first filter sub-screens, for example, arranged parallel to or opposite to each other. That is, the upstream filter may include at least two separate parts, wherein the first filter screen is the first filter sub-screen and the upstream filter further includes the second filter sub-screen. The first filter sub-screen may be connected to the second filter sub-screen by means of a wall, such as a non-filtering wall. For example, the drain collector may be arranged to receive grey water from two different directions, preferably opposite directions, and is configured to guide the grey water toward the drain collector outlet by means of two separate guide portions or guide channels of the receiving surface. Thus, one of the two filter sub-screens of the upstream filter may be arranged in a first guide portion of the two guide portions, and the other of the two filter sub-screens of the upstream filter may be arranged in a second guide portion of the two guide portions. Thus, all of the grey water flowing through the receiving surface is filtered by the upstream filter, but by means of a separate filter sub-screen in a separate guide portion. Obviously, the upstream filter may comprise more than two filter sub-screens and the drain collector may be arranged to guide the grey water towards the drain collector outlet by means of more than two separate guide portions. According to at least one example embodiment, the intermediate filter comprises at least two third filter sub-screens arranged parallel to or opposite to each other, e.g. in a corresponding manner as for the upstream filter.

[0027] According to at least one example embodiment, the first filter screen of the upstream filter has an outer side facing upstream to receive the grey water and an opposite inner side facing downstream.

[0028] That is, the first filter screen is shaped to protrude from the receiving surface and has a filter wall with an outer side or first side facing upstream to receive the grey water and an opposite inner side or second side facing downstream. Therefore, for an embodiment with an intermediate filter, the inner side faces the third filter screen. Correspondingly, the third filter screen of the intermediate filter has an outer side facing the upstream filter and an opposite inner side facing downstream. That is, the third filter screen can be shaped to protrude from the receiving surface and have an outer side or first side facing upstream and the inner side of the first filter screen and a filter wall with an opposite inner side or second side facing downstream.

[0029] According to at least one example embodiment, the upstream filter and the downstream filter have different filtering properties.

[0030] For example, one of the upstream filter and the downstream filter has a relatively low filtration performance, and the other of the upstream filter and the downstream filter has a relatively high filtration performance. By having the upstream filter and the downstream filter have different filtration performances, the drainage system becomes more robust and less susceptible to clogging. The filtration performance of a filter is characterized by its filtration efficiency, i.e., the ability of the filter to separate particles and / or debris from the grey water.

[0031] According to at least one example embodiment, the middle filter has different filtering performance relative to at least one of the upstream filter and the downstream filter. For example, the filtering performance of the upstream filter and the middle filter is the same or substantially the same.

[0032] According to at least one example embodiment, the upstream filter and the downstream filter have different filtering capacities. The filtering capacity of the filter is, for example, related to the grey water flow that the filter can process.

[0033] According to at least one example embodiment, the upstream filter is a slot filter.

[0034] Thus, the first filter screen may include a slit through which the grey water may pass and a column arranged adjacent to the slit for blocking grey water debris. Thus, debris may be captured at the column or at the junction between the column and the slit. The slit gap of the first filter screen may be, for example, between 1 mm and 5 mm. The slit gap may be defined as the shortest distance between two adjacent columns. According to at least one example embodiment, each slit has a width and a length forming a slit cross section, wherein the length is at least twice the width.

[0035] According to at least one example embodiment, the intermediate filter is a slot filter.

[0036] Thus, the third filter screen may include slits through which the grey water may pass and columns arranged adjacent to the slits for blocking the grey water. Thus, debris may be captured at the columns or at the junction between the columns and the slits. The slit spacing of the third filter screen may be, for example, between 1 mm and 5 mm.

[0037] According to at least one example embodiment, the slit gap of the third filter screen is smaller than the slit gap of the first filter screen, thereby achieving effective filtering of the grey water.

[0038] The column between the slits of the first filter screen and / or the slits of the third filter screen can be tapered or conical. Thus, the strength of the column is improved, and the column is not easy to break. Additionally or alternatively, the height of the slits of the first filter screen and / or the third filter screen extends along at least most of the height of the corresponding filter screen. According to at least one example embodiment, the height of the slits of the first filter screen and / or the third filter screen extends along the entire height of the corresponding filter screen.

[0039] According to at least one example embodiment, the posts of the slit filter may be referred to as pins or teeth. Thus, the slits are the gaps between the pins or teeth.

[0040] According to at least one example embodiment, each of the first filter screen and the third filter screen can include a plurality of random or zigzag vertical pins or teeth protruding from the receiving surface. Thus, the filter screen includes a plurality of layers along the width of the filter screen, for further improving the filtering performance. As another alternative, the columns of the slit filters of the first filter screen and / or the third filter screen are arranged horizontally. For example, the first filter screen and / or the third filter screen may include a frame or a frame-like structure, and the horizontally arranged columns extend from the frame or the frame-like structure. Thus, the slit is formed as a gap between the horizontally arranged columns.

[0041] According to at least one example embodiment, the first filter screen and / or the third filter screen comprises holes or apertures through which the grey water may pass. The holes or apertures may, for example, be rectangular in shape.

[0042] According to at least one example embodiment, the drainage system includes a vertical stepped structure that protrudes upward from the receiving surface and is arranged downstream of the upstream filter and upstream of the downstream filter to form a sand trap.

[0043] That is, the stepped structure or steps are formed as sand traps where sand or other heavy particles can be caught before the grey water enters the heat exchanger. As an alternative, the sand traps may be arranged as grooves or depressions in the receiving surface.

[0044] According to at least one example embodiment, the receiving surface comprises a first surface portion which is laterally arranged on the outside of the upstream filter and a second surface portion which is at least laterally arranged on the inside of the upstream filter, wherein the upstream filter and the downstream filter are attached to the second surface portion and are arranged in a removable manner relative to the first surface portion.

[0045] Thereby, easy and effective cleaning of the system can be performed, since the upstream filter and the downstream filter can be removed together with the second surface portion of the receiving surface in order to remove any debris that has been captured by the upstream filter and the downstream filter. Thus, the second surface portion is arranged in a removable manner relative to the first surface portion. According to at least one example embodiment, the intermediate filter is also attached to the second surface portion and is therefore arranged in a removable manner relative to the first surface portion together with the upstream filter and the downstream filter.

[0046] According to at least one example embodiment, an edge of the second surface portion extends laterally outwards from the upstream filter, the edge being arranged to extend along the upstream filter.

[0047] Thereby, any debris that has been caught by the first filter screen and at least partially adhered to / adhered to the outer side of the previously mentioned first filter screen can rest on the rim and thus be removed together with the second surface portion. Thereby, the risk of debris being left at the first surface portion of the receiving surface when the second surface portion is removed together with the upstream filter and the downstream filter is reduced.

[0048] According to at least one example embodiment, the drainage system is a shower drainage system.

[0049] According to at least one example embodiment, the drainage system further comprises a perforated plate comprising the second filter screen, the perforated plate comprising a plurality of perforations for guiding the first filter screen.

[0050] Thus, the perforations allow the perforated plate to move relative to the first filter screen. Thus, any debris attached to the first filter screen can adhere to the perforated plate when the perforated plate moves relative to the first filter screen, and thus, the debris can be removed more easily. In addition, since the perforated plate includes a second filter screen, any debris captured by the second filter screen can be removed together with the debris from the first filter screen. As previously mentioned, the second filter screen is preferably a mesh.

[0051] According to at least one example embodiment, the receiving surface comprises a first surface portion, from which the first filter screen protrudes, and a second surface portion, which is formed by a perforated plate and is removably arranged on top of the first surface portion.

[0052] That is, instead of the previously mentioned embodiment in which the upstream and downstream filters are attached to the second surface portion of the receiving surface (and are arranged in a removable manner relative to the first surface portion), the first filter screen (or a column of the first filter screen) is attached to the first surface portion of the receiving surface from which the first filter screen protrudes, and the second filter screen is attached to the second surface portion. Thus, when the second surface portion of the receiving surface, i.e. the perforated plate, is removably attached to the first surface portion, the perforated plate can be removed from the first surface portion to facilitate the removal of debris, as previously described.

[0053] The first filter screen may be described as protruding from the first surface portion of the receiving surface and passing through the perforated plate. Thus, the grey water may flow along the first surface portion and further flow to the second surface portion or the perforated plate and be filtered by the first filter screen before reaching the second filter screen of the perforated plate. After being filtered by the second filter screen, the grey water reaches the drain collector outlet.

[0054] According to at least one example embodiment, the perforated plate extends from the side outward of the upstream filter and extends toward the drain collector outlet. For example, the perforated plate extends just from the outside of the upstream filter and extends to the drain collector outlet. For example, the perforated plate extends from a plurality of orifices to the drain collector outlet.

[0055] According to at least one example embodiment, the perforated plate is configured to move from a first position to a second position, in which the perforated plate rests on a first surface portion of a receiving surface, and in which the perforated plate is vertically away from the first surface portion of the receiving surface by a predetermined distance. Thus, debris can be effectively removed from the perforated plate. That is, in the second position of the perforated plate, the perforated plate is vertically away from the first surface portion of the receiving surface and is therefore easier to access for cleaning. In addition, as previously mentioned, debris attached to the first filter screen can adhere to the perforated plate, and when the perforated plate is vertically moved to the second position, the debris can be effectively removed. It should be understood that during normal use of the drainage system, i.e., when gray water is filtered on its way to the drainage collector outlet, the perforated plate is arranged in its first position. The first position can be referred to as a lower position or a relatively low position, and the second position can be referred to as an upper position or a relatively high position. The upper position or the second position is vertically arranged above the lower position or the first position.

[0056] According to at least one example embodiment, the first filter screen is a slot filter comprising a plurality of posts between the slots, wherein each of the plurality of perforations is configured to guide a corresponding post of the slot filter. Thus, the perforated plate can be moved in an advantageous manner relative to the first filter screen. Thus, it should be understood that when the perforated plate is moved relative to the first filter screen, the posts of the slot filter extend or protrude through the perforations of the perforated plate.

[0057] As previously mentioned, the slits of the slit filter are configured to allow gray water to pass through, and the posts are arranged adjacent to the slits for blocking gray water debris. Thus, debris can be captured at the posts or at the junction between the posts and the slits. The slit gap of the first filter screen can be, for example, between 1 mm and 5 mm. The slit gap can be defined as the shortest distance between two adjacent posts. According to at least one example embodiment, each slit has a width and a length forming a slit cross section, wherein the length is at least twice the width.

[0058] According to at least one example embodiment, the plurality of posts have a predetermined height, wherein the predetermined distance is at least the same as the predetermined height.Thereby, in the second position of the perforated plate, the posts will not protrude through the perforations, thereby achieving an easily cleanable upper surface of the perforated plate.

[0059] According to at least one example embodiment, the drainage system further comprises a first locking structure, wherein the perforated plate comprises a second locking structure, and wherein the perforated plate is configured to be locked in the second position by locking the second locking structure to the first locking structure. Thus, the perforated plate can be locked in the second position, thereby facilitating cleaning of the upper surface of the perforated plate.

[0060] According to at least one example embodiment, the perforated plate comprises a ridge structure extending along the length of the perforated plate and openings arranged along the ridge structure, wherein the openings are aligned with the drain collector outlet. Thereby, the drain collector outlet can be accessed in an advantageous manner.

[0061] According to at least one example embodiment, the ridge structure comprises a vertically arranged mesh or grid arranged upstream of the drain collector outlet.Therefore, in grey water fluid flow angle, the vertically arranged mesh or grid may be arranged parallel to the second filter screen.

[0062] According to at least one example embodiment, the ridge-like structure forms a handle that may be grasped by a user when moving the perforated plate, for example, to the second position.

[0063] According to at least one example embodiment, the opening is defined by an inner wall extending into the ridge-like structure. Opposite to the opening, inside the ridge-like structure, a grille can be attached to the inner wall upstream of the drain collector outlet. Thus, cleaning material can be easily filled into the opening and held in place by the grille and the inner wall.

[0064] According to at least one example embodiment, the opening is arranged vertically at the same level as or vertically above the vertical level of the previously mentioned alternative drain inlet.

[0065] According to at least one example embodiment, the drainage system includes an alternative drain inlet fluidly coupled to a bypass conduit arranged to bypass the heat exchanger. Thus, instead of or in addition to being directed via the drain collector outlet and the heat exchanger, the grey water may be directed via the alternative drain inlet to bypass the upstream filter and the downstream filter (and any intermediate filters). The bypass conduit may be arranged to supply the grey water from the alternative drain inlet to a sewer downstream of the heat exchanger, or to a grey water collector arranged downstream of the heat exchanger but upstream of the sewer. Thus, in the event of an overflow, or to handle a grey water flow that exceeds the capacity of the heat exchanger, the drainage system is configured to direct the grey water to the sewer (or grey water collector) via the bypass conduit and the alternative drain inlet.

[0066] According to at least one example embodiment, the first filter screen of the upstream filter and optionally the third filter screen of the intermediate filter extend vertically to the same level of the vertical level of the alternative drain inlet or extend vertically to a level higher than the vertical level of the alternative drain inlet. The inlet to the alternative drain inlet can be arranged in a protruding conduit extending vertically from the receiving surface or the drain collector. In other words, the height of the first filter screen and possibly the third filter screen is as large as or greater than the height of the vertical protruding conduit including the alternative drain inlet. Thus, in the event of an overflow, or in order to handle a gray water flow exceeding the capacity of the heat exchanger, the gray water is directed to the sewer (or gray water collector) via the bypass conduit and the alternative drain inlet, while ensuring that no or limited amounts of unfiltered gray water enter the drain collector outlet without at least passing through the upstream filter. That is, in the event of an overflow, the unfiltered gray water cannot pass over the first filter screen and the optional third filter screen in an amount that could block the heat exchanger, but will instead be directed to the alternative drain inlet and the bypass conduit.

[0067] According to at least one example embodiment, the perforated plate includes a sand trap, such as the sand trap previously described. The sand trap may be a vertical stepped structure protruding inwardly or upwardly from the second surface portion of the receiving surface and arranged downstream of the upstream filter and upstream of the downstream filter.

[0068] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drainage system for recovering heat energy from grey water flow in a shower room or grey water flow in a tap. The drainage system comprises:

[0069] a drain collector having a receiving surface for receiving grey water and a drain collector outlet formed in the receiving surface for draining the grey water from the receiving surface,

[0070] a heat exchanger arranged downstream of the drain collector outlet and comprising a grey water inlet and a grey water outlet, the heat exchanger being configured to heat the incoming cold water flow using grey water flowing from the grey water inlet to the grey water outlet,

[0071] an upstream filter as a first filter screen and a downstream filter as a second filter screen, both of which are arranged to filter the grey water flowing from the receiving surface to the drain collector outlet,

[0072] Wherein, the drainage system further comprises a perforated plate, the perforated plate comprises a second filter screen, and the perforated plate comprises a plurality of perforations for guiding the first filter screen.

[0073] The effects and features of the second aspect of the invention are largely similar to those described above in conjunction with the perforated plate of the first aspect of the invention. The embodiments mentioned with respect to the perforated plate in the first aspect of the invention are largely compatible with the second aspect of the invention, some of which are exemplified below.

[0074] As mentioned in the first aspect of the invention, the second filter screen is preferably a mesh, and the first filter screen is preferably a slot filter comprising a plurality of columns between the slits, wherein each of the plurality of perforations is configured to guide a corresponding column of the slot filter. The columns of the slot filter typically protrude from the drain collector, and therefore, the perforated plate can be moved or lifted from the drain collector to a position where the perforated plate is easily cleaned (e.g., with reference to the second position described in the first aspect). Therefore, since the perforations are configured to guide the corresponding columns of the slot filter, when the perforated plate moves relative to the first filter screen, the columns will be cleaned through the perforated plate.

[0075] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a shower room or shower cubicle is provided. The shower room or shower cubicle comprises:

[0076] a shower device having: a shower mixer configured to mix hot water from a hot water supply source and preheated cold water from a cold water supply source; and a shower head fluidly connected to the shower mixer for supplying shower water;

[0077] - A drainage system according to the first aspect of the invention or the second aspect of the invention.

[0078] The effects and features of the third aspect of the present invention are largely similar to the effects and features described above in conjunction with the first and second aspects of the present invention. The embodiments mentioned in relation to the first and second aspects of the present invention are largely compatible with the third aspect of the present invention, some of which are exemplified below.

[0079] The shower room or shower cubicle may comprise a shower floor or a shower tray, or alternatively be replaced by a shower tray (i.e. a shower cubicle without enclosing walls). The receiving surface of the drainage system usually forms the surface of the shower floor or shower tray, or is arranged in the shower floor or shower tray. For example, the receiving surface may be arranged in a recess in the shower floor or shower tray, wherein the recess is covered by a plate, and wherein the plate is provided with at least one opening (or a filter or a grid), so that the grey water can pass through the opening and further onto the receiving surface.

[0080] According to at least one example embodiment, the heat exchanger of the drainage system is configured to heat an incoming cold water flow using grey water flowing from the grey water inlet to the grey water outlet to provide cold water as preheated cold water for the shower device.

[0081] Therefore, the drainage system is arranged and configured to preheat cold water from a cold water supply source before the cold water (or preheated cold water) is supplied to the shower mixer. The cold water may be, for example, tap water. Therefore, the drainage system can be connected to a tap water supply source.

[0082] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drainage system for recovering heat energy from a shower grey water flow or a tap grey water flow. The system comprises:

[0083] a drain collector having a receiving surface for receiving grey water and a drain collector outlet formed in the receiving surface for draining the grey water from the receiving surface,

[0084] a heat exchanger arranged downstream of the drain collector outlet and comprising a grey water inlet and a grey water outlet, the heat exchanger being configured to heat the incoming cold water flow using grey water flowing from the grey water inlet to the grey water outlet,

[0085] - a plate covering the drainage collector,

[0086] - an upstream filter and a downstream filter arranged to filter the grey water flowing along the receiving surface to the drain collector outlet, wherein the upstream filter comprises a first filter screen protruding from the plate towards the receiving surface and the downstream filter comprises a second filter screen arranged upstream of the drain collector outlet.

[0087] The effects and features of the fourth aspect of the present invention are largely similar to those described above in conjunction with the first to third aspects of the present invention. The embodiments mentioned with respect to the first to third aspects of the present invention are largely compatible with the fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0088] The drainage system may be configured to be arranged in a recess in the shower floor. Thus, when the drainage system is arranged in such a recess, the plate (or cover) constitutes part of the shower floor. The plate may be provided with at least one opening for water to pass through to the receiving surface. The at least one opening may, for example, be covered by a first filter screen. Alternatively, the opening for water to pass through the opening to the receiving surface is formed by a gap between the drainage collector and the plate. Here, the first filter screen may protrude from the plate to cover the gap.

[0089] Applicable to the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the invention, it should be noted that the heat exchanger of the drainage system may be configured to preheat cold water introduced into a shower compartment or a mixer of a faucet. However, according to at least one example embodiment, the heat exchanger of the drainage system is configured to partially or completely preheat cold water introduced into a water heater, such as an externally arranged water heater (i.e., arranged externally relative to the drainage system) or a rapid heater. Thus, the preheated cold water may be partially or completely routed to the water heater, resulting in an increased flow of cold water through the heat exchanger, and thereby increasing heat recovery from the grey water compared to the case where the cold water through the heat exchanger is only supplied to the shower mixer. The heat exchanger is typically arranged to discharge the grey water downstream, for example to a sewer. Also applicable to the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the invention, the heat exchanger is preferably a plate heat exchanger.

[0090] Further features of the invention and advantages of the invention will become apparent when studying the attached claims and the following description. The skilled person realizes that different features of the invention can be combined to produce embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings showing example embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0092] Figure 1schematically illustrates a shower room or shower stall including a drainage system for recovering heat energy from a grey water flow according to at least some example embodiments of the present invention;

[0093] Figure 2 The present invention is described in more detail according to at least one example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 drainage system,

[0094] Figure 3 The present invention is described in more detail according to at least one example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Drainage collectors for drainage systems,

[0095] Figure 4 The present invention is described in more detail according to at least one example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 The filtering device of the upstream filter, the intermediate filter and the downstream filter,

[0096] Figure 5 FIG. 1 illustrates a method according to at least one example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Alternative drainage collectors for drainage systems, and

[0097] Figure 6 to Figure 7 A portion of a drain collector and filter device according to at least one example embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] In this detailed description, various embodiments of the present invention are primarily described with reference to a shower cubicle (or shower stall) including a drainage system for recovering thermal energy from a grey water flow.

[0099] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a shower room or shower cubicle 1. The shower room or shower cubicle 1 comprises a shower pan or shower floor 3 and shower walls 5 (only one of the shower walls 5 is shown). The shower wall 5 is attached to a building in which the shower room 1 is installed, or is separated from the building and thus forms a part of the shower cubicle 1. Correspondingly, the shower pan or floor 3 is attached to the building (i.e., a shower floor constituting the shower room), or is separated from the building (i.e., a shower pan constituting the shower cubicle). For simplicity, the shower room or shower cubicle 1 will be described hereinafter simply as a shower room 1, and the shower pan or floor 3 will be described simply as a shower floor 3.

[0100] The shower room 1 further comprises a shower mixer 10 and a shower head 12, which is fluidly connected to the shower mixer 10 via a shower conduit 14, such as a shower hose or a shower pipe. The shower mixer 10 is configured to mix hot water from a hot water supply source, such as a hot tap water supply source, and preheated cold water from a cold water supply source, which is preheated cold water from a heat exchanger in a drainage system 30 as will be described below. During use, the shower mixer 10 mixes the desired amount of preheated cold water and hot water, supplies the mixed water to the shower head 12 via the shower conduit 14, and thereby provides shower water for showering. The shower water then encounters the shower floor 3 and enters the shower drainage system 30 as grey water. Grey water typically includes debris such as textile fibers and hair as well as grease and shower products due to showering.

[0101] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of , the drainage system 30 is arranged in a recess of the shower floor 3, wherein the recess is covered by the plate 7 and wherein the plate 7 is provided with at least one opening, here in the form of a plurality of punchings 9a. However, it should be noted that instead of a plurality of punchings 9a, the at least one opening may comprise one or more gaps in the plate 7, for example one or more gaps arranged on one or more lateral sides of the plate 7. Thus, grey water may enter the drainage system 30 via the punchings 9a.

[0102] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 2 The drainage system 30 is described in further detail. Figure 2 In order to increase the understandability, the plate 7 has been removed. The drainage system 30 comprises a drainage system for draining the drain pipe 30 through the punched holes 9a ( Figure 1 The drain collector 32 includes a receiving surface 34 (shown as partially hidden) for receiving grey water. The drain collector also includes a drain collector outlet 36 (shown as partially hidden) formed in the receiving surface 34 for draining the grey water from the receiving surface 34 and further downstream into the drain system 30.

[0103] The drain system 30 also includes a heat exchanger 70, which is shown as being partially hidden behind the drain collector 32. The heat exchanger 70 is arranged downstream of the drain collector outlet 36 and includes a grey water inlet 72 and a grey water outlet 74. In addition, the heat exchanger 70 includes a cold water inlet 76 for receiving cold water from a cold water supply source and a cold water outlet 78 for discharging preheated cold water to the shower mixer 10. The grey water inlet 72, the grey water outlet 74, the cold water inlet 76, and the cold water outlet 78 are shown in dotted lines because they are partially hidden behind the drain collector 32. However, it should be noted that the preheated cold water can be additionally or alternatively supplied to a water heater or a flash heater. Therefore, the heat exchanger 70 is configured to heat the incoming cold water flow using the grey water flowing from the grey water inlet 72 to the grey water outlet 74. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger 70 is a plate heat exchanger including heat exchange surfaces arranged and configured to transfer heat from the grey water to the incoming cold water. The heat exchanger is typically arranged to discharge the grey water downstream from the grey water outlet 74, for example to a sewer 79 (shown symbolically in some of the drawings).

[0104] The drainage system 30 further includes an upstream filter 40 and a downstream filter 42 disposed downstream of the upstream filter 40. The drainage system 30 further includes an optional intermediate filter 44 disposed upstream of the downstream filter 42 and downstream of the upstream filter 40. The upstream filter 40, the intermediate filter 44, and the downstream filter 42 are arranged to filter the gray water flowing along the receiving surface 34 to the drainage collector outlet 36 in the order of the upstream filter 40, the intermediate filter 44, and the downstream filter 42.

[0105] The drainage system 30 may also include an alternative drainage inlet 133. The alternative drainage inlet 133 is fluidly coupled to a bypass conduit arranged to supply the grey water to the sewer 79 by bypassing the heat exchanger 70. That is, instead of or in addition to directing the grey water via the drainage collector 32 and the heat exchanger 70, the drainage system 30 may be configured to direct the grey water to the sewer 79 via the alternative drainage inlet 133, the bypass conduit, without passing through the heat exchanger 70. Thus, in the event of an overflow or to handle a grey water flow that exceeds the capacity of the heat exchanger 70, the drainage system 30 is configured to direct the grey water to the sewer 79 via the bypass conduit and the alternative drainage inlet 133.

[0106] exist Figure 3 The drain collector 32 and the filter device having the upstream filter 40, the intermediate filter 44 and the downstream filter 42 are shown in more detail in FIG. Figure 3As shown in , the upstream filter 40 includes a first filter screen 41 protruding from the receiving surface 34, and the intermediate filter 44 includes a third filter screen 45 protruding from the receiving surface 34 in a manner corresponding to the first filter screen 41 (and in the same direction). The downstream filter 42 is in the form of a mesh 43 covering the drain collector outlet 36 (the mesh 43 is only partially shown and should be understood to cover at least the drain collector outlet 36). In more detail, each of the first filter screen 41 and the third filter screen 45 protrudes or extends outward from the receiving surface 34 in a direction along the geometric normal of the receiving surface. However, it should be noted that each of the first filter screen 41 and the third filter screen 45 can protrude or extend outward from the receiving surface 34 in a direction slightly inclined (e.g., up to + / -30°) relative to such geometric normal. The mesh 43 of the downstream filter 42 can be bent upward or downward (e.g., by a bowl-shaped mesh, a cone-shaped mesh, or a recessed mesh).

[0107] The first filter screen 41 and the third filter screen 45 extend vertically to the same level as the vertical level of the entrance to the alternative drain inlet 133 or extend vertically to be higher than the vertical level of the entrance to the alternative drain inlet 133. In other words, the height of the first filter screen 41 and the third filter screen 45 is as large as or larger than the height of the vertically protruding pipe including the alternative drain inlet 133. Therefore, in the event of overflow, or to handle a grey water flow exceeding the capacity of the heat exchanger 70, the grey water is directed to the sewer 79 via the bypass conduit and the alternative drain inlet 133, while ensuring that no or a limited amount of unfiltered grey water reaches the drain collector outlet 36 without passing through the first filter screen 41 and the third filter screen 45. That is, in the event of an overflow, unfiltered grey water cannot pass over the first and third filter screens 41 , 45 in amounts that could clog the heat exchanger, but will instead be directed to the alternate drain inlet 133 and bypass conduit leading to the sewer 79 .

[0108] like Figure 3 As shown in , each of the upstream filter 40 and the intermediate filter 44 is a slit filter. Therefore, each of the first filter screen 41 and the third filter screen 45 includes a slit through which gray water can pass and a column arranged adjacent to the slit for blocking the gray water. Thereby, debris can be captured at the column or at the junction between the column and the slit. The slit gap of the first filter screen 41 can be, for example, 3 mm and the slit gap of the third filter screen 45 can be, for example, 2 mm. The difference in the slit gap between the first filter screen 41 and the third filter screen 45 results in different filtering performances of the upstream filter 40 and the intermediate filter 44. In Figure 3In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , each of the first filter screen 41 and the third filter screen 45 is shaped as an annular ring (oval, or at least partially oval in shape but with straight lateral sides).

[0109] Likewise Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the first filter screen 41 of the upstream filter 40 surrounds the third filter screen 45 of the intermediate filter 44. Therefore, in use, all the gray water flowing along the receiving surface 34 must pass through the upstream filter 40 before reaching the intermediate filter 44. In addition, both the first filter screen 41 of the upstream filter 40 and the third filter screen 45 of the intermediate filter 44 surround the drain collector outlet 36 and the downstream filter 42. Therefore, in use, all the gray water flowing along the receiving surface 34 must pass through the upstream filter 40 and the intermediate filter 44 before reaching the drain collector outlet 36 and the downstream filter 42. When the mesh member 43 covers the drain collector outlet 36, in use, all the gray water flowing along the receiving surface 34 is further away from the drain system 30 and the heat exchanger 70 ( Figure 2 ) must pass through a mesh downstream filter before. Thus, debris such as textile fibers and hair can be at least partially prevented from entering the drain collector outlet 36 and the heat exchanger 70.

[0110] also, Figure 3 The drainage system 30 in the embodiment includes at least one stepped structure forming a sand trap, in which the at least one stepped structure is in the form of a step 35 arranged downstream of the upstream filter 40 and upstream of the downstream filter 42. Here, the step 35 is formed by the edge or edge of the intermediate filter 44 relative to the receiving surface 34b. That is, the edge or edge forming the lower part of the third filter screen 45 is solid (and does not include slits or openings) and thus forms a barrier for sand and other particles. As an alternative, for example in an embodiment that does not include the intermediate filter 44, the sand trap can be formed by a stepped structure protruding from the receiving surface 34.

[0111] According to at least one example embodiment, the upstream filter 40, the intermediate filter 44 and the downstream filter 42 are arranged in a detachable manner. To this end, the receiving surface 34 includes a first surface portion 34a arranged laterally on the outside of the upstream filter 40 and a second surface portion 34b arranged at least laterally on the inside of the upstream filter 40, wherein the upstream filter 40, the intermediate filter 44 and the downstream filter 42 are attached to the second surface portion 34b and are arranged in a removable manner relative to the first surface portion 34a. Thus, easy and effective cleaning of the system can be performed because the upstream filter 40, the intermediate filter 44 and the downstream filter 42 can be removed together with the second surface portion 34b of the receiving surface 34 in order to remove any debris that has been captured by the upstream filter 40, the intermediate filter 44 and the downstream filter 42.

[0112] Figure 4 The second surface portion 34b of the receiving surface 34 and the upstream filter 40, the intermediate filter 44 and the downstream filter 42 removed from the first surface portion 34a of the receiving surface 34 attached thereto are shown. Here, the first filter screen 41 and the third filter screen 45 are shown in more detail. Each of the first filter screen 41 and the third filter screen 45 has an outer side portion 41a, 45a arranged to face upstream and an opposite inner side portion 41b, 45b arranged to face downstream. In addition, the slits of the first filter screen 41 and the third filter screen 45 are shown in more detail. The slits through which gray water can pass are separated by columns. As an example, the first slit 51c of the first filter screen 41 forms a slit gap between two adjacent columns 51a, 51b. Thereby, debris can be captured at the columns 51a, 51b or at the junction between the columns 51a, 51b and the slit 51c. As shown in Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the slit 51c of the first filter screen 41 extends along the entire height of the first filter screen 41, while the slit of the third filter screen 45 extends along most of the height of the third filter screen 45 (because the step 35 formed by the edge or edge of the lower portion of the third filter screen 45 occupies a portion of the height of the third filter screen 45).

[0113] As in Figure 4 , the second surface portion 34b comprises an edge 34c extending laterally outwardly from the upstream filter 40 and the first filter screen 41. The edge 34c extends along the circumference of the first filter screen 41. Thus, any debris that has been captured by the first filter screen 41 and at least partially adhered to / adhered to the outer side of the previously mentioned first filter screen can rest on the edge 34c and thus be removed together with the second surface portion 34b.

[0114] exist Figure 5 , an alternative embodiment of the drain collector 132 is shown. The drain collector 132 may replace Figures 2 to 3 The drainage collector 32 in any one of the above, and thus can be Figure 1 The drain collector 132 is used in the shower room 1. Figures 2 to 3 The drain collector 32 in is the same, so the differences are mainly described. Figure 5 In the case of Figure 5 In the embodiment, the filtering device includes an upstream filter 140 and a downstream filter 142, and the downstream filter 142 is for example Figures 2 to 4 However, the upstream filter 140 includes at least two first filter sub-screens 140a, 140b arranged opposite to each other but still located upstream of the downstream filter 142. Figure 5 shown in, and in principle for Figures 2 to 3 1 , the drain collector 132 is arranged to receive grey water from two different and opposite directions. Therefore, the receiving surface 134 of the drain collector 132 is configured to guide the grey water towards the drain collector outlet 136 by means of two separate guide portions 134a, 134b (or guide channels 134a, 134b) (shown only symbolically). Therefore, the first filter sub-mesh 140a of the upstream filter 140 is arranged to filter the grey water flowing along the first guide portion 134a, and the second filter sub-mesh 140b of the upstream filter 140 is arranged to filter the grey water flowing along the second guide portion 134b. Therefore, all the grey water flowing through the receiving surface 134 is filtered by the upstream filter 140 by means of the separate filter sub-meshes 140a, 140b in the separate guide portions 134a, 134b. Alternatively, only one of the guide portions 134a, 134b is present in the receiving surface 134 and therefore all grey water flowing through the receiving surface 134 is filtered by the filter 140 upstream of such guide portion (i.e. by means of a separate filtering sub-sieve 140a, 140b, whichever is present in the guide portion).

[0115] The drainage collector 132 may further include at least one intermediate filter 141 (optional) arranged upstream of the downstream filter 142 and downstream of at least one of the two first filter sub-screens 140a, 140b. Figure 5In the embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate filter 141 is arranged downstream of only one of the first filter subnets 140b. The upstream filter 140, the intermediate filter 141 and the downstream filter 142 are arranged to filter the gray water flowing along the receiving surface 134 and the second guide portion 134b to the drain collector outlet 136 in the order of the upstream filter 140, the intermediate filter 141 and the downstream filter 142.

[0116] Figure 6 to Figure 7 The filter device 201 is shown arranged in a drain collector 232. The drain collector 232 may replace Figures 2 to 3 The drainage collector 32 in any one of the above, or the filter device 201 may replace Figure 4 The filter or filtering device in the Figure 1 Used in shower room 1.

[0117] exist Figure 6 to Figure 7 In the figure, only a portion of the drain collector 232 is shown, and the other portions of the drain collector 232 may be Figures 2 to 3 The drain collector 32 in FIG. 2 is identical or largely identical, so mainly the differences are described below. The filter device 201 differs from the previously described filters or filter devices mainly due to the perforated plate 260 .

[0118] The filter device 201 includes an upstream filter 240 and a downstream filter 242. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 2 , the upstream filter 240 includes a first filter screen 241 protruding from the receiving surface 234 or from the first surface portion 234a of the receiving surface 234, and the downstream filter 242 includes a second filter screen 243 in the form of a mesh or grid. The second filter screen 242 is arranged just at the outlet of the drainage collector ( Figure 6 ) upstream of the .

[0119] Figure 6 The embodiment also includes an optional intermediate filter 244. The intermediate filter 244 includes a third filter screen 245, which protrudes from the receiving surface 234 or from the first surface portion 234a of the receiving surface 234 in a corresponding manner (and in the same direction) as the first filter screen 241, as will be described later.

[0120] In more detail, the first filter screen 241 and the optional third filter screen 245 protrude or extend outwardly from the first surface portion 234a of the receiving surface 234 in a direction along the geometric normal of the receiving surface 234. Figure 6As shown in , each of the upstream filter 240 and the optional intermediate filter 244 is a slit filter. Therefore, each of the first filter screen 241 and the third filter screen 245 includes a slit through which gray water can pass and a column arranged adjacent to the slit for blocking debris in the gray water. As an example, the first slit 251c of the first filter screen 241 forms a slit gap between two adjacent columns 251a, 251b. Thereby, debris can be captured at the columns 251a, 251b or at the junction between the columns 251a, 251b and the slit 251c. The slit gap of the first filter screen 241 can be, for example, 3mm and the slit gap of the third filter screen 245 can be, for example, 2mm. The difference in the slit gap between the first filter screen 241 and the third filter screen 245 results in different filtering performances of the upstream filter 240 and the intermediate filter 244. In Figure 6 In an embodiment, each of the first filter screen 241 and the third filter screen 245 is shaped as an annular ring (oval, or at least partially oval in shape but with straight lateral sides) in which the first filter screen 241 surrounds the third filter screen 245.

[0121] Figure 6 to Figure 7 The perforated plate 260 in the embodiment includes the second filter screen 243. In addition, the perforated plate 260 includes a first plurality of perforations 262 for guiding the first filter screen 241. In addition, the perforated plate 260 may include an optional second plurality of perforations 264 for guiding the optional third filter screen 245. Thus, when the posts 251a, 251b of the first filter screen 241 extend through the first plurality of perforations 262 and the posts of the third filter screen 243 extend through the second plurality of perforations 264, the perforated plate 260 may move relative to the first filter screen 241 and the optional third filter screen 245.

[0122] As in Figure 6As shown in, receiving surface 234 comprises the first surface portion 234a mentioned above, and the first filter screen 241 and the optional third filter screen 245 protrude from the first surface portion 234a. That is, the posts of the first filter screen 241 and the third filter screen 243 protrude from the first surface portion 234a. In addition, receiving surface 234 comprises a second surface portion 234b formed by a perforated plate 260. The second surface portion 234b of receiving surface 234 or the perforated plate 260 is arranged on the top of the first surface portion 234a of receiving surface 234 in a removable manner. Therefore, the posts 251a, 251b of the first filter screen 241 or the first filter screen 241 are attached to the first surface portion 234a of receiving surface 234, and the posts 251a, 251b of the first filter screen 241 or the first filter screen 241 protrude from the first surface portion 234a. Due to the first plurality of perforations 262 through which the posts 251a, 251b extend (or protrude) and the second plurality of perforations 264 through which the posts of the third filter screen 245 extend (or protrude), the perforated plate 260 can be arranged on top of the first surface portion 234a of the receiving surface 234 and can move vertically relative to the first surface portion 234. Here, vertical movement refers to a direction perpendicular to the first surface portion 234a of the receiving surface 234. In other words, the first filter screen 241 can be described as protruding from the first surface portion 234a and passing through the perforated plate 260. Correspondingly, the third filter screen 245 can be described as protruding from the first surface portion 234a and passing through the perforated plate 260.

[0123] In more detail, the perforated plate 260 is configured to move, for example, vertically move, from a first position in which the perforated plate 260 rests on the first surface portion 234a of the receiving surface 234 to a second position in which the perforated plate 260 is vertically away from the first surface portion 234a of the receiving surface 234 by a predetermined distance D, such as Figure 7 Thus, debris that has been captured at the posts in the first filter screen 241 and the third filter screen 245 or at the junction between the posts and the slits can be effectively removed from the perforated plate 260. That is, Figure 7 In the second position of the perforated plate 260 shown in FIG, the perforated plate 260 is vertically away from the first surface portion 234a of the receiving surface 234 and is therefore more accessible for cleaning. Figure 6 As shown in , the slits 251c of the first filter screen 241 extend along the entire height of the first filter screen 241, and the slits of the optional third filter screen 245 extend along the entire height of the third filter screen 245. Thus, the perforated plate 260 can be easily moved vertically from the first position to the second position.

[0124] The plurality of posts 251a, 251b of the first filter screen 241, and the corresponding posts of the optional third filter screen 245, preferably have a common predetermined height. The previously mentioned predetermined distance D extending between the upper surface 261 of the perforated plate and the first surface portion 234a of the receiving surface 234 is at least the same as, e.g., substantially the same as, the predetermined height of the posts. Thus, in the second position of the perforated plate 260, the posts 251a, 251b will not protrude through the perforations 262, 264 of the perforated plate 260. Thus, the upper surface 261 of the perforated plate 260 or at least a portion of the upper surface 261 of the perforated plate 260 including the first plurality of perforations 262 and the second plurality of perforations 264 will be easy to clean.

[0125] As in Figure 6 to Figure 7 , the perforated plate 260 can be locked in the second position by a first locking structure 270 and a second locking structure 280. The first locking structure 270 is illustrated by four protruding arms 271, 272, 273, 274. The second locking structure 280 is illustrated by four corresponding locking surfaces 281, 282, 283, 284. Each of the four locking arms 271, 272, 273, 274 includes a locking edge that is configured to lock to the locking surface 281, 282, 283, 284 in the second position of the perforated plate 260, for example, by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0126] The perforated plate 260 may include a ridge structure 290 extending along the length L of the perforated plate 260. The ridge structure 290 may be arranged, for example, radially inside the second filter screen 243. Figure 7 As seen in FIG. 2 , the ridge structure 290 may include an opening 295 arranged along the ridge structure 290. The opening 295 is generally aligned with a drain collector outlet (not shown). Thus, the drain collector outlet may be accessed in an advantageous manner, for example, to receive cleaning material or cleaning particles. Typically, the opening 295 is defined by an inner wall 296 extending into the ridge structure 290.

[0127] In use, the grey water may flow along the first surface portion 234a and further flow to the second surface portion 234b or the perforated plate 260 and be filtered by the first filter screen 241 before reaching the third filter screen 245 and thereafter the second filter screen 243 of the perforated plate 260. After being filtered by the second filter screen 243, the grey water reaches the drain collector outlet (i.e. not via the opening 295, but through the second filter screen 243 and reaching the lower side of the perforated plate 260). Thus, there may be a gap between the first surface portion 234a of the receiving surface 234 and the lower side of the perforated plate 260, at least below the second filter screen 234 and up to the drain collector outlet. Alternatively, the drain collector outlet is arranged directly downstream of the second filter screen, so that the grey water is received by the drain collector outlet, for example by the collecting surface of the drain collector outlet, after it has passed the second filter screen. Such a collecting surface may be an inclined surface.

[0128] Back to Figure 1 , the plate 7 can direct the grey water, such all grey water, to the receiving surface via the punched holes 9a as described previously. However, the plate 7 can comprise auxiliary holes or openings, for example arranged inside the punched holes 9a. Thereby, at least some of the grey water, for example a small amount of grey water, can be directed to a middle portion of the receiving surface, for example the second surface portion mentioned previously, or directly to the downstream filter. For example, when the grey water falls directly from the auxiliary holes or openings of the plate 7 onto the downstream filter, the impact of the grey water on the second filter screen can have a cleaning effect.

[0129] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, many different variations, modifications and the like will become apparent to the skilled person. For example, the drainage system may be installed for heat recovery of grey water from a tap or a bathtub instead of from a shower cubicle. Furthermore, further intermediate filters may be arranged between the upstream filter and the downstream filter. Furthermore, the first filter screen and / or the third filter screen do not need to be slit filters, but may comprise openings or orifices through which grey water may pass. The holes or orifices may, for example, be of rectangular shape. Furthermore, the drainage system described herein is suitable for use in a shower tray (i.e. a shower cubicle without walls). For Figure 6 to Figure 7 The intermediate filter 244 and the third filter screen 245 mentioned in the embodiment are optional and can be excluded from the embodiment. Therefore, the corresponding structure, such as the second plurality of apertures 264, is optional and can be excluded from the embodiment.

[0130] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, based on a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A drainage system for recovering heat energy from grey water flow in a shower or from a tap, the system comprising: a drain collector having a receiving surface for receiving grey water and a drain collector outlet formed in the receiving surface for draining grey water from the receiving surface, a heat exchanger arranged downstream of the drain collector outlet and comprising a grey water inlet and a grey water outlet, the heat exchanger being configured to heat an incoming cold water flow using grey water flowing from the grey water inlet to the grey water outlet, - an upstream filter and a downstream filter arranged to filter grey water flowing along the receiving surface to the drain collector outlet, wherein the upstream filter comprises a first filter screen protruding from the receiving surface and the downstream filter comprises a second filter screen arranged upstream of the drain collector outlet.

2. The drainage system according to claim 1, wherein: The second filter screen of the downstream filter is a mesh member covering the drain collector outlet.

3. The drainage system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an intermediate filter, which is arranged downstream of the upstream filter and upstream of the downstream filter, and the intermediate filter comprises a third filter screen protruding from the receiving surface in a manner corresponding to the first filter screen of the upstream filter.

4. A drainage system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first filter screen of the upstream filter is arranged to surround the drain collector outlet and the downstream filter.

5. The drainage system according to claims 3 and 4, wherein: The first filter screen of the upstream filter surrounds the third filter screen of the intermediate filter.

6. The drainage system according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the first filter screen and the third filter screen is shaped as an elliptical ring or an annular ring.

7. A drainage system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first filter screen of the upstream filter has an outer side facing upstream to receive grey water and an opposite inner side facing downstream.

8. A drainage system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The upstream filter and the downstream filter have different filtering properties.

9. A drainage system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The upstream filter is a slot filter.

10. A drainage system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a stepped structure protruding from the receiving surface and arranged downstream of the upstream filter and upstream of the downstream filter to form a sand trap.

11. A drainage system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The receiving surface comprises a first surface portion which is laterally arranged on the outside of the upstream filter and a second surface portion which is at least laterally arranged on the inside of the upstream filter, wherein the upstream filter and the downstream filter are attached to the second surface portion and are removably arranged relative to the first surface portion.

12. The drainage system according to claim 11, wherein: The second surface portion has an edge extending laterally outwardly from the upstream filter, the edge being arranged to extend along the upstream filter.

13. A drainage system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an alternative drainage inlet fluidly coupled to a bypass conduit arranged to bypass the heat exchanger.

14. The drainage system according to claim 20, wherein: The first filter screen of the upstream filter extends vertically to the same level as the vertical level of the alternative drain inlet or extends vertically to be higher than the vertical level of the alternative drain inlet.

15. The drainage system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a perforated plate comprising the second filter screen, the perforated plate comprising a plurality of perforations for guiding the first filter screen.

16. A drainage system according to claim 15 as appended to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The receiving surface comprises a first surface portion from which the first filter screen protrudes, and a second surface portion which is formed by the perforated plate and which is removably arranged on top of the first surface portion.

17. The drainage system according to claim 16, wherein: The perforated plate is configured to move from a first position in which the perforated plate rests on the first surface portion of the receiving surface to a second position in which the perforated plate is vertically spaced a predetermined distance away from the first surface portion receiving surface.

18. A drainage system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: The first filter screen is a slot filter comprising a plurality of posts between slots, and wherein each perforation of the plurality of perforations is configured to guide a corresponding post of the slot filter.

19. A drainage system according to claims 17 and 18, wherein: The plurality of pillars have a predetermined height, and wherein the predetermined distance is at least the same as the predetermined height.

20. The drainage system according to any one of claims 17 and 19, further comprising a first locking structure, wherein: The perforated plate comprises a second locking structure, and wherein the perforated plate is configured to be locked in the second position by locking the second locking structure to the first locking structure.

21. A drainage system according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein: The perforated plate includes a ridge structure extending along a length of the perforated plate and openings disposed along the ridge structure, wherein the openings are aligned with the drainage collector outlet.

22. A shower room or shower cubicle, comprising: - a shower device having: a shower mixer configured to mix hot water from a hot water supply source and preheated cold water from a cold water supply source; and a shower head fluidly connected to the shower mixer for supplying shower water; - A drainage system according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. The shower room or shower cubicle according to claim 22, wherein: The heat exchanger of the drainage system is configured to heat an incoming cold water flow using grey water flowing from the grey water inlet to the grey water outlet to provide cold water as preheated cold water for the shower device.

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