Improved shower system

Abstract

Shower system (1), having a first mode of operation, in which the mixer (40) is supplied by a primary supply (45, 46), and a second mode of operation, in which a valve (16) of the shower tray (10) is closed, so as to block the flow from the shower tray (10) to the drain pipe (12), the pump (110) draws water from the tank (14) of the shower tray (10), and supplies the mixer (40) via the heater (120), said heater (120) being controlled so as to maintain the water passing through it at a set temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of shower systems, and more particularly to water recycling shower systems. Previous technique

[0002] Water management is becoming increasingly important in various sectors, particularly water consumption for domestic uses.

[0003] Showers, in particular, represent a significant source of water consumption. Therefore, the possibility of designing showers with a water recycling function to reduce consumption has been considered.

[0004] However, the systems under consideration are restrictive and unsatisfactory for users.

[0005] The present invention thus aims to remedy at least partially these problems. Description of the invention

[0006] The present invention thus relates to a shower system, comprising: a shower tray, a hand shower and an overhead shower, a mixer tap, including a primary supply adapted to be connected to a water network, the mixer tap being adapted to selectively supply the hand shower and / or the overhead shower, in which The shower tray includes a water drain pipe, a tank, a valve and a water level sensor in the tank. The system includes a water recycling circuit, connecting the shower tray tank to the mixer tap, and comprising a pump and a heater. The system has: a first operating mode, in which the mixer tap is supplied by its primary supply; a second operating mode, in which: the shower tray valve is closed, so as to block the flow from the shower tray to the drain pipe; the pump draws water from the shower tray tank and supplies the mixer tap via the heater; said heater being controlled so as to maintain the water passing through it at a set temperature.

[0007] According to one example, the system includes a controller configured to operate the shower system in the first operating mode, and to engage the second operating mode if a water recycling instruction is issued, and if the water level in the tank exceeds a safety threshold value.

[0008] According to one example, the system includes an indicator, and the controller is adapted to drive the indicator so as to deliver a signal when the water level in the tank exceeds a threshold value.

[0009] According to one example, the controller includes an interface adapted to issue the water recycling instruction.

[0010] According to one example, said interface includes one or more push buttons.

[0011] In one example, the controller is configured to operate the tank valve, so as to maintain the water level in the tank below or equal to a high threshold value.

[0012] For example, the mixer tap includes: a primary inlet comprising a first inlet, adapted to be connected to a cold water mains supply, and a second inlet, adapted to be connected to a hot water mains supply, a secondary inlet, adapted to be connected to the recycling circuit, a first outlet, connected to the hand shower, a second outlet, connected to the overhead shower, said mixer being configured to supply the first outlet and / or the second outlet either via the first and second inlets, or via the secondary inlet.

[0013] According to one example, the mixer includes a hydraulic dynamo adapted to generate an electric current, and a light indicator, in which the controller is configured so that, when the shower system is in the second operating mode, it activates the hydraulic dynamo to power the light indicator.

[0014] According to one example, the system further includes a set of hydromassage jets, and in which the mixer includes a third outlet adapted to supply water to said set of hydromassage jets.

[0015] According to one example, the said third outlet of the mixer is adapted to be selectively connected to the water recycling circuit. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the detailed description below of various embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples. [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a schematic overview of a system according to one aspect of the invention. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 represents an example of a mixer tap according to one aspect of the invention. Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 represents an example of a receiver according to one aspect of the invention. Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 represents an example of a shower cubicle according to one aspect of the invention. Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 represents another example of a mixer according to one aspect of the invention. Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 represents another example of a shower cubicle according to one aspect of the invention.

[0017] Across all figures, common elements are identified by identical numerical references. Description of the implementation methods

[0018] A shower system is presented according to one aspect of the invention with reference to figures 1 à 6 .

[0019] System 1 as proposed includes a shower tray 10 or shower base, a hand shower 20 and a shower head 30, a mixer tap 40, and a controller 50.

[0020] The shower tray 10 forms the basis of the system. It is adapted to collect shower water, and includes a water drainage pipe 12 adapted to be connected to a wastewater pipe.

[0021] The system also typically includes walls to form a shower cubicle 2.

[0022] The mixer 40 is connected to the hand shower 20 and the overhead shower 30 respectively via a first outlet 42 and a second outlet 43, and is adapted to supply water to the hand shower 20 and / or the overhead shower 30.

[0023] The mixer 40 conventionally comprises a primary supply including a first inlet 45, adapted to be connected to a cold mains water supply, a second inlet 46, adapted to be connected to a hot mains water supply, and a set of valves to control the water supply to the first outlet 42 and the second outlet 43. Cold mains water supply and hot mains water supply commonly refer to the pipes supplying running domestic water.

[0024] The controller 50 can, in particular, be used to control the mixer 40. The controller 50 typically includes actuators such as push buttons or levers that can be operated by a user. These various actuators can, for example, be integrated into a control panel or control unit. In the illustrated example, the control panel 51 includes various push buttons, allowing the user to select the power supply for the hand shower 20 or the shower head 30, and the operating mode, as will be described later. Furthermore, the control panel 51, as illustrated, includes a temperature control, by which the user selects the desired temperature. The controller 50 is suitable for controlling the various elements of system 1, and in particular the mixer 40, according to the settings applied via the control panel 51.The control panel 51 typically comprises a set of mechanical actuators that can be operated by the user. Alternatively, the control panel 51 can be a digital control panel.

[0025] System 1 as proposed also includes a 100 water recycling circuit, allowing the water used to be recycled.

[0026] The shower tray 10 thus includes a tank 14, a valve 16 and a water level sensor 18.

[0027] Valve 16 is typically a solenoid valve controlled by controller 50, and allows the water drain 12 to be selectively closed or not. Alternatively, valve 16 is a mechanical valve or shut-off valve, coupled with a manual drain control 17.

[0028] The reservoir 14 is formed within the shower tray 10. It collects the water used during the operation of the shower system. The reservoir is typically positioned beneath a perforated grate 11 located within the shower tray 10, thus allowing easy access for cleaning. A filter 15 can also be positioned within the reservoir 14 to filter the water collected in the reservoir. The filter 15 is typically controlled by the controller 50 so that it is activated when the valve 16 is in the closed position. In other words, the filter 15 is typically deactivated when the user does not wish to activate the water recirculation function. The filter 15 can, in particular, be positioned at an inlet of the recirculation circuit 100 in the bottom of the reservoir 14. The water is then filtered as it is drawn by the pump 110 of the recirculation circuit 100.

[0029] The valve 16 is thus typically positioned in a bottom of the tank 14, so that the piloting of the valve 16 controls the filling or emptying of the tank 14 when using the shower system.

[0030] The water level sensor 18 is typically positioned in the tank 14, and is adapted to deliver information relating to the level in the tank 14 to the controller 50.

[0031] The tank 14 typically includes suitable means for maintaining the water in the tank below a high threshold value. These means may include, in particular, an orifice connected to the drain pipe at the top of the tank and performing an overflow function, and / or may be ensured by the association of the water level sensor 18 and the controller 50 which controls the valve 16 so as to allow excess water to flow towards the drain pipe and to maintain the water level in the tank 14 between a threshold value and a high threshold value.

[0032] System 1 typically includes a drain control 17 adapted to operate the opening of valve 16 and thus drain the tank 14. This drain control is typically a push button that can be operated by the user. Alternatively, valve 16 is a solenoid valve controlled by controller 50; in this case, the drain control 17 is not required and can be omitted.

[0033] The 100 water recycling circuit connects the tank 14 of the shower tray 10 to the mixer 40.

[0034] The mixer 40 thus includes a secondary inlet 41, connected to the recirculation circuit 100, and allowing water to be supplied to the mixer 40 via the recirculation circuit 100. The valve assembly of the mixer 40 allows, in particular, the supply of water to the first outlet 42 and / or the second outlet 43 via the primary inlet and / or via the secondary inlet 41. In other words, the hand shower 20 and the overhead shower 30 can be supplied with water from the mains water supply via the primary inlet, or via the recirculation circuit 100, or even via a combination of the mains water supply and the recirculation circuit 100.

[0035] The recycling circuit 100 includes in particular a pump 110 and a heater 120.

[0036] Pump 110 is suitable for drawing water from tank 14 of shower tray 10 and supplying mixer 40 via heater.

[0037] The pump 110 is typically associated with a safety sensor 112, designed to send a stop signal to the pump 110 when the water level in the shower tray 10's reservoir 14 is less than or equal to a safety threshold. This safety sensor 112 thus defines a minimum water level to prevent the risk of cavitation of the pump 110.

[0038] The heater 120 is positioned between the pump 110 and the secondary inlet 41 of the mixing valve 40, and is configured to apply a heating setpoint to the water in the recirculation circuit 100 passing through it, specifically so that the water in the recirculation circuit 100 leaving the heater 120 is at a setpoint temperature. The heater 120 is typically controlled by the controller 50.

[0039] The controller 50 is configured to power the various components of the shower system, defining, in particular, a first and a second operating mode. Alternatively, the controller 50 can control the individual components. The function and nature of the controller 50 depend, in particular, on the desired level of control, specifically whether a primarily mechanical or electronic control system is desired.

[0040] In the first operating mode, the mixer tap is supplied by its primary supply, i.e., by the mains water supply. The valve 16 of the shower tray 10 is then typically open, so that the water drains through the waste pipe.

[0041] Alternatively, in the first operating mode, the valve 16 of the shower tray 10 can be closed, so as to collect the used water in the tank 14 of the shower tray 10. The water then accumulates in the tank 14 of the shower tray 10 until it reaches a threshold value, beyond which the excess water is discharged either via the valve 16 or via a secondary orifice 13 connected to the drain pipe, thus acting as an overflow. The secondary orifice is typically formed on a promontory extending from the bottom of the tank 14, so as to be below the grate 11, the height of the promontory defining the high water threshold value in the tank 14. In this case, the first operating mode thus corresponds to conventional operation for the water supply, but also performs a water accumulation function in the tank 14.

[0042] The second operating mode corresponds to operation with water recycling. This second operating mode can be activated by the user, notably via an actuator coupled to controller 50.

[0043] Initially, if valve 16 is not in the closed position, the user controls the closing of valve 16 in order to initiate a water accumulation in tank 14.

[0044] The water level sensor 18 sends information about the water level in the tank 14 to the controller 50. In the second operating mode, the valve 16 of the shower tray 10 is closed. The used water thus accumulates in the tank 14 of the shower tray 10.

[0045] When the water reaches a threshold value, the controller 50 can be configured to send a signal informing a user that the water level in tank 14 has reached the threshold value. This signal can be displayed on a control panel, be audible, or visual.

[0046] Optionally, system 1 includes a light source (or a light indicator) to deliver such a signal.

[0047] The user typically operates the mixing valve 40 to shut off the primary water supply. The user then activates an actuator, typically a push button on a control panel 51, which switches the power supply to the pump 110 and the heater 120 via the controller 50, thereby activating the recirculation circuit 100. The pump 110 is self-priming when the recirculation mode is selected and does not require manual activation by the user.

[0048] System 1 may include a hydraulic dynamo adapted to generate an electric current when system 1 is in operation, so as to power a light source, said dynamo being for example positioned at the secondary inlet 41 of the mixer 40, so as to indicate to the user that the secondary operating mode is engaged.

[0049] It is understood that in such an operating mode, where the user activates the secondary operating mode, the secondary operating mode can be engaged as soon as the water level in tank 14 exceeds the safety threshold value. The user can thus typically activate the secondary operating mode when the water level in tank 14 is between the safety threshold value and the threshold value. Alternatively, the controller 50 can be configured so that the pump 110, and therefore the second operating mode, is only activated if the water level in tank 14 is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

[0050] Alternatively, controller 50 performs a control function for the various components, activating the second operating mode when the water reaches a threshold value strictly greater than the safety threshold value. For example, the safety threshold value could correspond to a water volume of 2 liters, and the threshold value to a water volume between 6 and 8 liters.

[0051] In such a variant, the user can, for example, initiate the commissioning of the second operating mode. The controller then controls valve 16 to fill tank 14, and then controller 50 controls the mixer 40, pump 110, and heater 120 to activate the recirculation circuit 100 and cut off the primary supply as soon as the water level in the tank reaches a threshold value.

[0052] The mixer 40, and in particular the mixer valve assembly 40, is thus controlled to supply water to the first outlet 42 and / or the second outlet 43 via the secondary inlet 41. Thus, the hand shower 20 and / or the overhead shower 30 are supplied with water via the recirculation circuit 100.

[0053] Pump 110 is configured to draw water from the tank 14 of the shower tray 10, and to supply the secondary inlet 41 of the mixer 40 via the heater 120.

[0054] The heater 120 is controlled to regulate the temperature of the water in the recirculation circuit 100 passing through it. Thus, the controller 50 typically controls the heater 120 to set a target temperature. The heater 120 then applies a heating or cooling setpoint so that the water leaving the heater 120 and reaching the secondary inlet 41 of the mixing valve 40 is at this target temperature.

[0055] The target temperature is typically selected by a user via a control panel associated with the controller 50. For example, a user can select the target temperature using a push button, a touchscreen, a dial, or any other suitable element. The target temperature can, in particular, be set based on the temperature selected by the user via the mixer 40, for example, via an actuator or a control of the mixer 40.

[0056] The shower system 1 is typically configured to default to its first operating mode. The second operating mode is typically engaged when a specific command is activated, for example, by the user using an actuator associated with controller 50.

[0057] In operation, a user can therefore use the system according to the first operating mode to shower without recycling function.

[0058] The user can then initiate the filling of the tank 14 of the shower tray 10.

[0059] Optionally, the system emits a signal informing the user of the availability of the recycling function when the water level in the tank 14 of the shower tray 10 exceeds the threshold value.

[0060] The user can engage the recycling function, for example via an actuator associated with the controller 50. The controller 50 then compares the information provided by the water level sensor 18 in the tank 14 with the threshold value.

[0061] If the measured value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, controller 50 drives the system to engage the second operating mode. If the measured value is less than the threshold value, controller 50 maintains system 1 in the first operating mode until the measured value exceeds the threshold value.

[0062] When the system is in the second operating mode, if the water level in the tank falls below the safety threshold, the pump 110 is stopped to prevent any risk of cavitation. Alternatively, the controller 50 can then control the mixer 40 to re-engage the first operating mode and reinstate the water supply via the primary circuit. Alternatively, a warning light or, if necessary, a message can be displayed to inform the user of the low water level in the tank 14.

[0063] Alternatively, the system can also incorporate a hydro-massage jet function. figures 5 And 6 are variants of figures 2 And 4 described above incorporating such a function. The mixer 40 then typically includes a third outlet 44 adapted to supply a set of hydromassage jets 60 including in particular a set of nozzles shown on the figure 6 .

[0064] The user can then activate the hydro-massage jet function, for example, by operating a control.

[0065] For example, the hydro-massage jets are powered by a secondary supply. Therefore, the hydro-massage jet function can only be activated when the system is in its second operating mode, i.e., in water recirculation mode.

[0066] The system as proposed thus makes it possible to perform a recycling function for a shower, by offering a closed circuit operation for the supply of the hand shower 20 and the overhead shower 30.

[0067] The proposed system can in particular feature automatic activation of the recycling function if it is initiated by the user and the volume of water in tank 14 is sufficient, without requiring additional manipulations by the user.

[0068] Furthermore, the 120 heater maintains the temperature of the recycled water, eliminating the need to add hot or cold domestic water. In addition, maintaining the temperature of the recycled water is more energy-efficient than adding domestic hot water.

[0069] Finally, the proposed system offers a simplified installation compared to existing systems. Integrating the tank 14 into the shower tray 10 eliminates the need for an external storage tank. Maintenance and servicing are also facilitated by the system's structure 1. Furthermore, the proposed system allows for continued conventional shower operation without water recirculation, even in the event of an electrical failure or a component failure in the recirculation circuit.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is evident that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

[0071] It is also evident that all the characteristics described with reference to a process are transposable, alone or in combination, to a device, and conversely, all the characteristics described with reference to a device are transposable, alone or in combination, to a process.

Claims

1. Shower system (1), comprising: - a shower tray (10), - a hand shower (20) and a shower head (30), - a mixer (40), comprising a primary supply (45, 46) adapted to be connected to a water network, the mixer (40) being adapted to selectively supply the hand shower (20) and / or the shower head (30), in which - the shower tray (10) comprises a water discharge pipe (12), a reservoir (14), a valve (16) and a water level sensor (18) in the reservoir (14), - the system (1) comprises a water recycling circuit (100), connecting the reservoir (14) of the shower tray (10) to the mixer (40), and comprising a pump (110) and a heater (120), the shower system (1) having: - a first operating mode, in which the mixer (40) is supplied by its primary supply (45, 46), - a second operating mode, in which: the valve (16) of the shower tray (10) is closed,in order to block the flow from the shower tray (10) to the drain pipe (12), the pump (110) takes water from the tank (14) of the shower tray (10), and supplies the mixer (40) via the heater (120), said heater (120) being controlled so as to maintain the water passing through it at a set temperature., 2. System (1) according to claim 1, comprising a controller (50) configured to control the shower system (1) in the first operating mode, and to engage the second operating mode if a water recycling instruction is issued, and if the water level in the tank (14) exceeds a safety threshold value.

3. System (1) according to claim 2, comprising an indicator, and in which the controller (50) is adapted to control the indicator so as to deliver a signal when the water level in the tank (14) exceeds a threshold value.

4. System (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, in which the controller (50) comprises an interface adapted to emit the water recycling instruction.

5. System (1) according to claim 4, wherein said interface comprises one or more push buttons.

6. System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the controller (50) is configured so as to control the valve (16) of the tank (14), so as to maintain the water level in the tank lower than or equal to a high threshold value.

7. System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mixer comprises: - a primary inlet comprising a first inlet (45), adapted to be connected to a network cold water inlet, and a second inlet (46), adapted to be connected to a network hot water inlet, - a secondary inlet (41), adapted to be connected to the recycling circuit (100), - a first outlet (42), connected to the shower head (20), - a second outlet (43), connected to the overhead shower (30), said mixer (40) being configured so as to supply the first outlet (42) and / or the second outlet (43) either via the first inlet and the second inlet, or via the secondary inlet (41).

8. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the mixer (40) comprises a hydraulic dynamo adapted to generate an electric current, and a light indicator, in which the controller (50) is configured so as to, when the shower system (1) is in the second operating mode, activate the hydraulic dynamo so as to power the light indicator.

9. System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a set of hydromassage jets, and in which the mixer comprises a third outlet adapted to supply water to said set of hydromassage jets.

10. System (1) according to claim 9, wherein said third outlet of the mixer is adapted to be selectively connected to the water recycling circuit.

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