Recirculating shower with two independent heated circuits

Abstract

The invention relates to a recirculating shower (10) comprising: • two independent water circuits, a first circuit (70), referred to as the clean water circuit (60), which is configured to be connected to the drinking water network and comprises a first outlet (80), and a second circuit (700), referred to as the graywater circuit (600), which comprises a second outlet (800), the clean water circuit (70) comprising a temperature adjustment system (90) which allows the user to provide a setpoint temperature (91) for the clean water (60); • a pump (100) configured to inject the graywater (600) back into the graywater circuit (700); • a water heater (400); and • a thermal control apparatus (500) configured to extract the setpoint temperature (91) and control the water heater (400) accordingly so that the graywater (600), when it is at the second outlet (800), is at the setpoint temperature (91) for the clean water (60).

Description

Description Title: Cyclic shower with two independent heated circuits TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [1] The invention relates to the field of showers. [2] It belongs to the installations for collecting water and for supplying water for domestic purposes. More precisely, the invention concerns a so-called cyclic shower, which reuses the water coming out of a clean water circuit and which has become grey water. STATE OF THE ART [3] Water recycling showers, or cyclic showers, are known from the prior art. These showers save water by reinjecting the water already used, known as grey water, into a circuit of unused water, known as clean water. Most of the time, said cyclic showers include filtration and cleaning devices designed to clean this grey water. However, standards may prohibit the reinjection of grey water into a circuit connected to conventional water networks, known as clean water networks (for example, cold water EFS and domestic hot water ECS). [4] It is then necessary to consider two independent water circuits, one for clean water, the other for grey water, to be able to reuse clean water and grey water and limit overall water consumption. [5] However, as grey water is reused, without any other external action, it cools down. This is not suitable for users of the system, who want to enjoy a shower at a constant temperature. [6] An existing solution, presented in document WO2017 / 1 11600, consists of reinjecting clean hot water into the grey water circuit. [7] This solution has the disadvantage of increasing the water consumption of cyclic showers. [8] Currently, cyclic showers include many features in addition to the basic equipment of a classic shower (shower head, collection tray, hose, temperature control device, drain). [9] This poses two problems: the first concerns the ergonomics of the cyclic shower. The equipment of a cyclic shower can be bulky and may require modifying many basic pieces of equipment of a conventional shower. This approach is not satisfactory from an ecological point of view

[0010] The second concerns the robustness of the cyclic shower in the event of electrical failures. Indeed, in existing cyclic showers, such as the one presented in document WO2017 / 1 1 1600, using the shower in the conventional way, i.e. without recirculation or recycling of the water, is not possible in the event of electronic failures.

[0011] Additionally, other showers, such as those disclosed by DE4124605A1, include a wash head, a basin to collect the wash water, which will be drawn by a pump into a pipe. These showers also include a water heater between the pump and the wash head to heat the circulating wash water. This water heater compensates for the heat loss of the circulating wash water. However, these showers have the disadvantage of not providing the same temperatures of clean water and gray water at the outlet of the circuits. In addition, the shower, as disclosed, may lack robustness in the event of a power failure.

[0012] There is therefore still a need today for a cyclic shower with two independent water circuits, making it possible to limit water consumption compared to cyclic showers of the prior art, while allowing users to have a chosen temperature at the constant outlet throughout use, and to use the shower in the conventional manner (without water recycling) in the event of electronic failures. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the state of the art cited above.

[0014] To this end, the present invention relates to a cyclic shower. This cyclic shower comprises two independent water circuits, a first circuit called clean water, configured to be connected to the drinking water network, comprising a first outlet, and a second circuit, called gray water, comprising a second outlet and configured to receive and circulate water from the first and second outlets.

[0015] The first outlet is an outlet configured to allow clean water to exit outside the first circuit. This water, once it has exited the first circuit, can be used by a user of the cyclic shower to wash.

[0016] Similarly, a second outlet is a water outlet configured to allow gray water to exit outside the second circuit. This water, once it has exited the second circuit, can also be used by a user of the cyclic shower to wash.

[0017] Grey water is considered water that has left the first circuit or the second circuit, through the clean water or grey water outlet. Therefore, water circulating in the second circuit is considered grey water.

[0018] The independence of the two circuits prevents pollution of the drinking water network with gray water.

[0019] A clean water network is understood to mean a conventional network, for example domestic, comprising a means of heating clean water such as a water heater and means of distributing heated and unheated water. Clean water may be potable.

[0020] The clean water circuit comprises a temperature control system configured to allow the user to choose a set temperature for the clean water, the temperature control system being configured so that the clean water at the first outlet is at said set temperature.

[0021] Preferably, this temperature adjustment system comprises a button or a lever or any other element configured to be manipulated by a user. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the temperature adjustment system comprises a thermostatic mixing valve configured to be connected to a hot clean water inlet and to a cold clean water inlet.

[0022] The cyclic shower also includes a water recovery tank from the first and second outlets as well as a pump connected to the second circuit and configured to reinject said water from the recovery tank into the gray water circuit.

[0023] The cyclic shower may include a gray water filtering system arranged in the second circuit. The filtering system prevents certain particles from passing into the gray water circuit, such as hair, fur, solid pieces of soap, and other finer particles. The filtering system thus limits the risk of congestion in the gray water circuit and damage to the equipment in the gray water circuit. In particular embodiments of the present invention, said filtering system includes a strainer positioned in the gray water circuit. The strainer prevents particles such as hair, fur, and solid pieces of soap from passing into the gray water circuit. Said strainer prevents particles with a size greater than or equal to 3 mm from passing through.In particular embodiments of the invention, the filtering system comprises at least one filter, which is positioned in the gray water circuit. It is preferably positioned downstream of the strainer. The filter(s) prevents particles larger than 5 pm from passing into the gray water circuit. It improves the level of cleanliness of the gray water.

[0024] Generally speaking, equipment located downstream of another is described in relation to the direction of water flow in the given water circuit when the latter is in operation.

[0025] In particular embodiments of the invention, the filter has a water inlet configured to allow gray water upstream of the filter to fill the filter and a water outlet, configured to allow the gray water to exit the filter, after passing through said filter, said filter comprising an automatic drain valve configured to allow the entire filter to be filled with gray water, regardless of the position of the water outlet of the filter and to extract the gray water from the filter at the end of use of the second circuit.

[0026] This embodiment has the advantage of allowing the filter to be emptied at the end of use of the second circuit without any action from the user. This prevents water from stagnating and therefore the development of bacteria within the cyclic shower.

[0027] The cyclic shower may comprise, in a particularly advantageous mode, a disinfection module, configured to disinfect the gray water before it leaves the gray water circuit. Said disinfection module is configured to have a bactericidal, germicidal and virucidal action on the gray water circulating in The second circuit. It primarily eliminates bacteria, germs, and viruses. It can remove 99.999% of viruses, bacteria, and germs from water.

[0028] The disinfection module preferably comprises a UV lamp configured to irradiate the grey water circulating in the second circuit with UV radiation. The UV radiation allows the aforementioned elimination of viruses, bacteria and germs. The UV lamp is preferably at least one UV LED, LED being the acronym for "light emitting diode". The UV lamp traditionally has two states: off and on. This has low power consumption compared to other UV lamps such as LPHO (acronym for "low pressure, high output") and robustness in the face of changes in the off and on states of the UV lamp. In other words, the UV LED can be turned off and on several times within a time interval of about ten minutes, and maintain its performance in terms of eliminating viruses, bacteria and germs.This corresponds to a typical use of the cyclic shower by a user.

[0029] The cyclic shower also includes a water heater configured to heat the gray water, and a thermal control device configured to control the water heater so as to maintain the gray water at, substantially, the set temperature of the clean water. The thermal control device is also configured to extract the set temperature.

[0030] This cyclic shower has the advantage of offering a cyclic shower with two independent water circuits, allowing the same temperature of the gray water and clean water throughout use because the gray water is heated to the same temperature as the clean water which, compared to a conventional cyclic shower, avoids using additional clean hot water to reheat the gray water which would have cooled down, thus limiting water consumption. In addition, the adjustment of the temperature of the gray water and the clean water is carried out by a single instruction from the user or the user of the set temperature which reduces the number of manipulations of the latter during the use of the shower and therefore makes it easier to use. In addition, the cyclic shower is resilient to electrical or electronic failures: such a failure does not prevent the operation of the clean water circuit.

[0031] This cyclic shower advantageously allows for the same temperature of clean water and gray water in the first and second outlets, while limiting the use of clean water. It is important to differentiate between the set temperature of the clean water and the actual temperature of the clean water, the set temperature providing continuous information to control the water heater, whether or not there is flow within the clean water circuit. Thus, the set temperature is more reliable information to transmit than the actual temperature of the clean water.

[0032] In particular embodiments, the invention further meets the following characteristics, implemented separately or in each of their technically operative combinations.

[0033] In particular embodiments of the present invention, the thermal control apparatus comprises an electronic sensor configured to extract the set temperature of the clean water from the temperature control system and a central unit configured to transmit the set temperature of the clean water to the water heater.

[0034] The central unit can be, for example, a calculator, a microcomputer or an electronic card.

[0035] The cyclic shower has the advantage of being particularly ergonomic and limiting the use of electronic equipment because it extracts information from a clean water temperature control system using a single sensor. This therefore limits breakdowns and the environmental impact of the cyclic shower, compared to a configuration in which several sensors and temperature control systems are used.

[0036] In particularly advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the electronic sensor is a magnetic potentiometer and the temperature control system is a thermostatic mixer. Preferably, the magnetic potentiometer is a circular magnetic potentiometer and the temperature control system is a rotary thermostatic mixer.

[0037] In some embodiments, the electronic sensor is compact so that it can be integrated behind a shower wall when the cyclic shower has a wall. These embodiments have the advantage of being particularly ergonomic and to protect the electronic sensor from contact with clean water and / or gray water.

[0038] For example, but not limited to, the electronic sensor may be circular and have an outer diameter of approximately 7 centimeters, an inner diameter of less than 4.6 centimeters, and a thickness of less than 0.6 centimeters. It may have a volume of less than 16 cm3. Thus, the sensor is compact enough to be integrated behind a shower wall when the cyclic shower has a wall. It may also be configured to be integrated within a shower column.

[0039] This configuration is particularly advantageous because, in addition to the small footprint compared to another cyclic shower with more sensors and temperature adjustment systems than the said configuration, it allows the reuse of classic equipment from a classic shower, namely a thermostatic mixer, preferably rotary.

[0040] In particular embodiments of the present invention, the thermal control apparatus comprises a flow sensor positioned upstream or downstream of the water heater and configured to measure the flow rate of the gray water in the second circuit and a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the gray water leaving the water heater, said sensors being configured to control the temperature of the water heater. This configuration makes it possible to control the water heater with few sensors, so as to maintain the gray water at the set temperature of the clean water. This also makes it possible to guarantee the safety of users by avoiding scalding or excessively cold water and increases their comfort.

[0041] The thermal control device thus makes it possible to obtain grey water heated more precisely to the set temperature because it takes into account the temperature of the clean water and the flow rate of the grey water.

[0042] In particular highly advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the thermal control apparatus comprises a flow sensor configured to measure the flow rate of the water in the gray water circuit and two temperature sensors, a first temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature of the water in the gray water circuit upstream of the water heater, a second temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature of the water in the gray water circuit downstream of the water heater. In such embodiments, the thermal control device has the advantage of having very precise and more responsive control than the control of an embodiment comprising only a single flow sensor and a single temperature sensor.

[0043] For example, the second sensor allows the thermal control device to know the exact temperature of the gray water leaving the water heater and thus to readjust the temperature of the water heater if the temperature measured by the second sensor is not close enough or equal to that of the set temperature.

[0044] In particular embodiments of the present invention, the cyclic shower comprises a shower column and the thermal control apparatus, the filter(s) and the water heater are integrated into said shower column. Advantageously, this makes it possible to limit the size of the cyclic shower, compared to a cyclic shower comprising a shower column in which the equipment is not integrated.

[0045] In particular embodiments of the present invention, the cyclic shower comprises a shower head connected to the two independent circuits, the first outlet and the second outlet being integrated into said shower head. These embodiments have the advantage of limiting the number of shower heads included in the cyclic shower. Thus, the cyclic shower is particularly ergonomic for users, compared to a cyclic shower comprising several separate shower heads.

[0046] In particular embodiments of the present invention, the cyclic shower comprises two independent hoses connected to the shower head, a first being connected to the clean water circuit and to the first outlet, a second being connected to the gray water circuit and to the second outlet. The cyclic shower may also comprise a third hose, inside which the two hoses are, in whole or in part, integrated.

[0047] This configuration has the advantage of being particularly ergonomic for users compared to a configuration in which the two pipes are not included in a third pipe. Cleaning the shower is particularly simplified.

[0048] In particular embodiments of the present invention, the drain pan includes a drain outlet and a drain plug. configured to, alternatively, be able to allow or prevent the drainage of water from the recovery tank into the sewer.

[0049] In this embodiment, the sewer discharge comprises pipes and allows the flow and evacuation of household water.

[0050] This drain plug advantageously keeps the water in the recovery tank and allows it to be easily reinjected into the second circuit.

[0051] In particular embodiments of the present invention, the cyclic shower comprises a first configuration in which the cyclic shower is configured for use of the clean water circuit and a second configuration in which the cyclic shower is configured for use of the gray water circuit, the cyclic shower further comprising a configuration change device, configured to be actuated by the user and to, when so actuated, switch from one configuration of the cyclic shower to the other. This configuration change device advantageously allows the user to very easily control the switch from the first configuration to the second configuration and vice versa, i.e. from the use of one water circuit to the other. This configuration change device further improves the ergonomics of the cyclic shower which is the subject of the present invention.

[0052] In particular embodiments of the present invention, the gray water circuit comprises a drain solenoid valve configured to empty the gray water circuit at the end of use of the cyclic shower. This drain solenoid valve makes it possible to avoid leaving stagnant water in the gray water circuit at the end of use of the cyclic shower, and therefore to improve the hygiene of the cyclic shower and the lifespan of the cyclic shower.

[0053] The invention also relates to a kit for mounting a cyclic shower comprising a cyclic shower which is the subject of the present invention and an assembly manual. Preferably, said kit also comprises assembly tools. Said kit advantageously allows an individual or a professional to install the cyclic shower according to steps described in the assembly manual and using the assembly tools when the latter are included in the kit. The assembly tools are configured to allow the installation of the cyclic shower kit by at least one person. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0054] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the present invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the devices and methods which are the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: - [Fig. 1] Figure 1 represents a schematic view of a cyclic shower according to an embodiment of the present invention; - [Fig. 2] Figure 2 represents a schematic view of a filter and an automatic purger that the cyclic shower comprises according to an embodiment of the present invention; - [Fig. 3] Figure 3 represents a schematic view of a thermal control apparatus and a temperature adjustment system that comprises the cyclic shower according to an embodiment of the present invention; - [Fig. 4] Figure 4 represents a schematic view of a double outlet shower head that comprises the cyclic shower according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] This description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

[0056] Please note, from now on, that the figures are not to scale. Example of a particular embodiment

[0057] Figure 1 shows a cyclic shower 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cyclic shower 10 comprises a shower column 20. Said shower column 20 is traditionally fixed to a wall. The shower column may have the following dimensions (in centimeters): 20*15*220.

[0058] The cyclic shower 10 includes a collection tray 30, also called a shower tray. The collection tray 30 includes a drain 40 to the sewer, to allow the evacuation of the water included in the collection tray 30. The sewer system includes pipes and allows the flow and evacuation of household water.

[0059] The cyclic shower 10 comprises a temperature adjustment system 90. Preferably, this temperature adjustment system comprises a button or a lever or any other element configured to be manipulated by a user.

[0060] More specifically, the temperature control system 90 may comprise a thermostatic temperature mixing valve 50. Said thermostatic temperature mixing valve is traditionally connected to the drinking water or clean water network. More specifically, it is connected to a hot clean water inlet 60 and a cold clean water inlet 60. It makes it possible, in a known manner, to regulate the arrival of hot and cold clean water 60. Said temperature control system 90 is configured to allow the user to provide a set temperature 91 of the clean water 60, the first circuit 70 being configured so that the clean water 60 at the first outlet 80 is at the set temperature of the clean water 60.

[0061] More specifically, the user can select a temperature using the thermostatic mixing valve 50 by operating it.

[0062] In the embodiment described, but in a non-limiting manner, the thermostatic temperature mixer 50 is a rotary mixer, that is to say it comprises a rotating mobile part actuable by a user and a fixed part.

[0063] Said rotating movable part is configured to provide water at the first outlet 80 in a temperature range depending on the angle of rotation of the movable part relative to an initial position. The initial position of the movable part corresponds to the position for which the water temperature corresponding to the cold clean water inlet temperature 60.

[0064] The user can rotate the rotating movable part of the thermostatic mixing valve 50 to indicate the set temperature of the clean water 60.

[0065] Please note that there may be an indication on the thermostatic mixing valve of temperature 50 of the temperatures corresponding to different positions of the rotating moving part, but that this is not obligatory.

[0066] The cyclic shower 10 comprises a first circuit 70, called a clean water circuit. A water circuit generally comprises one or more pipes configured to receive and circulate a liquid, such as water, making it possible to convey this liquid from one point to another. This first circuit 70 is configured to allow only clean water 60 to circulate within it. The clean water 60 comes from the clean water network.

[0067] A clean water network means a conventional network, for example a domestic network, comprising a means for heating clean water such as a water heater and means for distributing heated and unheated water. Clean water is preferably potable.

[0068] The first circuit 70 also comprises a first outlet 80, called the clean water outlet 60. It is preferably integrated into a shower head 81 or into a shower head 82 for example.

[0069] The first outlet is an outlet configured to allow clean water to exit outside the first circuit. This water, once it has left the circuit, can be used by a user of the cyclic shower to wash.

[0070] The cyclic shower 10 also includes a second circuit 700, called the gray water circuit. The second circuit includes at least one second outlet 800.

[0071] Similarly, a second outlet is understood to mean an outlet configured to allow so-called gray water 600 to exit the second circuit.

[0072] The second circuit 700 is configured to receive and circulate water from the first 80 and second outlets 800. This water is called gray water 600.

[0073] In other words, gray water 600 is considered to be water that has left the first circuit or the second circuit and can be reinjected into the second circuit 700.

[0074] The gray water 600 is recovered in the recovery tank 30 and integrated into the second circuit 700 by means of a pump 100 which the cyclic shower 10 comprises. The pump 100 makes it possible to pressurize the water in the second circuit 700. The pump 100 is for example a self-priming pump. The self-priming pump 100 makes it possible to suck the gray water 600 from the gray water circuit 700 even in the presence of air in the gray water circuit 600. Such a pump model thus allows its positioning in height relative to the recovery tank 30. In the embodiments where the pump is self-priming, the latter is preferably integrated into the shower column 20 and thus reduces the size of the shower compared to a configuration where the pump would not be self-priming.

[0075] The pump 100 is traditionally configured to be connected to an electrical network. It is preferably configured to be powered by very low safety voltage, i.e. 12Vdc. This makes it possible to limit the electricity consumption of the cyclic shower 10, and therefore to limit the environmental impact of the cyclic shower 10, but also to reinforce electrical safety.

[0076] The pump 100 may also be a centrifugal pump. This has the advantage of not blocking the flow of the gray water 600 in the gray water circuit 700 when the latter is switched off.

[0077] The pump 100 may also be a gear pump. This has the advantage of having two operating modes, one for each direction of rotation. It can thus be configured to remove the gray water 600 from the gray water circuit 700 in one of the two operating modes.

[0078] The gray water circuit 700 preferably comprises a drain solenoid valve 850. The drain solenoid valve is connected to the electrical circuit. It is preferably positioned downstream of the pump 100 relative to the direction of flow of the gray water 600 in the gray water circuit 700 when the latter is in operation.

[0079] Generally speaking, equipment located downstream of another is described in relation to the direction of water flow in the given water circuit when the latter is in operation.

[0080] Said drain solenoid valve 850 is configured to drain the gray water 600 from the gray water circuit 700 after use of the gray water circuit 700.

[0081] The cyclic shower may include a filtering system. Said filtering system preferably includes a strainer 150. The strainer 150 is positioned in the gray water circuit 700. It covers a section of the gray water circuit 700. It is configured to prevent the passage of particles in the gray water circuit 700 such as solid pieces of soap, hair or fur for example. Said strainer makes it possible to prevent the passage of particles whose size is greater than or equal to 3mm. Thus, the 150 strainer helps limit the risks of congestion of the gray water circuit 700, and of damaging the equipment of the gray water circuit 700.

[0082] The filtering system may further comprise at least one filter 200, which is positioned in the gray water circuit 700. It is positioned downstream of the strainer 150. It is configured to filter all of the gray water 600 circulating in the gray water circuit 700. The filter(s) 200 are configured to prevent the passage of particles whose size is greater than or equal to 5 pm in the gray water circuit 600. It makes it possible to guarantee a better level of cleanliness of the gray water 600, and to improve, for the user, the comfort of use of the cyclic shower.

[0083] The filter 200 preferably comprises a gray water inlet 210 located in its lower part, that is to say the part of the filter 200 closest to the recovery tank 30. It also comprises a water outlet. This configuration allows said filter to be emptied by gravity in order to avoid water retention when the second circuit 700 is no longer supplied with water. Said gray water inlet 210 allows the gray water 600 upstream of the filter 200 to fill the filter 200. The gray water 600 passes through the filter 200 and exits through the outlet of the filter 200. It is then reinjected into the gray water circuit 700, downstream of the filter 200.

[0084] The filter 200 may also comprise an automatic purger 220 configured to allow the entire filter 200 to be filled with gray water 600, regardless of the position of the water outlet of the filter 200, in particular if the latter is not located at the highest point of the filter 200, i.e. the point furthest from the recovery tank.

[0085] It is also configured to extract the gray water 600 from the filter 200 at the end of use of the second circuit 700 of the cyclic shower 10. Indeed, the fact of evacuating the gray water 600 from said filter 200 makes it possible to prevent it from stagnating in the filter, and therefore, makes it possible to improve the lifespan of said filter. Also, it makes it possible to keep the cyclic shower 10 clean, and to prevent bacterial development.

[0086] The automatic purger 220 is further configured to be arranged substantially vertically above the filter 200 relative to the ground, above said filter along a vertical axis. Said automatic purger is configured to evacuate air from the filter 200 when gray water 600 arrives in the gray water circuit 700, until the filter 200 is filled with gray water 600.

[0087] The lower part of the automatic purger 220, that is to say the part of the automatic purger closest to the recovery tank 30, comprises a gray water outlet 223, connected to the filter 200.

[0088] The automatic bleeder comprises an air inlet 222 on its upper part, that is to say the part of the automatic bleeder 220 furthest from the recovery tank 30.

[0089] The air inlet 222 is sealed by a float 221 when a volume of gray water 600, greater than a predetermined threshold, circulates within the automatic bleeder 220. In other words, the float 221, integrated in the automatic bleeder 220, is configured to block the air inlet 222 when the quantity of gray water 600 contained in the automatic bleeder 220 is greater than said predetermined threshold. More precisely, the float 221, when the quantity of gray water 600 contained in the automatic bleeder 220 is greater than said predetermined threshold, actuates a piston which blocks the air inlet 222 of the automatic bleeder 220.

[0090] At the end of use of the gray water circuit 700, the gray water 600 is evacuated by the automatic bleeder 220. The quantity of gray water falls below the predetermined threshold and the float 221 no longer actuates the piston, and thus releases the air inlet 222, which makes it possible to evacuate all of the water contained in the filter 200. Thus, the gray water 600 remaining in the filter 200 flows with the effect of gravity out of the filter 200 and out of the second circuit 700.

[0091] The filter 200 and the automatic purger 220 are preferably integrated into the shower column 20. The filter may for example have the following dimensions (in centimeters): 14*16*34. Thus, the cyclic shower 10 is particularly ergonomic.

[0092] The cyclic shower may also include a disinfection module 300, called UV module (UV being the abbreviation for Ultra-Violet). The UV module is configured to be powered by very low safety voltage. The disinfection module 300 includes a UV lamp configured to irradiate the gray water 600 circulating in the second circuit 700 with UV radiation.

[0093] The cyclic shower may include a disinfection module, configured to disinfect the gray water 600 before it leaves the gray water circuit 700. The UV module is preferably configured to be sufficiently compact so that it is integrated into the shower column 20.

[0094] The disinfection module 300 is configured to have a bactericidal, germicidal and virucidal action on the gray water 600 circulating in the second circuit. It preferably eliminates bacteria, germs and viruses. It can eliminate 99.999% of viruses, bacteria and germs from the water.

[0095] The cyclic shower 10 also includes a water heater 400. The water heater 400 is configured to heat the gray water 600 of the gray water circuit 700. The water heater 400 may be an instantaneous water heater. This means that it can heat the water to a set temperature of clean water 60 in a time of less than about ten seconds on average. The water heater may be, in a known manner, powered by 230V. The water heater may be configured to preferentially heat the filtered and disinfected gray water 600. The water heater is preferably quite compact, for example it occupies a volume less than or equal to 3000cm 3 , so that it can be integrated inside the shower column 20.

[0096] The cyclic shower 10 also includes a central unit 950, configured to allow control of the powering up of the water heater 400, the disinfection module 300, the drain solenoid valve 850, the pump 100.

[0097] The central unit may be, for example, a calculator, a mini-computer, an electronic card or any other computer element of the same type.

[0098] A calculator may, for example, comprise one or more processors, or CPUs, a random access memory, for example of the RAM type, and a non-volatile storage memory, for example of the ROM type, which may contain one or more control programs for said calculator.

[0099] The cyclic shower 10 also includes a thermal control apparatus 500, shown in Figure 3, configured to control the water heater 400, in order to substantially maintain the gray water 600 at the set temperature 91 of the clean water 60. The thermal control apparatus 500 is also configured to extract the set temperature 91. The temperature control system 90 is also shown in Figure 3.

[0100] The thermal control apparatus 500 comprises an electronic sensor 510. Said electronic sensor is configured to extract the set temperature 91 of the clean water 60 from the temperature control system 90.

[0101] The electronic sensor 510 is for example a magnetic potentiometer 51 1 . This magnetic potentiometer is preferably circular. It is also preferably compact so as to be integrated inside the shower column 20. It makes it possible to extract the set temperature 91 from the clean water 60 from the thermostatic temperature mixer 50.

[0102] In the embodiment where the thermostatic temperature mixer 50 is a rotary mixer, the electronic sensor 510 may be a rotary magnetic potentiometer. It makes it possible to determine the angle of rotation of the movable part relative to an initial position and to transmit it to the central unit 950. The central unit 950 can thus deduce the set temperature 91 of the clean water 60.

[0103] The 400 water heater includes temperature control. The thermal control device 500 comprises a flow sensor 512 measuring the flow rate of the gray water 600 and a temperature sensor 513 of the gray water 600 measuring the temperature of the gray water 600 at the outlet of the water heater 400. The flow sensor 512 and the temperature sensor 513 are connected to the central unit 950. The central unit 950 is configured to allow the temperature control of the water heater 400 by comparing the set temperature 91 of the clean water with the water temperature downstream of the water heater 400. In other words, the central unit 950 is configured to transmit and adapt a temperature setpoint transmitted to the water heater 400 according to the result of this comparison so that the gray water 600 at the outlet 800 of the second circuit 700 is at the set temperature 91 of the clean water. 60.

[0104] The thermal control device 500 also preferably comprises an additional gray water 600 temperature sensor 514. The temperature sensor 514 is configured to measure the temperature of the water in the gray water circuit 700 upstream of the water heater 400, and is also connected to the central unit 950. It is configured to transmit said measured temperature to the central unit 950. This configuration makes it possible to have more precise control than in a thermal control device 500 configuration having only a single water temperature sensor, and therefore a gray water temperature 600 of the second circuit 700 downstream of the water heater 400 closer to the set temperature 91 of the clean water 60.

[0105] When at least one of said temperature sensors 514 and 513 transmits a temperature above a threshold temperature, called the safety threshold, the central unit 950 is configured to stop the power supply to the water heater 400.

[0106] The second circuit, or gray water circuit 700, comprises at least one second outlet 800, called gray water outlet 600. This gray water outlet 600 is, for example, a second shower head or an overhead shower.

[0107] The cyclic shower 10 may traditionally include a selection interface configured for the user to select the water outlet(s) from which water flows when using the cyclic shower. The selection interface may be a rotary knob, for example.

[0108] The selection interface can include several states: for example, a first state indicating a first output, a second state indicating a second output, a third state indicating no output. It can combine several states, notably the first and second in the previous example.

[0109] The selection interface is connected to a circuit control device, which is configured to allow or not allow water to flow from a water outlet depending on the state(s) of the selection interface.

[0110] The cyclic shower 10 also includes a drain 1500, located at a drain outlet of the recovery tank 30. The drain 1500 is configured to be able to alternately allow and prevent the water from the recovery tank 30 from being drained into the drain.

[0111] The 1500 drain preferably includes an overflow to prevent it from overflowing in the event of a blockage.

[0112] The cyclic shower further includes a configuration change system 900 configured to be actuated by the user and to allow switching from use of the clean water circuit 70 to use of the gray water circuit 700, and switching from use of the gray water circuit 700 to use of the clean water circuit 70.

[0113] The configuration change system 900 preferably comprises a rotary mechanical switch or a push button. It may also comprise a solenoid valve controlling the opening and closing of the clean water circuit 70 and the gray water circuit 700.

[0114] The 950 central unit also controls the opening and closing of the 1500 drain.

[0115] In another embodiment, the opening and closing of the drain 1500 is manual, that is to say that it comprises a manual opening and closing system such as a plug, configured to not allow water to pass when it is positioned on the drain. Thus, when the user wishes to use the gray water circuit 700, he or she can position the plug on the drain to allow the storage of the gray water 600 in the recovery tank 30. Thus, this gray water 600 can be pumped by the pump 200 and reinjected into the second circuit 700. On the contrary, to use the clean water circuit 70, he or she can remove the plug from the drain to empty the recovery tank 30.

[0116] The manual opening or closing system can also be a rotary button connected to a cable, allowing a plug to be operated, closing or opening the drain to the sewer depending on the angle of rotation of the rotary button relative to an initial position, corresponding to the opening of the drain to the sewer.

[0117] In other words, the configuration change system 900 allows the user to move from a first configuration called the normal configuration to a second configuration called the recycling configuration.

[0118] The normal configuration corresponds to the classic use of the shower, that is to say, the use of the clean water circuit 70 only. In this normal configuration, the drain solenoid valve 850, the thermal control device 500, the water heater 400, the UV module 300, the filter(s) 200, the pump 100 are not used and preferably are not electrically powered.

[0119] The recycling configuration corresponds to the use of the gray water circuit 700. In this configuration, the thermal control means 500, the water heater 400, the UV module 300, the filter(s) 200, the pump 100 are used and are electrically powered.

[0120] When switching from the normal configuration to the recycling configuration, the cyclic shower goes through an intermediate configuration called the priming configuration. This priming configuration corresponds to the priming of the recycling configuration. In other words, this intermediate configuration will allow the conditions for using the recycling configuration to be met.

[0121] More specifically, when the user chooses the recycling configuration through the configuration change system 900, an order is transmitted by said configuration change system 900 to the central unit 950. The transmission of this order causes the cyclic shower to switch to the priming configuration.

[0122] In the priming configuration, the central unit 950 authorizes the power supply to the thermal control device 500, the water heater 400, the UV module 300, the filter(s) 200 and the pump 100. Preferably, the central unit 950 also transmits a closing order to the drain 1500 so that the latter prevents the evacuation of water from the recovery tank 30 to the sewers.

[0123] In another embodiment, the drain 1500 is mechanically connected to the configuration change system 900 and is configured to be closed or opened mechanically without an order from the central unit 950 but by simple manual action on the configuration change system 900.

[0124] Still in the priming configuration, the gray water 600 enters the gray water circuit and when the flow rate measured by the flow sensor 512 exceeds a predetermined threshold for a predetermined duration called the flow rate threshold, the gray water circuit 700 is considered to be full, that is to say that the gray water 600 can flow from the second outlet 800.

[0125] The user can then cut off the supply of clean water through the thermostatic mixing valve of temperature 50 without modifying the set temperature 91 of the clean water 60.

[0126] As soon as the gray water 600 flows from the second outlet 800, this means that the cyclic shower 10 has then switched from the priming configuration to the recycling configuration.

[0127] The central unit 950 can also power a display interface comprising for example one or more indicator lights. The display interface allows the user to know in which configuration the cyclic shower 10 is.

[0128] According to an exemplary embodiment, the display interface comprises an indicator light configured to be in several different states depending on the configuration of the cyclic shower, for example an on state, a flashing state and an off state. Preferably, the indicator light is off when the cyclic shower 10 is in the normal configuration, flashing when the cyclic shower 10 is in the priming configuration and on when the cyclic shower 10 is in the recycling configuration.

[0129] If the user wishes to switch from the recycling configuration to the normal configuration, they activate the configuration change system 900 to switch the cyclic shower to the normal configuration. They also activate the thermostatic mixing valve 50 to reopen the clean water supply 60.

[0130] In addition, the central unit 950 preferably sends an opening command to the drain 1500 if the latter is electronically controlled so that it allows the gray water 600 to pass towards the sewers. The central unit 950 also preferably cuts off the power supply to the thermal control device 500, the water heater 400, the UV module 300, the filter(s) 200 and the pump 100. The central unit 950 also sends an order to the drain solenoid valve 850, in order to empty the gray water 600 from the second circuit 700.

[0131] In the event that the user simply wishes to switch from the recycling configuration to turning off the shower, that is to say that they do not wish to return to the normal configuration, nor remain in the recycling configuration, they proceed in the same way as for switching to the normal configuration, without having to operate the thermostatic mixing valve of temperature 50 to reopen the clean water inlet 60.

[0132] In another configuration, the mixer could only be used to provide a temperature setting for clean water 60 and a tap could be used to manage the flow rate of clean water 60 entering the clean water circuit 70.

[0133] In this configuration, the user operates the tap to open and close the clean water supply 60.

[0134] In this configuration, the central unit 950 preferably sends an opening command to the drain 1500 if the latter is electronically controlled so that it allows the gray water 600 to pass towards the sewers. The central unit 950 also preferably cuts off the power supply to the thermal control device 500, the water heater 400, the UV module 300, the filter(s) 200 and the pump 100. The central unit 950 also sends an order to the drain solenoid valve 850, in order to empty the gray water 600 from the second circuit 700. Other benefits and optional features

[0135] In another embodiment, the first 80 and the second 800 outlets can also be integrated into the same shower head 83, shown in Figure 4. Said shower head is then referred to as a double outlet shower head, because it has the characteristic of having two independent water outlets: a clean water outlet 60 and a gray water outlet 600. The shower head is configured so that these two waters cannot mix before being taken out of the shower head 83.

[0136] Said shower head 83 can be connected to two independent pipes 831, 832, preferably flexible, a first being connected to the clean water circuit 70, a second being connected to the gray water circuit 700. The flexible pipes attached to the shower heads are commonly called “flexible” and this name will be used subsequently.

[0137] The first hose 831 is connected to the shower head 83 at a first outlet of the shower head 833, and the second hose 832 is connected to the shower head 83 at a second outlet of the shower head 834. The first hose 831 allows the clean water to circulate to the first outlet of the shower head 833. Similarly, the second hose 832 allows the gray water 600 to circulate to the second outlet of the shower head 834.

[0138] Preferably, the two flexible pipes 831 and 832 can be integrated - in whole or in part - inside a third flexible pipe.

[0139] Preferably, the two outlets of the knob 833, 834 conventionally comprise holes distributed regularly on the knob 83. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one of the two outlets 833, 834 comprises the holes which are closer to the center of the knob, and the other comprises the holes on the periphery of the knob.

[0140] In another embodiment, the electronic sensor 510 may be a hollow shaft potentiometer.

[0141] In another embodiment, the electronic sensor 510 may be comprised of a multi-turn potentiometer as well as a geared rotational coupling system on the multi-turn potentiometer.

[0142] In another embodiment, the configuration change system 910 consists of a device comprising one or more electronic buttons and one or more solenoid valves.

[0143] The electronic buttons and solenoid valves are electrically connected to the central unit 950. The electronic buttons have two distinct positions: a first position corresponding to the normal configuration, and a second position corresponding to the recycling configuration.

[0144] The central unit 950 can also send an order to the solenoid valves. These are then configured to close the gray water circuit 700 and open the clean water circuit 70.

[0145] Opening the clean water circuit 70 means allowing the passage of clean water 60 into the clean water circuit 70. Closing the gray water circuit 700 means not allowing the passage of gray water 600 into the gray water circuit 700. Similarly, opening the gray water circuit 700 means allowing the passage of gray water 600 into the gray water circuit 700. Closing the clean water circuit 70 means not allowing the passage of clean water 60 into the clean water circuit 70.

[0146] When the user indicates the recycling configuration via the electronic button(s), information is transmitted to the central unit 950. The cyclic shower then switches to a priming configuration.

[0147] As in the previous embodiment, the central unit 950 transmits a supply order to the thermal control device 500, to the water heater 400, to the UV module 300, to the filter(s) 200 and to the pump 100. It also preferably transmits a closing order to the drain 1500 which prevents the evacuation of water from the recovery tank 30 towards the sewers.

[0148] When the flow rate measured by the flow sensor 512 exceeds the flow rate threshold, the central unit 950 sends a configuration change order for a switch to recycling configuration to the solenoid valves. Said solenoid valves then open the gray water circuit 700 and close the clean water circuit 70.

[0149] As in the previous case, when the user indicates the normal configuration, the central unit 950 sends an opening order to the drain 1500 if it is electronically controlled. The central unit 950 cuts off the power supply to the thermal control device 500, the water heater 400, the UV module 300, the filter(s) 200 and the pump 100.

[0150] The invention also relates to a kit for mounting a cyclic shower 10 comprising a cyclic shower 10, an assembly manual and preferably assembly tools. Said kit advantageously allows an individual or a professional to install the cyclic shower 10 according to the steps described in the assembly manual and using the assembly tools. Said assembly tools are configured to allow the installation of the cyclic shower 10 in kit form preferably by at least one person.

Claims

Claims Cyclic shower (10) comprising: • two independent water circuits, a first circuit (70) called clean water (60) configured to be connected to the drinking water network, comprising a first outlet (80), and a second circuit (700), called gray water (600), comprising a second outlet (800) the second circuit (700) being configured to receive and circulate the water coming from the first (80) and second outlets (800), said clean water circuit (70) comprising a temperature adjustment system (90) allowing the user to provide a set temperature (91) of the clean water (60) and being configured so that the clean water (60) at the first outlet (80) is at said set temperature (91); • a pump (100) configured to reinject into the gray water circuit (700), the gray water (600) leaving the two independent water circuits and collected in a recovery tank (30); characterized in that it comprises: • a water heater (400) configured to heat gray water (600), and • a thermal control device (500) configured to extract the set temperature (91) and control the water heater (400), so that the gray water (600) is at the second outlet (700) at the set temperature (91) of the clean water (60). Cyclic shower (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the thermal control device (500) comprises an electronic sensor (510) configured to extract the set temperature (91) of the clean water (60) from the temperature control system (90), and a central unit (950) configured to transmitting the set temperature (91) of the clean water (60) to the water heater (400). Cyclic shower (10) according to claim 2, wherein the electronic sensor (510) is a circular magnetic potentiometer (51 1) and the temperature adjustment system (90) comprises a rotary thermostatic mixer (50). Cyclic shower (10), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal control apparatus (500) comprises a water flow sensor (512) configured to measure the flow rate of the gray water (600) in the gray water circuit (700) and a temperature sensor (513) configured to measure the temperature of the gray water (600) downstream of the water heater (400). A cyclic shower (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thermal control apparatus (500) comprises two grey water temperature sensors (600): • a first temperature sensor (513) measuring the temperature of the water in the gray water circuit (600) upstream of the water heater (400), • a second temperature sensor (514) measuring the temperature of the gray water (600) downstream of the water heater (400), and a flow sensor (512) measuring the flow rate of the water in the gray water circuit (700). Cyclic shower (10) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a gray water filtering system (600), comprising at least one filter (200) configured to filter the gray water (600) before it leaves the gray water circuit (700).Cyclic shower (10) according to the preceding claim according to which the filter (200) has a water inlet configured to allow the gray water (600) upstream of the filter (200) to fill the filter (200) and a water outlet, configured to allow the gray water (600) to exit the filter, after passing through said filter (200), said filter comprising an automatic purger (220) configured to allow the entire filter (200) to be filled with gray water (600), regardless of the position of the water outlet of the filter (200) and to extract the gray water (600) from the filter (200) at the end of use of the second circuit (700). Cyclic shower (10) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a disinfection module (300) configured to disinfect the gray water (600) before it leaves the gray water circuit (700). Cyclic shower (10) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a shower column (20) in which the thermal control means (500) and the water heater (400) are integrated. Cyclic shower (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a shower head (83) comprising the first outlet (80) and the second outlet (800).Cyclic shower (10) according to the preceding claim comprising two independent pipes (831, 832) connected to the shower head (83), a first being connected to the clean water circuit (70) and to the first outlet (80), a second being connected to the gray water circuit (700) and to the second outlet (800) and a third pipe, inside which the two pipes (831) and (832) are, wholly or partly, integrated. Cyclic shower (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the recovery tank (30) comprises a drain and a plug (1500) configured to be able to alternately allow and prevent the draining to the drain of water contained in the recovery tank (30).A cyclic shower (10) according to any preceding claim, comprising a configuration change system (900) configured to be actuated by the user and enabling switching from use of the clean water circuit (70) to use of the gray water circuit (700), and switching from use of the gray water circuit (700) to use of the clean water circuit (70). A cyclic shower (10) according to any preceding claim, comprising a drain solenoid valve (850) configured to empty the gray water circuit (700) at the end of its use. A kit for mounting a cyclic shower (10) comprising a cyclic shower (10) according to any preceding claim, mounting tools and an mounting manual.

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