Shower water recycling

Abstract

A control method for a shower water recycling apparatus, the shower water recycling apparatus is configured to operate in a drainage mode in which water drains from the apparatus and a recycling mode in which water is recycled within the apparatus. The control method comprises controlling the introduction of an additive and controlling the apparatus to switch from the drainage mode to the recycling mode according to a mode switch condition being met.

Description

FIELD

[01] The present disclosure relates to shower water recycling. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to shower water recycling apparatuses, controllers thereof, control methods for controlling shower water recycling apparatuses and related additive dispensers. BACKGROUND

[02] Shower water recycling apparatuses reduce the amount of water used during a shower. Such showers operate in two modes, a drainage mode and a recycling mode. In the recycling mode, previously used water is recycled through a pumping system and filtration system, so that water consumption and also energy consumption for water heating is reduced. In the drainage mode, wastewater flows out of the apparatus through a drainage output without being recycled. Clean water enters the apparatus in the drainage mode, for example at the start of a shower, when a buffer of used water for recycling has not yet been built up. Similarly, after a period of recycling mode operation, drainage mode can be engaged to provide a fresh stream of shower water for a final rinse.

[03] In the recycling mode, water is recycled or recirculated within the apparatus. In the recycling mode of operation, water flows from a shower head into a collection tray, tank or similar container. During this, additives such as soaps, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, shower fragrance products, and the like are added into the water directly or indirectly via body runoff. Water containing such additives passes through a recycling output and is pumped by the pumping system through the filtration system of the shower water recycling apparatus before being returned to the shower head.

[04] When the shower water recycling apparatus is switched between modes, the drainage output and recycling output are opened or closed, such that when the apparatus operates in the drainage mode, the drainage output is open to allow water outflow and the recycling output is closed. In the recycling mode, the recycling output is open, and the drainage output is closed.

[05] The filtration system and pumping system through which water containing additives flows in the recycling mode operation include filter or pump components that may be damaged by the presence of additives in the water, increasing overheads in running the shower water recycling apparatus, either in preventative or restorative maintenance.

[06] Example embodiments described herein aim to address at least one of the issues identified, or other related issues in the field as will become apparent from the disclosure. SUMMARY

[07] In one example there is provided a control method for a shower water recycling apparatus, the shower water recycling apparatus configured to operate in a drainage mode in which water drains from the apparatus and a recycling mode in which water is recycled within the apparatus, wherein the control method comprises: controlling introduction of an additive; and controlling the apparatus to switch from the drainage mode to the recycling mode according to a mode switch condition being met.

[08] In one example, the method comprises controlling the introduction of the additive by initially permitting introduction of the additive during the drainage mode of operation, then restricting the introduction of the additive during the drainage mode of operation.

[09] In one example, the method comprises determining that the mode switch condition is met after waiting for a water-clearing time period to elapse.

[10] In one example, the method comprises restricting introduction of the additive during the water-clearing time period.

[11] In one example, the method comprises comprising restricting introduction of additive such that the water-clearing time period is a period of time during which additive introduction is not permitted.

[12] In one example, the water-clearing time period is a period of time to allow removal from the apparatus by drainage of water with additive.

[13] In one example, the water-clearing time period is more than 15 seconds, for example 30 seconds.

[14] In one example, the additive comprises a body cleaning product, such as a soap, a shampoo, a conditioner, or a body wash.

[15] In one example, there is provided a controller for a shower water recycling apparatus, arranged to perform a control method as herein-described.

[16] In one example, there is provided a shower water recycling apparatus comprising a controller as herein-described.

[17] In one example, there is provided a shower water recycling apparatus further comprising an additive dispenser operatively coupled to the controller. In one example, the controller is configured to control the additive dispenser to permit and restrict the introduction of the additive.

[18] In one example, there is provided a shower water recycling apparatus comprising an additive dispenser for a body cleaning product.

[19] In one example, the additive dispenser is a sensor-activated dispenser, wherein the controller is configured to control the additive dispenser to restrict the introduction of the additive by disabling activation of the dispenser.

[20] In one example, the additive dispenser is integral with a main body of the shower water recycling apparatus.

[21] In one example, there is provided an additive dispenser for use in a shower water recycling apparatus as herein-described.

[22] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[23] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a control method for a shower water recycling apparatus, according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 shows a control method for a shower water recycling apparatus, according to a second embodiment; and Figure 3 shows a shower water recycling apparatus, according to a third embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[24] Although the example embodiments are described with reference to the components, elements and portions thereof discussed herein, such may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements unless the context would preclude such changes. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the terms “comprising”, and “comprises” means including the components) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of others.

[25] Referring to Figure 1, a control method for a shower water recycling apparatus is shown. The shower water recycling apparatus is configured to operate in a drainage mode in which water drains from the apparatus and a recycling mode in which water is recycled within the apparatus. A controller performs control operations for components of the shower water recycling apparatus, to thereby control the operation state or mode of the shower water recycling apparatus. The control method of Figure 1 includes controlling introduction of an additive S101 and controlling the apparatus to switch modes from the drainage mode to the recycling mode according to a mode switch condition being met S102.

[26] Controlling the introduction of the additive comprises initially permitting introduction of the additive during the drainage mode of operation, and then restricting the introduction of the additive during the drainage mode of operation. The method also includes continuing to restrict additive introduction during the recycling mode of operation. Permitting the introduction of the additive means dispensing the additive, or causing the additive to be dispensed so as to enter the water of the shower. Restricting the introduction of the additive means preventing dispensing of the additive, or causing the additive not to be dispensed into the water of the shower. The permitting and restricting is performed by unlocking and locking, or otherwise controlling the operation of an additive dispenser that is operatively coupled to the shower water recycling apparatus, in particular, the controller thereof. The additive comprises a body cleaning product, such as a soap, a shampoo, a conditioner, or a body wash.

[27] The mode switch condition depends on an event, for example, the mode switch condition is deemed met if an event occurs. The mode switch condition being met includes waiting for a water-clearing time period to elapse from the end of additive introduction. The water-clearing time period is a period of time during which there is no additive introduction. The water-clearing time period is a period of time during which the apparatus operates in the drainage mode and is intended to be sufficient to allow removal from the apparatus, by drainage, water with the additive. The water-clearing time period is, for example, 30 seconds. In this case, the event is the water-clearing time period elapsing from the end of additive introduction. In other words, the mode switch condition is based on additive introduction time information. In this way, water passing through the shower water recycling apparatus when the mode switches to recycling is free of additive, and therefore does not pose the same risk of degradation of components of the pumping and / or filtration systems in the recycled water path as would be presented by water comprising significant amounts of additive. In a preferred example, the controller comprises a timer, running from the start of the operation of the shower in the drainage mode, to control the end of the period in which dispensing of additive is permitted, and then subsequently to trigger the switch to the recycling mode after the end of the water-clearing time period.

[28] Referring to Figure 2, a control method for the shower water recycling apparatus is shown, the method including two mode switches S202, S203. The control method includes controlling introduction of an additive S201, controlling a first mode switch according to a first mode switch condition being met S202, and controlling a second mode switch according to a second mode switch condition being met S203.

[29] The first mode switch S202 is from the drainage mode to the recycling mode, as described hereinabove in relation to Figure 1. The second mode switch S203 is from the recycling mode to the drainage mode. The second mode switch S203 occurs after waiting for a shower length time period, in effect, a period of time during which the shower apparatus operates in the recycling mode.

[30] Referring to Figure 3, a shower water recycling apparatus 100 comprising a controller 102 is shown. The apparatus of Figure 3 is configured to operate according to control methods as described herein.

[31] The controller 102 is operatively coupled to an additive dispenser 104 for controlling introduction of or dispensing an additive. The additive is a body cleaning product, and the controller 102 selectively permits or restricts dispensing of the additive according to the mode of operation of the shower water recycling apparatus 100. The body cleaning product is a soap, a shampoo, a conditioner, a body wash, or the like, or a multipurpose product suitable for hair and body. The body cleaning product could cause problems by clogging up, corroding, or otherwise damaging or degrading parts of the filtration and / or pumping system of the shower water recycling apparatuses 100 if water contaminated with significant amounts of the body cleaning product passes therethrough. These issues may be even more apparent for higher concentrations of body cleaning products, or for more viscous body cleaning products. By selectively permitting or restricting dispensing of the additive according to the mode of operation of the apparatus, the amount of body cleaning product that passes through such water recycling parts of the apparatus 100 is restricted. In this way, the controller 102 and the control method it performs prevent and / or reduce damage to the apparatus.

[32] Some possible variations are described below.

[33] The additive dispenser comprises a dispenser for two or more additives, such as two body cleaning products of different compositions. In such examples, the controller described herein is configured to control introduction of all the additives.

[34] The additive(s) are dispensed from an integral additive dispenser directly into the water that flows from the shower head.

[35] The additive or additives are dispensed from an external dispenser, such as a sensor controlled or activated external dispenser that is in operative communication with the controller, such as over a wired or wireless connection.

[36] When the additive dispenser is controlled to permit dispensing of the additive, the additive is dispensed manually by a user. For manual dispensing, an external dispenser is provided as a manual or pump dispenser, or dispenser with a sensor for automatic hand detection and activation, and the controller controls the external dispenser to permit or restrict dispensing of the additive, in this way the user dispenses the additive only when it is permitted by the controller.

[37] The controller initially permits the introduction of additive from the additive dispenser during drainage mode operation and ceases to allow dispensing of the additive therefrom before the controller switches the shower water recycling apparatus from the drainage mode to the recycling mode of operation. The controller restricts additive introduction from the additive dispenser before the start of the recycling mode operation. In, effect, the controller controls the additive dispenser to lock. A water-clearing time period passes during which the apparatus operates in the drainage operation mode, then the controller causes the apparatus to switch to the recycling operation mode. This allows water with additive to have drained from the apparatus before recycling mode operation starts, so the mode switch condition is based on time since the end of the period in which additive introduction was permitted.

[38] The mode switch condition being met additionally or alternatively includes measuring a water-clearing volume of water entering or leaving the apparatus from an additive introduction start or end time.

[39] At the end of showering, the shower water apparatus is controlled by the controller to operate in the drainage mode. Therefore, a final mode switch is performed by the controller, to switching from the recycling mode to the drainage mode to allow the water to flow out of the apparatus.

[40] In various examples, one or more mode switches can be included in the control method, and the additive introduction events, delays, mode switch conditions and mode switches can be suitably combined, according to the requirements of the shower apparatus manufacturer or user.

[41] As will be appreciated from the above, a control method for a shower water recycling apparatus has been described, in which an additive introduction is controlled and the operation mode of the shower is switched depending on a mode switch condition, which allows a reduction in water usage without damaging a filtration and / or pumping system of the apparatus, while providing a personalised and configurable shower schedule, according to the requirements of the user and / or manufacturer.

[42] Although a few example embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[43] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[44] All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[45] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[46] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A control method for a shower water recycling apparatus, the shower water recycling apparatus configured to operate in a drainage mode in which water drains from the apparatus and a recycling mode in which water is recycled within the apparatus,wherein the control method comprises:controlling introduction of an additive; andcontrolling the apparatus to switch from the drainage mode to the recycling mode according to a mode switch condition being met.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising controlling the introduction of the additive by initially permitting introduction of the additive during the drainage mode of operation, then restricting the introduction of the additive during the drainage mode of operation.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, comprising determining that the mode switch condition is met after waiting for a water-clearing time period to elapse.

4. The method of claim 3, comprising restricting introduction of the additive during the waterclearing time period.

5. The method of claim 3 or 4, comprising restricting introduction of additive such that the water-clearing time period is a period of time during which additive introduction is not permitted.

6. The method of any one of claims 3 through 5, wherein the water-clearing time period is a period of time to allow removal from the apparatus, by drainage, water with additive.

7. The method of any one of claims 3 through 6, wherein the water-clearing time period is more than 15 seconds, for example 30 seconds.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the additive comprises a body cleaning product, such as a soap, a shampoo, a conditioner, or a body wash.

9. A controller for a shower water recycling apparatus, the controller configured to control the shower water recycling apparatus to perform the control method of any preceding claim.

10. A shower water recycling apparatus comprising the controller of claim 9.

11. The shower water recycling apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an additive dispenser operatively coupled to the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to control the additive dispenser to permit and restrict the introduction of the additive.

12. The shower water recycling apparatus of claim 11, wherein the additive dispenser comprises a dispenser for a body cleaning product.

13. The shower water recycling apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein the additive dispenser is a sensor-activated dispenser, and wherein the controller is configured to control the additive dispenser to restrict the introduction of the additive by disabling activation of the dispenser.

14. The shower water recycling apparatus of claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the additive dispenser is integral with a main body of the shower water recycling apparatus.

15. An additive dispenser for use in the shower water recycling apparatus of any one of claims 11 through 14.10

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