Water distribution module and water network comprising such a module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water distribution module (20), comprising a water inlet (22), a hot-water outlet (23), a cooled-water outlet (24), a first diversion valve (40), a shutoff valve (60

Description

[0001] TITLE: Water distribution module and water network comprising such a module

[0002] The present invention relates to a water distribution module and a water network comprising such a module.

[0003] It is well known in homes and public buildings to install a water network to provide domestic hot water, for example in a bathroom or kitchen. A common drawback of existing installations is the cooling of the initially hot water in the pipes that connect a hot water source, for example a boiler or a hot water tank, to a tap. Thus, a user who wishes to use hot water must open the tap and wait for the water in the hot water pipe, which has cooled, to drain before being able to obtain hot water, which comes directly from the hot water source. The cooled water is therefore wasted, generating additional costs, since the cooled water is ultimately not used. The ecological impact of this wasted water is significant, especially since it is generally drinking water that has been unnecessarily heated.

[0004] It is known to collect the water from the tap in a tank, for example a bucket, however this requires the user to monitor the water temperature and move the tank once the cold water has been collected.

[0005] W02018104615A1 proposes a water recovery system comprising valves controlled by an electronic card. This results in a complex and expensive installation.

[0006] US20090145500A1 proposes, to limit the waste of cooled water, a water recovery system, placed upstream of a faucet, using a diverter valve to direct water either to a hot water outlet, connected to the faucet by a pipe, or to a cold water outlet, connected to a tank. If the water is hot, it flows through the hot water outlet and supplies the faucet, if it is cold, it flows through the cold water outlet and supplies the tank. The diversion is provided by the diverter valve, comprising a valve with a thermostatic actuator and a diaphragm valve.A leak is deliberately made in the diverter valve and allows water, whether hot or cold, to flow continuously through the hot water outlet to the tap, in order to inform the user that the tap is open and above all to ensure that if the cooled water cannot flow to the cold water outlet, the hot water flows to the tap. Thus, when the tap is open, some of the water, in particular cooled water, systematically flows through the hot water outlet to the tap and is lost. One aim of the invention is then to reduce the amount of water wasted when the tap is open.

[0007] For this purpose, the invention relates to a water distribution module, for directing water supplied by a hot water source, the module comprising: a water inlet, configured to be connected to the hot water source in order to receive the water supplied by the hot water source; a hot water outlet, configured to be connected to a tap; a cooled water outlet, configured to be connected to a tank; a first diverter valve; a shut-off valve;

[0008] - a diverting conduit, connecting the first diverting valve to the shut-off valve; in which:

[0009] - the first diverter valve is designed to switch between: o a main configuration, when the temperature of a fluid present in the water inlet is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold, the first diverter valve then connecting the water inlet and the hot water outlet, and o a secondary configuration, when the temperature of the fluid present in the water inlet is lower than the first temperature threshold, the first diverter valve then connecting the water inlet to the shut-off valve, via the diverter pipe;the shut-off valve is configured to switch between: o an open configuration, when a difference between a pressure of a fluid present in the diverter pipe and a pressure of a fluid present in the hot water outlet is greater than or equal to a first pressure threshold, with the pressure of the fluid present in the hot water outlet lower than the pressure of the fluid present in the diverter pipe, the shut-off valve then connecting the first diverter valve to an intermediate pipe of the module, and o a closed configuration, when said difference is lower than the first pressure threshold, the shut-off valve then separating the first diverter valve and the intermediate pipe from each other.;

[0010] According to the invention, the module comprises a second diverter valve, configured to switch between: a discharge configuration, when a difference between a pressure of a fluid present in the intermediate conduit and a pressure of a fluid present in the cooled water discharge is greater than or equal to a second pressure threshold, the second diverter valve then connecting the intermediate conduit to the cooled water discharge; and a bypass configuration, when said difference is less than the second pressure threshold, the second diverter valve then connecting the intermediate conduit to the hot water outlet.

[0011] An idea underlying the invention is to provide that the second diverter valve connects the intermediate conduit selectively to the hot water outlet or to the cooled water outlet, and not a direct connection connecting the water inlet to the hot water outlet as may have been provided in the prior art. Thanks to the invention, when the second diverter valve is in the outlet configuration and water at a temperature lower than the first threshold is supplied to the water inlet, i.e. cooled water, this cooled water flows from the intermediate conduit to the cooled water outlet to be recovered in the tank, and does not flow to the hot water outlet to avoid being wasted. It is only in the bypass configuration, obtained in particular when the tank is full, that the cooled water flows from the intermediate conduit to the hot water outlet and is then possibly wasted.Thanks to the invention, the cooled water no longer flows into the hot water outlet continuously, which reduces the amount of cooled water wasted when the tap is open.

[0012] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the module comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0013] - The first diverting valve comprises a thermoactuator, which comprises: a thermosensitive part, which is arranged at the water inlet to bathe in the fluid present in the water inlet; and an actuating part, the thermosensitive part and the actuating part being moved relative to each other depending on the temperature of the fluid in which the thermosensitive part bathes, to switch the first diverting valve between the main configuration and the secondary configuration.

[0014] - The first diverter valve includes:

[0015] - a first diversion chamber, comprising: o a valve inlet, connecting the first diversion chamber to the water inlet, o a first valve outlet, connecting the first diversion chamber to the hot water outlet, o a second valve outlet, connecting the first diversion chamber to the diversion conduit,

[0016] - a first valve, movable in translation between: o a main position, in which the first valve does not block the valve inlet, does not block the first valve outlet and blocks the second valve outlet, and in which the first diverter valve is in the main configuration, and o a secondary position, in which the first valve does not block the valve inlet, does not block the second valve outlet and blocks the first valve outlet, and in which the first diverter valve is in the secondary configuration; and a first spring, elastically exerting a first spring force on the first valve, tending to return the first valve to the secondary position when the first valve is in the main position.

[0017] - The diverter duct is annular and extends around the first diverter valve.

[0018] - The shut-off valve comprises a membrane, adjoining the hot water outlet and the bypass conduit, the membrane being configured to deform between: a first shape, in which the membrane does not close the bypass conduit, when the difference between the pressure of the fluid present in the bypass conduit and the pressure of the fluid present in the hot water outlet is greater than or equal to the first pressure threshold, with the pressure of the fluid present in the hot water outlet lower than the pressure of the fluid present in the bypass conduit, the shut-off valve being in the open configuration when the membrane is in the first shape, and

[0019] - a second form, in which the membrane closes the bypass conduit, when said pressure difference is lower than the first pressure threshold, the shut-off valve being in the closed configuration when the membrane is in the second form.

[0020] - The second diverter valve comprises: a second diverter chamber, comprising: o a valve inlet, connecting the second diverter chamber to the intermediate conduit, o a first valve outlet, connecting the second diverter chamber to the hot water outlet, o a second valve outlet, connecting the second diverter chamber to the cooled water outlet,

[0021] - a second valve, movable in translation between: o an initial position, o an evacuation position, in which the second valve does not block the valve inlet, does not block the second valve outlet and blocks the first valve outlet and in which the second diverter valve is in the evacuation configuration, and o a bypass position, which is an intermediate position between the initial position and the evacuation position, in which the second valve does not block the valve inlet, the first valve outlet and the second valve outlet, which are then connected via the second diverter chamber, and in which the second diverter valve is in the bypass configuration; and

[0022] - a second spring, elastically exerting a second spring force on the second valve, tending to return the second valve to the initial position when the second valve is in the evacuation position and when the second valve is in the bypass position.

[0023] - The valve inlet and the first valve outlet of the second diverter valve are crossed by a valve axis; and the second flap is movable in translation along the valve axis, from the initial position to the discharge position, via the bypass position.

[0024] - The module further includes a check valve, configured to allow water to flow from the second diverter valve to the hot water outlet and to prevent water from flowing from the hot water outlet to the second diverter valve.

[0025] - The module comprises a casing, forming the water inlet, the hot water outlet, the cooled water outlet, the diverter pipe and the intermediate pipe, the first diverter valve, the shut-off valve and the second diverter valve being mounted inside the casing.

[0026] The invention also relates to a water network comprising: the module described above; the hot water source, which is connected to the water inlet of the module; the tank, which is connected to the cooled water outlet of the module; and the tap, which is connected to the hot water outlet of the module.

[0027] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0028] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a diagram of a water network comprising a water distribution module, a hot water source, a tank and a tap;

[0029] - [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the module, when the tap is closed; [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a sectional view of a detail of the module of Figure 2, along the same sectional plane, when the tap is open, when the water supplied by the hot water source is at a temperature below a first threshold, and when the tank is at least partially empty;

[0030] - [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a sectional view of the module of Figure 3 along line IV-IV;

[0031] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a partial section of the module of the preceding figures, where the module is in the same configuration as that of Figures 3 and 4;

[0032] - [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a sectional view similar to that of Figure 2, when the tap is open and the water supplied by the hot water source is of a temperature higher than the first temperature threshold;

[0033] - [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a sectional view similar to that of Figure 2, when the tap is open, the water supplied by the hot water source is of a temperature lower than the first temperature threshold, and the tank is full; and

[0034] - [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view similar to that of Figure 5, with the module in the same configuration as that of Figure 7.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a diagram of a water network 10. The water network 10 is for example installed in a home, or an establishment receiving the public. The water network 10 comprises a hot water source 11, a tap 12, a tank 13 and a water distribution module 20, also called module 20. The water network 10 may also comprise a cold water source, not shown. The hot water source 11 is adapted to produce hot water, for example domestic hot water. The hot water source 11 is for example a hot water tank.

[0036] The tap 12 is for example a tap for a sink or a washbasin, or a tap for a shower or a bathtub. The tap 12 is suitable for being supplied with hot water by the hot water source 11, and with cold water by the cold water source. For this purpose, pipes 31 and 32 and the module 20 connect the tap 12 and the hot water source 11, and a pipe 30 connects the cold water source and the tap 12.

[0037] The tank 13 is a container suitable for storing water. The tank 13 is, for example, a water container, but can also be a tank for a toilet flush, or a cistern, for example. The tank 13 shown in Figure 1 includes a tap 13a, so that the water it contains can be easily recovered for use.

[0038] In Figure 2, the module 20 comprises an envelope 21, which is rigid. The envelope 21 may be made of plastic, for example polyvinyl chloride. A reference frame is defined comprising a first axis X, a second axis Y and a third axis Z, perpendicular to each other and fixed relative to the envelope 21.

[0039] The water distribution module 20 comprises a water inlet 22, a hot water outlet 23 and a cooled water outlet 24, which are formed in the casing 21, for example with fittings fixed to the casing 21, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 8. The water inlet 22 of the module 20 is connected, i.e. fluidically connected, to the hot water source 11 by the pipe 31. The hot water outlet 23 is connected to the tap 12 by the pipe 32. Thus, the tap 12 can be supplied with water from the hot water source 11 via the module 20. The cooled water outlet 24 is connected to the tank 13 by a pipe 33. Thus, the tank 13 can be supplied with water from the hot water source 11 via the module 20.

[0040] Arrows in Figure 1 indicate the direction of flow of water in the water network 10, in particular in the pipes 30, 31, 32 and 33.

[0041] As seen in Figure 2, the module 20 comprises a first diverting valve 40, a shut-off valve 60, a second diverting valve 70, and a non-return valve 90, mounted inside the casing 21. To fluidically connect these valves 40, 60 and 70 and the valve 90, the module 20 comprises a diverting conduit 25, an intermediate conduit 26, a bypass conduit 27 and a discharge conduit 28, formed in the casing 21.

[0042] The first diverter valve 40 is connected to the water inlet 22, to receive water from the hot water source 11 via the pipe 31. The diverter conduit 25 connects the first diverter valve 40 to the shut-off valve 60, so that the shut-off valve 60 can receive water supplied by the first diverter valve 40 via the diverter conduit 25. The intermediate conduit 26 connects the shut-off valve 60 to the second diverter valve 70, so that the second diverter valve 70 can receive water supplied by the shut-off valve 60 via the intermediate conduit 26. The bypass conduit 27 connects the second diverter valve 70 to the hot water outlet 23, so that the hot water outlet 23 can receive water supplied by the diverter valve 40 via the conduit 25. bypass 27.The discharge conduit 28 connects the second diverter valve 70 to the cooled water discharge 24, so that the cooled water discharge 24 can receive water supplied by the second diverter valve 70 via the discharge conduit 28. In the example of the figures, the discharge conduit 28 is offset relative to the bypass conduit 27 along the Y axis.

[0043] The first diverting valve 40 is visible in Figures 2, 5 and 8 and is a valve called a thermostatic valve.

[0044] The first diverter valve 40 comprises a thermoactuator 41. The thermoactuator 41 comprises a thermosensitive part 42 and an actuating part 43. The thermosensitive part 42 is arranged at the water inlet 22. Thus, the thermosensitive part 42 is immersed in a fluid present in the water inlet 22. This fluid is generally water supplied by the hot water source 11, but may possibly be air, in the event that the hot water source 11 does not supply water and the pipe 31 has been emptied, for example in the event of a water cut-off in the building and the tap 12 being opened.

[0045] The heat-sensitive part 42 advantageously comprises a heat-expandable material contained in a metal casing. By heat-expandable material is meant a material capable of expanding when a temperature of the heat-expandable material increases. Alternatively, the sensitive part 42 is entirely heat-expandable, for example by being made of a shape-memory metal alloy.

[0046] The actuating portion 43 is configured to move relative to the heat-sensitive portion along the Z axis, depending on the temperature of the fluid in which the heat-sensitive portion 42 is immersed, in particular, under the action of the thermoexpansion of the heat-sensitive portion 42 or of the thermodilatable material that it contains. In particular, in the present example, when the temperature of the fluid at the water inlet 22 is greater than a first temperature threshold, the thermodilatable material in the heat-sensitive portion 42 expands and moves the actuating portion 43, moving the heat-sensitive portion 42 and the actuating portion 43 away from each other along the Z axis.When the temperature of the fluid is lower than the first temperature threshold, the thermo-expandable material in the heat-sensitive part 42 contracts and allows the heat-sensitive part 42 and the actuating part 43 to move closer to each other along the Z axis, the movement being effected under the action of a first spring 53 fitted to the valve 40, described below. The first temperature threshold is preferably between 30 and 41 degrees Celsius, for example equal to approximately 38 degrees Celsius. Thus, hot water is preferably water at a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius and cold or cooled water is water at a temperature below 38 degrees Celsius. The first diverter valve 40 also comprises a first diverter chamber 45. The first diverter chamber 45 comprises a valve inlet 46, a first valve outlet 47 and a second valve outlet 48.The valve inlet 46 connects the first diverter chamber 45 to the water inlet 22, the first valve outlet.

[0047] 47 connects the first diverter chamber 45 to the hot water outlet 23 and the second valve outlet 48 connects the first diverter chamber 45 to the diverter conduit 25. It is intended that water will flow from the water inlet 22 through the first diverter chamber 45 to the first or second valve outlet 47 or 48, as explained in more detail below.

[0048] The first diverter valve 40 comprises a first valve 51. The first valve 51 is mechanically connected to the actuating portion 43, and is movable in translation along the Z axis, integrally with the actuating portion 43. The first valve 51 is partially perforated, thus the first valve 51 is adapted for fluid to flow through it. The first valve 51 is movable between two positions, a main position, and a secondary position.

[0049] In the main position, shown in Figure 6, the first valve 51 closes the second valve outlet 48, but does not close, i.e. leaves free, the valve inlet 46 and the first valve outlet 47. A seal 49, optional and advantageously carried by the first valve 51, ensures that the second valve outlet

[0050] 48 is sealed in a watertight manner when the first valve 51 is in the main position.

[0051] In the secondary position, shown in Figures 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8, the first valve 51 closes the first valve outlet 47 but does not close the valve inlet 46 and the second valve outlet 48.

[0052] The first spring 53 bears on the first valve 51 and elastically exerts a first spring force on the first valve 51 along the Z axis. The first spring force tends to return the first valve 51 from the main position to the secondary position.

[0053] When a temperature of the water in the water inlet 22 is higher than the first temperature threshold, the heat-sensitive part 42 and the actuating part 43 are moved away from each other along the Z axis. The actuating part 43 exerts a force on the first valve 51, greater than the first force exerted by the first spring 53 on the first valve 51 and moves the first valve 51 to the main position. In this case, the first diverter valve 40 connects the water inlet 22 and the hot water outlet 23, without connecting the water inlet 22 to the stop valve 60. The first diverter valve 40 is then in a main configuration, as seen in Figure 6. When the water in the water inlet 22 is below the first temperature threshold, the heat-sensitive part 42 and the actuating part 43 are brought closer to each other along the Z axis.For this, the first spring 53 moves the first valve 51 into the secondary position, which also brings the actuating part 43 back towards the heat-sensitive part 42. In this case, the first diverting valve 40 connects the water inlet 22 to the stop valve 60, via the diverting conduit 25. On the other hand, the first diverting valve 40 does not connect the water inlet 22 to the hot water outlet 23. The first diverting valve 40 is then in a secondary configuration, as seen in Figures 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8.

[0054] The diversion conduit 25, connecting the diversion valve 40 to the diversion valve 60, is advantageously annular, extending around the first diversion valve 40.

[0055] The shut-off valve 60 comprises a membrane 61, extending generally perpendicular to the Z axis and adjoining the hot water outlet 23. The membrane 61 is watertight. A first face 61a of the membrane 61 is in contact with a fluid present in the diverter duct 25. A second face 61b, opposite the first face in the Z direction and advantageously of greater surface area than that of the first face 61a, is in contact with a fluid in the hot water outlet 23, by means of communication channels 63, visible in FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 7, which pass through the shut-off valve 60 to the hot water outlet 23. As explained previously, each of these fluids is generally water, except in the case where respectively, the diverter duct 25 and the hot water outlet 23 are empty, the fluid then being air.In any case, a pressure of the fluid in the diverter duct 25 is exerted on the first face 61a and a pressure of the fluid in the hot water outlet 23 is exerted on the face 61b. Under the action of these pressures, the membrane 61 of the shut-off valve 60 is configured to deform elastically between two shapes, a first shape and a second shape.

[0056] In the first form, visible in Figures 3, 5 and 7, the membrane 61 does not close the bypass duct 25, so that the stop valve 60 is in an open configuration. The membrane 61 is deformed into the first form when the pressure of the fluid present in the hot water outlet 23 is lower than the pressure of the fluid present in the bypass duct 25. More precisely, the first form is adopted when the difference between the pressure of the fluid present in the bypass duct 25 and the pressure of the fluid present in the hot water outlet 23 is greater than or equal to a first pressure threshold.

[0057] In the open configuration, the shut-off valve 60 connects the first diverter valve 40 to the intermediate conduit 26, thereby allowing the intermediate conduit 26 to be supplied with water supplied by the diverter valve 40, via the shut-off valve 60. This is achieved in that the membrane 61 does not block the diverter conduit 25, in this configuration. The shut-off valve 60 makes it possible in particular to ensure that water cannot pass through the conduit 26 when the water is cold and the tap 12 is closed. Without the shut-off valve 60, as soon as the water has cooled, it would be sent to the tank 13, which would cause waste.

[0058] In the second form, visible in Figures 2 and 6, the membrane 61 closes the bypass duct 25, so that the stop valve 60 is in a closed configuration. The membrane 61 is such that at rest, that is to say when the pressures exerted on its two faces 61 a and 61 b ​​are substantially equal, it is in the second form. More precisely, this second form is adopted when the difference between the fluid pressures in the bypass duct 25 and in the hot water outlet 23 is sufficiently low or is zero, that is to say, is lower than the first pressure threshold. The second form would also be adopted in the theoretical case where the fluid pressure in the hot water outlet 23 would be higher than the fluid pressure in the bypass duct 25.In the closed configuration, the shut-off valve 60 fluidly separates the first diverter valve 40 from the intermediate conduit 26, thereby preventing the intermediate conduit 26 from being supplied with water supplied by the diverter valve 40, via the shut-off valve 60. This is achieved in that the membrane 61 closes the diverter conduit 25, in this configuration.

[0059] The first pressure threshold is preferably low, but high enough to avoid untimely opening of valve 60.

[0060] The second diverter valve 70 is connected to the shut-off valve 60 by the intermediate conduit 26 and comprises a second diverter chamber 71. The second diverter chamber 71, clearly visible in FIGS. 3 to 8, comprises a valve inlet 73, a first valve outlet 74 and a second valve outlet 75.

[0061] The valve inlet 73 connects the second diverting chamber 71 to the intermediate conduit 26, the first valve outlet 74 connects the second diverting chamber 71 to the hot water outlet 23, via the bypass conduit 27 and the second valve outlet 75 connects the second diverting chamber 71 to the cooled water outlet 24 via the discharge conduit 28. It is intended that water flows from the intermediate conduit 26 through the second diverting chamber 71 to the first or second valve outlet 74 or 75, as explained in more detail below.

[0062] The second diverter valve 70 comprises a second flap 77. The second flap 77 is movable in translation along a valve axis X77, parallel to the axis X, which passes through the valve inlet 73 and the first valve outlet 74. The second valve outlet 75 is arranged between the valve inlet 73 and the first valve outlet 74, for example radially relative to the axis X77. The second valve 77 is advantageously guided in translation along the valve axis X77, and in the example of the figures, the translational guidance is provided by a rod 78 and a ring 79. The rod 78 is carried by the second valve 77, extends along the valve axis X77, and is adapted to slide in the ring 79 of the second diverter valve 70. The rod 78 and the ring 79 are examples of translational guidance means, and other translational guidance means may also be provided.

[0063] The second valve 77 is configured to move between an initial position, shown in Figure 6, an evacuation position, shown in Figure 3, and a bypass position, shown in Figure 7, corresponding to different positions during a translation of the second valve 77 along the valve axis X77.

[0064] In the initial position, the second valve 77 closes the valve inlet 73, or rests against the valve inlet 73.

[0065] In the discharge position, the second valve 77 does not close the valve inlet 73, does not close the second valve outlet 75 and closes the first valve outlet 74. In this situation, the valve inlet 73 is fluidically connected to the second valve outlet 75 via the diverter valve 70, so that water supplied to the valve inlet 73 flows to the second valve outlet 75. In this situation, the first valve outlet 74 is fluidically separated from the valve inlet 73 and the second valve outlet 75, so that all the water supplied to the valve inlet 73 flows to the second valve outlet 75 without reaching the first valve outlet 74.

[0066] When the second valve 77 is in the discharge position, the rod 78 comes into abutment against a wall 27a of the bypass duct 27, thus ensuring that the second valve 77 is not moved too far when it is in the discharge position, which would risk damaging it.

[0067] The bypass position corresponds to an intermediate translation along the valve axis X77 of the second valve 77 between the initial position and the discharge position. In the bypass position, the second valve 77 leaves the valve inlet 73, the first valve outlet 74 and the second valve outlet 75 free. In this situation, the valve inlet 73 is fluidically connected to the second valve outlet 75 via the diverter valve 70, and is fluidically connected to the first valve outlet 74 via the second valve outlet 75. In this configuration, water supplied to the valve inlet 73 flows to the first valve outlet 74, here via the second valve outlet 75. A second spring 80 is fixed to the second valve 77 and elastically exerts a second spring force on the second valve 77 along the valve axis X77.The second spring force tends to return the second valve 77 to the initial position, when the valve 77 is in the discharge position and when the valve 77 is in the bypass position.

[0068] The second spring 80 and the valve 77 are configured so that, when the fluid pressure at the valve inlet 73, i.e. in the intermediate conduit 26, is low or zero, the valve 77 is held in the initial position.

[0069] The second spring 80 and the valve 77 are configured so that, when a difference between a pressure of the fluid present in the intermediate conduit 26, i.e. at the valve inlet 73, and a pressure of the fluid present in the cooled water outlet 24, i.e. at the second valve outlet 75, is greater than or equal to a second pressure threshold, the second valve 77 is in the discharge position. In this case, the second diverter valve 70 connects the intermediate conduit 26 to the cooled water outlet 24 without connecting the intermediate conduit 26 to the hot water outlet 23. The second diverter valve 70 is then in a discharge configuration, visible in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0070] The spring 80 and the valve 77 are configured so that, when the difference between the pressure of the fluid present in the intermediate conduit 26 and the pressure of the fluid present in the cooled water outlet 24 is lower than the second pressure threshold, the second valve 77 is in the bypass position. In practice, this occurs in particular when the pressures of the fluids present in the intermediate conduit 26 and the intermediate conduit 28 are equal or close. This situation occurs in particular when the tank 13 is full, and water supplied by the hot water source 11 is conducted to the intermediate conduit 26 via the valves 40 and 60. This situation would also occur in the theoretical case where the pressure of the fluid in the outlet conduit 28 would be higher than that of the fluid in the intermediate conduit 26.In this case, the valve inlet 73, the first valve outlet 74 and the second valve outlet 75 are then connected via the second diverter chamber 71. The second diverter valve 70 connects the intermediate conduit 26 to the hot water outlet 23 via the bypass conduit 27 and also connects the intermediate conduit 26 to the cooled water outlet 24 via the discharge conduit 28. The second diverter valve 70 is then in a bypass configuration.

[0071] The second pressure threshold is preferably equal to the second spring force, exerted by the second spring 80 on the second valve 77. Indeed, in this case, when the difference between the pressure of the fluid present in the intermediate conduit 26 and the pressure of the fluid present in the cooled water discharge 24 is greater than or equal to the second pressure threshold, the pressure exerted on the second valve 77 is sufficient to move the second valve 77 into the discharge position, and when the difference between the pressure of the fluid present in the intermediate conduit 26 and the pressure of the fluid present in the cooled water discharge 24 is less than the second pressure threshold, the second spring force is sufficient to move the second valve 77 into the bypass position.

[0072] The non-return valve 90 is housed in the bypass conduit 27 and is configured to allow water to flow from the first valve outlet 74 of the second diverter valve 70 to the hot water outlet 23, and to prevent water from flowing in the other direction, i.e. from the hot water outlet 23 to the first valve outlet 74.

[0073] An operation of the water network 10, more particularly the operation of the module 20 and the manner of directing the water into the rest of the water network 10, will now be explained.

[0074] When the tap 12 is closed, no water circulates in the water network 10. If the tap 12 has been closed for a certain time, the water in the pipes 31, 32 and 33 is cold, that is to say that a water temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold. Thus, the water in the water inlet 22 of the module 20 is cold. The module 20 is then in a configuration shown in Figure 2. The water inlet 22 and the hot water outlet 23 are flooded with cold water, in particular water which was initially hot and which has cooled. The cooled water outlet 24 can be flooded with cold water, if the tank 13 is full or with air, if it is not. The tank 13 is said to be full when the tank 13, the pipe 33, the cooled water outlet 24 and the outlet pipe 28 are completely flooded with water.

[0075] In the configuration shown in Figure 2, with the tap 12 closed for a certain time, the first diverter valve 40 is in the secondary configuration. The water inlet 22, the first diverter chamber 45, in particular the valve inlet 46 and the second valve outlet 48, and the diverter conduit 25 to the stop valve 60 are flooded with cold water. The stop valve 60 is in the closed position, the pressures of the fluids present in the hot water outlet 23 and in the diverter conduit 25 being equal. Thus, no water flows in the diverter conduit 25 to the intermediate conduit 26. The fluid pressure at the valve inlet 73 is low or zero, the second flap 77 is therefore in the initial position and the second diverter valve 70 is in the initial position. In this case, the intermediate conduit 26 and the bypass conduit 27 downstream of the non-return valve 90 are flooded with cold water.If the tank 13 is full, the second diversion chamber 71 and the bypass conduit 27 upstream of the non-return valve 90 are also flooded with cold water.

[0076] On the other hand, if the reservoir 13 is at least partially empty, the second diversion chamber 71 and the bypass duct 27 upstream of the non-return valve 90 are filled with air.

[0077] A user then decides to open the tap 12. The water in the water inlet 22 is still cold, and therefore the first diverter valve 40 is still in the secondary position. On the other hand, the water in the pipe 32 flows to the tap 12, so the pressure in the hot water outlet 23 decreases. The water pressure exerted on the face 61a therefore becomes greater than the pressure exerted on the face 61b: the stop valve 60 switches to the open position. Water flows from the water inlet 22 through the diverter pipe 25 and the intermediate pipe 26 to the second diverter valve 70.

[0078] If the reservoir 13 is at least partially empty, the module 20 is in a configuration shown in Figures 3 to 5. The difference between the pressure of the fluid present in the intermediate conduit 26 and the pressure of the fluid present in the cooled water outlet 24 is greater than or equal to the second pressure threshold, the second diverter valve 70 then switches to the discharge configuration. The water circulating in the intermediate conduit 26 circulates through the valve inlet 73, in the second diverter chamber 71 to the second valve outlet 75, then in the discharge conduit 28 to the cooled water outlet 24, and thus fills the reservoir 13, as shown by arrows in Figures 3 and 4.

[0079] If the reservoir 13 is full, the module 20 is in a configuration shown in Figure 7. The difference between the pressure of the fluid present in the intermediate conduit 26 and the pressure of the fluid present in the cooled water outlet 24 is less than the second pressure threshold. Thus, the second valve 77 is moved to the bypass position and the second diverter valve 70 switches to the bypass configuration. The water circulating in the diverter conduit 25 circulates through the valve inlet 73, in the second diverter chamber 71 to the first valve outlet 74 and then circulates in the bypass conduit 27 to the hot water outlet 23, as shown by arrows in Figure 7. Cold water flows from the tap 12.

[0080] When all the cold water in the pipe 31 has flowed, either into the tank 13 or through the tap 12, hot water, i.e. water whose temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, coming from the hot water source 11 floods the water inlet 22. The first diverter valve 40 then switches to the main configuration. In this case, the water no longer circulates in the diversion conduit 25 and circulates from the water inlet 22, through the valve inlet 46, into the first diversion chamber 45 and through the first valve outlet 47, then through the first valve 51 to the hot water outlet 23 as shown by arrows in Figure 6. In this case, the water pressure in the hot water outlet 23 is substantially equal to the water pressure in the diversion conduit 25, thus, the stop valve 60 switches to the closed position. The water therefore no longer circulates in the intermediate conduit 26.The fluid pressure at the valve inlet 73 decreases, so the second flap 77 is moved to the initial position by the second spring 80 and the second diverter valve 70 switches to the initial position.

[0081] When the user has finished using the hot water and closes the faucet 12, the first diverter valve 40 remains in the primary position as long as the water remains hot. Then when the water has cooled, its temperature becomes lower than the first temperature threshold, the first diverter valve 40 moves to the secondary position, thus returning to the configuration of Figure 2, described previously.

[0082] According to a variant not shown, the water network can include several taps. In this case, optionally, the system can include several modules, for example one for each tap.

[0083] The module 20 thus makes it possible to store cold water in the tank 13 as long as the tank 13 can accept water. It is only when the tank is full that water flows from the intermediate pipe 26 to the hot water outlet 23. The water therefore does not flow continuously from the intermediate pipe 26 to the hot water outlet 23, making it possible to save drinking water without the user having to take any particular action when he opens the tap 12, such as collecting the water flowing from the tap 12 himself.

[0084] Any feature described for one variant in the above may be implemented for the other variants described above, as long as technically feasible.

Claims

1. A water distribution module (20), to direct water supplied by a hot water source (11), the module comprising:- a water inlet (22), configured to be connected to the hot water source (11) to receive water supplied by the hot water source (11);- a hot water outlet (23), configured to be connected to a tap (12);- a cooled water outlet (24), configured to be connected to a reservoir (13);- a first diversion valve (40);- a shutoff valve (60);- a diversion duct (25), connecting the first diversion valve (40) to the shutoff valve (60);wherein:- the first diversion valve (40) is designed to switch between:o a main configuration, when the temperature of a fluid present in the water inlet is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold, the first diversion valve (40) then connecting the water inlet (22) and the hot water outlet (23), ando a secondary configuration, when the temperature of the fluid present in the water inlet is less than the first temperature threshold, the first diversion valve (40) then connecting the water inlet (22) to the shutoff valve (60) via the diversion duct (25);- the shutoff valve (60) is configured to switch between:o an open configuration, when a difference between a pressure of a fluid present in the diversion duct (25) and a pressure of a fluid present in the hot water outlet (23) is greater than or equal to a first pressure threshold, with the pressure of the fluid present in the hot water outlet (23) being less than the pressure of the fluid present in the diversion duct (25), the shutoff valve (60) then connecting the first diversion valve (40) to an intermediate duct (26) of the module (20), ando a closed configuration, when said difference is less than the first pressure threshold, the shutoff valve (60) then separating the first diversion valve (40) and the intermediate duct (26) from each other;characterized in that the module (20) comprises a second diversion valve (70), configured to switch between:- a discharge configuration, when a difference between a pressure of a fluid present in the intermediate duct (26) and a pressure of a fluid present in the cooled water outlet (24) is greater than or equal to a second pressure threshold, the second diversion valve (70) then connecting the intermediate duct (26) to the cooled water outlet (24); and- a bypass configuration, when said difference is less than the second pressure threshold, the second diversion valve (70) then connecting the intermediate duct (26) to the hot water outlet (23).

2. The module (20) according to claim 1, wherein the first diversion valve (40) comprises a thermoactuator (41), which comprises:- a thermosensitive part (42), which is arranged at the water inlet (22) to be immersed in the fluid present in the water inlet; and- an actuating part (43), the thermosensitive part (42) and the actuating part (43) being moved relative to each other depending on the temperature of the fluid wherein the thermosensitive part (42) is immersed, to switch the first diversion valve (40) between the main configuration and the secondary configuration.

3. The module (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first diversion valve (40) comprises:a first bypass chamber (45), comprising:o a valve inlet (46), connecting the first bypass chamber (45) to the water inlet (22),o a first valve outlet (47), connecting the first bypass chamber (45) to the hot water outlet (23),o a second valve outlet (48), connecting the first bypass chamber (45) to the diversion duct (25),a first flap (51), movable in translation between:o a main position, wherein the first flap (51) does not block the valve inlet (46), does not block the first valve outlet (47), and blocks the second valve outlet (48), and wherein the first diversion valve (40) is in the main configuration, ando a secondary position, wherein the first flap (51) does not block the valve inlet (46), does not block the second valve outlet (48), andblocks the first valve outlet (47), and wherein the first diversion valve (40) is in the secondary configuration; anda first spring (53), elastically exerting a first spring force on the first flap (51), tending to return the first flap (51) to the secondary position when the first flap (51) is in the main position.

4. The module (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diversion duct (25) is annular and extends around the first diversion valve (40).

5. The module (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shutoff valve (60) comprises a membrane (61), adjacent to the hot water outlet (23) and the diversion duct (25), the membrane (61) being configured to deform between:a first shape, wherein the membrane (61) does not block the diversion duct (25), when the difference between the pressure of the fluid present in the diversion duct (25) and the pressure of the fluid present in the hot water outlet (23) is greater than or equal to the first pressure threshold, with the pressure of the fluid present in the hot water outlet (23) being less than the pressure of the fluid present in the diversion duct (25), the shutoff valve (60) being in the open configuration when the membrane (61) is in the first shape, and a second shape, wherein the membrane (61) blocks the diversion duct (25), when said pressure difference is less than the first pressure threshold, the shutoff valve (60) being in the closed configuration when the membrane (61) is in the second shape.

6. The module (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second diversion valve (70) comprises:a second bypass chamber (71), comprising:o a valve inlet (73), connecting the second bypass chamber (71) to the intermediate duct (26),o a first valve outlet (74), connecting the second bypass chamber (71) to the hot water outlet (23),o a second valve outlet (75), connecting the second bypass chamber (71) to the cooled water outlet (24),a second flap (77), movable in translation between:o an initial position,o a discharge position, wherein the second flap (77) does not block the valve inlet (73), does not block the second valve outlet (75), andblocks the first valve outlet (74), and wherein the second diversion valve (70) is in the discharge configuration, ando a bypass position, which is an intermediate position between the initial position and the discharge position, wherein the second flap (77) does not block the valve inlet (73), the first valve outlet (74), and the second valve outlet (75), which are then connected by means of the second bypass chamber (71), and wherein the second diversion valve (70) is in the bypass configuration; anda second spring (80), elastically exerting a second spring force on the second flap (77), tending to return the second flap (77) to the initial position when the second flap (77) is in the discharge position and when the second flap (77) is in the bypass position.

7. The module (20) according to claim 6, wherein:the valve inlet (73) and the first valve outlet (74) of the second diversion valve (70) are traversed by a valve axis (X77); andthe second flap (77) is movable in translation along the valve axis (X77), from the initial position to the discharge position, via the bypass position.

8. The module (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a check valve (90), configured to allow water to flow from the second diversion valve (70) to the hot water outlet (23) and to prevent water from flowing from the hot water outlet (23) to the second diversion valve (70).

9. The module (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, the module (20) comprising an envelope (21), forming the water inlet (22), the hot water outlet (23), the cooled water outlet (24), the diversion duct (25), and the intermediate duct (26), the first diversion valve (40), the shutoff valve (60), and the second diversion valve (70) being mounted inside the envelope (21).

10. A water network (10), comprising:the module (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9;the hot water source (11), which is connected to the water inlet (22) of the module (20);the reservoir (13), which is connected to the cooled water outlet (24) of the module (20); andthe tap (12), which is connected to the hot water outlet (23) of the module (20).INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No. PCT / EP2024 / 0675I4A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER E03B l / 04(2006.01)i;E03B 7 / 04(2006.01)1; F24D 17 / 00(2022.01)1; E03C 1 / 02(2006.01)1 According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC B. FIELDS SEARCHED Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols) E03B; F24D; F16K: E03C; F24H Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practicable, search terms used) EPO-Intemal, WPI Data C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No. A US 2009145500 Al (WILLSFORD ANDREW DONALD [AU] ET AL) 11 June 2009 (2009-06-11) cited in the application figures 1,3,4,10 1-10 A US 10407881 Bl (JAVIER ELARDE C [US]) 10 September 2019 (2019-09-10) 1-10 figures A CN 101031694 B (PARSIMONY WATER CO LTD) 30 March 2011 (2011-03-30) 1-10 figures | | Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C. | V | See patent family annex. * Special categories of cited documents: “A” document defining the general state of the art which is not considered to be of particular relevance “E” earlier application or patent but published on or after the international filing date “L” document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or which is cited to establish the publication date of another citation or other special reason (as specified) “O” document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or other means “P” document published prior to the international filing date but later than the priority date claimed “T” later document published after the international filing date or priority date and not in conflict with the application but cited to understand the principle or theory underlying the invention “X” document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is taken alone “Y” document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is combined with one or more other such documents, such combination being obvious to a person skilled in the ait document member of the same patent family Date of the actual completion of the international search Date of mailing of the international search report 07 August 2024 06 September 2024 Name and mailing address of the ISA / EP Authorized officer European Patent Office p.b. 5818, Patentlaan 2,2280 HV Rijswijk Netherlands (Kingdom of the) Telephone No. (+31-70)340-2040 Facsimile No. (+31-70)340-3016 Isailovski, Marko Telephone No.

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