Accumulator device for saving water

Abstract

The invention relates to an accumulator device for saving water, which can be incorporated into a domestic hot water system of a shower, wash basin, kitchen sink or similar. The accumulator device comprises: a tank (2) for accumulating water; a first pipe (3) between the tank (2) and a branch connecting the hot water outlet (5) to the hot water tap (6); a second pipe (4) between the tank (2) and a branch connecting the cold water outlet (7) to the cold water tap (8); a valve system with temperature control, in the hot water pipe (3); and an actuator that initiates the water flow through the first pipe (3) to the tank (2), until it is detected that the temperature has been reached for the water to exit directly through the hot water tap (6), the accumulated water being reusable.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] WATER SAVING ACCUMULATOR EQUIPMENT

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as expressed in the title of this specification, relates to a water-saving storage device that provides advantages and features, which are described in detail below.

[0005] The object of the present invention lies in a device that, applicable for its incorporation in a DHW installation, between the cold and hot water inlets of the tap of a shower, sink, kitchen sink or similar, and comprising a water accumulation tank with respective connection pipes to said cold and hot water inlets, a valve with temperature control and a system actuator means activated by the user, has the purpose of accumulating the cold water that comes out of the hot water tap and that is normally lost before it reaches the desired temperature, allowing it to be used later mixed with cold or hot water, depending on the needs.

[0006] FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The field of application of the present invention falls within the plumbing sector, focusing particularly on the industry dedicated to the manufacture and installation of systems, equipment, appliances and devices intended for water saving in ACS installations, whether at a domestic and private level or at a public or professional level in hospitality establishments, gyms or other institutions.

[0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009] As is well known, in domestic hot water (DHW) installations, when the hot water tap is opened, the water coming out of the tap takes a few minutes to reach its temperature, normally depending on the distance between the tap and the heater.

[0010] The problem is that, normally, until the water starts to run hot, liters of cold water are discarded, which produces a significant waste of water. The objective of the present invention is to develop a system that allows saving said water and being able to accumulate it to use it.

[0011] On the other hand, and as a reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, although some alternatives are known to solve the problem described, they are usually more complex and expensive solutions to manufacture and install, and it can be stated that, at least on the part of the applicant, the existence of any that presents technical and constitutive characteristics equal to or similar to those claimed here is unknown.

[0012] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The water-saving accumulator equipment proposed by the invention is configured as an optimal solution to the described problem, with the characterizing details that make it possible and distinguish it conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0014] Specifically, what the invention proposes, as previously indicated, is equipment applicable for incorporation into a DHW installation whose purpose is to accumulate the cold water that comes out of the hot water tap, and which is normally lost before reaching the desired temperature, allowing said water to be saved and to be able to use it later mixed with the already hot water or mixed with the cold water, or directly without mixing through a direct pipe connected to the tap.

[0015] To this end, the equipment object of the invention basically comprises a cold water storage tank, which is lost until it comes out hot, avoiding its disposal down the drain, for which purpose, said tank is installed in such a way that it has at least a first pipe that connects it to the branch that connects the hot water inlet so that it fills up when hot water is requested while it does not reach the desired temperature and can be reintroduced into the hot water branch so that it comes out towards the tap eventually mixed with the water from which it comes from the hot water branch.

[0016] The water from the accumulator can also be reintroduced into the DHW installation through a second line that connects the cold water branch with the accumulator or even through a third line directly to the tap. In addition, the equipment also comprises at least one temperature-controlled valve, for example a valve connected to a temperature sensor or a thermostatic valve, and a system actuator means that, for example, can be the opening of the hot water tap itself, which is activated by the user and initiates the flow of water to the tank, such that, with the system actuated, when water is requested at the hot water tap, the water coming from the hot water inlet passes into the accumulator tank until it detects that the temperature has been reached, at which point the valve changes position allowing the water to flow directly through the hot water tap.

[0017] Furthermore, the equipment is designed so that the water accumulated in the tank is subsequently reintroduced into the flow coming out of the tap, either through the hot water line itself, to mix with it if the temperature of the hot water coming from the hot water inlet is to be reduced, or through the cold water tap line, mixing with the cold water coming from the cold water inlet, or through an additional direct line, so that it is consumed through the tap without being used mixed with either the hot or cold water. For this purpose, it is preferably planned that the tap be a single-lever tap.

[0018] Thus, the equipment object of the invention comprises an accumulator tank that receives water from the hot water flow and reintroduces it at any point after its collection.

[0019] Furthermore, the equipment includes a means or source of energy for said reintroduction of the accumulated water. This energy, preferably, is electrical and can be based on a hydraulic turbine or generator, one or more rechargeable batteries, or a mains power outlet to power a pressure pump or other similar means of propulsion.

[0020] However, in other alternative embodiments, the energy source may be elastic, based for example on the inclusion of a pressurized tank, or it may be hydraulic, based on a Venturi effect element or the like, or it may be any other energy source.

[0021] In any case, the equipment is designed to allow water to flow from the storage tank in only one direction through an element that guarantees its reintroduction. This element is preferably a non-return valve, although it is not ruled out that it could be any other system with the same function. Logically, the reintroduction of the water accumulated in the tank can be carried out as long as the pressure of the storage system is higher than that at the reintroduction point (cold flow, hot flow, or extra channel). To achieve this, there must be an element that uses energy, and, as already explained, this can be electrical, elastic, hydraulic, or even gravity.

[0022] In any case, the equipment of the invention is designed to allow the entry of water into the accumulation tank through a temperature-controlled valve, preferably a valve or solenoid valve actuated by a temperature sensor or by a thermostatic valve.

[0023] If the equipment includes electric valves or solenoid valves, a control element, such as an electronic board, is also included to manage the direction of the hot water flow toward the storage tank or toward the tap, depending on the signal from the temperature sensor.

[0024] Furthermore, when the valve is not thermostatic but rather a solenoid valve, the equipment includes an electrical power source that will power both the valve that directs water to the storage tank and the element that controls the temperature and the valve itself. Preferably, as already mentioned, this electrical power source could be a hydraulic generator, a battery, or a connection to the electrical grid.

[0025] If the valve is thermostatic, this power supply will not be necessary.

[0026] With all this, in a preferred embodiment option, the equipment will comprise, in addition to the water accumulation tank, a pressure pump, a non-return valve, a valve with a temperature sensor or thermostatic valve and an electric generator, incorporated in respective connection pipes between the tank and the cold and hot water inlets of the installation and the cold and hot water taps of the shower, sink or element in which it is installed, arranged so that, when it is detected that the water is already coming out hot, it stops accumulating in the tank and begins to come out through the tap, and mixing the accumulated water with the cold or hot water, depending on the needs.

[0027] Optionally, the unit can include a second hot water storage tank with or without a heating element or other means to keep the water hot once it's filled, allowing it to be used whenever desired and providing instant hot water. This second tank provides greater comfort with taps that, unlike shower taps, aren't left open for long periods of time, such as kitchen or sink taps.

[0028] In any case, one of the main advantages of this device, in addition to the water savings it provides, is that it is easy to install without any construction work. It can be integrated into a newly installed faucet or used in an existing one.

[0029] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] To complement the description being made and in order to help better understand the characteristics of the invention, a drawing is attached to this specification, as an integral part thereof, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

[0031] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a basic example of the water-saving storage device object of the invention, showing the main parts and elements it comprises; and Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a second, more complete embodiment of the water-saving storage device according to the invention.

[0032] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0033] In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, one can observe in them two non-limiting embodiment examples of the water-saving accumulator equipment of the invention, which comprises what is described in detail below.

[0034] Thus, as can be seen in said figure, the equipment (1) of the invention, applicable for its incorporation in a DHW installation, between the branch that connects the hot water inlet (5) with the hot water tap (6) of a shower, sink, kitchen sink or similar, comprises the following elements: - at least one water accumulation tank (2);

[0035] - at least a first pipe (3), between the tank (2) and the branch connecting the hot water inlet (5) to the hot water tap (6),

[0036] - at least one temperature-controlled valve system, installed at the point of interconnection of the hot water line (3) with the branch connecting the hot water inlet (5) to the hot water tap (6); and

[0037] - at least one system actuating means that is activated by the user and initiates the flow of water through the first conduit (3) towards the tank (2), such that, with the system activated, when water is requested from the hot water tap (6), the water coming from the hot water inlet (5) passes to the accumulator tank (2) until the valve detects that the temperature has been reached and changes position allowing the water to exit directly through the hot water tap (6) and, subsequently, the water accumulated in the tank (2) can be reintroduced at least through the first conduit (3) itself and exit through the hot water tap (6) eventually mixed with the water from the branch that connects to the cold water inlet (5).

[0038] Optionally, the equipment (1) of the invention comprises:

[0039] - at least a second conduit (4) between the tank (2) and the branch connecting the cold water inlet (7) to the cold water tap (8); such that the water accumulated in the tank (2) can be reintroduced through the second conduit and exit through the cold water tap (8), eventually mixed with the water from the branch connecting the cold water inlet (7).

[0040] Furthermore, preferably, the equipment comprises a third conduit (16) that directly connects the tank (2) with one of the taps (6, 8), preferably the cold water tap (8), although said tap may consist of a single-lever tap, to allow the reintroduction of the water accumulated in the tank (2) directly without mixing through said conduit (16). In any case, preferably, the temperature-controlled valve system is either a valve (9) connected to a temperature sensor (10) or a thermostatic valve.

[0041] And, the system actuating means that starts the flow of water towards the tank (2) is either the hot water tap (6) itself or a ball valve (17) that is preferably connected to a power button (18) and includes an LED indicator (19), as shown in the example in figure 2.

[0042] Preferably, to achieve the reintroduction of the water accumulated in the tank (2), the equipment also comprises means and / or source of energy, which, in a preferred embodiment option, is a source of electrical energy (12) that feeds a pressure pump (13) or similar element, being based on a turbine or hydraulic generator, on a rechargeable battery, a connection to the network or on a combination of them.

[0043] However, in alternative equipment options, the energy source is elastic based on a pressurized tank (20), as shown in figure 2, with its corresponding water reservoir (20') and air bladder (20"), or it is a hydraulic energy source, based on a Venturi system or similar (not represented in the figures), without ruling out other energy sources or any combination of those mentioned.

[0044] In any case, the equipment also includes one or more non-return valves (11) or other means with the same function to allow the water to exit from the tank (2) in a single direction that guarantees its reintroduction.

[0045] Preferably, when the valve (9) connected to the temperature sensor (10) is a solenoid valve, it is powered by the aforementioned source of electrical energy (12). Furthermore, in such a case, the equipment (1) includes an electronic control element, such as an electronic board (15), which manages the operation of said valve (9) to control the direction of the flow of hot water towards the accumulator tank (2) or towards the hot water tap (6), depending on the signal from the temperature sensor (10), as well as to manage the reintroduction of water from the tank (2) towards the tap through the hot water line (3), cold water (4) or direct (16).

[0046] Optionally, as shown in the diagram in figure 2, all the functional components of the equipment (1), except for the tank (2) which, logically, occupies a larger volume, are incorporated protected within a sealed casing or box (22), to prevent them from being damaged, being accessible for any repair or replacement of any of said elements.

[0047] For its part, looking at Figure 1, it can be seen how, in a basic implementation option of the equipment, it comprises:

[0048] - at least the water storage tank (2);

[0049] - at least two water connection pipes (3, 4), a first hot water pipe (3), between the tank (2) and the branch that connects the hot water inlet (5) with the hot water tap (6), and a second cold water pipe (4), between the tank (2) and the branch that connects the cold water inlet (7) with the cold water tap (8);

[0050] - at least one valve (9), for example a three-way valve, with a temperature sensor (10) or a thermostatic valve, also three-way, installed at the point of interconnection of the hot water line (3) with the branch connecting the hot water inlet (5) to the hot water tap (6); and

[0051] - at least one non-return valve (11) installed in the cold water line (4) before the tank (2); said elements being installed in such a way that, when hot water is requested by opening the hot water tap (6), the water coming from the hot water inlet (5) and which has not yet been heated, instead of exiting through said tap (6), through the three-way valve (9), passes to the accumulator tank (2) until it is hot, at which point the three-way valve (9) changes position and allows the water to exit through the hot water tap (6).

[0052] Preferably, in said preferred embodiment of the equipment (1), it further comprises:

[0053] - at least one pressure pump (13), preferably a small 12v pump, installed in the cold water pipe (4), such that it gives pressure to the tank (2) so that the cold water enters at a higher pressure than that of the network, and by means of the non-return valve (11), installed between said pump (13) and the tank (2), prevent said network water from entering the tank (2).

[0054] Thus, the water accumulated in the tank (2) can also be used when the cold water tap (8) is opened, and can be mixed with the water coming from the cold water inlet (7).

[0055] Optionally, so that the pressure pump (13) stops working when the tank (2) runs out of water, the inclusion in the tank of a level sensor (21) or some other mechanism connected to the pump (13) is contemplated.

[0056] In any case, preferably, the equipment also includes:

[0057] - at least one temperature sensor (10), installed in the hot water inlet branch (7), in the case of not using thermostatic three-way valves, and

[0058] - control means, preferably an electronic board (15) that, connected to the temperature sensor (10), manage the activation and position of the valve (9) to direct the flow of water towards or from the tank (2) and may, where appropriate, also be connected to the pump (13) and the level sensor (21) or another mechanism to manage its operation.

[0059] Optionally, the equipment includes a second water storage tank (not shown), in this case installed with the elements described above between the described pipes (3, 4) to accumulate hot water, in which case, preferably, it includes a resistance to keep the water hot once it is filled, allowing it to be used when desired, having hot water instantly.

[0060] In one embodiment of the invention, the water-saving storage device comprises a drainage channel for emptying the water from the tank (2). This drainage channel allows the stored water to be reused for other purposes, such as watering plants.

[0061] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field understands its scope and the advantages derived from it.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Accumulation equipment for water saving, applicable for its incorporation in a DHW installation, between the branch that connects the hot water inlet (5) with the hot water tap (6) of a shower, sink, kitchen sink or similar, is characterized by comprising: - at least one water storage tank (2); - at least a first pipe (3), between the tank (2) and the branch connecting the hot water inlet (5) to the hot water tap (6), - at least one temperature-controlled valve system, installed at the point of interconnection of the hot water line (3) with the branch connecting the hot water inlet (5) to the hot water tap (6); and - at least one system actuator means that is activated by the user and initiates the flow of water through the first conduit (3) towards the tank (2), such that, with the system activated, when water is requested from the hot water tap (6), the water coming from the hot water inlet (5) passes to the accumulator tank (2) until the valve detects that the temperature has been reached and changes position allowing the water to exit directly through the hot water tap (6) and, subsequently, the water accumulated in the tank (2) can be reintroduced through the first conduit (3) itself and exit through the hot water tap (6) eventually mixed with the water from the branch that connects to the cold water inlet (5). 2.- Accumulation equipment for saving water, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises - at least a second conduit (4) between the tank (2) and the branch connecting the cold water inlet (7) to the cold water tap (8); such that the water accumulated in the tank (2) can be reintroduced via the second conduit and exit via the cold water tap (8) if necessary. mixed with the water from the branch that connects to the cold water inlet (7). 3.- Accumulation equipment for saving water, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a third conduit (16) that directly connects the tank (2) with one of the taps (6, 8), for the reintroduction of the water accumulated in the tank (2). 4.- Accumulator equipment for saving water, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve system with temperature control is a valve (9) connected to a temperature sensor (10). 5.- Accumulator equipment for water saving, according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the valve system with temperature control is a thermostatic valve. 6.- Accumulation equipment for water saving, according to any of the above, characterized in that the actuating means of the system that initiates the flow of water towards the tank (2) is the hot water tap itself (6). 7.- Accumulator equipment for saving water, according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuating means of the system that initiates the flow of water towards the tank (2) is a ball valve (17) connected to a power button (18) and to an LED indicator (19). 8.- Accumulation equipment for saving water, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means and / or energy source to achieve the reintroduction of the water accumulated in the tank (2). 9.- Accumulation equipment for saving water, according to claim 8, characterized in that the energy source is an electrical energy source (12), and feeds a pressure pump (13) or similar element. 10.- Accumulation equipment for saving water, according to claim 7, characterized in that the source of electrical energy (12) comprises a turbine or hydraulic generator. 11.- Accumulation equipment for saving water, according to claim 9 or 10, characterized because the source of electrical energy (12) comprises a rechargeable battery 12.- Accumulation equipment for saving water, according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the source of electrical energy (12) comprises a connection to the network. 13.- Accumulator equipment for saving water, according to any of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the energy source is elastic based on a pressurized tank (20). 14.- Accumulation equipment for water saving, according to any of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the energy source is hydraulic, based on a Venturi system or similar. 15.- Accumulator equipment for saving water, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises one or more non-return valves (11) or other means with the same function to allow the water to exit from the tank (2) in a single direction that guarantees its reintroduction. 16.- Accumulator equipment for saving water, according to claim 4 or 9, characterized in that the valve (9) connected to the temperature sensor (10) is a solenoid valve powered by the source of electrical energy (12); and because the equipment (1) includes a control element, which manages the operation of said valve (9) to control the direction of the flow of hot water towards the accumulator tank (2) or towards the hot water tap (6), depending on the signal from the temperature sensor (10), as well as to manage the reintroduction of water from the tank (2) towards the tap through the hot water line (3), cold water (4) or, where appropriate, the direct line (16). 17.- Accumulator equipment for saving water, according to claim 16, characterized in that the control element that manages the operation of the valve (9) is an electronic board (15). 18.- Accumulator equipment for saving water, according to claim 9, characterized in that the pressure pump (13) is installed in the cold water pipe (4), such that it gives pressure to the tank (2) so that the cold water enters at a higher pressure than that of the network, and by means of a non-return valve (11), installed between the pump (13) and the tank (2), prevents said network water from entering the tank (2). 19.- Accumulation equipment for saving water, according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a level sensor (21) incorporated in the tank (2) or another mechanism connected to the pressure pump (13) so that it stops working when the tank (2) runs out of water. 20.- Accumulation equipment for saving water, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a drainage channel to empty the water from the tank (2).

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