FR3119180A1 - Water saving device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a water-saving device, configured to be connected to a mixer (10) for an individual shower whose outlet water flow rate and outlet water temperature are adjustable. It is essentially characterized in that it comprises: - a multi-way water valve (110), comprising a single inlet (113), configured to be connected to an outlet of the mixer (10), - a network (120) of at least one pipe (121), configured to be connected to a first outlet (111) of the multiport water valve (110), wherein - at least one pipe (121) of said network (120) comprises a set of at least one spray nozzle (170); the equivalent diameter of each pipe (121) being less than the equivalent diameter of the outlet of the multiport water valve (110). Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Water saving device

Field of invention

The present invention relates to the field of water flow control, in particular for personal body hygiene, in the current ecological context which encourages attention to be paid in particular to water consumption.

In a residential building, detached house or apartment, equipped with a running water supply, it is common to equip a bathroom (with bathtub) or a bathroom (with shower) with a mixer tap or a mixer. You can adjust the temperature and the water flow.

Water can be used for several purposes on the body of its user, human or animal: to wash, to refresh or to warm up.

A human being essentially uses three techniques to wash himself: taking a bath, taking a shower or washing at the sink with a washcloth.

It is known that the volume of water needed to take a bath is much greater than the volume of water needed to take a shower. It is estimated that a shower lasting four to five minutes consumes 30 to 80 liters of water and a bath 150 to 200 liters of water and a few liters of water to wash at the sink with a washcloth (see for example the following address https://www.cnrs.fr/cw/dossiers/doseau/decouv/usages/consoDom.html).

In a context of saving water, it therefore seems interesting to use a washcloth.

However, washing at the sink with a glove can be unpleasant and generate a feeling of cold, because water conducts heat better than air and because of the evaporation of the latter. Not to mention the possible problems of evacuation of gray water depending on the place of use of the washcloth.

In the shower, the sensation of cold is less perceived due to the continuous runoff of water on the skin, but in this case the water consumption is relatively high.

The document FR2724550A1 is known, which presents a hoop pierced over its entire length with a plurality of aligned, regularly spaced, perfectly convergent orifices, ending in a single point. However, this is equivalent to a spatial reorganization of the orifices of a hand shower, so the water consumption is probably about the same. In addition, the convergence of the jets at a single point means that the water flows along the user's body. The covering power of this solution is therefore limited.

To reduce water consumption when taking a shower, the flow can then be temporarily reduced or cut off, typically while soaping up, but this results in less covering power and therefore generally also a feeling of cold.

To counter this feeling of cold, you can increase the temperature of the water room, but this is an ecological and economic aberration.

In addition, it is necessary to have a wet skin to be able to soap with a classic soap.

There is therefore a need to find a solution that can, for a given reference time, save water compared to a continuous shower during this same reference time, while avoiding the feeling of cold.

Similarly, in order to warm or cool a body with water, in particular a human body, it requires either to immerse this body in a bath, or to let the water run in the shower for a certain time. . Both of these solutions consume a lot of water and are unsatisfactory.

The present invention aims to address this problem of water consumption.

To this end, the invention relates to a water-saving device, configured to be connected to a mixer tap (10) for an individual shower whose outlet water flow and outlet water temperature are adjustable.

It is essentially characterized in that the device comprises:
- a multi-way water valve (110), comprising a single inlet (113), configured to be connected to an outlet of the mixer (10),
- a network (120) of at least one pipe (121), configured to be connected to a first outlet (111) of the multi-way water valve (110),
in which

- at least one pipe (121) of said network (120) comprises a set of at least one spray nozzle (170); the equivalent diameter of each pipe (121) being less than the equivalent diameter of the outlet of the multiport water valve (110).

Provision can be made for the multi-way water valve (110) to be a 3-way valve, the multi-way water valve (110) comprising a second outlet (112) configured to be connected to one end of a shower hose (20 ), the other end of said hose being configured to be connected to a shower head (30), the multi-way water valve (110) being able to selectively adopt one of the following positions:

- a first position in which only the first outlet (111) is open, so that only the network (120) of at least one pipe (121) can be supplied with water,

- a second position in which only the second outlet (112) is open, so that only the shower hose (20) and the shower head (30) can be supplied with water,

- a third position in which the first and the second outlet (112) are simultaneously open, so that the network (120) of at least one pipe (121) and the shower hose (20), then the shower head (30) can be simultaneously supplied with water.

We can predict that:

– said outlet of the mixer (10) comprises a thread, and

– the inlet (113) of the multi-way water valve (110) can be connected to said outlet of the mixer (10) and comprises a thread complementary to the thread of said outlet,

the device optionally further comprising a seal between said outlet of the mixer (10) and said inlet (113) of the multiport water valve (110).

Provision can be made for each pipe (121) of said network (120) to have an equivalent diameter whose value is less than that of the outlet diameter of the mixer (10).

It is also possible to provide a reduction coupling (134), one end of which is adapted to the equivalent diameter of each pipe (121), and the other end of which is adapted to the outlet diameter of the mixer (10).

Provision may be made for the reduction coupling (134) to comprise a valve nose (133).

It is possible to provide a quick-hose connector (130), one end of which is configured to be connected to the tap nose (133) and the other end is configured to be connected to the network (120) of at least one pipe ( 121).

You can also provide:

- a connecting device (140), configured to connect the network (120) of at least one pipe (121) to the reduction coupling (134), in which the connecting device (140) is flexible, and of equivalent diameter identical to that of at least one pipe (121) of said network (120) which comprises a set of at least one spray nozzle (170).

It is also possible to provide a device (150) for purging water from said network (120) of at least one pipe (121).

It is also possible to provide a hooking device (160), optionally flexible, comprising two ends, each end of which is equipped with hooking means, one of the ends being configured to be hooked to a pipe (121) or to a nozzle of said network (120); the other end being configured to be hooked to any of:

- the mixer (10),

- a shower bar (40), in particular a shower bar (40) serving as an attachment support for a shower head (30),

- the multi-way water valve (110),

- a support.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended figures.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

is a photograph of an embodiment of the device according to the invention, and

illustrates a quick coupling of the embodiment illustrated in the ,

illustrates a watering kit that can be used for one embodiment of the device according to the invention,

illustrates a hooking device according to the invention,

illustrates an embodiment of a 3-way valve,

illustrates a method of using a 3-way valve for connecting a shower hose, and

illustrates, in top view, a relative positioning of spray nozzles arranged on a respective vertical pipe with respect to a central user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The device according to the invention is designed to be adapted to a mixing valve or a mixer 10, just like a tap, in particular a tap with a double inlet. Hereinafter, “mixer”, “mixer” and “tap” will be understood without distinction. For brevity, however, the term “mixer” will essentially be used.

Also for brevity, only mixers 10 for single-family dwellings, single-family houses and apartments will be considered below. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be implemented for any mixer 10, inside or outside a building, in particular a residential building.

The mixer 10 can be mounted on a single cold water inlet, which is uncommon these days, especially in individual homes.

For brevity, it is considered below that the mixer 10 is mounted on a running water inlet which includes a hot water supply and a cold water supply.

The mixer 10 comprises at least one mixing water outlet, said mixing generally comprising a variable proportion of hot water and cold water.

The mixer 10 may comprise two mixing water outlets, for example an outlet for a bathtub and an outlet for a hand shower. At least one of the water outlets is usually equipped with a thread, most often a male thread.

When the mixer 10 comprises several mixing water outlets, it also comprises a selective valve making it possible to select the mixing water outlet or outlets.

For brevity, it is considered that the mixer 10 comprises only one mixing water outlet, equipped for example with a male thread.

- Multiport valve -

The device according to the invention comprises a multi-way valve, preferably a 3-way valve, for example as illustrated in the .

The multiport valve comprises a single inlet 113, configured to be connected to the outlet of the mixer 10, as illustrated in the .

In this case, the multiway valve is mounted on the water outlet of the mixer 10 equipped with a thread. The inlet 113 of the multi-way valve comprises a nut, in this case female, the threading of which is complementary to the threading, in this case male, of the water outlet of the mixer 10.

An example of a 3-way valve is the one sold at the following address https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B07DN7C26J/.

Preferably, a seal, for example a fiber seal, is provided inside the nut, between the multiway valve and the water outlet of the mixer 10 on which it is mounted.

Preferably, one of the outlets of the multiway valve is connected to a hand shower. Depending on the position of the 3-way valve, it is thus possible to supply water to the hand shower, as if it were mounted directly on mixer 10.

Advantageously, the other outlet of the 3-way valve is connected to a network 120 of at least one pipe 121 described below.

Depending on the position of the 3-way valve using a selector 114, it is possible to direct the flow of water from the 3-way valve, either selectively towards the hand shower, or selectively towards the network 120 of at least one pipe. 121, or simultaneously to the hand shower and to the network 120 of at least one pipe 121.

- Network 120 of pipes -

The network 120 of at least one pipe 121, hereinafter “pipe network”, is connected to a single outlet of the 3-way valve by means of a reduction coupling 134, as described later. The network 120 includes at least one pipe 121.

The equivalent diameter of each pipe 121 is less than the equivalent diameter of the outlet of the multiport water valve 110.

Preferably, the equivalent diameter of each pipe 121 is less than or equal to 8 mm. In this case, the equivalent diameter of each pipe 121 is equal to 4 mm.

The pipes 121 can be rigid, typically copper. Preferably, however, the pipes 121 are flexible, and for example made of plastic-based material, and in this case PVC, PE or PET. For example, such pipes 121, or pipes, are sold at the following Internet address https://www.amazon.fr/Smandy-d%C3%A9gouttement-darrosse-dagriculture-Distribution/dp/B07M7383JM/. In particular, they can be cut easily using a simple pair of scissors. Their length can thus be easily adapted to the configuration of use, whether in a shower area or a bathtub.

The network 120 of pipes can have ramifications, for example thanks to junctions, fittings or connectors 122, in particular L-shaped or T-shaped, and in this case fluted, see for example the .

Under the combined action of the heat of the water and the pressure, a flexible plastic pipe 121 may tend to relax and disconnect from the connector 122. To counter this effect, clamping means can be provided, for example clamps, to tighten the end of a pipe 121 on a connector 122.

It is also possible to provide clamping means, for example clamps, and in this case fixing clamps generally used for electrical sheaths, to clamp a pipe 121 on a shower bar 40, an example of which can be seen on there .

Pipe network 120 includes a set of at least one spray nozzle 170.

- Spray nozzles -

Several variants of spray nozzles 170 are possible. For example, orientable spray nozzles can be provided. Alternatively or in combination, it is possible to provide spray nozzles with a solid or hollow spray cone, and for example mist nozzles.

Preferably, low pressure spray nozzles 170 are provided. In this case, the spray nozzles are low pressure adjustable drippers, also called "micro-sprinklers", "misting nozzles" or "sprinkler nozzles" in the field of gardening and misting systems.

In this case, spray nozzles with a variable spray cone are provided, that is to say the angle at the top of the cone is variable, so that the water leaving the base can even present itself in the form of a jet.

A single pipe 121 can include several spray nozzles 170 in series, as illustrated in the .

Preferably, 2 consecutive spray nozzles on the same pipe 121 are spaced apart by at most 50 cm. According to tests carried out by the applicant, the distance between 2 consecutive spray nozzles on the same pipe 121, in this case vertical, is advantageously between 20 cm and 40 cm.

Advantageously, the highest spray nozzle 170 on a pipe 121 is located in line with the sternal manubrium and preferably in line with the sternum, which limits the risk of the spray droplets spraying the eyes when using the device according to the 'invention.

Preferably, at least one vertical pipe 121 is provided, said vertical pipe 121 comprising a set of at least one spray nozzle 170, and preferably 1 to 3 spray nozzles distributed along said vertical pipe 121, which makes it possible to cover a part of the body of the user in its height, the diameter of the spray cone making it possible to cover a part of the body of the user in its width.

Several vertical pipes can be provided, for example 1 to 3 vertical pipes each supporting 1 to 3 spray nozzles, in this case spraying according to a spray cone whose axis of symmetry is radial with respect to the vertical axis of the line 121.

In one embodiment, 2 vertical pipes can be provided. If the 2 vertical pipes are arranged close to each other, this is not necessarily of great interest for use by a single individual.

In this embodiment, 2 vertical pipes are advantageously arranged as follows, illustrated on the .

By projection in a horizontal plane, a user 200 of the device according to the invention is assumed to be at the center of a circle illustrated in dotted lines on the . The 2 vertical pipes 170 are arranged on the periphery of this circle. Each spray nozzle 170 is oriented along an axis of symmetry, AA and BB respectively. Each spray nozzle 170 has a spray cone whose apex angle α1, α2 is advantageously adjustable. The axis of symmetry AA and the axis of symmetry BB have an angle β between them in a horizontal plane. Preferably, the angle β is between 30° and 180°. More preferably still, the angle β is between 90° and 180°

Thanks to this configuration, depending on the position of the user with respect to the set of spray nozzles 170, it is possible to spray, for example, all or part of the chest or its left side thanks to the spray nozzle. spray 170 or spray nozzles 170 of one of the pipes; and simultaneously spraying all or part of said user's back, or his right side, using the spray nozzle 170 or the spray nozzles 170 of the other pipe 121.

In fact, according to tests carried out by the applicant, a single vertical pipe 121 equipped with 2 spray nozzles gives satisfactory results. In these tests, one spray nozzle 170 was directed towards the sternum and presented a spray cone which covered substantially the width of the torso at a maximum distance of 1 m from the user 200. The other spray nozzle 170 was directed towards the navel of the user 200 and had a spray cone which substantially covered the width of the pool at a distance of 1 m at most between the user and said spray nozzle 170. The covering power of the 2 spray nozzles 170 was sufficient to wet the body of the user 200 while maintaining a feeling of heat, the runoff of water along the legs being sufficient to maintain this feeling of heat.

- Reduction coupling 134 -

The reduction fitting 134 makes it possible to connect the network 120 of pipes to a single outlet of the 3-way valve. By construction, it has an equivalent outlet diameter smaller than its equivalent inlet diameter, which is equal to the equivalent outlet diameter of the 3-way valve.

Thanks to this reduction in equivalent diameter, for the same water flow at the outlet of the 3-way valve, the water pressure is higher at the outlet of the reduction fitting 134 than at the outlet of the 3-way valve.

In other words, by defining the hydraulic power by the product of the water pressure and the water flow, so that the hydraulic power in the presence of the reduction coupling 134 is substantially the same as the hydraulic power in the absence of coupling reduction 134, it is necessary that, in the presence of the reduction fitting 134, the water flow decreases.

It is this characteristic of increasing the pressure which encourages, or even imposes, a drop in the flow of water, which allows the saving of water according to the present invention.

Preferably, reducer 134 includes a valve nose 133.

In this case, there is provided a quick hose connector 130, or quick connector for brevity, which advantageously comprises the faucet nose 133, as illustrated in the .

The quick hose connector 130 comprises a male part 131 which cooperates with a female part 132. In this case, the male part 131 comprises the tap nose 133 as illustrated in the ; and the female part 132 is configured to be connected to the network 120 of pipes. In this case, the female part 132 is directly connected to the network 120 of pipes.

- Bleed device 150 -

Preferably, a device 150 for purging water from said network 120 of pipes is provided. The purge device 150 makes it possible to allow residual water from the device according to the invention. Thus the water cannot stagnate in the network 120 of pipes.

Provision may be made for the network 120 of pipes to comprise at its lowest point, as a purge device 150, a spray nozzle 170 whose flow rate is variable and may even be zero. It is also possible to provide a 3-way valve as a purge device 150.

For example, one can also unhook the female part 132 from the male part 131 of the quick-hose connector 130, and let the female part 132 hang, which then acts as a purge device 150 and allows the network 120 to be purged of water. of pipelines.

- Linkage device 140 -

It is possible to provide a connecting device 140, configured to connect the network 120 of pipes to the mixer 10, and in this case to the reduction coupling 134, in which the connecting device 140 is flexible, and of equivalent diameter identical to that of at least one pipe 121 of said network 120 which comprises a set of at least one spray nozzle 170.

In this case, the connecting device 140 is a flexible pipe 121 in PVC, PE or PET. This pipe 121 is connected for example on the one hand to the quick-cooling connection 130 and on the other hand to the network 120 of pipe 121, which can be in rigid form, in particular copper.

The connecting device 140, by its characteristic of flexibility, thus makes it possible to adapt a network 120 of pipe 121 preconfigured, and in particular rigid, to several shower/bathtub configurations.

The connecting device 140 can also act as a purge device 150, as illustrated in the , leaving the female part 132 hanging from the quick-hose connector 130.

- Attachment device 160 -

A hooking device 160, optionally flexible, can be provided to hook at least part of the network 120 of pipes.

The hooking device 160 comprises two ends. Preferably, each end is equipped with hooking means, for example in the form of clamps 161, 162, as illustrated in the . One of the ends is preferably configured to be hooked to a pipe 121 or to a spray nozzle 170 of the network 120 of pipes; and the other end is preferably configured to hook onto any of:

- mixer 10,

- a shower bar 40, in particular a shower bar 40 serving as a support for attaching a shower head 30,

- the multi-way water valve 110,

- a support.

The attachment device 160 can take the form of an articulated arm. For example, the hooking device 160 is a bed telephone clip, called a "gooseneck". An example of such a bed phone clamp can be accessed at the following address: https://support-telephone-lit.com/ or at the following address: https://www.amazon.fr/gp/ product/B01M1BQAIY/.

The hinged attachment device 160 makes it possible to manually adjust the height of at least some of the spray nozzles of the network 120 of pipe 121, in this way the device according to the invention is adaptable to any user, whatever his size, at any time and quickly. In this case, the height of the spray nozzles 170 of the same network 120 can be adapted very easily within a family using the same bathroom, between parents and children, who each have a respective size.

- Functioning -

A purely illustrative and non-limiting example of operation is described below.

For the manufacture of the device according to the invention, an irrigation kit can be provided, for example sold at the following address: https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B07DFBJD4C/ which comprises a network 120 of line 121, a set of spray nozzles, a set of connectors 122, a faucet nose 133 and a quick hose connector 130.

Such an irrigation kit can then be mounted on a 3-way valve, for example sold at the following address https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B07DN7C26J.

The male part 131 of the quick hose connector 130 can be mounted directly on the first outlet 111 of the multiway water valve 110. In this case, the male part 131 of the quick hose connector 130 is the tap nose 133.

The multiway water valve is positioned in the second position in which only the second outlet 112 is open. Thus only the shower hose 20 and the shower head 30 are supplied with water, which allows for example a user to use a high flow of water to wash his hair.

Then, by operating a channel selector 114 of the multi-channel water valve 110, the user can position the multi-channel water valve according to the first position in which only the first outlet 111 is open, so that only the network 120 of pipes is supplied with water. At this time, because the equivalent diameter of the pipes 121 is smaller than that of the water outlet of the mixer 10, the pressure increases.

The user can thus lower the flow control of the mixer 10, and in fact consume less water than via the shower head 30.

The water leaving the spray nozzles 170 is preferably sprayed in a spray cone, which makes it possible to cover a satisfactory portion of the user's body. Advantageously, the angle of the spray cone is adjustable, which makes it possible to adapt the spray nozzles 170 to the build of the user.

Due to the calorific value of the water and the spray droplets, it may be useful to increase the temperature setpoint at the outlet of the mixer 10 compared to the use of a shower head 30.

In this case, the network 120 of pipes is supplied with water under low pressure, that is to say under a pressure less than or equal to 2 bars.

For example, once soaping or shampooing has been carried out, it is possible to position the multi-way water valve again according to the second position, or according to the third position, to increase the flow rate and allow faster rinsing.

At the end of use, the user can disconnect the male part 131 from the female part 132 of the quick connector and let the female part 132 hang. Air can enter the pipes via the spray nozzles, water residual in the pipes 121 can thus flow and the device can thus be purged of water via the female part 132 of the quick coupling.

Measurements were made by the applicant: for a 4-minute shower with a shower head, the consumption was 18l. For a 4-minute shower on the same mixer with a device according to the invention, in which the network 120 of pipes was equipped with 4 spray nozzles (2 * 2 vertical spray nozzles facing each other), the consumption was 9l. Other tests were carried out with only 2 spray nozzles. In this case, the 2 spray nozzles were positioned vertically, one spray nozzle directed substantially towards the sternum and the other directed substantially towards the navel. The spray cone allows sufficient coverage of the body, and the implementation of only 2 spray nozzles further reduces water consumption.

The present invention is not limited to the field of bathrooms and shower rooms, it can be implemented outdoors, for example on a garden tap.

Nomenclature

10 mixer

20 shower hose

30 shower head

40 shower bar

110 multi-way water valve

111 first outlet of the multiway water valve

112 second outlet of the multiway water valve

113 multiway water valve inlet

114 multi-way water valve channel selector

120 network of at least one pipe

121 channeling

122 pipe connector

130 quick hose connector

131 male part of quick hose connector

132 female part of quick hose connector

133 faucet nose

134 reducing coupling

140 binding device

150 purge device

160 hanging device

161 hooking device clamp

162 clip hooking device

170 spray nozzle

200 user

Claims (10)

Water-saving device, configured to be connected to a mixer (10) for an individual shower whose outlet water flow and outlet water temperature are adjustable, characterized in that the device comprises:

• a multiport water valve (110), comprising a single inlet (113), configured to be connected to an outlet of the mixer (10),
• a network (120) of at least one pipe (121), configured to be connected to a first outlet (111) of the multi-way water valve (110),

in which

• at least one line (121) of said network (120) includes an assembly of at least one spray nozzle (170); the equivalent diameter of each pipe (121) being smaller than the equivalent diameter of the outlet of the multiport water valve (110).

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the multiport water valve (110) is a 3-port valve, the multiport water valve (110) including a second outlet (112) configured to be connected to one end of a hose (20), the other end of said hose being configured to be connected to a shower head (30), the multi-way water valve (110) being able to selectively adopt one of the following positions:
- a first position in which only the first outlet (111) is open, so that only the network (120) of at least one pipe (121) can be supplied with water,
- a second position in which only the second outlet (112) is open, so that only the shower hose (20) and the shower head (30) can be supplied with water,
- a third position in which the first and the second outlet (112) are simultaneously open, so that the network (120) of at least one pipe (121) and the shower hose (20) then the shower head ( 30) can be simultaneously supplied with water. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which:

• said outlet of the mixer (10) comprises a thread, and
• the inlet (113) of the multi-way water valve (110) can be connected to the said outlet of the mixer (10) and comprises a thread complementary to the thread of the said outlet,

the device optionally further comprising a seal between said outlet of the mixer (10) and said inlet (113) of the multiport water valve (110). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each pipe (121) of said network (120) has an equivalent diameter whose value is less than that of the outlet diameter of the mixer (10). Device according to claim 4, further comprising a reduction coupling (134), one end of which is adapted to the equivalent diameter of each pipe (121), and the other end of which is adapted to the outlet diameter of the mixer (10). Device according to Claim 5, in which the reducing coupling (134) comprises a valve nose (133). Device according to claim 6, comprising a quick-hose connector (130), one end of which is configured to be connected to the faucet nose (133) and the other end is configured to be connected to the network (120) of at least least one pipe (121). Device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising:
- a connecting device (140), configured to connect the network (120) of at least one pipe (121) to the reduction coupling (134), in which the connecting device (140) is flexible, and of equivalent diameter identical to that of at least one pipe (121) of said network (120) which comprises a set of at least one spray nozzle (170). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a device (150) for purging water from said network (120) of at least one pipe (121). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a hooking device (160), optionally flexible, comprising two ends, each end of which is equipped with hooking means, one of the ends being configured to be hooked to a pipe (121) or to a nozzle of said network (120); the other end being configured to be hooked to any of:

• the mixer (10),
• a shower bar (40), in particular a shower bar (40) serving as an attachment support for a shower head (30),
• the multi-way water valve (110),
• a support.