EP2066207A1 - Structure de base d'une douche - Google Patents

Structure de base d'une douche

Info

Publication number
EP2066207A1
EP2066207A1 EP07718691A EP07718691A EP2066207A1 EP 2066207 A1 EP2066207 A1 EP 2066207A1 EP 07718691 A EP07718691 A EP 07718691A EP 07718691 A EP07718691 A EP 07718691A EP 2066207 A1 EP2066207 A1 EP 2066207A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
reservoir
outlet
base structure
shower
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07718691A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Brian Gay
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Quench Solutions Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Quench Solutions Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2006905023A external-priority patent/AU2006905023A0/en
Application filed by Quench Solutions Pty Ltd filed Critical Quench Solutions Pty Ltd
Publication of EP2066207A1 publication Critical patent/EP2066207A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
    • A47K3/28—Showers or bathing douches
    • A47K3/40—Pans or trays
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C2001/005—Installations allowing recovery of heat from waste water for warming up fresh water

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a base structure for use in shower cubicles.
  • the invention provides a shower base for use in showers that use water recirculation to save water.
  • the prior art includes a number of shower systems including means for recirculation of water between the drain and the shower head.
  • a valve positioned between the drain hole and sewer is closed (or the drain itself is closed), and a pump is used to extract water falling on the floor of the cubicle and direct it to the shower head for reapplication to the user.
  • input of mains water is not required and the user is able to remain under the shower for as long as desired without the further wastage of water.
  • the Kohler BodySpa system includes a tub in which the user stands, a recirculation pump that extracts water from the tub and directs it back to the user via a number of jets. While this system saves water when in recirculation mode, it requires a large volume of water in the system before the recirculation pump can be started.
  • the tub must be filled to a level of around 150 mm, this equating to around 130 to 140 liters of water.
  • a further problem with this and similar systems is that when in recirculation mode the user is forced to stand in a pool of water. This is unpleasant for the user, with the vast majority preferring the more familiar experience of a standard shower whereby water is drained away from the feet and lower legs. Relevant to the issue of water temperature the larger volume of recirculation water (having a commensurately large surface area) creates difficulties in maintaining a comfortable water temperature.
  • recirculation showers include a tank and a recirculation pump, these components being located under the floor of the shower base.
  • recirculation mode water falling on the floor of the shower base runs into the drain but is diverted into a tank.
  • a recirculation pump then extracts water from the tank, directing it to the shower head.
  • This arrangement has a number of problems, one being that a shower base of increased height is necessary to accommodate components under the floor. It may therefore be difficult for persons having mobility issues to safely enter the shower. A high shower base is also aesthetically undesirable. Furthermore, having components under the floor makes maintenance and cleaning difficult.
  • the present invention provides a base structure for a shower having a water recirculation circuit, the base including a substantially planar floor and a reservoir, the reservoir including a first outlet for admitting water to be used by the recirculation circuit, and a second outlet for admitting water to be sent to waste, wherein where the passage of water to waste is obstructed, water contacting the floor runs into the reservoir to form a pool of sufficient depth to substantially cover the first outlet.
  • Applicant proposes that the use of a reservoir minimizes the amount of water required to be used in a recirculation shower apparatus.
  • a minimum level of water must be available to the system.
  • the minimum volume includes water necessary to fill all components of the circuit (for example pipes, valves, fittings, pumps etc), and also water necessary to ensure that the intake to the recirculation pump is covered with water. It is necessary to ensure that sufficient water is available to the intake side of the pump such that air, or at least a significant volume of air, is not drawn into the system. The presence of air can lead to cavitation in the pump causing complete cessation of water flow in the recirculation circuit.
  • the presence of a reservoir about the first outlet means that only a small volume of water is necessary to cover the outlet, thereby decreasing the minimum volume of water required to run the shower in recirculation mode.
  • water from the shower head falls onto the floor of the shower base.
  • the water then enters the reservoir where it pools because the drain outlet is closed.
  • the first outlet becomes submerged, ensuring that the pump intake is covered in water. Once the inlet is covered, the pump may then be safely operated.
  • the reservoir acts to cover the intake with as small amount of water as possible such that the pump is able to still operate without sucking air.
  • the reservoir extends around at least a portion of the substantially planar floor.
  • the substantially planar floor extends around the reservoir.
  • the substantially planar surface is sloped such that water runs under the force of gravity into the reservoir.
  • the reservoir may extend distal to the first outlet.
  • the reservoir extends along one or more edges of the shower base.
  • the water may run into areas of the reservoir distal to the first outlet, but then further run to an area of the reservoir proximal to the first outlet.
  • the shape or dimensions of the reservoir can be altered according to the specific requirements of any given application. Of course, in order to minimize the volume of water used to operate the shower in recirculation mode, a reservoir of small volume is preferred. In one embodiment, the reservoir holds about 30 liters of water or less. In another embodiment, the reservoir holds about 15 liters of water or less. In yet a further embodiment the reservoir holds about 10 liters or less. When selecting an appropriate depth for the reservoir, consideration must be given to the depth required to cover the first inlet. In one embodiment, the depth is about 100 mm or less. In another embodiment the depth is about 50 mm or less. Where the reservoir is of variable depth, these figures refer to the deepest region of the reservoir.
  • the floor and reservoir may be arranged in any way relative to each other such that water contacting the floor is able to run into the reservoir. Typically, this is achieved by arranging the floor so that the surface is substantially continuous with the upper edge of the reservoir. In this arrangement, water runs under the force of gravity from the surface of the floor into the reservoir. This arrangement is facilitated by manufacturing the shower base in unitary form.
  • a base structure for a shower includes an arrangement whereby a shower is positioned above a bath tub, and water from the shower collects on the floor of the bath tub.
  • the reservoir is included in the floor of the bath tub.
  • the term also includes the floor of a shower room, typical of those found in public facilities such as gymnasiums, swimming pools and the like.
  • the reservoir is included in the floor of the shower room.
  • the first outlet is positioned in the reservoir such that water passes through the outlet in a non-vertical direction.
  • the first outlet is positioned such that water passes through the outlet in a substantially horizontal direction. This may be achieved by positioning the outlet on a substantially vertical wall of the reservoir.
  • consumers are averse to being exposed to water that has entered a standard drain in the floor of a shower base.
  • the use of a reservoir having an outlet on a substantially horizontal wall feeding the recirculation pump allows the user to assure them that the recirculating water enters only the inlet that feeds the recirculation pump and does not enter the drain.
  • the horizontal exit of water provides the user confidence that water used for recirculation does not pool, as may be the case where the water exits vertically as occurs with a traditional drain hole in the floor of a shower base.
  • the reservoir is an open reservoir, as distinct from a reservoir that is closed, such as a tank. It is emphasized that the water does not need to exit the reservoir exactly horizontally. So long as the water exits the reservoir in a non-vertical manner, the problem of water pooling will not result. The user will therefore not be left with the impression they are being exposed to contaminated water, such as that from a standard drain where water exits in a vertical direction.
  • the water does not need to maintain a horizontal flow for the entire distance between the first inlet and the recirculation pump. Indeed, in a preferred form of the invention there is a slight "fall” in the piping used to connect the pump and the reservoir such that water does not pool. Of course, the fall could be such that water runs to the pump (from which it subsequently drains), or indeed any other low point in the system.
  • the reservoir includes a second outlet to admit water to the drain, the outlet being operable between an open and closed state.
  • the second outlet is closed with a simple plug that is mounted on a spindle permanently affixed to the outlet.
  • the plug is moveable along the spindle such that when it is distal to the outlet, water can enter the drain, and when in contact with the outlet the outlet is sealed. It is contemplated that the outlet can be moved from the open state to the closed state simply by the foot stepping on the plug.
  • the plug includes an overflow protection device such that the reservoir is not able to fill above a predetermined level.
  • One overflow protection device consists of an upright, hollow tube that extends upwards and through the plug, terminating above the plug at the maximum fill level of the reservoir.
  • the present invention provides a recirculation shower system including a shower base as described herein and a recirculation pump, the first outlet of the shower bases being connected to the recirculation pump such that in use water flows from the first outlet to the recirculation pump.
  • the water flows substantially horizontally from the first outlet of the shower base to the inlet of the recirculation pump.
  • the system is capable of operating on a volume of less than about 30 liters of water or less.
  • the system is capable of operating on about 15 liters of water or less.
  • the system is capable of operating on about 10 liters or less.
  • the present invention provides a kit of parts for assembly into a recirculation shower system as described herein, the kit including a base as described herein and a recirculation pump.
  • the present invention may provide advantages in respect to decreasing energy requirements for heating water used in showering.
  • further water is not admitted to the circuit, with water collected from the reservoir providing all water necessary to supply the shower head.
  • it is therefore not necessary to heat water from ambient temperature, to a temperature comfortable for showering.
  • the ambient temperature is low (for example, 2 or 3 degrees Celsius) in which situation large amounts of energy are required to heat water up to a temperature comfortable for showering.
  • the energy savings that may be realized, it is accepted that 1
  • Calorie to energy is required to heat 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius. This relationship is applicable irrespective of the energy source used to heat the water. However, taking electric heating as an example, it is also accepted that 1 Calorie is equivalent to 0.001 162 222 Watt-hour.
  • the amount of energy in the shower water depends on the ambient (water inlet) temperature and the flow rate. Considering a conventional shower of the prior art, if the inlet water temperature is at 20 degrees Celsius and the shower water is at 40 degrees Celsius, this equates to a 20 Celsius temperature rise. At a flow rate of 10 Ipm, this equates to 200,000 cal/min, or 232Wh/min or 13.9kWh energy consumption.
  • a significantly lower amount of energy is required by a shower of the present invention when water recirculates via the reservoir.
  • the inlet water temperature i.e. water from the reservoir is at 35 at Celsius, and the shower water is at 40 Celsius, it is only necessary for a heater positioned in the recirculation circuit to increase water temperature by 5 degrees Celsius. At a flow rate of 10 Ipm, this equates to 50,000 cal/min, or 58Wh/min or 3.5kWh of energy consumption.
  • a shower of the present invention operating in recirculation mode provides a theoretical energy saving of around 75% where the ambient temperature is 20 degrees Celsius. If the inlet water temperature supplying a conventional shower was at 1 degree Celsius then the theoretical energy saving gained by a shower of the present invention would be around 87%. Thus, even greater energy savings are theoretically realized when operating a shower of the present invention in a cold climate.
  • FIG. 1. illustrates a plan view of the shower base of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shower base shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a shower system according to the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a shower system of the invention.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a shower base structure according to the invention in plan view and cross-sectional view respectively.
  • the base structure includes a substantially planar floor area 2 with a reservoir 4 abutting two sides of the floor.
  • the reservoir 2 includes an outlet 6 to waste and an outlet 8 to the recirculation pump. While not apparent from the drawings, the floor area is sloped toward the reservoir. Furthermore, the floor of the reservoir is sloped toward the outlets 6 and 8 such that water falling on the floor runs to the nearest portion of the reservoir. Once in the reservoir, the water is then directed to a central region of the reservoir where outlets 6 and 8 are positioned.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a corner-mounted shower system according to the invention including a substantially planar floor area 2 with a reservoir 4 abutting two sides of the floor area.
  • the reservoir 2 includes an outlet 6 to waste and an outlet 8 to the recirculation.
  • the central pillar 10 houses the recirculation pump and associated fittings, such as the shower head 12, and water mixer valve 14.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a shower system according to the invention.
  • the system includes a substantially planar floor area 2 with a reservoir 4.
  • the reservoir 4 includes an outlet 6 to waste and an outlet 8 to the recirculation pump 10.
  • a check valve with relief mechanism 12 is included for isolation of the pump 10 from the outlet 8.
  • the recirculation pump 10 is connected to the shower head 12, with an electric heater 14 disposed between the two.
  • the heater 14 is actuated in response to the temperature sensor 16.
  • Flow switches 18 are also included to provide flow information in the system, one being disposed downstream from the heater 14 such that the heater 14 is switched off if flow ceases.
  • a second flow switch 18 is disposed between from the mains water entering by way of mixer valve 26 and pump 10 to provide information as to whether or not mains water is being admitted to the system.
  • Hot and cold water is supplied via inlets 20 and 22 respectively, each inlet fitted with a water pressure reducing valve 24.
  • a water mixer valve 26 is positioned between the water pressure reducing valves 24 and the shower head 12 allowing regulation of water pressure and temperature by the user.
  • Vacuum breakers 28 are disposed between the intake side of the recirculation pump 10 and the mixer valve 26, the breakers actuating to prevent backflow of water into the mains supply.
  • the system further includes a disinfection circuit having a disinfectant tank 30 with a fill cap 32, and an electrically operable valve 34 actuated by the switch 36.
  • the pump is controlled in part by a microprocessor control unit 38 actuated by the switch 40.
  • the user closes mixer valve 26 such that no mains water is being used, and all flow to the shower is from the reservoir 4. While in recirculation mode, the user may spend as long as desired under the shower without further wastage of water. If sufficient time elapses such that the water temperatures decreases to less than a predetermined value, this is detected by the sensor 16 and heater 14 is actuated until the water temperature returns to a comfortable level. At the conclusion of the session, the user will return from recirculation mode to normal mode by turning off the recirculation pump 10 using switch 40 and then opening the mixer valve 26 and opening the drain 6. Where it is desired to disinfect the recirculation circuit, the system is put into recirculation mode as described supra and the valve 34 actuated by the switch

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Bathtubs, Showers, And Their Attachments (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une structure de base destinée à une douche, cette douche possédant un circuit de recirculation d'eau. Cette base comprend un fond sensiblement plan et un réservoir. Le réservoir comprend une première sortie destinée à laisser passer l'eau devant être utilisée par le circuit de recirculation, et une seconde sortie destinée à laisser passer l'eau à évacuer. En fonctionnement, lorsque le passage de l'eau vers la vidange est obstrué, l'eau entrant en contact avec le fond s'écoule dans le réservoir où elle s'accumule jusqu'à une hauteur suffisante de façon à sensiblement recouvrir la première sortie. L'utilisation de cette structure permet d'économiser de l'eau et de l'énergie.
EP07718691A 2006-09-12 2007-04-05 Structure de base d'une douche Withdrawn EP2066207A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2006905023A AU2006905023A0 (en) 2006-09-12 Shower base
PCT/AU2007/000444 WO2008031139A1 (fr) 2006-09-12 2007-04-05 Structure de base d'une douche

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2066207A1 true EP2066207A1 (fr) 2009-06-10

Family

ID=39183254

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07718691A Withdrawn EP2066207A1 (fr) 2006-09-12 2007-04-05 Structure de base d'une douche

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20090300839A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2066207A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2007295930A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2663223A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2008031139A1 (fr)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2438224A (en) * 2006-05-17 2007-11-21 Plamen Spassov Vassilev Automatic Bathtub Filler and Circulation system
FR2936698B1 (fr) * 2008-10-06 2012-08-03 Jedo Dispositif de distribution d'eau de douche en circuit ferme.
GB201010097D0 (en) * 2010-06-16 2010-07-21 Gilbert Patrick C Flow rate balancing devices
WO2012019825A1 (fr) 2010-08-10 2012-02-16 Dbj Immo Ecodouche
US9074356B2 (en) 2011-09-12 2015-07-07 Steven Fuller Tarantino Systems and methods for water conservation
FR3003339A1 (fr) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-19 Otonome Procede pour le recyclage et le chauffage d'eau sanitaire au moyen d'un dispositif de recirculation et de chauffage
US20160320074A1 (en) * 2015-04-30 2016-11-03 King Fahd University Of Petroleum And Minerals Fluid supply system with temperature control for fluid conservation
NL2016017B1 (en) * 2015-12-23 2017-07-03 Hamwells Holding B V Shower.
NL2017516B1 (en) * 2016-09-22 2018-03-29 Hamwells Holding Bv Recirculation shower system
EP3376120A1 (fr) * 2017-03-14 2018-09-19 Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast- natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO Système de douche
CN110520577A (zh) 2017-04-27 2019-11-29 轨道系统公司 水再循环设备和用于调节水再循环设备中的水温的方法
EP3619368B1 (fr) 2017-05-03 2023-07-05 FLOW-LOOP ApS Dispositif de soupape de vidange pour une vidange d'un plancher de douche et procédé de contrôle du niveau d'eau d'un tel plancher de douche
WO2019045618A1 (fr) * 2017-09-01 2019-03-07 Orbital Systems Ab Procédé d'équilibrage d'une utilisation d'un système de recirculation d'eau et un tel système
GB201720736D0 (en) * 2017-12-13 2018-01-24 Pendlebury Leonard Environmentally- friendly water recycling system
US11273457B2 (en) 2018-08-14 2022-03-15 Kohler Co. Shower system
US20240018755A1 (en) * 2020-11-18 2024-01-18 Orbital Systems Ab A water recirculation system intended for recycling of water or discarding of water not suitable to recycle
US12017940B2 (en) * 2021-03-22 2024-06-25 Ruth Weaver Bath water recycling system
EP4405111A1 (fr) * 2021-09-22 2024-07-31 Pledge Resource Managers Inc. Dba Rainstick Shower Pomme de douche à double orifice destinée à être utilisée dans des douches à recirculation

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US4893364A (en) * 1988-05-23 1990-01-16 Keeler Francis R Water-recycling shower
US5206963A (en) * 1990-05-30 1993-05-04 Wiens Donald E Apparatus and method for a water-saving shower bath
DE4204209C2 (de) * 1992-02-13 1993-11-18 Schade Geb Jenschke Gudrun Sanitäre Brauseanlage
US6134722A (en) * 1994-07-13 2000-10-24 Kohler Co. Recirculating bath fixture
JP2003190035A (ja) * 2001-12-26 2003-07-08 Hiroyuki Nakazato 節水入浴方法
JP2005198692A (ja) * 2004-01-13 2005-07-28 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd 循環式入浴装置

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2007295930A1 (en) 2008-03-20
CA2663223A1 (fr) 2008-03-20
WO2008031139A1 (fr) 2008-03-20
US20090300839A1 (en) 2009-12-10

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