EP3951107A1 - System for using easily soiled domestic water with a flush interim storage module - Google Patents

Abstract

A first aspect of the invention relates to an intermediate storage module for process water, e.g. from the shower or bath, for reducing fresh water consumption in the sanitary area. The intermediate storage module comprises a frame (1) for hanging the intermediate storage module on a wall or for fastening the intermediate storage module in a lightweight stud wall and a container (2) carried by the frame for holding the service water with a capacity of 60 to 100 liters. The tank is equipped with an inlet connection (3) for the service water, a fresh water connection with an inlet valve (4), which opens the fresh water connection when the water level in the tank falls below a minimum water level, a drain connection (5) for connecting the tank to the water supply Toilet cistern, an overflow connection (6) and a condensation opening (8). A further aspect of the invention relates to a system which includes such a buffer memory module.

Description

field of invention

The invention relates to a system for reusing slightly soiled process water, in particular shower or bath water. The invention also relates to a compact flush-mounted temporary storage module for such a system. The module is used for the temporary storage of shower or bath water and the supply of flushing water to concealed toilet cisterns, mainly designed for use in the sanitary area of private households.

Background of the Invention

With the usual flushing of the toilet, the water supply is guaranteed via a drinking water connection.

In the past, rainwater harvesting via a water treatment plant, usually located on the lowest floor of the household, was considered as a further option for water supply.

There were also considerations of feeding toilet cisterns with service water that was only slightly soiled, with the drain of a hand wash basin, a shower or a bathtub being connected to the toilet cistern, for example. However, to the inventor's knowledge, these approaches have not been implemented in practice.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of presenting a practical implementation of a solution for saving fresh water in the sanitary area.

General description of the invention

A first aspect of the invention relates to an intermediate storage module for process water, such as shower and/or bath water, for reducing fresh water consumption in the sanitary area. According to the invention, such an intermediate storage module comprises a frame for hanging the intermediate storage module on a wall or for fastening the intermediate storage module in a wall Lightweight stud wall and a container carried by the frame to hold the process water with a capacity of 60 to 100 liters. The tank is equipped with an inlet connection for the service water, a fresh water connection with an inlet valve which opens the fresh water connection when the water level in the tank falls below a minimum water level, a drain connection for connecting the tank to the water supply of a toilet cistern ideally located below the tank, a overflow connection and a condensation opening.

The container preferably does not exceed the following maximum dimensions: 50 cm wide, 100 cm high and 20 cm deep. The compact design ensures that the temporary storage module (preferably concealed) can be installed or retrofitted in the sanitary area.

The inlet valve of the fresh water connection can be or include a float valve or a level control valve.

The minimum water level is preferably chosen so that at least as much water is held in the tank as the connected toilet cistern can hold. In this context, the water level always means the volume of the water in the container, not necessarily the height of the water column. In the case of a container with a constant cross-section in the vertical direction, both quantities are of course proportional to each other.

The inlet valve preferably has an actuator (for example an adjusting screw, a handwheel, a stop or the like) via which the minimum water level can be set manually when the intermediate storage module is installed.

Furthermore, the inlet valve can be designed and/or installed in such a way that it can be set at which water level in the container the inlet valve interrupts the fresh water supply through the fresh water connection again. The water level at which this occurs preferably does not exceed 30% (better: 15%) of the maximum water level specified by the overflow connection. For example, the inlet valve could have an actuator which can be used to set the water level in the container from which the inlet valve interrupts the supply of fresh water through the fresh water connection again. the Actuators with which it is possible to set the water levels at which the inlet valve opens or closes could be separate actuators or combined in a combined actuator. The water level at which the inlet valve interrupts the fresh water supply again could also be adjusted via the mounting height of the inlet valve.

The container is preferably equipped with an inspection closure, which can be designed as a screwable cover.

In principle, the container can have any shape, but a cuboid configuration of the container is preferred. In this case, the top and bottom sides of the container preferably represent the smallest side surfaces of the cuboid, while the front and rear side of the container represent the largest side surfaces. The condensation opening is located above the maximum water level (which is specified by the overflow), preferably at the top of the container.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a system for reducing fresh water consumption in the sanitary area, comprising an intermediate storage module as described above, and a toilet cistern connected to the drain connection and having a low-pressure float valve.

In a preferred embodiment of the system, this further comprises a small lifting pump connected to the inlet connection for pumping service water up from a drain, for example a shower, bathtub or washbasin or bidet, into the container.

The small elevating pump can include an integrated cutter, which crushes possible solids and is thus able to reduce the risk of deposits and/or blockages in the intermediate storage module. The small lifting pump preferably has a delivery rate in the range from 15 l/min to 40 l/min, for example around 30 l/min.

Furthermore, the small elevating pump can be equipped with a non-return valve on the outlet side so that no water flows back when the small elevating pump is switched off.

Finally, it is possible to provide a buffer tank on the inlet side of the small elevating pump in order to absorb short-lived peaks in the water inflow. The upstream buffer tank would preferably be connected to a sewage pipe connected overflow, which would ensure that the water from the shower, bathtub, washbasin or bidet is discharged even if the small lifting pump is defective. The small lifting pump is preferably controlled via one or more sensors arranged on the inlet side (for example water level sensors arranged in the buffer tank).

Brief explanation of the drawings

• Fig. 1: eine Perspektivansicht eines Zwischenspeichermoduls;
• Fig. 2: eine schematische Darstellung eines in einem Badezimmer angeordneten, erfindungsgemäßen Systems zum Reduzieren des Frischwasserverbrauchs.

A preferred exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention, which does not limit the invention, for reducing the consumption of fresh water in the sanitary area is described below with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings show:

• 1 : a perspective view of a temporary storage module;
• 2 Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a system according to the invention arranged in a bathroom for reducing the consumption of fresh water.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

• ∘ Einen Rahmen 1 für die Installation im Sanitärbereich, dienend zur Wandbefestigung und/oder zur Befestigung in Leichtbauständerwänden;
• ∘ Einen Behälter 2, vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff oder einem anderen beständigen Material, mit einem Fassungsvolumen bevorzugt zwischen 60 l und 100 l;
• ∘ Einen Zulaufanschluss 3 für das Nutzwasser (Systemwasser) aus einer Dusche und/oder einer Badewanne;
• ∘ Ein als Schwimmerventil 4 ausgestaltetes Zulaufventil im unteren Behälterbereich, welches einen Frischwasseranschluss je nach Wasserstand im Behälter öffnet und schließt;
• ∘ Einen Abflussanschluss 5 zum Verbinden des Behälters 2 mit der Wasserzuführung eines unterhalb des Behälters angeordneten Toilettenspülkastens;
• ∘ Einen Überlaufanschluss 6, dessen Mündung im Behälter 2 den maximalen Wasserstand darin festlegt;
• ∘ Eine Revisionsöffnung 7; und
• ∘ Eine Kondensationsöffnung 8 (im Ausführungsbeispiel als Gitter ausgestaltet);

An intermediate storage module for service water, such as shower and/or bath water, for reducing fresh water consumption in the sanitary area according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is 1 shown in perspective. The caching module includes the following elements:

• ∘ A frame 1 for installation in the sanitary area, used for wall mounting and/or for mounting in lightweight stud walls;
• ∘ A container 2, preferably made of plastic or another durable material, with a volume capacity preferably between 60 l and 100 l;
• ∘ An inlet connection 3 for the service water (system water) from a shower and/or a bathtub;
• ∘ An inlet valve designed as a float valve 4 in the lower tank area, which opens and closes a fresh water connection depending on the water level in the tank;
• ∘ A drain connection 5 for connecting the container 2 to the water supply of a toilet cistern arranged below the container;
• ∘ An overflow connection 6, the mouth of which in tank 2 determines the maximum water level in it;
• ∘ An inspection opening 7; and
• ∘ A condensation opening 8 (designed as a grid in the exemplary embodiment);

2 shows a view of a system according to the invention according to an example arrangement in a bathroom with shower and bath. The system off 2 includes two as in 1 cache modules shown. Additional cache modules could be added as needed, increasing the storage capacity of the system. The temporary storage modules are supplied with slightly dirty process water from the bathtub and shower via a small lifting pump 10 .

The toilet, which is equipped with a conventional cistern (in this case with a concealed cistern) is located below the temporary storage module.

How out 1 As can be seen, the intermediate storage module is a water storage module with a capacity of between 60 and 100 liters. The module is used for the intermediate storage of shower or bath water (system water) and the supply of (concealed) toilet cisterns with the required flushing water.

The modular design simplifies the combination of several modules to increase capacity in larger households and simplifies retrofitting. Ideally, the module is installed above a concealed toilet cistern. Since the water supply between the intermediate storage module and the cistern occurs purely via the water column, it must be noted during planning and installation that the former always has a gradient to the cistern. Several toilet cisterns can also be connected to one or more intermediate storage modules. The toilet cisterns do not necessarily have to be in the same room as the intermediate storage module or modules.

The container 2 has a maximum module width of 50 cm and is therefore adapted to the usual installation dimensions in the toilet and bathroom area. If, due to the room layout, it is not possible to install it directly above the toilet flush, it can of course be installed elsewhere.

The water supply is ensured through the inlet connection 3 in conjunction with a small lifting station 10. This is installed, for example, in the flush-mounted housing of the cistern, the shower or the bathtub. As in the example Fig.2 shown, the only slightly contaminated shower or bath waste water is fed into the storage module. Other possibilities in which slightly contaminated waste water can be used are also conceivable.

The water in the tank 2 is fed to the toilet cistern via the connection 5 provided for this purpose. Since there is not a large build-up of pressure between the storage module and the cistern, a low-pressure float valve 9 is preferably used instead of the usual float valve in the toilet cistern.

If the storage module is not sufficiently filled with service water, the required amount of water is guaranteed by an integrated float valve 4 via a fresh water connection in the lower area of the temporary storage module. This function eliminates the need for the usual float valve in the toilet cistern, as already mentioned.

The condensation opening 8 in the top of the container is used on the one hand to maintain pressure equalization and to contain condensation. In order to ensure pressure equalization and condensation containment, it must be ensured that a ventilation grille is also installed in the double wall, which closes the sanitary area to the storage module, in the area of the condensation opening mentioned.

There is also an inspection lock on the front of the intermediate storage module. This opening option in the form of a screwable cover is helpful during assembly as well as for maintenance or repair work. Access to this closure in the flush-mounted area can be ensured, for example, with a tile frame or the like.

The small lifting station 10 preferably has a backflow preventer (e.g. a non-return valve) on the pump outlet side, which prevents backflow in the direction of the shower or bathtub drain when the pump is not running.

The small lifting station 10 preferably has a capacity of about 30 l/min.

Furthermore, it preferably has an integrated cutting unit in order to reduce possible solids and to prevent deposits and blockages in the module as far as possible.

As an alternative to the pump 10, the water can be conveyed by means of integrated floor drain pumps or integrated pumps in shower drainage channels.

If there is already a natural gradient in the household due to the spatial arrangement of the shower, bath and toilet area, e.g. shower or bathtub on the upper floor, toilet flush(es) only on the lower floor, then the small lifting station 10 can of course be dispensed with. In this case, a drain strainer should be provided at a suitable point, which ensures a finer filtering of the service water from the shower or bath than usual, in order to keep the risk of blockages low.

The low-pressure float valve 9 is preferably implemented in a design with small dimensions in order to enable installation in standard concealed cisterns. The sizing of the low pressure float valve 9 connection should preferably be equal to or greater than 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) to ensure rapid refilling of the cistern at high flow and low pre-pressure. The diameter at the valve opening should preferably be greater than 3 mm in order to avoid possible blockages caused by the smallest solids.

Although specific embodiments have been discussed in detail, the skilled reader will readily appreciate that alternative and modified embodiments can be developed from the embodiments described herein. The embodiments described herein are therefore intended only to illustrate the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of this invention. in particular not the scope of protection of the following patent claims including their range of equivalence.

Claims (15)

Intermediate storage module for process water, such as shower and/or bath water, for reducing fresh water consumption in the sanitary area, comprising: - A frame (1) for hanging the temporary storage module on a wall or for fastening the temporary storage module in a lightweight stud wall; - a tank (2) carried by the frame (1) for receiving the service water with a capacity of 60 to 100 liters, with: ∘ an inlet connection (3) for the service water; ∘ a fresh water connection with an inlet valve (4), which opens the fresh water connection when the water level in the container (2) falls below a minimum water level; ∘ a drain connection (5) for connecting the container (2) to the water supply of a toilet cistern; ∘ an overflow connection (6) and ∘ a condensation opening (8). Intermediate storage module according to Claim 1, in which the container (2) does not exceed the following maximum dimensions: 50 cm wide, 100 cm high and 20 cm deep. Temporary storage module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inlet valve (4) of the fresh water connection comprises a float valve. Intermediate storage module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the minimum water level is selected such that the container (2) holds at least as much water as the connected toilet cistern holds. Buffer module according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the inlet valve (4) has an actuator via which the minimum water level can be set manually during installation. Intermediate storage module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inlet valve (4) is designed and/or mounted in such a way that it can be set from which water level in the container (2) the inlet valve (4) interrupts the fresh water supply through the fresh water connection again, wherein the water level at which this occurs does not exceed 30% of the maximum water level specified by the overflow connection. Intermediate storage module according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the container (2) is equipped with an inspection closure (7), which is preferably designed as a screwable cover. Intermediate storage module according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the container (2) is cuboid in shape. Intermediate storage module according to Claim 8, in which the top and bottom sides of the container (2) represent the smallest side surfaces of the cuboid, and the front and rear side of the container represent the largest side surfaces. The intermediate storage module according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the condensation opening (8) is located at the top of the container. System for reducing fresh water consumption in the sanitary area, comprising: - a cache module according to any one of claims 1 to 10; - a toilet cistern connected to the drain connection with a low pressure float valve (9). System according to Claim 11, further comprising a small lifting pump (10) connected to the inlet connection for pumping process water up from a drain, for example a shower, bathtub or washbasin, into the container. System according to claim 12, wherein the small elevating pump (10) comprises an integrated cutter which can crush any solids and thereby reduce the risk of deposits and/or blockages in the intermediate storage module. System according to Claim 11 or 12, in which the small lifting pump (10) has a delivery capacity in the range from 15 to 40 l/min. System according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the small elevating pump (10) is equipped with a backflow preventer on the outlet side.

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