FR3059686A1 - DRINKING WATER SAVERS - Google Patents

Abstract

The economizer (1) comprises an expansion tank (21) equipped with a pressure sensor Cp (34), a temperature sensor CT (12) on a hot water inlet Ec (7), four valves ( 14, 16, 30, 32), a non-return valve (23) preventing water from the cold water inlet EF (8) from entering the expansion vessel (21) and an electronic card (39) connected to sensors and valves. The economizer device stores the cooled water from the hot water inlet into the expansion tank until the water reaches a set temperature sufficient to supply a point of use (2) of an installation domestic using hot water. When the expansion tank is filled, the cooled water stored is primarily used as cold water to supply either the point of use in cold water, or another domestic installation intended to use cold water.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a device intended to equip domestic installations using potable hot water in order to temporarily store the cooled water in the pipes connecting the hot water source and its point of use in order to reuse it later. as cold water at said point of use or elsewhere, for example for another installation using cold water.

The invention also relates to a compact module incorporating this device and designed to equip a shower, a sink, a washbasin or any other similar point of use jointly using a hot water supply and a cold water supply.

State of the art

Today, drinking water is a precious commodity that must be saved for obvious ecological and economic reasons.

When a domestic installation using hot drinking water is used and it is desired to obtain hot water, it is common to let the hot water run for a time, until the water which either reaches us at the desired temperature. Indeed, hot water cools in the pipes, and it is usual to let this cooled water flow in the drain.

This drinking water is lost and its quantity is not negligible.

There is therefore a need for a system designed to recover this cooled potable water for reuse in a useful manner, without it being lost.

The patent FR 2947615 discloses a device for recovering water in domestic installations. This device is designed to operate without needing any energy other than the pressure already present in the sanitary circuit. It therefore uses a pressure regulator installed on the cold water pipe upstream of a pressurized membrane storage container.

This device is however not satisfactory because its operation without energy is based on pressure differentials and it is notably dependent on the different pressures existing in the cold water circuit and in that of hot water. The operation of this device is therefore disturbed during pressure variations in the network. Being set for a given pressure, this device no longer works when one of the network pressures changes or when the pressure drops over time in the storage container. Its operation is therefore random.

Likewise, this prior device cannot function if the pressures of the network are low, and only exhibits optimal operation when the water network is at high pressure, which generates an increase in the flow rate for the water used and is antagonistic with its primary vocation of saving water.

In addition, the prior device requires manual actuation in opening and closing of a bypass valve, which is tedious and is not suitable for everyday use where the user quickly ends up leaving the bypass valve closed. and stop using the device.

Similarly, the previous device causes a permanent pressure difference between the cold water network and that of hot water, which can disrupt the effectiveness of the mixers.

In addition, the prior device does not provide an effective measurement system for the temperature of the water entering the storage tank. As a result, effectively hot water could enter it and be used like cold water, causing serious malfunction of the mixer and an obvious risk for users.

Finally, in the prior arrangement of patent FR 2 947 615, nothing is provided to ensure that the storage tank is completely emptied during its emptying. It is therefore subject to stagnation of water which can cause health risks for users.

There is therefore a need for a drinking water economizer which is both reliable, complies with existing sanitary standards, independent of the different pressures of the network, and which is fully automated.

In the event of failure, such a potable water saver must also allow the use of the domestic installations which it equips.

It must also be compact to limit the heat losses from the hot water circuit and limit the size, be configurable to adapt to the technical specifications of each installation and the needs of each user, and be inexpensive by limiting in particular the number and the cost of the constituent means used.

Description of the invention

The object of the present invention therefore aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a new device for saving drinking water.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a drinking water saving device designed to be installed between at least one drinking water use point of a domestic installation and the hot water inlet Ec and the cold water inlet E _F provided to supply this at least one point of use with hot water and potable cold water, the economizer device being connected to said hot water inlet Ec and cold water inlet E _F and also being connected to the at least one point of use by a hot water outlet Sc and a cold water outlet S _F which respectively constitute a hot water supply and a cold water supply for the minus a point of use, the economizer being characterized in that it comprises:

- a VE storage tank comprising a first storage area for cooled water and a second pressure area separated by a membrane;

- a pressure sensor Cp intended to measure the water pressure in the first zone of the storage tank VE;

- a temperature sensor Ct provided for measuring the temperature of the water coming from said hot water inlet Ec;

- A first valve Vi located between the hot water inlet Ec and the hot water outlet Sc;

- a second valve V ₂ located between the hot water inlet Ec and the first zone of the storage tank VE;

- a third valve V3 located between the cold water inlet E _F and the cold water outlet S _F ;

- a fourth valve V4 located downstream of the cold water inlet E _F ;

- a non-return device provided between the first zone of the storage tank VE and the cold water inlet E _F to prevent water coming from the cold water inlet E _F from entering the storage tank VE ;

- an electronic card connected to the temperature sensor Ct, to the pressure sensor Cp and to the valves of the economizer device in order to control them as a function of the temperature indicated by the temperature sensor Ct and as a function of the pressure indicated by the pressure sensor Cp.

According to an exemplary implementation of the invention, the economizer device further comprises a connection provided between the third valve V ₃ and the fourth valve V ₄ , to which the storage tank VE is connected and to which can be connected to the minus another domestic installation intended to use cold water.

According to another example of implementation of the invention, the second valve V ₂ is closed while the first valve Vi and the third valve V ₃ are open when the water temperature measured by the temperature sensor Ct is higher at a set temperature set and stored in the electronic card, and the second valve V ₂ is open while the first valve Vi and the third valve V ₃ are closed when said measured temperature is lower than said set temperature.

According to a further example of implementation of the invention, the fourth valve V ₄ is closed when the pressure inside the first zone of the storage tank VE measured by the pressure sensor Cp is positive or greater than a value threshold set and stored in the electronic card, while the fourth valve V4 is open when said measured pressure is zero or less than said threshold value.

According to a variant implementation of the invention, the first valve Vi and the second valve V ₂ are replaced by a three-way valve V ₃₂ .

According to another variant embodiment of the invention, the third valve V ₃ and the fourth valve V ₄ are replaced by a three-way valve V ₃₄ .

According to an exemplary implementation of the invention, the valves are electrically controlled solenoid valves.

According to an exemplary implementation of the invention, the second zone of the storage tank VE is placed under a relative pressure of between 0.1 and 6 bars, preferably between 0.2 and 3 bars, and more preferably between 0, 3 and 1 bar.

According to another example of implementation of the invention, the set temperature is chosen between 20 ° C and 40 ° C, preferably between 25 ° C and 35 ° C, and more preferably between 28 ° C and 32 ° C.

According to a further example of implementation of the invention, the threshold value is preferably chosen between 0 and 2 bars, preferably between 0 and 1 bar, and more preferably between 0 and 0.5 bar.

According to a preferred example of implementation of the invention, the first, third and fourth valves Vi, V ₃ , V ₄ are valves of the normally open type, which allow water to pass through when they are not controlled, while that the second valve V2 is a normally closed type valve, which does not allow water to pass when it is not controlled.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using a shower column comprising a mixer tap connected to a hand shower by a hose and incorporating a device for saving drinking water as described above.

The advantages of the present invention are particularly numerous.

The economizer allows reuse of the cooled water in the pipes connecting the hot water source and its point of use in order to prevent this water from being lost, thus allowing responsible water consumption. When the expansion tank fills, the stored cooled water is primarily used as cold water to supply either said point of use with cold water, or another domestic installation intended to use cold water.

By its constituent means, the economizer device can be provided in the form of a compact module designed to equip an existing or new domestic installation by limiting its size to the minimum.

These constituent means being limited in number and in cost, the economizer device is economically advantageous.

Depending on how it is connected to the domestic installation that it equips, the stored cooled water can be used as cold water to supply either the point of use with cold water from this domestic installation, or another planned domestic installation. to use cold water.

The economizer works independently of pressures within the network and the domestic installation.

It is reliable and fully automated, thanks to its electronic card and its solenoid valves. In the event of a failure, the economizer does not interfere with the normal operation of the domestic installation which it equips.

By pressurizing the storage tank, the economizer guarantees total emptying of the storage tank, which avoids any stagnation of water in it. Likewise, the integrity of the storage tank is guaranteed because it is emptied as a priority as soon as its storage area is under pressure.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic view of the economizer device according to a variant of the invention in which it equips a shower column and returns the cooled water in the form of cold water;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the economizer device according to the invention in which the hidden elements appear in phantom lines;

- Figure 3 is a front view of the economizer device according to the invention in which the hidden elements appear in phantom lines;

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a shower column equipped with an economizer device according to the invention;

- Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, but in which the hidden elements appear in phantom lines;

- Figure 6 is a schematic view of the economizer device according to a variant of the invention in which it equips a shower column and a sink, with a storage tank common to both installations, and returns the cooled water in the form of 'Cold water ;

- Figure 7 is a schematic view of the economizer device according to a variant of the invention in which it equips a shower column and where the cooled water can be used in another domestic or sanitary installation;

- Figure 8 is a schematic view of the economizer device according to a variant of the invention in which it equips a shower column and where the cooled water is only used in another domestic or sanitary installation;

- Figure 9 is a schematic view similar to Figure 7, but in which two first valves have been replaced by a three-way valve and two other valves have been replaced by a four-way valve;

- Figure 10 is a schematic view of the economizer device according to the invention shown alone; and

- Figure 11 is a schematic view similar to Figure 10, but in which two first valves have been replaced by a three-way valve and two other valves have also been replaced by a three-way valve.

Mode (s) of carrying out the invention

The structurally and functionally identical elements present in several separate figures are assigned the same numerical or alphanumeric reference.

The economizer device (1) according to the present invention is intended to equip the point of use (2) with potable hot water for a domestic installation, for example a shower column (3), a sink, a washbasin or any other point of similar use jointly using a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet, which point of use (2) is usually equipped with a mixer (4) or any other similar means of mixing hot water and cold.

Such a mixer (4) is preferably a mixer (4) with thermostatic operation.

In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, said point of use (2) is a shower column (3) in which the mixer (4) is simultaneously connected to an overhead shower and a hand shower (5) by a hose (6). In this example, a shower column (3) can be sold pre-equipped with an economizer device (1) according to the invention in the form of a single functional unit ready to be connected to the hot water circuit, on the cold water circuit and on the sanitary evacuation network (see figures 4 and 5).

According to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the mixer (4) can be actuated by two buttons (4 ’) accessible to the user of the shower (3).

The economizer device (1) is designed to be installed between a hot water source and its point of use (2), for example between a water heater and the mixer (4) of a domestic installation, and preferably at most as close as possible to the mixer (4).

The operating principle of the economizer device (1) according to the present invention consists in temporarily storing the cooled water in the pipes connecting the hot water source and its point of use (2) in order to reuse it later as a cold water at said point of use (2) or elsewhere, for example at another installation using cold water.

Cooled water means normally hot water from the hot spring, but which naturally tends to cool in the pipes when it stagnates. It is therefore hot water which is at a lower temperature than the hot water initially supplied by the hot water source.

According to a variant of the invention shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, the economizer device (1) is provided for temporarily storing the cooled water in the pipes in order to reuse it later as cold water at the level of the mixer (4) .

According to this variant, the economizer device (1) is connected to the hot water inlet Ec (7) and to the cold water inlet E _F (8) upstream from the water use point (2) domestic installation. It is also connected to the mixing valve (4) of said point of use (2) for drinking water, at a hot water outlet Sc (9) and a cold water outlet S _F (10) , thus constituting respectively a hot water supply and a cold water supply for this mixer (4).

The economizer device (1) is connected to the hot water inlet Ec (7) by a pipe (11) on which is mounted a temperature sensor C _F (12) which measures the temperature of the water coming from the a source of hot water. It is this water that usually cools, especially when the point of use (2) is several meters away from the hot water source.

Of course, by "pipe" here is meant any means allowing elements to be placed in fluid communication. This can for example be copper tubes, PVC tubes, hoses, or any other means known in the field of plumbing.

At its other end, said pipe (11) connected to the hot water inlet Ec (7) is also connected to a first T intersection (13), connecting it on one side to a first valve Vi ( 14) by a line (15) and on the other side to a second valve V2 (16) by a line (17).

At its free end, the first valve Vi (14) is connected to the hot water outlet Sc (9) of the mixer (4) by a pipe (18).

At its free end, the second valve V2 (16) is in turn connected by a pipe (19) to a second T-intersection (20), connecting it on one side to a storage tank VE (21) by a line (22) and on the other side to a non-return device (23) by a line (24).

The VE storage tank (21) is preferably in the form of an expansion tank, which comprises a membrane (25) compartmentalizing it into two sealed zones with respect to each other, namely a first zone ( 26) into which the pipe (22) opens and a second pressure zone (27). The first zone (26) is intended to serve as a storage volume for the cooled water, while the second zone (27) is pressurized in order to put this cooled stored water under pressure as the tank is filled. VE storage (21).

The second zone (27) is preferably placed under a relative pressure of between 0.1 and 6 bars, more preferably between 0.2 and 3 bars, and more preferably between 0.3 and 1 bar.

The sanitary expansion tank can for example be pre-inflated at the factory to 0.8 bar in order to be slightly lower than that of the hot water network.

This pressurization is done for example by injecting pressurized fluid into the second zone (27), for example by injecting compressed air.

The non-return device (23) is preferably in the form of a non-return valve. At its free end, the non-return device (23) is connected by a pipe (28) to a third T-intersection (29), connecting it on one side to a third valve V3 (30) by a pipe (31) and on the other side to a fourth valve V4 (32) by a line (33).

A pressure sensor Cp (34) is also provided for measuring the water pressure in the first zone (26) of the VE storage tank (21). This pressure sensor Cp (34) can be provided directly on the VE storage tank (21) or be provided between the VE storage tank (21) and the non-return device (23), upstream or downstream of the second T-junction (20).

At its free end, the third valve V3 (30) is connected to the cold water outlet Sf (10) by a pipe (35)

At its free end, the fourth valve V4 (32) is in turn connected to the cold water inlet E _F (8) by a pipe (36).

Note that the valves (14, 16, 30, 32) are preferably solenoid valves that can be controlled electrically. It can also be any other type of valve that can be controlled during opening and closing, ίο for example hydraulically or pneumatically.

The first, third and fourth valves (14, 30, 32) are normally open type valves, which let the water pass when they are not controlled, while the second valve V2 (16) is a type valve normally closed, which does not let water pass when it is not piloted. Thus, in the event of a malfunction of the economizer device (1), for example in the event of a power failure, the domestic installation remains perfectly functional, as if the economizer device (1) was not present.

According to a variant shown in FIG. 11, the first valve Vi (14) and the second valve V2 (16) can be replaced by a three-way valve V12 (37). Likewise, the third valve V3 (30) and the fourth valve V4 (32) can be replaced by a three-way valve V34 (38).

It will be noted that in FIG. 11, both the pair of the first and second valves (14, 16) and the pair of the third and fourth valves (30, 32) have each been replaced by a three-way valve (37, 38) , although only one of these pairs of valves could have been replaced by a three-way valve.

In general, the first valve Vi (14) and the third valve V3 (30) are so-called safety valves because their role is in particular to block the flow of water to the outlets during the emptying phase of the column. hot water that has cooled.

The second valve V2 (16) is a so-called bypass valve because its role is in particular to allow the bypass of the hot water circuit towards the storage tank VE (21) while waiting for the hot water to reach a satisfactory temperature for be capable of really being considered as hot water and be used as such at the point of use (2).

The fourth valve V4 (32) is a so-called priority valve because its role is in particular to give priority to the water stored in the storage tank VE (21) when cold water is requested at the point of use (2) by blocking the cold water supply from the cold water inlet E _F (8), for example when a pressure greater than zero or at the threshold value is measured at the storage tank VE (21).

The temperature sensor Ct (12) and the pressure sensor Cp (34) are connected to an electronic card (39), which is itself connected to the various valves (14, 16, 30, 32, 37, 38) of the economizer device (1) in order to control them, in particular as a function of the temperature indicated by the temperature sensor Ct (12) and / or as a function of the pressure indicated by the pressure sensor Cp (34).

Of course, the electronic card (39) controls the first, second, third and fourth valves (14, 16, 30, 32) during opening and closing, and it controls each of the three-way valves (37, 38) when switching.

The electronic card (39) is preferably connected to a first easily accessible button (42) provided for switching the economizer device (1) on or off.

The electronic card (39) can be provided to be controlled and / or configured remotely, for example by a computer or a smart phone (or computer).

It can also be connected to an on / off switch enabling the economiser (1) to be activated or deactivated. In deactivated mode, the economizer device (1) is completely transparent for the installation which it equips so that it can be used in a conventional manner. Thus, when the economizer device (1) is deactivated, the first, third and fourth valves Vi, V3, V4 are open, while the second valve V ₂ is closed.

The electronic card (39) can also include a safety device to prevent the VE storage tank (21) from filling up unnecessarily, in particular in the event of failure of the hot water source (6).

It may for example be a stopwatch which deactivates the economizer device (1) when the temperature sensor Ct (12) has still not detected hot water after a determined period, for example after 2 minutes.

The economizer device (1) can also be provided to be deactivated, at least temporarily, when the storage tank VE (21) is completely filled.

The electronic card (39) can also include a clock, for example in order to activate the economizer device (1) at a predetermined time, for example at 7 am, in order to store the cooled water towards the reservoir of VE storage (21) so that the user immediately has hot water when he wishes to take a shower when he wakes up.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention and represented in FIGS. 2 and 3, a sealed casing (40) can protect all or part of the different valves (14, 16, 30, 32, 37, 38) of the economizer device ( 1).

Similarly, another casing (41) can also protect the electronic card (39).

It will be noted that the compact nature of the economizer device (1) of the invention clearly appears in these figures.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor Cp (34) can be a pressure gauge which measures the water pressure in the first zone (26) of the storage tank VE (21) in or out of it this. In this case, the pressure sensor Cp (34) transmits a precise measurement of the pressure to the electronic card (39).

According to this embodiment, the fourth valve V ₄ (32) is closed when the pressure inside the first zone (26) of the storage tank VE (21) measured by the pressure sensor Cp (34) is higher to a threshold value set and stored in the electronic card (39), while the fourth valve V ₄ (32) is open when said measured pressure is less than or equal to said threshold value.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor Cp (34) can be a simple pressure switch or a pressure switch which transmits a signal to the electronic card (39) when it detects a pressure, according to a substantially binary operation. .

According to this embodiment, the fourth valve V ₄ (32) is closed when the pressure sensor Cp (34) detects a positive pressure inside the first zone (26) of the storage tank VE (21), while that the fourth valve V ₄ (32) is open when the pressure sensor Cp (34) no longer detects positive pressure.

A pressure switch or a pressure switch is less expensive and more reliable than a pressure gauge, but it does not make it possible to indicate an exact value of pressure on the electronic card (39) for a configurable control of the economizer device (1) according to the water pressure in the first zone (26) of the VE storage tank (21) at or at the outlet thereof.

The operation of the economizer device (1) according to the variant shown in Figure 1 will now be described.

The cold water coming from the cold water inlet E _F (8) passes through the third valve V3 (30) and the fourth valve V ₄ (32) to supply the point of use (2) with drinking water, at cold water outlet level S _F (10). This water circulation is done thanks to the water pressure of the cold water network.

At the third T intersection (29) located between the third valve V3 (30) and the fourth valve V4 (32) this cold water does not go to the second T intersection (20) towards the storage tank VE (21) due to the presence of the non-return device (23) provided here between the second T intersection (20) and the third T intersection (29).

The hot water coming from the hot water inlet E _c (7) arrives at the first intersection at T (13), between the first valve Vi (14) and the second valve V2 (16). Its temperature is measured by the temperature sensor Ct (12).

If this temperature is lower than a set temperature, for example adjusted and stored in the electronic card (39), this cooled water is considered to be cold water. The first valve Vi (14) leading to the point of use (2) for drinking water is closed, the third valve V3 (30) is also closed, and the second valve V2 (16) is open, so that the water cooled is directed to the storage tank VE (21). This circulation of water is done thanks to the pressure of water from the hot water network. The third valve V3 (30) is closed so that no hot or cold water can be used at the point of use (2) for drinking water.

When the temperature of the hot water coming from the hot water inlet E _c (7) is higher than the set temperature, this water is considered to be hot water. The first valve Vi (14) leading to the point of use (2) for drinking water is open, as well as the third valve V3 (30), so that the hot water is directed to the hot water outlet Sc (9) from the point of use (2) for drinking water and the second valve V2 (16) is closed, so that the hot water does not enter the storage tank VE (21). This water circulation is done thanks to the water pressure of the hot water network. The third valve V3 (30) is open, so that the point of use (2) for drinking water can be used normally to consume hot water and / or cold water.

The set temperature is preferably chosen between 20 ° C and 40 ° C, preferably between 25 ° C and 35 ° C, and more preferably between 28 ° C and 32 ° C. Of course, this set temperature depends on the needs of the user and the characteristics of the domestic installation.

When the pressure inside the VE storage tank (21) is positive or reaches a threshold value, for example adjusted and stored in the electronic card (39), this cooled water passes through the non-return device (23) to use cold water at the point of use (2) for drinking water. In this case, the fourth valve V4 (32) is closed so that the cooled water stored in the storage tank VE (21) supplies the point of use (2) with drinking water, at the level of the water outlet. cold Sf (10). This circulation of water is effected by the pressure of the cooled water stored under pressure in the storage tank VE (21).

When the pressure inside the storage tank VE (21) is zero or drops below the threshold value, the fourth valve V4 (32) is opened again so as to supply the point of use (2 ) in cold drinking water with cold water coming from the cold water inlet E _F (8).

The threshold value is preferably chosen between 0 and 2 bars, preferably between 0 and 1 bar, and more preferably between 0 and 0.5 bar. Of course, this pressure threshold value depends on the needs of the user and the characteristics of the domestic installation.

The economizer device (1) preferably comprises a wall fixing plate (44) for fixing to the wall when it is mounted in a domestic installation.

The pipe (11) connected to the hot water inlet Ec (7) and the pipe (35) connected to the cold water inlet E _F (8) each preferably opens onto said plate (44) with parts connection (44) adapted for their connection to said inputs (7, 8).

According to another variant of the invention, the economizer device (1) can also be built into a wall.

The economizer device (1) of the invention is intended to equip a shower column (3), a sink, a washbasin or any other similar point of use jointly using a hot water supply and a cold water supply . By way of example, in FIGS. 4 and 5, it is shown equipping a shower.

According to the variant of the invention shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, the economizer device (1) is provided for temporarily storing the cooled water in the storage tank VE (21) in order to reuse it later as cold water at level of the mixer (4) of a single shower column (3).

In the usual case where a house has several points of use (2) for drinking hot water, an individual saving device (1) can equip each of these points of use (2).

According to the variant of the invention shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6, these individual saving devices (1) can then comprise a common storage tank VE (21) for temporarily storing the cooled water therein so as to reuse it later as a cold water at the mixer (4) of the multiple points of use (2) in hot drinking water. The use of a common VE storage tank (21) saves space and costs. This common VE storage tank (21) can be located away from the other elements of each individual saving device (1), since it is not intended to store hot water.

In the case where the stored water cannot be consumed, in particular for legislative reasons, the person skilled in the art can however adapt this variant of the invention so that the water coming from the common storage tank VE (21) does not cannot, for example, be used at the tap of a sink or sink (see Figure 8).

In FIG. 6, only two individual economizer devices (1) are shown, but it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that this number is not limiting, and that it suffices to adapt the capacity of the storage tank VE (21) common to the number of points of use (2) in potable hot water equipped with a device (1) according to the invention.

According to the variant of the invention shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7, the economizer device (1) is provided for temporarily storing the cooled water in the storage tank VE (21) in order to reuse it later as cold water at level of at least one other domestic installation (45) provided for using cold water, for example toilets (46), washing machines (47), dishwashers, a storage device (52) supplying other tapping points, such as watering, washing cars, etc. According to this variant, the cooled water which has been stored in the storage tank VE (21) can be reused at a point of use (2) in potable hot water.

The operation of the economizer device (1) according to the variant shown in Figure 7, will now be described.

According to this variant, the “hot” part of the device is identical in operation to that of the variant shown in FIG. 1, in particular as regards the first valve Vi (14) and the second valve V ₂ (16). Thus, when the hot water is at a sufficiently high temperature it supplies the point of use (2) with hot water and when this temperature is too low, the cooled water is stored in the storage tank VE (21).

According to this variant, the “cold” part of the device has a configuration identical to that of the variant shown in FIG. 1, in particular as regards the first valve Vi (14) and the second valve V2 (16). According to this variant, the economizer device (1) also has a connection (48) provided between the third valve V3 (30) and the fourth valve V4 (32), to which the storage tank VE (21) is connected and on which is connected to the at least one other domestic installation (45). The connection (48) is preferably provided at the third T-intersection (29). The connection (48) can be in the form of a closable connection piece, which is closed when the economizer device (1) is used according to the embodiment shown schematically in Figure 1, namely when the economizer device (1 ) is not intended to supply another domestic installation (45).

The cold water coming from the cold water inlet E _F (8) supplies the point of use (2) with drinking water by passing through the third valve V3 (30) and the fourth valve V4 (32), at the cold water outlet S _F (10). When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor Cp (34) is positive or when it reaches the threshold value, the fourth valve V4 (32) is closed so that the water stored in the storage tank VE (21) supplies at least one other domestic installation (45) with cold water. In this case, the third valve V3 (30) is preferably open so that the cooled water can also be reused at the point of use (2) in drinking water. This circulation of water takes place thanks to the pressure present in the first zone (26) of the storage tank VE (21).

When the pressure inside the storage tank VE (21) measured by the pressure sensor Cp (34) is zero or less than the threshold value, the third valve V3 (30) and the fourth valve V4 (32) are open so that the cold water coming from the cold water inlet E _F (8) can supply both the point of use (2) with drinking water and at least one other domestic installation (45) . This water circulation is done thanks to the water pressure of the cold water network.

When the pressure inside the storage tank VE (21) measured by the pressure sensor Cp (34) is positive or reaches a threshold value adjusted and stored in the electronic card, the third valve V3 (30) is preferably open and the fourth valve V4 (32) is preferably closed, so that the cooled water from the storage tank VE (21) passes through the non-return device (23) to serve as cold water at the level of at least another domestic installation (45), here a WC (46) and a washing machine (47). This circulation of water is effected by the pressure of the cooled water stored under pressure in the storage tank VE (21).

According to the variant of the invention shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8, the economizer device (1) is provided for temporarily storing the cooled water in the storage tank VE (21) in order to reuse it later as cold water at level of at least one other domestic installation (45) provided for using cold water, for example toilets (46), washing machines (47), dishwashers, a storage device (52) supplying other tapping points, such as watering, washing cars, etc. According to this variant, the cooled water which has been stored in the storage tank VE (21) cannot be reused at the point of use (2) in drinking water, in particular when it is a sink or sink, in order to meet the sanitary standards that exist in certain countries, and which prohibit the use as potable water for water that has been stored.

According to this variant, the economizer device (1) has a configuration substantially identical to that of the variant shown in FIG. 7. According to this variant of the invention shown schematically in FIG. 8, the difference consists in that the connection between the third valve V3 (30) and the fourth valve V4 (32) is deleted so that the cooled water which has been stored in the storage tank VE (21) cannot reach the point of use (2) for drinking water . Thus, a link directly connects the third valve V3 (30) to the cold water inlet E _F (8).

According to this variant, the economizer device (1) also has a connection (48) provided between the fourth valve V4 (32) and the non-return device (23) on which the VE storage tank (21) is connected and on which is connected at least one other domestic installation (45).

The cold water coming from the cold water inlet E _F (8) directly supplies the point of use (2) with drinking water at the cold water outlet S _F (10) by passing through the third valve V3 (30) and supplies the at least one other domestic installation (45) by passing through the fourth valve V4 (32) and the connection (48). This water circulation is done thanks to the water pressure of the cold water network.

When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor Cp (34) is positive or when it reaches the threshold value, the fourth valve V4 (32) is closed so that the water stored in the storage tank VE (21) supplies at least one other domestic installation (45) with cold water via the non-return device (23) then the connection (48). This circulation of water is effected by the pressure of the cooled water stored under pressure in the storage tank VE (21).

When the pressure inside the storage tank VE (21) measured by the pressure sensor Cp (34) is zero or less than the threshold value, the fourth valve V4 (32) is opened so that the cold water coming from the cold water inlet E _F (8) can supply both the point of use (2) with drinking water and at least one other domestic installation (45). This water circulation is done thanks to the water pressure of the cold water network.

This configuration makes it possible to prioritize the water from the VE storage tank (21) to supply the at least one other domestic installation (45) while prohibiting the use of the water stored in the VE storage tank (21) as potable water at a sink or sink.

It will be noted that the economizer device (1) of the invention comprises means which can be used in several ways, in particular depending on the configuration and the nature of the network to which it is to be connected. These means are shown schematically in FIG. 10.

As mentioned above and shown in FIG. 11, the first valve Vi (14) and the second valve V ₂ (16) can be replaced by a three-way valve V12 (37), just like the third valve V3 (30) and the fourth valve V4 (32) can also be replaced by a three-way valve V34 (38).

When a connection (48) is provided between the third valve V3 (30) and the fourth valve V4 (32) to supply at least one other domestic installation (45) provided for using cold water, the connection (48) , the third valve V3 (30) and the fourth valve V4 (32) can also be replaced by a four-way valve V'34 (53).

Thus, by way of example, FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the economizer device (1) of FIG. 7, but in which the first valve Vi (14) and the second valve V ₂ (16) are replaced by a valve three-way Vi ₂ (37), and in which connection (48), the third valve V3 (30) and the fourth valve V4 (32) are replaced by a four-way valve V'34 (53).

According to a variant of the invention, the economizer device (1) can also include a flow restrictor (49) upstream or downstream of the mixer, but always upstream of the overhead shower and the hand shower (5). This flow restrictor (49) can be mounted on the housing (41). In FIGS. 2 and 3, the flow restrictor (49) is provided upstream of the mixer, but ideally it is provided downstream of the mixer so as not to disturb the function of the mixer, especially when the flow is too low.

The flow restrictor (49) is preferably provided in a bypass (50), a valve (51) being provided so as to be able to selectively pass the water through the bypass (50) equipped with the flow reducer (49) when it is closed or pass it normally when open. A second easily accessible button (43) can be provided to actuate the valve (51) in order to activate or deactivate a water saving operation, called "ECO function", of the economizer device (1).

In general, a flow restrictor (49) can be provided both between the cold water inlet E _F (8) and the economizer (1), and between the hot water inlet Ec (7 ) of the economizer device (1).

It is obvious that the present description is not limited to the examples explicitly described, but also includes other embodiments and / or implementation. Thus, a described technical characteristic can be replaced by an equivalent technical characteristic without leaving the framework of the present invention and a described stage of implementation of the method can be replaced by an equivalent stage without leaving the framework of the invention as defined by the claims.

For example, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art to adapt the economizer device (1) of the invention in the case of a domestic installation comprising several hot water inlets Ec (7) and / or several inlets d cold water E _F (8).

Claims (12)

1. Saving device (1) for drinking water intended to be installed between at least one point of use (2) for drinking water from a domestic installation and the hot water inlet Ec (7) and the inlet of cold water E _F (8) provided to supply this at least one point of use (2) with hot water and potable cold water, the economizer device (1) being connected to said hot water inlet Ec (7) and cold water inlet E _F (8) and also being connected to the at least one point of use (2) by a hot water outlet Sc (9) and a cold water outlet S _F (10 ) which respectively constitute a hot water supply and a cold water supply for the at least one point of use (2), the economizer device (1) being characterized in that it comprises: - a VE storage tank (21) comprising a first zone (26) for storing the cooled water and a second zone (27) under pressure separated by a membrane (25); - a pressure sensor Cp (34) provided for measuring the water pressure in the first zone (26) of the VE storage tank (21); - a temperature sensor C _F (12) provided for measuring the temperature of the water coming from said hot water inlet Ec (7); - A first valve Vi (14) located between the hot water inlet Ec (7) and the hot water outlet Sc (9); - a second valve V ₂ (16) located between the hot water inlet Ec (7) and the first zone (26) of the storage tank VE (21); - a third valve V ₃ (30) located between the cold water inlet E _F (8) and the cold water outlet S _F (10); - a fourth valve V ₄ (32) located downstream of the cold water inlet E _F (8); - a non-return device (23) provided between the first zone (26) of the storage tank VE (21) and the cold water inlet E _F (8) to prevent water coming from the inlet cold water E _F (8) to enter the storage tank VE (21); - an electronic card (39) connected to the temperature sensor C _F (12), to the pressure sensor Cp (34) and to the valves (14, 16, 30, 32) of the economizer device (1) in order to control them in function of the temperature indicated by the temperature sensor C _F (12) and as a function of the pressure indicated by the pressure sensor Cp (34). 2. Economiser device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further has a connection (48) provided between the third valve V3 (30) and the fourth valve V4 (32), to which the tank is connected storage tank VE (21) and to which can be connected at least one other domestic installation (45) designed to use cold water. 3. Economizer device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second valve V ₂ (16) is closed while the first valve Vi (14) and the third valve V3 (30) are open when the water temperature measured by the temperature sensor Ct (12) is higher than a set temperature set and stored in the electronic card (39), and in that the second valve V ₂ (16) is open while the first valve Vi (14) and the third valve V3 (30) are closed when said measured temperature is lower than said set temperature. 4. Economiser device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fourth valve V4 (32) is closed when the pressure inside the first zone (26) of the storage tank VE (21 ) measured by the pressure sensor Cp (34) is positive or greater than a threshold value adjusted and stored in the electronic card (39), while the fourth valve V4 (32) is open when said measured pressure is zero or less at said threshold value. 5. Economiser device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first valve Vi (14) and the second valve V ₂ (16) are replaced by a three-way valve Vi ₂ (37). 6. Economiser device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third valve V3 (30) and the fourth valve V4 (32) are replaced by a three-way valve V34 (38). 7. Economiser device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valves (14, 16, 30, 32, 37, 38) are electrically controlled solenoid valves. 8. Economiser device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second zone (27) of the storage tank VE (21) is placed under a relative pressure between 0.1 and 6 bars, preferably between 0.2 and 3 bars, and more preferably between 0.3 and 1 bar. 9. Economizer device (1) according to claim 4, 5 characterized in that the set temperature is chosen between 20 ° C and 40 ° C, preferably between 25 ° C and 35 ° C, and more preferably between 28 ° C and 32 ° C. 10. Economiser device (1) according to any one of claims 10 or 3, characterized in that the threshold value is chosen between 0 and 2 bars, preferably between 0 and 1 bar, and more preferably between 0 and 0.5 bar. 11. Economiser device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first, third and fourth valves Vi, V3, V4 (14, 30, 32) are normally open type valves, which leave pass water when they are not piloted, while the second valve V2 (16) is a normally closed type valve, which does not let water pass when it is not piloted. 12. Shower column (3) comprising a mixer (4) connected to one simultaneously with an overhead shower and a hand shower (5) by a hose (6) and incorporating an economizer device (1) according to any one of previous claims.