WO2018104615A1

WO2018104615A1 - Drinking water economiser

Info

Publication number: WO2018104615A1
Application number: PCT/FR2017/053298
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cédric ARBOGAST; Gilles CHANTELOT
Original assignee: Inman
Priority date: 2016-12-05
Filing date: 2017-11-30
Publication date: 2018-06-14
Also published as: CN110036158A; EP3548673A1; FR3059686B1; FR3059686A1; US20200080289A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an economiser device (1) which comprises an expansion vessel (21) provided with a pressure sensor C_p (34), a temperature sensor C_T (12) on a hot-water intake E_c (7), four valves (14, 16, 30, 32), a check valve (23) preventing the water from the cold-water intake E_F (8) from entering the expansion vessel (21), and an electronic board (39) connected to the sensors and to the valves. The economiser device stores the cooled water coming from the hot-water intake in the expansion vessel until said water reaches a set temperature that is sufficient for supplying a point of use (2) of a domestic installation using hot water. When the expansion vessel fills, the stored cooled water is preferably used as cold water to supply either said point of use with cold water or else another domestic installation provided to use cold water.

Description

DRINKING WATER SAVERS

Technical area

The present invention relates to a device intended to equip domestic installations using hot drinking water to temporarily store the cooled water in the pipes connecting the hot water source and its point of use for later reuse. 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 intended to equip a shower, a sink, a sink or any other similar point of use jointly using a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet. State of the art

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

When using a domestic hot water system and getting hot water, it is common to let the hot water run for a while until the water we arrive at the desired temperature. In fact, the hot water cools in the pipes, and it is usual to let this cooled water flow into the evacuation.

This drinking water is lost and its quantity is not negligible. There is therefore a need for a system provided for recovering this cooled drinking water for reuse in a useful manner, without it being lost.

Patent FR 2947615 discloses a water recovery device in domestic installations. This device is intended to operate without the need of any other energy than the pressure already present in the sanitary circuit. It therefore uses a pressure regulator installed on the cold water line upstream of a pressure membrane storage container.

This device, however, is not satisfactory because its operation without energy is based on pressure differentials and is particularly dependent on the different pressures existing in the cold water circuit and the hot water circuit. 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 mains pressures changes or when the pressure drops over time within the storage container. Its operation is therefore random.

Likewise, this prior device can not operate if the network pressures are low, and only operates optimally when the water network is at a high pressure, which generates an increase in the flow rate for the water used and is antagonistic with its primary purpose of saving water.

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

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

In addition, the prior device does not provide a system for effectively measuring the temperature of the water entering the storage tank. As a result, the actual hot water could enter and be used as cold water resulting in a serious malfunction of the mixer and a clear risk for users.

Finally, in the prior device of the patent FR 2947615, nothing is provided to ensure that the storage tank is completely emptied during its emptying. Also it is subject to water stagnations that can lead to health risks for users.

Patent application FR 2956898 A1 discloses a water-saving device using two sets of electro-valves. This economizer device is designed to operate with a first circuit called "high pressure" at a pressure of between 2 and 7 bars, and a second circuit called "low pressure" at a pressure between 0 and 2 bars, which represents a constraint technical. It requires a pressure differential artificially created by the addition of a low pressure circuit and therefore can not operate at the usual water pressures of domestic installations. This economizer device also uses a pressure switch and a flow sensor, expensive and likely to breakdown, which affects the overall reliability of the economizer device. In addition, this economizer device is not fully automated and it is the user who must select hot or cold water for each use. Finally, this economizer device only works with a mixer type faucet, and is not compatible with a mixing valve type.

Description of the invention

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

Another object of the invention is to provide a drinking water saver that is both reliable, in compliance with existing sanitary standards, independent of the various pressures of the network, which is fully automated and compatible with all types of water. domestic installations, especially with mixer taps and showers.

A further object of the invention is to provide a drinking water saver which, in case of failure, must also allow the use of domestic facilities it equips.

Another object of the invention is also to provide a drinking water saver that is compact, to limit the heat losses of the hot water circuit and limit its size, which is configurable to adapt to the technical specificities of each installation and to the needs of each user, and which is inexpensive by limiting in particular the number and cost of the constituent means implemented.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a drinking water saving device intended to be installed between at least one point of drinking water use of a domestic installation and the hot water inlet. E _c and cold water inlet E _F provided to supply this at least one point of use in hot and cold water drinkable, the economizer device being connected to said hot water inlet E _c and water inlet cold Ep and being also connected to the at least one point of use by a hot water outlet Se and a cold water outlet SF which respectively constitute a hot water supply and a cold water supply for the least one point of use, the economizer device being characterized in that it comprises:

an EV storage tank comprising a first storage zone for the cooled water and a second pressure zone 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 C _T intended to measure the temperature of the water coming from said hot water inlet E _c ;

a first valve Vi located between the hot water inlet Ec and the hot water outlet Se;

a second valve V ₂ situated between the hot water inlet E _c and the first zone of the storage tank VE;

a third valve V ₃ located between the cold water inlet E _F and the cold water outlet S _F ;

a fourth valve V ₄ situated 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 the water coming from the cold water inlet E _F from entering the storage tank VE ;

an electronic card connected to the temperature sensor C _T , to the pressure sensor Cp and to the valves of the economizer device in order to control them according to the temperature indicated by the temperature sensor C _T and according to the pressure indicated by the sensor pressure 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 , on which is connected the storage tank VE and on which can be connected to the least another domestic facility 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 temperature of the water measured by the temperature sensor C _T is greater than 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. set threshold 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 an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first valve Vi and the second valve V ₂ are replaced by a three-way valve Vi ₂ .

According to another variant of implementation 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 driven 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 bar, preferably between 0.2 and 3 bar, and more preferably between 0 and 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 bar, 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 normally open type valves, which let the water pass when they are not piloted, while that the second valve V ₂ is a normally closed type valve, which does not let water when not controlled.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a shower column comprising a mixing valve connected to a hand shower by a hose and incorporating a drinking water saving device as described above.

The advantages of the present invention are particularly numerous.

The economizer device makes it possible to reuse 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. Indeed, when the expansion tank is filled, the cooled water stored is primarily used as cold water to supply either said point of use in 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 intended to equip an existing or new domestic installation while limiting its size to a minimum.

Since these constituent means are limited in number and in cost, the economizer device is economically advantageous.

Depending on the way it is connected to the domestic installation it equips, the stored chilled water can be used as cold water to supply either the point of use in cold water of this domestic installation, or another domestic installation provided to use cold water.

The economizer device operates independently of pressures within the network and the home facility.

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

By pressurizing the storage tank, the economizer device guarantees the total emptying of the storage tank, which avoids stagnation of water in it. Similarly, 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 emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting 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;

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

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

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

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

FIG. 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 shared by the two installations, and returns cooled water to them 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 facility;

- 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 facility;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 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 were replaced by a three-way valve and two other valves were also replaced by a three-way valve.

Mode (s) of realization of the invention

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

The economiser device (1) according to the present invention is provided for equipping the point of use (2) with drinking water of a domestic installation, for example a shower column (3), a sink, a sink or any other similar use point using a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet, which point of use (2) is usually equipped with a mixing valve (4) or any other similar means of mixing hot water and cold.

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

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the economizer device (1) equips a point of use (2) with potable hot water coupled with a mixer (4) with electronic operation. The latter makes it possible to electronically manage the adjustment of the temperature, the flow rates and all other functions that can be parameterized and programmed on the latter.

According to this example, the economizer device (1) can present a common control interface with the mixer (4) and its actuation can to be realized directly from this one.

In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, said point of use (2) is a shower column (3) in which the mixer (4) is connected simultaneously to an overhead shower and a hand shower (5) by a hose (6). In this example, a shower column (3) can be marketed 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 intended to be installed between a hot water source and its point of use (2), for example between a water heater and the mixer tap (4) of a domestic installation, and preferably as close as possible to the mixer tap (4).

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

Chilled water means normally hot water from the hot water source, but which naturally has a tendency to cool in the pipes when it stagnates. It is therefore a hot water that is at a lower temperature than that of 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 designed to temporarily store the cooled water in the pipes in order to reuse it later as cold water at the mixer (4). .

According to this variant, the economizer device (1) is connected to the hot water inlet E _c (7) and to the cold water inlet E _F (8) upstream of the point of use (2). drinking water from a domestic installation. It is also connected to the mixing valve (4) of said point of use (2) in drinking water, at the level of a hot water outlet Se (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 E _c (7) via a pipe (11) on which a temperature sensor C _T (12) is mounted which measures the temperature of the water coming from the 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, "conduct" here means any means for putting elements in f uidic communication. It may for example be copper tubes, PVC tubes, hoses, or any other known means 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 pipe (15) and on the other side to a second valve V ₂ (16) by a pipe (17).

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

At its free end, the second valve V ₂ (16) is connected by a pipe (19) to a second T-intersection (20) connecting it on one side to a storage tank VE (21). ) by a pipe (22) and on the other side to a non-return device (23) by a pipe (24). The storage tank VE (21) is preferably in the form of an expansion vessel, which comprises a membrane (25) compartmentalising it in two zones that are watertight with respect to each other, namely a first zone ( 26) in which opens the pipe (22) and a second zone (27) under pressure. The first zone (26) is intended to serve as a storage space for the cooled water, while the second zone (27) is pressurized to put this cooled water stored under pressure as the reservoir is filled. VE storage (21).

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

The sanitary expansion tank can for example be pre-inflated in the factory at 0.8 bar to be slightly lower than that of the hot water network. This pressurization is done for example by injection of fluid under pressure in the second zone (27), for example by injection of compressed air.

The use of a storage tank VE (21) in the form of an expansion vessel advantageously makes it possible to automatically and progressively put the first zone (26) for storing the water cooled under pressure during its filling. . Thus, the cooled water can be easily re-injected into the network to serve as cold water out through where it is entered, namely through the pipe (22), through the non-return device (23). The use of the same pipe (22) for the inlet and the outlet of the cooled water makes it possible in particular to simplify the design of the economizer device (1), but also to minimize its size and its cost, while guaranteeing a functioning reliable. 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 line (28) to a third T-intersection (29), connecting it on one side to a third valve V ₃ (30) by a pipe (31) and on the other side to a fourth valve V ₄ (32) via a pipe (33).

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

At its free end, the third valve V ₃ (30) is connected to the cold water outlet SF (10) via a pipe (35)

At its free end, the fourth valve V ₄ (32) is connected to the cold water inlet E _F (8) by a pipe (36).

It will be noted that the valves (14, 16, 30, 32) are preferably electro valves that can be controlled electrically. It may also be any other type of valve that can be controlled opening and closing, 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 piloted, while the second valve V ₂ (16) is a normally closed type valve, which does not let water when it is not is not piloted. Thus, in case of 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 V ₂ (16) can be replaced by a three-way valve V ₁₂ (37). Likewise, the third valve V ₃ (30) and the fourth valve V ₄ (32) can be replaced by a three-way valve V ₃₄ (38).

It should 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 valve pairs could have been replaced by a three-way valve.

In general, the first valve Vi (14) and the third valve V ₃ (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 of hot water that has cooled.

The second valve V ₂ (16) is a so-called "bypass" valve because its role is notably to allow the bypass of the hot water circuit to the storage tank VE (21) until the hot water has reached satisfactory temperature so that it can actually be regarded as hot water and used as such at the point of use (2).

The fourth valve V ₄ (32) is a valve called "priority" 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 level of point of use (2) by blocking the cold water inlet from the cold water inlet E _F (8), for example when a pressure greater than zero or the threshold value is measured at the level of VE storage tank (21).

The temperature sensor C _T (12) and the pressure sensor Cp (34) are connected to an electronic card (39), which is itself connected to the different 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 C _T (12) and / or according to 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) in opening and closing, and it controls each of the three-way valves (37, 38) switching.

The electronic card (39) is preferably connected to a first button (42) easily accessible provided to put the economizer device (1) running or to stop.

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

It can also be connected to an on / off switch to activate or deactivate the economizer device (1). In deactivated mode, the economizer device (1) is completely transparent for the installation 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, V ₃ , V ₄ are open, while the second valve V ₂ is closed.

The electronic card (39) can also include a security to prevent the storage tank VE (21) to fill unnecessarily, especially in case of failure of the hot water source (6).

For example, it may be a stopwatch that deactivates the economizer device (1) when the temperature sensor CT (12) has still not detected hot water after a determined period of time, 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) may also include a clock, for example to operate the economizer device (1) at a predetermined time, for example at 7 am, for the purpose of storing the cooled water to the storage tank. VE storage (21) so that the user immediately has hot water when wishing to take a shower on waking.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention and shown in Figures 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 ( 1).

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

It will be noted that the compact nature of the economizer device (1) of the invention appears in these figures. According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor

Cp (34) may 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. In this case, the pressure sensor Cp (34) transmits an accurate 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 greater 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 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 the fourth valve V ₄ (32) is open when the pressure sensor Cp (34) no longer detects positive pressure.

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

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

The cold water coming from the cold water inlet E _F (8) passes through the third valve V ₃ (30) and the fourth valve V ₄ (32) to supply the point of use (2) with drinking water, at the cold water outlet SF (10). This circulation of water is done thanks to the water pressure of the cold water network.

At the third T intersection (29) located between the third valve V ₃ (30) and the fourth valve V ₄ (32) this cold water is not directed to the second T-intersection (20) towards the storage tank VE (21) due to the presence of the anti -return (23) provided here between the second T-intersection (20) and the third T-intersection (29).

The hot water from the hot water inlet E _c (7) reaches the first T-intersection (13) between the first valve Vi (14) and the second valve V ₂ (16). Its temperature is measured by the temperature sensor C _T (12).

If this temperature is below a set temperature, for example set and stored in the electronic card (39), this cooled water is considered cold water. The first valve Vi (14) leading to the point of use (2) drinking water is closed, the third valve V ₃ (30) is also closed, and the second valve V ₂ (16) is open, so that the cooled water is directed to the VE storage tank (21). This circulation of water is made thanks to the water pressure of the hot water network. The third valve V ₃ (30) is closed so that no hot or cold water can be used at the point of use (2) 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 as hot water. The first valve Vi (14) leading to the point of use (2) drinking water is open, and third valve V ₃ (30), so that hot water is directed to the hot water outlet Se (9). ) of the point of use (2) drinking water and the second valve V ₂ (16) is closed, so that the hot water does not enter the storage tank VE (21). This circulation of water is made thanks to the water pressure of the hot water network. The third valve V ₃ (30) is open, so that the point of use (2) 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 setpoint temperature depends on the needs of the user and the characteristics of the domestic installation.

When the pressure inside the storage tank VE (21) is positive or reaches a threshold value, for example set and stored in the electronic board (39), this cooled water passes through the non-return device (23) to serve as cold water at the point of use (2) in drinking water. In this case, the fourth valve V ₄ (32) is closed so that the cooled water stored in the storage tank VE (21) supplies the point of use (2) with water drinking water, at the outlet of cold water S _F (10). This circulation of water is done through 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 falls below the threshold value, the fourth valve V ₄ (32) is again open so as to supply the point of use ( 2) in cold potable water with cold water from the cold water inlet E _F (8).

The threshold value is preferably chosen between 0 and 2 bar, 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 mounting plate (44) for fixing it to the wall when it is mounted in a domestic installation.

The pipe (1 1) connected to the hot water inlet E _c (7) and the pipe (35) connected to the cold water inlet E _F (8) each open preferentially to said plate (44) with connection pieces (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 sink or any other similar point of use jointly using a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet . For example, in Figures 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 designed to temporarily store the cooled water in the storage tank VE (21) for later reuse 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) in drinking water, an individual economiser 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 economizer devices (1) can then comprise a common storage tank VE (21) for temporarily storing the cooled water for later reuse as cold water at the mixer (4) multiple points of use (2) drinking water.

The use of a common storage tank VE (21) saves space and cost. This common storage tank VE (21) may be located remote from the other elements of each individual economizer device (1), because it is not intended to store hot water.

In the case where the stored water can not be consumed, in particular for legislative reasons, one skilled in the art can however adapt this variant of the invention so that the water coming from the common storage tank VE (21) for example, can not 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 those skilled in the art that this number is not limiting, and that it is sufficient to adapt the capacity of the storage tank VE (21) common to the number of points of use (2) drinking 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) for later reuse as cold water at at least one other domestic installation (45) intended to use cold water, for example WC (46), washing machines (47), dishwashers, a storage device (52) feeding other watering points, such as watering, washing cars, etc. According to this variant, the cooled water that has been stored in the storage tank VE (21) can be reused at a point of use (2) in hot drinking water.

The operation of the economizer device (1) according to the variant shown in FIG. 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 Figure 1, in particular with respect to the first valve Vi (14) and the second valve V ₂ (16). Thus, when the hot water is at sufficiently high temperature it feeds the point of use (2) in 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. in particular as regards the first valve Vi (14) and the second valve V ₂ (16). According to this variant, the economizer device (1) furthermore has a connection (48) provided between the third valve V ₃ (30) and the fourth valve V ₄ (32), to which the storage tank VE (21) is connected. and on which is connected the at least one other domestic installation (45). The connection (48) is preferably provided at the third T-intersection (29). The connection (48) may 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 FIG. 1, namely when the economizer device (1 ) is not intended to supply another domestic installation (45).

The cold water from the cold water inlet Ep (8) supplies the point of use (2) with drinking water by passing through the third valve V ₃ (30) and the fourth valve V ₄ (32). , at the cold water outlet S _F (10). When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor Cp (34) is positive or reaches the threshold value, the fourth valve V ₄ (32) is closed so that the water stored in the storage tank VE (21) ) supplies the at least one other domestic installation (45) with cold water. In this case, the third valve V ₃ (30) is preferably open so that the cooled water can also be reused at the point of use (2) drinking water. This circulation of water is made 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 V ₃ (30) and the fourth valve V ₄ (32). ) are opened so that cold water from the cold water inlet E _F (8) can power both the point of use (2) in drinking water and at least one other domestic installation ( 45). This circulation of water is done thanks to the water pressure of the cold water network.

When the pressure inside the VE storage tank (21) measured by the pressure sensor Cp (34) is positive or reaches a threshold value set and stored in the electronic card, the third valve V ₃ (30) preferably open and the fourth valve V ₄ (32) is preferably closed, so that the cooled water of the storage tank VE (21) passes through the non-return device (23) to serve as cold water at the level of the at least one other domestic installation (45), here a toilet (46) and a washing machine (47). This circulation of water is made thanks to 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 designed to temporarily store the cooled water in the storage tank VE (21) in order to reuse it later as cold water at at least one other domestic installation (45) intended to use cold water, for example WC (46), washing machines (47), dishwashers, a storage device (52) feeding other watering points, such as watering, washing cars, etc. According to this variant, the cooled water that has been stored in the storage tank VE (21) can not be reused at the point of use (2) in drinking water, especially when it is a question of sink or sink, to meet sanitary standards that exist in some countries, and that prohibit the use as drinking water for water that has been stored.

According to this variant, the economizer device (1) has a substantially identical configuration to that of the variant shown in FIG. 7. According to this variant of the invention shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8, the difference is that the connection between the third valve V ₃ (30) and the fourth valve V ₄ (32) is suppressed so that the cooled water which has been stored in the storage tank VE (21) can not reach the point of use (2) in potable water. Thus, a link directly connects the third valve V ₃ (30) to the cold water inlet E _F (8).

According to this variant, the economizer device (1) further has a connection (48) provided between the fourth valve V ₄ (32) and the non-return device (23) to which the storage tank VE (21) is connected and on which the at least one other domestic installation (45) is connected.

The cold water coming from the cold water inlet Ep (8) directly supplies the point of use (2) with drinking water at the outlet of cold water S _F (10) passing through the third V ₃ valve (30) and feeds the at least one other domestic installation (45) passing through the fourth valve V ₄ (32) and the connection (48). This circulation of water 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 reaches the threshold value, the fourth valve V ₄ (32) is closed so that the water stored in the storage tank VE (21) ) feeds the at least one other domestic installation (45) in cold water through the non-return device (23) and the connection (48). This circulation of water is thanks to 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 lower than the threshold value, the fourth valve V ₄ (32) is open so that the water cold water from the cold water inlet E _F (8) can supply both the point of use (2) in drinking water and the at least one other domestic installation (45). This circulation of water is done thanks to the water pressure of the cold water network.

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

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

As mentioned previously 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 V ₁₂ (37), just like the third valve V ₃ (30) and the fourth V ₄ valve (32) can also be replaced by a V ₃₄ three-way valve (38).

When a connection (48) is provided between the third valve V ₃ (30) and the fourth valve V ₄ (32) for supplying at least one other domestic installation (45) intended to use cold water, the connection ( 48), the third valve V ₃ (30) and the fourth valve V ₄ (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 channels V ₁₂ (37), and in which connection (48), the third valve V ₃ (30) and the fourth valve V ₄ (32) are replaced by a four-way valve V ₃₄ (53).

According to a variant of the invention, the economizer device (1) may also comprise a flow restrictor (49) upstream or downstream of the mixer, but always upstream of the overhead shower and hand shower (5). This flow restrictor (49) can be mounted on the housing (41). In Figures 2 and 3, the flow restrictor (49) is provided upstream of the mixer, but ideally it is provided downstream of the mixer to not 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 to be able selectively to pass the water into the bypass (50) equipped with the flow reducer (49) when it is closed or pass it normally when it is open. A second easily accessible button (43) can be provided to actuate the valve (51) to activate or deactivate a water saving operation, referred to as the "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 E _c ( 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 technical characteristic described may be replaced by an equivalent technical characteristic without departing from the scope of the present invention and a described step of implementing the method may be replaced by an equivalent step without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

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

Claims

1. Economizer arrangement (1) drinking water intended for installation between at least one point of use (2) in drinking water from a domestic installation and incoming hot water E _c (7) and the cold water inlet E _F (8) provided for supplying this at least one point of use (2) in hot and cold drinking water, the economizer device (1) being connected to said hot water inlet Ec ( 7) and cold water inlet E _F (8) and being also connected to the at least one point of use (2) by a hot water outlet Se (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 (1) being characterized in that it comprises:

- an EV storage tank (21) having a first storage zone (26) for cooled water and a second zone (27) under pressure separated by a membrane (25);

a pressure sensor Cp (34) designed to measure the water pressure in the first zone (26) of the storage tank VE (21);

a temperature sensor C _T (12) designed to measure the temperature of the water coming from said hot water inlet E _c (7);

a first valve Vi (14) situated between the hot water inlet E _c (7) and the hot water outlet Se (9);

a second valve V ₂ (16) situated between the hot water inlet E _c (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 of cold water E _F (8) to enter the storage tank VE (21);

an electronic card (39) connected to the temperature sensor C _T (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 the temperature indicated by the temperature sensor C _T (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 furthermore has a connection (48) provided between the third valve V ₃ (30) and the fourth valve V ₄ (32), to which the storage tank VE (21) is connected and on which can be connected to at least one other domestic installation (45) intended to use cold water.

3. Saver 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 V ₃ (30) are open when the temperature of the water measured by the temperature sensor C _T (12) is greater than a set temperature set and stored in the electronic card (39), and the second valve V ₂ (16) is open while the first valve Vi (14) and the third valve V ₃ (30) are closed when said measured temperature is lower than said set temperature.

Economizer device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 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 positive or higher than a set threshold value and stored in the electronic card (39), while the fourth valve V4 (32) is open when said measured pressure is zero or less than said threshold value.

5. Saver 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 V ₁₂ (37).

6. Economiser device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third valve V ₃ (30) and the fourth valve V ₄ (32) are replaced by a three-way valve V ₃₄ (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. Saver 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 bar, preferably between 0.2 and 3 bar, and more preferably between 0.3 and 1 bar.

9. Economiser device (1) according to claim 4, 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. ° C.

10. Economiser device (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 5, 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, V ₃ , V ₄ (14, 30, 32) are normally open type valves, which let the water pass when they are not piloted, while the second valve V ₂ (16) is a normally closed type valve, which does not let water when it is not controlled.

12. Shower column (3) comprising a mixing valve (4) connected simultaneously to an overhead shower and a shower head (5) by a hose (6) and incorporating an economizer device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.