WO2023004524A1

WO2023004524A1 - Portable water-recirculation shower device

Info

Publication number: WO2023004524A1
Application number: PCT/CL2022/050074
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cristóbal Javier HADDAD SAGNER
Original assignee: Haddad Sagner Cristobal Javier
Priority date: 2021-07-26
Filing date: 2022-07-25
Publication date: 2023-02-02

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable shower device that allows the water used to be recirculated, reused, heated and treated and reduces energy loss, thereby reducing water consumption and improving thermal efficiency. Said device has a suction line that has a water-connecting element, connected to a suction hose with a suction filter and a suction pump, a thermally insulated water container, a heating system and a discharge line that transports the water from inside the water container to the outside.

Description

PORTABLE RECIRCULATING WATER SHOWER DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of sanitary and hygiene devices. In particular, the present invention is directed to a portable shower device with improved thermal efficiency that allows used water to be recirculated, reused, and treated, which is portable and can also be used in conventional showers without the need for plumbing modifications.

STATE OF THE ART

The motivation for this invention is to optimize shower water consumption and at the same time reduce energy consumption due to heat losses. One of the largest household water consumption occurs during a shower, on average during a 5-minute shower, 95 liters of water are consumed per person. Faced with water scarcity.

Currently in the industry of sanitary and hygiene devices, and in particular in shower devices, the aim is to provide an alternative to consumers that, without lowering their quality and shower time, manage to reduce the amount of water used. In this sense, various solutions have been found in the state of the art, which partially solve the technical problem posed.

Within what is known is the publication ES2573305T3, which discloses a shower water treatment and recirculation system, however, the disclosed technology requires large and expensive modifications to pre-existing sanitary devices, in addition to the fact that it is a technology that is not transportable to the be installed inside the thick work of the bathroom. Additionally, the technology described in ES2573305T3 has large energy efficiency losses due to the dispersion of its uninsulated components, losing part of the heat through all its connections and through its various components.

Another document is the publication US2011225722A1, which discloses a shower system, however, it is limited to cabin-type solutions without the possibility of use in aircraft, campsites, showers, conventional bathrooms unless major interventions are carried out in the pre-existing sanitary equipment.

Another document is the publication SE469413, which discloses a shower system, however, it is limited to cabin-type solutions without the possibility of use in airplanes, campsites, showers, conventional bathrooms unless major interventions are carried out in the sanitary equipment. pre-existing

To correct the problems of the state of the art, a shower system or device is required that is portable, that does not require modifications to pre-existing sanitary equipment, that allows water to be treated and conditioned for the required hygiene conditions, that has Greater flexibility in the forms of energy supply and that reduces efficiency losses due to heat lost through its components.

The present invention allows water consumption to be reduced to less than 15 liters per shower, regardless of the time of the experience without the need for remodeling or invasive constructions in the general structure, pipes or others and with improved thermal efficiency by reducing water losses. heat.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention deals with a system independent of the shower or bathtub, without having to alter it in any way, there being a stopper with a water absorption hose that allows the drainage of the water retained in the shower or bathtub, allowing it to be purified by means of a filter. of copper mesh, heat it to optimum temperature with an electric heater and evacuate it through the shower telephone. The sucked water accumulates thanks to the cap with absorption hose. It allows continuous use of the shower with a limited amount of water, helping the environment, considerably saving the use of water for showering purposes.

Specifically, the present invention is aimed at a hybrid recirculating shower device that does not require having to adapt to a conventional shower or tub, the portability of the device allows it to be used in any bathtub or shower without the need for construction or any adaptation, unlike other inventions, like it is also possible to use it with a bucket of water and a plastic platform for recovering the water from the shower. The drainage and final disposal of the gray water used is at the user's discretion, removing the water collector element will end the use of recirculation. A great advantage of this technology is to maintain the same water temperature with great thermal efficiency, since most of its components are inside the container that is thermally insulated, allowing hours of use at the same temperature. The water inside the device is kept clean and filtered.

Although there are different methods of recirculating water, the ^advantage of this technology is that it does not require any adaptation of the bathroom, its portability, which allows its use in a simple way, and its high energy efficiency in reducing losses. of heat through the components of the invention. And the double action heating system, produced by a hybrid source of traditional electrical energy and solar stored with a battery, presents an enormous advantage, and a solution without having to increase the economic cost in more energy to save water. This device allows significant savings in water, a quality of water quality and temperature, and a reduction in energy costs, in addition to not having to spend on adaptations of existing sanitary facilities.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the device according to the described invention.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the device according to the invention described in a preferred embodiment. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the suction pump, filter, and dual stage heating coil system. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the shower nozzle design.

Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the design of the electric water expulsion pump system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A portable shower device is presented, which does not require modifications to pre-existing sanitary equipment, which allows water to be treated and conditioned for the required hygiene conditions, with greater flexibility in the forms of energy supply and which reduces efficiency losses due to heat lost through its components, which includes a suction line formed by a suction pipe or hose with an accumulated water collector element that sucks and filters the water that is entered into the device by means of a pump, an insulated water container system that stores the treated water and heats it through a water heating system, and a water discharge line that extracts the water from the water container and takes it outside, where the filters, pumps, and heating system They are installed inside the thermally insulated water container.

The water collector element has a lower plug shape that prevents water from draining into the drain and allows water to be extracted from the maximum point of water accumulation of any bathtub, shower or water container, through one or more holes that connect to the suction hose. In the case of using the technology outdoors and far from pre-existing sanitary devices, a starter container with water is used, such as a bucket or drum, to start the suction of the water, and a container base receives and temporarily stores the water that is expelled by the shower during use, where the water collector element is located at the maximum point of water accumulation of the container base.

The suction line also contains a suction strainer comprising a pressure screen and strainer system. The heating system is made up of a double instance spiral heater, internal and external, while the water container also comprises a temperature sensor and a water level sensor that automatically stops the suction and discharge water pumps. , in addition to providing visible information for the user through a display located on the outside of the water container. The discharge line further comprises a discharge strainer, a discharge pump and a shower nozzle connected by a discharge pipe or hose which draws water from inside the water container.

In a preferred configuration of the present technology, the shower nozzle also includes a removable sponge, installed inside or outside where the water circulates before being sent out of the shower nozzle, which allows optimizing the use of water used by the shower. user to carry out housekeeping and cleaning tasks. Preferably the sponge is a sanitized removable sponge.

In a preferred configuration of the invention, the heating system is made up of an electric water heating system, which operates by means of a metal pipe located inside the water container, preferably in the center of the water container to improve the transfer of heat. The electric heating system has a built-in thermostat in order for the user to determine the desired temperature, this heater has an electrical current source. The electric heater can additionally incorporate a secondary power source based on a battery bank with one or more electric batteries, such as lithium batteries or another, where the battery bank is recharged by means of conventional electrical power or by sunlight through photovoltaic solar cells.

In a preferred configuration of the invention, the device also comprises a mixing valve connected to the discharge line and to a cold water source, which allows mixing the hot water from the water container with water from the cold water source so that It allows the user to regulate the outlet water temperature more efficiently and without the need to adjust the temperature of the entire volume of water stored inside the water container, reducing energy losses due to cooling and heating the water contained.

This technology is energized through its connection to the conventional electrical network, or through a solar power system that includes photovoltaic panels and a battery bank. Additionally, this technology can be energized through a hybrid system, that is, it can be energized at the same time through the connection to the electrical network and through the solar power system, allowing to reduce the power consumption of this technology.

In the present invention, the filters are removable for cleaning, and also comprise a grid that registers and stops the materials part of the solid materials, such as hairs or others, which are easily removable.

In a preferred configuration of the invention, reversible pumps that can be driven in reverse to assist in cleaning the filter system.

In a preferred configuration of the present invention, the filters comprise a copper, ceramic and sand mesh filter, in addition to a double grid and removable mesh. Additionally, the filters incorporate a dispenser for chemical agents, such as chlorine or another depending on the water used by the device.

In a preferred configuration of the invention, the device includes a thermostat connected to the heating system to regulate the temperature of the water, with which the start of the shower can be delayed until it reaches the desired temperature, ensuring continuous use at the same temperature. and with better energy efficiency.

In a preferred configuration of the invention, the water container is a pressurized water container, and a single pump is also used that replaces the suction pump and the discharge pump, making it possible to reduce the loss of efficiency due to heat loss through of the connections of the mechanical elements of the present invention.

In a preferred configuration of the invention, the device comprises a pressure regulator that makes it possible to regulate the outlet water pressure of the discharge pump.

Figure 1 shows the first part of the water suction hose 102, which can suck water from a water collection element 101 that can be a tub or container where the water that falls from the shower nozzle 401 is received; In addition, a removable suction filter 103 for change and cleaning is shown; the suction pump 104 can be seen, the one that absorbs the water into the interior of the apparatus, containing it, the one that is deposited inside it by means of a heater pipe 302. This heater pipe 302 is heated by means of a power supply system 500 through a conventional network connector 501 and/or by means of a battery bank 502, which can be lithium batteries, connected to photovoltaic panels 503. Additionally, a first section of the discharge hose 402 that sucks the conditioned water is shown, this hose absorbs the water by means of a discharge pump 404, this discharge pump 404 expels the water out of the device through a second section of the discharge hose 402, which is finally evacuated through a shower nozzle 401 of the telephone shower type. The optimization of the total use of water, the portability of the device, the heating of the water and the filter are observed, in addition to the utility of having two pumps, one for recharging and the other for expulsion.

The flush pump 404 allows the user to indicate the desired force of water pressure at the shower outlet. This range from a low pressure to a maximum, allowing its independent regulation of the suction force required by the suction pump 104 according to the recharge of the water inside the device, allowing a continuous flow of water.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the invention in a preferred configuration where a temperature sensor 201, a water level sensor 202, a solar power system with photovoltaic panels 503 and a battery bank 502 are also incorporated. , among other components of alternative configurations.

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the suction pump, the filter, and the double-phase heating spiral system, where it can be seen that the rest of the device can also be energized independently.

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the shower nozzle 401 with a cleaning container containing a discharge filter 403 in the handle.

Figure 5 shows the suction pipe 105 that absorbs the heated and filtered water contained inside the portable shower device, which is absorbed by means of the discharge pump 404 that absorbs and expels the water out of the container through discharge line 400, and circulating the water inside the discharge hose 402, which ends in a telephone shower device, so that the user can enjoy the shower. The display 203 informs the user, by means of a panel, of the adjustable temperature by means of a thermostat 301, which changes the temperature of the heating system, in order to achieve the desired temperature.

The entire pumping and heating system works by electricity, with a power supply system 500 with a conventional network connector (501), and/or with photovoltaic electrical charging.

This technology describes a portable shower device that allows to recirculate, reuse, heat and treat the water used and that reduces energy losses that comprises: a suction line that has a water connector element, connected to a suction hose with a suction filter and a suction pump; a thermally insulated water container connected to the suction line, wherein the water container receives water from the suction line; a heating system where the heater heats the water inside the water container; a discharge line that has a shower nozzle at its outlet, which conveys the water from inside the water container to the outside, wherein the discharge line further comprises a discharge pump; and a power supply system that energizes the electrical components of the device; where the suction filter, the suction pump, the heating system and the discharge pump are located inside the thermally insulated water container.

In a preferred configuration of the portable shower device according to the present technology, the water container also comprises a temperature sensor and a water level sensor that provide visible information to the user through a display located on the outside. of the water container.

In a preferred configuration of the portable shower device according to the present technology, the temperature sensor is a thermostat connected to the heating system to regulate the temperature of the water and to reduce energy losses due to overheating of the water.

In a preferred configuration of the portable shower device according to the present technology, the discharge line further comprises a discharge filter located inside the thermally insulated water container that filters the water before entering the discharge pump.

In a preferred configuration of the portable shower device according to the present technology, the shower nozzle also comprises a removable sponge, installed inside or outside it, through which the water circulates before being sent out of the nozzle. shower.

In a preferred configuration of the portable shower device according to the present technology, the water container is a pressurized water container.

In a preferred configuration of the portable shower device according to the present technology, the suction filter or the discharge filter also comprises a dispenser for chemical agents.

In a preferred configuration of the portable shower device according to the present technology, the electrical power supply system also includes a battery bank and means for connecting to the electrical network.

In a preferred configuration of the portable shower device according to the present technology, the power supply system further comprises a solar power supply system with photovoltaic panels.

In a preferred configuration of the portable shower device according to the present technology, the power supply system is a hybrid system that energizes at the same time through one or more of the connection to the power grid, the solar power supply system, and the battery bank.

In a preferred configuration of the portable shower device according to the present technology, it also comprises a mixing valve connected to the discharge line and to a cold water source, which allows mixing the hot water from the water container with water from the source. of cold water. In a preferred configuration of the portable shower device according to the present technology, the suction filter and the discharge filter are removable filters and also comprise a registration grid that retains solid materials.

In a preferred configuration of the portable shower device according to the present technology, the suction filter and the discharge filter further comprise a copper, ceramic and sand mesh filter.

In a preferred configuration of the portable shower device according to the present technology, the suction pump and the discharge pump are reversible pumps that can be driven in reverse.

In a preferred configuration of the portable shower device according to the present technology, the suction pump and the discharge pump are a single pump.

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1.

In a test carried out with the device, the invention was installed in the shower of a home in the bathroom on the outer side of the tub, where the water accumulated, then the device sucked 18 liters of water and was energized by connecting it to the electrical network. . The device operated by recirculating water at 37 °C for 15 minutes, saving 225 liters of water. On the other hand, samples of the water from the shower water source and the water recirculated by the device were taken, verifying that the filter system allowed a quality of drinking water.

EXAMPLE 2.

In a test carried out with the device, the invention was installed in a camping area. The device was filled with 18 liters of water from a container and powered by the portable power system powered by photovoltaic panels. The device heated the water, and operated by recirculating the water at 35 °C for 10 minutes, saving 132 liters of water. REFERENCE NUMBERS

In order to clarify the present description, a list with the components of the invention and their respective reference numbers is included below.

100 suction line

101 Water collection element

102 Suction hose

103 Suction Filter

104 Suction pump

105 Suction pipe

200 water container

201 Temperature sensor

202 Water level sensor

203 Display

300 heating system

301 Thermostat

302 Heater

400 discharge line

401 shower nozzle

402 discharge hose

403 discharge filter

404 dump pump

500 Power System

501 Connector for conventional network

502 Battery Bank

503 Photovoltaic panels

601 Starter Vessel

602 Container base

603 mixing valve

604 Chemical agent dispenser

605 cold water fountain

Claims

1.- A portable shower device that allows the used water to be recirculated, reused, heated and treated and that reduces energy losses CHARACTERIZED because it comprises: a suction line that has a water collector element, connected to a suction hose with a suction filter and a suction pump; a thermally insulated water container connected to the suction line, wherein the water container receives water from the suction line; a heating system where the heater heats the water inside the water container; a discharge line that has a shower nozzle at its outlet, which conveys the water from inside the water container to the outside, wherein the discharge line further comprises a discharge pump; and a power supply system that energizes the electrical components of the device; where the suction filter, the suction pump, the heating system and the discharge pump are located inside the thermally insulated water container.

2.- The portable shower device according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the water container also comprises a temperature sensor and a water level sensor that deliver visible information to the user through a display located on the top outside of the water container.

3. The portable shower device according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the temperature sensor is a thermostat connected to the heating system to regulate the temperature of the water. Yo

4. The portable shower device according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the discharge line also comprises a discharge filter located inside the thermally insulated water container that filters the water before entering the discharge pump.

5.- The portable shower device according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the shower nozzle also comprises a removable sponge, installed inside or outside through which the water circulates before being issued out of the nozzle shower.

6. The portable shower device according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the water container is a pressurized water container.

7. The portable shower device according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the suction filter or discharge filter also comprises a chemical agent dispenser.

8. The portable shower device according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the power supply system also comprises a battery bank and connection means to the electrical network.

9. The portable shower device according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the power supply system also comprises a solar power supply system with photovoltaic panels.

10.- The portable shower device according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED in that the power supply system is a hybrid system

2 that energizes at the same time through one or more of the connection to the electrical grid, the solar power system and the battery bank.

11.- The portable shower device according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it also comprises a mixing valve connected to the discharge line and a cold water source, which allows mixing the hot water from the water container with water from the cold water fountain.

12.- The portable shower device according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED in that the suction filter and the discharge filter are removable filters and also comprise a registration grid that retains solid materials.

13.- The portable shower device according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED in that the suction filter and the discharge filter also comprise a copper, ceramic and sand mesh filter.

14.- The portable shower device according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the suction pump and the discharge pump are reversible pumps that can be operated in the reverse direction.

15.- The portable shower device according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the suction pump and the discharge pump are a single pump.

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