WO2024104967A1 - Soap dosing system for shower and shower with soap dosing system - Google Patents

Abstract

Shower soap dosing system, comprising soap injection circuits (10) with spike connector (13,17), tube (26) of flexible material and peristaltic pump (12,16) for injecting soap (19) from a soap reservoir (11,15) to a soap suction and mixing block (20) with soap pathways (30). Each soap pathway (30) includes a water inlet (31) to receive water (21) from a shower (50); a soap inlet (32) to receive soap (19) from a soap injection circuit (10); two inlet conduits (37,38) with decreasing section to connect the water inlets (31) and soap inlets (32) with a mixing conduit (39) in which the mixing of water (21) and soap (19) is carried out; and an outlet conduit (40) with growing section connecting the mixing conduit (39) with a water and soap mixing outlet (33) configured for connection with an outlet diffuser (24.25) of the shower (50).

Description

DESCRIPTION

SOAP DOSING SYSTEM FOR SHOWER AND SHOWER WITH SOAP DOSING SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention is included in the field of modular and intelligent showers with automated hygiene systems.

Background of the Invention

In the field of smart showers with automated hygiene systems, there are bathtub-shaped therapeutic cabins that automate hygiene, where nebulized water is ejected by jet diffusers instead of using a showerhead.

There are also shower cabins or columns that have an automatic soaping mechanism based on a rotating head, such as the one reported in the utility model ES1104905-U, which allows the outlet of a mixing of water and soap; however, this automatic soaping system has the following disadvantages:

- At the outlet of the soap reservoirs, a valve allows or does not allow the soap to pass into the tube and, due to the chemical agents of the soap, this valve will end up damaged over time, reducing its useful life or requiring more recurrent maintenance.

The soap push system is ineffective in terms of economic cost and energy consumption by using a pressure pump or suction to push the soap toward the head outlet.

The same soap conduit is used for the different soap reservoirs. Whereas in each soap reservoir there is a different liquid, if the different reservoirs are actuated over time in the soap tube there will be remains of the different liquids or soaps, making it impossible to guarantee that the soapy solution that the user receives is composed of a single soap. In addition, due to the chemical components of the soap, it is also impossible to guarantee that the mixing of these soap residues in the tube does not generate unwanted substances or odors.

- A homogeneous and uniform mixing of water/soap is not guaranteed (not even detailed flow conditions, such as pressure, in which the mixing of water and soap occurs). There is no element that prevents soap coming from the reservoirs, pushed by the pressure pump, from going upstream in the direction of the regulating valve through the water pipe. For example, this could happen if the pressure at which the soap comes out (pushed by the pump) is greater than the pressure of the water conducted by the water pipe.

Patent document GB2197786-A discloses a shower mixing water with soap and shampoo that presents similar problems.

The present invention presents a shower soap dosing system that solves the problems mentioned above.

Description of the Invention

The present invention refers to a shower soap dosing system and a modular and eco-intelligent shower that incorporates such a soap dosing system to facilitate personal hygiene for elderly and/or functionally diverse people.

The soap dosing system comprises at least one soap injection circuit and one soap suction and mixing block.

Each soap injection circuit comprises a soap reservoir, a peristaltic pump configured to inject soap from the soap reservoir into the soap suction and mixing block, and a non-return valve configured to prevent fluid from returning to the soap reservoir.

The soap suction and mixing block comprises at least one path for soap. Each soap path includes a water inlet, configured to receive water from a shower at a regulated temperature; a soap inlet, configured to receive soap from a soap injection circuit; a water inlet conduit, with at least one section of decreasing section connecting the water inlet with a mixing conduit; a soap inlet conduit with at least one tapered section of decreasing section connecting the soap inlet with the mixing conduit; the mixing conduit, in which the mixing of water and soap is carried out; an outlet conduit, with at least one stretch of growing section, connecting the mixing conduit with a water and soap mixing outlet; and the soap and water mixing outlet, configured for connection with a shower outlet diffuser.

In one embodiment, each soap injection circuit comprises a spike connector and a flexible material tube to transport soap from the soap reservoir to the spike connector. The flexible material tube can be a single continuous tube from the soap reservoir to the spike connector, through the peristaltic pump, to reduce the risk of leakage (when assembling the tubing, the peristaltic pump must be opened, and the tube placed inside). Alternatively, the flexible material tube can be divided into two or more sections, for example, a first section from the soap reservoir to the inlet of the peristaltic pump and a second section from the outlet of the peristaltic pump to the inlet of the spike connector; in this case, two-way spike connectors have to be used in the peristaltic pump that facilitate mounting but can increase the risk of leakage.

In one embodiment, the soap dosing system comprises a shampoo injection circuit and a gel injection circuit, and the soap suction and mixing block comprises a shampoo pathway and a gel pathway whose water and soap mixing outlets are configured for connection with a shower head and body diffuser, respectively.

In one embodiment, the soap dosing system includes a plurality of solenoid valves arranged in a cascade, wherein the controlled output of each solenoid valve is connected to the water inlet of a different soap pathway of the soap suction and mixing block.

The soap dosing system allows to automate the washing, soaping (with shampoo and/or gel) and rinsing of the shower process, by controlling peristaltic pumps and solenoid valves associated with soap injection circuits. For example, by a certain activation/deactivation of solenoid valves and peristaltic pumps, a mixing of water and shampoo can be obtained at the outlet of the soap dosing system (i) a mixing of water and gel, or (iii) soap-free water (for washing and rinsing).

A second aspect of the present invention concerns a shower incorporating such a soap dosing system. The hydraulic system of the shower allows the dosage of soap or other liquid products (softener, aromatic liquid...) that are injected into the bath water. A shower incorporating the soap dosing system of the present invention allows to customize the shower cycles (washing, soaping, and rinsing) according to the user's convenience.

The modular and intelligent shower can additionally include one or more of the following modules or elements:

- A dryer to, in combination with the soap dosing system, automate the wet, soaping and drying of the shower process. - A moving part that allows to adjust the height of the shower outlet diffusers to adjust to the height and/or position (standing or sitting) of the user.

- A touch screen and speaker to assist people with cognitive difficulties during the shower process.

- A microphone, to allow voice control of the configurable parameters of the shower (e.g., height of the diffusers regulated by a motor of the moving part, temperature, and water flow).

- A presence and fall sensor to incorporate a security system capable of detecting falls of the user and sending a warning signal.

- A communications module (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) to allow remote control via a mobile application.

- A set of LED lights to perform chromotherapy to certain users (e.g., people with behavioral disorders) during shower sessions.

The present invention provides the following advantages with respect to prior art automatic soaping systems:

The configuration of the dosing system allows to avoid the use of a valve or solenoid valve downstream from the point where the soap is injected, thus reducing the risk of technical problems.

It is cheaper and energy efficient when using peristaltic pumps.

It uses an individual, independent mixing path for each soap.

The suction and mixing block is based on the concept of a Venturi tube, so that the reduction of internal section where the mixing happens ensures a more homogeneous and uniform water-soap mixing, since the water at that point has a very high kinetic energy that together with the turbulence generated in the rear growing section causes more movement and interaction between the two fluids.

The very nature and geometry of the soap suction and mixing block, based on the Venturi tube concept, makes it impossible for the soap to go upstream in the direction of the water pipe.

Brief description of the drawings

The following is a very brief description of a series of drawings which help to better understand the invention, and which relate expressly to an embodiment of said invention which is presented as a non-limiting example thereof.

Figure 1 shows a dosing system of shower soap according to one embodiment.

Figures 2A and 2B show an embodiment of the suction block and soap mixing.

Figures 3A and 3B show a spike connector and a non-return valve, according to one embodiment.

Figures 4A and 4B show a shower incorporating the soap dosing system and other elements.

Figure 5 represents an embodiment of the internal hydraulic circuit of a shower with soap dosing system.

Detailed description of the invention

Figure 1 shows a shower soap dosing system 1 according to one embodiment. The soap dosing system 1 comprises at least one soap injection circuit 10 and one soap suction and mixing block 20. In the example of Figure 1 the soap dosing system 1 comprises two soap injection circuits 10, in particular a shampoo injection circuit 10a and a gel injection circuit 10b, while the 1 soap dosing system may comprise a smaller or greater number of soap injection circuits 10.

Soap injection circuits 10 are configured to inject soap (e.g., shampoo, gel), and optionally other liquid products (e.g., softener, aromatic liquid) that can be injected into bath water, into the soap suction and mixing block 20. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , each soap injection circuit 10 comprises a soap reservoir (in the example of the figure, a shampoo reservoir 11 and a gel reservoir 15), a peristaltic pump (12.16), a spike connector (13.17) and a non-return valve (14.18).

The peristaltic pump (12,16) is configured to inject soap from the soap reservoir (11 ,15) into the spike connector (13,17). One or more tubes 26 of flexible material, preferably silicone, are responsible fortransporting soap 19 from the soap reservoir (11 ,15) to the corresponding spike connector (13,17). The non-return valve (14,18) is configured to prevent the return of fluid (water or mixing of water and soap that may come from the soap suction and mixing block 20) in the direction of the soap reservoir (11 ,15). An arrow below each non-return valve (14,18) represents the unique flow direction, forced by the corresponding non-return valve (14,18), of the soap (shampoo 19a or gel 19b, depending on the soap injection circuit 10 concerned) injected into the soap suction and mixing block 20.

The soap suction and mixing block 20 comprises at least one pathway for soap 30, and specifically as many pathways 30 as soap injection circuits 10 exist. In the example of Figure 1 the soap dosing system 1 comprises two pathways for soap 30, in particular one pathway for shampoo 30a and one pathway for gel 30b.

The suction and mixing block 20 is preferably arranged horizontally to avoid the influence of gravity on the fluids, since otherwise its operation could be altered. Each pathway for soap 30 includes a water inlet 31 , configured to receive water 21 from a shower at an already regulated temperature, a soap inlet 32, configured to receive soap from a respective soap injection circuit 10, and a water and soap mixing outlet 33, through which a water and soap mixing comes out (water and shampoo mixing 22a and water and gel mixing 22b, in the example of Figure 1). Each soap pathway 30 also comprises two inlet conduits (a water inlet and a soap inlet), a mixing conduit, and an outlet conduit. Figure 1 does not show the inlet, mixing and outlet conduits, only the inlets (water inlet 31 and soap inlet 32) and the water and soap mixing outlet 33 are represented.

The two inlet conduits of each soap pathway 30 have at least one stretch of decreasing section. The water inlet conduit connects the water inlet 31 with the mixing conduit. Meanwhile, the soap inlet conduit connects the soap inlet 32 with the mixing conduit. In the mixing conduit, the mixing of water 21 and soap (19a, 19b) is performed. The outlet conduit has at least one stretch of growing section and connects the mixing conduit with the water and soap mixing outlet 33, which is prepared to be connected to an outlet diffuser 23 of the shower. In the example shown in Figure 1 , the water and soap mixing outlet 33 of the shampoo pathway 30a is adapted to be connected to a shower head 24, and the water and soap mixing outlet 33 of the gel way 30b is prepared for connection to a body diffuser 25 of the shower.

Figures 2A and 2B show an embodiment of a soap suction and mixing block 20, according to a perspective view (Figure 2A) and a cut-off view according to a longitudinal median plane (Figure 2B). This particular embodiment is suitable for the soap dosing system 1 shown in Figure 1 , including the same number of soap pathways 30 (in particular, two) as soap injection circuits 10. The soap suction and mixing block 20 is a machined block, made of polypropylene (PP) for example, which has the function of facilitating the injection and mixing of soap into the soap dosing system 1 . It is based on the operation of a Venturi tube, where the inner section of the tube becomes smaller to accelerate the flow of water while reducing pressure. This pressure reduction facilitates the injection of soap (shampoo 19a or gel 19b) into the water flow 21.

In this embodiment, the soap suction and mixing block 20 includes a plurality of pathways for soap 30 that are arranged parallel to each other inside. In particular, the soap suction and mixing block 20 comprises two parallel pathways, a shampoo pathway 30a (which will be directed toward the showerhead or upper outlet of the shower) and a gel pathway 30b (directed toward the lower outlet or body diffuser of the shower). Each soap pathway 30 has two inlets and only one outlet.

In the image of Figure 2B, one of the soap pathways 30 can be seen, where the water flow 21 goes from left to right, the water inlet 31 is arranged horizontally, and the soap inlet 32 is arranged oblique to the water inlet 31 , at an angle of 30° with respect to the water inlet 31 (it is recommended not to exceed 90°). Water inlet 31 , soap inlet 32 and water and soap mixing outlet 33 preferably include a threaded hole. In one embodiment, the water inlet 31 includes a first threaded hole 34 (for example, a W female thread), the soap inlet 32 includes a second threaded hole 35 (for example, %” female thread, a larger size to be able to place the nonreturn valve inside the spike connector), and the water and soap mixing outlet 33 includes a third threaded hole 36 (e.g., 14” female thread).

Figure 2B also shows the two inlet conduits (water inlet conduit 37 and soap inlet conduit 38), mixing conduit 39, and outlet conduit 40. In one embodiment, the inlet conduits (37,38) of each soap pathway 30 have a tapered section (41 ,42) of decreasing section (i.e., converging in the forward direction of flow), and the outlet conduit 40 has a tapered section 43 of increasing section (i.e., diverging cone in the forward direction of flow). In one embodiment, the decreasing section angle of the tapered section 41 of the water inlet conduit 37 is in the range of 19-23°, preferably around 20-21°, and the angle of the growing section of the tapered section 43 of the outlet conduit 40 is included in the range of 5-15°, preferably around 7-8°, although in the example illustrated in Figure 2B, a 12° angle is used so that the soap suction and mixing block 20 occupies less horizontal space. During its operation, the suction and mixing block 20 is preferably installed in the shower so that the shafts of the water inlet conduit 37 and the outlet conduit 40 are arranged horizontally. As illustrated in Figure 2A, the suction and mixing block 20 may have holes 27 for fixing inside the shower.

The input conduits (37,38) and output conduits 40 may additionally comprise other sections (initial, final or intermediate), such as one or more sections of constant section 44, provided that, in the case of the input conduits (37,38), these start from a certain internal section at its corresponding inlet (31.32) and their section progressively decreases to a minimum section in the mixing conduit 39 and, in the case of the outlet conduit 40, the internal section starts from a minimum section in the mixing conduit 39 and progressively increases until the water and soap mixing outlet 33 is reached.

As can be seen, soap 19 is added just in the smaller inner section (mixing conduit 39) where water pressure 21 is lower. Decreasing (e.g., 20°) and growing angles (e.g., 12°) of internal geometry help make the transition between sections smoother and hydrodynamically more efficient.

In one embodiment, the mixing conduit 39 has an internal section such that during the operation of the soap dosing system the water pressure 21 inside is equal to or less than 1 bar. Water from the network enters the soap suction and mixing block 20 at high pressure, usually between 2 and 4 bar. At this high pressure, it is complex to inject any type of liquid into the water. The Venturi tube causes the water to accelerate and in the reduced section of the mixing conduit 39 the pressure has been reduced to a certain pressure, preferably to 1 bar or less. The pressure inside the mixing conduit 39 will vary according to the inlet pressure of the network. The soap suction and mixing block 20 is designed (sections of the different conduits, inclinations of the conduits, angles of the tapered sections, etc.) so that, in the worst case, at a maximum pressure considered of water of the network, there is a certain maximum pressure inside the mixing conduit 39, coinciding with the maximum pushing force of the peristaltic pump, so that it can introduce soap 19 into the water 21. If, for example, the water 21 inside the mixing conduit 39 was at a pressure of 2 bar, a peristaltic pump of only 1 bar could not push the soap into the block. Considering that in a preferred embodiment, peristaltic pumps of 1 bar maximum pressure are used, the water pressure 21 inside the mixing conduit 39 should preferably be equal to or less than 1 bar for any inlet condition of water to the network. The internal section of the mixing conduit 39 has a different diameter according to the output diffuser 23 chosen (showerhead 24 or body diffuser 25), since the diameter that the internal section must have to obtain an approximate pressure of 1 bar depends directly on the flow of the main water flow 21 that circulates through it. In one embodiment, the diameter of the inner section of the mixing conduit 39 is 3.5 mm for the shampoo pathway 30a (upper outlet or showerhead 24) and 2.5 mm for the gel pathway 30b (lower outlet or body diffuser 25) since the showerhead 24 has a higher flow rate than the body diffuser 25.

The soap suction and mixing block 20 has an expandable design, as other liquids can be added within the water flow, such as softener, for which other parallel pathways simply must be added to the two soap pathways 30 shown in Figure 2A.

According to one embodiment, the non-return valve (14,18) of each soap injection circuit 10 is housed inside its respective spike connector (13,17). Figure 3A shows a perspective view of a spike connector (13,17) and a non-return valve (14,18), being separated (not mounted on each other). Figure 3B shows a cut-off view according to a longitudinal median plane with the elements already mounted, where the non-return valve (14.18) is housed in the spike connector (13.17).

In one embodiment, the spike connector (13,17) of each soap injection circuit 10 comprises a thread 46 attachable to a threaded hole 35 of the soap inlet 32 of the soap suction and mixing block 20. According to the embodiment of Figure 3B, the non-return valve (14,18) of each soap injection circuit 10 is housed in a hollow interior space 47 of the thread 46 of the respective spike connector (13,17).

The spike connector (13,17) has the function of connecting the flexible silicone tube 26 with the soap suction and mixing block 20. For the correct operation of peristaltic pumps (12,16), the tube 26 that circulates through them must be of a flexible/elastic material (such as silicone) since the pump presses/compresses it as it rotates, and it is necessary that the tube 26 regains its original shape after compression. This silicone tube 26 must be connected to the soap suction and mixing block 20, for which a suitable connector is necessary to avoid possible leakage, since the connections are the weakest points of the circuit. A spike connector (13,17) is the simplest and most efficient way to make such connection, since on the one hand the spike 45 provides grip and fixation to the silicone tube 26, in addition to a very easy and fast coupling, and on the other hand the male thread 46 that is screwed to the soap suction block and mixing 20. Further, in one embodiment an internal hole of the spike connector (13,17) is used to place the non-return valve (14,18), thus optimizing the space.

As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the spike connector (13,17) has on the one hand, a male thread 46 of the desired size, and on the other hand, the spike 45. The spike 45 has a tube shape (hollow inside), and preferably in its outer contour has a practiced sequence of continuous ridges 48 that serve to hold the inner diameter of the tube 26 flexible and seal the connection. The number of ridges 48 and their inclination varies depending on the material of the tube and the application (for example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3B, three ridges 48 are sufficient for a correct sealing). Further, optionally the connection can be reinforced by placing a clamp or flange to increase the holding force.

The spike connectors are machined parts, made for example in polypropylene, which function as the inlet door of the soap to the soap suction and mixing block 20. On the other hand, the non-return valves (14,18) are responsible for ensuring that there is no reflux from the main water circuit to the soap reservoirs (11 ,15). The non-return valves (14,18) are placed inside the spike connectors (13,17), which in the embodiment shown in Figure 3A have a 46 male thread (e.g. %” thread) allow them to be threaded in the respective threaded hole 35 of the soap inlets 32 of the soap suction and mixing block 20.

The spike connector (13,17) must have enough space available to hold the non-return valve (14,18). The compartment to accommodate the non-return valve (14,18), which corresponds to the hollow interior space 47 of the thread 46, must have a very small tolerance, since for the valve to perform its function, the external perimeter must be watertight.

In one embodiment, the soap dosing system 1 includes a plurality of solenoid valves arranged in series or cascade (i.e. the uncontrolled output - always open - of a solenoid valve feeds the input of the next solenoid valve connected in series), where the controlled outlet (open/closed) of each solenoid valve is connected to the water inlet 31 of a soap pathway 30 different from the soap suction and mixing block 20.

Figures 4A and 4B show a perspective view of the front and rear parts, respectively, of a shower 50 incorporating the soap dosing system 1 described above, according to a possible embodiment. In one embodiment, the shower 50 includes a dryer 51 at the top of the shower 50 and at least one air conduit (e.g., 50 mm diameter PVC pipe) configured to conduct hot air from the dryer to at least one air outlet (upper air outlet 52, lower air outlet 53). The dryer 51 incorporates an electric engine, a turbine, a nozzle, and an electrical resistance, as well as several electronic control components. The dryer is located at the top of the shower 50 because it works normally at 220V, and by regulations it is necessary to maintain a safety distance from the water inlets of the network.

The shower 50 can comprise, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 4A, a fixed part 54, with means of fixation configured for its fastening to a wall (e.g. fixed to the wall by means of screws), and a moving part 55 with drive means configured to allow the moving part 55 to move in a vertical guided movement to regulate the height of the outlet diffusers (24,25) of the shower 50 and thus adapt to the height and position of the user. In one embodiment, the moving part 55 comprises a height regulator 56 based on a motorized endless screw or a linear actuator, with the motor located at the lower end of the endless screw. The height regulator 56 can be activated, for example, by means of a mechanical push-button in the shower or by means of a graphical interface of a touch screen 57.

Figure 4A also shows that shower 50 includes a touch screen 57, through which the user can interact with the shower (e.g. setting the height of the moving part, temperature and water flow, etc.), a receptacle 58 in which different components can be housed, such as a microphone and a speaker to interact with the user, a presence sensor to detect the presence of the user (the number of sensors and their location may vary), and a fall sensor 70 to detect possible user drops.

Figure 4B shows a transformer 59 to power the electronic components of the shower 50 at a certain voltage (less than 24V according to regulations) and, at the bottom of the shower 50, a watertight box 60 housing inside the vast majority of hydraulic components of the shower 50, because some hydraulic components do not have protection against water. The watertight box 60 receives from water inlets 61 , hot and cold water from the network. In cases where there is only one water inlet from the network (already regulated at a specific temperature), the watertight box 60 receives only one inlet 61.

Figure 5 shows a possible embodiment of the internal hydraulic circuit of a shower with soap dosing system 1 (for example, shower 50 shown in Figures 4A and 4B), with their respective hydraulic connections.

In one embodiment, the shower 50 comprises a showerhead 24 and a body diffuser 25, and the soap dosing system 1 comprises a shampoo injection circuit 10a, in which the soap reservoir is a shampoo reservoir 11 , and a gel injection circuit 10b, in which the soap reservoir is a gel reservoir 15. In this embodiment, the soap suction and mixing block 20 includes a shampoo pathway 30a, where the water inlet 31 is connected to a first solenoid valve 66, the soap inlet 32 is connected to the shampoo injection circuit 10a, and the water and soap mixing outlet 33 is connected to the showerhead 24. The soap suction and mixing block 20 also includes a pathway for gel 30b, where the water inlet 31 is connected to a second solenoid valve 67 in series with the first solenoid valve 66, the soap inlet 32 is connected to the gel injection circuit 10b, and the water and soap mixing outlet 33 is connected to the body diffuser 25.

In one embodiment, the hydraulic circuit of the shower 50 comprises a thermostatic valve 62, a flow regulating valve 63, a temperature sensor 64 and a flow meter 65, being the inlet of the first solenoid valve 66 connected to the outlet of the temperature sensor 64 or the outlet of the flow meter 65.

The thermostatic valve 62 has two water inlets 61 , cold water inlet and hot water inlet, and an outlet where the water already comes out at the desired temperature. The thermostatic valve 62 is configured to mix cold water and hot water received through the water inlets 61 and regulate the temperature of the shower water 50. Unlike conventional thermostatic valves, the shower 50 can include an electronically controlled servo motor that has the function of regulating the temperature of the thermostatic valve constantly using a control algorithm. In cases where there is only one water inlet from the network with the thermally regulated water, this thermostatic valve 62 would be dispensable.

The flow control valve 63 allows to regulate the amount of water that passes through it, so it can control the water flow at any time and thus adjust it to the user's needs. The temperature sensor 64 allows to measure the temperature of the water T instantly and serves to verify that the thermostatic valve 62 works correctly. The flow meter 65 allows to measure the instantaneous flow rate C of water in the shower and serves to validate the operation of the flow regulating valve 63. The flow meter 65 provides the data needed to calculate the instant and average water consumption of the shower. According to the hydraulic scheme shown in Figure 5, the shower can also comprise a third solenoid valve 68, in series with the second solenoid valve 67, where the controlled outlet of the third solenoid valve 68 is connected to a mower 69. The hand shower 69 is an element that provides water without soap, since it is not connected to any soap tank (11 ,15), and therefore has a complementary function for the purpose of delivering water (washing or rinsing) where the shower head 24 or the body diffuser 25 has not been able to reach.

The solenoid valves (66,67,68) are preferably three-way with one inlet and two outlets. Of these two outlets, one is a free outlet (always open) and the other is a controlled outlet (open/closed). The solenoid valves (66,67,68) are connected in series, so that the free outlet of the first solenoid valve 66 is connected to the inlet of the second solenoid valve 67, and the free outlet of the second solenoid valve 67 is connected to the inlet of the third solenoid valve 68, which incorporates a plug in its free outlet as it is the last solenoid valve of the series assembly (alternatively, the third solenoid valve 68 could be replaced by a normal two-way valve).

The first solenoid valve 66 therefore allows the passage of water to the upper outlet (showerhead 24), the second solenoid valve 67 to the lower outlet (body diffuser 25) and the third solenoid valve 68 to the remote control 69. Non-return valves can be installed at the controlled outlets of the solenoid valves (66,67) to prevent backflow of the soap suction and mixing block 20.

The peristaltic pump (12,16) of each soap injection circuit 10 has the function of pushing the soap from its respective soap reservoir (11 ,15) to the corresponding spike connector (13,17) and non-return valve (14,18), which in turn introduce the liquid soap into the soap suction and mixing block 20 so that it mixes with the main water flow 21. Peristaltic pumps (12,16) must have enough power to drag a viscous liquid such as soap (gel, shampoo) along a conduit, and push it through the spike connectors (13,17) and non-return valves (14,18) to enter the soap suction and mixing block 20. In one embodiment, pumps are used that can rotate at 420 rpm and are able to provide a flow rate of 100 ml/min.

When peristaltic pumps (12,16) are not operated, soap (gel or shampoo) is not injected into the soap suction and mixing block 20 and therefore the water flow 21 comes out clean (without gel or shampoo). To transport soap (gel and shampoo) from soap reservoirs (11 ,15) to the soap suction and mixing block 20, tubes 26 of flexible material (e.g., silicone tube), with a certain internal section (e.g., 4 mm internal diameter), are used. It is important that the tubes 26 are made of a flexible material such as silicone due to the way the peristaltic pumps work, where a compression is exerted on the tube and then the tube must regain the shape, and to be able to make a correct connection with the spike connectors (13,17), which are preferably coupled by threading to the soap inlet 32 of the soap suction and mixing block 20.

In the embodiment of Figure 5, the soap reservoirs include a shampoo reservoir 11 and a gel reservoir 15. These reservoirs are responsible for storing the gel and shampoo inside the shower 50. The soap outlet from the reservoir can be made through a spike-shaped outlet 45 so that the silicone tube 26 has a good connection and a good grip (as described above, the coupling can be reinforced by a flange or clamp), or with the tube 26 going through the top lid of the reservoirs (11 , 15) until resting on the internal base of the same. Further, soap reservoirs (11 , 15) incorporate level sensors to detect when they need to be recharged with soap.

All the elements of the shower hydraulic circuit shown in Figure 5 are installed inside the watertight box 60, except for the soap reservoirs (to be able to replace the soap) and the shower water outlets (showerhead 24, body diffuser 25 and hand shower 69).

In order for the water and shampoo mixing 22a to come out correctly and generate the desired foam on the user's hair, the showerhead 24 has a smaller number of outlet holes with a larger diameter than a conventional showerhead. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, the showerhead has a diameter of about 170 mm and a flow rate of 3 to 6 l/min depending on the inlet pressure of the water.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, the body diffuser 25 is a jet diffuser that expels nebulized water in the form of a vertical ellipse, with a much larger vertical spray angle than in horizontal. The body diffuser 25 expels the mixing of water and gel 22b with a flow rate of 2 to 5 l/min, depending on the water inlet pressure, so that foam is generated on the user's skin. In order for the water and gel mixing 22b to reach the entire body of the user, the shower can incorporate a second body diffuser or a mobile system responsible for moving the body diffuser 25.

The hydraulic connections between all the elements of Figure 5 are preferably made by a semirigid plastic tube (e.g., 8 mm outside diameter and 6 mm inside), except for the connections between soap reservoirs (11 ,15) and the respective spike connectors (13,17) which are made by means of a flexible silicone tube 26. To use the semi-rigid tube, the elements must have the appropriate input and output connections (e.g., JG 8 mm) or fast connections. This type of connections allows an agile connection/disconnection of the tube without the possibility of leakage. If the elements have threaded inlets and/or outputs, such as the water inlet 31 of the soap suction and mixing block 20, adapters are used that allow on one side to connect the semi-rigid tube (e.g. JG 8 mm) and on the other hand the necessary thread size (male or female). The soap dosing system 1 is an easily expandable system in such a way that any liquid (softener, aromatic liquid...) additional to the main water flow 21 can be injected. To do this, only one solenoid valve (preferably three-way) must be added in series with the solenoid valve assembly (66,67,68), one parallel way to the rest of the soap pathways 30 in the soap suction and mixing block 20, a spike connector with an non-return valve, a peristaltic pump and a reservoir to store the new liquid.

Claims

1. A shower soap dosing system, comprising:

- at least one soap injection circuit (10), where each soap injection circuit (10) comprises: a soap reservoir (11 ,15), a peristaltic pump (12,16) configured to inject soap (19) from the soap reservoir

(11 ,15) into a soap suction and mixing block (20), and a non-return valve (14,18) configured to prevent fluid from returning to the soap reservoir (11 ,15).

- the soap suction and mixing block (20), comprising at least one soap pathway (30), where each soap pathway (30) includes: a water inlet (31), configured to receive water (21) from a shower (50) at a regulated temperature, a soap inlet (32), configured to receive soap (19) from a soap injection circuit (10). a water inlet conduit (37), with at least one section of decreasing section connecting the water inlet (31) with a mixing conduit (39); a soap inlet conduit (38) with at least one tapered section (42) of decreasing section connecting the soap inlet (32) with the mixing conduit (39); the mixing conduit (39), in which the mixing of water (21) and soap (19) is carried out; an outlet conduit (40), with at least one growing section, connecting the mixing conduit (39) with a water and soap mixing outlet (33); and the water and soap mixing outlet (33), configured for connection with an outlet diffuser (24,25) of the shower (50).

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein each soap injection circuit (10) comprises: a spike connector (13,17), and a tube (26) of flexible soap-carrying material (19) from the soap reservoir (11 ,15) to the spike connector (13,17).

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the spike connector (13,17) of each soap injection circuit (10) comprises a spike (45) configured to receive the corresponding tube (26) of flexible material, and a thread (46) attachable to a threaded hole (35) of the soap inlet (32) of the soap suction and mixing block (20).

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the practiced spike (45) has in its outer contour a series of ridges (48) to facilitate the clamping and sealing of the tube (26) of flexible material.

5. The system according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the non-return valve (14,18) of each soap injection circuit (10) is housed inside its respective spike connector (13,17).

6. The system according to claims 3 and 5, wherein the non-return valve (14,18) of each soap injection circuit (10) is housed in a hollow interior space (47) of the thread (46) of the respective spike connector (13,17).

7. The system according to any of the above claims, wherein at least one soap injection circuit (10) comprises a shampoo injection circuit (10a) and a gel injection circuit (10b), and where the soap suction and mixing block (20) comprise a shampoo pathway (30a) and a gel pathway (30b) whose water and soap mixing outlets (33) are configured for connection with a shower head (24) and a body diffuser (25) (50), respectively.

8. The system according to any of the above claims, wherein the soap suction and mixing block (20) include a plurality of soap pathways (30) that are arranged parallel to each other.

9. The system according to claim 8, including a plurality of solenoid valves (66,67) arranged in cascade, wherein the controlled outlet of each solenoid valve is connected to the water inlet (31) of a different soap pathway (30) of the soap suction and mixing block (20).

10. The system according to any of the above claims, wherein the mixing conduit (39) has an internal section such that the water pressure (21) is equal to or less than 1 bar.

11. The system according to any of the above claims, wherein the water inlet conduit (37) of each soap pathway (30) has a tapered section (41) of decreasing section, and the outlet conduit (40) of each soap pathway (30) has a tapered section (43) of increasing section.

12. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the angle of the decreasing section of the tapered section (41) of the water inlet conduit (37) is within the range of 19-23°.

13. The system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the angle of the increasing section of the tapered section (43) of the outlet conduit (40) is comprised in the range of 5-15°.

14. The system according to any of the above claims, wherein the water inlet (31), the soap inlet (32) and the water and soap mixing outlet (33) include a threaded hole (34,35,36).

15. A shower with soap dosing system, characterized in that it comprises the soap dosing system (1) according to any of the above claims.

16. The shower according to claim 15, which includes a dryer (51 ) at the top of the shower (50) and at least one air conduit configured to conduct hot air from the dryer (51) to at least one air outlet (52,53).

17. The shower according to any of claims 15 to 16, comprising: a moving part (55) supporting the outlet diffusers (24,25) of the shower (50); a fixed part (54), with fastening means configured for the fastening of the fixed part (54) to a wall, and drive media configured to move the moving part (55) in a vertical guided movement to regulate the height of the outlet diffusers (24.25) of the shower (50).

18. The shower according to claim 17, wherein the drive means comprise a height regulator (56) which includes a motorized endless screw.

19. The shower according to any of claims 15 to 18, comprising a showerhead (24) and a body diffuser (25), and wherein the soap dosing system (1) comprises: a shampoo injection circuit (10a), where the soap reservoir is a shampoo reservoir (11); a gel injection circuit (10b), where the soap reservoir is a gel reservoir (15); in the soap suction and mixing block (20): a shampoo pathway (30a), wherein the water inlet (31) is connected to a first solenoid valve (66), the soap inlet (32) is connected to the shampoo injection circuit (10a), and the soap and water mixing outlet (33) is connected to the showerhead (24); a gel pathway (30b), wherein the water inlet (31) is connected to a second solenoid valve (67) in series with the first solenoid valve (66), the soap inlet (32) is connected to the gel injection circuit (10b), and the water and soap mixing outlet (33) is connected to the body diffuser (25).

20. The shower according to claim 19, comprising a thermostatic valve (62) configured to regulate the temperature of the shower water, a flow regulating valve (63) configured to regulate the water flow of the shower, a temperature sensor (64) for measuring the temperature (T) of shower water, and a flowmeter (65) for measuring the instant flow (C) of shower water; wherein the inlet of the first solenoid valve (66) is connected to the outlet of the temperature sensor (64) or the flow meter (65).