EP3441532A1 - Shower with improved warm-up behavior, method employing the same and its use - Google Patents

Abstract

A shower system containing as components:
a. a water outlet;
b. a thermostat controller;
c. a conduit connecting the water outlet and the thermostat regulator;
d. a hot water supply connected to the thermostat regulator;
e. a cold water supply connected to the thermostat regulator;
f. a sewer connected to the thermostat controller;
wherein the thermostat controller is set up and configured for temperature-dependent setting of a first and a further state;
wherein in the first state, the hot water supply and the cold water supply are connected to the sewer pipe;
wherein in the further state, the hot water supply and the cold water supply line are connected to the line, a system using this shower system and the use of this shower system.

Description

1. a. einen Wasserauslass;
2. b. einen Thermostatregler;
3. c. eine den Wasserauslass und den Thermostatregler verbindende Leitung;
4. d. eine mit dem Thermostatregler verbundene Heißwasserzuleitung;
5. e. eine mit dem Thermostatregler verbundene Kaltwasserzuleitung;
6. f. eine mit dem Thermostatregler verbundene Abwasserleitung;

wobei der Thermostatregler zum temperaturabhängig Einstellen eines ersten und eines weiteren Zustand eingerichtet und ausgebildet ist;
wobei in dem ersten Zustand die Heißwasserzuleitung und die Kaltwasserzuleitung mit der Abwasserleitung verbunden sind;
wobei in dem weiteren Zustand die Heißwasserzuleitung und die Kaltwasserzuleitung mit der Leitung verbunden sind, eine dieses Duschsystem einsetzendes Verfahren sowie die Verwendung dieses Duschsystems.The present invention relates to a shower system comprising as components:

1. a. a water outlet;
2. b. a thermostat controller;
3. c. a conduit connecting the water outlet and the thermostat regulator;
4. d. a hot water supply connected to the thermostat regulator;
5. e. a cold water supply connected to the thermostat regulator;
6. f. a sewer connected to the thermostat controller;

wherein the thermostat controller is set up and configured for temperature-dependent setting of a first and a further state;
wherein in the first state, the hot water supply and the cold water supply are connected to the sewer pipe;
wherein in the further state, the hot water supply and the cold water supply line are connected to the line, a system using this shower system and the use of this shower system.

Shower systems are already well known from the prior art. A problem that occurs in the use of these systems is, especially at a large distance between the boiler and system, from the water outlet initially unpleasant cold water leaks and is perceived as a cold shock. Only after a relatively long lead time by this cold water leaking, warm water is provided in the desired temperature.

DE 10 2015 000 015 A1 already reveals a quite useful contribution to the solution of this problem. However, in unfavorable circumstances, especially in the case of long-term use times, in the system disclosed in this document it may lead to hygienic impairments come. These hygienic impairments often result from calcification, especially in the water outlet.

In general, it is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome a disadvantage arising from the prior art. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a shower system that not only avoids the escape of unpleasant cold water as much as possible, but also reduces the resulting from the prior art hygienic impairments.

A contribution to the fulfillment of at least one of the objects according to the invention is afforded by an embodiment 1 of a shower system, the subclaims representing preferred embodiments.

1. a. einen Wasserauslass;
2. b. einen Thermostatregler;
3. c. eine den Wasserauslass und den Thermostatregler verbindende Leitung;
4. d. eine mit dem Thermostatregler verbundene Heißwasserzuleitung;
5. e. eine mit dem Thermostatregler verbundene Kaltwasserzuleitung;
6. f. eine mit dem Thermostatregler verbundene Abwasserleitung;

wobei der Thermostatregler zum temperaturabhängig Einstellen eines ersten und eines weiteren Zustand eingerichtet und ausgebildet ist;
wobei in dem ersten Zustand die Heißwasserzuleitung und die Kaltwasserzuleitung mit der Abwasserleitung verbunden sind;
wobei in dem weiteren Zustand die Heißwasserzuleitung und die Kaltwasserzuleitung mit der Leitung verbunden sind.Contributing to the fulfillment of at least one of the objects according to the invention, as an embodiment 1, is a shower system comprising as components:

1. a. a water outlet;
2. b. a thermostat controller;
3. c. a conduit connecting the water outlet and the thermostat regulator;
4. d. a hot water supply connected to the thermostat regulator;
5. e. a cold water supply connected to the thermostat regulator;
6. f. a sewer connected to the thermostat controller;

wherein the thermostat controller is set up and configured for temperature-dependent setting of a first and a further state;
wherein in the first state, the hot water supply and the cold water supply are connected to the sewer pipe;
wherein in the further state, the hot water supply line and the cold water supply line are connected to the line.

In an embodiment 2 according to the invention, the device according to embodiment 1 is configured, wherein in the first state, the hot water supply line and the cold water supply line are connected to the sewer line via a protective device. As a protective device, various measures are conceivable which serve to reduce the penetration of pathogens or odors or both via the sewer line. Preference is given to protective devices selected from the group consisting of a valve, a non-return valve, a siphon and an irradiation device or a combination of at least two thereof. In connection with the valve, it is preferred that this closes as soon as the first state no longer exists. In particular, when no water drains through the sewer, or there is water or both. In connection with the check valve, it is preferred that this closes when water or gas, in particular air, moves from the sewer system via the sewer line in the direction of the thermostat controller. In the context of this, it is preferred that it be filled with water, thereby forming a barrier against unpleasant odors and pathogen-borne odors. In connection with the irradiation device, it is preferred that it emits rays which are suitable for damaging pathogens, preferably killing them.

In an embodiment 3 according to the invention, the system according to embodiment 1 or 2 is designed, wherein the water outlet or the line or both are equipped with a heating device connected to the hot water supply line. In the context of this embodiment, all devices which are suitable for heating the water outlet or the line when hot water flows through these devices are considered as heating devices. Preferred heaters surround the water outlet or the pipe. This envelope is preferably such as to provide good heat exchange with the material forming the water outlet or conduit.

In an embodiment 4 according to the invention, the system according to one of the preceding embodiments is configured, wherein the line or the water outlet or both are connected to the sewer line. This embodiment of the invention serves in particular the purpose of emptying still in the water outlet or the line located cold water before flowing a stream of warm water. Also in connection with this embodiment, it is preferred that a protective device described above is provided.

In an embodiment 5 according to the invention, the system according to one of the preceding embodiments is configured, wherein the thermostat controller is arranged and configured to change from the first state to the further state, if a mixture of the water from the cold water supply and the hot water supply of a preselected temperature, preferably 30 ° C and more. In connection with this embodiment, it is further preferred that the thermostat controller is further designed and provided for changing from the first or the further state to an emptying state. This emptying state is especially to be borne if, as described above, the line or the water outlet or both are connected to the sewer line. It is further preferred according to the invention that the emptying state is adjustable either before the first state or after the further state or both. By the first of the above options can be achieved that before turning on the system according to the invention, first all cold water was removed from the line or the water outlet and thus made a contribution to reducing the cold shock. For the second option, after the shower has finished, the water still in the water outlet or in the pipe is also discharged. This also helps to reduce the cold shock at the beginning of the next shower. In addition, these options contribute to the reduction of nucleation and calcification and thus to increase the hygiene.

In an embodiment 6 according to the invention, the device according to one of the preceding embodiments is configured, wherein the water outlet is selected from the Group consisting of a hand shower, an overhead shower, a nozzle and a shower or a combination of at least two of them. In this context, it should be noted that the water outlet can have any conceivable and suitable for showering design.

In an embodiment 7 according to the invention, the system according to one of the preceding embodiments is configured, the thermostat controller having a temperature sensor. In the context of this embodiment, it is preferred that temperature sensors are used which are capable of measuring the temperature of water flowing through. In this case, it is particularly preferred that this temperature sensor can perform this measurement process in a very short time, preferably less than 1 second, more preferably less than 0.5 second, and most preferably less than 0.1 second. Furthermore, it is preferred that the temperature sensor controls a mixer. This mixer is preferably designed and arranged so that it can set the conditions described above. Furthermore, such a mixer is preferably designed such that it can set different water temperatures by the combination of different amounts of hot water coming from the hot water supply and coming from the cold water supply cold water.

In an embodiment 8 according to the invention, the system is designed according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the conduit is a pipe or a hose or both. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the tube or the tube or both are made of metal or plastic, wherein tubes are particularly preferably made of metal and hoses particularly preferably made of plastic. Metals are all metals with low tendency to corrosion, in particular copper, brass or steel into consideration. Suitable plastics are preferably flexible plastics, such as rubber, rubber, silicone or isoprene.

In an embodiment 9 according to the invention, the system according to one of the preceding embodiments is configured, comprising as a further component a tank designed and arranged for taking up liquid from the outlet, the basin being connected to the sewer pipe. Preferred basins in this context are selected from the group of shower trays, swimming pools, shower basins, countercurrent basins or a combination of at least two of them. Furthermore, it is preferred that the basin is arranged below the thermostatic controller in the system according to the invention.

In an embodiment 10 according to the invention, the system according to one of the preceding embodiments is configured, wherein the hot water supply line or the cold water supply line or both are connected via a recycling device to the sewer line. In connection with this embodiment, it is preferred that the recycling device is designed as a return line to the hot water supply or to the cold water supply line or both.

In an embodiment 11 according to the invention, the system according to one of the preceding embodiments is configured, wherein a distributor is provided in the line, wherein the distributor is connected to the sewer line. In the context of this embodiment it is preferred that the distributor is provided closer to the water outlet than to the thermostat regulator. Preferably, when the conduit is divided into three equal parts, the distributor is provided in the third closest to the water outlet. The same applies if the line is divided into four, preferably five and more preferably six equally long parts. Then, the distributor is preferably provided in the quarter, more preferably in the fifth, and more preferably in the sixth, which is closest to the water outlet. In addition to reducing the cold shock, it is thus prevented by the distributor of nucleation or calcification in the water outlet.

1. a. Bereitstellen von einer Mischung von Heiß- und Kaltwasser in einen Thermostatregler;
2. b. Bestimmen der Temperatur der Mischung;
3. c. Ableiten der Mischung in eine Abwasserleitung ohne Erhöhen einer Keimzahl;
4. d. Freigeben der Mischung durch den Thermostatregler in eine mit einem Wasserauslass verbundene Leitung, sobald die Temperatur einen Schwellenwert überschritten hat. Vorzugsweise erfolgt diese in die zuvor entleerte Leitung

A contribution to the fulfillment of at least one of the objects according to the invention as an embodiment 12 is a method for operating a shower comprising the method steps:

1. a. Providing a mixture of hot and cold water in a thermostat controller;
2. b. Determining the temperature of the mixture;
3. c. Discharging the mixture into a sewer without increasing a germ count;
4. d. Releasing the mixture through the thermostat regulator into a line connected to a water outlet once the temperature has exceeded a threshold. Preferably, this takes place in the previously emptied line

According to a further aspect of this embodiment, it is preferred that a brief temperature increase takes place in order to compensate for the heat loss through contacting components.
According to another aspect of this embodiment, it is preferred that a drainage of the system takes place between the water outlet and the distributor. This serves in particular for the preparation for the next showering process.
According to an additional aspect of this embodiment, it is preferred that after the complete emptying of the system, the distributor closes the direct access between the water outlet and the sewage system. This is used, in particular, to prevent odor nuisance and microbial contamination or to prevent it.
It is also preferable in this embodiment that the above aspects of this embodiment are executed in the order given here, where it is possible that further aspects may be provided between the individual embodiments.

In the context of this embodiment, hot water preferably has a temperature in a range of 20-99 ° C, preferably in a range of 25-80 ° C, and more preferably in a range of 40-70 ° C. Furthermore, for this embodiment, cold water preferably has a temperature of less than 20 ° C, preferably less than 15 ° C, and more preferably less than 10 ° C. However, the cold water is in a liquid state, so that a temperature of 0 ° C is usually not exceeded by the cold water. In connection with the thermostat controller, reference is made to the preceding embodiments.

The determination of the temperature of the mixture is preferably carried out via a temperature sensor. Again, reference is made to the above statements.

Preferably, the discharge of the mixture takes place in a sewer line without increasing the number of bacteria via a protective device. The preceding remarks on the protective device also apply to the above statements reference. The germ count is determined by recognized measuring methods. As germs whose germ count is determined, in particular microorganisms are mentioned, which occur in the sewage or in the sewer system. As a typical germ coli bacteria are mentioned. The germ count is preferably determined in the system after the thermostat regulator, and more preferably in the water outlet.

The release of the mixture by the thermostat controller is particularly when the temperature sensor has measured a threshold in the thermostat and opens a valve functionally connected to the thermostat.

In an embodiment 13 according to the invention, the method according to the preceding embodiment 12 is configured, the threshold value being 30 ° C. and more. This threshold is preferably above 25 ° C, preferably above 30 ° C. It is further preferred that this valve is closed again when the temperature sensor detects a water temperature of 40 ° C and more to avoid damage to the user of the system according to the invention by hot water.

In an embodiment 14 according to the invention, the method according to the preceding embodiment 12 or 13 is configured, wherein the discharge takes place between thermostat controller and water outlet. In connection with this embodiment, it is preferred that, as stated earlier in the arrangement of the manifold, that takes place from closer to the water outlet in comparison to the thermostat controller. The discharge preferably takes place in the first half below the water outlet, more preferably in the first third below the water outlet and furthermore preferably in the first quarter below the water outlet and furthermore preferably in the first fifth below the water outlet. Further, it is preferable that the drainage contributes to drainage of water located in the water outlet after showering is finished. In addition to reducing the cold shock, it prevents such nucleation or calcification in the water outlet.

In an embodiment 15 according to the invention, the method according to one of the preceding embodiments 12 to 14 is configured, wherein the shower system according to one of embodiments 1 to 10 is used in the method.

Contributing to the accomplishment of at least one of the objects of the invention, as an embodiment 16, is the use of a thermostatic regulator for reducing a cold shock while maintaining hygiene in a shower system. In connection with the thermostat regulator and the shower system, reference is made to the above statements. Also to the cold shock and hygiene has been stated above.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Duschsystems;

Figur 2

eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Duschsystems; und

Figur 3

eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

A contribution to the fulfillment of at least one of the objects according to the invention as an embodiment 17 makes use of the shower system according to one of the embodiments 1 11 to 11 for the reduction of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of the cold fright with non-deteriorated hygiene in the shower system and the dripping of the water outlet, preferably a shower head.
The invention will be further illustrated by way of examples and drawings, the examples and drawings not limiting the invention. Unless otherwise indicated in the description or the respective figure, they show schematically and not to scale:

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a shower system according to the invention;

FIG. 2

a schematic representation of another embodiment of a shower system according to the invention; and

FIG. 3

a schematic representation of a method according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a shower system according to the invention 1. The system 1 has a water outlet 2, which is connected to a thermostat controller 3 via a line 4. The water outlet 2 or the line 4 are provided in a heating device 11, with which the water outlet 2 or the line 4 are preferably heated via hot water. In the thermostat controller 3 performs a hot water supply line 5 and a cold water supply line 6. Furthermore, the thermostat controller 3 is connected to a sewer line 7. The thermostat controller 3 is set up and designed to assume a first state 8 and a further state 9. In the first state 8, before the water provided for the line 4 has reached a threshold temperature set by a temperature selector 18, this water is discharged via the sewer line 7. When the sewer pipe 7 leads into the sewer (not shown), a protective device 25 is provided in the sewer pipe 7 to prevent the ingress of germs from the sewer. In the further state 9, after exceeding the threshold temperature, which is preferably in a range of 30-40 ° C, provided for the line 4 water discharged through the line 4 into the water outlet 2. Whether the first state 8 or the further state 9 is present is determined via a temperature sensor 12, which is provided in the thermostat controller 3. The water leaving the water outlet 2 is collected by a basin 13, the basin 13 being provided below the thermostat regulator 3. The sewer line 7 is connected to a recycling device 14 in order to supply the water obtained in the first state to a boiler 17, which feeds the thus reheated water into the hot water supply line 5.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the shower system according to the invention 1. Reference is made to the figure description 1 with the following differences: The sewer line 7 is opposite to FIG. 1 provided at a manifold 16 above the thermostat controller 3 and just below the configured as a shower 15 water outlet 2. The distributor 16 is controlled by the thermostat 3, as indicated by the dashed line connecting the thermostat 3 and the distributor 16. The distributor 3 is designed and arranged such that it initially in the first state 8, the line 4 ascending, but still too cold water via the sewer line 7 in the recycling facility 14 or directly into the wastewater (not shown) passes. However, if the further state 9 is reached, then the water having the desired temperature is conducted from the line 4 into the water outlet 2 through the distributor 16. By selecting the temperature 22, the showering process is ended. The temperature selection 22 is also operatively connected to the manifold 16 as indicated by the dotted line. If the end of the showering process has been selected in the temperature selection 22, the water in the water outlet 2 and the line 4 is discharged via the distributor 16 via the sewer line 7. In the pipe system can prevail at this time ambient pressure, so that the water in the shower head can escape and is not retained by negative pressure in the system. As a result, it is achieved that a shower 15 provided in the water outlet 2 becomes essentially anhydrous, as a result of which the nucleation and calcification, in the water outlet 2 reduced and the hygiene is increased. Also, the annoying dripping of the shower head is reduced.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the method 19 according to the invention as a step sequence. First, in a designated as "turn on" step 20 in the FIGS. 1 and 2 turned on inventive system described. In a step 21, it comes to "temperature selection", whereby the first state 8 and the other state 9 different threshold temperature is set. In a step 22 referred to as "heating", first the water which does not reach the threshold temperature is discharged. This can according to the embodiment in FIG. 1 directly from the thermostat controller 3 or according to the further embodiment in FIG. 2 take place via the distributor 16. In a step 23 called "showering", the water reaching the threshold temperature is discharged from the water outlet 2 according to the further state 9. This can according to the embodiment in FIG. 1 take place directly via the line 4. According to the further embodiment of the FIG. 2 This is done through the manifold 16. In a step called "finishing" step 24, the water still in the system 1 is discharged after completion of the shower. After the design in FIG. 1 this is done by the associated with the thermostat controller 3 sewer 7. According to the further embodiment in FIG. 2 this is done via the manifold 16 which is connected to the sewer line 7. In the method 19 according to the invention, the two embodiments of the FIGS. 1 and 2 operated alternatively or in combination.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

shower system

2

water outlet

3

thermostat

4

management

5

Hot water supply

6

Cold water supply line

7

sewer

8th

First state

9

Another condition

10

Protection device

11

heater

12

temperature sensor

13

pool

14

Recycling facility

15

shower

16

distributor

17

boiler

18

temperature selector

19

method

20

turn on

21

temperature selection

22

Heat

23

take a shower

24

break up

25

guard

Claims (15)

A showering system (1) comprising as components: a. a water outlet (2); b. a thermostat controller (3); c. a conduit (4) connecting the water outlet (2) and the thermostat regulator (3); d. a hot water supply line (5) connected to the thermostat regulator (3); e. a cold water supply line (6) connected to the thermostat regulator (3); f. a sewer pipe (7) connected to the thermostat controller (3); wherein the thermostat controller (3) is set up and configured for temperature-dependent setting of a first state (8) and a further state (9);
wherein in the first state (8) the hot water supply line (5) and the cold water supply line (6) are connected to the sewer line (7);
wherein in the further state (9) the hot water supply line (5) and the cold water line (6) are connected to the line (4). The shower system (1) according to claim 1, wherein in the first state (8) the hot water supply line (5) and the cold water supply line (6) are connected to the sewer line (7) via a protective device (10). The shower system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water outlet (2) or the line (4) or both are provided with a heating device (11) connected to the hot water supply line (5). The shower system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the line (4) or the water outlet (2) or both are connected to the sewer line (7). The shower system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermostat regulator (3) is set up and designed to change from the first state (8) to the further state (9) when a mixture of the water from the cold water supply line (6) and the hot water supply line (5) has a preselected temperature, preferably of 30 ° C and more. The shower system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water outlet (2) is selected from the group consisting of a hand shower, overhead shower, a nozzle and a shower head or a combination of at least two of them. The shower system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermostat regulator (3) has a temperature sensor (12). The shower system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conduit (4) is a pipe or a hose or both. The shower system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hot water supply line (5) or the cold water supply line (6) or both via a recycling device (14) are connected to the sewer line (7). The shower system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the conduit (4) a manifold (16) is provided, wherein the manifold (16) is connected to the sewer pipe (7). A method of operating a shower (15) comprising the method steps: a. Providing a mixture of hot and cold water into a thermostat regulator (3); b. Determining the temperature of the mixture; c. Discharging the mixture into a sewer line (7) without increasing a germ count; Releasing the mixture through the thermostat regulator (3) into a conduit (4) connected to a water outlet (2) as soon as the temperature has exceeded a threshold value. The method of claim 11, wherein the threshold is 30 ° C and more. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the deriving between the thermostat regulator (3) and water outlet (2). The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein in the method the shower system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is used. A use of the shower system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for reducing one or more elements selected from the group consisting of the cold fright with no deterioration in hygiene in the shower system (1) and the dripping of the water outlet (2).

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