U.S. patent application number 12/300655 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-16 for automatic bathroom filler.
Invention is credited to Plamen Spassov Vassilev.
Application Number | 20090178192 12/300655 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36660331 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090178192 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vassilev; Plamen Spassov |
July 16, 2009 |
AUTOMATIC BATHROOM FILLER
Abstract
A system (10) for automatically filling a bathtub (14), is
operatively arranged to supply heated water to the bathtub and to
drain water from the bathtub through a drain outlet (12) after use,
the system comprising a conduit (14b) through which water from the
drain outlet is recirculated back to the bathtub in use. The
bathtub outlet comprises a passageway having an upstream end
connectable in fluid communication with the bathtub, a downstream
end connectable to a drain (60) and a servo-actuated valve (34)
disposed to control water flow through the passageway, the
passageway comprising a branch (80) in fluid communication with it
at a region between the upstream end and the servo-actuated valve.
The branch may be used to fill the bathtub and/or for the water
recirculation. Alternatively the bathtub overflow outlet (30)
comprises an inlet (18) connectable to an external supply (50) of
filling water and directing this filling water into the bathtub in
use. The overflow outlet may further comprise an inlet connectable
to the recirculation conduit (14b) and directing water from the
recirculation conduit into the bathtub in use. The drain outlet may
also be used to recirculate water back into the bathtub via an
inlet branch (81, FIGS. 7a, 9).
Inventors: |
Vassilev; Plamen Spassov;
(London, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN S. PRATT, ESQ;KILPATRICK STOCKTON, LLP
1100 PEACHTREE STREET, SUITE 2800
ATLANTA
GA
30309
US
|
Family ID: |
36660331 |
Appl. No.: |
12/300655 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
April 10, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB07/01308 |
371 Date: |
December 31, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/668 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05D 23/1393 20130101;
E03C 1/232 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/668 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/00 20060101
E03C001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 17, 2006 |
GB |
0609788.5 |
Claims
1. A system for automatically filling a bathtub, the system being
operatively arranged to supply heated water to the bathtub, and to
drain water from the bathtub through a drain outlet after use, the
system comprising a recirculation conduit through which water from
the drain outlet is recirculated back to the bathtub in use,
wherein the recirculation conduit is connected to a filling inlet
that is combined with an overflow outlet for the bathtub or formed
as a spout mounted on an adjacent wall or ceiling area.
2. The system of claim 1, in which an external water supply for
filling the bath is connected to an inlet combined with the drain
outlet.
3. The system as defined in of claim 1, in which an external water
supply for filling the bath is connected to the filling inlet.
4. The system of claim 1 adapted to fill the bathtub to a
predetermined depth.
5. The system of claim 2 in which, to maintain the water at a
predetermined temperature, a control system is arranged to
automatically add heated water to the bath from the external water
supply.
6. The system of claim 4, in which water is released through the
drain outlet to a drain so as to maintain the depth of water at the
predetermined depth.
7. The system of claim 4, in which water is released through the
drain outlet to a drain so as to maintain the depth of water below
a maximum depth.
8. The system of claim 1 in which after filling the bathtub to the
predetermined depth, to maintain the predetermined water
temperature in the bath, a control system is arranged to
automatically add heated water to the bath through the
recirculation conduit.
9. The system of claim 8, in which the recirculation conduit is
provided with a water heater.
10. The system of claim 1 comprising a main inlet and an auxiliary
inlet, to one, the other or both of which the heated water may be
selectively supplied.
11. The system of claim 10, in which the main inlet comprises one
or more of a separate filling inlet, a combined filling inlet/drain
outlet and a combined filling inlet/overflow outlet.
12. The system of claim 10, in which the auxiliary inlet comprises
one or more of a shower head, body jets or another inlet.
13. The system of claim 1, which is programmable to fill the
bathtub at a predetermined time.
14. The system of claim 1, which is programmable by local
control.
15. The system of claim 1, which is remotely programmable.
16. A bathtub overflow fitting comprising a first inlet connected
in use to an external supply of filling water and directing this
filling water into a bathtub in use, the overflow fitting
comprising a further inlet connected in use to a recirculation
conduit and directing water from the recirculation conduit into the
bathtub.
17. A bathtub fitting comprising a passageway having an upstream
end connectable in fluid communication with a drain aperture of a
bathtub, a downstream end connectable to a drain and a valve
disposed to control water flow through the passageway; wherein the
fitting comprises first and second branches in fluid communication
with the passageway at a region between the upstream end and the
valve, for recirculation of water from the bathtub back into the
bathtub.
18. The bathtub fitting of claim 17, in which at least one of the
branches is used as a filling inlet for the bathtub.
19. The bathtub fitting of claim 17, in which the passageway
comprises an overflow connection downstream of the valve.
20. The bathtub fitting of claim 17, comprising a sensor or sensors
for sensing pressure and/or temperature of the water upstream of
the valve.
21. The bathtub fitting of claim 17, in which the valve is
servo-actuated.
22. The bathtub fitting of claim 21, in which the servo-actuated
valve comprises a manual override.
23. The bathtub fitting of claim 17, in which the valve comprises
an upwardly extending baffle which divides the passageway into two
parts, respectively in fluid communication with the first and
second branches.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention concerns control systems and apparatus for
automatically filling bathtubs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Bathtubs are usually filled by manually inserting a plug in
the drain or plughole (this includes closing "pop-up" waste valves)
and turning the hot and cold taps on. To fill a bathtub in this
traditional way takes time and often the result is a bathtub not
filled to the desired level and temperature. Adjusting water level
and temperature to the final stage involves the undivided attention
of the user and errors and inattention often necessitate releasing
some water into the drain. A person taking a bath daily is wasting
many hours a year filling and adjusting the water temperature and
level. Another aspect of the problem of manual or semi-automatic
filling of bathtubs is that water and energy are wasted. There are
devices of varying complexity on the market that have attempted to
provide a solution to this problem but these often spoil the
appearance of the bath. Some of these devices time the periods for
which the hot and cold supplies are on without compensating for
water pressure and temperature fluctuation. Closing the plug is
often left to the person filling the bathtub and sometimes this is
simply forgotten, pouring into the drain a bath full of water or
more and hence the energy needed to heat it, not to mention that
this wastage may have used up most of the available hot water,
precluding successful bath filling immediately afterwards. Another
serious problem is overfilling of bathtubs when the overflow is
insufficient to take the excess water into the drain. When this
happens flooding can cause extensive damage and very high insurance
claims. Manual filling can present the danger of scalding, too.
[0003] DE10031665 shows apparatus for automatically filling a
bathtub, including mechanically interlinked automatically
controlled inlet valves on both the hot and cold water supply
pipes. The apparatus allows blending of the filling water to
achieve a desired temperature. The filling level is controlled by a
pressure sensor in the base of the bathtub or by a turbine flow
meter which measures the total water inflow. The bath outlet is
provided with a servo-operated poppet valve. The disclosed system
is therefore capable of automatically closing the outlet valve and
filling the tub to a desired level with water at a predetermined
elevated temperature. When bathing has finished, the tub can be
emptied again through the servo-operated outlet valve. However the
system as disclosed is incapable of maintaining the water in the
tub at the desired temperature for extended periods. Also, the
monitoring sensor needs to be mounted in an aperture cut into the
tub, spoiling the appearance of the tub and providing a further
potential leak path. Also, this location does not compensate for
localised cooling of the water from heat losses through the bath,
resulting in the bath being filled with warmer or colder water than
anticipated.
[0004] GB2174219 discloses a bath having an automated hot and cold
water inlet mixer valve and an automated outlet for waste water. A
control system senses the level and temperature of the water in the
bath during filling and regulates the mixer valve to achieve a
user-specified depth and temperature at a point when the mixer
valve is closed. The user can also adjust the water temperature
during bathing by activating the control system to add hot or cold
water. When the level of water in the bath becomes excessive, the
control system opens the waste valve until the surplus water has
been drained off. The bath is also provided with a water
recirculation pipe connected to an intake in the side of the bath
and having an outlet end connected to a pump and conventional
Jacuzzi jets. The recirculation pipe is provided with a through
flow water heater which can be used to maintain the water at a
pre-set temperature once the bath has been filled. For
installation, this system therefore requires several further
apertures or other penetrations through the side of the bath than
are conventionally needed, with attendant disadvantages as
above.
[0005] JP2002-206802 concerns a bath filling control system in
which filling and recirculation of bath water takes place in some
embodiments through a recirculation adapter which forms a part of a
drain fitting for the bath. The fitting is relatively complex in
construction and the recirculation passages provided are of
restricted cross-section due to space constraints.
[0006] GB2424367 relates to an automated bath in which water from
the bath may be filtered, heated and recirculated back into the
bath via a three-way mixer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention addresses these problems by providing
a system for automatically filling a bathtub, the system being
operatively arranged to supply heated water to the bathtub and to
drain water from the bathtub through a drain outlet after use, the
system comprising a recirculation conduit through which water from
the drain outlet is recirculated back to the bathtub in use,
characterised in that the recirculation conduit is connected to a
filling inlet that is combined with an overflow outlet for the
bathtub or formed as a spout mounted on an adjacent wall or ceiling
area. This helps to maintain an even temperature throughout the
water in the bathtub, without requiring additional apertures or
penetrations through the side of the bathtub.
[0008] An external water supply for filling the bath may be
connected to the filling inlet or to an inlet combined with the
drain outlet. The usual taps and tap hole(s) can then be
eliminated, giving the bath a clean and uncluttered appearance.
[0009] The system may be operatively arranged to fill the bathtub
to a predetermined depth. Thereafter, to maintain the water at a
predetermined temperature, the system may be arranged to
automatically add heated water to the bath from the external
filling supply. A quantity of water may also be released through
the drainage outlet to a drain so as either to maintain the depth
of water at the predetermined depth, or to maintain the depth of
water below a maximum depth.
[0010] Alternatively, after filling the bathtub to the
predetermined depth, to maintain the predetermined water
temperature in the bath, the system may be arranged to
automatically add heated water to the bath through the
recirculation conduit. For this purpose, the recirculation conduit
may be provided with a water heater.
[0011] The system may comprise a main inlet and an auxiliary inlet,
to one, the other or both of which the heated water may be
selectively supplied. For example, the main inlet may be combined
with one or more of a separate filling inlet, a combined filling
inlet/drain outlet and a combined filling inlet/overflow outlet,
and the auxiliary inlet may be connected to a shower head, body
jets or the like.
[0012] The control system may be programmable to fill the bath at a
predetermined time. It may be programmable for this or any other
purpose either by local control, such as a directly connected
keypad or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the control
system may be remotely programmable, for example from a "wireless"
handset using an infrared, ultrasonic or radio link. Remote
programming may also be via a LAN, home automation network, the
internet, the public telephone system, broadband cable or the
like.
[0013] The invention also provides a bathtub overflow fitting
comprising an inlet connectable to an external supply of filling
water and directing this filling water into the bathtub in use, the
overflow fitting further comprising an inlet connected to a
recirculation conduit and directing water from the recirculation
conduit into the bathtub in use.
[0014] In a further aspect, the invention provides a bathtub
fitting comprising a passageway having an upstream end connectable
in fluid communication with a drain aperture of a bathtub, a
downstream end connectable to a drain and a valve disposed to
control water flow through the passageway; characterised in that
the fitting comprises first and second branches in fluid
communication with the passageway at a region between the upstream
end and the valve, for recirculation of water from the bathtub back
into the bathtub.
[0015] At least one of the branches may be used as a filling inlet
for the bathtub. The passageway may comprise an overflow connection
downstream of the valve. A sensor or sensors may be provided, for
sensing pressure and/or temperature of the water upstream of the
valve. The valve may be servo-actuated, and may comprise a manual
override. In one embodiment, the valve comprises an upwardly
extending baffle which divides the passageway into two parts,
respectively in fluid communication with the first and second
branches.
[0016] The invention in its various aspects is applicable not only
to bathtubs for installation in domestic bathrooms, but to similar
sanitary appliances such as sinks and washbasins, spa baths,
hydrotherapy pools, whirlpool baths ("Jauzzi".RTM. baths), foot
baths and the like. The term "bathtub" as used in this
specification should be construed accordingly.
[0017] Further preferred features and advantages of the invention
will be apparent from the following description of illustrative
embodiments, made with reference to the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a bathtub filling control system
embodying the invention;
[0019] FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c show modifications of the system of FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a drain outlet assembly
for use in the control system of FIGS. 1 and 2a-c;
[0021] FIGS. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views taken on line A--A
in FIG. 3, showing a poppet valve in open and closed positions
respectively;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on line B-B in FIG.
4;
[0023] FIG. 7a is a diagrammatic representation of a bathtub
filling control system embodying the further aspect of the
invention, in which the inlet to and the outlet from the
circulation pump are both from the drain assembly;
[0024] FIG. 7b is similar to FIG. 7a, but with the conventional
overflow eliminated, and
[0025] FIGS. 8 and 9 show modifications to the drain outlet
assembly and poppet valve, for use with the systems of FIGS. 7a and
7b, FIG. 9 being a section on line C-C in FIG. 8.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] This invention relates to a system 10 and apparatus for
facilitating the control, preferably including remote control, of a
bathtub, advantageously for enhanced comfort and optimal use of
energy and water. In a preferred embodiment, the system 10 at a
command closes the drain 12 of a bathtub 14 and fills it with water
to a user-defined depth and temperature. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, a circulation pump 16 moves the water from
the drainage outlet of the bathtub (upstream of a motorised poppet
valve 34 which selectively closes off a drainage outlet pipe 60)
back into the bath through an inlet 18 during filling, at intervals
or continuously, so ensuring temperature losses from the water in
the bathtub are compensated for by the temperature of the filling
water. This water is evenly mixed with water already in the bathtub
to give a more uniform temperature. The inlet 18 may be combined
with an overflow 30 connected to the drain outlet 12 in the usual
way. When the bathtub 14 is filled and left to stand, the system 10
could either maintain the temperature and level of the water by
releasing water into the drain 12 and then filling with more water,
or circulating water via an optional heater/cooler 20 from the
drain 12 and back into the bathtub 14 through the inlet 18. The
system 10 can be controlled with a simple hand-held remote
controller, a wall or similarly-mounted console 40 with a keypad 42
and an LCD or similar numeric display 44, and/or via the Internet,
telephone network, a LAN, a home automation system or any other
suitable way as desired, for example using the RS232/RS484 and/or
TCP/IP interfaces 46, 48 illustrated.
[0027] Hot and cold external water supply pipes 50 are connected to
a motorised blending valve 54 via non-return valves 52. Water
blended to a desired temperature is supplied from the valve 54 to a
volume (flow rate) or simple on/off motorised control valve 56. The
outlet from the flow control valve 56 is connected to the inlet of
a manually operated or motorised diverter valve 58. This may be of
the known kind having a main and an auxiliary outlet, the inlet
being connected to the main outlet in the default no-flow
condition, and the inlet remaining connected to whichever of the
main and auxiliary outlets is set in the flow condition. The main
outlet 26 of the diverter valve 58 is connected to the bath filling
inlet 18. One or more auxiliary water inlets 22 are connected to
the auxiliary outlet of the diverter valve 58 and are provided for
connection to a shower head, body jets or for many other uses.
[0028] An electronic control unit 62 has control outputs 64, 66,
68, 70, 72 respectively connected to the blending valve 54, the
flow control valve 56, an actuator 32 for the motorised poppet
valve 34, the heater 20 and the circulation pump 16. The control
unit has inputs 74, 76, 78 respectively from a temperature sensor
73 mounted in or on the conduit connecting the valves 56, 58, and
from a combined pressure and temperature sensor 42 in the drain 12
upstream of the poppet valve 34. There is also an input 75
signalling the position of the actuator 32, and hence whether or
not the poppet valve 34 is closed. The control unit may be
programmable from the console 40 or interfaces 46, 48 to fill the
bath to a specified depth and temperature, either immediately or at
a specified future time. The temperature and water depth may also
be adjusted from the console 40 or interfaces 46, 48 after the
initial bath filling cycle is completed. The control unit 62 may be
programmed to maintain the water depth at the specified depth and
temperature, either by circulating water through the heater 20, or
by from time to time opening the poppet valve 34 to release water
into the drainage outlet 60 and topping up the bath 14 with hot
water from the blending valve 52. The heater 20 is therefore
optional. Both the heater 20 and the circulation pump can be
deactivated and the poppet valve 34 can be opened to drain the bath
14, using the control panel 40 or interfaces 46, 48.
[0029] The bathtub filling from the external water supply if
desired could be done from the "waste" or drain 12, creating more
unusual feel and reducing the noise associated with filling to
almost silent filling. This filling arrangement is shown in FIG.
2a, in which instead of being connected to the bath inlet/overflow
18/30, the main outlet 26 from the diverter valve 58 is connected
to the bath drain outlet 12, upstream of the poppet valve 34. With
this arrangement, the overflow 30/inlet 18 is nevertheless still
used as the inlet for returning the water recirculated to the
bathtub, so as to maintain an even water temperature within the
bathtub 14. This system and apparatus with minor variations fits
most bathtubs without any modifications to the bathtubs or spoiling
of their appearance. No extra apertures need be cut through the
bathtub to accommodate the system connections and components.
[0030] FIGS. 2b and 2c show further variants in which the output
from the circulation pump 16 is connected to the conduit
interconnecting the flow control and diverter valves 56, 58, or to
the conduit interconnecting the blending and flow control valves
54, 56. In FIGS. 2a-2c, the control unit 62, interfaces 40, 46, 48
and their electrical connections are omitted for clarity, but will
be similar to those shown in FIG. 1.
[0031] As shown, the system may comprise four main apparatus
components controllable by a variety of suitable
controllers/interfaces including but not limited to TCP/IP
(Ethernet), RS232/RS484 or a basic LCD interface with push buttons.
The main components are as follows
I. Drain Assembly
[0032] The drain assembly 12 comprises the device 32 for motorised
actuation of the poppet valve 34, the assembly having a
circulation/monitoring chamber 38 containing an outlet 80 for
feeding of the circulation pump 16 and a connection 82 for
accommodating a combined temperature and pressure sensor 42.
Alternatively, these sensors may be separate. A connection 84 for
the overflow outlet 30 is present below the point of operation of
the poppet valve 34 allowing unobstructed flow of water to
discharge into the drainage pipe 60. The drain assembly is shown in
more detail in FIGS. 3 to 6, and comprises the following parts:
ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION
[0033] 1 domed drain outlet cover [0034] 2 outlet cover support
arms [0035] 14 bath tub [0036] 3 tubular valve housing [0037] 4
Bowden cable connecting to linear actuator 32 [0038] 5 slider
[0039] 6 Bowden cable connecting to poppet valve manual override,
e.g. a knob mounted in front of the overflow outlet 30 in known
manner [0040] 7 guide tube [0041] 8 arm [0042] 9 actuating lever
[0043] 34 poppet valve [0044] 11 sealing ring [0045] 12a sensor
wires and pressure sensor balancing tube [0046] 42 combined
pressure and temperature sensor [0047] 80 circulation outlet [0048]
15, 16a gaskets [0049] 17 externally threaded sleeve
[0050] The poppet valve 34 closes against a seat 38a formed in the
bottom of the circulation/monitoring chamber 38 and seals against
this seat by means of sealing ring 11. The poppet valve 34 is
guided for linear sliding movement in the tubular valve housing 3
by four depending legs 34a which are a close sliding fit in the
drainage outlet pipe 60. The guide tube 7 is arranged parallel to
the overflow inlet connection 84 and accommodates the slider 5. The
actuating lever 9 is bent as seen most clearly in FIG. 6 and has a
first end engaged beneath the poppet valve 34, between the legs
34a. A second end of the lever 9 is journalled in a bore formed in
a boss 3a attached to the overflow connection 84. The second end of
the lever 9 is sealed in the bore by O rings 9a. The arm 8 is fixed
to extend transversely of the second end of the lever 9, upwardly
into the guide tube 7 through a slot 7a. The upper end of the arm 8
engages in a recess 5a in the slider 5. Linear movement of the
slider 5 in the guide tube 7 under the action of the Bowden cables
4 or 6 therefore causes the arm 8 to pivot the second end of the
lever 9 in the bore in the boss 3a, and hence causes the first end
of the lever to move up and down, opening or closing the poppet
valve 34 against the seat 38a. The circulation outlet 80 and sensor
connection 82 are in fluid communication with the
circulation/monitoring chamber 38 above the seat 38a; whereas the
drainage outlet pipe 60 and overflow connection 84 are below the
seat 38a.
[0051] Where the bath is to be filled from the external water
supply via the drain assembly 12 as in FIG. 2a, the motorised
blending valve 54 having inlets connected to hot and cold external
water supplies 50 via non-return valves 54, together with the flow
control valve 56 and diverter valve 58, have their main outlet 26
connected to the circulation/monitoring chamber 38 or to the
circulation outlet 80, or to the circulation conduit 14b connected
to that outlet.
[0052] The circulation/monitoring chamber 38 has an internally
threaded upper rim 38b for reception of the externally threaded
sleeve 17. The usual drainage aperture is formed at the lowest
point of the bath 14 and the rim of this aperture is clamped
between the gaskets 15, 16a sandwiched between an upper flange 17a
on the sleeve 17 and the upper rim 38b of the
circulation/monitoring chamber 38. The drain outlet cover 1 is
supported on the sleeve 17 by the arms 2. The rim of the cover 1 is
spaced above the flange 17a to define an annular gap allowing fluid
communication between the interior of the bath 14 and the
circulation/monitoring chamber 38. The entire drain assembly, apart
from the cover 1, flange 17a and gasket 16, is thus sealingly
suspended beneath the usual drainage aperture in the bath 14. The
cover 1 is readily removable for cleaning purposes. The poppet
valve 34 is provided with a stem 35 which can be grasped for
removal of the valve 34 from the body 30 through the chamber 38,
for cleaning purposes.
[0053] A further bathtub filling, emptying and water recirculation
system and associated control circuitry is shown in FIG. 7a. Here
the inlet to and outlet from the circulation pump 16 are both from
the drain assembly 12. The required modification to the drain
assembly and poppet valve are described in further detail below,
with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. The required control circuitry,
including the controllers and interfaces that may be used, may be
substantially identical to that described and shown with reference
to FIG. 1. For brevity such description is not repeated here.
[0054] A still further system shown in FIG. 7b is similar to that
of FIG. 7a except that the overflow 30 is eliminated. Instead
either electronic (e.g. pressure sensor) water level monitoring is
used alone, or a "hidden" overflow is used, of the kind described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,509, or similar. In FIG. 7b, the control
unit 62, interfaces 40, 46, 48 and their electrical connections are
omitted for simplicity, but will be similar to those shown in FIGS.
1 and 7a.
[0055] FIG. 8 shows a modified form of the drain assembly 12 for
use with the systems shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, in which the
circulation/monitoring chamber 38 is not only provided with the
circulation outlet 80 connected to the pump inlet, through which
water is removed from the bathtub 14 via the drain assembly 12, but
also an inlet 81 that may be connected to the pump outlet for
returning the circulated water back into the bathtub via the
circulation/monitoring chamber 38. As shown in FIG. 9, with this
arrangement, two of the cover support arms 2 shown in FIG. 4 are
replaced by a depending double transverse baffle 2a. The poppet
valve stem 34 is replaced by an upwardly extending transverse
baffle 35 an upper end of which engages snugly between the two
lowermost parts of the double transverse baffle 2a. This still
allows vertical sliding movement of the poppet valve relative to
the drain assembly body and cover. The interengaging baffles divide
the circulation/monitoring chamber into two parts: one in fluid
communication with the circulation outlet 80 and the other in fluid
communication with the inlet 81. The inlet and outlet flows to and
from the bathtub via the drain assembly 12 are represented by the
arrows I, 0 respectively. As these flows take place through
opposite sides of the annulus defined between the base of the
bathtub 14 and the cover 1, substantial mixing of the bath water
will take place, despite the fact that water flows are all to or
from the drain assembly 12. This is so even if some water is
permitted to "leak" around the edges of the baffles 2a, 35. The
guide tube and slider are also shown in FIG. 9, appearing in
transverse section, to the right of the poppet valve.
II. Inlet/Overflow
[0056] As one option, the overflow device provides a recirculation
inlet into the bathtub, used in some instances for filling the
bathtub as well as for water recirculation. The device may
incorporate filler inlet 18, bathtub overflow 30 and a lever or
knob for manual actuation of the poppet valve 34. This is a remote
manual waste actuator, e.g. a control knob at the overflow inlet,
connected to the poppet valve 34 via the Bowden cable 6. The two
inlets 50 connected to hot and cold external water supplies via the
non return valves 52 are optionally connected to the filler inlet
18 as shown in FIG. 1. The device 54 for motorised blending of
water and the device 56 for flow control (if not connected to the
drain assembly 12 as described above) optionally fills the bathtub
from these inlets while the circulation pump 16 taking water from
the circulation/monitoring chamber 38 via the circulation conduit
14b is also connected to the filler inlet 18 (if not connected to a
combined recirculation and drainage fitting as described above,
particularly with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9). The circulation pump
output and the blending valve output may be connected to the filler
inlet 18 via one outlet of the manual or motorised diverter valve
58. The other outlet of the diverter valve may be connected to an
auxiliary water inlet 22 for the bathtub, such as a shower head,
body jet nozzles or the like. The circulation circuit is in place
to move water around the bathtub from the circulation/monitoring
chamber 38 to the filler inlet 18 and/or the auxiliary inlet(s) 22,
(and/or a drainage fitting inlet branch 81, if present) while
filling is in progress, facilitating an accurate temperature
reading for the bathtub water from the temperature sensor 42.
Circulation at a time interval predetermined by the controller 62
ensures accurate monitoring of temperature by the controller. When
bathtub water is left for some time, temperature can be adjusted by
discharging some water via the motorised poppet valve 34 and adding
some more water at suitable temperature. When the bathtub is filled
and left for some time the controller 62 with the means of
circulation through the device for heating or cooling 20 can
maintain the predefined temperature without discharging water.
[0057] The combined filler inlet 18/overflow 30 assembly may be as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,539. Alternatively a separate
spout mounted to a convenient adjacent surface such as a wall or
ceiling may be used to fill the bathtub and/or return recirculated
water to the bathtub.
III. Filling Control Valves
[0058] These are provided by the device for motorised blending of
water and flow control, as mentioned above. This comprises a valve
assembly having thermostatic 54 and volume 56 valves with motors
and the temperature sensor 73. Hot and cold water incoming via the
check valves 52 is blended to the correct predetermined temperature
by the motorised thermostatic valve 54. The motorised volume
control valve 56 controls the water flow from completely closed
status to fully open. The main function of this valve is as an
ON/OFF valve in relation to the bathtub filing. The volume control
function is used in conjunction with the circulation pump and/or
when a hand shower is connected to the auxiliary filling inlet
22.
IV. System Control Unit
[0059] The control unit 62 for the devices as mentioned above, may
have a basic interface 40 having a keypad and LCD or other visual
display as described above, and/or other data interfaces such as
40, 46 described above. The user chooses a bathtub filling depth
and temperature setting via preset buttons or as user defined
values via a numeric keypad. The flow rate for the auxiliary output
is set and the user confirms the choice by selecting ON.
[0060] For bathtub filling, initialisation starts by establishing
that the bathtub is empty. The actuator 32 of the poppet valve 34
is energised and when the poppet valve is closed filling commences.
The volume control valve 56 fully opens and blending of water
starts at the user predefined temperature monitored by temperature
sensor 42 until sufficient quantity of water is discharged into the
bathtub (preset, but programmable) for the circulation pump 16 to
start working. With the circulation pump in operation the
temperature reading from temperature sensor 42 is compared with the
user predefined temperature and temperature sensor 73 limits the
temperature at the blending valve 54 not to exceed the predefined
maximum temperature to prevent scalding. The pressure sensor 42,
which utilises technology that compensates for ambient pressure
variations, facilitates the water level monitoring and when the
desired level is achieved the volume control valve 56 is turned
off. Temperature sensor 42 and the pressure sensor 42 can be
combined or housed in the same housing for ease of servicing.
Bathtub filling can be interrupted at any time by selecting OFF
(manual shutdown override).
[0061] For use of the auxiliary inlet 22 (e.g. hand shower), the
volume control valve 56 opens and blending of water starts at the
user predefined volume and temperature, monitored by temperature
sensor 73.
[0062] The basic LCD interface 40 is intended to be located within
reach of the bather. An additional remote basic LCD interface
without the auxiliary (hand shower) functions could be located on a
nearby wall. The interface 40 may be configured as a waterproofed
battery operated remote handset, the communication channel 41 with
the control unit 62 being provided via an infrared, radio or
ultrasonic link. The link 41 is preferably bidirectional as shown,
so that system status information is available at the interface 40,
but in simplified form the link may be unidirectional, for
supplying commands to the control unit 62 only.
[0063] Communication to the controller via TCP/IP protocol allows
remote operation and full control from a mobile device or
Internet/Intranet with a customisable user interface. Communication
to the controller via RS232/RS484 protocol allows integration with
home automation systems. Other connectivity options are
possible.
[0064] By using circulation and temperature monitoring at the
circulation/monitoring chamber 38 at the bottom of the bathtub via
temperature sensor 42, accurate bathtub water temperature
measurement and control is achieved. This method for monitoring the
water temperature compensates for the heat loss to ambient before
filling, during filling and during bathing.
[0065] The bath filling inlet 18 need not be combined with the
overflow outlet 30, but could instead be in the form of a spout
mounted e.g. on an adjacent wall or ceiling area.
* * * * *