[0001] The invention relates to a water treatment system comprising a cold water feed line,
and a hot water feed line coupled to a mixing valve, wherein the mixing valve comprises
an output which is coupled to a treatment outlet via a mixed water feed line.
[0002] The invention also relates to a method for controlling a water temperature at a treatment
outlet.
[0003] A treatment with different water temperatures may be useful to achieve certain effects
on a user. For example, hot water dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to
the skin and muscles. This improves circulation and the immune system. Waste products
may be effectively removed, while nutrients and oxygen are carried around the body.
Cold water stimulates the blood vessels near the skin surface to constrict, sending
blood away from the skin and towards the internal organs, improving their functioning
and reducing inflammation. An existing treatment method with different water temperatures
is known as contrast bath therapy.
[0004] EP 0 581 192 B1 generally relates to a shower shifter for a sanitary fitting having a water inlet,
two water outlets, whereof one leads to a shower, and a valve element which, as a
function of the position, closes one of the two water outlets.
[0005] DE 195 01 716 discloses a sanitary shower device comprising a mixing valve being electronically
operable and a shower head including a bypass line extending from the cold water line
to the shower device. A solenoid valve is arranged in the bypass line and can be opened
and closed with a release button. With this sanitary shower device it is possible
to quickly change from a set mixed water temperature to a cold water temperature and
vice versa without having to change the mixed water temperature.
[0006] Another shower device similar to the shower device disclosed in
DE 195 01 716 which comprises a mixing valve and two solenoid valves is disclosed in
DE 25 38 444. A specific feature of this shower device is that the solenoid valves may be periodically
operated by a timer, such that a cold water and a warm water stream can be led periodically
to a treatment outlet.
[0007] Furthermore,
DE 10 2007 010 792 teaches a shower assembly with a mixing assembly, several solenoid valves and a switching
valve near the treatment outlet. With the switching valve, it is possible to quickly
change the water temperature from a mixed water temperature to a cold water temperature
without having to change the temperature of the mixed water stream.
[0008] The object of the present invention is to facilitate a user-friendly water treatment
with an appliance that is suitable for use in a bath, shower or healthcare environment.
[0009] This object is achieved by a water treatment system comprising a cold water feed
line and a hot water feed line coupled to a mixing valve, wherein the mixing valve
comprises an output which is coupled to a treatment outlet via a mixed water feed
line, wherein an electronically operated mixed water valve is included in the mixed
water feed line. In addition to the mixed water feed line a cold water bypass line
is coupling the cold water feed line to the treatment outlet via an electronically
operated cold water valve included in the cold water bypass line. Furthermore, a controller
is coupled to the mixed water valve and the cold water valve. The controller is configured
to operate the mixed water valve and/or the cold water valve to change the water temperature
at the treatment outlet according to a water treatment procedure. According to the
present invention, the mixed water feed line includes a diverter valve arranged upstream
of the mixed water valve, wherein the diverter valve is configured to divert mixed
water to the water treatment outlet via the mixed water valve or to another outlet.
In addition, the controller is coupled with at least one sensor that provides data
representing a valve position of the diverter valve, and that the controller is configured
to operate the mixed water valve and/or the cold water valve depending on the position
of the diverter valve. Also, the controller is configured to initiate the water treatment
procedure only if the valve position of the diverter valve allows providing mixed
water to the treatment outlet.
[0010] One advantage of the invention is that a user is enabled to easily set a relaxing
warm temperature with the mixing valve, while being able to activate an automated
water treatment procedure using the electronically operated valves. These valves allow
to supply from time to time cold water to a water treatment outlet, like e.g. a hand
shower.
[0011] The mixing valve may be any of the commonly known types like a single-lever mixer
or a thermostatic mixer. This facilitates hydrotherapy applications that involve changing
predetermined water temperatures of a water treatment outlet.
[0012] The diverter valve allows that a user is enabled to easily switch the water flow
between the treatment outlet and any alternative outlet like e.g. a head shower or
bathtub outlet by using the diverter valve, while an unwanted impact of cold water
through the alternative outlet can be prevented or at least be reduced. The invention
facilitates the use of water treatment outlets using varying water temperatures for
water treatment such as hydrotherapy together with a diverter valve in home, healthcare
and/or spa appliances.
[0013] With the sensor, it becomes possible to prevent or reduce an undesired cold water
impact on the user through the water treatment outlet when the position of the diverter
valve is changed, namely the treatment outlet or an alternative outlet is chosen.
The sensor data can also be used to activate e.g. cold water output only from the
water treatment outlet while the alternative outlet at the same time provides normal
mixed water output. In general, one may think of various activation procedures for
the electronically actuated valves depending on the sensor data. The sensor may acquire
the valve position directly e.g. by a magnetic sensor or indirectly e.g. by a flow
sensor in at least one of the lines downstream of the diverter valve.
[0014] With the configuration of the controller according to the invention, a correct functioning
of the water treatment procedure may be ensured. Furthermore, this prevents a user
from a cold water shock from an alternative outlet.
[0015] In a variant of this embodiment the controller is configured to interrupt the water
treatment procedure if the position of the diverter valve is changed. Thereby it is
possible to prevent that a user of the water treatment outlet receives a cold water
shock when the position of diverter valve is accidently changed during a water treatment
procedure.
[0016] In one embodiment the cold water valve and the mixed water valve are bi-stable valves.
Such use of bi-stable valves may be advantageous for rapidly and effectively changing
the water temperature at the treatment outlet.
[0017] In another aspect the controller is configured to operate the cold water valve and
the mixed water valve in alternate positions when a water treatment procedure is being
performed. The user-perception of the water treatment procedure may thus be enhanced.
Furthermore, the cold water valve and the mixed water valve may be realized as one
common 3/2-valve such that only one actuator is needed.
[0018] In yet a further aspect the controller is configured to close the cold water valve
if no water treatment procedure is being performed. This facilitates the use of the
water treatment outlet as a water outlet without a particular water treatment procedure.
The versatility of use may be improved. In particular, the cold water valve is closed
by default such that no electrical power is need to keep the cold water valve closed.
[0019] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a method for controlling
a water temperature at a treatment outlet of the aforementioned water treatment system
or one of its embodiments, wherein water is provided to the treatment outlet through
a first water feed line with a first water temperature and through a second water
feed line with a second water temperature, wherein at least one valve in the first
water feed line and at least one valve in the second water feed line are operated
to change the water temperature at the treatment outlet according to a water treatment
procedure, wherein the position of at least one diverter valve having an output to
the first water feed line is monitored, and wherein the water treatment procedure
is only initiated if the diverter valve is set to a position in which water provided
by the diverter valve is directed to the first water feed line. Advantages of the
method can be at least partially derived by analogy from the advantages of the system.
[0020] In one embodiment of the method the water treatment procedure is interrupted if the
diverter valve is set to a position in which water provided by the diverter valve
is not directed to the first water feed line. Thereby an undesired impact perceived
by the user receiving the water treatment may be prevented or mitigated.
[0021] In a further embodiment the valve in the second water feed line is closed if no water
treatment procedure is being performed. This enhances the use possibilities of the
treatment outlet.
[0022] In an advantageous embodiment the position of the valve in the first water feed line
and the position of the valve in the second water feed line are switched alternatingly
when a water treatment procedure is being performed. Thus different water temperatures
suitable for a hydrotherapy treatment can be made available at the treatment outlet
in a favorable manner.
[0023] In a further embodiment the first water feed line is a mixed water feed line and
the second water feed line is a cold water feed line.
[0024] A processor may be configured to execute computer-program instructions according
to the aforementioned method or one of its embodiments.
[0025] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be
better understood when consideration is given to the following description in connection
with the accompanying schematic drawings wherein:
- Figure 1
- illustrates a system for water treatment;
- Figure 2
- illustrates, in a flowchart format, a sequence for water temperature control;
- Figure 3
- illustrates, in a flowchart format, a sequence for a water treatment procedure;
- Figure 4
- illustrates, in a flowchart format, a sequence for a water treatment session;
- Figure 5
- illustrates, in a flowchart format, a safety sequence;
- Figure 6
- illustrates, in a flowchart format, a treatment sequence.
[0026] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein.
However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary
of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures
are provided for illustrative purpose. Therefore the figures may be simplified in
certain aspects and are not necessarily to scale. Specific structural and functional
details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative
basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
[0027] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a water treatment system 100 comprising a hot
water feed line 104, a cold water feed line 106 and a mixing valve 108. The output
of the hot water feed line 104 is coupled to the mixing valve 108. The cold water
feed line 106 is split and has two outputs. A first output of the cold water feed
line 106 is coupled to the mixing valve 108. A second output of the cold water feed
line 106 is coupled to a treatment outlet 114 via a cold water bypass line 115.
[0028] The illustrated mixing valve 108 is a three-way valve for receiving water from both
the hot water feed line 104 and from the cold water feed line 106. The mixing valve
108 has an output to a mixed water line segment 124. The mixing valve 108 allows blending
the received hot water and cold water to provide mixed water at its output. Mixed
water with a mixed temperature is provided from the output of the mixing valve 108
to the mixed water line segment 124. Mixed water is water for which the temperature
could be adjusted by varying the portions of water from the hot water feed line 104
and the cold water feed line 106. As non-limiting examples, a mixing valve 108 may
be a manual mixing valve, a pressure compensating mixing valve or a thermostatic mixing
valve. The mixing valve 108 may be manually and/or automatically operated.
[0029] The mixed water line segment 124 has an output to a diverter valve 110. In some embodiment
and as illustrated in Figure 1, the diverter valve 110 may be a mechanical valve that
is manually operated. The illustrated diverter valve 110 is a three-way valve with
two outputs and one input for receiving water from mixed water line segment 124. The
diverter valve 110 allows controlling the direction of the water received at its input
to its outputs. In the given example a first output of the diverter valve 110 provides
water to a first outlet 112. A second output of the diverter valve 110 provides water
to a mixed water feed line 126. The output of the mixed water feed line 126 is coupled
to a treatment outlet 114.
[0030] The first outlet 112 may include without being limited to a spout, a bath filler
or a shower head. In some exemplary embodiments the treatment outlet 114 may be a
treatment device, for example but not limited to a hand shower, a mounted shower,
an arrangement of one or several nozzles, e.g. the nozzles of a tub or the nozzles
of a shower arrangement.
[0031] The water treatment system 100 further comprises a controller 102, preferably a microcontroller.
In one embodiment commands may be sent to the controller 102 via a user-interface.
The link between the controller 102 and the user-interface may be wireless or wired.
One or more elements of a user-interface associated with the controller 102 may include
(without being limited to) one or more of a touch pad, a push-button, a control dial,
a keyboard, a touch screen, a LED display.
[0032] The treatment outlet 114 may receive input from both the cold water feed line 106
and from the mixed water feed line 126. The cold water feed line 106 is split to allow
providing cold water to the mixing valve 108 and to the treatment outlet 114. A cold
water valve 116 is inserted in the section of the cold water feed line 106 that provides
water to the treatment outlet 114. A mixed water valve 118 is inserted in the mixed
water feed line 126 that provides water to the treatment outlet 114. The cold water
valve 116 and the mixed water valve 118 are electro-mechanically operated valves,
for example solenoid valves. In a preferred embodiment the cold water valve 116 and
the mixed water valve 118 may be bi-stable valves. The cold water valve 116 may be
operated by means of an electro-mechanical actuator 120 that is connected to the controller
102. The mixed water valve 118 may be operated by means of an electro-mechanical actuator
122 that is connected to the controller 102.
[0033] The controller 102 is coupled with the diverter valve 110 to receive data indicating
the position of the diverter valve 110. As an example, the controller 102 may be connected
to a sensor which is capable to determine the position of the diverter valve 110.
The controller 102 may be configured to monitor the position of the diverter valve
110 using such sensor. A sensor which is capable to determine the position of the
diverter valve 110 maybe mechanically integrated within the diverter valve 110.
[0034] In one embodiment the diverter valve 110 may be a user driven mechanical valve. A
manually operable diverter valve 110 may be perceived by many users as intuitive and
easy to handle.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment the treatment outlet 114 may be hand shower. A hand shower
may be handled in a versatile and user-friendly manner both when used with a water
treatment procedure, i.e. for hydrotherapy with changing water temperatures, and when
used for showering without a water treatment procedure. When the treatment outlet
114 is used without a water treatment procedure, the water temperature at the treatment
outlet 114 is predetermined by the mixing valve 108.
[0036] In one embodiment the controller 102 comprises a processor, preferably a microprocessor.
The processor is configured to execute computer-program instructions. Such computer-program
instructions include instructions relating to a method for controlling the water temperature
at the treatment outlet 114. The computer-program instructions may include instructions
relating to one or several water treatment procedures.
[0037] Figures 2 to 6 illustrate non-limiting examples of sequences for controlling the
water temperature at the treatment outlet 114. A sequence may be programmed in the
format of computer-program instructions. In one embodiment such sequence may be executed
by the processor of the controller 102. The programming of the processor may include
hardwired computer-program instructions and/or computer-program instructions in a
software format.
[0038] Figure 2 refers to an illustrative basic sequence 200 for controlling the water temperature.
After the start 202 of this sequence the water treatment system is initialized 204.
During the basic sequence 200 it is repeatedly verified if there is a treatment command
for a water treatment procedure 300 as illustrated by the decision point 206 in the
given flowchart. Such treatment command may for example be induced by means of a user-interface
of the controller 102. If a treatment command is verified a water treatment procedure
300 is started. After termination of the water treatment procedure 300 the sequence
returns to the decision point 206. If no treatment command is verified it is verified
if the cold water valve 116 is closed as illustrated by the decision point 208. If
the cold water valve 116 is closed the sequence returns to the decision point 206.
If the cold water valve 116 is not closed at least one valve operation 210 is performed.
The valve operation 210 includes closing the cold water valve 116. In addition the
mixed water valve 118 may be opened to permit the use of the treatment outlet 114
without a water treatment procedure 300 being performed. The sequence then returns
to the decision point 206.
[0039] A treatment command that starts a water treatment procedure 300 may for example be
induced by user by wireless means and/or using a keypad and/or push-button.
[0040] In one non-limiting embodiment the treatment outlet 114 is a shower head that can
be used as a normal shower when no there is no active treatment command. When no treatment
command is verified a solenoid valve in the cold water feed line 106 for the treatment
outlet 114 is closed and a solenoid valve in the mixed water feed line 126 for the
treatment outlet 114 is opened. In a variant of this embodiment the solenoid valves
are bi-stable valves.
[0041] Figure 3 refers to an illustrative basic sequence 310 for a water treatment procedure
300. After the start 302 of the water treatment procedure 300 it is verified if the
treatment command is still valid as illustrated by the decision point 304. If the
treatment command is not valid the water treatment procedure 300 will skip to its
end 308. If the treatment command is valid it is verified, preferably as illustrated
by the decision point 306, if the diverter valve 110 is set to a position in which
its output is directed to the mixed water feed line 126. If the diverter valve 110
is set to this position a procedure sequence 400 is started. If the diverter valve
110 is set to another position the basic sequence 310 will skip to its end 308. After
termination of the procedure sequence 400 the basic sequence 310 will skip to its
end 308.
[0042] When a water treatment procedure 300 is started it needs to be ensured that the diverter
is positioned in the direction of the treatment outlet 114. In one embodiment this
involves the use of a sensor that is connected to one or several mechanical parts
of the diverter valve 110.
[0043] Figure 4 refers to an illustrative main procedure sequence 400 of a water treatment
session. A configuration 404 is performed after the start 402 of the procedure sequence
400. The configuration 404 may include setting and/or pre-configuring a treatment
sequence 600. This may include a pre-configuration of pulses for the treatment sequence
600. After the configuration 404 a safety sequence 500 is performed. If the result
of the safety sequence 500 is that the procedure sequence 400 needs to be interrupted
the procedure sequence 400 will skip to its end 406. If the result of the safety sequence
500 is that there is no need to interrupt the procedure sequence 400 the treatment
sequence 600 is performed. After termination of the treatment sequence 600 the main
procedure sequence 400 may return to the configuration 404.
[0044] Figure 5 refers to an illustrative safety sequence 500 for a water treatment procedure.
After the start 502 of the safety sequence 500 it is verified if there is a treatment
command as illustrated by the decision point 504 and it is verified if the diverter
valve 110 is set to a position in which its output is directed to the mixed water
feed line 126 as illustrated by the decision point 506. If both are positively verified
as indicated by the respective flowchart symbol 508 no interruption is needed and
the treatment sequence 600 is performed. Otherwise as indicated by the respective
flowchart symbol 510 the procedure sequence 400 will skip to its end 406 as a result
512 of the safety sequence 500.
[0045] Figure 6 refers to an illustrative treatment sequence 600, which is a sub sequence
of the main procedure sequence 400 of a water treatment session. After the start 602
of the treatment sequence 600 it may be validated 604 if the system is ready to perform
one or more treatment sub-sequences 606, 608, 610. If the system is not ready the
treatment sequence 600 may skip to its end 612. If the system is ready at least one
treatment sub-sequences 606, 608, 610 may be performed. A first treatment sub-sequence
606 may include a build-up sequence. A second treatment sub-sequence 608 may include
a stress sequence. A third treatment sub-sequence 610 may include a swing-off sequence
after which the treatment sequence 600 may skip to its end 614.
[0046] As described in connection with the illustrative figures 2 to 6 it is ensured that
the diverter valve 110 is set to the appropriate position for water treatment before
a treatment session is initiated. The actual water treatment may start for example
by setting the mixed water valve 118 to its closed position and by setting the cold
water valve 116 to its opened position. After a predefined pulse time the mixed water
valve 118 and the cold water valve 116 are then set to their respective alternate
positions. The mixed water valve 118 and the cold water valve 116 may then continue
to be alternately switched until the treatment session ends.
[0047] As a non-limiting example with reference to figures 2, 3 and 5 a treatment command
may be invalidated by a user-interface action and/or by expiry of a timer, which may
be running in the controller 102.
1. A water treatment system comprising
a cold water feed line (106) and a hot water feed line (104) coupled to a mixing valve
(108), wherein the mixing valve (108) comprises an output which is coupled to a treatment
outlet (114) via a mixed water feed line (124, 126),
wherein
an electronically operated mixed water valve (118) is included in the mixed water
feed line (124, 126);
in addition to the mixed water feed line (126) a cold water bypass line (115) is coupling
the cold water feed line (106) to the treatment outlet (114) via an electronically
operated cold water valve (116) included in the cold water bypass line (115); and
wherein
a controller (102)
is coupled to the mixed water valve (118) and the cold water valve (116) and
is configured to operate the mixed water valve (118) and/or the cold water valve (116)
to change the water temperature at the treatment outlet (114) according to a water
treatment procedure,
characterized in that
the mixed water feed line (124, 126) includes a diverter valve (110) arranged upstream
of the mixed water valve (118), wherein the diverter valve (110) is configured to
divert mixed water to the water treatment outlet (114) via the mixed water valve (118)
or to another outlet (112); the controller (102) is coupled with at least one sensor
that provides data representing a valve position of the diverter valve (110), and
that the controller (102) is configured to operate the mixed water valve (118) and/or
the cold water valve (116) depending on the position of the diverter valve (110);
and
in that
the controller (102) is configured to initiate the water treatment procedure only
if the position of the diverter valve (110) allows providing mixed water to the treatment
outlet (114).
2. The water treatment system of claim 1, characterized in that the controller (102) is configured to interrupt the water treatment procedure if
the position of the diverter valve (110) is changed.
3. The water treatment system of any claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cold water valve (116) and the mixed water valve (118) are bi-stable valves.
4. The water treatment system of any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the controller (102) is configured to operate the cold water valve (116) and the
mixed water valve (118) in alternate positions when a water treatment procedure is
being performed.
5. The water treatment system of any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the controller (102) is configured to close the cold water valve (116) if no water
treatment procedure is being performed.
6. A method for controlling a water temperature at a treatment outlet (114) of a water
treatment system according to one of Claims 1 to 5,
characterized in that
water is provided to the treatment outlet (114) through a first water feed line with
a first water temperature and through a second water feed line with a second water
temperature, that at least one valve in the first water feed line and at least one
valve in the second water feed line are operated to change the water temperature at
the treatment outlet (114) according to a water treatment procedure, that
the position of at least one diverter valve (110) having an output to the first water
feed line is monitored, and that
the water treatment procedure is only initiated if the diverter valve (110) is set
to a position in which water provided by the diverter valve (110) is directed to the
first water feed line.
1. Ein Wasserbehandlungssystem, mit
einer Kaltwasserzufuhrleitung (106) und einer Warmwasserzufuhrleitung (104), die mit
einem Mischventil (108) verbunden sind, wobei das Mischventil (108) einen Ausgang
umfasst, der über eine Mischwasserzufuhrleitung (124, 126) mit einem Behandlungsauslass
(114) verbunden ist,
wobei
ein elektronisch betätigtes Mischwasserventil (118) in der Mischwasserzufuhrleitung
(124, 126) enthalten ist;
zusätzlich zu der Mischwasserzufuhrleitung (126) eine Kaltwasser-Bypass-Leitung (115)
die Kaltwasserzufuhrleitung (106) mit dem Behandlungsauslass (114) über ein elektronisch
betätigtes Kaltwasserventil (116), das in der Kaltwasser-Bypass-Leitung (115) enthalten
ist, verbindet; und wobei
eine Steuerung (102)
mit dem Mischwasserventil (118) und dem Kaltwasserventil (116) verbunden ist und
dazu eingerichtet ist, um das Mischwasserventil (118) und/oder das Kaltwasserventil
(116) zu betätigen, um die Wassertemperatur an dem Behandlungsauslass (114) entsprechend
eines Wasserbehandlungsverfahrens zu ändern,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Mischwasserzufuhrleitung (124, 126) ein Umlenkventil (110) enthält, das stromauf
des Mischwasserventils (118) angeordnet ist, wobei das Umlenkventil (110) dazu eingerichtet
ist, Mischwasser zu dem Behandlungsauslass (114) über das Mischwasserventil (118)
oder zu einem anderen Auslass (112) zu lenken; die Steuerung (102) mit mindestens
einem Sensor verbunden ist, welcher Daten bereitstellt, die eine Ventilstellung des
Umlenkventils (110) wiedergeben, und dass die Steuerung (102) dazu eingerichtet ist,
das Mischwasserventil (118) und/oder das Kaltwasserventil (116) in Abhängigkeit von
der Stellung des Umlenkventils (110) zu betätigen; und dass
die Steuerung (102) dazu eingerichtet ist, das Wasserbehandlungsverfahren nur dann
einzuleiten, wenn die Stellung des Umlenkventils (110) es erlaubt, dem Behandlungsauslass
(114) Mischwasser zuzuführen.
2. Das Wasserbehandlungssystem nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuerung (102) dazu eingerichtet ist, das Wasserbehandlungsverfahren zu unterbrechen,
falls die Stellung des Umlenkventils (110) geändert wird.
3. Das Wasserbehandlungssystem nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Kaltwasserventil (116) und das Mischwasserventil (118) bistabile Ventile sind.
4. Das Wasserbehandlungssystem nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuerung (102) dazu eingerichtet ist, das Kaltwasserventil (116) und das Mischwasserventil
(118) in wechselseitigen Stellungen zu betätigen, wenn ein Wasserbehandlungsverfahren
durchgeführt wird.
5. Das Wasserbehandlungssystem nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuerung (102) dazu eingerichtet ist, das Kaltwasserventil (116) zu schließen,
falls kein Wasserbehandlungsverfahren durchgeführt wird.
6. Ein Verfahren zur Steuerung einer Wassertemperatur an einem Behandlungsauslass (114)
eines Wasserbehandlungssystems nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
dem Behandlungsauslass (114) Wasser durch eine erste Wasserzufuhrleitung mit einer
ersten Wassertemperatur und durch eine zweite Wasserzufuhrleitung mit einer zweiten
Wassertemperatur bereitgestellt wird, dass zumindest ein Ventil in der ersten Wasserzufuhrleitung
und zumindest ein Ventil in der zweiten Wasserzufuhrleitung betätigt werden, um die
Wassertemperatur an dem Behandlungsauslass (114) entsprechend eines Wasserbehandlungsverfahrens
zu ändern, dass
die Stellung mindestens eines Umlenkventils (110), das einen Ausgang zu der ersten
Wasserzufuhrleitung hat, überwacht wird, und dass
das Wasserbehandlungsverfahren nur eingeleitet wird, wenn das Umlenkventil (110) in
einer Stellung ist, bei welcher Wasser, das durch das Umlenkventil (110) bereitgestellt
wird, zu der ersten Wasserzufuhrleitung gelenkt wird.
1. Système d'hydrothérapie comprenant
une ligne d'alimentation en eau froide (106) et une ligne d'alimentation en eau chaude
(104) couplées à un mitigeur (108), où le mitigeur (108) comprend une sortie laquelle
est couplée à une sortie d'hydrothérapie (114) via une ligne d'alimentation en eau
mélangée (124, 126),
où
une vanne d'eau mélangée actionnée de manière électronique (118) est incluse dans
la ligne d'alimentation en eau mélangée (124, 126) ;
en plus de la ligne d'alimentation en eau mélangée (126), une ligne de dérivation
d'eau froide (115) couple la ligne d'alimentation en eau froide (106) à la sortie
d'hydrothérapie (114) via une vanne d'eau froide actionnée de manière électronique
(116) incluse dans la ligne de dérivation d'eau froide (115) ; et
où
un élément de commande (102)
est couplé à la vanne d'eau mélangée (118) et à la vanne d'eau froide (116) et
est configuré pour actionner la vanne d'eau mélangée (118) et/ou la vanne d'eau froide
(116) pour modifier la température de l'eau au niveau de la sortie d'hydrothérapie
(114) conformément à une procédure d'hydrothérapie,
caractérisé en ce que
la ligne d'alimentation en eau mélangée (124, 126) inclut un inverseur (110) agencé
en amont de la vanne d'eau mélangée (118), où l'inverseur (110) est configuré pour
diriger de l'eau mélangée vers la sortie d'hydrothérapie (114) via la vanne d'eau
mélangée (118) ou vers une autre sortie (112) ;
l'élément de commande (102) est couplé à au moins un capteur qui fournit des données
représentant une position de l'inverseur (110), et
en ce que l'élément de commande (102) est configuré pour actionner la vanne d'eau mélangée
(118) et/ou la vanne d'eau froide (116) en fonction de la position de l'inverseur
(110) ; et
en ce que
l'élément de commande (102) est configuré pour initier la procédure d'hydrothérapie
seulement si la position de l'inverseur (110) permet de délivrer de l'eau mélangée
à la sortie d'hydrothérapie (114).
2. Système d'hydrothérapie selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de commande (102) est configuré pour arrêter la procédure d'hydrothérapie
si la position de l'inverseur (110) est modifiée.
3. Système d'hydrothérapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que la vanne d'eau froide (116) et la vanne d'eau mélangée (118) sont des vannes bistables.
4. Système d'hydrothérapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de commande (102) est configuré pour actionner la vanne d'eau froide (116)
et la vanne d'eau mélangée (118) dans des positions alternées lorsqu'une procédure
d'hydrothérapie est en cours de réalisation.
5. Système d'hydrothérapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de commande (102) est configuré pour fermer la vanne d'eau froide (116)
si aucune procédure d'hydrothérapie n'est en cours de réalisation.
6. Procédé de régulation de la température de l'eau au niveau d'une sortie d'hydrothérapie
(114) d'un système d'hydrothérapie selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5,
caractérisé en ce que
de l'eau est délivrée à la sortie d'hydrothérapie (114) par le biais d'une première
ligne d'alimentation en eau associée à une première température d'eau et par le biais
d'une seconde ligne d'alimentation en eau associée à une seconde température d'eau,
en ce que
au moins une vanne dans la première ligne d'alimentation en eau et au moins une vanne
dans la seconde ligne d'alimentation en eau sont actionnées pour modifier la température
de l'eau au niveau de la sortie d'hydrothérapie (114) conformément à une procédure
d'hydrothérapie, en ce que
la position d'au moins un inverseur (110) présentant une sortie vers la première ligne
d'alimentation en eau est surveillée, et en ce que
la procédure d'hydrothérapie n'est initiée que si l'inverseur (110) est placé dans
une position dans laquelle l'eau délivrée par l'inverseur (110) est dirigée vers la
première ligne d'alimentation en eau.