Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
4
WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING WATER
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.
Application Nos.
15/611,856, filed on June 2, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application
No. 62/345,466, filed on June 3, 2016; 15/611,870, filed on June 2, 2017,
which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/345,493, filed on June 3, 2016;
15/611,863,
filed on June 2, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No.
62/345,508, filed on June 3, 2016; and 15/610,670, filed on June 1, 2017,
which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/344,021, filed on June 1, 2016,
each of which
are hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of water management systems,
and more
particularly to automated water management systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Usually home automation is directed to the control and
automation of lighting,
heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), appliances, and security.
However, no
automation systems presently exist for the automation of water delivery
systems such as
bathtubs or showers.
[0004] An automated bathtub or shower can be controlled so that
the bathtub or
shower may be automatically filled or supplied with water. For example, an
automatic
bathtub may be remotely controlled by a user in order to fill the bathtub with
water. In order
to create automated bathtubs or showers, electronic components such as
automated water
delivery system (e.g. an electronic faucet or shower head) and electronic
drains are required.
[0005] An automated water delivery system may be remotely
controlled to remotely
control the flow of water. Therefore, electrical power must be provided to the
automated
water delivery system. Connecting the automated water delivery system to the
power grid
- 1 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
4 ,
4
may require construction work such as removing the bathtub or making holes in
a wall to
electrically connect the automated water delivery system to the power grid,
which is time-
consuming and expensive.
[0006] An electronic drain comprises an electronic drain
closure system that is
remotely controlled for selectively opening and closing of the drain. An
electronic drain
closure system usually comprises a motor connected to a power source and a
controller for
controlling the motor in order to selectively close and open the drain.
However, installing an
electronic drain usually requires a technician or a plumber to have access to
the bottom of the
bathtub in order to electrically connect the electronic drain to a power
source, which is both
time and cost consuming.
[0007] Furthermore, in order to provide automated liquid
delivery systems such as
automated bathtubs, the control of the level of water within the container is
important in
order to avoid overflow. While some containers such as bathtubs are usually
provided with
an overflow aperture connected to an overflow drain for evacuating water when
the level of
water within the bathtub reaches a predefined height, such an overflow system
may not be
efficient to avoid overflows.
[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an automated management
system for
simultaneously controlling a water delivery system, a drain closure and an
overflow system
which overcomes at least some of the above identified drawbacks.
SUMMARY
[0009] According to one broad aspect, there is provided an
automated liquid
management system for a liquid container. In this broad aspect, the automated
liquid
management system comprises:
an electronic liquid delivery system positioned to deliver a liquid to the
container, the
electronic liquid delivery system including a mixing valve connected to a
source of
hot liquid and a source of cold liquid and a flow control valve connected to
the
mixing valve, the flow control valve controlling a flow of liquid coming from
the
mixing valve;
- 2 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
4
a drain closure device;
a level sensor for monitoring a level of liquid in the container; and
a controller operatively coupled to the electronic liquid delivery system, the
drain
closure device and the level sensor, the controller comprising a processing
unit, a
communication unit for communicating with the electronic liquid delivery
system, the
drain closure device and the level sensor, and a memory, the memory having
statements and instructions stored on that upon execution by the processing
unit
performs the steps of:
receiving a desired temperature for the liquid to be delivered to the
container
and a desired level of liquid within the container;
adjusting the mixing valve connected to the source of hot liquid and the
source of cold liquid to obtain the desired temperature;
operating the flow control valve for delivering the liquid having the desired
temperature;
closing the drain closure device;
monitoring the level of the liquid within the container; and
closing the flow control valve of the electronic liquid delivery system when
the monitored level of liquid substantially corresponds to the desired level
of
liquid.
[0010] In one feature, the automated liquid management system
further comprises a
temperature sensor, the controller being operatively coupled to the
temperature sensor, the
communication unit further communicating with the temperature sensor, the
controller being
further configured for monitoring a temperature of the liquid contained within
the container.
[0011] In another feature, the automated liquid management, at
least one of the
electronic liquid delivery system, the drain closure device, the level sensor,
the temperature
- 3 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
'
sensor and the controller is powered by a battery. Preferably, the battery is
a rechargeable
battery. More preferably, the automated liquid management system further
comprises a solar
panel for charging the rechargeable battery.
[0012] In yet another feature, the communication unit is a
wireless communication
unit.
[0013] In still another feature, the electronic liquid delivery
system comprises:
a housing defining an internal chamber, the housing comprising at least one
delivery
hole, the mixing valve, the flow control valve and the controller being
inserted into
the internal chamber;
at least one pipe inserted into the internal chamber and connected to the flow
control
valve for delivering the liquid coming from the flow control valve through the
delivery hole of the housing; and
a cover securable to the housing for enclosing the flow control valve, the
pipe, the
controller therein.
[0014] In another feature, the automated liquid management system
further comprises
an activation key for activating the flow control valve. Preferably, the
activation key
comprises one of a press button and a motion sensor.
[0015] In another feature, the automated liquid management system
further comprises
a first temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the liquid to be
delivered by the
pipe.
[0016] In another feature, the automated liquid management system
further comprises
a flow meter for monitoring a flow rate of the liquid.
[0017] In another feature, the contactless level sensor comprises
an ultrasonic level
sensor.
- 4 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
,
[0018] In another feature, the contactless temperature sensor
comprises an infrared
temperature sensor.
[0019] In one feature, the electronic liquid delivery system
comprises at least one of
an electronic faucet and an electronic shower head.
[0020] In another feature, the drain closure device comprises:
a drain fitting securable to an opening present in the container for
containing a liquid
and to an evacuation drain for evacuating the liquid to be contained in the
container;
and
a closure member movably connected to the drain fitting for selectively
opening and
closing the drain fitting, the closure member including:
a casing;
a motion device for selectively moving the casing relative to the drain
fitting
between an open position in which the casing is away from the drain fitting to
allow the liquid from flowing from the container into the evacuation drain and
a closed position in which the casing abuts against the drain fitting to
prevent
the liquid from flowing from the container into the evacuation drain;
an electrical motor received in the casing for activating the motion device;
a communication unit received in the casing and operatively coupled to the
communication unit of the controller for at least receiving a command
indicative of one of an opening of the electronic drain closure system and a
closure of the electronic drain closure system; and
a controller for activating the electrical motor in accordance with the
command received by the communication unit of the closure member.
[0021] Preferably, the electronic drain closure system further
comprises a battery
received in the casing for powering at least the electrical motor and the
controller. More
- 5 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
4 .
A ,
preferably, the battery is a rechargeable battery. Even more preferably, the
electronic drain
closure system further comprises a solar panel installed on the casing for
recharging the
rechargeable battery.
[0022] In one feature, the electronic drain closure system
further comprises a liquid
sensor for detecting a presence of the liquid adjacent the closure member;
wherein the
controller is further configured for activating the communication unit when
the sensor detects
the presence of the liquid and deactivating the communication unit when the
sensor detects
an absence of liquid. Preferably, the liquid sensor is secured to the closure
member.
[0023] In one feature, the motion device comprises a drive
screw rotatably secured to
the casing, a rotation of the drive screw triggering motion of the casing.
[0024] In another feature, the drain fitting comprises a first
tubular body extending
between a first top end and a first bottom end and a first bottom wall secured
at the first
bottom end of the first tubular body, the first top end being securable to the
container and the
first bottom end being securable to the evacuation drain, the first bottom
wall comprising at
least one evacuation aperture for allowing the liquid to flow therethrough and
a first threaded
hole for receiving the drive screw.
[0025] In still another feature, the drain fitting further
comprises a flange projecting
from the first top end of the first tubular body.
[0026] In yet another feature, the first tubular body comprises
at least one first recess
extending on an inner face thereof along at least a section of a length
thereof. More
preferably, the electronic drain closure system further comprises a coupling
member
insertable into the first tubular body of the drain fitting, the coupling
member comprising a
second tubular body extending between a second top end and a second bottom
end, the
coupling member further comprising a second bottom wall secured at the second
bottom end
and comprising a second threaded hole for receiving therein the drive screw.
[0027] In another feature, the coupling member further
comprises at least first
protrusion each receivable into a respective one of the at least one first
recess for preventing
a rotation of the coupling member relative to the drain fitting.
- 6 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
4 4
[0028] In still another feature, the coupling member is fixedly
secured to the drain
fitting.
[0029] In another feature, the coupling member is removably
secured to the drain
fitting.
[0030] In another feature, the drain fitting further comprises
at least one first magnet
and the coupling member further comprises at least one second magnet, each one
of the at
least one first magnet interacting with a respective one of the at least one
second magnet for
removably securing the coupling member into the drain fitting.
[0031] In another feature, the second tubular body further
comprises at least one
second recess on an internal face thereof extending along at least a section
of a length
thereof.
[0032] In another feature, the casing comprises a hollow T-
shaped body comprising a
bottom portion and a top portion and a third bottom wall located at a bottom
of the hollow T-
shaped body, the third bottom wall being provided with a screw receiving
aperture through
which the drive screw extends, the electrical motor being inserted into the
bottom portion.
[0033] In another feature, the bottom portion of the hollow T-
shaped body comprises
at least one second protrusion projecting from an external face thereof, each
one of the at
least one second protrusion being received into a respective one of the at
least one second
recess.
[0034] In another feature, the electronic drain closure system
further comprises a
gasket surrounding the bottom portion of the closure member for substantially
hermetically
close the drain fitting when the closure member is in the closed position.
[0035] In another feature, the electronic drain closure system
further comprises a
cover for covering the hollow T-shaped body.
[0036] In another feature, at least one of the level sensor and
the temperature sensor
is mounted to the electronic liquid delivery system.
- 7 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
1 1
A
4 .
[0037] In another feature, at least one of the level sensor and
the temperature sensor
is a contactless sensor.
[0038] In another feature, the level sensor comprises:
a body extending along a longitudinal axis, the body being insertable within
the
container; and
a level sensor unit secured to the body for detecting the level of the liquid
along the
longitudinal axis of the body.
[0039] In another feature, the level sensor further comprises
the temperature sensor
secured to the body for measuring a temperature of the liquid. Preferably, the
level sensor
comprises at least one liquid sensor each positioned at a respective position
along the
longitudinal axis, each respective position corresponding to a different level
of liquid and
each liquid sensor for detecting a presence of the liquid.
[0040] In another feature, the level sensor comprises at least
one current source, an
electrical circuit and at least one current sensor for measuring at least one
current intensity,
the electrical circuit comprising at least one input electrical conductor and
at least one output
electrical conductor, each input electrical conductor being inserted into the
body, having a
first terminal connected to the at least one current source and a second
terminal emerging
from the body at one of the respective positions along the longitudinal axis,
at least one
section of the output electrical conductor emerging body each adjacent to the
second terminal
of a respective one of the at least one input electrical conductor.
[0041] Preferably, each second terminal and at least one output
electrical conductor
form together a respective electrical switch that is open when no liquid is
present between the
second terminal and the at least one output electrical conductor and that is
closed when liquid
is present between the second terminal and the at least one output electrical
conductor.
[0042] More preferably, the level sensor further comprises a
control unit for
determining the level of liquid using a current intensity measured by the at
least one current
sensor.
- 8 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
, 1
A 4
1
1 ' .
[0043] Even more preferably, the at least one output electrical
conductor comprises a
single electrical conductor and the at least one current sensor comprises a
single current
sensor.
[0044] In a further feature, the control unit is adapted to
compare a current intensity
measured by the single current sensor to one of at least one predefined
intensity and at least
one predefined intensity range, and determine the level of liquid based on the
comparison.
[0045] In yet a further feature, the controller is adapted to
transmit a signal indicative
of the determined level of liquid via the communication unit.
[0046] In still a further feature, the controller is adapted to
trigger one of an alert and
an alarm upon determining that the determined level of liquid corresponds to a
reference
level of liquid. Preferably, the reference level of liquid corresponds to an
overflow level of
liquid.
[0047] In another feature, upon determining that the determined
level of liquid
corresponds to the overflow level of liquid, the controller is adapted to
transmit at least one
of a first command indicative of a closure for an electronic faucet and a
second command
indicative of an opening for an electronic drain closure system.
[0048] In still another feature, the body is securable to a
wall of the container.
Preferably, the body comprises an overflow plate securable over an overflow
aperture present
in the wall of the container, and the level sensor is preferably secured to a
rear face of the
overflow plate.
[0049] In another feature, the body is securable to a faucet
secured to the container.
[0050] In yet another feature, the controller is further
configured for opening the
drain closure device of the container and opening the flow control valve to
add liquid when
the monitored temperature does not correspond to the desired temperature.
[0051] In a further feature, the controller is further
configured for opening the flow
control valve to add hot liquid when the measured temperature is less than the
desired
temperature.
- 9 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
I 1
4
k .
. t
i .
[0052] In yet a further feature, the controller is further
configured for opening the
flow control valve to add cold liquid when the measured temperature is greater
than the
desired temperature.
[0053] In one feature, the container is a bathtub.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] Further features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent
from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the
appended drawings, in
which:
[0055] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an automated
water delivery system, in
accordance with an embodiment;
[0056] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electronic faucet
comprising a cover, in
accordance with a first embodiment;
[0057] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the electronic faucet
of Figure 2 with the
cover omitted, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0058] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the electronic faucet of
Figure 2, in
accordance with an embodiment;
[0059] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an electronic faucet
provided with a level
sensor and a contactless temperature sensor, in accordance with a second
embodiment;
[0060] Figure 6 illustrates a cover for an electronic faucet
provided with a solar
panel, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0061] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an electronic drain
closure system in an open
position, the electronic drain closure system comprising a drain fitting
connectable to a
container and an evacuation drain, a closure member and a coupling body for
connecting the
closure member to the drain fitting, in accordance with an embodiment;
- 10 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
1 I
1
31 . 7,
[0062] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic
drain closure system when
in the open position;
[0063] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic
drain closure system when
in a closed position;
[0064] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the coupling member
of the electronic drain
closure system of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0065] Figure 11 is a top view of the coupling member of Figure
10;
[0066] Figure 12 is a bottom view of the coupling member of
Figure 10;
[0067] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the closure member of
the electronic drain
closure system of Figure 7 with the cover omitted, in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0068] Figure 14 is a top view of the closure member of Figure
13;
[0069] Figure 15 is a bottom view of the closure member of
Figure 13;
[0070] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the drain fitting of
the electronic drain
closure system of Figure 7, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0071] Figure 17 is a top view of the drain fitting of Figure
16;
[0072] Figure 18 is a bottom view of the drain fitting of
Figure 16;
[0073] Figure 19 is a perspective view of an assembly formed of
the closure member
and the coupling body of Figure 7 the closure member being provided with a
liquid sensor, in
accordance with an embodiment;
[0074] Figure 20 is a bottom view of the assembly of Figure 9;
and
[0075] Figure 21 is a rear view of an apparatus for determining
the level of a liquid
contained in a container, in accordance with an embodiment;
- 11 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
, J
4
[0076] Figure 22 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 1, in
accordance with an
embodiment;
[0077] Figure 23 illustrates an apparatus for determining the level
of a liquid secured
to a bathtub, in accordance with an embodiment; and
[0078] Figure 24 illustrates an apparatus for determining the level
of a liquid secured
to a faucet, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0079] Figure 25 is a side perspective of an apparatus for
determining the level of a
liquid contained in a container, the apparatus being secured to an overflow
plate, in
accordance with an embodiment;
[0080] Figure 26 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of
Figure 25 secured to
the overflow plate;
[0081] Figure 27 is a front view of an overflow plate adapted to a
have an apparatus
for determining the level of a liquid contained in a container secured
thereto, in accordance
with an embodiment; and
[0082] Figure 28 is a flow chart illustrating a method for
controlling an automated
water delivery system, in accordance with an embodiment; and
[0083] Figure 29 is a block diagram illustrating a controller for
controlling a water
delivery system, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0084] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like
features are
identified by like reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0085] Figure 1 illustrates an automated water delivery system 10
comprising at least
a bathtub 12, an electronic faucet 14, an electronic drain closure device 16,
a level sensor 17,
and a controller or control unit 20. The electronic faucet 14 is positioned so
as to deliver
water to the bathtub 12. For example, the electronic faucet 14 may be secured
to the
- 12 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
=
4I.
bathtub 12 and connected to a source of water. The electronic faucet 14 may be
connected to
both a source of hot water and a source of cold water and comprise a mixing
valve for mixing
both hot and cold water together.
Electronic Faucet
[0086] The electronic faucet 14 is a faucet that can
automatically deliver water
without any human intervention. The operation of the electronic faucet 14 is
controlled by a
controller such as controller 20. The electronic faucet 14 may comprise a
valve such as a
solenoid valve for controlling fluid flow. The electronic faucet 14 may also
comprise a
mixing valve for controlling the flows of hot and cold water. The electronic
faucet 14 may
have a temperature sensor integrated therein, such as integrated into the
valve, for sensing the
temperature of the water to be delivered by the electronic faucet, as it will
become apparent
below.
[0087] In accordance with one embodiment, referring to Figure 2
to 4, there is
illustrated an electronic faucet 14 that may be used in connection with the
bathtub 12, a sink,
or the like. The electronic faucet 14 comprises a housing 412 defining an
internal chamber
414 and a cover 416 that is removably securable to the housing 412. The
housing 412 and the
cover 416 are shaped so that the housing with the cover secured thereto has
the shape of a
faucet.
[0088] The electronic faucet 14 further comprises a flow
control valve for receiving
water from a source of water and controlling the flow of water to be delivered
by the
electronic faucet. The input of the flow control valve 418 is fluidly
connected to a first pipe
420 in which water flows from the source of water. The output of the flow
control valve 418
is fluidly connected to the input of a second pipe 422. A temperature sensor
424 such as a
thermistor is secured to the outer surface of the pipe 422 in order to measure
the temperature
of the water flowing into the pipe 422. The output of the second pipe 422 is
fluidly connected
to the input of a flow meter 426 that is adapted to monitor the flow of the
water flowing
therethrough. The output of the flow meter 426 is fluidly connected to a water
delivery pipe
428 which may have a curved shape as illustrated in Figure 4. The water is
delivered via the
output of the pipe 428. It should be understood that the housing 412 comprises
a water
- 13 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
, ,
. z.
,.
delivery hole 413 on its bottom face to allow the water delivered by the pipe
428 to fall into
the bathtub 12. In one embodiment, the output of the pipe 428 is inserted into
the water
delivery hole.
[0089] The electronic faucet 14 further comprises a battery 430
and a controller (not
shown). The battery 430 is used for powering at least the controller and the
flow control
valve 418. The battery may also be used for powering other components such as
temperature
sensors, flow rate sensors, etc.
[0090] In one embodiment, the battery 430 is a rechargeable
battery.
[0091] As illustrated in Figure 3, the internal chamber 415 may
extend from the top
of the housing 412 and the cover 416 is then securable on the top of the
housing 412 as
illustrated in Figure 2. The flow control valve 418, the second pipe 422, the
temperature
sensor 424, the flow meter 426, the pipe 428, and the battery 430 are received
within the
internal chamber 414 of the housing 412.
[0092] In one embodiment, the flow control valve 418 is
directly connected to a
single source of water. In this case, the temperature sensor 424 may be
omitted.
[0093] In another embodiment, the flow control valve 418 is
fluidly connected to a
mixing valve that is fluidly connected to a source of hot water and a source
of cold water.
The controller may be adapted to control the operation of the mixing valve in
order to control
the temperature of the water to be delivered by the electronic faucet 14.
[0094] In a further embodiment, the flow control valve 418 may
be a mixing valve
fluidly connected to both a source of hot water and a source of cold water. In
this case, the
controller is adapted to control the flow control valve 418 to adjust the flow
of hot water and
the flow of cold water flowing therethrough and adjust the temperature of the
water delivered
by the electronic faucet 14.
[0095] In one embodiment, the electronic faucet 14 further
comprises a
communication unit such as a wireless communication unit for receiving
commands for the
activation of the electronic faucet. For example, the electronic faucet 14 may
be remotely
- 14 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
1 1µ
1.
controlled by a user using a remote control such as a mobile device. In this
case, when the
user inputs a command for opening the electronic faucet 14, the remote control
sends a
command indicative of the opening for the electronic faucet to the electronic
faucet 14. The
controller of the electronic faucet 14 receives the command via the
communication unit and
opens the flow control valve according to the received command to deliver
water. Similarly,
when the user inputs a command for closing the electronic faucet 14, the
remote control
sends a command indicative of the closing for the electronic faucet to the
electronic
faucet 14. The controller of the electronic faucet 14 receives the command via
the
communication unit and closes the flow control valve according to the received
command to
deliver water.
[0096] In an embodiment in which the electronic faucet 14
comprises a temperature
sensor 424, the controller may be adapted to receive the measured temperature
of the water
flowing into the pipe 422 from the temperature sensor 424 and transmit the
measured
temperature via the communication unit.
[0097] In an embodiment in which the electronic faucet
comprises a flow meter 426,
the controller may be adapted to receive the flow of the water measured by the
flow meter
426 and transmit the measured flow via the communication unit.
[0098] In an embodiment in which the electronic faucet 14
comprises a temperature
sensor 424, the controller may be adapted to receive from a remote control a
desired
temperature for the water to be delivered via the communication unit. In this
case, the
controller may be adapted to adjust the flows of hot and cold water by
controlling the mixing
valve so that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 424
substantially
corresponds to the temperature desired by the user.
[0099] In one embodiment, the electronic faucet 14 comprises no
temperature sensor
424 and the controller comprises a database containing mixing valve setting
conditions for
different water temperatures. In this case, upon receiving a desired
temperature for the water,
the controller retrieves from the database the mixing valve setting conditions
that correspond
to the received desired temperature and applies the retrieved mixing valve
setting conditions
to the mixing valve in order to obtain water having the desired temperature.
- 15 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
,
,
[00100] In another embodiment in which the faucet 14 is provided
with the
temperature sensor 424, the controller may apply a feedback loop control
method to obtain
the desired temperature. In this case, the controller receives the temperature
measured by the
temperature sensor 424 and adjusts the mixing valve setting conditions until
the desired
temperature is obtained.
[00101] In the same or another embodiment in which the
electronic faucet 14
comprises a flow meter for measuring water flow rates, the controller may be
adapted to
receive from a remote control a desired flow for the water to be delivered via
the
communication unit. In this case, the controller may be adapted to adjust the
flow of water by
controlling the control flow valve 418 so that the flow measured by the
temperature sensor
424 substantially corresponds to the received desired flow.
[00102] In another embodiment, the electronic faucet 14 may be
provided with an
activation device for opening and closing the faucet 14. For example, the
electronic faucet
may be provided with an activation key such as a press button for opening and
closing the
electronic faucet. In another example, the activation device may be a motion
sensor.
[00103] In one embodiment, the electronic faucet 14 further
comprises a level senor
such as a contactless level senor for measuring the level of water in the
container with which
the electronic faucet 14 is used. For example, the electronic faucet 14 may
comprise a dual
ultrasonic sensor 440 adapted to measure the distance between the water within
the bathtub
12 and the sensor 440. The dual ultrasonic sensor 440 is adapted to emit two
ultrasound wave
beams 444 which reflected by the surface of the liquid, e.g. water, and to
detect the reflected
ultrasound wave beams to measure the distance between the surface of the
liquid and the dual
ultrasonic sensor 440. The controller may then determine the level of liquid
within the
container or the volume of liquid in the container using from the measured
distance between
the surface of the liquid and the dual ultrasonic sensor 440.
[00104] In one embodiment the controller is adapted to receive a
command indicative
of a desired level of water within the bathtub 12. In this case, the
controller is adapted to
receive the measured level of water from the level sensor 440 close the
control flow valve
418 when it determines that the measured level substantially corresponds to
the desired level.
- 16 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
'
[00105] In the same or another embodiment, the electronic faucet
further comprises a
contactless temperature sensor 442 for remotely measuring the temperature of
the liquid
contained in the container. For example, the contactless temperature sensor
may be an
infrared temperature sensor 442. The infrared temperature sensor 442 is
adapted to emit a
beam 446 of infrared light which is reflected by the surface of the liquid
contained in the
container, and to detect the reflected light beam to measure the temperature
of the liquid.
[00106] In one embodiment, the controller is adapted to receive a
command indicative
of a desired temperature for the water in the bathtub 12 and the measured
temperature from
the contactless temperature sensor 442. The controller then compares the
measured
temperature to the desired temperature and controls the mixing valve to add
water having an
adequate temperature until the measured temperature substantially corresponds
to the desired
temperature. If the measured temperature is less than the desired temperature,
the controller
is adapted to control the mixing valve so as to add hot water. If the measured
temperature is
greater than the desired temperature, the controller is adapted to control the
mixing valve so
as to add cold water.
[00107] It should be understood that the contactless level sensor 440
and the
contactless temperature sensor 442 may be positioned at any adequate location
on the
housing 412 of the electronic faucet 14 as long as they can sense the water
contained in the
bathtub 12. In the illustrated embodiment the housing comprises holes on its
wall that faces
the bottom of the bathtub once installed, adjacent to the output of the pipe
428. As a result,
the contactless level sensor 440 and the contactless temperature sensor 442
face the bottom
of the bathtub 12.
[00108] Figure 6 illustrates an alternate cover 416' which may be used
when the
battery 430 is a rechargeable battery. The cover 416' is provided with a solar
panel 432
comprising photovoltaic cells for charging the rechargeable battery. The solar
panel 432 is
electrically connected to the battery 430 via a permanent electrical
connection or a
disconnectable electrical connector. It should be understood that the solar
panel 432 may be
secured at any adequate position on the housing 12 or the cover 416'. For
example, the solar
panel 432 may be secured on the top face of the cover 416' as illustrated in
Figure 6.
- 17 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
,
,
s, = ;
, .
[00109] While in the present description there is described an
electropic faucet, it
should be understood that the housing and the cover may be chosen so that the
present
system applies to any adequate type of automated liquid delivery systems. For
example, the
automated liquid delivery system may be shower head. In this case, the housing
is shaped
and sized to correspond to a shower head housing and the cover is chosen so as
to correspond
to a shower head cover.
Electronic Drain
[00110] The electronic drain closure device 16 is secured to the
bathtub 12 and
connected to an evacuation drain for evacuating the water contained in the
bathtub 12. For
example, the electronic drain closure device 16 may be a device installed
within the
evacuation drain of the bathtub to selectively close and open the evacuation
drain in order to
fill the bathtub with water or evacuate water from the bathtub 12. The
operation of the
electronic drain closure device 16 is controlled by a controller such as
controller 20.
[00111] In accordance with one embodiment, Figures 7 and 8
illustrate an electronic
drain closure system 16 when in an open position. The electronic drain closure
system 16
comprises a drain fitting 1012 and a closure member 1014. The drain fitting
1012 is adapted
to be secured to a drain opening present in the bathtub for evacuating water
contained in the
bathtub. The closure member 1014 is movable between an open position in which
water may
flow in the drain fitting and a closed position in which the closure member
1014 substantially
hermetically closes the drain fitting so that no water may flow into the drain
fitting.
[00112] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the closure
member 1014 is in the
open position. As illustrated, the drain fitting 1012 comprises a tubular body
1016 extending
between a top end and a bottom end. The drain fitting 1012 also comprises a
flange 1018
extending radially and outwardly from the top end of the tubular body 1016. In
order to
secure the drain fitting to a bathtub, the drain fitting 1012 is inserted into
the drain opening of
the bathtub until the flange 1018 abuts against the wall of the bathtub that
surrounds the drain
opening. The bottom end of the drain fitting 1012 is then connected to an
evacuation drain
for evacuating water. For example, the bottom end of the drain fitting 1012
may be inserted
into the evacuation drain. In this case, the outer diameter of the bottom end
of the drain
- 18 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
,
th '
. ;.
,
fitting may be chosen to substantially correspond to the internal diameter of
the evacuation
drain so that the bottom end of the drain fitting 1012 snuggingly engages the
evacuation
drain when inserted therein. In another example, the evacuation drain may be
inserted into
the bottom end of the drain fitting 1012. In this case, the internal diameter
of the bottom end
of the drain fitting 1012 may be substantially equal to the external diameter
of the evacuation
drain so that the bottom end of the drain fitting 1012 snuggingly engages the
evacuation
drain when evacuation drain is inserted into the drain fitting 1012.
[00113] A wall 1020 extends transversely through the interior
chamber of the tubular
body 1016 at the bottom end thereof. The size and shape of the wall 1020 are
chosen so that
the wall 1020 does not extend through the entire cross-section of the tubular
body 1016 so
that water may flow therethrough from the top end of the tubular body 1016 to
the bottom
end in order to be evacuated via the evacuation drain.
[00114] In one embodiment, the wall 1020 further comprises a
threaded hole 1022
which is positioned substantially at the center of the wall 1020, as shown in
the illustrated
embodiment. In another embodiment, the hole 1022 may not be threaded.
[00115] The closure member 1014 is movably secured to the drain
fitting 1012 and is
movable between an open position in which the closure member 1014 is away from
the drain
fitting 1012, as illustrated in Figure 8, and a closed position in which the
closure member
1014 abuts against the drain fitting 1012, as illustrated in Figure 9. When
the closure member
1014 is in the open position, water may flow from the bathtub into the
evacuation drain via
the drain fitting 1012. When the closure member 1014 is in the closed
position, water is
prevented from flowing into the drain fitting 1012.
[00116] In the illustrated embodiment, the closure member 1014
comprises a casing
1023, a cover 1024, a drive screw 1026, an electrical motor 1028, a battery
1030, a gasket
1032, a controller (not shown), and a communication unit comprising an antenna
for at least
receiving signals (not shown). The casing 1023 comprises a bottom casing
portion 1034
having a tubular shape and a top casing portion 1036 having a tubular shape
and being
positioned on top of the bottom casing portion 1034. The diameter of the
bottom casing
portion is chosen so that the bottom casing portion 1034 be insertable into
the coupling body
- 19 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
;
1060. The bottom and top casing portions 1034 and 1036 may be seen as a hollow
T-shaped
body.
[00117] The bottom casing portion 1034 comprises a motor receiving
chamber 1038
which extends from a top end thereof to a bottom wall 1040 which closes the
bottom end of
the bottom casing portion 1034. The bottom wall 1040 of the bottom casing
portion 1034 is
provided with a threaded hole 1042 which emerges into the motor receiving
chamber 1038
and in which the drive screw 1026 is rotatably inserted. The motor 1028 is
inserted into the
motor receiving chamber 1038 and the drive screw 1026 is operatively connected
to the
motor 1028 so that an activation of the motor 1028 triggers a rotation of the
drive screw
1026. The portion of the drive screw 1026 which is inserted into the threaded
hole 1042 is
provided with at least one horizontal thread on its external surface, i.e. the
threads are
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the drive screw 1026. Similarly, the
threaded hole
comprises at least one horizontal thread so that the activation of the motor
1028 triggers a
rotation of the drive screw 1026 with respect to the casing 1023 while
preventing any
translation of the drive screw relative to the casing 1023. The bottom section
of the drive
screw 1026 is provided with threads that are angled with respect to the
longitudinal axis of
the drive screw 1026 to allow translation of the closure member 1014 relative
to the drain
fitting 1012 as described below.
[00118] The bottom casing portion 1034 further comprises four
protrusions 1043
which each protrude outwardly from the external face of the bottom casing
portion 1034 and
each extend longitudinally along at least a section of the length of the
bottom casing portion
1034. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions 1043 are evenly
positioned around the
circumference of the top end of the bottom casing portion 1034. However, it
should be
understood that other configurations may be possible. For example, the
protrusions 1043 may
not be evenly distributed around the circumference of the bottom casing
portion 1034. It
should also be understood that the number, shape, size, and/or position of the
protrusions
1043 may vary as long as the bottom casing portion 1034 comprises at least one
protrusion
projecting from the outer surface of the bottom casing portion 1034.
- 20 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
,=
;
[00119] The bottom casing portion 1034 further comprises a protrusion
or flange 1044
which extends radially and outwardly from the top end of the bottom casing
portion 1034
along the circumference thereof, and the circular gasket 1032 is installed
around the
protrusion 1044. The protrusion 1044 may also be seen as being part of the top
casing portion
1036. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the protrusion 1044 is
chosen so as to be
equal to or less than the internal diameter of the drain fitting 1012. In this
case and when the
drain closure system is in a closed position, the bottom end of the protrusion
penetrates into
the drain fitting 1012 and the gasket 1032 abuts against the flange 1018 of
the drain fitting
1012 in order to close the drain fitting 1012. In the illustrated embodiment,
the diameter of
the top casing portion 1036 is greater than that of the protrusion 1044.
[00120] The top casing portion 1036 comprises a battery receiving
chamber 1046
which extends from the top end of the top casing portion 1034 to a bottom end
thereof and a
bottom wall 1045 is used for securing the bottom casing portion 1034 to the
top casing
portion 1036. The wall 1045 has a first end secured to the flange 1044 of the
bottom casing
portion 1034 and a second and opposite end secured to the bottom end of the
top casing
portion 1036. As illustrated in Figure 8, the motor receiving chamber 1038
emerges into the
battery receiving chamber 1046 so that the battery 1030 be electrically
connected to the
motor 1028 for powering the motor 1028.
[00121] The cover 1024 is used for enclosing at least the electrical
motor 1028 and the
battery 1030 within the casing 1023 while preventing water from propagating
within the
motor receiving chamber 1038 and the battery receiving chamber 1046. The cover
1024
comprises a cylindrical body 1048 provided with a recess 1050 which extends
from the
bottom of the cylindrical body 1048 towards a top wall thereof. The recess
1050 is sized and
shaped so as to receive the top casing portion 1036 therein. Circular gaskets
1052 are inserted
around the lateral surface of the top casing portion 1036 between the top
casing portion 1036
and the cover 1024 so as to prevent any water from flowing into the top casing
portion 1036
and thereby protect the electrical components contained into the closure
assembly 1014 from
water.
-21 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
'.
[00122] In one embodiment, the cover 1024 may be removably secured to
the top
casing portion 1036 by friction forces created when the cover 1024 is
positioned on top and
over the top casing portion 1036.
[00123] In another embodiment, the lateral and external face of the
top casing portion
1036 may be threaded and the internal face of the cover 1024 may also be
threaded so that
the cover 1024 may be secured to the top casing portion 1036 by screwing the
cover 1024 on
the top casing portion 1036.
[00124] It should be understood that any adequate system/method for
removably and
hermetically securing the cover 1024 to the top casing portion 1036 may be
used. For
example, screws may be used.
[00125] In one embodiment, the cover 1024 is further provided with a
flange 1054 that
extends radially and outwardly from the top of the cover 1024.
[00126] In the same or another embodiment, the cover 1024 is further
provided with a
solar panel 1056 comprising photovoltaic cells that is secured to the top wall
of the cover
1024. In this case, the solar panel is electrically connected to the battery
1030 and the battery
1030 is a rechargeable battery adapted to be recharged by the solar panel
1056.
[00127] In one embodiment, the electronic drain closure system 16
comprises a
guiding or coupling body 1060 insertable into the drain fitting 1012. In one
embodiment, the
coupling body 1060 is fixedly securable to the drain fitting 1012. In another
embodiment, the
coupling body 1060 is removably securable to the drain fitting 1012. The
coupling body
1060 is sized and shaped so that water may flow through the drain fitting
while the coupling
body 1060 is inserted into the drain fitting 1012. For example, the coupling
body 1060 may
has a cylindrical shape and be provided with at least one hole extending along
its entire
length to allow water to flow therethrough.
[00128] As illustrated in Figures 10 to 12, the coupling body 1060
comprises a tubular
body 1061 extending between a top end and a bottom end and a wall 1064 closes
the bottom
end of the tubular body 1061. The tubular body defines a chamber adapted to
receive the
bottom casing portion 1034 of the closure member 1014 therein. The internal
diameter of the
- 22 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
`=
tubular body 1061 substantially corresponds the external diameter of the
bottom casing
portion 1034 of the closure member 1014 and the internal face of the tubular
body 1061
comprises four internal recesses 1062 each positioned, sized and shaped for
receiving a
respective protrusion 1043 of the bottom casing portion 1034 of the closure
member 1014. In
the illustrated embodiment, the internal recesses 1062 are evenly distributed
around the
circumference of the internal face of the tubular body 1061 and each extend
along
substantially the entire length of the internal face of the tubular body 1061.
It should be
understood that other configurations may be possible depending on the number,
size, shape
and position of the protrusions 1043.
[00129] The bottom wall 1064 of the coupling body 1060 is provided
with a threaded
aperture 1066 in which the drive screw 1026 is inserted. The thread of the
aperture 1066 is
angled so as to correspond the angled thread of the drive screw 1026. The
bottom face 1065
of the bottom wall 1064 is also provided with two magnet receiving recesses
1067 each
adapted to receive a respective magnet therein.
[00130] The tubular body 1061 is further provided with four
protrusions 1070 which
each project outwardly and radially from the external face thereof. The
protrusions 1070 each
extend along a section of the length of the tubular body 1061. The protrusions
1070 are
evenly distributed around the circumference of the tubular body 1061 so that
each protrusion
1070 faces a respective recess 1062. It should be understood that other
configurations may be
possible as long as the tubular body 1061 is provided with at least one
protrusion projecting
from the outer face of the tubular body 1061. For example, the number, shape,
size and
position of the protrusions 1070 may vary. The space defined between two
adjacent
protrusions 1070 allows water to flow from the bathtub into the evacuation
drain.
[00131] As illustrated in Figure 16 to 18, the drain fitting 1012
comprises a tubular
body 1016 extending between a top end and a bottom end. The internal diameter
of the
tubular body 1016 is chosen so as to receive the coupling body 1060 therein.
The internal
face of the tubular body 1016 is provided with four recesses 1068 each sized
and shaped for
receiving a respective protrusions 1070 therein. A flange 1018 extends
radially and
outwardly from the top end of the tubular body 1016 around the circumference
thereof
- 23 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
'.
[00132] The drain fitting 1012 further comprises a bottom wall 1071 at
the bottom end
of the tubular body 1016. The bottom wall 1071 comprises a central threaded
aperture 1072
for receiving the drive screw 1026 therein. It should be understood that the
central aperture
1072 may not be threaded. The bottom wall 1071 further comprises four openings
1073
which each extends therethrough for allowing water to flow from the bathtub
into the
evacuation drain. The bottom wall 1071 also comprises two magnet receiving
openings 1074
which each extend from the top of the bottom wall 1071 to its bottom end. A
flange 1075
projects from the top end of the bottom wall 1071 within the magnet receiving
aperture and
extends along a portion of the circumference of the magnet receiving opening
1074. The
flange 1075 allows maintaining a magnet into the magnet receiving aperture
1074 and
prevents the magnet from moving into the cavity defined by the tubular body
1061.
[00133] The internal face of the tubular body 1061 is provided with
four recesses 1076
which each extend along the length of the tubular body 1061. The recesses 1076
are evenly
distributed around the circumference of the internal face of the tubular body
1061 so as to
each receive therein a respective protrusions 1070 It should be understood
that the position,
shape, size and number of recesses 1076 may vary depending on the number,
size, shape and
position of the protrusions 1070.
[00134] In an embodiment in which it is removably securable to the
drain fitting 1012,
the coupling body 1060 may comprise two magnets 1084 each inserted into a
respective
magnet receiving recess 1067, and the drain fitting 1012 may also be provided
with two
magnets 1086 each inserted into a respective magnet receiving aperture 1074.
The magnet
receiving recesses 1067 and the magnet receiving apertures 1074 are positioned
so that each
magnet 1084 faces a respective magnet 1086 when the coupling body 1060 is
inserted into
the drain fitting 1012. AS a result of the magnetic force between the magnets
1084 and 1086,
the coupling body 1060 is removably securable to the drain fitting 1012. The
magnetic force
generated between the magnets 1084 and 1086 allow preventing any translation
movement of
the coupling body 1060 relative to the drain fitting 1012. It should be
understood that the
number of magnets, magnet receiving recesses and magnet receiving apertures
may vary.
Similarly, the position, size, shape of the magnets, the magnet receiving
recesses and the
magnet receiving apertures may vary.
- 24 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
(
[00135] In another embodiment, the coupling body 1060 may be fixedly
secured
within the drain fitting 1012. In this case, the magnet receiving recesses
1067, the magnet
receiving apertures 1074 and the magnets 1084 and 1086 may be omitted. Any
adequate
method for fixedly securing the coupling body 1060 to the drain fitting 1012
may be used.
[00136] In one embodiment, the coupling body 1060 may be omitted. In
this case, the
closure member 1014 is movably secured to the drain fitting 1012 thanks to the
drive screw
1026 which threadingly engages the threaded aperture 1072 of the drain
fitting. The
protrusions 1043 may be sized and shaped for being received in a respective
recess 1076 so
as to prevent any rotation of the closure member 1014 relative to the drain
fitting 1012.
[00137] In order to assemble the electronic drain closure system 16,
the coupling body
1060 is inserted into the drain fitting 1012 so that each protrusions 1070 be
received in a
respective recess 1076. Once the protrusions 1070 are each received in a
respective recess
1076, the coupling body 1060 cannot rotate relative to the drain fitting. Then
the casing 1023
of the closure member 1014 is inserted into the coupling body. This is done by
inserting each
protrusion 1043 into a respective recess 1062 and screwing the drive screw
into the threaded
aperture 1066 of the coupling body 1060 and the threaded aperture 1072 of the
drain fitting
1012. Then the electrical motor 1028, the battery 1030, the controller and the
communication
unit are inserted into the casing 1023 and operatively connected together and
to the drive
screw 1026. The cover 1024 is then secured to the casing 1023, thereby
hermetically
enclosing the components installed in the casing 1023. The electronic drain
closure system
16 can then be secured to the bathtub and fluidly connected to the evacuation
drain.
[00138] It should be understood that the order of the above steps is
exemplary only.
For example, the different components to be installed in the casing may be
first positioned in
the casing 1023. Then the cover 1024 may be secured to the casing 1023 before
inserting the
closure member 1014 into the coupling body 1060 and inserting the coupling
body into the
drain fitting 1012.
[00139] In order to selectively open and close the electronic drain
closure system 16,
the electrical motor 1028 is activated which triggers a rotation of the drive
screw 1026 in a
respective rotation direction. The drive screw 1026 then rotates relative to
the casing 1023
- 25 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
,
but does not translate relative to the casing 1023. Since the coupling body
1060 cannot
translate and rotate relative to the drain fitting 1012 and the drain fitting
1012 is fixedly
secured to the bathtub, the rotation of the drive screw 1026 triggers a
translation of the
closure member 1014 into the coupling body 1060. Depending on the rotation
direction of
the drive screw 1026, the closure member will translate upwardly to allow
water to flow from
the bathtub into the evacuation drain or downwardly to abut the gasket 1032
against the top
end of the drain fitting 1012, thereby preventing water to flow from the
bathtub into the
evacuation drain.
[00140] In order to operate the electronic drain closure system
16, a wireless command
signal is sent from a remote control such as a mobile device to the electronic
drain closure
system 16. The wireless communication unit receives the command signal which
is
transmitted to the controller of the electronic drain closure system 16. If
the command
indicates that the electronic drain closure system 16 must be closed, the
controller activates
the motor 1028 to downwardly translate the bottom casing portion 1034 into the
coupling
body 1060. The electronic drain closure system 16 is then closed as
illustrated in Figure 9. In
this position, the gasket 1032 abuts against the casing 1023 and the drain
fitting 1012,
thereby preventing water from flowing into the drain fitting 1012. If the
command indicates
that the electronic drain closure system 16 must be opened, the controller
activates the motor
1028 to upwardly translate the bottom casing portion 1034
[00141] In one embodiment, the electronic drain closure system 16
further comprises a
sensor for detecting the presence of a liquid such as water. In this case, the
controller is
further configured to activate the communication unit, i.e. powering the
communication unit
only when the sensor detects the presence of water in the bathtub or in the
vicinity of the
electronic drain closure system 16, depending on the location of the sensor.
In this case, the
sensor may continuously or periodically send signals indicative of the
presence and/or
absence of water to the controller. When the signal sent by the sensor is
indicative of the
presence of water, the controller activates the communication unit by powering
the
communication unit which then listens to command signals to be sent from the
remote
control. When the signal sent by the sensor is indicative of the absence of
water, the
controller deactivates the communication unit by cutting the power to the
communication
- 26 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
,
unit, thereby saving energy stored in the battery by not depleting the battery
when no water is
detected.
[00142] Figures 19 and 20 illustrate one exemplary sensor 1090 for
detecting the
presence of liquid such as water. The sensor 1090 is located on the bottom
face of the top
casing portion 1036. The sensor 1090 comprises two circular and concentric
electrical
conductors 1092 and 1094 which are spaced apart by a given distance.
[00143] The electrical conductors 1092 and 1094 are part of an
electrical circuit and
form together a switch. An electrical current is applied to one of the
conductors 1092 and
1094. Because of the gap of air between the two conductors 1092 and 1094, the
electrical
current cannot propagate into the other one of the conductors 1092 and 1094.
However, when
water is present between the two conductors 1092 and 1094 and because water is
electrically
conductive, the electrical current can flow between the two conductors 1092
and 1094,
thereby closing the electrical circuit.
[00144] Therefore, when no water is present between the two
conductors 1094 and
1092, no electrical current can flow between the two conductors 1092 and 1094
and the
sensor 1090 determines that no water is present and sends a signal indicative
of the absence
of water to the controller. When water is present between the two conductors
1094 and 1092,
then the electrical current can flow between the two conductors 1092 and 1094
and the
sensor 1090 determines that the presence of water and sends a signal
indicative of the
presence of water to the controller.
[00145] It should be understood that the position of the sensor
1090 may vary. For
example, the sensor 1090 may be located on the top face of the cover 1024
around the
optional solar panel 1056.
[00146] It should also be understood that the sensor 1090 is
exemplary only and that
any adequate senor adapted to detect the presence of a liquid such as water
may be used.
[00147] In one embodiment, the battery 1030 may be omitted and the
closure member
1014 may be electrically connectable to a power source such as a grid.
- 27 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
, ,
A, , .. f.
[00148] While the present electronic drain closure system 16 is
described in
connection with a bathtub for selectively opening and closing an evacuation
drain, it should
be understood that the electronic drain closure system 16 may be used in
connection with any
adequate container for containing a liquid. For example, the electronic drain
closure system
16 may be installed on a shower base, a swimming pool, or the like.
Furthermore, while the
drain closure system 16 has been described in connection with the illustrated
embodiment, it
will be understood that a different drain closure system could be used in
conjunction with the
automated water delivery system 10. For instance, in an alternate embodiment,
the automated
water delivery system 10 could be provided with a drain closure apparatus
mechanically
coupled to an electric motor remotely located, for instance located to an
exterior side wall of
the bathtub 12, or adjacent to an elbow connector fluidly connected to an
overflow drain (e.g.
elbow connector 25105, as best described below). In such an embodiment, the
electric motor
could be coupled to a transmission consisting of a rack and pinion, which
transmission is
connected to the drain closure, underneath bath 12, through a cable mechanism.
In such an
embodiment, the operation of the electric motor would urge movement of the
rack and pinion
transmission, which itself would result in a translation movement of the
cable, to move the
drain closure system between an open and a closed position.
Level Sensor
[00149] The level sensor 18 is adapted to monitor the level of
water within the
bathtub 12, i.e. determine the height of water contained within the bathtub
12. In one
embodiment, the level sensor 18 is a contact sensor, i.e., the level sensor 18
detects the level
of water when in contact with the water. In another embodiment, the level
sensor 18 is a
remote or contactless level sensor, i.e., it can detect the level of water
without any contact
with water. For example, the contactless level sensor may be an ultrasonic
level sensor.
[00150] In one embodiment, the level sensor 18 is adapted to
measure different levels
of water within the bathtub 12. For example, the level sensor 18 may be a
continuous sensor
adapted to continuously measure the level of water within the bathtub 12
independently of
the level of water. In another embodiment, the level sensor 18 may be a point
sensor adapted
to determine whether the level of water within the bathtub 12 has reached at
least one
- 28 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
3
A
predefined level. A point level sensor 18 may be adapted to detect different
predefined levels
of water within the bathtub 12.
[00151] In one embodiment, the level sensor 18 may correspond to
an overflow sensor
which is adapted to detect an overflow level, i.e. the level of water
contained within the
bathtub 12 that corresponds to or is adjacent to the height of the overflow
aperture connected
to an overflow drain. Alternatively, the level sensor 12 may be adapted to
detect more than
the overflow level. For example, the level sensor 12 may be adapted to detect
a low level and
a high level in addition to the overflow level.
[00152] In accordance with one embodiment, Figure 21 illustrates
one embodiment of
an apparatus 18 for determining the level of liquid contained in a container.
The apparatus
comprises a body or casing 2512 that is securable to the container. The plate
2512 extends
along a longitudinal axis 2514 and has a substantially rectangular shape
provided with
rounded ends 2516 and 2518. The apparatus comprises three sensors 2520, 2522,
and 2524
each adapted to detect the presence of a liquid at a respective and different
position Pi, P2 and
P3 along the longitudinal axis 2514 of the body 2512. The body 2512 is secured
to the
container so that the three sensors 2520, 2522, and 2524 are located at
different locations
along the height of the container.
[00153] The apparatus 18 is secured to the container for which
the level of liquid is to
be sensed at an adequate position. The apparatus 18 may be positioned so that
its longitudinal
axis 2514 be substantially vertical with the end 16 facing the ground. When
the level of
liquid contained in the container is below the sensor 2520, no sensor 2520,
2522, 2524
detects the presence of liquid. When no sensor 2520, 2522, 2524 detects the
presence of
liquid, the level of liquid is assumed to be below the position Pi. When the
level of liquid is
between the sensors 2520 and 2522, the sensors 2520 detects the presence of
liquid while the
sensors 2522 and 2524 each detect no liquid. When only the sensor 2520 detects
the presence
of liquid, the level of liquid is assumed to be located at or above the
position Pi while being
located below the position P2. When the level of liquid is between the sensors
2522 and 2524,
the sensors 2520 and 2522 each detect the presence of liquid while the sensor
2524 detects no
liquid. When only the sensors 2520 and 2524 detect the presence of liquid, the
level of liquid
- 29 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
is assumed to be located at or above the position P2 while being below the
position P3. When
the level of liquid is above the sensor 2524, the three sensors 2520, 2522 and
2524 each
detect the presence of liquid. In this case, the level of liquid is assumed to
be located at the
position P3 or above the position P3.
[00154] While the above description refers to three sensors 2520, 2522
and 2524, it
should be understood that the number of sensors may vary as long as the
apparatus 18 is
provided with at least one sensor adapted to detect at least one level of
liquid. For example,
the apparatus 18 may comprise a single sensor that is adapted to detect a
single level of
liquid. In another example, the apparatus 18 may comprise a single sensor that
is adapted to
detect a plurality of levels of liquid.
[00155] In one embodiment, the apparatus 18 is used in connection with
a bathtub
comprising an overflow aperture for evacuating water in order to prevent a
water overflow.
In this case, the body 2512 may correspond to an overflow cover to be secured
over the
overflow aperture of the bathtub connected to the overflow drain. The position
P3 along the
longitudinal axis 2514 of the body 2512 may then be chosen so as to be aligned
with the
overflow aperture or in the vicinity of the overflow aperture such as just
below the bottom of
the overflow aperture in the bathtub. The sensor 2524 is then used to indicate
an overflow of
water. The position Pi and P2 may be chosen so as to each correspond to
predefined levels of
water or volumes of water. For example, the position Pi may correspond to a
low level of
water within the bathtub while the position P2 may correspond to a high level
of water within
the bathtub.
[00156] In the illustrated embodiment, the sensors 2520, 2522, 2524
each comprise a
respective input electrical conductor 2530, 2532, 2534 each having a terminal
2540, 2542,
2544 that emerges from the body 2512 so as to be in physical contact with a
liquid. It should
understood that only the terminal 2540, 2542, 2544 emerges from the body 2512
while the
remaining of the electrical conductor 2530, 2532, 2534 is inserted within the
body so that
only the terminal 2540, 2542, 2544 can be in physical contact with the liquid.
The terminals
2540, 2542, 2544 are positioned along the longitudinal axis 2514 at the
positons P1, P2 and
P3, respectively. The body 2512 further comprises an output electrical
conductor 2546 that
- 30 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
;
=
extends longitudinally along the body 2512 spaced apart from the terminals
2540, 2542,
2544, and is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 2514. The
electrical conductor
2546 is positioned to be adjacent to the terminals 2540, 2542 and 2544. At
least three
sections 2541, 2543, 2545 of the electrical conductor 2546 emerge from the
body 2512 so as
to be in physical contact with water and each of the at least three sections
2541, 2543, 2545
faces a respective terminal 2540, 2542, 2544. The distance between the each
terminal 2540,
2542, 2544 and its respective section 2541, 2543, 2545 of the electrical
conductor 2546 that
faces the terminal 2540, 2542, 2544 is chosen as a function of the
characteristics of the
current injected into the electrical conductor 2530, 2532, 2534 so that at
least part of the
current may propagate from the terminal 2540, 2542, 2544 and its respective
section 2541,
2543, 2545 of the electrical conductor 2546 when the terminal 2540, 2542, 2544
and its
respective section of the electrical conductor 2546 are emerged in water.
[00157] In one embodiment, the section 2541, 2543, 2545 of the output
electrical
conductor 2546 that emerges from the body 2512 runs from the position Pi to at
least the
position P3 along the length of the body 2512.
[00158] Each terminal 2540, 2542, 2544 and its respective section
2541, 2543, 2545 of
the output electrical conductor 2546 that faces the terminal 2540, 2542, 2544
forms an
electrical switch that is open when no liquid is present between the terminal
2540, 2542,
2544 and its respective section 2541, 2543, 2545 of the output electrical
conductor 2546
(thereby preventing any current to flow from the terminal 2540, 2542, 2544 and
the output
electrical conductor 2546) and that is closed when liquid is present between
the terminal
2540, 2542, 2544 and its respective section of the output electrical conductor
2546 (thereby
allowing an electrical current to flow from the terminal 2540, 2542, 2544 and
the output
electrical conductor 2546).
[00159] The electrical conductors 2530, 2532, 2534 and 2546 are part
of an electrical
circuit that corresponds to a sensing unit for sensing in this case three
different levels of
liquid, i.e. positions Pi, P2 and P3. The electrical circuit comprises at
least one current
generator for propagating a first electrical current having a first input
intensity in the
electrical conductor 2530, a second electrical current having a second input
intensity in the
-31 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
4i
t.
electrical conductor 2532, and a third electrical current having a third input
intensity in the
electrical conductor 34. The electrical circuit further comprises an intensity
sensor such as an
ammeter for measuring the intensity of the current propagating in the
electrical conductor
2546. A first predefined intensity or a first predefined intensity range is
associated with the
first branch of the electrical circuit comprising the electrical conductor
2530. A second
predefined intensity or a second predefined intensity range (greater than the
first predefined
intensity or a first predefined intensity range) is associated with the second
branch of the
electrical circuit comprising the electrical conductor 2532. A third
predefined intensity or a
third predefined intensity range (greater than the first and second predefined
intensities or the
first and second predefined intensity ranges) is associated with the second
branch of the
electrical circuit comprising the electrical conductor 2532.
[00160] It should be understood that the apparatus 18 further
comprises a control unit
(not shown) for controlling the current generator in order to generate the
three electrical
currents. The control unit is in communication with the intensity sensor for
receiving the
measured intensity. The control unit comprises a database on which the first
predefined
intensity or the first predefined intensity range, the second predefined
intensity or the second
predefined intensity range and the third predefined intensity or the third
predefined intensity
range are stored as well as the first, second and third input intensities. The
first, second and
third intensities may be equal or different. The control unit is configured
for comparing the
measured intensity to the predefined intensities or the predefined intensity
ranges in order to
determine the level of liquid, as explained below.
[00161] The sensing unit comprising the electrical circuit
operates as follows. When
the current sensor detects no current, then the control unit determines that
the level of liquid
is below the position Pi. When water is present only between the terminal 2540
and the
electrical conductor 2546, the first electrical current may flow from the
terminal 2540 to the
electrical conductor 2546 while no current flows between the terminals 2542
and 2544 and
the electrical conductor 2546. The intensity sensor then detects the first
electrical current and
measures the intensity of the detected current. If the measured intensity
substantially
corresponds to the first predefined intensity or is contained within the first
predefined
- 32 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
f
intensity range, then the control unit determines that the level of water is
located at or above
the position Pi while being located below the position P2.
[00162] When water is present between the terminals 2540 and 2542 and
the electrical
conductor 2546 while no water is present between the terminal 2544 and the
electrical
conductor 2546, the first electrical current may flow from the terminal 2540
to the electrical
conductor 2546 and the second electrical current may flow from the terminal
2542 to the
electrical conductor 2546 while no current flows between the third terminal
2544 and the
electrical conductor 2546. The intensity sensor then detects the first and
second electrical
currents and measures an intensity that substantially corresponds to the
addition of the first
and second intensities. If the measured intensity substantially corresponds to
the second
predefined intensity or is contained within the second predefined intensity
range, then the
control unit determines that the level of water is located at or above the
position P2 while
being located below the position P3.
[00163] When water is present between the three terminals 2540, 2542
and 2544 and
the electrical conductor 2546, the first electrical current may flow from the
terminal 2540 to
the electrical conductor 2546, the second electrical current may flow from the
terminal 2542
to the electrical conductor 2546, and the third electrical current may flow
from the terminal
2544 to the electrical conductor 2546. The intensity sensor then detects the
first, second and
third electrical currents and measures an intensity that substantially
corresponds to the
addition of the first, second and third intensities. If the measured intensity
substantially
corresponds to the third predefined intensity or is contained within the third
predefined
intensity range, then the control unit determines that the level of water is
located at or above
the position P3.
[00164] In one embodiment, the apparatus 18 may further comprise a
temperature
sensor 2550 for monitoring the temperature of the liquid contained in the
container. The
temperature sensor 2550 is secured to the body 2512 and may be located
adjacent to the
bottom end 16 of the body 2512.
[00165] In one embodiment, the apparatus 18 may further comprise a
communication
unit (not shown) such as a wireless communication unit or a wire communication
unit for at
- 33 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
=%, ,
least transmitting signals. The control unit is in communication with the
sensor unit
comprising the sensors 2520, 2522 and 2524 to receive signals indicative of
the detected
level of liquid and to the temperature sensor 2550, if any. The controller may
then send via
the communication unit a signal indicative of the detected level of liquid and
a signal
indicative of the measured temperature. For example, the control unit may
wirelessly send a
signal indicative of the detected level and/or a signal indicative of the
measured temperature
to a mobile user device to inform a user of an actual level and/or
temperature. In an
embodiment in which the electrical conductor 34 and the terminal 2544 are
positioned to
correspond to the position of the overflow aperture of the container, the
control unit may be
adapted to generate and transmit an alert indicative of an overflow when it
detects that water
is present between the terminal 2544 and the electrical conductor 2546.
[00166] For example, such as an apparatus 18 may be used for an
automatic bathtub
provided with an electronic faucet for automatically filling water into the
bathtub and an
electronic drain closure device for automatically opening and closing the
evacuation drain of
the bathtub. In one embodiment, when an overflow is detected, i.e., when the
control unit
detects that water is present between the terminal 2544 and the electrical
conductor 2546, the
control unit is adapted to generate and transmit a first command signal
indicative of an
opening for the electronic drain closure device and/or a second command signal
indicative of
a closure for the electronic faucet. Upon receipt of the first command from
the control unit,
the electronic drain closure device opens so that water may flow through the
evacuation
drain. Upon receipt of the second command from the control unit, the
electronic faucet closes
so that water be no longer dispensed.
[00167] In one embodiment, the control unit of the apparatus 18
may be adapted to
control the electronic faucet and/or the electronic drain closure system. In
this case, a user
may transmit a desired level of water for the bathtub and the control unit
automatically
controls the electronic drain control device to close the evacuation drain and
the electronic
faucet to opens the electronic faucet in order to fill the bathtub with water.
The control unit
then continuously or periodically monitors the level of water within the
bathtub via the
sensors 2520, 2522 and 2524. When it detects that the desired level of water
is reached, the
- 34 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
T.
control unit closes the electronic faucet. The control unit may then transmit
an alert to the
user device or triggers a visual or sound alarm.
[00168] In an embodiment in which the apparatus 18 further comprises
the
temperature sensor 2550, the user may transmit a signal indicative of a
desired temperature
for the water to the control unit. In this case, the control unit is adapted
to control the mixing
valve connected to a source of hot water and a source of cold water to provide
water having
the desired temperature in addition to control the flow control valve of the
electronic faucet
in order to open the electronic faucet and deliver water having the desired
temperature. In
one embodiment, the control unit is adapted to transmit the measured
temperature to the user
device. In one embodiment the control unit is adapted to maintain the water
contained in the
bathtub to a the desired temperature. When it determines that the measured
temperature no
longer corresponds to the desired temperature, the control unit is adapted to
open the
electronic drain closure device in order to evacuate water via the evacuation
drain and open
the electronic faucet and control the mixing valve to add water having an
adequate
temperature until the measured temperature corresponds to the desired
temperature. When
the measured temperature corresponds to the desired temperature, the control
unit closes the
electronic drain closure device and the electronic faucet.
[00169] In one embodiment, the apparatus 18 further comprises a
control panel or user
interface 2560 which may be located on the front face of the body 2512 while
the level
sensors 2520, 2522 and 2524 and the temperature sensor 2550, if any, are
located on the rear
face of the body 2512, as illustrated in Figure 22. The control panel 2560 is
connected to the
control unit and may be used for controlling the automatic bathtub. For
example, the control
panel 2560 may be used to automatically fill a bathtub with water. Via the
control panel
2560, the user may input a desired temperature for water, select a bathtub or
shower mode,
input a desired level of water for the bathtub, and/or the like. The control
panel 2560 may
also be used for manually activating the electronic faucet or the shower head.
[00170] In the illustrated embodiment, the control panel 2560
comprises a central
display 2562 for displaying information such as a desired water temperature or
an actual
temperature, a tub activation key 2564 for activating the electronic faucet
and close the
- 35 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
electronic drain, a shower activation key 2566 for activating the shower head,
a first selection
key 2568, and a second selection key 2570. For example, the first and second
selection keys
2568 and 2570 may be used for selecting different operation modes. For
example, the keys
2568 and 2570 may be used to select a desired level of water for the bathtub.
In another
example, the keys 2568 and 2570 may be used to input a desired temperature. It
should be
understood that the control panel 2560 may comprise a touchscreen for allowing
the user to
input commands.
[00171] Figure 23 illustrates an exemplary apparatus 18 secured to a
bathtub 2580. In
this embodiment, the apparatus 18 is secured over an overflow aperture (not
shown) present
on the wall of the bathtub 2580 and connected to an overflow drain (not
shown). In this case,
the plate 2512 of the apparatus 18 corresponds to an overflow plate and is
secured to the
bathtub over the overflow aperture so that a gap exists between the wall of
the bathtub 2580
and the rear face of the plate 2512 on which the level sensors 2520, 2522 and
2524 and the
temperature sensor 2550, if any, are secured. The gap allows water to flow
into the overflow
aperture and to be in physical contact with the sensors 2520, 2522, 2524 and
2550. It should
be understood that the body 2512 is secured to the wall of the bathtub 2580 so
that it extends
along the height of the bathtub 2580. In one embodiment, the overflow plate
has a length
along its longitudinal axis that is greater than the length of usual overflow
plates.
[00172] Figure 24 illustrates an exemplary apparatus 18 secured to a
faucet 2582. The
body 2512 of the apparatus 18 extends downwardly from the faucet 2582 and the
assembly
comprising the faucet 2582 and the apparatus 18 is secured to the wall of a
bathtub so that
water way be in physical contact with the sensors 2520, 2522, 2524 and 2550
positioned on
the rear face of the apparatus 18.
[00173] In an embodiment in which one of the sensor 2520, 2522, 2524,
such as the
sensor 2524, is positioned so as to be aligned with an overflow aperture of
the container, such
as at position P3, the apparatus 18 may be adapted to trigger an alarm when
the sensor detects
water at the level of the overflow aperture. In the same or another
embodiment, the apparatus
18 may be adapted to a send a signal indicative of the potential overflow. In
a further
- 36 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
' .
embodiment, the apparatus 18 may be adapted to send a command to the
electronic faucet to
close the faucet and/or a command to the electronic drain to open the drain.
[00174] While in the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 18 is
securable to the
bathtub, it should be understood that other embodiment may be possible. For
example, the
apparatus 18 may be a remote control that may be insertable into a container
such as a
bathtub and may float in a liquid such as water.
[00175] While in the illustrated embodiment, the control unit and the
communication
unit are integrated in the apparatus 18, it should be understood that other
configurations may
be possible. For example, the control unit and the communication unit may be
independent
from the body 2512 while the control unit is in communication with the sensors
2520, 2522,
2524 and 2550. For instance, the control unit could be mounted to an external
wall of the tub
12.
[00176] Figures 25 and 26 illustrate an embodiment of an apparatus
25100 for
determining the level of liquid contained in a container that is secured to an
overflow plate
25102. The overflow plate 25102 is fluidly connected to an overflow drain
25104 via an
elbow connector 25105 in order to evacuate water from the container when the
level of water
has reached a predefined level, i.e. the overflow level. Adjacent to the elbow
connector
25105 is a rack and pinion transmission 25107 operatively coupled to an
electric motor
25109. Extending from the transmission 25107, and operatively coupled to the
drain closure
system (e.g. drain closure system 16) is a cable 25111. As the electric motor
25109 is
operated in one direction or the other, the transmission 25107 urges the cable
25111 to
translate inwardly and outwardly from a transmission housing 25113, which
causes the drain
closure system to move between an open position and a closed position.
[00177] Figure 27 illustrates one embodiment of the overflow plate
25102 to which the
apparatus 25100 is secured. A chamber 25106 extends from the front face of the
overflow
plate 25102. The chamber 25106 is fluidly connected to the overflow drain
25104 via the
elbow connector 25105 in order to evacuate overflow water. The overflow plate
25102 is
further provided with a pair of securing holes 25108 which each extend from
the front face of
the overflow plate 25102. The securing holes 25108 are sized and shaped to
receive therein
- 37 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
securing means such as screws in order to secure the apparatus 25100 to the
overflow plate
25102.
[00178] In an embodiment, in which the control unit is independent from
the body of
the apparatus 25100, the overflow plate 25102 further comprises apertures
25110.
Communication cables may then be inserted through the apertures 25110 to
connect the
sensors 2520, 2522, 2524 and 2550 mounted on the apparatus 25100 to the
control unit.
[00179] It should be understood that the control unit, the memory and
the
communication unit may be inserted into the casing 2512.
[00180] While the above-described sensing unit comprises three input
electrical
conductors 2530, 2532 and 2534 and a single output electrical conductor 2546,
it should be
understood that other configurations may be possible. For example, the sensing
unit may
comprise the three input electrical conductors 2530, 2532 and 2534 and three
output
electrical conductors each associated with a respective input electrical
conductors 2530,
2532, 2534 so that the terminal of each output electrical conductor faces the
terminal 2540,
2542, 2544 of its respective input electrical conductors 2530, 2532, 2534. In
this case, the
sensing unit further comprises three current sensor each connected to a
respective input
electrical conductors 2530, 2532, 2534 and its associated output electrical
conductor to
measure the respective current flowing therethrough. In this case, a current
is injected in each
input electrical conductor 2530, 2532, 2534 and when water is present between
the terminal
2540, 2542, 2544 and the terminal of its respective output electrical
conductor, the current
may flow from the input electrical conductors 2530, 2532, 2534 to its
respective output
electrical conductor. For example, if water is present only between the
terminal 2540 and the
terminal of its respective output electrical conductor, the current sensor
associated with the
input electrical conductor 2530 detects a current while the other two current
sensors
associated with the input electrical conductors 2532 and 2534 detects not
current. In this
case, the control unit compares the intensity measured by the current sensor
associated with
the input electrical conductor 2530 to a predefined intensity or a predefined
intensity range
and if the comparison is positive, the control unit determines that the level
of liquid is at or
above the position Pi while being below the position Pz.
- 38 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
[00181] In one embodiment, an electronic shower head is further
included in the
system 10. An electronic shower head is a shower head that can automatically
deliver water
without any human intervention. The operation of the electronic shower head is
controlled by
a controller such as controller 20. In this case, the electronic shower head
and the electronic
faucet 14 are both connected to a flow control valve which is also connected
to the mixing
valve. The flow control valve receives a flow of water from the mixing valve
and selectively
directs the flow of water towards the electronic shower head or the electronic
faucet.
[00182] In one embodiment, the system 10 further comprises a
temperature sensor for
monitoring the temperature of the water contained within the bathtub 12. In
one embodiment,
the temperature sensor may be a contact temperature sensor, i.e., a
temperature sensor adpted
to measure the temperature of a liquid when in contact with the liquid. In
another
embodiment, the temperature sensor may be a contactless temperature sensor,
i.e., a
temperature sensor adapted to remotely measure the temperature of a liquid
without being in
contact with the liquid. For example, a contactless temperature sensor may be
an infrared
temperature sensor.
[00183] It should be understood that the different components of the
system 10 such as
electronic faucet 14, the electronic drain closure device 16 and the level
sensor 18 are
powered by at least one power source. For example, the electronic faucet 14,
the electronic
drain closure device 16 and the level sensor 18 may be electrically connected
to a power grid.
In another example, at least one battery may be used for powering the
electronic faucet 14,
the electronic drain closure device 16 and the level sensor 18. For example,
each component
may be powered by a respective battery such as a rechargeable battery.
[00184] The control unit 20 is adapted to control at least the
electronic faucet and the
electronic drain closure device 16. The control unit 20 is in communication
with the
electronic faucet 14, the electronic drain closure device 16 and the level
sensor 18. For
example, wireless communication may be used for allowing the control unit 20
to
communicate with the electronic faucet 14, the electronic drain closure device
16 and the
level sensor 18. Alternatively, the control unit 20 could be adapted to
communicate with the
- 39 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
electronic faucet 14, the electronic drain closure device 16 and the level
sensor 18 through
wires or electric cables.
[00185] The control unit 20 is adapted to control the electronic faucet
14, i.e. to
control the mixing valve and the flow control valve, if any, comprised within
the electronic
faucet. The control unit 20 is adapted to adjust the mixing valve to adjust
the flow of water
and/or the temperature of water. The control unit 20 is further adapted to
control the flow
control valve, if any, to allow a flow of water from the electronic faucet 12
or from the
shower head, if any.
[00186] The control unit 20 is also adapted to control the opening and
closing of the
electronic drain closure device 16 in order to respectively open and close the
evacuation
drain.
[00187] In one embodiment, the control unit 20 is further adapted to
receive the level
of water contained within the bathtub 12 from the level sensor 18.
[00188] In an embodiment in which the system 10 is provided with a
temperature
sensor for monitoring the temperature of the water contained within the
bathtub 12, the
control unit 20 is further adapted to receive the measured temperature from
the temperature
sensor.
[00189] In one embodiment, the control unit 20 may comprise or be
connected to a
user interface to allow a user inputting commands. In the same or another
embodiment, the
control unit 20 is in communication with a remote input device used by the
user to input
commands. In this case, the control unit 20 receives commands from the remote
control and
controls the system 10 according to the received commands. In one embodiment,
the
controller 20 and the input device communicate together via wireless
communications. In
this case, the input device may be a remote control, a mobile device provided
with an
adequate application, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, etc. In another
embodiment, the
controller 20 and the input device are connected via a communication wire. In
this case, the
input device may be secured adjacent to the bathtub such as on a wall.
- 40 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
, .
=;., 1.
[00190] Figure 28 illustrates one embodiment of a control method
50 to be applied by
the control unit 20 in order to control the water delivery system 10.
[00191] At step 52, the control unit 20 receives a command
signal indicative of desired
settings for the water delivery system 10. For example, the commands may be
indicative of a
desired temperature for the water, a desired level of water, a desired flow
rate, a desired
mode of operation, i.e. delivery of water via the shower head or the bathtub
faucet, and/or the
like. The command signal is sent from the input device used by the user to
input the desired
settings.
[00192] At step 54, the control unit 20 adjusts the mixing valve
so as to deliver water
having the desired temperature.
[00193] In one embodiment, the control unit 20 comprises a
database containing
mixing valve setting conditions for different water temperatures. In this
case, upon receiving
the desired temperature, the controller 20 retrieves from the database the
mixing valve setting
conditions that correspond to the received desired temperature and applies the
retrieved
mixing valve setting conditions to the mixing valve in order to obtain water
having the
desired temperature.
[00194] In another embodiment in which the mixing valve, the
faucet or the shower
head, if any, is provided with a temperature sensor, the controller may apply
a feedback loop
control method to obtain the desired temperature. In this case, the controller
20 receives the
temperature measured by the temperature sensor and adjusts the mixing valve
setting
conditions until the desired temperature is obtained.
[00195] In one embodiment, the control unit 20 directly controls
the mixing valve. In
another embodiment, the electronic faucet 14 is provided with a controller
that controls the
mixing valve and may also be provided with a temperature sensor for monitoring
the
temperature of the water to be delivered by the faucet. In this case, the
control unit 20
transmits the desired temperature to the electronic faucet 14 and the
controller of the
electronic faucet 14 adjusts the mixing valve setting conditions to provide
water having the
desired temperature. As for the controller 20, the controller of the faucet
may access a
-41 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
=;;
database for determining the mixing valve setting conditions or apply a
control feedback loop
using the temperature measured at the output of the mixing valve to adjust the
mixing valve
setting conditions and obtain the desired temperature.
[00196] At step 56, the control unit determines which one of the
electronic faucet 14
and the shower head should deliver water according to the received mode of
operation. If the
received mode of operation indicates that the user wants to take a shower, the
control unit 20
adjusts the flow control valve so that water be delivered by the shower head
(step 58).
[00197] If the received mode of operation indicates that the
user wants to take a bath,
the control unit 20 adjusts the flow control valve so that water be delivered
by the electronic
faucet 14 and further closes the electronic drain closure device 16 to close
the evacuation
drain of the bathtub 12 and fill the bathtub 12 with water (step 60). In one
embodiment, the
closure of the electronic drain closure device 16 may occur prior to the
adjustment of the
flow control valve, i.e., prior to the delivery of water by the electronic
faucet 14. In another
embodiment, the closure of the electronic drain closure device 16 and the
delivery of water
by the electronic faucet 12 may occur concurrently. In a further embodiment,
the closure of
the electronic drain closure device 16 occurs after the delivery of water by
the electronic
faucet 12. In an example in which the electronic faucet or the mixing valve is
provided with a
temperature sensor and the controller 20 uses a feedback loop control method,
the closing of
the electronic drain closure device 16 may occur only when the temperature
sensor of the
electronic faucet 12 or the mixing valve indicates that the temperature of the
water delivered
by the faucet has reached the desired temperature.
[00198] It should be understood that steps 56 and 58 may be
omitted if the system 10
comprises no shower head. In this case, the commands received at step 52
comprise no
desired mode of operation.
[00199] At step 62, the control unit 20 receives the level of
water within the bathtub 12
monitored by the level sensor 18. When the received and measured level of
water
corresponds to the desired level received at step 52, the control unit 20
closes the electronic
faucet 14 by adjusting the mixing valve so that water no longer flows from the
electronic
- 42 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
i ,
faucet. For example, if the user inputted a low level of water, the control
unit 20 closes the
electronic faucet 14 when the level sensor 18 indicates that the low level is
reached.
[00200] In an embodiment in which the commands received at step 52
indicate no
desired level, the control unit 20 may be adapted to close the electronic
faucet 14 when a
predefined level is reached. In one embodiment, the predefined level may be
the overflow
level.
[00201] In one embodiment, the control unit 20 may be adapted to
trigger an alert
when the desired level or water is reached or upon closure of the electronic
faucet. For
example, the control unit 20 may be adapted to send an alert message to a
mobile device to
inform the user that the filling of bathtub 12 is completed. In the same or
another
embodiment, the control unit 20 may remotely activate an apparatus to inform
the user. For
example, the control unit 20 may be adapted to switch on a light or turn a
media player to
play music, a video, or the like.
[00202] Following step 66, the control unit 20 operates in a post-fill
mode in which the
temperature of the water contained within the bathtub 12 is monitored at step
68. The control
unit 20 receives the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and
compares the
received temperature to the desired temperature. If the measured temperature
does not
correspond to the desired temperature or is not comprised within a given range
around the
desired temperature, the control unit 20 then opens the electronic drain
closure device 16 to
evacuate some water from the bathtub 12 and opens the electronic faucet 14 to
add water into
the bathtub 12, at step 70. In this case, the controller 20 receives
substantially continuously
the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and compares the received
temperature
to the desired temperature and keeps the mixing valve opened until the
measured temperature
substantially corresponds to the desired temperature.
[00203] If the measured temperature is less than the desired
temperature, the control
unit 20 controls the mixing valve of the electronic faucet 14 to add hot
water. If the measured
temperature is greater than the desired temperature, the control unit 20
controls the mixing
valve of the electronic faucet 14 to add cold water.
- 43 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
[00204] In one embodiment, the control unit 20 opens the electronic
drain closure
device 16 for a first predefined period of time and then closes the electronic
drain closure
device 16 once the first predefined period of time elapsed. The control unit
20 also opens the
mixing valve to deliver water through the electronic faucet 14 during a second
predefined
period of time. The opening of the mixing valve may occur concurrently with
the opening of
the electronic drain closure device 16 or after the closing of the electronic
drain closure
device 16. In one embodiment, the temperature of the water delivered by the
electronic faucet
14 during the second predefined period of time corresponds to the desired
temperature
received at step 52. In another embodiment, the temperature of the water
delivered by the
electronic faucet 14 during the second predefined period of time is greater
than the desired
temperature if the measured temperature is less than the desired temperature.
In a further
embodiment, the temperature of the water delivered by the electronic faucet 14
during the
second predefined period of time is less than the desired temperature if the
measured
temperature is greater than the desired temperature.
[00205] In one embodiment, the adjustment of the temperature is
performed
iteratively. The controller 20 opens the electronic drain closure device 16
during a first
predefined period of time and opens the mixing valve during second predefined
period to
time while monitoring the temperature of the water contained in the bathtub
12.
[00206] If before the end of the first or second predefined period of
time, it determines
that the water contained in the bathtub 12 corresponds to the desired
temperature, the
controller 20 closes the mixing valve and the electronic drain closure device
16. If a desired
level was specified in the user input and if the controller 20 determines that
the level of water
within the bathtub is below the desired level, the controller 20 then adjusts
the mixing valve
to deliver water having the desired temperature until the measured level of
water in the
bathtub 12 corresponds to the desired level.
[00207] If at the end of the second predefined period of time the
measured temperature
of the water within the bathtub 12 does not correspond to the desired
temperature, the
controller 20 then opens the electronic drain closure device 16 for a third
predefined period
of time and also controls the mixing valve to add water in the bathtub for a
fourth predefined
- 44 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
,
., I.
period of time. In one embodiment, the third and fourth predefined period s of
time may be
substantially equal to the first and second predefined periods of time,
respectively, be shorter
than the first and second predefined periods of time, respectively, or be
longer than the first
and second predefined periods of time, respectively. It should be understood
that if before the
end of the third or fourth predefined period of time, it determines that the
water contained in
the bathtub 12 corresponds to the desired temperature, the controller 20
closes the mixing
valve and the electronic drain closure device 16. If a desired level was
specified in the user
input and if the controller 20 determines that the level of water within the
bathtub is below
the desired level, the controller 20 then adjusts the mixing valve to deliver
water having the
desired temperature until the measured level of water in the bathtub 12
corresponds to the
desired level.
[00208] The steps of opening of the electronic drain closure
device 16 and opening of
the mixing valve may be repeated until the temperature within the bathtub 12
corresponds to
the desired temperature. It should be understood that a tolerance may be given
when
comparing the measured temperature to the desired temperature in order to
determine if the
measured corresponds to the desired temperature. For example, the controller
20 may
consider that the desired temperature has been reached if the measured
temperature is within
a given range around the desired temperature.
[00209] In one embodiment, the flow rate of water exiting the
evacuation drain via the
electronic drain closure device 16 is known. In this case, the control unit 20
may determine
the volume of water that was evacuated during the first predefined period of
time during
which the electronic drain closure device 16 is opened. The control unit 20
may then adjust
the flow rate of the water delivered by the electronic faucet 14 during the
second predefined
period of time so that the volume of added water substantially corresponds to
the volume of
evacuated water.
[00210] In one embodiment, the commands received at step 52
comprise a desired
flow of water for the shower head or the faucet 14 for example. In this case,
the system 10
further comprises a flow meter positioned downstream of the flow control valve
to monitor
the flow of water. The control unit 20 is adapted to receive the measured flow
of water from
- 45 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
3 I
the flow meter and adjust the mixing valve and/or the flow control valve so
that the flow of
water flowing from the flow control valve corresponds to the desired flow of
water.
[00211] It should be understood that the order in which the steps of
the method 50 are
performed is exemplary only and may be changed.
[00212] While the present description refers to a water delivery system
comprising a
bathtub, it should be understood that the above described control unit 20 and
control
method 50 may be used for controlling any adequate delivery system for
delivering a liquid
in any adequate container.
[00213] In one embodiment, the control unit 20 comprises at least one
processing unit
or processor, a memory or storing unit for storing data, and a communication
unit for
receiving and transmitting data.
[00214] In one embodiment, the control unit 20 is adapted to monitor
water
consumption and provide the user with reports about the water consumption. The
control unit
20 may be adapted to send notifications and alerts to mobile devices for
example. The control
unit 20 may also be adapted to operate with equipment connected to a home
automation
network.
[00215] In one embodiment, the control unit 20 may allow the user to
input pre-set
settings and scheduling. The control unit 20 may also be adapted to learn and
anticipate user
preferences.
[00216] Figure 29 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
controller 100 for
controlling the water delivery system 10, in accordance with some embodiments.
The
processing module 100 typically includes one or more Computer Processing Units
(CPUs) or
Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) 102 for executing modules or programs and/or
instructions
stored in memory 104 and thereby performing processing operations, memory 104,
and one
or more communication buses 106 for interconnecting these components. The
communication buses 106 optionally include circuitry (sometimes called a
chipset) that
interconnects and controls communications between system components. The
memory 104
includes high-speed random access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM or other
- 46 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
random access solid state memory devices, and may include non-volatile memory,
such as
one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash
memory
devices, or other non-volatile solid state storage devices. The memory 104
optionally
includes one or more storage devices remotely located from the CPU(s) 102. The
memory
104, or alternately the non-volatile memory device(s) within the memory 104,
comprises a
non-transitory computer readable storage medium. In some embodiments, the
memory 104,
or the computer readable storage medium of the memory 104 stores the following
programs,
modules, and data structures, or a subset thereof:
a mixing valve module 110 for controlling the operation of the mixing valve;
a flow valve module 112 for controlling the operation of the mixing valve;,
a closure module 114 for selectively opening and closing the electronic drain
closure
device 16;
a level module 116 for determining if a desired level has been reached;
a temperature module 118 for determining if a desired temperature has been
reached;
and
a mode selection module 120 for determining whether water should be delivered
via
the electronic faucet 14 or the shower head.
[00217] Each of the above identified elements may be stored in one or
more of the
previously mentioned memory devices, and corresponds to a set of instructions
for
performing a function described above. The above identified modules or
programs (i.e., sets
of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs,
procedures or
modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined or
otherwise re-
arranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, the memory 104 may store
a subset
of the modules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, the memory
104 may store
additional modules and data structures not described above.
[00218] Although Figure 29 shows a processing module 100, Figure 3 is
intended
more as functional description of the various features which may be present in
a management
- 47 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
'
,
.1, ..
module than as a structural schematic of the embodiments described herein. In
practice, and
as recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, items shown separately
could be combined
and some items could be separated.
[00219] While the present description refers to a bathtub to be
filled with water, it
should be understood that the present system may be used for any container to
be filled with
any adequate liquid.
[00220] The embodiments of the invention described above are
intended to be
exemplary only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited
solely by the
scope of the appended claims.
- 48 -
CA 3064258 2019-12-06
