DE102013214778B4 - Sink unit-water distribution device for a sink unit for distributing drinking water to water-bearing household appliances - Google Patents

Abstract

Water distribution device (1) for installation in a sink unit comprising a supply water inlet (3) ready for connection, a plurality of appliance water outlets (8, 9) ready for connection, a filter water outlet (5) and a filter water inlet for connecting a water filter, the water inlet ( 3) is connected to the filter water outlet via a drinking water line (4) in order to feed the water filter with water, characterized in that the water distribution device (1) has fastening means (2) for fixing the water distribution device (1) to a wall in the sink unit cabinet and the filter water inlet is connected via at least one filter water line (13) to the plurality of appliance water outlets (8, 9) to feed the appliance water outlets (8, 9) with water coming from the filter water inlet.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to the use of a water distribution device in a sink cabinet for the distribution of drinking water to household appliances. Furthermore, the invention relates to a water distribution device for installation in a sink cabinet, the fastening means for attaching the water distribution device to a wall in the sink cabinet and a prepared for connection supply water inlet and a plurality ready for connection device water outlets. Moreover, the invention relates to a sink cabinet with built-in water distribution device and a sink cabinet, which has fastening means.

Background of the invention

The German patent application DE 10 2010 001 086 A1 discloses a domestic water distribution station for connection to a main water connection. This domestic water distribution station can replace a single-component domestic water installation. It comprises an inlet connection, a water filter, several distribution segments with outlet connections for connecting domestic water pipes, as well as manually operable valves. This device is not intended for installation in a sink cabinet but for connection to the main water supply of a house. The domestic water distribution station is arranged at a central location in the house to initiate the high pressure water of a main water supply of a water supply network in the low-pressure pipe system of a house. For this purpose, the domestic water distribution station is designed to reduce the input high pressure to the low pressure of the line system in the house and has, inter alia, a backwashable and designed for high pressure filter and connections with a sufficiently large thread size to provide a whole house on. Sink unit water distributors are connected downstream of the domestic water distribution station and therefore do not reduce pressure, are designed for low pressures and have connections with a smaller thread size. Similar water distribution stations are off DE 200 05 596 U1 and EP 1 431 466 A2 known and are not suitable for the same reasons as sink vanity water distributor.

The German patent application DE 36 04 324 A1 discloses an installation wall element having a plate-shaped rear wall and a plate-shaped front wall, between which pipes and pipe sections for water supply lines and water disposal lines are mounted. Such a wall element is provided as a prefabricated component for wet cells. The disclosed wall element is characterized in that it can be prefabricated and still allows adaptation to different connection geometries.

The European patent EP 0 175 299 B1 discloses a multiple siphon for fitted kitchens for connecting multiple domestic water sources. The siphon is essentially cube-shaped and has several chambers that allow an odor finish for multiple waste water sources in a particularly compact design. In addition, the siphon can be combined with a cold and hot water distributor, but which have no control valves.

The German patent application DE 103 17 071 A1 discloses an installation aid framework for plumbing installations for installation in a sink cabinet. On a rectangular subframe from frame struts, among other things, a siphon, two angle valves and pressure-resistant connection hoses are arranged, which can be connected to water supply lines for hot and cold water and distribute the water to over-table outlet fittings and other water consumers.

The European patent application EP 0 898 022 A2 discloses a filter tap assembly for drinking water with an assembly containing a pressure reducer and a filter. The arrangement is intended for connection to the house water inlet according to DIN 1988. The assembly is connected to a multi-port manifold and a switch-over valve connected between the manifold and assembly. The switching valve can be used to produce different flow paths, either only via the filter or via filters and pressure reducers.

From the International Publication WO 2007/004050 A1 An arrangement is known in which filtered or unfiltered water can escape from two exits of the same spray head. For this purpose, two hoses leading to the spray head are connected to a manifold having an outlet for filtered and an outlet for unfiltered water. Feeding multiple outlets with filtered water is not suggested in the Scriptures.

Finally, the US patent application discloses US 2012/0227849 A1 An electronic control and water mixing device for domestic faucets, where an output of an electronic 4-way distributor is connected to the input of a filter. At the exit of the filter There is a separate electronic 2-way distributor with cold water and hot water tanks connected to its outlets. A disadvantage of this device is that the filter must first be connected to the 4-way distributor and then to the filter of the 2-way distributor, which can make the installation expensive.

The problem underlying the invention

The invention has for its object to provide a use of a water distribution device in a sink cabinet for the distribution of drinking water to household appliances. In particular, by the use of a water distribution device a drinking water distribution in a sink unit cabinet should be particularly space-saving and easy to implement. The invention is also based on the object to provide an improved water distribution device for installation in a sink cabinet. Furthermore, the invention has for its object to provide an improved sink cabinet with built-in water distribution device. In addition, an improved sink cabinet, which has fastening means to be provided.

Inventive solution

The reference numbers in all claims have no limiting effect, but are only intended to improve their readability.

To achieve the object, the invention proposes a water distribution device (WVV) for installation in a sink cabinet, wherein the WVV comprises at least: fastening means for mounting on a wall in the sink cabinet; a supply water input ready for connection to a water supply line; a plurality of device water outlets ready for connection; a filter water outlet and a filter water inlet for connection of a water filter, the water inlet being connected to the filter water outlet via a potable water line to provide water to the water filter, and the filter water inlet connected to the plurality of appliance water outlets via at least one filter water line to communicate the appliance water outlets with Filter water inlet to feed incoming water.

As water-conducting household appliances, hereinafter also referred to as devices for simplicity, devices are understood to have at least one water connection. Such devices are available for private or professional use. Water-bearing domestic appliances are used, for example, for drinking water treatment and in this case have a drinking water inlet and a drinking water outlet. These include, for example, water filters, water softeners, carbonators and water coolers and hot water boiler. Appliances that consume drinking water have a drinking water inlet and usually also a used water outlet. These include, for example, dishwashers and washing machines as well as sinks with faucet and drain. Devices without water outlet in the sense of a utility water drain are, for example, coffee machines, water dispensers, steam cleaners, garden hoses or lawn sprinklers. In the sink cabinet therefore a variety of drinking and utility water pipes must be laid. The latter are usually closed by a siphon against the escape of unwanted odors.

A fastener in the context of the invention is a supporting element of the WVV, with which the water inlets, water outlets and water pipes of the WVV are connected, so that a unit arises from these components, wherein individual components can be releasably and / or movably connected. Components may be connected to the fastener directly or via another component. In particular, water inlets and / or water outlets may be movably connected to the fastener. For example, a water inlet and / or water outlet may be formed as a movable end of a flexible pipe or hose fixedly or detachably connected to the fastening means on one side. Furthermore, a fastening means comprises holes or fastening loops, so that the WVV can be mounted with screws on a wall, for example. A fastening means is for example a frame, a plate or a housing.

For the purposes of the invention, water can flow in via a water inlet and drain off via a water outlet or water drain. For the purposes of the invention, water flows from a water inlet via a water pipe or through a water-conducting household appliance to a water outlet or water drain.

For the purposes of the invention, water pipes are rigid or flexible elements that can carry water and contain branches. Water pipes are for example pipes or pipe pieces or hoses or a combination of pipes and hoses.

Branches are realized, for example, by tees to which pipes or hoses are connected.

For the purposes of the invention, "ready for connection" means that the relevant water inlet or outlet is not yet connected to a water pipe or a device. In this case, "ready for connection" does not exclude that preparations must still be made at the respective water inlet or water outlet. So it may be necessary, for example, first to remove a cap or attach an adapter piece or make another preparation to connect the proposed water pipe or a device. In particular, ready-to-connect water inlets or water outlets of the WVV are still accessible even if the WVV is mounted in the sink unit.

A water filter is a device for changing the water quality. In most cases, particles contained in the water, such as suspended solids or microorganisms or substances dissolved in the water, are removed or their concentration lowered.

For example, water filters serve to improve the smell and taste of the water and / or to reduce the degree of hardness of the water. The function of the water filter can be based on mechanical, physical-chemical or biological effects or on a combination of several aforementioned effects. Drinking water installations are usually housed in sink vanity units. The sink unit cabinet is usually placed in the immediate vicinity of a building-side water supply and a waste water drain. The building-side water supply lines are usually provided with angle valves for the connection of a drinking water installation. In addition to the drinking water installation, a large number of water-conducting domestic appliances is usually accommodated in the sink unit. Furthermore, the sink cabinet is often to provide space for a garbage container and cleaning agents. With a standard width of the sink unit of 60 cm, the available space is quickly used up. Therefore, it is advantageous to make the drinking water installation particularly space-saving.

According to the state of the art, when installing a drinking water installation, individual components such as tees, valves and water pipes are successively assembled and installed in the sink unit. The installation is time-consuming and requires considerable planning effort, since all items must be known and available before installation and is usually feasible only by a professional. Such a drinking water installation can possibly be confusing, space consuming and susceptible to damage. These possible disadvantages are avoided by the invention by using a WVV in a sink cabinet. The WVV combines as described above a variety of components on a fastener so that the WVV is present as a compact unit with prepared for connection water inputs and water outlets. The achievable advantage of the use of a WVV is that a particularly space-saving and clear drinking water distribution is made possible and also the assembly is easy to carry out, whereby time and costs are saved.

The solution of the object is also achieved by providing a sink unit with a WVV invention. Finally, the solution of the problem is also achieved by using the water distribution device according to the invention in a sink cabinet for the distribution of drinking water to household appliances.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

In a preferred use of a water distribution device, the drinking water to be distributed has a temperature of less than 20 degrees Celsius. Preferably, a supply water inlet of the WVV is connected via a water pipe to a building-side cold water connection. Connected household appliances such as a water filter, a drinking water cooler, a carbonator or a coffee machine usually need to be charged with cold water. An achievable advantage is that the components of the WVV are conserved when used with cold water and therefore less susceptible to damage.

In a preferred use of a WVV the drinking water to be distributed is at a pressure of less than 8 bar at the supply water inlet. Preferably, the WVV is therefore designed so that water can be distributed with a pressure of less than 8 bar without damaging the WVV. Particularly preferably, the WVV for the distribution of drinking water, which comes with a pressure of less than 5 bar from the water supply line used. In particular, use of the WVV is preferred in which the pressure of the water coming from the building water supply line does not have to be reduced. A preferred WVV therefore does not include a pressure reducer. Particularly preferably, the WVV does not include safety valves. As a result, the advantage can be achieved that the WVV is cheaper. However, this does not exclude that the building-side water installation includes pressure reducers and / or safety valves. In an alternative use of the WVV for connection to a water supply, of the drinking water with a higher Pressure is supplied to the WVV, the WVV includes a pressure reducer, which is preferably mounted between the supply water inlet and the drinking water pipe of the WVV. In a further alternative embodiment, the WVV includes a pressure reducer which is mounted between the filter water outlet and the drinking water line of the WVV to protect the water filter and devices that are fed with filtered water against pressure surges, for example, by a dishwasher connected to a water outlet of the WVV can be caused. As a result, the advantage can be achieved that the water-conducting household appliances, which are connected to the following appliance water outlets, are particularly protected from pressure surges that can adversely affect the operation of the devices and / or damage the devices and water pipes.

In a preferred embodiment of the WVV according to the invention, the filter water outlet is ready for connection. This means that no water pipe or device is connected to the filter water outlet. In the same way, the filter water inlet is preferably ready for connection. Particularly preferably, the filter water inlet and the filter water outlet are ready for connection. An alternative preferred further development of the WVV comprises a water filter, wherein the water inlet of the water filter is connected to the filter water outlet of the WVV and the water outlet of the water filter is connected to the filter water inlet of the WVV. In this embodiment, the water filter is preferably attached to the common fastening means of the WVV. Preferably, it is an activated carbon filter, more preferably an ion exchanger. Most preferably, a combination of activated carbon filter and ion exchanger with fine particle filter is used. The water filter is preferably designed to liberate the water coming from the building-side water supply from undesirable odors or tastes, impurities or germs. Particularly preferably, the water filter lowers the degree of hardness of the water. The water filter is preferably arranged so that it is accessible when the WVV is installed in the sink cabinet, so that a replacement of a filter cartridge is possible without removing the WVV. By integrating the water filter into the WVV, the advantage can be achieved that the drinking water installation becomes even more space-saving and clearer. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the water filter may be arranged at a different location in the sink cabinet and connected only via connecting lines to the filter water inlet and outlet. This arrangement can have the advantage that the drinking water installation can be better adapted to the circumstances of the sink unit. In a further alternative embodiment, the filter water inlet without a detour via a water filter directly with the filter water outlet, for example by a piece of hose or a piece of pipe, be shorted. In such an embodiment, therefore, no water filtration is provided. This is for example advantageous if already pretreated water from the building water supply line comes or if the untreated water already has a sufficiently low degree of hardness. Preferably, the fastening means of the water distribution device are formed as a closable housing. Preferably, a predominant part of the water-carrying components, in particular the water pipes, housed inside the housing. Particularly preferably, a removable cover is provided, which is preferably transparent. Preferably, all connections are accessible from the outside, ie without removing the cover, so that water pipes can be connected to the terminals. For the mounting of the fastening means on a wall, which is preferably located in a sink cabinet, the fastening means preferably has eyelets or other connecting element. Preferably, the WVV can be fastened by means of screws through the eyelets on a wall. A wall may be part of the sink cabinet or a building-side wall located behind the sink cabinet that is accessible through the sink cabinet. Alternatively, instead of on a wall, it may also be advantageous to attach the WVV to the bottom or to a bottom of the top cover in the interior of the sink table. A lockable housing has the achievable advantage that all components of the WVV are particularly protected against damage before, during and after installation.

In a preferred version of the WVV, at least three appliance water outlets are connected to the filter water inlet via the filter water line. Particularly preferably, at least five appliance water outlets are connected to the filter water inlet via the filter water line. Filtered water is preferred because it has improved taste and avoids calcification of the attached equipment. A variety of device water outlets advantageously allows the connection of many devices without the use of tees, which make the drinking water installation otherwise confusing and prone to damage. Preferably, a device water outlet is used to connect a fitting. A preferred fitting is a DVGW-approved safety fitting.

A preferred WVV comprises at least one further water outlet for unfiltered water, which via the drinking water pipe with the Supply water input is connected. This water outlet is also referred to below as a service water outlet and is provided, for example, for connecting a dishwasher and / or a washing machine. These machines can also be operated with unfiltered or undecalcified water. Preferably, they have their own Wasserentkalkungseinrichtungen. The achievable advantage of a further connection for unfiltered water is that the time interval between replacement of the water filter or a filter cartridge is extended, whereby time and costs can be saved.

In a preferred WVV, at least one appliance water outlet has a shut-off valve with which the water flow through the appliance water outlet can be regulated. As a result, the flow rate of a device water outlet can advantageously be limited. The shut-off valve can preferably be operated by hand. Particularly preferably, the shut-off valve is a shut-off valve, for example a ball valve. The achievable advantage here is that the device water outlet is particularly easy to close and reopen, which can be an advantage when maintaining a device or changing a connection, since not the entire water supply must be closed and also dispense with the use of blind plugs can. In a preferred WVV, at least one water inlet or outlet has a 3/8 inch pipe thread. Here is the achievable advantage that commercially available water-conducting household appliances without the use of adapters can be connected, since most commercial water-conducting household appliances have water connections with screw threads of 3/8 inch nominal diameter. For the use of equipment having ports of other sizes, an alternative embodiment of the WVV also has 1/2 inch and / or 1 inch nominal water outlets. This makes the WVV even more versatile. Particularly preferably, at least one water inlet or water outlet can be provided for connection to a line with a bayonet closure. This has the achievable advantage that a connection between a water pipe and a water inlet or water outlet can be made and / or solved very quickly and easily.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the WVV comprises a multiple siphon. A multiple siphon is an odor trap that can be used to connect multiple utility water sources. Preferably, the multiple siphon comprises at least two utility water line connections, more preferably three utility water lines. For example, a drain of a sink, a utility water drain of a dishwasher and / or a washing machine and a drip water drainage of a hot water boiler can be connected to the multiple siphon. The achievable advantage of the integration of the multiple siphon in the WVV is that a particularly space-saving arrangement is created and the multiple siphon is well protected against damage. In addition, a considerable time savings can be achieved during assembly. A preferred multiple siphon also comprises a drain which is arranged pivotable by up to 180 degrees, so that depending on installation orientation of the WVV the connection to the building-side wastewater discharge is simplified.

This can have the advantage that the multiple siphon is particularly versatile and the assembly is simplified, which in turn saves time.

Preferably, all water inlets and water outlets of the WVV are provided with labeling means. Labeling advantageously allows each water inlet and outlet to be identified. This simplifies the identification of the individual water connections.

Preferably, the maximum width of the WVV is less than 55 cm. This has the advantage that the WVV fits in a standard sink unit with a typical width of 60 cm. Particularly preferably, the width of the WVV is less than 45 cm. This has the advantage that the water connections are even easier to access.

Brief description of the drawings

Further advantageous embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings, to which the invention is not limited.

It shows schematically:

1 : A perspective view of a multiple siphon water distribution device and four filtered water water outlets and a service water outlet.

Detailed description of the invention with reference to an embodiment

In the following description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, like reference characters designate like or similar components. 1 shows a water distribution device 1 (WVV) to Use in a sink cabinet. The shown WVV 1 consists of a housing covered with a transparent lid 2 to which the individual components are connected. At the upper end there is a supply water inlet 3 , which is intended for connection to a building-side cold water supply. The supply water inlet 3 is via a drinking water pipe 4 with a filter water outlet 5 bottom left and another device water outlet, which is used as dhw output 6 is provided for connecting a dishwasher, connected. At the filter water outlet 5 is a pressure reducer 7 attached, the following appliance water outlets 8th . 9 shields against pressure surges caused by the dishwasher. The pressure reducer 7 However, this is not absolutely necessary for the use of the WVV. Two of the device water outlets shown 8th are with blind plugs 10 locked. A not shown water filter is via a line at the output 11 of the pressure reducer 7 connected. The filtered water is connected via another line to the filter water inlet of the WVV 1 redirected. The filter water inlet is behind the filter water outlet 5 arranged and is in the 1 therefore only partially visible. Over a filter water line 13 are the three device water outlets 8th . 9 connected to the filter water inlet. All water inputs described above 3 and water outlets 5 . 6 . 8th . 9 are in the illustrated embodiment through the side walls of the housing 2 established.

At the top device water outlet 9 is a pipeline 14 connected to an overpressure valve 15 with a drip tray 16 leads. The outlet of the pressure relief valve 15 is intended for the connection of a hot water boiler, not shown. The drip-water funnel 16 the pressure relief valve 15 is via a drip water inlet 17 with a multiple siphon 19 connected. The illustrated connection of the pressure relief valve 15 by means of a pipe 14 together with the connection of the drip hopper 16 at the multiple siphon 19 leads to a particularly safe and stable arrangement of the pressure relief valve 15 , This prevents dripping water from the drip hopper 16 drains into the sink cabinet.

The multiple siphon 19 is with a clamp in the case 2 attached. Via a waste water connection 20 at the upper end of the multiple siphon 19 be connected to a drain of a sink, not shown. The drain 21 of the multiple siphon 19 is designed to be pivotable, so that it depends on the installation orientation of the WVV 1 can be aligned in a sink cabinet to a building-side utility water drain. To attach to a wall in the sink cabinet, the housing has 2 the WVV 1 eyelets 18 on.

At the service water outlet 6 below is a return valve 22 with a stopcock 23 appropriate. The return valve 22 Prevents dirty water from the dishwasher into the drinking water pipe 4 can penetrate. Optionally, at the device water outlets 8th . 9 fitted with 3/8 inch pipe threads, stopcocks, for example ball valves, are attached to each individual water outlet 8th . 9 to be made separately lockable.

Each water inlet and water outlet of the WVV is labeled with labeling 24 which can be labeled according to use. Due to the perspective, not all labels are 24 visible, noticeable.

The width of the housing shown 2 is 20 cm. This compact design simplifies installation in a standard sink unit with a width of 60 cm.

The assembly of the WVV 1 in a sink and the connection of the water connections takes place in a particularly simple and time-saving manner. The WVV 1 is made with the help of screws through the eyelets 18 attached to a wall in the sink unit. Using flexible lines with 3/8 "union nuts, the supply water inlet will first be used 3 connected to the building-side cold water supply. Then the connection to the water filter is made with further flexible lines. A DVGW-tested cold water fitting of the sink is connected to one of the unused device water outlets 8th connected. At the outlet of the pressure relief valve 15 a not shown hot water boiler is connected. At the exit of the return valve 22 a not shown dishwasher is connected. With the help of a flexible line is a connection between the drain of a sink and the multiple siphon 19 manufactured and the drain 21 of the multiple siphon 19 is connected via another flexible line after aligning with the utility water drain with this. After closing the remaining device water outlet 8th with a blind plug 10 , the cold water supply can be opened. The WVV 1 is thus ready for operation.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawings may be of importance both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various forms.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Water distribution device (WVV)

2

casing

3

Supply water input

4

drinking water supply

5

Filter water outlet

6

Water outlet

7

pressure reducer

8th

Devices water output

9

Devices water output

10

 blind plug

11

 Output of the pressure reducer

13

 Filter water pipe

14

 pipeline

15

 Pressure relief valve

16

 Drip funnel

17

 Drip feed

18

 eyelets

19

 Mehrfachsiphon

20

 waste water supply

21

 outflow

22

 Return valve

23

 stopcock

24

 labeling means

Claims (11)

Water distribution device ( 1 ) for installation in a sink unit, which has a supply water input ( 3 ), a plurality of device water outlets ready for connection ( 8th . 9 ), a filter water outlet ( 5 ) and a filter water inlet for connection of a water filter, wherein the supply water inlet ( 3 ) via a drinking water line ( 4 ) is connected to the filter water outlet to feed the water filter with water, characterized in that the water distribution device ( 1 ) Fastening means ( 2 ) for fixing the water distribution device ( 1 ) on a wall in the sink cabinet and the filter water inlet via at least one filter water line ( 13 ) with the majority of appliance water outlets ( 8th . 9 ) is connected to the appliance water outlets ( 8th . 9 ) with water coming from the filter water inlet. Water distribution device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter water outlet ( 5 ) and / or the filter water inlet are ready for connection. Water distribution device ( 1 ) According to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fastening means ( 2 ) are formed as a closable housing. Water distribution device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least three device water outlets ( 8th . 9 ) via the filter water line ( 13 ) are connected to the filter water inlet. Water distribution device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one device water outlet ( 8th . 9 ) has a shut-off valve, with which the water flow through the device water outlet ( 8th . 9 ) can be regulated. Water distribution device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one water inlet or water outlet has a pipe thread with a nominal width of 3/8 inch. Water distribution device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the water distribution device ( 1 ) a multiple siphon ( 19 ). Water distribution device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that all water inputs and water outlets are provided with labeling means. Water distribution device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the maximum width is less than 55 cm. Sink unit with built-in water distribution device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9. Use of a water distribution device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9 in a sink cabinet for the distribution of drinking water to household appliances.

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