DE102013211413A1 - function head - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a functional head for a container of a water softening unit, with a water inlet and a water outlet, wherein the functional head comprises, in addition to the water inlet and the water outlet, at least one channel through which an active agent can be introduced into the container and / or discharged from the container.

Description

The present invention relates to a functional head for a container of a water softening unit, having a water inlet and a water outlet.

Water softening units are basically known and serve in particular to reduce the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in water by ion exchange. The calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged, for example, by sodium ions. Calcium and magnesium ions are detrimental to the action of detergents, and calcium ions in particular can also cause calcification of pipelines. For this reason, softened water is used in many applications by ion exchange and is preferably used for cleaning applications.

Usually, water softening units comprise a container for an agent which effects ion exchange. For example, the active agent may be a resin mixture that exchanges calcium ions and magnesium ions with sodium ions. The resin mixture may be present as granules in the container.

In operation, an opening of the container is closed by a functional head comprising the water inlet and the water outlet. To obtain softened water raw water (for example, tap water) is introduced through the water inlet into the container and thus brought into contact with the active agent. Thereby, the above-described ion exchange takes place, through which the raw water is softened and leaves the container as softened water through the water outlet.

If the ion exchange capacity of the active agent is exhausted, the active agent must be replaced. For this purpose, the functional head is usually removed from the container, the spent agent removed through the opening of the container and filled new agent through the opening. Subsequently, the functional head is again attached to the container to close the opening of the container.

The containers are usually designed as plastic bottles or metal bottles with a bottleneck with a relatively small opening. Disadvantageously designed by the narrow bottleneck, the removal of the active agent and in particular the filling of the active agent in the container difficult. In addition, water softening units are often mounted on trolleys for mobile use, with the replacement of the active agent, the container must be removed from the respective car in order to dump the active agent for exchange, for example.

The present invention has for its object to provide a functional head, which allows the simplest possible replacement of an active agent.

This object is achieved by a functional head having the features of claim 1 and in particular by the fact that the functional head comprises, in addition to the water inlet and the water outlet, at least one channel through which an active agent can be introduced into the container and / or discharged from the container.

By additionally provided in the functional head channel, the active agent, which is present for example as granules, removed from the container and / or filled into the container, without the function head must be released from the container. A removal of the container from a carriage can be avoided in this way, since the channel allows access to the interior of the container and thus to the active agent, without having to rebuild the water softening unit must be made.

In particular, the water inlet and / or the water outlet on the one hand and the channel on the other hand, at least in the region of the functional head fluidly separated from each other.

Preferred embodiments and embodiments of the invention are also indicated in the dependent claims and the drawings.

Advantageously, the channel can be shut off by means of a valve which is arranged on the functional head. In this way, e.g. accidental leakage of the active agent through the channel can be prevented. In particular, in the recovery of softened water, the valve can be kept closed to ensure the correct function of the water softening unit.

In an advantageous development of the functional head is adapted to introduce the active agent by suction or pumping and / or remove. For example, a negative pressure can be applied to the channel in order to discharge the active agent from the container, in particular when the valve is open. In the reverse case, fresh active agent can be pumped via the channel into the container.

The functional head preferably has at least one connection in addition to the water inlet for a pressurized fluid, wherein in particular a high-pressure cleaner can be connected to the connection. By means of the pressurized fluid thus available in the functional head, it is possible, for example, to suction or pump the active agent.

According to a particularly preferred development of the invention, at least one first Venturi nozzle for irradiating into a first section of the channel is provided in the functional head. Through the Venturi nozzle, in which a cross-section available for a fluid initially narrows and then expands again, the Venturi effect is exploited, by means of which a pressure difference and in particular a negative pressure can be generated.

If the functional head is mounted on the container, the first section of the channel can end outside the container and thus form an outlet for the active agent. If the first Venturi nozzle now radiates into this first section of the channel, a negative pressure is generated in a second section of the channel which opens into the container. In particular, no filter is provided at the end of the second section in order not to hinder the discharge of the active agent. In this way, the active agent can easily be sucked into the second section of the channel and then pumped through the first section through the fluid injected by the first Venturi nozzle. Thus, the agent can be removed from the container.

According to a preferred development of the invention, at least one second Venturi nozzle for irradiating into a second section of the channel is provided in the functional head. By injecting the second Venturi nozzle in the second portion of the channel, a negative pressure can be generated in the first portion of the channel. In this case, the first section can be designed such that it can be introduced into a refill container with fresh active agent, whereby fresh active agent is sucked through the first section of the channel into the region of the second venturi by means of the negative pressure. The agent which has arrived at the second venturi nozzle is then forced through the second portion by the fluid emerging from the venturi and in this way introduced into the container of the water softening unit. By means of the second Venturi nozzle, fresh active agent can thus be introduced into the container.

Preferably, the venturi nozzles are operated with high pressure water provided by the high pressure washer. The high pressure water may for example have a pressure of 4 to 100 bar. Alternatively, a function of the Venturi nozzles is also possible with a pressure of about 1 to 3 bar, as supplied for example by a garden hose.

Advantageously, the channel at the functional head an angle in the range of 10 ° to 170 °, in particular from 60 ° to 120 °, preferably of about 90 °, between the two channel sections. In this case, the venturi nozzles can each be arranged in an extension of one of the legs of the angle. Preferably, the respective directions of jet of the Venturi nozzles form an angle of approximately 90 °, with the advantage that at such an angle between the first and second second portions of the channel, the negative pressure which can be generated by the Venturi nozzles can be maximized.

Alternatively, the venturi nozzles may also be at a different angle, i. oblique, radiating into the canal.

Preferably, a valve assembly connected to the first venturi nozzle and the second venturi nozzle is provided to selectively supply the first or the second venturi nozzle. By the valve arrangement can thus be specified whether the active agent should be discharged (when supplying the first Venturi nozzle) or whether the active agent is to be introduced into the container (when supplying the second venturi).

Alternatively, in each case a separate line may be provided for each venturi instead of the valve arrangement.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the water inlet and / or the water outlet for venting and / or venting the container are connected to a valve. In order to facilitate or facilitate a discharge and introduction of the active agent, a valve is provided which allows a pressure equalization of the container. Thus, air flows through the valve when discharging agent active in the container. When introducing active agent, however, the air in the container is displaced by the active agent and can escape via the valve.

Preferably, the channel on the one hand and the water inlet and / or the water outlet on the other hand at least partially into each other. For example, the water inlet can partially surround the water outlet. The water outlet in turn can surround the channel in areas. For example, if the water inlet, water outlet and channel are cylindrical tubes, a concentric structure may result in the area where the tubes are intertwined. The channel can eg a core, the water outlet a first coat and the Make water inlet a second coat. In this way, only a single tube can be visible from the outside, which also facilitates insertion of the functional head into an opening of the container.

Alternatively, the channel, the water inlet and / or the water outlet can also be arranged next to one another and in particular separately.

The functional head preferably comprises integrated sensors and / or displays for determining and / or displaying operating data. The sensors can determine, for example, the water hardness of the incoming raw water and the softened water. Also, the flow rate or the amount of water already softened by the active agent can be measured. If it is determined that the ion exchange capacity of the active ingredient is no longer sufficient to ensure complete softening of the raw water, an electronic display may be used to exchange the active agent.

The functional head is preferably provided with a control block with which the functional head can be switched over between a normal operation with blocked active agent channel, an operation for introducing the active agent and an operation for discharging the active agent, in particular by activating in the functional head and / or in the control block valves. In normal operation, therefore, the water inlet and the water outlet can be opened and the channel provided for the active agent can be closed by a valve. Furthermore, in normal operation, in particular with the channel or with sections of the channel cooperating Venturi nozzles are out of operation. If now switched over to the operation for discharging the active agent, the channel is opened, the water inlet and the water outlet closed and activated the first venturi, whereby the active agent can be sucked out of the container. The operation for introducing the active agent differs from the operation for discharging the active agent only in that instead of the first Venturi nozzle, the second Venturi nozzle is activated and in this way active agent can be introduced into the container. The switching between the normal operation and the operation for discharging active agent can be done, for example, electromechanically, the respective positions of the required valves e.g. can be stored in a matrix-like scheme.

A particular advantage of the invention is that a high-pressure cleaner, which is already provided for normal cleaning in normal operation, can temporarily guide the pressurized fluid, in particular water, provided by it into the functional head, in order, for example. via the Venturi nozzles described - the discharge of spent active agent and then bring in the introduction of fresh active agent.

The invention also relates to a water softening unit with at least one container and a functional head which can be coupled to the container.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a high-pressure cleaning arrangement with at least one water softening unit and a high-pressure cleaner. The high-pressure cleaning arrangement is characterized in that by means of the high-pressure cleaner for a cleaning operation, a cleaning member and the replacement of the active agent of the functional head with pressurized fluid, in particular water, can be supplied. In this way, the high-pressure cleaner is used for a conventional cleaning operation, in which the high pressure cleaner, for example, drives a rotary cleaning brush with high pressure water. On the other hand, the high-pressure cleaner can also be used for introducing and discharging the active agent into or out of the container by supplying its high-pressure water to the functional head and in particular to the venturi nozzles provided on or in the functional head. Thus, the high-pressure cleaner is used multifunctional and saved its own pump to replace the active agent.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show, in a schematic representation in each case:

1 a high-pressure cleaning arrangement with softening unit in normal operation;

2 the high-pressure cleaning arrangement of 1 in operation for discharging the active agent;

3 the high-pressure cleaning arrangement of 1 in operation for introducing the active agent;

4 a detailed illustration of an embodiment of a functional head according to the invention;

5 a water softening unit with container and functional head;

6 a functional head in side view.

1 schematically shows a high-pressure cleaning arrangement 10 , which with raw water from a water connection 12 (Low pressure) is supplied. The high-pressure cleaning arrangement 10 includes a high pressure cleaner 14 , which in normal operation a cleaning brush 16 supplied with high pressure water.

The high-pressure cleaning arrangement 10 further comprises a water softening unit 18 holding a bottle 20 and a functional head 22 includes. In the bottle 20 is a granule designed as active agent 24 provided, which serves for water softening by means of ion exchange.

The bottle 20 is in an area of a bottleneck 26 from the functional head 22 locked. The functional head 22 is in 4 shown in more detail and includes a housing 28 , in which in an upper area a first Venturi nozzle 30 and a second venturi 32 are arranged. The first venturi 30 and the second venturi 32 are in a body 34 arranged, in which also a water inlet 36 and a water outlet 38 are arranged. The main body 34 is symmetrical, so that the Venturi nozzles 30 . 32 as well as the water inlet 36 and the water outlet 38 in principle, on a respective opposite side of the body 34 could be attached. Unused openings of the main body 34 are with stoppers 40 locked. In an access above the water inlet 36 is a sensor 41 for determining the water quality, such as the water hardness, arranged. In the water outlet 38 is a facility 43 integrated to determine the flow rate.

The water inlet 36 goes into a first cylindrical tube 42 passing through a water-permeable filter 44 is completed. The water outlet 38 is with a second cylindrical tube 46 connected in the area of the bottleneck 26 inside the first pipe 42 runs. The end of the second tube is also through a water-permeable filter 48 completed ( 1 ).

In the area of the bottleneck 26 runs in the second tube a channel 50 through which the granules 24 is interchangeable. The channel 50 is divided into a first section 52 , which is at the height of the first Venturi nozzle 30 from the function head 22 exit, and a second section 54 , which has an opening in the area of the bottom of the bottle 20 having. Adjacent to the first Venturi nozzle 30 describes the channel 50 at its transition from the first section 52 in the second section 54 an angle of 90 °.

4 schematically shows a beam 56 the second venturi 32 that in the second section 54 of the canal 50 irradiates.

The high-pressure cleaning arrangement 10 further comprises an inlet valve designed as a three-way valve 58 that with the water connection 12 and the water inlet 36 connected is. The inlet valve 58 is also connected to the ambient air to the bottle 20 to aerate or vent.

The high pressure cleaner 14 is high pressure side with a first high-pressure switch 60 connected, by which high-pressure water optionally the cleaning brush 16 or a second high pressure switch 62 can be supplied. Through the second high pressure switch 62 can be either the first venturi 30 or the second venturi 32 be supplied with high pressure water.

A raw water switch 64 is with the water connection 12 , low-pressure side with the high-pressure cleaner 14 and the water outlet 38 connected. Through the raw water switch 64 can the high pressure cleaner 14 So either with raw water from the water connection 12 or softened water from the water outlet 38 be supplied.

The channel 50 is through a channel valve 66 shut off. The channel 50 is outside the bottle 20 and the functional head 22 designed such that this in a granule reservoir 68 is insertable.

5 shows the water softening unit 18 in a state different from that of the water softening unit 18 of the 1 to 4 it differs in that in the main body 34 no venturi nozzles yet 30 . 32 are arranged. Also are water inlet 36 and water outlet 38 on the same side of the case 28 ,

6 shows a side sectional view of the function head 22 without the venturi nozzles 30 . 32 , On side surfaces of the function head 22 there are pockets 70 formed in which, for example, digital displays can be arranged. Here, for example, by means of the sensor, among others 41 and the flow meter 43 determined data are displayed. Furthermore, the functional head includes 22 two insertion openings 72 in which the venturi nozzles 30 . 32 are fastened.

Below, purely by way of example, different operating modes of the high-pressure cleaning arrangement 10 explained. In the figures, there is a respective flow profile 74 indicated by arrows.

1 shows the normal operation of the high-pressure cleaning arrangement. This is raw water from the water connection 12 via the inlet valve 58 the water inlet 36 fed. From the water inlet 36 the raw water passes over the first pipe 42 and the filter 44 to the granules 24 in the bottle 20 which softens the raw water. The softened water gets over the filter 48 , the second pipe 46 , the water outlet 38 and the raw water switcher 64 the pressure washer 14 fed. In the high pressure cleaner 14 the pressure of the softened water is greatly increased and a detergent can be added to the softened water. This in the high pressure cleaner 14 generated high-pressure water flows through the first high-pressure switch 60 to the cleaning brush 16 and can there the cleaning brush 16 for example, rotate.

2 shows the operation for discharging the granules 24 , This is the raw water of the water connection 12 over the raw water switch 64 the pressure washer 14 supplied low-pressure side. The in the high pressure cleaner 14 generated high-pressure water is then via the first high-pressure switch 60 the second high-pressure switch 62 fed, which thus the first venturi 30 provided. The first venturi 30 radiates the high pressure water into the first section 52 of the canal 50 and thereby generates a negative pressure in the second section 54 , whereby the granules 24 out of the bottle 20 is sucked and through the open channel valve 66 in the granule reservoir 68 arrives. This flows into the first section 52 irradiated high-pressure water through the channel 50 in the granule reservoir 68 from. In operation for discharging the granules 24 is the inlet valve 58 placed on aeration, thereby passing through the water inlet 36 Air in the emptying bottle 20 can flow.

The in 3 illustrated operation for introducing the granules 24 is different from the one in 2 illustrated operation for discharging the granules in that by the second high-pressure switch 62 the second venturi 32 supplied with high pressure water. The second venturi 32 makes the beam 56 out perpendicular to the jet of the first venturi nozzle 30 runs and into the second section 54 of the canal 50 irradiates. This way, in the first section 52 of the canal 50 creates a negative pressure, through which with open channel valve 66 from the granule reservoir 68 fresh granules are sucked, which through the first section 52 sucked and together with the second Venturi nozzle 30 exiting high pressure water through the second section 54 in the bottle 20 is pumped. The inlet valve 58 In this mode of operation, venting is done to remove air from the fresh granules 24 and the high pressure water is displaced from the bottle 20 to let escape. In this way can fresh granules 24 in the bottle 20 be filled without the function head 22 from the bottle 20 to solve.

The provided in the embodiment shown concentric arrangement of water inlet 36 , Water outlet 38 and channel 50 is not mandatory, but particularly space-saving and especially advantageous if the container 20 is provided with only a single, comparatively small opening.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

High-pressure cleaning arrangement

12

mains water supply

14

high pressure cleaner

16

cleaning brush

18

water softening

20

bottle

22

function head

24

granules

26

bottleneck

28

casing

30

first venturi

32

second venturi

34

body

36

water inlet

38

water outlet

40

Plug

41

Sensor for water quality

42

first pipe

43

Flowmeter

44

filter

46

second pipe

48

filter

50

channel

52

first section

54

second part

56

beam

58

intake valve

60

first high-pressure switch

62

second high-pressure switch

64

raw water switch

66

channel valve

68

granulate reservoir

70

bag

72

insertion

74

flow path

Claims (14)

Function head ( 22 ) for a container ( 20 ) a water softening unit ( 18 ), with a water inlet ( 36 ) and a water outlet ( 38 ), characterized in that the functional head ( 22 ) in addition to the water inlet ( 36 ) and the water outlet ( 38 ) at least one channel ( 50 ), by which an active agent ( 24 ) in the container ( 20 ) and / or out of the container ( 20 ) is dischargeable. Function head ( 22 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel ( 50 ) by means of a valve ( 66 ), which is on the function head ( 22 ) is arranged. Function head ( 22 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the functional head ( 22 ) is adapted to the active agent ( 24 ) by suction or pumping and discharge. Function head ( 22 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional head ( 22 ) in addition to the water inlet ( 36 ) at least one connection ( 30 . 32 ) for a pressurized fluid, in particular to the terminal ( 30 . 32 ) a high-pressure cleaner ( 14 ) is connectable. Function head ( 22 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the functional head ( 22 ) at least a first venturi ( 30 ) for irradiation into a first section ( 52 ) of the channel ( 50 ) is provided. Function head ( 22 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that in the functional head ( 22 ) at least one second venturi nozzle ( 32 ) for irradiation into a second section ( 54 ) of the channel ( 50 ) is provided. Function head ( 22 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the channel ( 50 ) on the function head ( 22 ) an angle in the range of 10 ° to 170 °, in particular of 60 ° to 120 °, preferably of about 90 °, between the two channel sections ( 52 . 54 ) describes. Function head ( 22 ) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that one with the first Venturi nozzle ( 30 ) and the second venturi ( 32 ) connected valve assembly ( 62 ) is provided to selectively the first or the second Venturi ( 30 . 32 ) to supply. Function head ( 22 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water inlet ( 36 ) and / or the water outlet ( 38 ) for venting and / or aerating the container ( 20 ) with a valve ( 58 ) is / are connected. Function head ( 22 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channel ( 50 ) on the one hand and the water inlet ( 36 ) and / or the water outlet ( 38 On the other hand, at least partially run into each other. Function head ( 22 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in the functional head ( 22 ) integrated sensors and / or displays for the determination and / or display of operating data. Function head ( 22 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional head ( 22 ) is provided with a control block with which the function head ( 22 ) between a normal operation with blocked agent channel ( 50 ), an operation for introducing the active agent and an operation for discharging the active agent is switchable, in particular by controlling valves integrated in the functional head and / or in the control block. Water softening unit ( 18 ) with at least one container ( 20 ) and one with the container ( 20 ) connectable function head ( 22 ) according to any one of the preceding claims. High pressure cleaning arrangement ( 10 ) with at least one water softening unit ( 18 ) according to claim 13 and a high-pressure cleaner ( 14 ), characterized in that by means of the high-pressure cleaner ( 14 ) for a cleaning operation a cleaning member ( 16 ) and to exchange the active agent ( 24 ) the function head ( 22 ) with pressurized fluid, in particular water, can be supplied.

Images