DE102019119608A1 - Device for water conditioning - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for water conditioning, in particular device for treating shower water, the device comprising a container for holding an amount of water, a feed water inlet and a utility water outlet, an activated carbon filter, a fine filter and a pump, the container having a water supply and a water outlet. The device is characterized in that the container has a foam generation unit.

Description

State of the art

Water filtration systems are already known in various forms. A known water filtration system comprises a coarse filter, an activated carbon filter and a fine filter or a filtration stage which has an antibacterial effect. Depending on the application, these elements of the water filtration system are arranged in a different order in the direction of water flow. The disadvantage of known systems is that they are not suitable for filtering or purifying water from conventional soapy water, e.g. shower water, in particular in continuous operation.

Object and advantages of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for conditioning a liquid, e.g. for water conditioning, which is designed in particular to prepare liquids with surfactants, for example shower water with shampoo and soap content.

This object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 14.

In the dependent claims, advantageous and expedient embodiments of the invention are specified.

The invention is based on a device for water conditioning, in particular a device for treating shower water, the device comprising a container for holding an amount of water, an inlet water inlet, a service water outlet, an activated carbon filter, a fine filter and a pump, the container having a water supply and has a water outlet.

The container is advantageously designed as a collecting container, in particular as a water collecting container. The container is designed as a water tank, for example. The container has, for example, a water volume of less than or equal to 40 1, for example a water intake volume of less than or equal to 35 1, in particular a water intake volume of less than or equal to 30 1. The container preferably has a water intake volume of less than or equal to 20 1, or even less or equal to 10 1. The container is preferably present in such a way that the container has a riser and / or a sump in which particles, in particular comparatively large particles, which the water running into the container may contain, can settle.

The water inlet is available, for example, in the form of a dirty water inlet or sewage inlet, e.g. as a shower water outlet. The water inlet or water inlet is advantageously connected, in particular directly, to the water supply of the container. For example, the water outlet or water outlet of the container is connected to the utility water outlet. The pump is preferably present between the water outlet of the container and the utility water outlet. The water inlet includes, for example, a coarse filter, e.g. a mesh screen or a shower screen. The coarse filter is designed, for example, to filter fluff or hair from the water that can be fed to the device. The water inlet includes e.g. a siphon.

A direction of flow of the water to be conditioned is established starting from the supply water inlet via the container to the utility water outlet of the device. The device is advantageously provided in such a way that gravity is used to move the water to be conditioned over a comparatively large part of the water conditioning path of the device, e.g. over more than half of the water conditioning path of the device. In particular, the device is designed to utilize gravity for conditioning the water in the container.

The fine filter preferably has a pore size less than or equal to 1 μm, or a pore size less than or equal to 0.5 μm, in particular a pore size less than or equal to 0.25 μm. It is conceivable that the fine filter is made of metal. The fine filter is advantageously exchangeable, backwashable and / or cleanable and / or removable. The fine filter is preferably designed as a membrane or as a membrane filter. It is also conceivable that the fine filter is designed as a ceramic filter, e.g. as a ceramic column filter, as a kieselguhr filter and / or as a silica gel filter.

In addition to the filters mentioned above, it is also conceivable that the device has an ozonation section and / or a UV irradiation unit in order to treat, in particular to clean, the liquid to be cleaned, e.g. the shower water. The various filters and cleaning stages of the device are advantageously arranged in series one behind the other.

The essential aspect of the invention is that the container has a foam generation unit.

The supply of water to the container takes place, for example, via a downpipe in which a coarse filter made, for example, of stainless steel wool or another material with antiseptic properties is arranged. In this way, for example, coarse contamination or a considerable part of hair can be retained. The coarse filter can preferably be easily removed and / or cleaned. The coarse filter is advantageously designed and available to be exchangeable. For example, cleaning by boiling or soaking in a cleaning solution that dissolves various types of dirt is conceivable. The supply line, for example in the form of a downpipe to the container, is preferably made of a bio-reducing material.

The container can be made of stainless steel and / or plastic. It is preferably tightly closed like a lidded barrel with a lid seal and e.g. a clamping ring. This allows it to be easily opened for maintenance purposes. On one wall, especially the side wall of the container, there is e.g. a level switch for minimum, working and maximum levels, e.g. 3 level switches are provided for minimum, working and maximum levels.

By means of the foam generation unit, foam is generated in the container, preferably as much foam as possible. The foam formation is advantageously achieved by flushing in particular recycled water with a hard jet into the liquid in the container. The foam not only binds surfactants, but also particles.

The container is preferably connected to a defoaming unit. The defoaming unit comprises, for example, a structural element with a multiple of a surface of an envelope of the defoaming unit, in particular with a multiple of a surface of an envelope of the structural element. The container is preferably connected to the defoaming unit via a riser pipe. The ascending pipe is favorably U-shaped in the upper area and merges with the descending part of the "U" into the defoaming unit. This makes it possible for foam to first rise from the containers in the riser pipe and, for example, enter the defoaming unit via the “u”. The structural element of the defoaming unit preferably comprises steel wool. It is also conceivable to form the structural element from steel chips. The steel wool and / or the steel filings are made in particular from a stainless steel or from a stainless steel wire. The structural element consists, for example, of stainless steel wool.

The steel wool advantageously has the coarsest degree of fineness, e.g. the degree of fineness 5. Preferably, a volume to surface ratio of the steel wool is increased when the steel wool is arranged in the container, e.g. by increasing the volume of the steel wool by pulling the steel wool apart. The structural element is preferably designed as a bulge. For example, the defoaming unit is present as a defoaming dome.

Preferably, foam collects on the structural element and reaches the defoaming unit via the connecting pipe from the container. The foam advantageously contains surfactants, shampoo and / or soap, which are thereby separated, for example, from the water to be treated. It is also conceivable that the foam contains non-foaming substances, e.g. solids, such as tiny particles or hair, or even liquid substances, which can thus also be separated from the water to be treated.

It is also advantageous if the defoaming unit has a waste water outlet. Any dripping water that occurs in the defoaming unit can be discharged through the waste water outlet, e.g. to a gray water tank. Pipes and / or surfaces of the units are preferably made from a biofilm-preventing material. The structural element of the defoaming unit, e.g. stainless steel wool, can advantageously be removed.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the foam generation unit comprises an injection nozzle, if necessary several injection nozzles. In this way, a jet of water with comparatively high pressure can be introduced into the liquid in the container in a simple manner in order to effectively generate foam. It is also conceivable to use a water jet nozzle that draws in outside air. A mechanical vibration unit is also possible. It is also conceivable that the foam generation unit has a stirrer or a whisk. It is also conceivable that the foam generation unit has a vibrating element, similar to a vibrating milk frother. It is also conceivable that the foam generation unit is designed in such a way that the foam generation unit blows air into the liquid to be cleaned in the container in order to generate foam as a result.

In a furthermore advantageous embodiment of the invention, pump means, e.g. in the form of a pump, and a return line are provided on the container, with which liquid, in particular shower water, can be removed from the container and returned to it.

At the end of the return line, for example, the injection nozzle can be arranged to to use the returned water to generate foam.

It is also conceivable that the return line is connected to the foam generation unit, which preferably comprises corresponding foam generation means. It is also advantageous that the volume of the container has a metal structure. This can consist of copper and / or silver, for example. The metal structure can advantageously be subjected to electrical voltage. The metal structure can be designed as expanded metal. By choosing copper and / or silver, e.g. colloidal silver water, an antibacterial effect on the liquid in the container can be achieved. In particular, by applying a voltage to the metal structure, foam generation is additionally made possible. The metal structure, a mesh, fabric and / or expanded metal is preferably subjected to an anodic electrical voltage, the housing of the container then forming the cathode. If the container is made of plastic, for example, one or more cathodes should preferably be provided. In a preferred variant of the invention, a heating arrangement with an integrated thermostat is provided in the container. For example with a power supply of 12 or 24 and / or 230 V. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container is connected to a separate external heating system, which first heats the water in the container. A heater in the container can thus be dimensioned comparatively smaller.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the return line and the pumping means for water return on the container can be operated separately on the container as an independent unit.

This means that the container with return lines and pumping means can be operated solely for foam generation and prefiltration in the water treatment plant. A drainage valve to e.g. a gray water tank is preferably provided for emptying the container.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device is designed as a closed water conditioning system, as a closed water treatment system and / or as a water treatment circuit, in particular as a shower water treatment circuit.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the device can be arranged on a shower and the utility water outlet can be connected to a shower head. In the case of an arrangement in a shower system, a fine filter and / or a germ filter is advantageously provided in front of the shower head. A configuration is conceivable in such a way that, for a shower process, a valve to a fine filter and an activated carbon and / or ultrafiltration filter connected in series is opened in piping to a shower head. At the same time, a reduction in the flow rate in the return line on the container is conceivable.

A multi-way valve, e.g. a three-way valve, can be used to control the flow rates. A first branch can be regulated, for example, and forms part of the return line on the container. A second branch leads, for example, to further filter units and then to the shower head. A third branch is, for example, part of a drainage line from the container to a gray water tank.

A pump for conveying the water is preferably located in front of the three-way valve. For example, a coarse safety filter is connected upstream of the pump, so that larger impurities cannot damage the pump. A pump with a delivery rate of more than 10 l / min, e.g. approx. 15 l / min at e.g. 1.5 bar, is conceivable.

In an advantageous embodiment, pipes and / or a shower head are made of germ-inhibiting material. A fine and / or activated carbon filter in the return line on the container is also conceivable. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, one or more filters of the device have sensors which allow feedback on whether the filter is clogged to an extent that is no longer tolerable.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment it is provided that the container has inflow means in order to be able to compensate for a water loss in the circuit. In a further advantageous embodiment, the unit of pumping means and return line and optionally filter units for returning water to the container continue to operate as an independent unit for a predetermined period of time after the end of a shower in order to prepare the contents of the container for another shower.

Figure list

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht auf eine Dusche mit einer daran angeordneten erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Aufbereitung oder Konditionierung von Wasser.

An exemplary embodiment is explained in more detail with reference to the following schematic drawing, specifying further details and advantages.

• 1 shows a schematic view of a shower with a device according to the invention arranged thereon for processing or conditioning water.

1 shows a shower 1 with through shower head 2 and shower tray 3 . The shower tray 3 includes a shower spout 4th , by means of which Shower water 31 from the shower tray 3 can expire.

The shower 1 is with a device according to the invention 5 connected for water conditioning, the device 5 that from the shower tray 3 leaking shower water 31 processed and in a shower cycle 1 on the shower head 2 feeds again.

The device 5 includes a container 6th , a fine filter 7th , a pump 8th and an activated carbon filter 9 . The container 6th includes, for example, a water inlet 10 and a utility water outlet 11 . The shower tray spout is advantageous 4th with the water inlet 10 of the container 6th for example via a water inlet pipe 12 connected. For example, the container 6th below the shower tray 3 arranged so that the natural forces of attraction of the earth are used. But it is also conceivable that between the shower tray 3 and container 6th a suction pump (not shown) is available, by means of which the shower water 31 from the shower tray 3 into the container 6th can be promoted. It is advantageous on and / or in the water inlet pipe 12 a coarse filter 13th arranged by means of which dirt, for example hair from the shower water 31 which from the shower tray 3 to the container 6th flows can be filtered out. The coarse filter 13th is advantageously replaceable and / or cleanable. The coarse filter 13th consists for example of stainless steel wool.

In 1 it is shown that the container 6th with shower water 31 up to a work level 14th is filled. Above the work level 14th the container is according to 1 with foam 15th filled. The volume of the shower water 31 in the container 6th and thus the level also varies in the course of the shower process. Correspondingly are on the container 6th advantageously detection means, for example in the form of level switches 16 to 18th present which the level of shower water 31 in the container 6th monitor. For example, are on the container 6th three shower water levels defined. A level of work 14th , a minimum level 19th and a maximum level 20th . The level switch 16 to 18th are, for example, at one of the three shower water levels 14th , 19th , 20th educated. Among other things, the level switch is advantageous 16 to 18th and a control unit 52 , which with the level switches 16 to 18th and advantageously also with further electrical and / or electronic components of the device 5 is connected, a monitoring and control of the device 5 enables.

The container 6th advantageously comprises at an upper area 21st a riser pipe 22nd over which of the in the container 6th located foam 15th can rise and drain. The riser pipe 22nd advantageously comprises a U-bend 23 , which in a defoaming unit 24 flows out. The defoaming unit 24 advantageously comprises a housing 26th , which is a defoaming element 25th , for example wrapped in a stainless steel wool. Through the defoaming element 25th becomes the foam 15th broken up and turned to gray water 27 liquefied. The gray water 27 can advantageously use a downspout 28 , which with the defoaming unit 24 is connected, in the direction of a gray water tank 29 be discharged. The downpipe 28 includes, for example, a check valve 30th , which is designed as a lip valve, for example.

That in the container 6th located shower water 31 is via a pipe system 33 which on the container 6th in a lower area 32 of the container 6th is tied through the fine filter 7th about the pump 8th sucked in and through the activated carbon filter 9 and an ultrafine filter 34 towards the shower head 2 promoted.

A bypass variant is also conceivable, by means of which this is carried out through the ultrafine filter 34 run shower water 31 into the container 6th via a bypass valve 37 is traceable. In this way, for example, in a stand-by mode, the container in the container is cleaned continuously 6th existing shower water 31 achievable.

Between the pump 8th and the activated carbon filter 9 is for example a branch 35 available. The branch 35 is advantageously designed as a multi-way valve, for example as a three-way valve or as a four-way valve. About the branch 35 is for example the shower water 31 , for example as gray water, from the container 6th removable, for example via a drain valve 36 . It is also conceivable that the device 5 is designed such that over the branch 35 , for example via another bypass valve 38 passing through the fine filter 7th purified shower water 31 into the container 6th is traceable. In this way, for example, in a stand-by mode, the container in the container is cleaned continuously 6th existing shower water 31 achievable.

Preferably the device comprises 5 a heating unit 39 so the shower water 31 in the container 6th can be heated. It is also conceivable that the heating unit 39 is designed as a maintenance heater, so that a temperature of the shower water 31 by means of the heating unit 39 can be kept constant, for example, in particular in a temperature range.

It also turns out to be beneficial that the water inlet 10 into the container 6th to below the minimum level 19th of the shower water 31 extends so from the shower tray 3 in the container 6th incoming shower water 31 not on the one in the container 6th located foam 15th arrives and possibly thereby reduces foam formation.

It is also advantageous that the container 6th from a pot 40 and a container lid 41 consists, and the container lid 41 from the pot 40 is designed to be removable, so that a cleaning of the container 6th is made relatively easy.

The device 5 further comprises a foam generation unit. The foam generation unit can be designed in many different ways. In 1 the following foam generation units are shown together. However, it is conceivable that a device according to the invention only one of the devices according to 1 Has foam generation units shown.

A variant of a foam generation unit is, for example, as a stirring unit 42 with motor 43 and stirring element 44 educated. For example, the stirring element is sufficient 44 from above to in particular at least below the working level 14th into the container 6th into it and can by turning in the shower water 31 foam 15th produce.

Another variant of a foam generation unit is, for example, in the form of a pump 45 , in particular in the form of a water jet pump, with an injection nozzle 55 present, which for example with the branch 35 is connected and shower water 31 from the container 6th sucked in and the shower water on a surface 53 of the shower water 31 in the container 6th backwashed, especially with a comparatively hard water jet and thus foam 15th generated. The pump 45 is designed for example as a water jet pump. The pump 45 advantageously comprises an air intake 46 and / or water suction 47 (in 1 shown in dashed lines). For example, through the water intake 47 through the pump 45 the shower water 31 from the container 6th sucked in.

A third variant of a foam generation unit is, for example, as an electric foam generation unit 48 educated. The electric foam generation units 48 includes, for example, an anode 49 and a cathode 50 . The anode 49 consists for example of a grid or a fabric 51 inside the container 6th . The anode 49 and also the cathode 50 are advantageously below the minimum level 19th in the shower water 31 of the container 6th arranged. The anode 49 is formed for example from metal, in particular from silver and / or copper. The cathode 50 is for example through the container 6th formed provided the container 6th for example made of stainless steel. Is the container 6th not made of an electrically conductive material, is in the container 6th , especially in the area of shower water 31 a separate cathode 54 to be provided. By applying a voltage between the cathode 50 , 54 and the anode 49 can foam 15th be generated.

It also proves to be advantageous that all surfaces and elements of the device 5 which one with the foam 15th and / or the shower water 31 come into contact with germ-inhibiting and / or germ-reducing properties.

List of reference symbols

1

shower

2

Shower head

3

Shower tray

4th

Shower spout

5

contraption

6th

container

7th

Fine filter

8th

pump

9

Activated carbon filter

10

Water inlet

11

Service water outlet

12

Water inlet pipe

13

Coarse filter

14th

Level of work

15th

foam

16

Level switch

17th

Level switch

18th

Level switch

19th

level

20th

level

21st

Area

22nd

Riser pipe

23

bow

24

Defoaming unit

25th

Defoaming element

26th

casing

27

Gray water

28

Downpipe

29

Gray water tanks

30th

check valve

31

Shower water

32

Area

33

Pipe system

34

Ultrafine filter

35

Branch

36

Drain valve

37

Bypass valve

38

Bypass valve

39

Heating unit

40

pot

41

Container lid

42

Stirring unit

43

engine

44

Stirring element

45

pump

46

Air intake

47

Water suction

48

Foam generation unit

49

anode

50

cathode

51

tissue

52

Control unit

53

surface

54

cathode

55

Injector

Claims (15)

Device (5) for water conditioning, in particular device (5) for processing shower water (31), the device (5) having a container (6) for holding an amount of water, a water inlet (10) and a utility water outlet (11), an activated carbon filter (9), a fine filter (7) and a pump (8), the container (6) having a water supply and a water outlet, characterized in that the container (6) has a foam generation unit (42, 45, 48). Device (5) for water conditioning according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (6) is connected to a defoaming unit (24). Device (5) for water conditioning according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the defoaming unit (24) has a waste water outlet (28). Device (5) for water conditioning according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam generation unit comprises an injection nozzle (55). Device (5) for water conditioning according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam generation unit has a stirrer (44) or a whisk. Device (5) for water conditioning according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that pump means (45) and a return line (47) are provided on the container (6), whereby water can be removed from the container (6) and returned to it. Device (5) for water conditioning according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the return line (47) is connected to the foam generation unit. Device (5) for water conditioning according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (6) has a metal structure (51) in volume. Device (5) for water conditioning after Claim 8 , characterized in that the metal structure (51) can be subjected to electrical voltage and conduction means are provided in order to apply electrical voltage to the metal structure (51). Device (5) for water conditioning after Claim 6 or 7th , characterized in that the return line (27) and the pumping means (45) for water return on the container (6) can be operated separately on the container (6) as an independent unit. Device (5) for water conditioning according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a single pump (8) and valve means (35) are provided for distributing the water. Device (5) for water conditioning according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (5) is designed as a closed water conditioning system, as a closed water treatment system and / or as a water treatment circuit. Device (5) for water conditioning according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (5) can be arranged on a shower (1) and the utility water outlet (11) can be connected to a shower head (2). Device (5) for water conditioning according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (5) has a water absorption volume between 5 1 and 35 1 in the water circuit. Shower (1) with a device (5) for water conditioning according to one of the preceding claims.

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