DE202011000505U1 - Dispenser for dispensing chilled, treated water - Google Patents

Abstract

Dispensing device for dispensing chilled water comprising - a cooling device (12) for cooling the water, - a dispensing unit (26) for dispensing the cooled water from the dispensing device, - a supply line (18) for supplying the water from the cooling device (12) in the dispensing unit (26), and a conveying means (22) for conveying the water within the dispensing device, characterized by a return line (28) for returning the water from the supply line (18) into the cooling device (12).

Description

The present invention relates to a discharge device for discharging cooled water, comprising a cooling device for cooling the water, a discharge unit for discharging the cooled water from the discharge device, a supply line for supplying the water from the cooling device into the discharge unit, and a conveying means for conveying the water inside the dispenser.

Such devices for providing prepared and cooled water are used, for example, in refrigerators, water dispenser machines, chillers, water bars, etc. In the EP 1 684 037 Such devices are described. Frequently, the supply lines from the cooler to the treatment area and to the discharge unit installed in these devices are 2 to 3 m long or longer and have a self-volume of 40 to 60 ml or more. Since the supply lines are no longer in the cooling device or no longer in its effective range, the water heats up when it is in it for a long time, such as when there is no request for cooled, treated water for a long time. If water is tapped off again after a longer standstill period, then at least the first glass contains a not inconsiderable volume fraction of un-cooled water, which corresponds to the above-stated intrinsic volume of 40 to 60 ml.

To minimize this undesirable effect, the WO 2009/061137 prior to laying a cooling coil around the pipe leading directly to the dispensing unit, which is energetically unfavorable, since in addition to the actual cooling device, a further cooling device must be provided. Furthermore, the space required is high, so that this solution does not come into consideration in many applications.

On this basis, the invention has for its object to provide a device with the energy in a favorable and space-saving manner, even after a longer downtime, the delivery of cooled water in the first glass is possible.

The object is achieved with a device of the type mentioned, which comprises a return line for returning the water from the supply line into the cooling device. The uncooled water in the part of the supply line located upstream of the branch of the return line is demanded back into the cooling device within a short time by means of the conveying means and is not supplied to the delivery unit. The volume of uncooled water discharged via the dispensing unit is reduced. Since the cooling device is closed, a negative pressure is generated in it as soon as the conveyor is activated and removes water from the cooling device. Thus, the water which is in the part of the supply line located upstream of the branch of the return line and in the return line is exchanged for cooled water coming from the cooling device. There is a circulation of the water. The activation of the conveyor can be done on request, for example by a user, or at regular intervals.

An advantageous development of the device according to the invention is characterized by a arranged in the supply line or in the return line temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the water in the supply line or in the return line. If the water in the supply line or in the return line heats above a predeterminable limit value, the temperature sensor generates a corresponding signal with which the conveyor is activated and the water is exchanged in the part of the feed line located upstream of the branch of the return line and in the return line.

A preferred embodiment of the present device has a treatment area for treating the water, wherein the supply line opens into the treatment area. By treatment area is meant the area of the dispenser in which the water is treated in any manner. In this embodiment, the water is not only cooled, but also processed, so that it is freed of harmful substances. The quality of the water is increased.

Preferably, the treatment area comprises a water treatment cartridge. These can be designed as a filter cartridge or UV cartridge. Such water treatment cartridges are widely used in water treatment and have been proven for this purpose. There is a great deal of experience with water treatment cartridges, so their use is well manageable. Furthermore, they are characterized by high reliability and can be easily replaced when they are exhausted.

In an advantageous embodiment, the return line branches off upstream of the treatment area of the supply line. The filter media contained in the water treatment cartridge, such as ion exchanger or activated carbon particles generate a greater pressure loss than the return line, so that the water promotes predominantly via the return line in the cooling device becomes. The amount of un-cooled water discharged via the discharge unit is thus further reduced.

Preferably, the treatment area comprises a UV lamp. These are widely used to kill off pathogens and have proven their worth. The killing of pathogens with a UV lamp has the particular advantage that it is also applicable to stagnant water, where the risk of propagation of pathogens is particularly large. In particular, a retrograde contamination of the dispensing device is avoided or at least made much more difficult. Retrograde bacterial infection is understood to mean the entry of pathogens via the delivery unit into the device against the flow of water.

In an advantageous embodiment of the dispensing device according to the invention, the return line branches in or downstream of the treatment area of the supply line. In this embodiment, the volume of uncooled water is further reduced because the water, which is located in the treatment area, is also circulated and thus exchanged for cooled water. The temperature of the water in the first glass after a long downtime is further lowered. Furthermore, at least partially treated water is conveyed back into the cooling unit, so that, for example, the load of the water contained in the cooling unit is reduced with pathogens. The risk of contamination of the dispenser is therefore reduced.

In a preferred embodiment of the dispensing device according to the invention, the dispensing unit is arranged in the processing area. In this embodiment, the dispensing unit is drawn into the treatment of the water, so that bacterial contamination of the dispensing device is prevented from the dispensing unit or at least made more difficult.

Preferably, a valve is arranged in the treatment area, with which a fluid communication can optionally be produced between the supply line, the return line and the dispensing unit. In this embodiment, the cooling device may also be open. Depending on the position of the valve, for example, the supply line is connected to the return line. This position of the valve is selected when after a long downtime again a request for cooled water is released. The heated water is then conveyed back into the cooling device until only cooled water is present in the supply line. Subsequently, the position of the valve is changed so that the supply line is connected to the dispensing unit. Now, as desired, the cooled water is released.

Since the valve is arranged in the treatment area, the water is treated at least in front of the valve. Thus, the valve is flushed with just treated water, so that the risk of retrograde microbial contamination of at least the valve is reduced. In this case, the valve is preferably designed free of dead space, so that no water can accumulate over a longer period of time in the valve, which could lead to an increase of germs. In the event that a UV lamp is provided in the treatment area, it is advantageous to provide the inputs and outputs and the valve body of the valve, for example with reflective layers, so that all water-bearing parts of the valve are in the radiation range of the UV lamp , To define the radiation region, corresponding reflectors can be provided which direct the UV rays into the interior of the valve.

Preferably, the valve forms the dispensing unit. There are no other pipes necessary, but the treated, cooled water is discharged directly from the valve. The required space is therefore reduced.

Preferably, at least one further unit can be connected to the valve, with which cooled, treated water can be dispensed from the dispensing device. The treated, cooled water does not have to be dispensed directly, but can be subjected to further treatment steps. For example, it may be delivered to a freezer unit where it is frozen into ice. This ice can be used, for example, in the form of mouth ice for cooling drinks. Furthermore, an ice crusher can be integrated into the dispenser, so that the ice is split into small portions and is available for various applications, for example for cocktails or shakes.

In a preferred embodiment of the present dispensing device, the valve, the further unit and / or the dispensing unit are at least partially constructed of UV-transparent material. This embodiment has the advantage that the water, which is located in the valve or in the dispensing unit, the UV rays is directly exposed and disinfected, even if it is a long time. Depending on the embodiment, the valve or the dispensing unit form the interface to the environment. Since this interface is the most critical point for the retrograde contamination to the environment, with this embodiment, the valve, the further unit and / or the dispensing unit can be effectively disinfected and a retrograde contamination can be prevented.

Preferably, the dispenser includes an inlet for supplying water into the cooling device. In the simplest case, this may be an opening through which new water is led into the cooling device. Alternatively, the cooling device may be connected to a water pipe. Thus, the possibility is created, if necessary, to guide water into the cooling device, so that it is ensured that when a request for cooled, treated water this is also available.

Advantageously, the dispenser has a locking device arranged in the inlet for selectively blocking and releasing the inlet. In a closed cooling device, the locking device is locked when circulating, so that no further water can run. In a delivery request, the funding is switched off, if it is not already switched off and the locking device is opened. The line pressure causes the cooled water to be delivered via the dispensing unit.

An open cooling device can then be filled with water when the level in the cooling device falls below a certain level. For this purpose, the cooling device may have a fill level sensor which outputs a signal, for example in an acoustic or optical manner, as soon as the fill level falls below the level. The user can then fill the cooling device by releasing the inlet. Alternatively, the barrier device can be opened by means of an electrical signal of the level sensor for a certain time, so that the cooling device is filled again to a certain degree. In this way, regardless of an action of the user always ensures that there is a sufficient amount of water in the cooling device.

The invention will be described in detail by means of two preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. Show it

1 a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the dispensing device according to the invention, and

2 a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the dispensing device according to the invention.

In the 1 shown dispensing device 101 includes a closed cooling device 121 into the water via an inlet 14 can be supplied. The water can in the cooler 12 , stored and cooled by means not shown to a desired temperature. The feed 14 can be connected to a water reservoir or a water supply network. To the water pressure of the water reservoir or water supply network either in the cooling device 121 to be able to create is in the inflow 14 a locking device 16 arranged.

A supply line 18 is with the cooling device 121 connected via which the water to a treatment area 20 can be performed. Furthermore, in the supply line 18 a subsidy 22 , For example, a pump arranged. In the treatment area 20 The water is treated in the desired way. Im in 1 The example shown includes the treatment area 20 a water treatment cartridge 24 , which can be designed as a filter cartridge or UV cartridge. In the case of the filter cartridge, the water is treated, for example, by means of an activated carbon bed, not shown, or in the case of the UV cartridge by means of a UV lamp, not shown. The treated water is made using a dispensing unit 26 from the dispenser 101 delivered, for example, at the request of a user. A return line 28 branches upstream from the treatment area 20 from the supply line 18 and leads to the cooling device 12 ,

For example, a user wants a glass of processed, chilled water from the dispenser 10 , He can, so he can do his wish by means of a signal unit, not shown, such as a button, the dispenser 10 , communicate. The lock unit 16 is opened so that the water pressure of the water reservoir or the water mains in the cooling device 12 , is present. The water pressure ensures that the water flows through the supply line 18 and the return line 28 to the treatment area 20 funded and via the dispensing unit 26 is delivered. Should the funding 22 be activated, it will be disabled. Upon completion of the dispensing process, the lock becomes 16 closed again, leaving no more water in the cooler 12 , and then via the dispensing unit 26 can be delivered.

Especially after prolonged downtime, during which the dispenser 101 no water is removed, the water that is in the supply line heats up 18 and in the return line 28 located. The temperature in the supply line 18 and in the return line 28 is by means of a temperature sensor 29 determined. If the temperature exceeds a selectable limit, then the funding 22 activated. Because the locking device 16 is closed, takes place a circulation of the water, which is in the return line 28 and in the upstream of the branch of the return line 28 located part of the supply line 18 is located without water over the dispensing unit 26 is delivered. To prevent the subsidy 22 Air sucks, protrudes the supply line 18 something in the cooler 12 into it.

It is also possible to make a recirculation whenever the user releases water from the device 101 wants to remove. The delivery is not immediate, but only after the water in the return line 28 and in the upstream of the branch of the return line 28 located part of the supply line 18 has been circulated. Depending on the conveying capacity of the conveyor 22 and the volume of the supply and return line 18 . 28 is sufficient for a short time, which may be about 5 sec.

Only the part of the water, located in the downstream of the diversion of the return line 26 located part of the supply line 18 is not cooled, so that even the first glass has at least a proportion of chilled water. The temperature of the water in the glass comes at least much closer to the desired temperature than without the circulation via the return line 28 the case would be.

In 2 is a second embodiment of the dispensing device according to the invention 102 illustrated by a schematic diagram which an open cooling device 122 having. The dispenser 102 includes a valve 30 optionally with fluid communication between the supply line 18 , the return line 28 and the dispensing unit 26 can be produced. Furthermore, another unit 32 at the valve 30 connected, with the cooled, treated water from the dispenser 10 can be delivered. With the further unit 32 The treated water can be subjected to any further treatment steps before it is consumed by the user. For example, it may be a freezer unit 34 fed and to ice 36 be further processed for cooling drinks.

The treatment area 20 includes a UV lamp 38 which is arranged so that the valve 30 , the dispensing unit 26 and the other unit 32 in the radiation range of the UV lamp 38 so that the water inside it is disinfected. To the UV radiation in the valve 30 , the dispensing unit 26 and the other unit 32 To direct and treat the water therein, reflectors, not shown, may be provided which control the outgoing of the UV lamp rays in the valve 30 , the dispensing unit 26 as well as the further unit 32 to steer. Alternatively, the valve 30 , the dispensing unit 26 as well as the further unit 32 be made at least partially of UV-transparent material, so that the water is exposed directly to the UV radiation.

When a user wants to remove treated, chilled water, the conveyor will be responsive to an appropriate signal 22 activated and the valve 30 placed in a first position, in which a fluid communication between the supply line 18 and the return line 28 is made, so that in the feed line 18 located water back into the cooling device 122 is encouraged. At the same time the UV lamp 38 activated. Since some time is needed until it has reached its full capacity and thus its full disinfecting effect on the water in its radiant area (about 3 to 5 seconds), at least during this time the valve will remain 30 in the first position. The capacity of the conveyor 22 is dimensioned so that in this time a volume is conveyed which at least the intrinsic volume of the supply 18 corresponds, so that after this time only cooled water in the supply line 18 located.

Subsequently, the valve 30 placed in a second position, in which a fluid communication between the supply line 18 and the dispensing unit 26 or the other unit 32 will be produced. Now the UV lamp 38 has reached its full capacity, the water, which is the treatment area 20 flows through, disinfected, so that treated, cooled water through the delivery unit 26 or the further device 30 is delivered.

Regardless of a user's request, circulation of the water may be carried out when the temperature sensor 29 generates a signal indicating that the temperature in the supply line 18 or in the return line 28 has exceeded a certain limit. In this case, the funding will be 22 activated and the valve 30 placed in the first position. Alternatively, the circulation may also be without the provision of the temperature sensor 29 be carried out at regular intervals.

Furthermore, the cooling device comprises 122 a level sensor 40 , with which the level in the cooling device 122 can be determined. The level sensor 40 is via an electrical line 42 with the locking device 16 connected. If the level falls below a certain level, the level sensor generates 40 a specific signal with which the blocking device 16 opened and additional water in the cooler 12 can be directed. Furthermore, the level sensor 40 with the funding 22 and / or the valve 30 be connected (not shown), so that in the event that the level falls below a certain level, no promotion and / or no delivery takes place. This prevents air from being conveyed and / or what is the subsidy 22 could damage.

The flow direction of the water within the dispenser 10 is indicated by the arrows.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

dispenser

12

cooler

14

Intake

16

locking device

18

feed

20

treatment area

22

funding

24

Water purification cartridge

26

dispensing unit

28

Return line

29

temperature sensor

30

Valve

32

another unit

34

freezer unit

36

ice cream

38

UV lamp

40

level sensor

42

management

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1684037 [0002]
• WO 2009/061137 [0003]

Claims (15)

Dispensing device for dispensing chilled water, comprising - a cooling device ( 12 ) for cooling the water, - a dispensing unit ( 26 ) for discharging the cooled water from the dispenser, - a supply line ( 18 ) for supplying the water from the cooling device ( 12 ) into the dispensing unit ( 26 ), and - a grant ( 22 ) for conveying the water within the dispenser, characterized by a return line ( 28 ) for returning the water from the supply line ( 18 ) in the cooling device ( 12 ). Dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized by a in the feed line ( 18 ) or in the return line ( 28 ) arranged temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the water in the supply line ( 18 ) or in the return line ( 28 ). Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a treatment area ( 20 ) for treating the water, wherein the supply line ( 18 ) into the treatment area ( 20 ) opens. Dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that the treatment area ( 20 ) a water treatment cartridge ( 24 ). Dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the water treatment cartridge ( 24 ) is a filter cartridge or a UV cartridge. Dispensing device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the return line ( 28 ) upstream of the treatment area ( 20 ) from the supply line ( 18 ) branches off. Dispenser according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the treatment area ( 20 ) a UV lamp ( 38 ). Dispensing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the return line ( 28 ) in or downstream of the treatment area ( 20 ) from the supply line ( 18 ) branches off. Dispensing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the dispensing unit ( 26 ) in the treatment area ( 20 ) is arranged. Dispenser according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that in the treatment area ( 20 ) a valve ( 30 ) is arranged, with which a fluid communication optionally between the supply line ( 18 ), the return line ( 28 ) and the dispensing unit ( 26 ) can be produced. Dispenser according to claim 10, characterized in that the valve ( 30 ) the dispensing unit ( 26 ). Dispensing device according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that at least one further unit ( 32 ) to the valve ( 30 ) is connected to the cooled, treated water from the dispenser ( 10 ) can be delivered. Dispensing device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the valve ( 30 ), the further unit ( 32 ) and / or the dispensing unit ( 26 ) are at least partially constructed of UV-transparent material. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an inlet ( 14 ) for supplying water into the cooling device ( 12 ). Dispensing device according to claim 14, characterized by a in the inlet ( 14 ) arranged locking device ( 16 ) for selectively blocking and releasing the feed ( 14 ).

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