EP3383802A1

EP3383802A1 - Sanitary arrangement with a disinfecting device

Info

Publication number: EP3383802A1
Application number: EP16805786.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roland Widler
Original assignee: Geberit International AG
Current assignee: Geberit International AG
Priority date: 2015-12-04
Filing date: 2016-12-01
Publication date: 2018-10-10
Also published as: EP3383800A1; CN108349758A; CN108349760A; WO2017093385A1; EP3383801A1; WO2017093383A1; CN108349759A; WO2017093384A1

Abstract

A sanitary arrangement (1) comprises a water channel (3), bounded by a wall (2), and a treatment device (4), which is arranged in the water channel and is intended for treating, in particular for disinfecting, water which is guided in the water channel (3), which treatment device (4) comprises a cell housing (5) and an electrochemical or electrolytic cell, which is arranged in the cell housing (5) and has an electrode assembly (6) with at least one electrode, which electrode can be activated, in particular, by electrical parameters for the purpose of generating ozone from the water to form a treatment agent or disinfecting agent. The treatment device (4) is configured such that the number of pathogenic bacteria, such as Legionella and/or Pseudomonas bacteria, in the treated water is smaller than 10 bacteria per millilitre.

Description

TITLE Sanitary facility with a disinfection facility

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a sanitary device with a disinfection device according to the preamble of claim 1.

STATE OF THE ART

Disinfection devices in connection with sanitary articles, such as shower toilets or outlet fittings are known from the prior art.

For example, EP 2 599 926 shows such a disinfection device.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

Based on this prior art, the invention is a particularly preferred object to provide a sanitary device with a treatment device, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the treatment of the water should be improved.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1.

Accordingly, a sanitary device comprises a water channel bounded by a wall and a treatment device arranged in the water channel for the treatment, in particular for the disinfection of water guided in the water channel. The treatment apparatus comprises a cell housing and an electrochemical or electrolytic cell arranged in the cell housing with an electrode packet having at least one electrode or at least one pair of electrodes. The electrode or the Electrode pair can be controlled with electrical parameters for generating ozone from the water as a disinfectant. The treatment device, in particular the cell, is configured such that the germ count with respect to pathogenic germs, such as Legionella and / or Pseudomonas, in the treated or disinfected water is less than 10 microbes per milliliter and / or that the microbial count is reduced by at least a factor of 1000 becomes.

For the reduction of the bacterial count by at least a factor of 1000, the number of bacteria before the treatment device and after the treatment device can be considered, the latter being at least 1000 times smaller.

Particularly preferably, the disinfection is carried out in such a way that the germ count reduction is ensured even at very low conductivity of the water. Particularly preferably, the electrodes are designed such that no disturbing amounts of lime are deposited on the electrodes. For example, suitable Umpolungsparameter be chosen, whereby the disturbing amounts of lime are removable.

Particularly preferably, the electrodes are designed such that the space requirement of the treatment device is minimal despite high ozonation performance.

Preferably, the electrodes are at least partially or completely coated with a boron-doped diamond coating. As a result, water is activated directly to oxidatively acting intermediates without oxygen.

Preferably, the electrode comprises structured silicon on which the boron-doped diamond coating is applied. This in order to reduce the manufacturing costs. The flow conditions at the electrodes can also be optimized. Preferably, the electrodes are in contact with a polyelectrolyte membrane. The polyelectrolyte membrane produces a limited conductive contact between the positive pole and the negative pole of the electrode. At the contact points thereby the ozone formation is promoted and a good disinfection even with unfavorable electrical Conductivity or electrical resistance of the water reached. Thus, even from water with unfavorable properties, such as rainwater, the desired disinfection can be achieved. The electrode package is preferably arranged in a cuboid region of maximally 20 × 40 × 10 millimeters.

Preferably, the cell housing in its outer dimension is smaller than 50 x 35 x 15 millimeters.

Preferably, two separate water channels are provided, wherein in each of the water channels at least one treatment device is arranged.

Preferably, the electrodes are subjected to electrical parameters such as electrical voltage and current in such a way that the ozone concentration inside the cell is high enough for the germicidal effect and / or that the ozone concentration at the outlet of the sanitary device is less than 50 micrograms per liter.

Particularly preferably, the current is about 2 amperes or greater than 2 amperes, which corresponds to a current density of about 14 mA per cm of ^A 2.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, various operating modes are conceivable. Depending on the choice of operating mode, a different ozone concentration is predetermined, the Qzon concentration preferably being achieved by a change in the electrical parameters.

Preferably, the mode is selected from the group of system cleaning and personal cleansing, wherein the ozone concentration in system cleaning is different than the ozone concentration in body cleansing. During body cleansing, the ozone concentration is intended for body contact with the user.

In the body cleaning mode, one is for the private parts of the user harmless, but still in the water germ-reducing ozone concentration selected, while in the operating mode system cleaning a higher ozone concentration is selected, which then leads to a better cleaning result. The choice of different operating modes thus has the advantage that the ozone concentration can be adjusted depending on the requirement.

Preferably, for the operating mode body cleaning, the volume flow is preferably in the range of 0.3 to 1.1 liters per minute and / or that the ozone concentration in the range of 0.03 to 0.05 milligrams per liter, in particular 0.045 milligrams per liter.

Preferably, the system cleaning mode includes various types of cleaning. These are variants of system cleaning, which can be performed alone or in any combination with each other.

According to a first variant, the system cleaning comprises a cleaning of the surfaces in the region of the outlet. Depending on the configuration of the shower toilet while the shower arm or the housing in which the extendable shower arm is stored cleaned. In this first variant, the volume flow is preferably in the range of 0.3 to 1.1 liters per minute and the ozone concentration is preferably in the range of 0.25 to 0.45 milligrams per liter, in particular 0.35 milligrams per liter.

According to a second variant, the system cleaning comprises a cleaning of the surfaces of the shower toilet. Depending on the design, for example, the interior of the shower toilet can be cleaned.

In this variant, the volume flow is preferably in the range of 0.3 to 0.6 liters per minute and the ozone concentration is preferably in the range of 0.25 to 0.45 milligrams per liter, in particular 0.35 milligrams per liter.

In the second variant, for example, a pre-cleaning before use and / or a post-cleaning after use take place. In the second variant, the treated water is preferably atomized, so that a full-surface wetting of the toilet bowl is achieved. According to a third variant, the system cleaning comprises a cycle cleaning, wherein for the circulation cleaning the treated with the treatment device water is passed at least once through at least part of the water channel of the shower system. Preferably, as far as possible the entire water channel is flowed through by the treated water. The said part of the water channel is therefore as long as possible.

The volume flow in the third variant is preferably in the range from 0.3 to 1.1 liters per minute and the ozone concentration is preferably in the range from 0.25 to 0.45 milligrams per liter, in particular 0.35 milligrams per liter. The advantage of the recycling process is that the treated water, ie the germ-reduced water, can circulate in the water channel of the shower system, so that the water channel can be cleaned. This prevents contaminants or germs from forming inside the shower system. The circuit is preferably such that it covers as much of the length of the water channel as possible.

Preferably, the geometric parameters of the electrode and / or the flow rate or the flow rate through the electrode and / or the flow time through the electrode is such that the ozone concentration at the outlet of the sanitary device is less than 50 micrograms per liter.

In other words: By suitable geometric flow guidance, the ozone concentration is reached at the outlet of the sanitary device less than 50 micrograms per liter.

Preferably, a sensor for direct or indirect measurement of the ozone concentration is provided, wherein the electrical parameters based on the measured value of the sensor be adjusted. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor may be arranged which serves to measure the content of organic carbon in the water, for example based on a UV-LED sensor with a suitable wavelength range. Other ways of measuring the content of organic carbon are also conceivable.

Particularly preferably, when the ozone concentration exceeds 50 micrograms per liter at the outlet and / or the content of organic carbon in the water, in particular in the inlet region of the water channel, a limit value of 1 milligram per liter emits a warning signal. For this purpose, the sanitary device may comprise an optical and / or acoustic display element.

Preferably, a catalyst, in particular a platinum catalyst or another catalyst, is used to limit the ozone concentration. Preferably, the electrode is controlled so that when the content of organic carbon in the water is exceeded, a limit of 1 milligram per liter of ozone production is increased and / or a warning signal is output. For the warning signal can be provided an optical and / or acoustic display element. Preferably, the Reynolds number of the water channel in the region of the electrodes is greater than 3000

Preferably, a receiving opening is arranged in the wall of the water channel, which opens into the water channel, wherein the receiving opening of the receptacle of the cell housing is used.

Particularly preferred is the shape of the cell housing, in the area which is in the installed state in the receiving opening, with exact fit with parts of the receiving opening. Preferably, a seal is arranged between the receiving opening and the cell housing.

Particularly preferably, the cell housing is designed as a replaceable cartridge. The Cartridge can be easily replaced or cleaned in case of revision.

Preferably, the water is heated before being passed through the treatment device to 20 ° C to 45 °, in particular to 33 ° C to 39 ° C. Other temperature ranges are also conceivable: For example, the heater brings the water for body cleansing to a temperature in the range of 5 ° C to 40 ° C and / or for system cleaning to a temperature in the range of 5 ° C to 25 ° C or in one Range from 5 ° C to 40 ° C. The said heating of the water is preferably carried out in a storage tank or in a water heater.

The rinsing process preferably takes place in several phases. Preferably, the electrical parameters are reversible, such that lime lying on the electrode is removable.

A shower toilet comprises a sanitary device as described above and a shower arm, wherein said water channel is the water channel of the shower arm or said water channel opens into the water channel of the shower arm and / or wherein said water channel is arranged as a shower arm independent water channel, with which the shower arm is cleanable.

In a method for disinfecting water in a shower toilet as described above, the disinfection of the guided water in the water channel is done in a single flushing.

Further embodiments are given in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings which are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation are to be interpreted. In the drawings show:

Figure l is a schematic view of a sanitary device comprising a water channel bounded by a wall and a treatment device arranged in the water channel. and

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the treatment device.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a sanitary device 1 comprising a water channel 3 delimited by a wall 2 and a treatment device 4 arranged in the water channel for the treatment or disinfection of water guided in the water channel 3.

The treatment device 4 comprises a cell housing 5 and an electrochemical or electrolytic cell arranged in the cell housing 5 with an electrode packet 6 having at least one electrode. The at least one electrode can be controlled with electrical parameters for generating ozone from the water as a disinfectant. The disinfection with the ozone takes place in such a way that the germ count with regard to pathogenic germs, such as legionella and / or pseudomonads, in the treated water is less than 10 germs per milliliter.

As shown in FIG. 1, the treatment device 4 can be supplied by different water sources, for example, by a continuous flow heater 7, by a water heater 7

Hot water tank 8 or from a cold water tank 9.

The water to be disinfected can be heated before being fed to the treatment device 4. Advantageous temperature ranges are 20 ° C to 45 °, in particular 33 ° C to 39 ° C. Other temperatures are also conceivable.

In the figure 2 then the cell case 5 is shown. The cell housing 5 comprises an inlet 10, via which the water can flow into the cell housing 5, and an outlet 11, via which the water can flow out of the cell housing 5. Inside the cell housing 5, the electrode package 6 is arranged. The electrode package 6 is supplied via electrical connections 12 with electrical energy.

In a preferred embodiment, the electrodes are coated with a boron-doped diamond coating. The coating can completely surround the area of the electrodes coming into contact with the water. Alternatively, the coating can also be selectively arranged.

As carrier material for the coating, the electrode may comprise structured silicon. As a result, an advantageous coating can be achieved.

The cell housing preferably has a maximum size of 50 x 35 x 15 millimeters. The electrode package is then designed correspondingly smaller. For example, the electrode package is arranged in a cuboid area of a maximum of 20 × 40 × 10 millimeters.

The treatment device 4 is preferably used in conjunction with a shower device of a shower toilet. Preferably, two different water channels are present, namely a first water channel, in which a first treatment device is arranged, and a second water channel, in which a second treatment device is arranged. The first water channel is preferably designed such that it serves to clean the body of a user of the shower toilet and the second water channel is preferably designed such that it serves for the cleaning of the outer parts of the first water channel. The first water channel is preferably a shower arm and the second water channel is arranged so that the shower arm can be cleaned with the treated or disinfected water.

The electrode is preferably supplied with electrical parameters such that the ozone concentration at the outlet of the sanitary device is less than 50 micrograms per liter. Depending on the operating mode, other advantageous ozone concentrations can be used.

For the body cleansing mode, the volume flow is preferably in the range of 0.3 to 1.1 liters per minute. The ozone concentration is in the range of 0.03 to 0.05 mg per liter, in particular of 0.045 mg per liter.

When cleaning the surfaces in the region of the outlet, water which has been treated by the treatment device is discharged via the outlet and in the process the surfaces which are arranged in the region of the outlet are sprayed with the water and thus cleaned. The volume flow is here for example in the range of 0.3 to 1.1 liters per minute. The ozone concentration is preferably 0.25 to 0.45 mg per liter, in particular 0.35 mg per liter. When cleaning the surfaces of the shower toilet water is also supplied to the outlet, which has been treated by the treatment device. The treated by the treatment device water can be supplied via the outlet to the surfaces of the shower toilet. The volume flow when cleaning the surfaces, for example, in the range of 0.3 to 0.6 liters per minute. The ozone concentration is preferably 0.25 to 0.45 mg per liter, in particular 0.35 mg per liter.

The volume flow is preferably in the range between 0.3 to 1.1 liters per minute in a circuit cleaning. The ozone concentration is preferably in the range of 0.25 to 0.45 mg per liter, in particular 0.35 mg per liter.

Preferably, in all embodiments, a sensor is arranged, which detects the ozone concentration and the said electrical parameters are adjusted based on the detected ozone concentration. Furthermore, a sensor can be arranged which measures the content of the organic carbon in the water.

Further, the sanitary device may have an optical or acoustic display element, not shown in the figures, which outputs a corresponding warning signal when the ozone concentration and / or the content of organic carbon is exceeded.

The ozone content can be determined, for example, by the arrangement of a catalyst, in particular a platinum catalyst to be limited.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

sanitary facilities

wall

water channel

treatment device

cell case

electrode pack

Heater

Hot water tank

Cold water tank

entry

exit

electrical connections

Claims

1. sanitary device (1) comprising a by a wall (2) delimited water channel (3) and arranged in the water channel treatment device (4) for treatment, in particular for disinfecting, in the water channel (3) guided water, which treatment device (4) Cell housing (5) and arranged in the cell housing (5) electrochemical or electrolytic cell with an electrode package (6) comprising at least one electrode or at least one electrode pair, which electrode or electrode pair in particular with electrical parameters for generating ozone from the water Treatment means or as a disinfectant is controlled, characterized in that the treatment device (4), in particular the cell, is configured such that the number of germs with respect to pathogenic germs, such as Legionella and / or Pseudomonas, in the treated water is less than 10 germs per milliliter , and / or that the germ count by at least one fact r 1000 is reduced.

2. Sanitary appliance according to claim 1, characterized

the electrodes are at least partially or completely coated with a boron-doped diamond coating, the electrode preferably comprising structured silicon on which the boron-doped diamond coating is applied;

and / or that the electrodes are in contact with a polyelectrolyte membrane; and / or that the electrode package is arranged in a cuboid region of at most 20 × 40 × 10 millimeters;

and / or that the cell housing is smaller than 50 x 35 x 15 millimeters in its outer dimension;

and / or that two separate water channels are present, wherein in each of the water channels at least one treatment device is arranged.

3. Sanitary appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrodes are so exposed to electrical parameters, such as electrical voltage and current, that the ozone concentration in the interior of the cell is high enough for the germicidal effect and / or that the ozone concentration on Outlet of the sanitary device is less than 50 micrograms per liter, the ozone concentration at the outlet of the sanitary device for body contact with the user being preferably in the range of 0.03 to 0.05 milligrams per liter, in particular 0.045 milligrams per liter; or wherein the ozone concentration at the outlet of the sanitary device for a cleaning function is preferably in the range of 0.25 to 0.45 milligrams per liter, in particular 0.35 milligrams per liter.

4. Sanitary appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the geometric parameters of the electrode and / or the material of the electrode and / or the flow rate through the electrode and / or the flow time through the electrode is such that the ozone concentration at the outlet of Plumbing device is less than 50 micrograms per liter.

5. Sanitary device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor for direct or indirect measurement of the ozone concentration is provided, wherein the electrical parameters are adjusted based on the measured value of the sensor and / or that a sensor is arranged, which for measuring the content of organic carbon in the water.

6. sanitary device according to claim 5, characterized in that when exceeding the ozone concentration of 50 micrograms per liter and / or the content of organic carbon in the water, especially in the inlet region of the water channel, a limit of 1 milligram per liter a warning signal is issued.

7. Sanitary device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrode is controlled so that when exceeding the content of organic carbon in the water, a limit of 1 milligram per liter of ozone production is increased and / or a warning signal is issued.

8. Sanitäreinrichrung according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a catalyst for limiting the ozone concentration is used and / or that the Reynolds number in the region of the electrodes is greater than 3000.

9. Sanitary appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the wall of the water channel a Aufnahmeöffhung is arranged, which opens into the water channel, wherein the receiving opening of the receptacle of the cell housing is used.

10. sanitary device according to claim 9, characterized in that the shape of the cell housing, in the region which is in the installed state in the receiving opening, is precisely fitting with parts of the receiving opening.

11. Sanitary device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that between the receiving opening and cell housing a seal is arranged, or that the cell housing is designed as a replaceable cartridge.

12. Sanitary appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water is heated before being passed through the treatment device to 20 ° C to 45 °, in particular to 33 ° C to 39 ° C, wherein the heating of the water preferably in a Storage tank or preferably in a water heater.

13. Sanitary appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical parameters are umpolbar, such that lying on the electrode lime is removable.

14. Shower toilet comprising a sanitary device according to one of the preceding claims and a shower arm, wherein said water channel is the water channel of the shower arm or wherein said water channel opens into the water channel of the shower arm and / or wherein said water channel arranged as a shower arm independent water channel is, with which the shower arm is cleanable.

15. A method for disinfecting water in a shower toilet according to claim 14, characterized in that the disinfection of the guided water in the water channel takes place in a single flushing passage.

16. Use of a sanitary device according to one of claims 1 to 15 in a shower toilet.