IL287127B2 - System and method for heating water in a container - Google Patents

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEATING WATER IN A CONTAINER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The subject matter generally relates to heating water, more particularly, to heating water inside a container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Water heating is a very common process. Hot water is consumed for drinking, for cleaning, for showers, and also in industries, for example for sanitation. According to Jewish religious regulations, heating is considered as labor and cannot be done on Saturdays and holidays. However, hot water is still needed, mainly for drinking hot beverages such as tea and coffee, and also for showers.

Some solutions to provide hot water on Saturdays and holidays require constant heating, for example by placing a container on a low-power heating device. The heating device may be connected to the gas grid or to the power grid. This solution consumes a lot of energy and does not consider actual demand. For example, it also provides hot water at night, when most people are asleep.

Other religious regulations forbid people from consuming water which was heated in the same container in which the water is poured to the users’ glasses or bowls. Hence, there is a need to heat water in other containers, which are not the containers from which the water is dispensed to the users’ cups/bowls/glasses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the subject matter to disclose a water dispenser, comprising a housing with at least one water outlet; a water tank located inside the housing, said water tank is fluidly coupled to the at least one water outlet; a heating body having a heating inlet and a heating outlet; a second tank fluidly coupled to the water tank; the second tank comprises heating liquid and a heater for heating the heating liquid in the second tank.

In some cases, the heating liquid flows from the second tank into the heating body for heating the water in the water tank and the water dispenser comprises a pump for pumping the heating liquid from the second tank into the heating body.

In some cases, the water dispenser further comprising a controller for controlling the operation of the heater. In some cases, the water dispenser further comprising one or more valves for regulating flow of the heating liquid between the water tank and the second tank.

In some cases, the heating liquid is oil-based. In some cases, the heating liquid is water­based. In some cases, the heating liquid has a boiling temperature higher than 120 degrees Celsius. In some cases, the heating body is a pipe, wherein the pipe is fluidly coupled on both the heating inlet and the heating outlet to the second tank. In some cases, the heating body is a heat exchanger.

In some cases, the water dispenser further comprising a cold water tank located inside the housing, the cold water tank is fluidly coupled to the at least one water outlet. In some cases, the water tank is a hot water tank. In some cases, the water dispenser further comprising a secondary hot water tank fluidly coupled to the water outlet; a switch for switching operation between the water tank and the secondary hot water tank.

In some cases, the water tank is coupled to a pressurized water source. In some cases, the water tank is a replaceable container, detachable from the housing. In some cases, the heating body is located inside the water tank. In some cases, the heating body is located outside the water tank.

It is another object of the subject matter to disclose a water supply system, comprising a housing with at least one water outlet; a water tank located inside the housing, said water tank is fluidly coupled to the at least one water outlet; a heating body having a heating inlet and a heating outlet; a second tank fluidly coupled to the water tank; the second tank comprises heating liquid and a heater for heating the heating liquid in the second tank; wherein the heating liquid flows from the second tank into the heating body for heating the water in the water tank; a pump for pumping the heating liquid from the second tank into the heating body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a water dispenser having a water tank and a second tank for heating the water in the water tank, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention; Figure 2 shows a water dispenser providing water from a replaceable water container, having a water tank and a second tank for heating the water in the water tank, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention; Figure 3 shows a water dispenser having two hot water tanks, one with direct heating and another with indirect heating, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention; Figure 4A shows the components used for heating the water in the water tank using a second tank, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention; and, Figure 4B shows a water dispenser having a water tank having an external heating body and a second tank for heating the water in the water tank, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The subject matter described herein discloses a water supply system and method for heating water. The water supply system may be implemented in a water dispenser, in a water container coupled to the shower, bath or any other use for on-demand hot water. The water supply system comprises a water outlet for outputting the hot water, a water tank coupled to the water outlet and a second tank coupled to the water tank. The second tank contains liquid. The liquid in the second tank is heated by a heater. The heated liquid is transferred from the second tank to a heating body that heats the water in the water tank. The heating body may be located inside the water tank or surround the water tank, as long as the hot liquid contained in the heating body is sufficiently close to the water in the water tank to heat the water. The heating body may be a pipe, a container, or any other shape or structure desired by a person skilled in the art. The heating body forms a heat exchanger for heating the water in the water tank. For simplicity only, the below description relates to water dispensers.

Figure 1 shows a water dispenser having a water tank and a second tank for heating the water in the water tank, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. The water dispenser 100 comprises a housing 105. The housing 105 may be sealed to prevent access to the components located therein. The housing 105 may have a base, sidewalls and a top cover. The base may be placed on a table, a kitchen-top, and the like. The housing 105 may comprise a control panel (not shown) used by persons to input commands into the water dispenser 100. The control panel may comprise buttons, knobs, or a touch-operated input unit used to input commands into the water dispenser 100. The commands may include requests for cold water, for lukewarm water, for hot water, requests for various amounts of water, and the like.

The water dispenser 100 is coupled to the water grid, thereby providing water from a pressurized water source. A grid pipe 110 is provided to connect the water dispenser 100 to the water grid. When there is a need to fill the containers in the water dispenser 100 with water, a grid valve is opened, enabling water from the grid pipe 110 to flow into the containers of the water dispenser 100. In some other embodiments, as described below, the water dispenser may provide water from a replaceable container.

The water dispenser 100 comprises a water tank 120 for storing water that can be provided to users of the water dispenser 100, upon request. The water tank 120 is fluidly coupled to a water outlet 150 from which the water is outputted. The water tank 120 may be coupled to the water outlet 150 via outlet pipe 140. The water dispenser 100 may also comprise a tray 160 in which the user may place a container, such as a bowl or a cup, to collect the water outputted from the water outlet 150.

The water dispenser 100 comprises a second tank 125 fluidly coupled to a heating body used to heat the water in the water tank 120. The term fluidly coupled is defined as liquid heated in the second tank 125 flows into the heating body located inside the water tank 120 or outside the water tank 120. The second tank 125 contains liquid. The liquid is heated by a heater. The heater may be located inside the second tank 125 or outside the second tank 125. The heater may be implemented as a heating blanket, a heating pipe, a heating container and the like. The heater liquid flows via secondary pipe 122 from the second tank 125 into the heating body, for heating the water in the water tank 120. The heater may be connected to the power grid, or receive power from a replaceable or a rechargeable power source, such as a battery.

The water dispenser 100 may also comprise a controller 130 for controlling the heating process used to heat the water in the water tank 120. In some cases, the controller 130 may receive commands form a remote device, such as an online server. The controller 130 may be coupled to a memory storage used to store information. Such information may include a set of rules used by the controller 130 to control the heating process, prior usage of the water dispenser 100, and the like.

The heating process may be done in intervals sufficient to maintain hot water in the water tank 120. For example, heat the liquid in the second tank 125 for 1.5 minutes, then transfer the hot liquid through the heating body for 3 minutes. In some exemplary cases, the liquid can only flow to the heating body when the heater stops heating the liquid. The heater is thus activated and deactivated according to the intervals. The heater may be activated and deactivated by the controller 130. The heating intervals may vary according to consumption patterns. For example, heat the water in the water tank only after 7AM.

In some other cases, the heating process may be performed according to information collected from sensors. For example, perform less heating cycles of heating the water in the water tank 120 when the temperature outside the water dispenser is higher than 27 degrees Celsius. In some other cases, a heating cycle may be initiated after outputting hot water, when additional water flows from the water grid into the water tank 120.

The water dispenser 100 of the subject matter may comprise a single water tank as described in figure 1. In some other cases, the water dispenser may comprise a water tank used to provide hot water and a cold water tank used to provide cold water via the water outlet 150. In some other embodiments, the water dispenser may comprise three (3) water tanks fluidly coupled to the water outlet 150 – a cold water tank, a regular water tank having a water heater directly heating the water in the regular water tank, and an indirect water tank coupled to a secondary tank which is responsible to heat the water in the indirect water tank.

Figure 2 shows a water dispenser providing water from a replaceable water container, having a water tank and a second tank for heating the water in the water tank, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. The water dispenser comprises a housing 2containing the water tanks coupled to the water outlet 240. The housing 205 isolates the water tank 220 from the environment, enabling to maintain the hot water in the water tank 220 for longer durations, thereby reducing the frequency of heating cycles and reduces the energy consumption of the water dispenser. The water tank 220 is coupled to the water outlet 240 via outlet pipe 230. The housing 205 also comprises a second tank 225 for heating liquid used to heat the water in the water tank 220. A pipe 250 is used to transfer the heating liquid from the second tank 225 to the heating body. The heating liquid may be oil-based. The heating liquid may be water-based.

The housing 205 comprise an interface for a replaceable container 210. The interface may comprise a pin for penetrating a seal in the replaceable container’s aperture, such that only after the aperture is penetrated, the water from the replaceable container 210 can flow in the water dispenser. The interface of the housing 205 is fluidly coupled to the water tank 220. This way, the water in the water tank 220 is provided from the replaceable container 210.

Figure 3 shows a water dispenser having two hot water tanks, one with direct heating and another with indirect heating, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. The water dispenser comprises a housing 310 for storing the components of the water dispenser. The water dispenser comprises a water outlet 360 for outputting water to users of the water dispenser. The water dispenser comprises a cold water tank 335 fluidly coupled to the water outlet 360, such that the water outlet 360 can dispense cold water conveyed from the cold water tank 335. The cold water may flow from the cold water tank 335 to the water outlet 360 via cold pipe 355.

The housing 310 also comprises two hot water tanks for providing hot water towards the water outlet 360. The first hot water tank is direct hot water tank 330. The hot water may flow from the direct hot water tank 330 to the water outlet 360 via direct hot pipe 352. The direct hot water tank 330 heats the water using a heating mechanism located inside or directly coupled to the direct hot water tank 330. Thus, according to Jewish regulations, the direct hot water tank 330 can be used in standard days, but not during holidays nor Saturdays. Hence, the housing 310 also comprises indirect hot water tank 320. The indirect hot water tank enables the water hot using heating liquid heated when stored in heating container 325. The heating liquid flows in heating pipes 328 to a heating body used to heat the water in the indirect hot water tank 320. The hot water may flow from the indirect hot water tank 320 to the water outlet 360 via indirect hot pipe 350. The water dispenser also comprises a switch 340 for determining which of the indirect hot water tank 320 or the direct hot water tank 330 operates. The switch 340 may be coupled to both the indirect hot water tank 320 and the direct hot water tank 330. The switch 340 may be an electronic or mechanic switch. The switch 340 may open or close a valve, or provide voltage or current according to the selection of either the indirect hot water tank 320 or the direct hot water tank 330.

Figure 4A shows the components used for heating the water in the water tank using a second tank, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. The water tank 4contains water up to a water level 412. A heating body 415 is located inside the water tank 410, receiving the heated liquid from the second tank 420. The second tank 420 comprises a heater 425 for heating the liquid. In some exemplary cases, the liquid, when heated, may be stored in a pipe, not in a container. When wishing to heat the water in the water tank 410, pump 4pumps the hot liquid from the second tank 420 via inlet pipe 432 into a heating inlet 440. The heating inlet is coupled to the heating body 415. The heating inlet 440 is coupled to the inlet pipe 432. In some cases, the inlet pipe 432 has a proximal end inside the second tank 420 or on an edge of the second tank 420, and a distal end coupled to the heating inlet 440. The distal end of the inlet pipe 432 may be on an edge of the water tank 410, or inside the water tank 410.

The liquid flows in the heating body in a speed dictated by the pump, for example 0.meters per second. After passing in the heating body 415, the liquid flows via heating outlet 445, making room for new hot liquid to heat the water. The heating outlet 445 is coupled on a proximal end to the heating body 415, and on a distal end to an outlet pipe 435, transferring the liquid back to the second tank 420.

In some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter, the water dispenser comprises one or more valves for regulating flow of the heating liquid from the second tank 420 to the heating body 415. In some cases, a first valve is located on the inlet pipe 432 and a second valve is located on the outlet pipe 435. In some other cases, the water dispenser comprises a single valve. The single valve may be embedded in the pump 430.

In some cases, the heater 425 stops working when the liquid flows from the second tank 420 to the heating body 415 and vice versa. The heater 425 operation may be determined by an electronic circuitry that controls the operation of the water dispenser.

Figure 4B shows a water dispenser having a water tank having an external heating body and a second tank for heating the water in the water tank, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. The liquid flows from the second tank 420 to the water tank 410 when pumped by the pump 430. The liquid then flows into heating body 460 located outside the water tank 410. For example, the heating body 460 may surround the water tank 410. The heating body 460 may be coiled on the water tank 410.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims (14)

287127/

1. A water dispenser, comprising: a housing with at least one water outlet; a water tank located inside the housing, said water tank is fluidly coupled to the at least one water outlet; a heating body having a heating inlet and a heating outlet; a second tank; the second tank comprises heating liquid and a heater for heating the heating liquid in the second tank; wherein the heating liquid flows from the second tank into the heating body for heating the water in the water tank; a pump for pumping the heating liquid from the second tank into the heating body; a controller for controlling the operation of the heater; wherein the heater operates in intervals; wherein the heating liquid can only flow from the second tank to the heating body when the heater stops heating the liquid in the second tank.

2. The water dispenser of claim 1, further comprising one or more valves for regulating flow of the heating liquid between the water tank and the second tank.

3. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the heating liquid is oil-based.

4. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the heating liquid is water-based.

5. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the heating liquid has a boiling temperature higher than 120 degrees Celsius.

6. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the heating body is a pipe, wherein the pipe is fluidly coupled on both the heating inlet and the heating outlet to the second tank.

7. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the heating body is a heat exchanger.

8. The water dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a cold water tank located inside the housing, the cold water tank is fluidly coupled to the at least one water outlet.

9. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the water tank is a hot water tank.

10. The water dispenser of claim 1, further comprising; a secondary hot water tank fluidly coupled to the water outlet; a switch for switching operation between the water tank and the secondary hot water tank.

11. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the water tank is coupled to a pressurized water source. 287127/ 1

12. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the water tank is a replaceable container, detachable from the housing.

13. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the heating body is located inside the water tank.

14. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the heating body is located outside the water tank.