Ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser for dispensing liquid under pressure, such as water, in particular drinking water

Abstract

The invention relates to a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser for dispensing pressurized liquid, such as water, in particular drinking water, with an inlet and an outlet and a shut-off valve arranged therebetween for opening or closing a flow cross-section for the pressurized liquid. The ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser is associated with means for limiting the volume of liquid flowing out of the outlet. Furthermore, the invention relates to a ceiling lamp, a room, such as a residential or commercial space, comprising a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser, and a drinking water installation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser for dispensing pressurized liquids, such as water, in particular drinking water. Furthermore, the invention relates to a ceiling lamp, a room, such as a residential or commercial space, comprising such a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser, and a drinking water installation in a domestic building.

[0002] Common drinking water dispensers connected to a drinking water supply network generally function like a faucet. A faucet is a device connected to water pipes, e.g., a local drinking water supply network, and used to control the flow of water. It traditionally consists of a handle or lever that is turned or moved to open and close a valve, thus turning the water on or off. Faucets are made in various shapes and sizes and can be found in bathrooms, kitchens, gardens, and other places where water is needed. They are crucial for providing access to running water for various purposes such as drinking, washing, and cleaning.

[0003] The present invention relates to such objects.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser for dispensing pressurized liquid, such as water, in particular drinking water, a ceiling lamp, a room, such as a residential or commercial space, comprising such a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser, and a drinking water installation for the home, which are improved over the prior art. In particular, the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser should be designed to operate without a drain. At the same time, however, the risk of water damage in the room in which the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser or the ceiling lamp is installed should be minimized.

[0005] The object is achieved by a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser for dispensing pressurized liquid, such as water, in particular drinking water, a ceiling lamp, a room, such as a residential or commercial space, comprising such a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser, and a drinking water house installation according to the independent claims. The dependent claims describe particularly expedient embodiments of the invention.

[0006] A ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser according to the invention for dispensing pressurized liquid, such as water, in particular drinking water, comprises an inlet and an outlet and a shut-off valve arranged therebetween (between inlet and outlet) for releasing or shutting off a flow cross-section for the pressurized liquid, wherein the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser is assigned means for limiting the volume of liquid flowing out of the outlet.

[0007] The pressure is that which prevails in the domestic drinking water installation.

[0008] The invention limits the total amount of liquid that can flow out of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser per time or tapping process. This means that a drain is no longer necessary for the operation of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser, as the means only allow a predefined amount of water to escape from the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser. In this way, the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser reduces the potential damage caused by escaping water in the room in which the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser is installed, for example in the event of incorrect operation or a defect. This is achieved on the one hand by limiting the tapping process to a certain amount, i.e. portioning out the amount of liquid, and on the other hand by installing an aqua stop, for example, which prevents larger withdrawal quantities or leakage of water and thus flooding of the room.

[0009] When it is said that the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser is provided with means for limiting the volume of liquid flowing out of the outlet, this means that only a predetermined volume can be dispensed at one time (in one dispensing process).

[0010] The invention thus relates to a novel drinking water dispenser that is technically designed to be mounted on the ceiling. This ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser according to the invention can additionally have a lamp function. This can serve either as room lighting or as indirect lighting. In this case, the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser can be part of a ceiling light. However, the function of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser is also possible without lighting, i.e., without such a lamp function.

[0011] The ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser according to the invention can be installed in new locations due to its ceiling mounting. Installation locations can be on any ceiling of rooms, such as residential or commercial premises in residential and non-residential buildings, preferably above tables, especially dining room tables.

[0012] The means are generally not flow limiters. Flow limiters serve to limit or reduce the amount of water flowing through. In other words, they continuously reduce the flow cross-section for the water, i.e. the flow rate measured in liters per minute. However, according to the invention, the volume dispensed by the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser per dispensing process is limited (either independently or automatically). The ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser could be viewed as a water portioning unit. The ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser, or more precisely the means for limiting the volume of liquid flowing out of the outlet, portions / portions the water with each dispensing process, preferably in portions that remain constant from dispensing process to dispensing process. The water flow is stopped (either independently or automatically) after a predetermined time has elapsed.This can be done, for example, by a control device which, after a certain time has elapsed since the switch has been manually operated, automatically (or automatically) closes the switch and thus the shut-off valve.

[0013] A dispensing process is defined as the period between the opening of the shut-off valve and the release of the flow cross-section, and the closing of the shut-off valve and the blocking of the flow cross-section for the liquid. During this time, liquid, such as water, can be dispensed via the outlet of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser.

[0014] In principle, the devices can be part of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser or be provided separately. For example, they can be installed upstream of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser in the drinking water installation, in the direction of flow of the liquid (in this case, the drinking water), or they can be located outside the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser, i.e., they can be provided separately from the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser. This can be achieved by a control device that automatically closes the shut-off valve.

[0015] For example, the limiting means can be configured to limit the volume of liquid flowing out of the outlet per dispensing process to a predetermined value. Advantageously, the means can be configured to limit a maximum of 3 to 5 liters of liquid flowing out of the outlet per dispensing process, with the shut-off valve preferably blocking the flow cross-section for the liquid after this volume has flowed out, thus ending the dispensing process. The means can be configured to limit the stated amount of liquid per dispensing process only within a specific time, such as seconds or minutes, for example 1 to 3 minutes. This means that a further request for an amount of liquid exceeding this is only possible after the specific time has elapsed.

[0016] The shut-off valve can be designed as a valve with a running time limit, and is preferably configured to automatically stop the water flow after, for example, a maximum of 5 to 10 seconds by blocking the flow cross-section. It is thus designed like a self-closing valve that has a running time limit for the flow and automatically stops after, for example, 10 to 15 seconds. Here, too, the control device can close the shut-off valve after the running time has elapsed.

[0017] The shut-off valve can preferably be an electric valve, in particular a solenoid valve, which is preferably designed to be closed when de-energized. This has the advantage that no power is required to operate the valve in the idle state.

[0018] The ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser can also be assigned a switch, wherein the switch is arranged in a circuit with the solenoid valve for its actuation and to which a voltage source is assigned or it can be connected. The switch is preferably designed as a push button, so that when the switch is released, the circuit is interrupted and the valve is switched to the de-energized position in order to block off the flow cross-section for the liquid. For example, the dispensing process can be initiated by pressing the switch or button and ended again by releasing the switch. A push button in the sense of the present invention is understood to be an operating element such as a switch that is actuated by pressing (on position) and automatically returns to its original position (closed when de-energized, off position) after being released. The liquid, such as water, only flows as long as the switch is actuated.In principle, the switch can be assigned a visual indicator, such as an LED, that signals that no liquid has been drawn for a long time, such as a week. This allows the user to see that no liquid has been drawn for a while and that they need to draw liquid before drinking it. This helps prevent issues such as Legionella.

[0019] In principle, the circuit can be a low-voltage circuit, in particular a 12-volt circuit.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the means can be designed as an aquastop, with the aquastop preferably also being associated with a backflow preventer. The aquastop, in the sense of the invention, is thus a safety mechanism that interrupts the water supply in the event of a sudden water leak from the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser or its supply line, in order to prevent further water damage.

[0021] The line that is connected to the inlet for flow control can be designed as a flexible line, such as a flexible hose. This allows for a visually appealing and flexible installation of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser.

[0022] Furthermore, the invention relates to a ceiling lamp comprising a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser according to the invention. The latter can be integrated into the ceiling lamp, i.e., be part of it, for example, sharing a common housing with it.

[0023] The ceiling lamp and the ceiling drinking water dispenser can be arranged in a common housing, wherein the lighting means mentioned above can preferably be provided in or on the housing.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the line, which is fluidically connected to the inlet of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser, can be connected to, surrounded by, or accommodated by mounting devices such as cables, pipes, or rods. This conceals the line, which contributes to the aesthetics of the ceiling light because the line is then not directly visible from the outside, and the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser cannot be identified as such. If the ceiling light is designed as a pendant light and is suspended from the ceiling at at least two points using at least two mounting devices, the line, which is fluidly connected to the inlet of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser, can be assigned to one mounting device, and the power supply for the ceiling light can be assigned to the other mounting device.

[0025] Essentially, the outlet cannot extend beyond the perimeter of the ceiling light or beyond the shared housing. Essentially, this means that the outlet does not extend beyond the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser or ceiling light, for example, any further than the height of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser or ceiling light. The outlet can also be located within the (shared) housing or the extension of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser, i.e., recessed within it. This offers aesthetic advantages, as the outlet is not visible.

[0026] For example, the ceiling light can be designed as a column, beam light, or pendant light. Preferably, in the case of a beam light or pendant light, it can be suspended from the ceiling at at least two points—particularly by means of mounting hardware—so that the ceiling light is positioned at a distance from the ceiling. In principle, the outlet can be located at a height measured from the ceiling between 5 and 150 cm.

[0027] The invention also relates to a room, such as a residential or commercial space (non-residential building), comprising a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser or a ceiling lamp, wherein the ceiling lamp or the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser is at least indirectly attached to the ceiling of the living space, the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser or the ceiling lamp is designed according to the invention, and the living space is preferably free of a drain connected to the sewer system for the liquid emerging from the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser. The free end (outlet) of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser extends from above (from the ceiling) into the room.

[0028] The ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser is preferably installed above dining room tables in living rooms, but can also be installed in any other room, even without a table.

[0029] The invention also relates to a drinking water house installation, comprising a connection to a local drinking water (pipe) network, with a ceiling drinking water dispenser according to the invention or a ceiling lamp according to the invention arranged in the drinking water house installation, wherein the shut-off valve of the ceiling drinking water dispenser or the ceiling lamp is assigned one or the following elements as means for limiting the volume of liquid flowing out of the outlet: an Aquastop, wherein the drinking water house installation preferably comprises one or the following elements: a KFR valve, i.e. a combined free-flow valve with backflow preventer, a water meter, a pressure reducer, a shut-off valve, a filter or combinations thereof.

[0030] The ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser or the ceiling lamp can then be assigned two devices to protect against flooding in the living areas, namely, on the one hand, the means to limit the volume of liquid flowing out of the outlet and, on the other hand, for example, the Aquastop.

[0031] The flow through the shut-off valve can be between 1 and 2 liters per minute.

[0032] The ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser according to the invention can also be designed as an overhead beverage dispenser, such as a drinking water dispenser. The term "overhead" in this case means that the beverage dispenser is suspended above the user's head, e.g., from the ceiling of the room.

[0033] The liquid that can be dispensed using the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser can be cold water (sparkling or still) or chilled drinking water. Even water treated by osmosis and filtered water can be dispensed using the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser.

[0034] In principle, the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser can comprise a housing. The shut-off valve and, preferably, the means for limiting the volume of liquid flowing out of the outlet can be arranged within the housing. However, the latter can also be arranged outside the housing. The housing can be made of plastic or metal (e.g., tinplate, aluminum, brass, stainless steel) and covered with foil. However, other materials, such as marble or tiles, are also conceivable. The housing can have a square or round basic shape.

[0035] Light sources can be installed inside or outside the housing. This allows the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser to also function as a lamp, such as a ceiling light. The light sources can be LEDs, such as LED strips, and can be connected to the electrical circuit. It is also possible to integrate all types of lighting (chandeliers, standard ceiling lights, etc.) above the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser. The ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser also serves as room lighting: the light completely replaces the room lighting, e.g., the dining room lamp. Alternatively, the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser can serve as secondary lighting: the light serves as secondary light and illuminates the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser.

[0036] The spout can be connected to an aerator, such as a fine aerator. The aerator evens out, widens, and slows the flow of liquid emerging from the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser.

[0037] The advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the figure.

[0038] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic, simplified representation according to the Fig 1 .

[0039] In Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser 1 is shown. In this case, it is installed on the ceiling of a room, such as a living room, more precisely above a dining room table, and is used to dispense pressurized liquid, such as water, in particular drinking water. The ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser 1 comprises an inlet and an outlet, as well as a shut-off valve 2 arranged between them for opening or closing a flow cross-section for the pressurized liquid. The inlet is connected to the local drinking water network via a line 3 in order to supply drinking water via line 3, the inlet, to the shut-off valve 2 and to allow it to flow out of the outlet of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser 1 via the outlet, for example to be able to draw water from it.

[0040] An aquastop 4, particularly one with a backflow preventer, can be arranged in line 3 upstream of the shut-off valve 2. A shut-off valve 5 can be arranged upstream of the aquastop 4. A filter 6, a pressure reducer 7, a KFR (shut-off) valve 8, a water meter 9, and another shut-off valve 10 can also be arranged in line 3 upstream of the shut-off valve 5 in the direction of flow. Elements 5 to 10 can be part of the domestic drinking water installation, already installed in the building or room, and thus be provided separately from and outside the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser.

[0041] Furthermore, the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser 1 is assigned an electrical circuit 11. A voltage source can be assigned to the electrical circuit 11 or can be connected to one. A transformer 12, which converts 230 volts into low voltage, such as 12 volts, can be provided in the electrical circuit 11. Furthermore, the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser 1 can be assigned a switch 14, which is arranged in the electrical circuit 11 with the shut-off valve 2, here in the form of a solenoid valve, for its actuation.

[0042] The switch 14 can preferably be designed as a push-button, so that when the switch 14 is actuated, the shut-off valve 2 is opened and the flow cross-section for the liquid is released. When the switch 14 is released, the electrical circuit 11 is interrupted and the shut-off valve 2 is switched to the de-energized position to close the flow cross-section for the liquid again. Thus, liquid can be dispensed from the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser 1 simply by actuating the switch 14.

[0043] A lamp 13, which may be an LED lamp, may be arranged in the circuit.

[0044] The ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser 1 is provided with means for limiting the volume of liquid flowing out of the outlet. These means can be the Aquastop 4 alone, but can also be additionally provided, for example, with a self-closing valve. This prevents excessive liquid, such as water, from escaping from the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser 1 and causing water damage in the room in the event of a malfunction, such as a burst pipe in line 3 or if the switch 14 is operated for too long to release the shut-off valve 2. In principle, it would be conceivable for the means to be located directly in the housing of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser 1.

[0045] In the Fig. 2 is shown how the ceiling drinking water dispenser 1 from Fig. 1is attached to the ceiling 21 of a room by means of a ceiling mount 15. A table 20, such as a dining table, is arranged in the room, wherein the table 20 is located below the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser 1. A rod 16, which has, for example, a round or square outer geometry, is attached to the ceiling mount 15. The rod 16 can be designed as a tube and can accommodate lines such as electrical lines or drinking water lines, in particular the line for supplying the drinking water to the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser 1, in the middle of which. The ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser 1 can comprise a housing 18 in which the shut-off valve and preferably the means for limiting the volume of liquid flowing out of the outlet can be arranged. Illuminants 17, e.g. in the form of LEDs, such as LED strips, can be attached to the housing 18.This means that the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser 1 also serves as a ceiling light for the room. By pressing the switch, designated here by reference number 19, water can now be dispensed directly into a glass from the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser 1 above the table 20.

Claims

1. Ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser (1) for dispensing pressurised liquid, such as water, in particular drinking water, with an inlet and an outlet and a shut-off valve (2) arranged therebetween for opening or closing a flow cross-section for the pressurised liquid, wherein the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser is assigned means for limiting the volume of liquid flowing out of the outlet.

2. Ceiling drinking water dispenser (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the limiting means are arranged such that they limit the volume of liquid flowing out of the outlet per dispensing operation to a predetermined value.

3. Ceiling drinking water dispenser (1) according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe means are arranged in such a way that a maximum of 3 to 5 litres of liquid flow out of the outlet per dispensing process, wherein preferably after this volume has flowed out the shut-off valve (2) blocks the flow cross-section for the liquid.

4. Ceiling drinking water dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the shut-off valve (2) is designed as a valve with running time limitation and is preferably designed such that it automatically stops a water flow after a maximum of 5 to 10 seconds by shutting off the flow cross-section.

5. Ceiling drinking water dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shut-off valve (2) is an electric valve, in particular a solenoid valve, which is preferably designed to be closed when de-energized.

6. Ceiling drinking water dispenser (1) according to claim 5, characterized in thata switch is assigned to the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser, wherein the switch (14) is arranged in a circuit (11) with the solenoid valve for its actuation and to which a voltage source is assigned or it can be connected to such a source, wherein the switch (14) is preferably designed as a button, so that when the switch (14) is released, the circuit is interrupted and the shut-off valve is switched to the de-energized position in order to shut off the flow cross-section for the liquid.

7. Ceiling drinking water dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the means are designed as an aquastop (4), wherein preferably a backflow preventer is additionally assigned to the aquastop (4).

8. Ceiling drinking water dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the line, which is connected to the inlet in a flow-conducting manner, is designed as a flexible line, such as a flexible hose.

9. Ceiling lamp comprising a ceiling drinking water dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

10. Ceiling lamp according to claim 9, characterized in that the ceiling lamp and the ceiling drinking water dispenser are arranged in a common housing, with lighting means preferably being provided in or on the housing.

11. Ceiling lamp according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the outlet does not extend substantially beyond the boundary of the ceiling lamp, preferably according to the embodiment according to claim 9, and does not extend beyond the common housing.

12. Ceiling lamp according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the ceiling lamp is designed as a column, beam lamp or pendant lamp and, preferably when designed as a beam lamp or pendant lamp, is suspended from the ceiling at least in two places so that the ceiling lamp is arranged at a distance from the ceiling.

13. Room, such as a residential or commercial space, comprising a ceiling drinking water dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 or a ceiling lamp according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the ceiling lamp or the ceiling drinking water dispenser (1) is at least indirectly attached to the ceiling of the living space, wherein the living space is preferably free of a drain connected to the sewerage system for the liquid emerging from the ceiling drinking water dispenser (1).

14. Drinking water house installation, comprising a connection to a local drinking water network, with a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 or a ceiling lamp according to one of claims 9 to 12 arranged in the drinking water house installation, wherein the shut-off valve of the ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser (1) or the ceiling lamp is assigned one or the following elements as means for limiting the volume of liquid flowing out of the outlet: an Aquastop (4), wherein the drinking water house installation preferably comprises one or the following elements: a KFR valve, i.e. a combined free-flow valve with backflow preventer, a water meter, a pressure reducer, a shut-off valve, a filter or combinations thereof.

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