Device for providing hot water

Abstract

A device (1) for providing hot water (12), wherein the device (1) comprises: a water storage container (10); a heating element (14) for heating water (12) located in the water storage container (10); and a tap (24), wherein the tap (24) is located above the water storage container (10), wherein the tap (24) is fluidly connected to the water storage container (10) via a pipeline (26), wherein the pipeline (26) comprises a pump (30); characterized in that the pipeline (26) is at least partially formed as a riser (28), and the riser (28) is in the water storage container (10) or passes through the water storage container (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for providing hot water according to the preamble of claim 1. Background Art

[0002] Devices for providing hot beverages appear in many embodiments and generally have a number of features. These devices have a common problem. A heating element heats water for making a hot beverage. Typically, the heating element is spaced from a tap that provides hot water to a user. In many cases, the heating element is located in a water storage container for heating a large amount of water.

[0003] These devices include a pipeline that fluidly connects a water storage container to a tap. When the device is inactive (i.e., when no user is receiving hot water), there is unused water remaining in the pipeline after the last use of the device. Over time, the unused water will cool to room temperature. The next user who uses the device to receive hot water will receive unused and cooled water. Some time after the unused water has cooled down, hot water will be received from the water storage container. Therefore, the water taken from the tap includes water from the pipeline at room temperature, which is mixed with hot water from the hot water reservoir. Therefore, the mixed water does not have the desired high temperature.

[0004] There are some devices that reduce or prevent the mixing of hot and cold water. The devices disclosed in EP 2 168 466 A1, WO 2016 / 087996 A1 and WO 2007 / 046702 A2 include a drain for draining water from the pipeline, wherein the drain is located between the heating element or water storage container and the tap. Therefore, no water remains in the pipeline that may cool down. The device only provides hot water from the water storage tank or heating section in the device. EP 2 502 531 A1 discloses a three-way valve. The first passage is connected to the water inlet suitable for the boiler, the second passage is connected to the external air inlet, and the third passage is connected to the water outlet towards the distributor, wherein the unused water is discharged through the tap.

[0005] Alternatively, the water from the pipeline can be recirculated. Such an arrangement is disclosed in EP 2 787 868 B1, which comprises a drain pipe fluidically connected to the water storage container. For another reason, which is to prevent damage caused by overpressure in the pipeline, DE 60 2004 008 637 T2 discloses an arrangement with a return control valve, wherein if water is pressed out of the boiler due to overpressure, the third connection of the return control valve returns the water to the water storage container.

[0006] With all known hot water dispensers, it is necessary to remove the residual water remaining in the section between boiler and tap. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a device which provides hot water as quickly as possible when required, without having to remove residual water in the pipeline beforehand.

[0008] This problem is solved by the independent claims.

[0009] The invention relates to a device for providing hot water, wherein the device comprises a water storage container, a heating element and a tap, wherein the heating element is used to heat water located in the water storage container. The tap is located above the water storage container. The tap is fluidly connected to the water storage container via a pipeline. The pipeline comprises a pump. The pipeline is at least partially formed as a riser, which is in the water storage container or passes through the water storage container.

[0010] Hot water can be used for hot beverages, especially tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

[0011] The water storage container is preferably an open water storage container. "Open" means that the water storage container is fluidly connected to the atmosphere, that is, it has a vent or the like and is not closed. Therefore, the pressure in the water storage container is atmospheric pressure.

[0012] Preferably, the water storage container is thermally insulated. The heating element heats the water until a predetermined temperature is reached. The heating element can then be deactivated to save energy. The water storage container can be thermally insulated to prevent the water from cooling or at least to reduce the cooling rate.

[0013] Preferably, the water storage container may have a water capacity of 1 liter to 50 liters. Preferably, the water reservoir may have a water capacity of 2.5 liters to 20 liters.

[0014] At least one heating element can be an electric heating element. For example, the heating element can be formed as a heating resistor or a heating coil.

[0015] The tap is located above the water storage container. In the framework of the present invention, "above" means spaced apart in the vertical direction. The distance of the tap from the water storage container in the horizontal direction is arbitrary and is only limited by boundary conditions, such as the volume of the device (i.e. the space occupied by the device), the length of the pipeline, etc.

[0016] The pump in the line is configured to pump water against gravity from the water storage container toward a faucet that is above the water storage container.

[0017] The line at least partially formed as a standpipe in or through the water storage container advantageously has the effect that the water in the standpipe or at least in the part of the standpipe surrounded by water is kept warm by the hot water in the water storage container. The heating of the standpipe inside the water storage container has the further advantage that the line section adjacent to the standpipe is also heated. Thus, a large amount of residual water is kept at an elevated temperature.

[0018] If the device is not used, and the water in the line remains unused, the water therein does not cool to room temperature over time. A user who wants to receive hot water for making hot beverages can now receive water from the standpipe and then receive hot water from the water storage container. Thus, the temperature of the water received is higher than the temperature of water received from the device without the standpipe in or through the water storage container.

[0019] In one embodiment, the pipeline further comprises a drain valve for draining water from the pipeline or a portion thereof, wherein the drain valve comprises a water outlet position and a drain position, wherein if the drain valve is in the water outlet position, the water storage container and the faucet are fluidly connected to each other via the standpipe.

[0020] Preferably, the drain valve is a three-way, two-position valve.

[0021] The valves are named as follows: The first number gives the number of ports the valve has. The second number gives the number of positions the valve can take. Thus, a three-way, two-position valve has three ports and can take two positions.

[0022] The first port and the second port of the drain valve are connected to the pipeline, wherein the drain valve is located in the pipeline. Preferably, the drain valve is located between the standpipe and the faucet. In other words, water flowing from the water storage container toward the faucet must flow through the pipeline and through the first port and the second port to flow through the drain valve. The first port can be fluidly connected to the pipeline and then fluidly connected to the water storage container. The second port can be connected to the pipeline and then connected to the faucet.

[0023] The drain valve can assume a water outlet position and a drain position. In the water outlet position, the drain valve opens the line. Thus, water can flow from the water storage container toward the tap via the standpipe.

[0024] In one embodiment, if the drain valve is in the drain position, the faucet and the water storage container are fluidly connected to each other via a pipeline.

[0025] Thus, in the drain position, the tap acts as an air inlet. In the case where the tap is the air inlet, water between the drain valve and the tap can flow through the return line towards the water storage container or drain pipe. This removes unused water from the portion of the line that is not kept warm by the water storage container and the hot water contained therein.

[0026] In another embodiment, the faucet is also fluidly connected to a second water source and the line includes a check valve.

[0027] The fluid connection between the second water source and the tap may be realized, for example, by a T-piece.The second water source may be, for example, a cold water source, ie a cooling unit providing chilled water, a refrigerator providing chilled water, or a public water source providing water at room temperature.

[0028] The check valve prevents water (especially cooling water) from the second water supply system from flowing downwardly from the riser toward the water storage container or into the water storage container. Therefore, the check valve prevents the water storage container from overflowing.

[0029] The fluid connection between the second water source and the tap advantageously enables the user of the device to have not only hot water at a specific preset temperature, but also mixed water at any desired temperature. Of course, the upper limit of this temperature is the temperature of the hot water alone, and the lower limit of this temperature is the temperature of the water from the second water source. The resulting temperature depends on the mixing ratio of the hot water and the water from the second water supply system.

[0030] In another embodiment, the pipeline includes a pressure reducing valve between the drain valve and the check valve. Preferably, the pressure reducing valve is located in or after the standpipe. If the pressure reducing valve is located in the standpipe, it can release water vapor or water to the water storage container or to the atmosphere. The pressure reducing valve can be located above the water level in the water storage container or below the water level.

[0031] When there are check valves and drain valves and the drain valve is in the drain position, the space between the check valve and the drain valve (including the space in the standpipe) is closed. If the water in the standpipe is heated to a level sufficient to cause the pressure in the line to rise above a safety limit, the pressure relief valve is used to release the pressure in the line, where the safety limit indicates safe operation of the device. Thus, the pressure relief valve prevents the standpipe, drain valve and check valve from being damaged due to overpressure.

[0032] In another embodiment, the pump is a booster pump. Preferably, the pump is located below the water storage container. In this embodiment, the booster pump is used to increase the pressure of the water column at its inlet to squeeze the water towards the faucet through its outlet against gravity.

[0033] In the framework of the present invention, "below" means spaced apart in the vertical direction. "Below" is the opposite of "above". The distance of the pump from the water storage container in the horizontal direction can be arbitrary and is only limited by boundary conditions, such as the volume of the device (i.e. the space occupied by the device), the length of the pipeline, etc.

[0034] In one embodiment, the pipeline is fluidly connected to the water storage container at a bottom section of the water storage container.

[0035] Advantageously, the line connected to the bottom section of the water storage container reduces the path of the line reconnecting to the water storage container at the bottom of the water storage container, which is necessary for the standpipe to pass through the water storage container. In this case, the standpipe has a maximum length within the water storage container and thus has a maximum possibility of contact with the hot water. This contact enhances the effect of keeping the standpipe and the water in a warm state.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the pump is an inlet pump. Preferably, the pump is located above the water storage container. In this embodiment, the inlet pump is used to draw water from the water storage container into the standpipe and against gravity towards the faucet.

[0037] In one embodiment, the standpipe includes a water inlet, wherein the water inlet is located above the bottom section of the water storage container. The water inlet is also located below the nominal water level, wherein the nominal water level is the water level in the water storage container when the device is operating nominally (e.g., without any interference). The standpipe can be suspended in the water storage container. For example, a pipeline is connected to the top section of the water storage container and continues to extend in the water storage container and inserted into the water as a standpipe. In contrast to being connected to the top section of the water storage container, the other end of the standpipe is a free end, which is located above the bottom section of the water storage container. In this embodiment, the pump draws water from the water storage container through the water inlet (i.e., the free end) of the standpipe.

[0038] Advantageously, the height at which water is pumped from the water storage container and the distance the standpipe reaches the water in and within the water storage container can be adjusted by defining the length of the standpipe.

[0039] In another embodiment, the distance D between the heating element in the water storage container and the standpipe is greater than or equal to the safety distance D s . Safety distance D s For example, it may be larger than 5 mm, preferably larger than 10 mm, and may not exceed 20 cm, preferably not exceed 15 cm.

[0040] The standpipe can be formed of a metal pipe, preferably a copper pipe or a stainless steel pipe. Metal has a high thermal conductivity, which is why it is preferred to use a metal pipe as the standpipe to keep the water warm. However, the heating element may get too hot and the standpipe may be damaged if it is arranged too close. Advantageously, a safe distance D is maintained. s , so that the riser is protected from excessive heat from the heating element.

[0041] In one embodiment, the heating element is configured to heat the water in the water storage container to a temperature between 90°C and 100°C, preferably between 95°C and 97°C. For brewing tea or coffee, temperatures between 90°C and 100°C, and especially between 95°C and 97°C, are usually used. Temperatures above 100°C may cause the water in the water storage container to boil, which is undesirable. Although the water storage container is an open water storage container, the boiling of water may waste a lot of energy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the examples shown in the accompanying drawings, in which the following are shown:

[0043] Figure 1 is an embodiment of the present invention including a boost pump;

[0044] Figure 2 is an embodiment of the present invention including a drain valve;

[0045] Figure 3 is an embodiment of the present invention comprising a water intake pump. Summary of the invention

[0047] Figure 1 A device 1 for providing hot water 12 is shown. The device comprises a water storage container 10. When in operation, the water storage container 10 is filled with water 12. The water 12 is heated by a heating element 14. The heating element 14 may preferably be a heating resistor or a heating coil, which is electrically connected to an external power source 9 (not shown).

[0048] The heating element 14 is configured to heat water 12 in the water storage container 10. The water 12 may have a temperature between 90° C. and 100° C., preferably between 95° C. and 97° C. To prevent unnecessary heating of the water 12 in the water storage container 10 by the heating element 14, the water storage container 10 may be thermally insulated with an insulating material.

[0049] The water source 16 provides the water 12 to be filled into the water storage container 10. Therefore, the water source 16 is fluidly connected to the water storage container 10 via the check valve 18, the pressure switch 20 and the valve 22. The valve 22 can take two positions. In the first position, the valve 22 is open, and the water 12 flows from the water source 16 into the water storage container 10. In the second position, the valve 22 is closed, which interrupts the flow of water 12. If the valve 22 is in the second position, no water 12 flows into the water storage container 10. The check valve 18 and the pressure switch 20 are optional components of the device 1.

[0050] The device 1 further comprises a tap 24 for discharging the water 12. The tap 24 is located above the water storage container 10. Preferably, the tap 24 can be built into a kitchenette, a kitchen cabinet, a kitchen unit, etc. The water storage container 10 and other components can then be built into the kitchenette, the kitchen cabinet, the kitchen unit, etc., respectively. If the device 1 is installed in this manner, it may be more attractive to users because the water storage container 10 and other components are hidden in the kitchen furniture.

[0051] The faucet 24 is fluidly connected to the water storage container 10 via a pipeline 26. The pipeline 26 is at least partially formed as a standpipe 28 that is within or passes through the water storage container 10. In other words, the pipeline 26 extends through the water storage container 10. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , the pipeline 26 enters the water storage container 10 in the bottom section 11 of the water storage container 10 and leaves the water storage container 10 at the top section of the water storage container 10 . Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the top section of the water storage container 10 is formed as an opening 13. Between the two sections, the pipeline 26 is formed as a standpipe 28. The outside of the standpipe 28 is in contact with the hot water 12 in the water storage container 10. The inside of the standpipe 28 is in contact with the water 12, and the water 12 in contact with the inside of the standpipe 28 will be provided to the faucet 24 before the water 12 in the water storage container 10 reaches the faucet 24. Therefore, the hot water 12 in the water storage container 10 keeps the standpipe 28 and the water 12 in a hot state. The user who discharges the hot water 12 from the faucet 24 will first receive the water 12 from the standpipe 28, and then receive the water 12 from the water storage container 10 shortly thereafter. Thereby, the temperature of the received water is maximized.

[0052] A distance D is measured between the heating element 14 and the standpipe 28. The distance D is greater than the safety distance D S , the safety distance D S Indicates the minimum distance to reduce the risk of exposing the riser to excessive heat.

[0053] The line 26 includes a pump 30 to pump the water 12 against the force of gravity toward the faucet 24. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the pump 30 is a booster pump that increases the pressure applied to it at its inlet port. The pressure applied to the inlet port of the pump 30 comes from the water column of the water 12 in the water storage container 10. The pressure is increased to squeeze the water 12 toward the faucet 24 against gravity.

[0054] In the flow direction after the pump 30, the pipeline also includes a check valve 32 to prevent the water 12 from flowing back toward the water storage container 10. It is particularly important that the tap 24 is additionally fluidly connected to a second water source (not shown), such as a cold water source or a public water supply line. The public water supply line is under pressure to provide flowing water in the upper floors of the building. The water storage container 10 is an open water storage container 10. An uncontrolled flow of water 12 back to the water storage container 10 will cause the water 12 to overflow the water storage container 10 and possibly leak out of the device 1. Therefore, the check valve 32 after the pump prevents overflow and leakage of the device 1.

[0055] Figure 1 The device 1 also includes a housing 34. The housing 34 protects the water storage container 10 and other components of the device 1 from damage due to accidental impacts and shaking. The housing 34 further protects the water storage container 10 from dust and other items stored in the surrounding kitchen unit, etc. In order to fluidly connect the water storage container 10 to the atmosphere, the housing 34 must not be closed. The housing 34 needs to have at least a hole or opening somewhere to allow air to enter and exit the housing 34.

[0056] Furthermore, the housing 34 protects the user from accidentally touching the hot water storage container 10, thereby preventing electric shock from the electronic components of the device 1. Thus, the housing protects the user from injury.

[0057] Figure 2 Shown from Figure 1 A variation of device 1. Figure 1 Compared with device 1, Figure 2 The pipeline 26 of the device 1 further comprises a drain valve 36. The drain valve 36 has three ports and can take two different positions, namely a water outlet position and a drain position. Therefore, the drain valve 36 is a three-way two-position valve. In alternative embodiments, the drain valve may include more ports, more positions, or both more ports and more positions.

[0058] Figure 2 The drain valve 36 is shown in the outflow position. Two of the three ports are connected to the pipeline 26. If the drain valve 36 is in the outflow position, water 12 pumped by the pump 30 from the water storage container 10 toward the faucet 24 flows through the drain valve 36. The third port of the drain valve 36 is fluidly connected to the return line 38.

[0059] The return line 38 is fluidly connected to the water storage container 10. If the drain valve 36 is in the drain position, the water storage container 10 and the faucet 24 are fluidly connected to each other via the drain valve 36 and the return line 38. Then, the faucet 24 realizes the function of an air inlet, so that the water 12 in the line 26 between the drain valve 36 and the faucet 24 can flow back into the water storage container 10 via the return line 38.

[0060] The line 26 may also include a pressure relief valve 39 to prevent damage to the standpipe 28, the check valve 32, or the drain valve 36 due to overpressure in the standpipe. If the pressure in the standpipe is too high, the pressure relief valve 39 may release water or water vapor into a water storage container or into the atmosphere. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the pressure relief valve 39 may be located anywhere between the check valve 32 and the drain valve 36. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the pressure reducing valve 39 is located above the water level. In an alternative embodiment, the pressure reducing valve 39 can be located below the water level.

[0061] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the device 1 according to the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the pipeline 26 includes a pump 30, which is an intake pump and is located above the water storage container 10. The intake pump draws water 12 from the water storage container 10 through the water inlet 29 and the standpipe 28 against gravity towards the tap 24. In order to prevent water 12 from overflowing the water storage container 10 from a second water source (not shown), which can also be fluidly connected to the tap 24, the pipeline 26 also includes a check valve 32 located between the pump 30 and the tap 24.

[0062] exist Figure 3 In another embodiment of the device 1 shown in FIG. 1 , the pipeline 26 may include a discharge valve 36 (similar to the discharge valve 36) between the check valve 32 and the faucet 24. Figure 2 shown in ).

Claims

1. A device (1) for providing hot water, wherein the device (1) comprises: Water storage container (10); a heating element (14) for heating water (12) located in the water storage container (10); and a faucet (24), wherein the faucet (24) is located above the water storage container (10), the faucet (24) being fluidly connected to the water storage container (10) via a line (26), wherein the line (26) includes a pump (30); characterised in that the pipeline (26) is at least partially formed as a riser (28) which is in the water storage container (10) or passes through the water storage container (10), The pipeline (26) includes a drain valve (36) for draining water (12) from the pipeline (26) or a portion of the pipeline (26), wherein the drain valve (36) includes a water outlet position and a drain position, if the drain valve (36) is in the water outlet position, the water storage container (10) and the faucet (24) are fluidly connected to each other via the standpipe (28), and if the drain valve (36) is in the drain position, the faucet (24) and the water storage container (10) are fluidly connected to each other via a return line (38), the faucet (24) fulfilling the function of an air inlet so that water (12) in the pipeline (26) between the drain valve (36) and the faucet (24) can flow back into the water storage container (10) via the return line (38) to remove unused water from the portion of the pipeline that is not kept warm by the water storage container and the hot water contained therein.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The water storage container (10) is an open water storage container (10).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The drain valve (36) is a three-way, two-position valve.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The faucet (24) is also fluidly connected to a second water source, and the line (26) includes a check valve (32).

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The line (26) includes a pressure reducing valve (39) between the drain valve (36) and the check valve (32).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The pump (30) is a booster pump.

7. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The pump (30) is located below the water storage container (10).

8. The device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The pipeline (26) is fluidly connected to the bottom section (11) of the water storage container (10).

9. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The pump (30) is a water intake pump.

10. The device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The pump (30) is located above the water storage container (10).

11. The device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The standpipe (28) includes a water inlet (29), wherein the water inlet (29) is located above the bottom section (11) of the water storage container (10) and below the nominal water level.

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The distance D between the heating element (14) and the standpipe (28) in the water storage container (10) is greater than or equal to the safety distance Ds.

13. Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The heating element (14) is configured to heat the water (12) in the water storage container (10) to a temperature between 90°C and 100°C.

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