Drinking water tap arrangement, outflow element for a drinking water tap arrangement, and method for obtaining drinking water from a drinking water tap arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a discharge element (1) for a drinking water tap installation (2) by means of which installation at least partially treated drinking water or mixed water according to a selection can be output from the discharge element (1), a first waterway (3) being formed by the discharge element (1) and opening into a first output plane (4) from which water flowing through the first waterway (3) can be output from the discharge element (1), wherein a second waterway (5) is formed by the discharge element (1) and opens into a second output plane (6) from which water flowing through the second waterway (5) can be output from the discharge element (1), wherein the second waterway (5) is at least partially different from the first waterway (3), wherein a third waterway (7) is formed by the discharge element (1) and opens into a third output plane (8) from which water flowing through the third waterway (7) can be output from the discharge element (1), wherein the third waterway (7) extends through the discharge element (1) separately from the first waterway (3) and the second waterway (5), wherein the third output plane (8) has a spacing (9) of at least 1 mm relative to the first output plane (4) and the second output plane (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to: an outlet element for a drinking water faucet facility, through which at least partially treated drinking water or mixed water can be selectively output from the outlet element; a drinking water faucet facility for selectively outputting at least partially treated drinking water or mixed water; a method for obtaining at least partially treated drinking water through a corresponding drinking water faucet facility; and an application of using a corresponding outlet element for selectively outputting drinking water or mixed water. This invention is particularly applicable in conjunction with kitchen accessories. Background Technology

[0002] Known drinking water faucet installations are used to output, as needed, at least partially treated, such as filtered, cooled, and / or carbonated drinking water. These faucet installations typically include a faucet assembly and a drinking water treatment unit. The faucet is typically a kitchen accessory and / or a sink accessory. The drinking water treatment unit is typically designed to filter, cool, and / or carbonate water from cold water lines. The drinking water, which may contain carbon dioxide, can then be continued from the drinking water treatment unit to the faucet. Furthermore, cold and hot water can be mixed within the faucet so that the faucet can output mixed water with the user's desired temperature.

[0003] In known drinking water faucet installations, undesirable contamination of drinking water by mixed water can be observed, particularly in the faucet outlet area. Therefore, for example, after the mixed water is dispensed, residual mixed water may remain in and / or at the outlet, which can then be carried by the drinking water jet when it is subsequently dispensed. Furthermore, in known drinking water faucet installations—where the dispensing of drinking water and mixed water can often be triggered independently by the user—it is unavoidable that drinking water and mixed water may be dispensed simultaneously from the outlet. This can also adversely affect the quality of the dispensed drinking water. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems described in the prior art. Specifically, it should provide: an outlet element for a drinking water tap facility through which at least partially treated drinking water or mixed water can be selectively output from the outlet element; a drinking water tap facility for selectively outputting at least partially treated drinking water or mixed water; a method for obtaining at least partially treated drinking water through a corresponding drinking water tap facility; and an application of using corresponding outlet elements for selectively outputting drinking water or mixed water, each of which at least contributes to improving the drinking water quality output by means of the drinking water tap facility.

[0005] The objective is achieved through the features of the independent claim. Other advantageous designs of the solution presented herein are described in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed separately in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in any technically reasonable manner and define other designs of the invention. Furthermore, the features given in the claims are set forth and described in detail in the specification, wherein other preferred designs of the invention are shown.

[0006] Therefore, an outlet element for a drinking water tap is proposed, through which at least partially treated drinking water or mixed water can be selectively output from the outlet element, wherein a first water path is formed by the outlet element and enters into a first output plane, and water flowing through the first water path can be output from the outlet element at the first output plane; wherein a second water path is formed by the outlet element and enters into a second output plane, and water flowing through the second water path can be output from the outlet element at the second output plane; wherein the second water path is at least partially different from the first water path; wherein a third water path is formed by the outlet element and enters into a third output plane, and water flowing through the third water path can be output from the outlet element at the third output plane; wherein the third water path extends through the outlet element (completely) separated from the first and second water paths; and wherein the third output plane has a distance of at least 1 mm relative to the first and second output planes.

[0007] The outflow element can be formed, for example, in the form of a shower head. Three water passages are advantageously implemented, with the outflow element forming three water outlets, allowing for the output of (filtered) drinking water on one hand and mixed water on the other, in different jet patterns. These three water passages can extend from an inlet area of ​​the outflow element, for example, that can connect to a base element of a faucet, to their respective output planes. The first and second water passages can (initially) extend at least partially in a common channel of the outflow element and then branch into separate (first and second) channels of the outflow element. The third water passage extends in a (third) channel of the outflow element that is (completely) separate from the channels of the first and second water passages. The orifice of the first water passage in the first output plane can, for example, be shaped such that at least a partially laminar (mixed) water jet can be output. The orifice of the second water passage in the second output plane can, for example, be shaped such that a shower jet or rain jet can be output (from the mixed water). The orifice of the second water passage can, for example, include multiple openings, which can be arranged (spaced apart from each other) around the periphery of the orifice of the first water passage. The orifice of the third water passage in the third output plane can, for example, be shaped such that a spatially concentrated jet of (drinking) water can thus be output. The orifice of the third water passage can, for example, have a single opening, which can be arranged at a defined point, for example, on a periphery surrounding the orifice of the first water passage. The openings of the second and third water passages can particularly be arranged on the same periphery.

[0008] The first output plane may be oriented parallel to the second output plane. For example, the first and second output planes may also be located in the same plane. The third output plane may be oriented parallel to the first output plane and / or parallel to the second output plane. The distance between the third output plane and the first and second output planes achieves a particularly advantageous separation or isolation between (filtered) drinking water and (potentially contaminated) mixed water. Therefore, this distance advantageously contributes to improving the drinking water quality output by means of a drinking water tap facility.

[0009] According to an advantageous design, the third output plane has a distance of at least 3 mm relative to the first and second output planes. For example, the third output plane may have a distance of at least 3 mm relative to the first and second output planes. Larger distances, possibly at least 5 mm or even at least 10 mm, can particularly help to better separate or maintain the distance of the drinking water jet leaving the outflow element before it may come into contact with the mixed water.

[0010] According to another advantageous design, the outflow element has a mechanical operating element for manually selecting between a first water passage and a second water passage. For example, the mechanical operating element may include a manually (and mechanically) operable button, such as a rocker-type button. The operating element may (mechanically) act on a (mechanical or electronic) control element, particularly integrated into the outflow element, such as at least one valve and / or adapter, to select between flow through the first water passage and flow through the second water passage. For example, a first control element (first valve) for opening / releasing the first water passage and a second control element (second valve) for opening the second water passage may be provided. Here, the mechanical operating element may be designed as a common operating element for both the first and second control elements. The mechanical operating element may advantageously be provided and designed for switching the jet type of the mixed water (laminar jet / mousse jet, rainwater jet).

[0011] According to another advantageous design, the outflow element has an electronic operating element for manually selecting a third water path. Therefore, the electronic operating element can be advantageously arranged in the upper area of ​​the faucet. For example, the electronic operating element can be an electronic sensor, such as a touch sensor. This sensor can be formed, for example, in the form of a capacitive sensor. However, it is particularly advantageous that the electronic operating element includes a contactless (electronic) sensor. A contactless sensor can advantageously achieve the simplest and / or most hygienic operation of the drinking water faucet facility. Here, the sensor can be, for example, an optical and / or acoustic sensor. An optical sensor, for example, can detect whether the user's hand is in the sensor area and specifically identify it as a signal for dispensing drinking water. An acoustic sensor, for example, can detect at least one (specific) spoken word by the user and specifically identify it as a signal for dispensing drinking water. The electronic operating element can (electronically) act on a (mechanical or electronic) (third) control element, such as at least one (third) valve, particularly integrated into the jet element, to open the flow of the third water path.

[0012] According to another aspect, a drinking water faucet facility is proposed for selectively outputting at least partially treated drinking water or mixed water, the drinking water faucet facility having a faucet assembly and a drinking water treatment device, the faucet assembly having an outlet element according to any one of the preceding claims, from which drinking water or mixed water can be selectively output, the drinking water treatment device being connectable to a drinking water channel of the faucet assembly, wherein a first water passage and a second water passage of the outlet element are connected to a mixing chamber of the faucet assembly, and wherein a third water passage of the outlet element is connected to a drinking water channel.

[0013] The faucet assembly can be, for example, a kitchen accessory, such as a sink accessory. The outlet element can be connected to the base element of the faucet assembly via a connection point. A threaded connection structure can be formed at the connection point, for example. The base element typically includes the valve component of the faucet assembly and is typically mounted on a countertop, such as a kitchen countertop and / or sink. Furthermore, the outlet element can rotate relative to the base element of the faucet assembly. For this purpose, the outlet element can be rotatably supported on the base element at the connection point, for example. Typically, a mixing chamber is arranged in the base element. Additionally, a drinking water passage can be formed in the base element. In the mixing chamber, cold water from a cold water line and hot water from a hot water line (via a valve component) are mixed according to a pre-selected user temperature. The drinking water treatment equipment can include a carbonation device by means of which carbonic acid can be deposited in the water. Furthermore, the drinking water treatment equipment can include filters for improving drinking water quality and / or coolers for providing particularly cold drinking water.

[0014] According to an advantageous design, the drinking water tap facility has a control device configured and designed to check whether mixed water is currently being obtained through the drinking water tap facility, and to only open / allow the obtaining of drinking water through the drinking water tap facility if mixed water is not currently being obtained through the drinking water tap facility. The control device may, for example, be in the form of an electronic control unit (controller). The control device may, for example, be configured and designed to alternatively select drinking water and mixed water. The control device may, for example, include and / or use a sensor that can detect the presence of mixed water in the outflow element and / or the sensor can detect a user selection for mixed water output, for example, by detecting the corresponding movement and / or position of the tap's operating element for the user's selection of mixed water output. Furthermore, the control device may have and / or use a regulating element for opening the flow of drinking water, for example, for opening the flow of a third water passage. The control device may also have and / or use an electronic operating element to detect user requests for the output of drinking water. The control device can advantageously help avoid the simultaneous use of mixed water and drinking water, particularly through appropriately constructed (smart) electronics. Specifically, control devices can be configured and designed to prevent (filtered) drinking water and mixed water from flowing simultaneously from the drinking water faucet. This can also help improve the quality of the drinking water output from the drinking water faucet. Here, corresponding control devices for the respective drinking water faucet can also be provided (independent of other components of the drinking water faucet).

[0015] According to another aspect, a method for obtaining at least partially treated drinking water through a drinking water tap facility described herein is proposed, the method comprising at least the following steps:

[0016] a) Testing regarding user requirements for the output of drinking water.

[0017] b) Check whether mixed water is currently being obtained from drinking water tap facilities.

[0018] c) Allow drinking water to flow through a third waterway when there is currently no access to mixed water from drinking water tap facilities.

[0019] Steps a), b), and c) can be performed at least once in the described order to execute the method. For example, the method can be executed by means of a control device for a drinking water tap (or a device for a drinking water tap).

[0020] According to an advantageous design, a user's request for drinking water output is detected using a contactless sensor. For this purpose, the sensor can, for example, transmit the request signal to the control device of the drinking water tap facility.

[0021] Specifically, the (filtered) drinking water can be activated using an electronic sensor (in the upper area of ​​the outlet). Whether mixed water is being obtained can be detected by a control or control device. Thus, advantageously, it is impossible to activate both the (filtered) drinking water and the mixed water simultaneously. When or once the mixed water is no longer being obtained, the filtered drinking water can be activated or obtained via a sensor. To advantageously switch the jet type of the mixed water (laminar jet, shower jet), a mechanical operating element can be manually operated on the outlet element.

[0022] According to another aspect, an application is proposed in which the outflow element described herein is used to selectively output drinking water via a third water passage or selectively output mixed water via a first or second water passage.

[0023] The details, features, and advantageous design options described in conjunction with the outflow element can also be found in the drinking water faucet facilities, methods, and / or applications presented herein, and vice versa. For this purpose, full reference can be made to the embodiments described therein for a more detailed characterization of the features. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The solutions and their technical field presented herein are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the invention should not be limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly shown otherwise, aspects of the facts illustrated in or in conjunction with the drawings can be extracted and combined with other elements and / or insights from other drawings and / or this specification. The drawings illustrate, exemplarily and schematically:

[0025] Figure 1 The drinking water tap facility described herein is shown in perspective view.

[0026] Figure 2 A side view shows a detailed diagram of the outflowing components described herein.

[0027] Figure 3 A perspective view showing a detailed diagram of the outflowing components described herein.

[0028] Figure 4 An example of the outflow element described herein is shown in perspective.

[0029] Figure 5 : Another example of the outflow element described herein is shown in perspective. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 A drinking water faucet facility 2 described herein is illustrated schematically in perspective view. The drinking water faucet facility 2 is used to output drinking water or mixed water that has been at least partially treated, depending on selection. The drinking water faucet facility 2 has a faucet assembly 13 and a drinking water treatment device 14, the faucet assembly having an outlet element 3 described herein from which drinking water or mixed water can be output, depending on selection, and the drinking water treatment device being connectable to a drinking water passage 15 of the faucet assembly 13. The drinking water faucet facility 2 can be used, for example, in a kitchen. The faucet assembly 13 can be, for example, a kitchen accessory, such as a sink accessory. The drinking water treatment device 14 can be, for example, configured and designed for filtering, cooling, and / or carbonating (cold) water.

[0031] The first water passage 3 is formed by the outflow element 1. The first water passage 3 leads into a first output plane 4, where water flowing through the first water passage 3 can be output from the outflow element 1. The second water passage 5 is formed by the outflow element 1. The second water passage 5 leads into a second output plane 6, where water flowing through the second water passage 5 can be output from the outflow element 1. The second water passage 5 is at least partially different from the first water passage 3. The third water passage 7 is formed by the outflow element 1. The third water passage 7 leads into a third output plane 8, where drinking water flowing through the third water passage 7 can be output from the outflow element 1. The third water passage 7 extends (completely) through the outflow element 1, separated from the first water passage 3 and the second water passage 5.

[0032] The third output plane 8 has a distance 9 of at least 1 mm, and exemplarily, even at least 3 mm, relative to the first output plane 4 and the second output plane 6. However, the first output plane 4 and the second output plane 6 may be substantially in the same plane, as exemplarily shown here. The distance 9 advantageously helps to separate the (treated) drinking water from the (potentially contaminated) mixed water as well as possible.

[0033] The first water passage 3 and the second water passage 5 of the outflow element 1 can be connected to the mixing chamber 16 of the faucet assembly 13. The third water passage 5 of the outflow element 1 can be connected to the drinking water channel 15. Therefore, it is possible to advantageously separate the mixed water and (treated) drinking water within the drinking water faucet facility 2. Thus, the outflow element 1 described herein can be used to selectively output (treated) drinking water through the third water passage 8, or selectively output mixed water through the first water passage 3 or the second water passage 5.

[0034] exist Figure 1 The document also indicates that the outflow element 1 may have a mechanical operating element 9 for manual selection between the first water channel 3 and the second water channel 5. The mechanical operating element 9 may be formed, for example, in the form of a seesaw-type button for manually switching between laminar jet and shower jet.

[0035] exist Figure 1 The diagram also shows that the outflow element 1 may have an electronic operating element 11 for manually selecting the third water path 5. The electronic operating element 11 may, for example, include a contactless sensor 12. The sensor 12 may, for example, be configured and designed to (electronically) activate the output of (treated) drinking water.

[0036] exist Figure 1 The dashed lines indicate that, for example, cold water can be (directly) supplied to the faucet assembly 13 and the drinking water treatment device 14. Furthermore, hot water can also be (directly) supplied to the faucet assembly 13 to produce mixed water at a desired temperature in the mixing chamber 16 of the faucet assembly 13. By connecting the drinking water treatment device 14 to the cold water supply section and the connectability of the drinking water treatment device 14 to the third water passage 7, it is advantageous to achieve the output of treated, such as filtered, cooled, and / or carbonated drinking water as needed via the drinking water faucet facility 2.

[0037] Furthermore, the drinking water tap facility 2 may, for example, have a control device 17, which is configured and designed to check whether mixed water is currently being obtained through the drinking water tap facility 2. Additionally, the control device 17 may be configured and designed to only allow / permit the access of drinking water through the drinking water tap facility 2 if no mixed water is currently being obtained through it.

[0038] Specifically, a method for obtaining at least partially treated drinking water through the drinking water tap facility 2 described herein can be executed by means of the control device 7. This method includes at least the following steps: a user request for the output of drinking water can be detected, for example, by a signal from an electronic operating element 11 or a sensor 12. Thus, a user request for the output of drinking water can be detected, for example, by a contactless sensor 12. It can then be checked whether mixed water is currently being obtained through the drinking water tap facility 2. Afterward, drinking water can be allowed to flow through the third water passage 7 if no mixed water is currently being obtained through the drinking water tap facility 2.

[0039] Figure 2 A detailed view of the outflowing element 1 described herein is shown exemplarily and schematically in a side view. Reference numerals are used consistently for reference to the preceding description. Figure 2 The distance 9 between the third output plane 8 and the first output plane 4 and the second output plane 6 can be identified particularly well.

[0040] Figure 3 A detailed view of the outflowing element 1 described herein is shown exemplarily and schematically in perspective. Reference numerals are used consistently for reference to the preceding description. Figure 3 Viewed from below, the different orifices of the various water passages 3, 5, and 7 are shown. For example, a laminar jet (from mixed water) can be output from the outlet element 1 through the orifice of the first water passage 3. Furthermore, a shower jet (from mixed water) can be output from the outlet element 1, for example, through the orifice of the second water passage 5. Therefore, the first water passage 3 and the second water passage 5 can differ from each other, at least in the regions of their respective orifices or in their respective end sections or orifice sections. Additionally, drinking water, such as (treated) water, can be output from the outlet element 1 through the orifice of the third water passage 7.

[0041] Figure 4 An example of the outflow element 1 described herein is shown illustratively and schematically in perspective view. Reference numerals are used consistently for reference to the preceding description. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates an exemplary arrangement of the operating elements 10. Furthermore, Figure 4 An example of outflow element 1 is shown, wherein water passages 3, 5, and 7 extend from outflow element 1 in a downward direction component.

[0042] Figure 5 Another example of the outflow element 1 described herein is shown illustratively and schematically in perspective view. Reference numerals are used consistently for reference to the preceding description. Figure 5 An example of outflow element 1 is shown, wherein water passages 3, 5, and 7 extend from outflow element 1 in a forward-pointing directional component.

[0043] Therefore, the following can be provided: an outlet element for a drinking water tap facility through which at least partially treated drinking water or mixed water can be output according to selection; a drinking water tap facility for outputting at least partially treated drinking water or mixed water according to selection; a method for obtaining at least partially treated drinking water through a corresponding drinking water tap facility; and an application for using a corresponding outlet element to output drinking water or mixed water according to selection, which at least partially solve the problems described with respect to the prior art. Specifically, the following can be provided: an outlet element for a drinking water tap facility through which at least partially treated drinking water or mixed water can be output according to selection; a drinking water tap facility for outputting at least partially treated drinking water or mixed water according to selection; a method for obtaining at least partially treated drinking water through a corresponding drinking water tap facility; and an application for using a corresponding outlet element to output drinking water or mixed water according to selection, which respectively contribute to improving the drinking water quality of the drinking water output by means of the drinking water tap facility.

[0044] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0045] 1 Outflowing Components

[0046] 2. Drinking water tap facilities

[0047] 3 First Waterway

[0048] 4 First output plane

[0049] 5. Second Waterway

[0050] 6 Second Output Plane

[0051] 7. Third Waterway

[0052] 8 Third Output Plane

[0053] 9 Spacing

[0054] 10. Operating elements of machinery

[0055] 11 Electronic operating elements

[0056] 12 sensors

[0057] 13. Faucet

[0058] 14 Drinking water treatment equipment

[0059] 15 Drinking water channels

[0060] 16 Mixing Chamber

[0061] 17. Control device

Claims

1. A drinking water faucet facility (2) for selectively discharging at least partially treated drinking water or mixed water, the drinking water faucet facility having a faucet assembly (13) and a drinking water treatment device (14), the faucet assembly having an outlet element (1) from which drinking water or mixed water can be selectively discharging, the drinking water treatment device being connectable to a drinking water channel (15) of the faucet assembly (13), wherein, The first water path (3) is formed by the outflow element (1) and flows into the first output plane (4). The mixed water flowing through the first water path (3) can be output from the outflow element (1) at the first output plane. The second water path (5) is formed by the outflow element (1) and flows into the second output plane (6). The mixed water flowing through the second water path (5) can be output from the outflow element (1) at the second output plane. The first water path (3) and the second water path (5) extend at least partially through separate channels. The third water path... The third water path (7) is formed by the outflow element (1) and extends into the third output plane (8). Treated drinking water flowing through the third water path (7) can be output from the outflow element (1) at the third output plane. The third water path (7) extends through the outflow element (1) separately from the first water path (3) and the second water path (5). The third output plane (8) has a distance (9) of at least 1 mm relative to the first output plane (4) and the second output plane (6). The first, second, and third water paths are... The water flow extends from the inlet area of ​​the outflow element through the outflow element to the inlet arranged in the corresponding output plane; wherein the first water passage (3) and the second water passage (5) of the outflow element (1) can communicate with the mixing chamber (16) of the faucet assembly (13), wherein the third water passage (7) of the outflow element (1) can communicate with the drinking water channel (15), characterized in that the drinking water faucet facility (2) has a control device (17) which is set and designed to check whether mixed water is currently being obtained through the drinking water faucet facility (2), and only opens the access to drinking water through the drinking water faucet facility (2) if mixed water is not currently being obtained through the drinking water faucet facility (2), wherein the first output plane (4) and the second output plane (6) are located in the same plane, the orifice of the second water passage (5) includes a plurality of openings arranged around the periphery of the orifice of the first water passage (3), and the orifice of the third water passage (7) has a single opening arranged at a defined point around the periphery of the orifice of the first water passage.

2. The drinking water tap facility (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outflow element (1) has an electronic operating element (11) for manually selecting the third water path (7).

3. The drinking water tap facility (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The third output plane (8) has a distance (9) of at least 3 mm relative to the first output plane (4) and the second output plane (6).

4. The drinking water tap facility (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outflow element (1) has a mechanical operating element (10) for manual selection between the first water passage (3) and the second water passage (5).

5. The drinking water tap facility (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electronic operating element (11) includes a contactless sensor (12).

6. A method for obtaining at least partially treated drinking water through a drinking water tap facility (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the method comprising at least the following steps: a) Testing user requirements regarding the output of treated drinking water. b) Check whether mixed water is currently being obtained through drinking water tap facilities (2). c) In the absence of a drinking water tap facility (2) to obtain mixed water, the treated drinking water is allowed to flow through the third waterway (7).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, User requests for the output of treated drinking water are detected by a contactless sensor (12).

8. An application of the drinking water tap facility (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 for discharging only treated drinking water through a third water passage (7) or discharging mixed water through a first water passage (3) or a second water passage (5) depending on the choice.

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