Water distribution device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water distribution device (1) for distributing at least cooled filtered drinking water, comprising a hot water tank (10) and a cold water tank (20), the hot water tank (10) including a filter (14) for filtering hot water. According to the invention, the water distribution device includes a heat exchanger (30) having a first heat exchange conduit (31) and a second heat exchange conduit (34), the first heat exchange conduit (31) having a first inlet (32) and a first outlet (33), and the second heat exchange conduit (34) having a second inlet (35) and a second outlet (36), wherein the first inlet (32) is connected to a hot water tank outlet (13) and the first outlet (33) is connected to a cold water tank supply section (22), and wherein the second inlet (35) is connected to a fresh water conduit and the second outlet (36) is connected to a hot water tank supply section (12), such that hot water can be supplied from the hot water tank (10) to the cold water tank (20) via the first heat exchange conduit (31) for subsequent distribution as cooled filtered drinking water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water dispensing device for dispensing at least cooled filtered drinking water. Background Technology

[0002] Various water distribution devices are known, designed to distribute cooling water that may be carbonated. The temperature of the cooling water is, for example, from 3°C to 12°C, such as 10°C. This cooling water is typically used as drinking water. It is desirable to filter such water by means of a filter located in the water pipe between the connection to the freshwater supply source (which supplies freshwater from a general water supply network) and the distribution point for distributing the filtered cooling water (e.g., a faucet in a kitchen).

[0003] Filters used in such water distribution devices typically include activated carbon filters. Water is passed through these activated carbon filters to filtration. Furthermore, activated carbon filters have a positive impact on the taste of drinking water.

[0004] A drawback of this type of activated carbon filter is its susceptibility to bacterial growth when used with cooling water. This is generally undesirable. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the activated carbon filter regularly; otherwise, the quality of the filtered cooling water will be significantly lower than expected. This disadvantage of relatively rapid scaling can also occur with other filters used in water distribution systems for distributing cooled drinking water.

[0005] In addition to activated carbon filters, ultraviolet (UV) filters, also known as UV or UV-C filters, are sometimes used. These filters are used for sterilization. However, in some cases, these filters may have additional disadvantages, such as a relatively long initial hot flow, which is undesirable in some situations, such as with cooled drinking water. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a water distribution device for distributing at least cooled filtered water, wherein the filter (e.g., an activated carbon filter) is less susceptible to bacterial growth and other fouling of the filter.

[0007] The present invention provides a water dispensing device for dispensing at least cooled filtered drinking water, comprising:

[0008] - A hot water tank designed to maintain hot water at a temperature of at least 65°C, for example, at least 95°C, comprising:

[0009] - A filter used for filtering hot water.

[0010] - A hot water supply unit used to supply fresh water to the hot water tank.

[0011] - A hot water tank discharge section for discharging hot water from a hot water tank, wherein the filter is arranged in the hot water tank, the hot water tank discharge section, or the hot water tank supply section so that the hot water discharged from the hot water tank discharge section is filtered by the filter.

[0012] - A cold water tank designed to maintain the cooling water at a temperature of up to 20°C, comprising:

[0013] - Cold water tank supply unit used to supply water to the cold water tank.

[0014] - A cold water tank discharge section used to transfer cooling water from the cold water tank.

[0015] The device is characterized in that it comprises:

[0016] - Heat exchanger, which includes:

[0017] -A first heat exchange pipe having a first inlet and a first outlet, and

[0018] - A second heat exchange pipe with a second inlet and a second outlet.

[0019] The first heat exchange pipe and the second heat exchange pipe are designed to exchange heat with each other.

[0020] The first inlet is connected to the hot water tank outlet and the first outlet is connected to the cold water tank supply section, wherein the second inlet is connected to the fresh water pipe and the second outlet is connected to the hot water tank supply section.

[0021] This allows hot filtered water to be supplied from the hot water tank to the cold water tank supply unit via the first heat exchange pipe, and then distributed as cooled filtered drinking water.

[0022] In the water distribution device according to the invention, a filter for filtering drinking water is arranged in or near a hot water tank, which is designed to maintain the hot water at a temperature of at least 65°C, for example, at least 95°C. In an embodiment, the hot water tank is maintained at a temperature of at least 100°C. With the aid of this high temperature of at least 65°C, for example, at least 95°C, bacterial growth will occur, or almost never, in the filter.

[0023] Therefore, the cold water tank will only be supplied with sterile, filtered water. Thus, there is no longer a need to install a filter in the cold water tank to deliver cooled, filtered drinking water.

[0024] In order to use the filtered hot water as cooled filtered drinking water, the hot water must be cooled to a temperature suitable for cooling. To limit energy loss during this cooling process, the water distribution device according to the invention includes a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the hot filtered water to fresh water drawn from a fresh water supply source and used to fill the hot water tank. In this way, the amount of heat required to heat the fresh water to the desired temperature of the hot water tank, for example, at least 100°C, is also greatly reduced.

[0025] In this implementation, the filter is an activated carbon filter. Activated carbon filters can be used to filter water intended for drinking water. However, activated carbon filters are susceptible to bacterial growth. Therefore, it is advantageous to install such an activated carbon filter in a hot water tank, where the filter will be protected from bacterial growth or minimal bacterial growth by means of a higher temperature of at least 65°C.

[0026] In the implementation scheme, the water distribution device has a hot water bypass pipe and at least one hot water bypass valve. The hot water bypass pipe is connected in parallel with the first heat exchange pipe to the hot water tank discharge section and the cold water tank supply section. The at least one hot water bypass valve can selectively allow hot water to flow through the first heat exchange pipe or through the hot water bypass pipe.

[0027] If necessary, the hot water bypass pipeline is configured to send hot water to a cold water tank outside the heat exchanger.

[0028] The hot water bypass valve can be positioned in at least a normal position and a bypass position. In the normal position, hot water from the hot water tank outlet is sent to the cold water tank supply section via the first heat exchange pipe. In the bypass position, hot water from the hot water tank outlet is sent to the cold water tank supply section via a hot water bypass pipe. The hot water bypass valve may also include two separate shut-off valves, one of which shuts off the hot water bypass pipe and the other shuts off the passage to the first inlet of the heat exchanger.

[0029] During normal use of the water distribution system, the hot water bypass valve is in the off position. Hot water flowing from the hot water tank to the cold water tank then flows through the first heat exchange pipe. By placing the hot water bypass valve in the bypass position, hot water flows directly from the hot water tank to the cold water tank, bypassing the first heat exchange pipe of the heat exchanger. This hot water can then be used to inactivate any bacteria that may have developed in the cold water tank over time. For example, it might be desirable to flush the cold water tank with hot water at predetermined intervals, such as every three or six months, to kill any bacteria in the cold water tank.

[0030] In one implementation, the water distribution device includes a freshwater bypass pipe and at least one freshwater bypass valve. The freshwater bypass pipe is connected to a freshwater pipe and is connected parallel to the second heat exchange pipe to a hot water tank supply unit. The at least one freshwater bypass valve can selectively allow freshwater to flow through the second heat exchange pipe or through the freshwater bypass pipe. As an alternative to or supplement to the hot water bypass pipe, a freshwater bypass pipe can be provided that connects the freshwater pipe to the hot water tank supply unit. Using the freshwater bypass pipe, cold freshwater can be delivered to the hot water tank supply unit outside the second heat exchange pipe. In this case, no cold freshwater will flow through the heat exchanger. In this way, the hot water will not be cooled in the first heat exchange pipe and can be used as hot water to flush the cold water tank, thereby inactivating any bacteria that may develop in the cold water tank over time. The first heat exchange pipe can also be flushed with hot water.

[0031] The freshwater bypass valve can be positioned in at least a normal position and a bypass position. In the normal position, cold freshwater from the water supply network is delivered to the hot water tank supply unit via a second heat exchange conduit. In the bypass position, cold freshwater from the water supply network is delivered to the hot water tank supply unit via a freshwater bypass conduit. The freshwater bypass valve may also include two separate shut-off valves, one of which shuts off the freshwater bypass conduit and the other shuts off the passage to the second inlet of the heat exchanger.

[0032] In this implementation, the heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger. A plate heat exchanger is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat by stacking multiple plates with passages arranged therein, forming a first heat exchange conduit and a second heat exchange conduit. Such a plate heat exchanger can be used efficiently for heat exchange. Using this type of heat exchanger, most of the heat from hot water can be transferred to fresh water.

[0033] In one embodiment, the water distribution device includes a CO2 tank for supplying CO2, wherein the cold water tank is designed to dissolve CO2 in the cooling water for distributing carbonated, cooled, filtered water. In some embodiments, it is desirable to supply carbonated cooling water from the cold water tank. For this purpose, the water distribution device may include a CO2 tank designed to supply CO2 that can dissolve in the cooling water in the cold water tank.

[0034] In this embodiment, the cold water tank discharge section is designed to deliver cooling water from the cold water tank, and the cold water tank includes a second cold water tank discharge section for delivering carbonated cooling water. With this embodiment, the cold water tank can be used to deliver both cooling water and carbonated cooling water. For this purpose, the cold water tank can have a first container for containing cooling water without dissolved carbon dioxide and a second container for containing carbonated cooling water, wherein a CO2 tank is connected to the second container to dissolve CO2 in the cooling water.

[0035] In the implementation plan, the hot water tank is designed to maintain the hot water at a temperature of at least 100°C.

[0036] In one implementation, the hot water tank includes a second hot water tank discharge section for conveying hot water or boiling water. The hot water tank can be used to convey hot water or boiling water.

[0037] In this implementation, a filter is arranged in or near the hot water tank outlet to filter the hot water supplied by the outlet. By placing the filter in or near the hot water tank outlet, the hot water is filtered precisely as it leaves the tank. As a result, the hot water in the tank will have a desired temperature, for example, at least 95°C, and the filter will not be contaminated by bacteria, or will be minimally contaminated.

[0038] In this implementation, the filter is located in or near the hot water tank supply section. The warm fresh water flowing through the filter is then heated to, for example, 80°C to 95°C by a heat exchanger. This also ensures that most (if not all) of the bacteria present in the fresh water are killed.

[0039] In this implementation, the cold water tank includes a cooling device to maintain the cooled filtered water at a desired temperature. The cooling device can be any suitable means for maintaining the cooled water at the desired temperature.

[0040] The present invention also relates to a method for distributing cooled filtered drinking water using a water distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising:

[0041] Hot water is supplied from the hot water tank to the cold water tank via the first heat exchange pipe, and fresh water is supplied to the hot water tank via the second heat exchange pipe.

[0042] The heat exchanger allows heat to be exchanged between fresh and hot water in order to cool the hot water and heat the fresh water.

[0043] The hot water supplied to the cold water tank is further cooled to obtain filtered water at the desired temperature.

[0044] Cooled filtered water is supplied from the cold water tank.

[0045] In an embodiment of the method, the water distribution device has a hot water bypass pipe connected in parallel to a first heat exchange pipe to a hot water tank discharge section and a cold water tank supply section, wherein the method includes flushing a cold water tank with hot water from the hot water tank, the hot water being supplied to the cold water tank via the hot water bypass pipe.

[0046] In an embodiment of the method, the water distribution device includes a CO2 tank for supplying CO2, and the method includes dissolving CO2 in cooling water in a cold water tank to distribute carbonated cooling water.

[0047] The apparatus according to the invention provides the possibility of a method for disinfecting the cold water tank of a water distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising:

[0048] Keep the hot water in the hot water tank at a temperature of at least 100°C.

[0049] Turn off the water supply to the hot water tank, and

[0050] Cooling water is supplied from the cold water tank.

[0051] This allows hot water from the hot water tank to flush the cold water tank and thus disinfect the cold water tank.

[0052] In the implementation scheme, the hot water in the hot water tank is maintained at a temperature of at least 100°C. Then, when the hot water tank is shut off from the fresh water supply while water is being drained from it, the overpressure in the water distribution device drops, resulting in the superheated water in the hot water tank immediately boiling. The steam generated from this immediately drives the cooling water away from the cold water tank, thus sterilizing the cold water tank with steam. This provides an effective method for sterilizing the water distribution device. To sterilize, for example, a 3-liter cold water tank, less than 1 liter of superheated water is required.

[0053] Note that various types of water are mentioned in this patent application. These types of water are:

[0054] Hot water, which is at least 65°C, such as water at least 95°C, is also called boiling water at a temperature of at least 100°C;

[0055] Warm water, water with a temperature between 25°C and 65°C;

[0056] Fresh water, which is transported through pipes from a central water supply network or another fresh water source;

[0057] Cooling water, cooled to a temperature of up to 20°C, for example, up to 12°C, by a cold water tank;

[0058] Carbonated cooling water, wherein compressed carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in the cooling water; and

[0059] Filtered water, water filtered through a filter, such as (carbonated) cooled filtered water. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Embodiments of the water distribution device according to the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the water distribution device according to the present invention is schematically shown;

[0062] Figure 2 The illustration shows what can be used for Figure 1 The cross-section of the plate heat exchanger in the implementation scheme; and

[0063] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the water distribution device according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Figure 1 An embodiment of a water distribution device for dispensing at least cooled filtered water for drinking is shown. The water distribution device is generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The water distribution device 1 includes a hot water tank 10, a cold water tank 20, a heat exchanger 30, and a faucet 40.

[0065] The hot water tank 10 is designed to maintain the hot water at a temperature of, for example, 108°C. A heating device 11 with temperature control is arranged in the hot water tank 10 to heat the water in the hot water tank 10 to a desired temperature and maintain it at that temperature. The hot water tank 10 includes a hot water tank supply section 12 for supplying fresh water into the hot water tank 10 and a hot water tank discharge section 13 for discharging hot water from the hot water tank 10. A filter 14 is arranged in the hot water tank 10 near the beginning of the hot water tank discharge section 13, and this filter is used to filter the hot water discharged by the hot water tank discharge section 13. The filter 14 is an activated carbon filter, which is designed to adsorb certain substances from the water using activated carbon. Because the temperature of the hot water is relatively high, the filter 14 is arranged in the hot water tank 10. By means of this high temperature, the filter 14 will remain free of bacterial growth. In particular, it is desirable that the drinking water is free of any bacteria.

[0066] Hot water tank 10 includes a second hot water tank discharge section 15 and a third hot water tank discharge section 16. The first hot water tank discharge section 13, the second hot water tank discharge section 15, and the third hot water tank discharge section 16 can be configured as three separate pipes starting from the hot water tank 10, or as a combined pipe system starting from the hot water tank 10 with separate discharge sections, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0067] The second hot water tank outlet 15 is directly connected to the faucet 40 for dispensing hot water. The operation button 41 is configured for dispensing hot water. As the hot water flows out of the hot water tank 10, it passes through the filter 14 and is thus dispensed as filtered hot water suitable for drinking. Due to the pressure of the water from the water supply network K (through which fresh water is supplied) and also due to the expansion of the water as it is heated by the heat released by the heating device 11, the water pressure in the hot water tank 10 is above atmospheric pressure. Because of this overpressure, the hot water in the hot water tank 10, for example at 108°C, will not boil. Upon leaving the faucet 40, the pressure of the hot water drops to atmospheric pressure. As a result, the hot water will boil upon leaving the faucet. Therefore, in this embodiment, the hot water is dispensed as boiling water.

[0068] The operation button 41 is designed to transmit an electrical signal that can be used to control the valve. In an alternative embodiment, the operation button 41 may be designed to operate a mechanical valve.

[0069] The third hot water tank outlet 16 is connected to a mixing device 17, which mixes hot water from the hot water tank 10 with fresh water from the water supply network K at a certain mixing ratio to produce warm water. This warm water is then delivered to a faucet 40. The faucet 40 is equipped with a second mixing device (not shown) operable by an operating element 42. This second mixing device is designed to mix fresh water and warm water by manually adjusting the operating element 42 to a desired mixing ratio, so as to dispense mixed water within a temperature range between the fresh water temperature and the warm water temperature from the faucet 40.

[0070] The cold water tank 20 is designed to maintain the cooling water at a temperature of up to 20°C, for example, up to 10°C. A cooling device 21 with temperature control is arranged in the cold water tank 20 to cool the water in the cold water tank 20 to a desired temperature and maintain it at that temperature. The cold water tank 20 includes a cold water tank supply section 22 for supplying water into the cold water tank 20 and a cold water tank discharge section 23 for discharging cooling water from the cold water tank 20.

[0071] The water distribution device 1 includes a CO2 tank 24 for supplying compressed CO2. The cold water tank 20 is designed to dissolve CO2 in the cooling water contained within it. To dissolve CO2 in the cooling water, a pressure typically higher than the water pressure supplied by the water supply network K is required. The cold water tank 20 may include a pump to allow water to overcome the higher pressure of the CO2 tank 24 and flow through the cold water tank supply section 22 into the cold water tank 20. Therefore, the pump delivers water at a pressure higher than the pressure exerted by the CO2 tank 24 on the cold water tank 20.

[0072] By dissolving CO2 in cooling water, the cooling water can be dispensed as carbonated cooling water for drinking. The cold water tank 20 includes a second cold water tank outlet 25 for dispensing carbonated cooling water. The cold water tank outlet 23 and the second cold water tank outlet 25 are connected to a faucet 40 with an operation button 41, which can be used to initiate the dispensing of cooling water. The cold water tank 20 can be designed to dispense either carbonated cooling water or cooling water without dissolved CO2 from the CO2 tank 24, depending on the operation of the operation button 41.

[0073] Valves 27 and 28 are respectively installed in the cold water tank discharge section 23 and / or the second cold water tank discharge section 25 for distributing cooling water or carbonated cooling water. Therefore, these valves 27 and 28 can be controlled using the operation button 41.

[0074] The same distribution pipe 43 is used to distribute hot water and cooling water. Depending on the operation of the operating button 41, the same operating button 41 is also used to distribute boiling water or cooling water. In an embodiment, it can be selected to have separate operating buttons for boiling water and cooling water.

[0075] Valve 44 is arranged in the distribution pipe 43, and it can be in an on state when distributing hot water from the hot water tank 10 or cooling water from the cold water tank outlet 23, and in an off state when no water is being distributed through the distribution pipe 43. Valve 44 prevents bacteria from moving from the faucet 40 to the cold water tank outlet 23. Placing valve 44 in the common distribution pipe 43 provides the additional advantage that when hot water is distributed, valve 44 and the downstream portion of the distribution pipe 43 relative to valve 44 are flushed with hot water, thereby killing bacteria present within the distribution pipe 43.

[0076] Valve 44 may also be arranged in a non-common part of the distribution pipe of cold water tank 20.

[0077] Valve 44 can be any suitable valve that can be in an on or off state. Valve 44 can be an actively operated valve (e.g., a solenoid valve), a water pressure operated valve (e.g., a check valve), or a manually operated valve.

[0078] In alternative implementations, various distribution pipes and / or various operating buttons can be used to distribute hot water, cooling water, and / or carbonated cooling water. Separate faucets can also be provided, such as a separate faucet for mixing water, a separate faucet for hot water, and a separate faucet for cooling water.

[0079] Heat exchanger 30 is a plate heat exchanger. Figure 2 The cross-section of the heat exchanger 30 is schematically shown in the figure. The heat exchanger 30 includes a first heat exchange conduit 31 having a first inlet 32 ​​and a first outlet 33, and a second heat exchange conduit 34 having a second inlet 35 and a second outlet 36. The first heat exchange conduit 31 and the second heat exchange conduit 34 are designed to exchange heat with each other via a plate 37 arranged between the first heat exchange conduit 31 and the second heat exchange conduit 34.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, the first inlet 32 ​​of the heat exchanger 30 is connected to the hot water tank discharge section 13 and the first outlet 33 is connected to the cold water tank supply section 22, so that hot water from the hot water tank 10 can be supplied to the cold water tank 20 via the heat exchanger 30.

[0081] The second inlet 35 of the heat exchanger 30 is connected to a freshwater supply network K, through which freshwater can be supplied. The second inlet 35 can also be connected to any other suitable source for supplying freshwater, such as a freshwater storage tank. The second outlet 36 is connected to the hot water supply unit 12.

[0082] The internal volume of the heat exchanger 30 can be smaller than the volume of the cold water tank 20. For example, the internal volume of the heat exchanger 30 may be at most 20% of the internal volume of the cold water tank 20, or at most 10% of the internal volume of the cold water tank 20.

[0083] When the cooling water distribution is activated by operating the control button 41 on the faucet 40, cooling water is distributed from the cold water tank 20. As cold water flows out of the cold water tank 20, the water pressure in the cold water tank 20 decreases. As a result, hot water flows from the hot water tank 10 to the cold water tank 20 via the first heat exchange pipe 31 of the heat exchanger 30 and through the first hot water tank discharge section 13, replacing the distributed cooling water. Simultaneously, the hot water flowing out of the hot water tank 10 is replaced by fresh water, which flows from the water supply network K to the hot water tank supply section 12 of the hot water tank 10 via the second heat exchange pipe 34.

[0084] Therefore, the cooling water dispensed from the cold water tank 20 comes from the hot water tank 10. As this water flows from the hot water tank 10 to the cold water tank 20, it passes through the filter 14 and is thus filtered. Therefore, the cooling water dispensed from the tap 40 is filtered water suitable for drinking. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the filter 14 is placed in the hot water tank 10, so that the filter 14 will not or will hardly encounter bacterial growth.

[0085] By means of fresh and hot water flowing in opposite directions through heat exchanger 30, heat from the hot water in the first heat exchange pipe 31 is effectively transferred to the fresh water in the second heat exchange pipe 34. Therefore, the temperature of the hot water decreases in heat exchanger 30, while the temperature of the fresh water increases. This means that heating the fresh water to the desired temperature of 108°C in hot water tank 10 requires less energy, and cooling the cooled hot water in cold water tank 20 to the desired temperature of, for example, 10°C, requires a limited amount of additional energy compared to directly cooling the supply water.

[0086] In example Figure 2 The plate heat exchanger shown schematically can, for example, cool hot water from about 108°C to about 22°C to 30°C, while heating fresh water from, for example, 15°C to, for example, 80°C to 95°C.

[0087] exist Figure 1In one embodiment, valve 26 is installed in the freshwater supply pipeline, specifically between the freshwater supply network K and the hot water tank 10. In the illustrated embodiment, valve 26 is placed in the pipeline from the water supply network K to the second inlet 35 of the heat exchanger 30. Alternatively, valve 26 may also be installed between the second outlet 36 of the heat exchanger 30 and the hot water supply section 12 of the hot water tank 10.

[0088] Valve 26 can be in an on or off state. During normal use of the water distribution device 1, valve 26 will be in the on state to allow water distributed via tap 40 to be replenished by water from the freshwater supply network K. The water pressure from the freshwater supply network K is then also used for water distribution, unless the water is carbonated water supplied from the cold water tank 20. Specifically, when distributing carbonated water, a pump is used to deliver water at a higher pressure than the pressure applied to the second container in the cold water tank 20 by the CO2 tank 24.

[0089] To effectively disinfect the water distribution device 1, valve 26 can be closed, for example, during initial use, while the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank must still be at least 100°C. When cooling water is distributed from the cold water tank 20 with valve 26 closed, the pressure drop in the hot water tank 10, caused by opening valves 27 and / or 28, causes the superheated water to boil instantaneously. The resulting steam forces the cooling water out of the cold water tank 20 and through relevant pipes (e.g., cold water tank outlet 23 and / or second cold water tank outlet 25 and distribution pipes) to the faucet 40. The overpressure of the steam formed in the hot water tank at, for example, 108°C is 0.3 bar, which is sufficient to expel the cooling water from the cold water tank. As the cooling water is expelled, steam flows through the cold water tank 20 and related pipes until the interior of the cold water tank 20 and related pipes become scalding hot, thus killing all bacteria. Then, inlet valve 26 should be turned on to refill the emptied cold water tank 20 with cooling water, after which the first valve 27 and / or the second valve 28 can be turned off again. The amount of superheated water required to disinfect the water distribution device 1 in this way, by means of steam disinfection, is relatively limited. Less than 1 liter of superheated water is needed to disinfect a 2-liter cold water tank.

[0090] After the water distribution device 1 has been disinfected in this manner, all the water in the cold water tank 20 comes from the hot water tank 10. As long as the temperature in the hot water tank 10 exceeds 100°C, the water is sterile and no new bacteria enter the cold water tank 20.

[0091] Furthermore, it has been shown that contamination from the faucet is unlikely to occur. As described above, a valve 44 may also be additionally arranged in the distribution pipe 43 to further limit the risk of contamination.

[0092] It has been shown that using this water distribution device 1 allows for the distribution of sterile cooling and hot water for longer periods. If necessary, the water distribution device 1 can be disinfected periodically, for example, every three or six months, or after a period of inactivity.

[0093] Figure 3 An alternative embodiment of the water distribution device according to the invention is shown. Components with the same reference numerals have the same function and will not be discussed separately here.

[0094] In this embodiment, water from the first heat exchanger outlet 33 is used, which is sent via pipe 29 branching from the cold water tank outlet 22 to the mixing device 17 and / or directly to the second mixing device in the faucet 40. In this embodiment, all water that can be dispensed through the faucet 40 therefore originates initially from the hot water tank 10 and is therefore free of bacteria.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the filter 14 is arranged in the hot water tank discharge section 13.

[0096] according to Figure 3 The water distribution device 1 includes a hot water bypass pipe 50 and a fresh water bypass pipe 52. The hot water bypass pipe 50 is connected parallel to the first heat exchange pipe 31 to the hot water tank discharge section 13 and the cold water tank supply section 22. The fresh water bypass pipe 52 is connected at one end to the water supply network K and at the other end to the hot water tank supply section 12, parallel to the second heat exchange pipe 32. By opening one or both of these bypass pipes, hot water from the hot water tank can be used to disinfect the cold water tank and its supply and discharge pipes.

[0097] A hot water bypass valve 51 is arranged in conjunction with the hot water bypass pipe 50 and the first heat exchange pipe 31. The hot water bypass valve 51 can be positioned in at least a normal position and a bypass position. In the normal position, hot water from the hot water tank discharge section 13 is sent to the cold water tank supply section 22 via the first heat exchange pipe 31, as discussed above. In the bypass position, hot water from the hot water tank discharge section 13 is sent to the cold water tank supply section 22 via the hot water bypass pipe 50. With the hot water bypass valve 51 in this position, hot water flows directly from the hot water tank 10 to the cold water tank 20, i.e., via the hot water bypass pipe 50 instead of through the first heat exchange pipe 31 of the heat exchanger 30. The hot water will then not be cooled in the heat exchanger 30 and will flow into the cold water tank 20 at a high temperature, for example, at least 95°C. In the cold water tank 20, this hot water can be used to inactivate any bacteria that may develop in the cold water tank 20 over time.

[0098] In addition, or as an alternative, the freshwater bypass pipe 52 can be used to disinfect the cold water tank and its supply and discharge pipes with hot water. A combination of freshwater bypass valves 53 is disposed in the freshwater bypass pipe 52 and the second heat exchange pipe 32, which can selectively allow freshwater to flow through the second heat exchange pipe 32 or through the freshwater bypass pipe 52.

[0099] Therefore, the freshwater bypass valve 53 can be placed in both the normal position and the bypass position. In the normal position, freshwater from the water supply network K is sent to the hot water tank supply unit 12 via the second heat exchange pipe 32, as discussed above. In the bypass position, freshwater from the water supply network K is sent to the hot water tank supply unit 12 via the freshwater bypass pipe 52.

[0100] Using the freshwater bypass pipe 52, cold freshwater can be delivered to the hot water tank supply section 12 outside the second heat exchange pipe 32. In this case, no cold freshwater will flow through the heat exchanger 30. In this way, when the hot water bypass valve 51 is in the normal position, the hot water will not be actively cooled in the first heat exchange pipe 31 and can be used as hot water to flush the cold water tank 20, thereby inactivating any bacteria that may develop in the cold water tank 20 or the first heat exchange pipe 31 over time.

[0101] Hot water bypass pipe 50 and fresh water bypass pipe 52 can be installed as alternatives or in combination.

Claims

1. A water dispensing device for at least dispensing cooled filtered drinking water, comprising: - A hot water tank designed to maintain hot water at a temperature above 100°C includes: - A filter used for filtering hot water. - Hot water supply unit for supplying fresh water to the hot water tank. - A hot water tank discharge section for discharging hot water from a hot water tank, wherein the filter is arranged in the hot water tank so that the hot water discharged from the hot water tank discharge section is filtered by the filter. - Second hot water tank discharge section for conveying boiling water - A cold water tank designed to maintain the cooling water at a temperature of up to 20°C includes: - Cold water tank supply unit used to supply water to the cold water tank. - Cold water tank discharge section used to supply cooling water from the cold water tank. The water distribution device is characterized in that it includes... - A heat exchanger, comprising: - A first heat exchange pipe having a first inlet and a first outlet, and - A second heat exchange pipe with a second inlet and a second outlet. The first heat exchange pipe and the second heat exchange pipe are designed to exchange heat with each other. The first inlet is connected to the hot water tank outlet and the first outlet is connected to the cold water tank supply section, wherein the second inlet is connected to the fresh water pipe and the second outlet is connected to the hot water tank supply section. This allows hot water to be supplied from the hot water tank to the cold water tank via the first heat exchange pipe, for subsequent distribution as cooled, filtered drinking water.

2. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein, The filter is an activated carbon filter.

3. The water distribution device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The water distribution device includes a shut-off valve to shut off the water supply from the freshwater pipe to the hot water tank.

4. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein, The water distribution device has a hot water bypass pipe and at least one hot water bypass valve. The hot water bypass pipe is connected in parallel to the first heat exchange pipe to the hot water tank discharge section and the cold water tank supply section. The at least one hot water bypass valve can selectively allow hot water to flow through the first heat exchange pipe or through the hot water bypass pipe.

5. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein, The water distribution device has a freshwater bypass pipe and at least one freshwater bypass valve. The freshwater bypass pipe is connected to a freshwater pipe and is connected to a hot water tank supply unit in parallel with a second heat exchange pipe. The at least one freshwater bypass valve can selectively allow freshwater to flow through the second heat exchange pipe or through the freshwater bypass pipe.

6. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein, The heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger.

7. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein, The device includes a CO2 tank for supplying CO2, and the cold water tank is designed to dissolve CO2 in cooling water to dispense carbonated, cooled filtered water.

8. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein, The cold water tank discharge section is designed to deliver cooled filtered water from the cold water tank, and the cold water tank includes a second cold water tank discharge section for delivering carbonated cooled filtered water.

9. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein, The filter is arranged in or near the hot water tank discharge section, or in or near the hot water tank supply section, to filter the hot water supplied by the hot water tank discharge section.

10. The water distribution device according to claim 1, wherein, The cold water tank includes a cooling device to bring the cooled filtered water to a desired temperature and maintain it at that temperature.

11. A method for distributing cooled filtered drinking water using the water distribution device according to claim 1, comprising: Hot water is supplied from the hot water tank to the cold water tank via the first heat exchange pipe, and fresh water is supplied to the hot water tank via the second heat exchange pipe. In a heat exchanger, heat is exchanged between fresh water and hot water to cool the hot water and heat the fresh water. The hot water supplied to the cold water tank is further cooled to obtain filtered water at the desired temperature. Cooled filtered water is supplied from the cold water tank.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The water distribution device has a freshwater bypass pipe connected in parallel to the second heat exchange pipe to the water supply network K and the hot water tank supply unit, wherein the method includes flushing the cold water tank with hot water from the hot water tank, the hot water being supplied to the cold water tank via the cold water bypass pipe, the hot water tank and the first heat exchange pipe.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The water distribution device has a hot water bypass pipe connected in parallel to the first heat exchange pipe to the hot water tank discharge section and the cold water tank supply section, wherein the method includes flushing the cold water tank supply section with hot water from the hot water tank, the hot water being supplied to the cold water tank via the hot water bypass pipe.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The water distribution device includes a CO2 tank for supplying CO2, and the method includes dissolving CO2 in cooling water in a second container of a cold water tank to distribute carbonated cooling water.

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