Methods for treating drinking water, UV disinfection system and water dispensers

Abstract

Method for treating drinking water, wherein the drinking water is passed through a UV disinfection (3) and through a water cooler (14) and / or through a carbon dioxide enrichment (15), characterized in that the raw water is first passed through the UV disinfection (3), then through the water cooler (14) and / or through the carbon dioxide enrichment (15) and then from the water cooler (14) and / or from the carbon dioxide enrichment (15) through the same UV disinfection (3) to a delivery point.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a method for treating drinking water, which is carried out in particular using a water dispenser. The invention further relates to a UV disinfection system and a water dispenser with a UV disinfection system. Background of the invention

[0002] It is known to sterilize drinking water using UV light as part of water treatment processes. Sterilization using UV light has the advantage that, with appropriate procedure management, a good sterilization effect can be achieved without releasing chemical substances into the drinking water.

[0003] It is particularly known to equip a water dispenser that dispenses still, unchilled water or chilled water both with and without carbonation with a UV sterilization system.

[0004] In particular, document WO 2009 / 090385 A1 shows a water dispenser that can dispense both carbonated and non-carbonated water via a UV sterilization system.

[0005] The UV sterilization system comprises a spirally wound snake around a rod-shaped UV lamp.

[0006] Providing such sterilization is complex. A conventional UV sterilization system with a water inlet and outlet also has the disadvantage that when switching from carbonated to non-carbonated water or to unchilled water, the water volume already present in the UV sterilization system must first be replaced with the desired water before it can be dispensed.

[0007] Furthermore, a UV sterilization system located directly in front of an outlet cannot reduce the risk of contamination of the inlet-side area, especially the tanks, filters and / or water coolers located there, to the desired extent.

[0008] Documents DE 20 2011 000 505 U1, DE 20 2011 000 504 U1, DE 698 13 269 T2, DE 60 2004 002 307 T2 and DE 1 911 409 U show water treatment facilities.

[0009] Document DE 10 2006 009 351 B3 shows a water dispenser with several UV irradiation devices.

[0010] Document WO 2017 / 043355 A1 shows a UV disinfection system with several laterally exiting channels. Object of the invention

[0011] In contrast, the invention is based on the objective of at least reducing the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0012] In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a method and a device for the treatment of drinking water which, with the aid of UV disinfection, enables simple water treatment with good effect. Summary of the invention

[0013] The object of the invention is already achieved by a method for treating drinking water according to claim 1 and a UV disinfection system and a water dispenser designed for use in the method.

[0014] Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0015] The invention relates to a method for treating drinking water, wherein raw water is passed through a UV disinfection system with at least two channels. The raw water undergoes UV disinfection in at least two different channels and is disinfected at least twice.

[0016] According to the invention, the raw water is first passed through UV disinfection and then, after water treatment, in particular softening and / or treatment in a water dispenser, is passed through UV disinfection again to a collection point.

[0017] UV disinfection is primarily achieved using a system in which water is passed through UV-permeable pipes and a UV lamp.

[0018] A low-pressure UV lamp can be used as the UV lamp. This can have a power output of, for example, 3 to 1000 W, particularly 5 to 20 W. Preferably, a substantially monochromatic light source is used, especially a UV light source with an emission wavelength of 254 nm.

[0019] However, the use of an LED UV light source is also possible within the scope of the invention.

[0020] After passing the drinking water through UV disinfection, the drinking water is passed through a water cooler and / or carbonation.

[0021] If the drinking water is passed through a water cooler, this refers in particular to the water cooler of a water dispenser.

[0022] These types of water dispensers usually have a tank in which the chilled drinking water can be carbonated.

[0023] According to the invention, the incoming raw water is first passed through UV disinfection and then through the water cooler and / or through carbon dioxide enrichment.

[0024] The raw water is therefore not subjected to UV sterilization only after passing through the components described above, before reaching a discharge point at an outlet. Rather, the raw water is disinfected with UV light for the first time before reaching a water cooler or carbonation unit.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the invention, the water is then directed from the water cooler and / or the carbon dioxide enrichment through UV disinfection to a collection point, in particular to an outlet.

[0026] The water to be treated therefore undergoes UV disinfection at least twice. Water already sterilized by UV light is routed from the UV sterilization unit to the water cooler and / or carbon dioxide enrichment stage. This reduces the risk of back-contamination.

[0027] Furthermore, the same UV disinfection is used to sterilize the water flowing from the water cooler and / or the carbonation system.

[0028] Preferably, the UV sterilization is arranged directly before an outlet which corresponds to or leads to the point of use.

[0029] It is understood that the UV disinfection system used for UV disinfection has at least one inlet and one outlet for the raw water, as well as one further inlet and one further outlet each for the water coming from the water cooler and / or from the carbonation system and / or for the ambient water (still, unchilled water).

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, in particular in one embodiment in which the method is provided for a water dispenser, the dispensing of drinking water is switched on and off by means of a valve, in particular by means of a solenoid valve, wherein the valve is arranged on the raw water side at least before the UV disinfection.

[0031] In a further development of the invention, the drinking water is directed from the outlet side of the valve pressurized by the mains pressure via at least two further valves to the point of use via at least two different paths.

[0032] Behind this valve, which is pressurized on the line side, and behind the UV disinfection, the piping system branches out and at least two, preferably three, valves are provided through which the water can be directed in different directions, in particular to dispense either carbonated water, chilled water and / or unchilled water.

[0033] It is specifically designed that the water is routed via a first, further valve through a UV disinfection channel directly to the point of use. In this case, unchilled water is dispensed from the water dispenser.

[0034] To obtain chilled still water, the water is passed through a cooler and then via a second valve and another UV disinfection channel to the point of use.

[0035] Water from the cooler is then routed via a tank with carbon dioxide enrichment, through a third valve, and then via a further UV disinfection channel to the point of use, so that the water dispenser dispenses chilled, carbonated water in this operating position.

[0036] The invention further relates to a water dispenser which is designed to carry out the method described above.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet of the water dispenser is arranged directly adjacent to the UV disinfection, so that UV light enters the outlet directly.

[0038] This can be achieved in particular by installing a UV lamp in a UV-permeable block which has channels that are brought together to form an outlet.

[0039] The invention further relates to a UV disinfection system designed for use in the method described above.

[0040] The UV disinfection system comprises a UV-transmitting block. The UV-transmitting block preferably consists of a plastic, in particular a perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA), or in particular polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or of a UV-transmitting glass, in particular quartz glass.

[0041] It has been found that such materials are also UV-resistant over long periods. However, the greatest advantage, especially of a UV-permeable block made of PTFE, appears to be its diffuse scattering of UV light, which leads to an improved sterilization effect.

[0042] The block has at least two, preferably at least three and particularly preferably at least four different connections for introducing water, from which at least two, preferably three channels extend through the UV-permeable block, ending in a common outlet.

[0043] Within the block, a separate channel is provided for each type of water (unchilled, chilled only, and / or chilled and carbonated), in which the drinking water from one of the connections is sterilized before reaching the outlet.

[0044] This avoids the need, for example, to first flush through the UV disinfection system when switching from still to carbonated water before the desired type of water comes out.

[0045] This in turn allows for the provision of relatively large channels, ensuring sufficient residence time without the need to guide the water in a serpentine fashion around a UV lamp.

[0046] The channels preferably have a cross-section of more than 0.5 cm². 2 , especially more than 1 cm 2 .

[0047] According to the invention, the UV-permeable block comprises a central recess in which the UV lamp is arranged, wherein the channels extend radially distributed around the recess through the UV-permeable block.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the channel is designed in a meandering shape. This channel passes axially through the block at least twice, preferably exactly twice.

[0049] The channels preferably run straight through the block parallel to the UV lamp. This allows, among other things, for simple manufacturing of the block, as the channels can be introduced as axially extending bores.

[0050] The block preferably has a (maximum) diameter between 50 and 500 mm and / or a length between 50 and 500 mm.

[0051] In a further development of the invention, the UV-permeable block is located in a tube, in particular in a metal tube, such as a stainless steel or aluminum tube.

[0052] This provides simple mechanical protection for the block and prevents UV light from escaping the UV sterilization unit. The sterilization process is further enhanced by the reflection of the UV light off the inside of the tube.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the UV-transmitting block includes an outlet which is arranged laterally adjacent to the UV lamp. Thus, the UV lamp, which is preferably cylindrical, shines directly into the outlet without the need for light-guiding structures such as mirrors. The outlet can also be made of stainless steel, for example, so that the sterilization is further enhanced by the reflection of the UV light on the inside of the outlet.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, the UV-transmitting block consists of two joined halves. This makes it easy to provide a longer block with an outlet on one side and at least two, preferably three, particularly preferably four connections on the other side.

[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, the channels in the UV-transmitting block have an elongated cross-section, with one long side facing the UV lamp.

[0056] In this way, the effectiveness of sterilization can be easily increased, since a relatively larger area around the UV lamp serves to couple light into the channels.

[0057] In a further embodiment of the invention, a water inlet is routed around the UV-permeable block, which is designed as a UV-permeable hose, in particular as a PFA, in particular PTFE hose.

[0058] In this embodiment of the invention, the UV-permeable block also has at least two, preferably three, connections through which different types of water, i.e., still water, chilled still water and / or carbonated chilled water, are directed to a common outlet.

[0059] In contrast, a water inlet hose, through which the water is then supplied to a cooler and possibly a tank for carbonation, can be easily looped around the UV-permeable block, so that the incoming raw water is already sterilized by means of UV light, which then passes through the water cooler and possibly the tank for carbonation, until it is again supplied to a connection of the block of the UV disinfection system.

[0060] According to another embodiment of the invention, the UV-permeable block comprises a further channel which does not terminate at the outlet. Via two connections serving as inlet and outlet, this further channel serves instead of the hose for UV disinfection of the incoming water.

[0061] The invention further relates to a water dispenser which includes the UV disinfection system described above. This system is, in particular, integrated into the water dispenser.

[0062] The water dispenser is preferably designed such that the incoming water first passes through the UV disinfection system, in particular through the disinfection system hose described above, and then through a water cooler, in particular through a water cooler with a downstream carbon dioxide enrichment system.

[0063] The water is then distributed and, depending on the position of the valves used, is either passed uncooled via the UV disinfection system, cooled via the UV disinfection system and / or cooled and enriched with carbon dioxide or as ambient water via the UV disinfection system to a common outlet. Brief description of the drawings

[0064] The subject matter of the invention will below be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 to Fig. 15 will be explained in more detail using examples. Referring to the in Fig. A schematically represented system for treating drinking water is to be used to explain a method that is not according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows the essential components of a water dispenser in which the method according to the invention is carried out. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the components of a water dispenser. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a UV disinfection system. Fig. Figure 5 is also a schematic view of a UV disinfection system. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a UV disinfection system. Fig. Figure 7 is a side view of the UV disinfection system. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the UV disinfection system.

[0065] Referring to Fig. 9a / 9b as well Fig. Section 10a / 10b explains the design of a UV-permeable block, as used for the UV disinfection system described above.

[0066] Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the Fig. 10b.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 12a to Fig. Section 14d describes the design of a further embodiment of a UV-permeable block, as used for the disinfection system described above.

[0068] Fig. 12a and Fig. Figure 12b shows perspective views of the block.

[0069] Fig. 13a to Fig. Figure 13d shows the lower part of the block in a perspective view as well as in three sectional views. Similarly, they show... Fig. 14a to Fig. 14c the top part of the UV-permeable block.

[0070] Fig. Figure 15 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a UV-transmitting block, which is at least partially made of quartz glass. Detailed description of the drawings

[0071] Fig. Figure 1 shows a process for treating drinking water in a schematic view as a flowchart.

[0072] Drinking water is then supplied to a tap 7 as a point of use via a raw water supply line 2, for example a building water pipe.

[0073] To treat the water, it is passed through a UV disinfection system 3 and a water filter 5. The water filter 5 can, in particular, include an ion exchange material and / or activated carbon, or be designed as an ultrafilter or a reverse osmosis system.

[0074] The UV disinfection system 3 is advantageously located directly in front of the line 6, which leads to the tap 7.

[0075] This allows for sterilization using UV light close to the sampling point.

[0076] In the conventional way, the UV disinfection system 3 would therefore be installed after the water filter 5 with respect to the flow direction.

[0077] However, a UV disinfection system 3 is used, which has at least two water inlets and at least two water outlets.

[0078] The drinking water to be treated is first passed from the raw water supply line through the UV disinfection system 3 and leaves the UV disinfection system 3 via line 4 to reach the water filter 5.

[0079] It is understood that the UV disinfection system has 3 separate channels. Water flows through one channel from the raw water supply line 2 to line 4 leading to the water filter 5, and water flows through another channel from line 8 coming from the water filter, again through the UV disinfection system and line 6 to the tap 7.

[0080] This introduces already sterilized water into the water filter 5, which can increase its lifespan and reduce the risk of back-contamination in the piping system.

[0081] The now filtered and / or softened drinking water is then fed via line 8 to a second water inlet of the UV disinfection system 3, in order to reach the point of use via line 6.

[0082] This system allows the quality of the treated water to be increased, and the only modification compared to the state of the art is the need for an additional water inlet and outlet at the UV disinfection system 3.

[0083] Fig. Figure 2 shows in a flowchart how a method according to the invention is carried out with a water dispenser 10.

[0084] In this embodiment, the water is supplied to the water dispenser 10 via the raw water supply line 2 and a water filter 5.

[0085] The water filter 5 can be installed in the water dispenser 10 or designed as an inline filter cartridge inserted into the water line.

[0086] In this embodiment, no UV-disinfected water is supplied to the water filter 5. This is different from another embodiment, not shown here (corresponding to...). Fig. 1) but also possible with the invention.

[0087] From water filter 5, the water is fed via line 11 to a UV disinfection system 3 with at least two channels.

[0088] Valve 9 is located in water pipe 11 to switch the water supply on and off. It is specifically a solenoid valve.

[0089] It is understood that, according to another embodiment of the invention, the valve 9 can also be arranged in front of the water filter 5.

[0090] The water passes through the UV disinfection system 3 via line 11 and a first connection of the UV disinfection system 3, and is then discharged again via line 12.

[0091] Behind line 12 there are at least two, in this embodiment three, valves 13a - 13c, which are preferably also designed as solenoid valves.

[0092] The upstream valve 9 shuts off the water supply to the downstream piping system when the system is switched off. Valves 13b and 13c are designed to control the path of the water to be treated after it leaves the UV disinfection system 3.

[0093] Valves 13a - 13b can be opened, controlled for example via a control panel of the water dispenser 10, to dispense either carbonated water or still water via the outlet 18.

[0094] In this embodiment, when the valve 13a is opened, the water is first passed over a water cooler 14 and then over a carbon dioxide enrichment 15.

[0095] The now cooled carbonated water is routed via line 16a to connection 17a of the UV disinfection system 3, in order to pass through it again and be taken from outlet 18.

[0096] When valve 13b is opened, the water is passed over water cooler 14. This can also be the same water cooler 14 used to cool water that is carbonated.

[0097] The cooled still water is conveyed via the water cooler 14 and the valve 13b through the line 16b to the connection 17b, through the UV disinfection system 3 and then to the outlet 18.

[0098] If the user requires unchilled still water, valve 13c is opened and the water is supplied via line 16c to connection 17c of the UV disinfection system 3, from where it is conveyed to outlet 18.

[0099] In the UV disinfection system 3, lines are provided starting from connections 17a - 17c, in which the water is irradiated with UV light.

[0100] These lines are joined together before outlet 18.

[0101] This separate piping within the UV disinfection system 3 has the advantage that the different types of water are kept separate right up to the outlet 18. Outlet 18, which all types of water share, can therefore be operated with a very small volume, in particular a volume of less than 5 cm³. 3 , be designed.

[0102] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic view of a water dispenser 10 according to the invention, the construction of which is essentially the same as that shown in Figure 3. Fig. This corresponds to the flow diagram shown in section 2. Water enters the water dispenser 10 via a raw water supply line 2 and a water filter 5, which is arranged inline on the line side.

[0103] The filtered water is first fed into a UV disinfection system 3 within the water dispenser 10.

[0104] The water dispenser 10 includes a built-in water cooler 14.

[0105] Depending on which water is to be drawn from outlet 18, the water returns to the UV disinfection system 3 via lines 16a - 16c, after it has either only been cooled or cooled and enriched with CO2, or by being returned to the UV disinfection system 3 uncooled.

[0106] Advantageously, the uncooled water does not go directly to outlet 18 after the first passage through the UV disinfection system 3, but is passed through the UV disinfection system 3 at least a second time via another connection.

[0107] In another embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that the uncooled water reaches the outlet 18 directly after passing through the UV disinfection system 3 once (not shown).

[0108] Fig. Figure 4 is a radial sectional view of a block 20 as it can be used for a UV disinfection system 3 according to the invention.

[0109] In this embodiment, block 20 is essentially cylindrical and consists of a UV-permeable plastic, in particular PTFE or PFA.

[0110] A UV lamp 21 is arranged centrally in block 20 and is inserted into a corresponding through-hole (recess 22).

[0111] Block 20 has inlet 21a and outlet 21b for disinfecting the incoming raw water.

[0112] Then, as above, with particular reference to Fig. As described in section 2, the water is returned either uncooled, only cooled, or cooled and enriched with carbon dioxide.

[0113] For this purpose, a further inlet and outlet are provided (17a - 17c and 19a - 19c).

[0114] In this embodiment, the UV disinfection system 3 therefore has four inlets and four outlets, with all lines running axially through block 20.

[0115] In this embodiment, all connections are arranged on one side of block 20, i.e., the lines are routed back in a cover not shown here.

[0116] Fig. 5 is a side view.

[0117] Particularly noticeable is the centrally arranged UV lamp 21, which is located in the recess 22 and around which the various lines for conveying water are arranged.

[0118] A separate line is provided for the raw water and for each desired type of water.

[0119] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a UV disinfection system 3.

[0120] The UV disinfection system 3 is essentially cylindrical in shape.

[0121] The UV disinfection system 3 comprises a pipe, in particular a metal pipe 23, into which a block 20 made of UV-permeable material is inserted.

[0122] On one side, here on the underside, the UV disinfection system 3 has three connections 17, which in this embodiment protrude at an angle from the underside.

[0123] In this embodiment, on the side opposite the connections 17 there is an outlet 18, to which, for example, a pipe can be connected through which drinking water from a water dispenser 10, in which the UV disinfection system 3 is installed, flows.

[0124] The metal tube 23 can be made of stainless steel or aluminium in particular and prevents, among other things, UV light from escaping from this UV disinfection system 3 designed as a reactor, and on the other hand ensures that the UV light is reflected on the inside of the tube, thereby increasing the disinfection.

[0125] For the lateral outlet 18, the metal tube 23 includes an opening 24. It is understood that a plastic tube can also be used instead of a metal tube 23.

[0126] The plug 25 on the top of the UV disinfection system 3 is used to supply power to the UV lamp inserted into block 20.

[0127] The UV lamp 21 can be pulled out at the plug 25 and thus easily replaced.

[0128] It can also be seen that the block 20 is not completely cylindrical, but that it has axially extending cavities 26.

[0129] In this embodiment of the invention, the raw water arriving from the pipe side is not guided through a channel 27 in block 20 for UV disinfection, but a hose made of UV-permeable material (not shown), for example a PTFE hose, is pushed through the cavity 27 and then connected to a connection of the water dispenser 10.

[0130] Fig. 7 is a side view of the in Fig. 6 UV disinfection systems shown.

[0131] Shown are the three connections 17a - 17c on the underside of the UV disinfection system 3, which lead to the channels in block 20 for the three different types of water.

[0132] The outlet 18 can be directly irradiated by the UV lamp 21, since the light can pass through the block 20 made of UV-permeable material and directly hit the outlet 18.

[0133] Fig. 8 is an axial sectional view of the in Fig. 7 UV disinfection system 3 shown along line AA.

[0134] The UV lamp 21 can be seen, which is designed in particular as a low-pressure UV lamp and which forms a cylinder that extends centrally through the block 20 made of UV-permeable material, in particular a UV-permeable plastic material.

[0135] It can also be seen that block 20 in this example consists of an upper part 29 and a lower part 28.

[0136] Two connections 17a, 17b can be seen, with the section in this view going through connection 17b.

[0137] The axial channel 27 extending from connection 17b and leading to outlet 18 can be seen.

[0138] In this embodiment, cooled still water is conveyed to the outlet 18 via this channel 27.

[0139] Fig. 9a is a perspective view of the lower part 28 and Fig. 10a a perspective view of the upper part 29 of the in Fig. 8 blocks shown, where Fig. 9b and Fig. 10b is a corresponding axial sectional view.

[0140] As in Fig. 9a and Fig. As can be seen from 10a, block 20 consists of two joined halves.

[0141] The lower part 28 and the upper part 29 comprise at least two, in this embodiment three, axially extending channels 27.

[0142] The channels 27 are distributed around the recess 22, into which the UV lamp 21 is inserted.

[0143] To assemble the upper part 28 and the lower part 29, each channel 27 of the lower part 28 includes a circumferential web 30 which, in the assembled state, engages in a corresponding recess of the channels of the upper part 29.

[0144] It is understood that seals can be inserted between the upper part 28 and the lower part 29.

[0145] The channels 27 have a long, elongated cross-section, with one long side pointing towards the recess 22 and thus towards the UV lamp 21.

[0146] Material is recessed on the outside between the channels 27, creating axially extending cavities 26 through which a hose can be pulled to connect the water dispenser (not shown).

[0147] Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 10a shows that the upper part 29 has a side wall-side outlet 18.

[0148] In the section view according to Fig. Figure 9b, in which the section is made through a channel 27, shows that the block 20 at the bottom has a thread 31 for each channel 27, into which the angled connecting piece can be screwed.

[0149] In the section view according to Fig. Figure 10b shows how the channel 27 flows into the laterally arranged outlet 18.

[0150] It can also be seen that the recess 22, into which the UV lamp 21 is inserted, is adjacent to the outlet 18, so that UV light shines directly into the angled outlet 18.

[0151] Fig. Figure 11 is a sectional view along line BB of the Fig. 10.

[0152] The cut is made through outlet 18.

[0153] The channels 27 shown here, which do not flow directly into outlet 18, are led to outlet 18 via connecting channels 33.

[0154] The three channels 27 only come together immediately at the lateral outlet 18.

[0155] The different types of water are kept separate in the UV disinfection system 3 up to outlet 18.

[0156] Between the channels 27 are laterally inserted, axially extending recesses 32a-32c, through which a cavity (26 in) is formed within the tube 23 into which the block 20 is inserted. Fig. 6) is formed, through which a hose can be routed to connect the water dispenser.

[0157] Block 20 preferably has a diameter between 50 and 500 mm.

[0158] Due to the relatively large channels 27 and the use of a material permeable to UV light, in particular a plastic material, for block 20, a long residence time and in particular a good disinfection effect could be achieved without the need for the water to be guided in a spiral wrapped around the UV lamp.

[0159] This is also due to the diffuse scattering caused by the plastic material used and the predominantly turbulent flow in the channels 27. These preferably have a cross-section of 0.5 to 5 cm². 2 , especially preferred from 1.5 to 3 cm 2 .

[0160] Referring to Fig. 12a to Fig. Section 14d describes an alternative embodiment of a UV disinfection system 3 with a UV-transmitting block 20. The UV disinfection system 3 can correspond to the previously described embodiment except for the differences explained below.

[0161] As in the perspective views according to Fig. 12a and Fig. As shown in Figure 12b, the UV disinfection system 3 comprises a substantially cylindrical block 20 which is inserted into a pipe 23, in particular a metal or plastic pipe.

[0162] In contrast to the previously described embodiment, the UV disinfection system 3 includes not only the connections 17a to 17c, which lead to the outlet 18, but also the opposing connections 34 and 35, which are connected to each other by a channel running axially through the block 20.

[0163] Connections 34 and 35 serve as inlet and outlet for the system via a single line (11 in Fig. 2) Water supplied to the water dispenser.

[0164] The incoming water is therefore not routed through the UV disinfection system 3 via a UV-permeable hose, but block 20 has an additional channel that serves for UV sterilization of the incoming water.

[0165] For example, the incoming water can be fed into the UV disinfection system 3 via connection 34. After UV sterilization, it leaves the UV disinfection system 3 via connection 35 as an outlet and can then, as described above, be returned to the UV disinfection system 3 via connections 17a to 17c either cooled only, cooled and carbonated, and / or uncooled.

[0166] The connections 17a to 17c are connected to channels which, as already explained above, run axially through the block 20 and which are joined at the outlet 18.

[0167] Referring to Fig. 13a to Fig. Section 13c is intended to explain the design of the lower part 28 of the block.

[0168] Fig. 13a is a perspective view of the lower part 28.

[0169] As already shown in the top view according to Fig. As shown in 13b, the lower part 28 comprises a total of 4 axially extending channels 27a, 27, which are distributed around the UV lamp 21.

[0170] Fig. 13c is a sectional view along line AA of the Fig. 13b.

[0171] In this view, two axially extending channels 27a, 27 can be seen, which extend from each of a thread 31, which serves to receive an angled connecting piece, along the lower part 28 and thus along the block 20.

[0172] As particularly in Fig. 13d, a sectional view along line BB of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 13c, the channels 27a, 27 are elongated in cross-section, in particular oval, and are distributed with their long side around the UV lamp 21.

[0173] Channel 27a serves for UV sterilization of the incoming water, whereas the other three channels 27 serve for the passage of the aforementioned different types of water.

[0174] Referring to Fig. 14a to Fig. 14d will explain the design of the upper part 29.

[0175] The upper part 29 of block 20 includes the outlet 18, which is particularly evident in the perspective view according to Fig. 14a can be seen.

[0176] As shown in the top view according to Fig. As shown in 14b, the upper part 29 also includes the channel 27a for UV sterilization of the incoming water as well as the further channels 27 for further UV sterilization of the different types of water before they exit at the outlet 18.

[0177] Fig. 14c is a sectional view along line AA of the Fig. 14b.

[0178] The axially extending channel 27a, which leads to a thread 31 for an angled connecting piece, and a channel 27, which leads to the outlet 18, are shown.

[0179] Fig. 14d is a sectional view along line BB of the Fig. 14c.

[0180] It can be seen that the three channels 27 merge immediately before the outlet 18.

[0181] The connection channels 33 are provided for this purpose.

[0182] Channel 27a separately passes through the UV-permeable block 20 to perform UV sterilization of the incoming water.

[0183] Fig. Figure 15 shows in a radial sectional view another embodiment of a UV-transmitting block 20, which can be used in particular instead of the block described above.

[0184] Block 20 includes an inner tube 36 made of quartz glass, which serves to hold the UV lamp 21.

[0185] Between the inner tube 36 and the outer tube 37 there is at least one insert 38, so that axially extending channels 27 are formed between the inner tube 36 and the outer tube 37.

[0186] Insert 36 preferably also consists of a UV-permeable material.

[0187] The outer tube 37 preferably also consists of quartz glass. This can be mirrored, as provided according to one embodiment of the invention, in order to increase the UV intensity in the channels 27.

[0188] The invention enabled efficient and simple sterilization as part of water treatment. Reference symbol list 1 system for treating drinking water 2 Raw water supply 3 UV disinfection systems 4 lines 5 water filters 6 Line 7 Faucet 8 Line 9 valve 10 water dispensers 11 Management 12 Line 13a-13c Valve 14 water coolers 15 Carbonation 16a-16c Line 17, 17a-17c connection 18 outlet 19a-19c Outlet 20 blocks 21 UV lamps 21a Inlet 21b Exit 22 Exclusion 23 pipe 24-hour opening 25 plugs 26 cavity 27, 27a Canal 28 Lower part 29 Top 30 surrounding walkway 31 threads 32a-32c axial recess 33 Connection channel 34 connection 35 connection 36 inner tube 37 Outer pipe 38 deployment

Claims

[1] Method for treating drinking water, wherein the drinking water is passed through a UV disinfection (3) and through a water cooler (14) and / or through carbonation (15), characterized by , that the raw water is first passed through the UV disinfection (3), then through the water cooler (14) and / or through the carbon dioxide enrichment (15) and then from the water cooler (14) and / or from the carbon dioxide enrichment (15) through the same UV disinfection (3) to a delivery point. [2] Method for treating drinking water according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that uncooled raw water is passed through UV disinfection (3) twice. [3] Method for treating drinking water according to claim 2, characterized by , that the process is carried out by means of a water dispenser (10) which dispenses optionally unchilled water, chilled water and / or carbonated water. [4] Method for treating drinking water according to claim 3, characterized by , that the UV disinfection (3) is arranged immediately before the outlet (18) of the water dispenser (10). [5] UV disinfection system (3), designed for use in a method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a UV-permeable block (20) in which a UV lamp (21) is arranged in a recess (22), wherein the UV-permeable block (20) has at least two, preferably at least three, particularly preferably at least four different connections (17a-17c) for introducing water, from which at least two, preferably three channels (27) extend through the UV-permeable block (20) which open into a common outlet (18), wherein the channels (27) are distributed around the recess (22) and extend axially through the UV-permeable block (20). [6] UV disinfection system (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the UV-permeable block is made of a plastic, in particular PTFE or PFA, or of a glass, in particular quartz glass, and / or that at least one canal (27) runs in a meandering shape, and / or that the UV-permeable block (20) is arranged in a tube (23), in particular a metal tube or plastic tube, and / or that the UV-permeable block (20) has an outlet (18) which is arranged laterally adjacent to the UV lamp (21), and / or that the UV-permeable block (20) consists of two composite halves, and / or that the channels (27) have an elongated cross-section, with one long side facing the UV lamp (21). [7] UV disinfection system (3) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by , that a water inlet is provided around the UV-permeable block (20), which is designed as a UV-permeable hose. [8] Water dispenser (10) comprising a UV disinfection system (3) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the water dispenser (10) is designed such that incoming water is first conveyed through the UV disinfection system (3), then through a cooler (14), in particular a cooler (14) and a downstream carbon dioxide enrichment (15), and then through the same UV disinfection system (3) to an outlet (18) or is conveyed directly as still, uncooled water a second time through the same UV disinfection system (3) to the outlet (18).

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