Power supply unit for a disinfection device

Abstract

Power supply unit (6, 11) for a disinfection device (1) for the production of drinking water, comprising at least a primary and secondary power supply unit (11, 6), a disinfection device (1) associated with the secondary power supply unit (6) with an open electrolysis cell and a waterproof housing (5) from which the two electrodes (9, 10) of the electrolysis cell protrude, wherein the housing (5) can be inserted into a container (2) so that the electrodes (9, 10) of the electrolysis cell can be wetted by the contents of the container (2), wherein the secondary power supply unit (6) consists of an inductively actuated receiver coil (7) which is arranged near the bottom of the housing (5) and can be actuated by a primary power supply unit (11) outside the housing (5), characterized by that the primary power supply unit (11) has a trough-shaped recess for the container (2) on the support side and is equipped with at least one is equipped with an LED diode (17) which defines a placement position for the container (2), wherein the one or more LED diodes (17) indicate at least the contact between primary and secondary power supply unit (11, 6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a power supply unit for a disinfection device for the production of drinking water, comprising at least a primary and secondary power supply unit, a disinfection device associated with the secondary power supply unit having an open electrolysis cell, and a waterproof housing from which the two electrodes of the electrolysis cell protrude, wherein the housing can be inserted into a container so that the electrodes of the electrolysis cell can be wetted by the contents of the container, wherein the secondary power supply unit consists of an inductively actuated receiver coil, which is arranged near the bottom of the housing and can be actuated by a primary power supply unit outside the housing.

[0002] An electrolysis cell is used to disinfect water and consists of an anode and a cathode. This electrolysis cell is relatively small and sufficient to disinfect a limited quantity of water. Previously, chlorine preparations in tablet or powder form were primarily used for this purpose, but these have a limited shelf life and are not universally available. An electrolysis cell is therefore a suitable option for water disinfection because even small amounts of salt (NaCl), some of which are already present in drinking water, are sufficient to carry out a disinfection process. The basic principle is known from DE 34 10 489 A1, which discloses a device for water disinfection. In this device, a sodium hypochlorite solution is produced electrochemically using an electrolysis cell and used for disinfection.

[0003] Both closed electrolysis cells and open electrolysis cells are known, the latter having electrodes that extend into the water.

[0004] The production of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) proceeds according to the following scheme: Electrochemical process in electrolysis cells and the disinfection process

[0005] When table salt (NaCl) dissolves in water (H2O), the sodium atom (Na) loses an electron (e - ) to the chlorine atom (Cl), Sodium (Na) now has a positive charge Chlorine (Cl) now has a negative charge. Na →Na + + e - Cl + e' →Cl - Na+ and Cl - are ions. Ions possess an electrical charge. If a direct current voltage is introduced into the salt solution (H2O + NaCl) via two electrodes, the N / a + Ions towards the negative electrode (cathode) Cl - Ions towards the positive electrode (anode) pulled. The cathode gives the Na + The ion returns the lost electron. The anode extracts the Cl - the electron that was carried along. Na + + e - →Na Cl - → Cl + e -

[0006] Ions have become atoms.

[0007] These atoms react with the environment, the water. Na + H2O → NaOH + H Cl + H2O → HCl0 + H H is hydrogen. This gas creates a great deal of turbulence in the Electrolysis cell.

[0008] Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hypochlorous acid (HClO) are mixed and a mixture is created NaOH + HClO → NaClO + H2O NaClO = Sodium hypochlorite

[0009] Sodium hypochlorite is a fast-acting disinfectant.

[0010] A method is known from US Patent 5,795,459 A in which a diafraga electrolysis cell is inserted into the water to be treated as an immersion electrode. A disadvantage of this method is that NaOH (bleach) is produced during the process and enters the drinking water directly, causing an increase in the natural pH value. In such a case, three to five times the amount of oxidizing agents is required to achieve effective disinfection of the drinking water, for example, at an elevated pH value of 7.8 or higher.

[0011] The advantage of a regulated electrolysis cell over immersion electrolysis cells is that no unnecessary dissolved table salt enters the drinking water, thus preventing it from impairing quality and taste. Another advantage of a regulated electrolysis cell is energy savings. The integrated digital ammeter allows the conductivity to be measured. If the water contains too little salt, enough salt must be added until the current rises to, for example, 0.5 amps (500 mA). This would correspond to a conductivity of approximately 420 µS / m² and would be sufficient to produce about 0.2 mg of sodium chloride per liter.

[0012] Closed and regulated electrolysis cells have a salt reservoir located within the housing, releasing only the amount of dissolved NaCl required for the electrolysis process, thus preventing any impairment of water quality. When a direct current is applied to the electrodes and a defined electrolysis current is electronically controlled, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is produced in the electrolysis cell, maintaining the natural pH value of the drinking water being disinfected.

[0013] The simultaneous production of hydrogen gas (H2) creates a vortex and overpressure within the closed electrolysis cell, causing the pH-neutral disinfectant and oxidizing agent NaClO to exit the upper part of the cell. At the same time, a negative pressure is created at the bottom of the electrolysis cell, facilitating the controlled flow of dissolved brine into the cell. Biologically contaminated water is rendered completely germ-free by this disinfection process, with the atomic oxygen (O) in its nascent state, largely combined with the chlorine (Cl), enabling highly efficient oxidation of carbon chains (Cn).

[0014] Alternatively, open electrolysis cells can be used, which are placed freely in the surrounding water with the anode and cathode extending into the water. In this case, the salt (NaCl) contained in the water is used to produce sodium hypochlorite.

[0015] Both closed and open electrolysis cells pose a risk of introducing germs, bacteria and viruses into the water being treated.

[0016] From DE 197 52 174 A1, a cleaning device is known which provides electrolytic purification of tap water in a container, and the purified water can be used, for example, for mouthwash, via a cleaning unit with a nozzle. The stand has a primary power supply unit, which is inductively based and provides power to a secondary power supply unit located in the base of the water container. Both the water container and the cleaning unit are designed to be inserted into the housing at a fixed position.

[0017] The present invention is based on the objective of demonstrating a novel electrolysis cell which enables the production of efficient and higher dosed disinfection solutions and uses a power supply unit which prevents the introduction of germs, bacteria and viruses into the water to be treated via cable connections.

[0018] To solve the problem, the primary power supply unit is provided with a trough-shaped recess on its support side for the container and is equipped with at least one, preferably several, LEDs that define a positioning position for the container, the LEDs indicating at least the contact between the primary and secondary power supply units. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0019] By using a primary and secondary power supply unit, an effective power supply to the disinfection device, particularly the electrolysis cell, can be achieved without the need for cable connections. This prevents infection by germs, bacteria, or viruses in the water being treated. An inductively actuated receiver coil is used for the secondary power supply unit, which is preferably located near the bottom of the housing and is powered by a primary power supply unit located outside the housing. The housing serves to contain the disinfection device, specifically the electrolysis cell with open electrodes that are wetted by the water. The housing itself is designed to be placed in a water container, such as a carafe or a large glass of water.The water reservoir is preferably placed on the primary power supply unit, enabling inductive charging of the receiver coil. The primary and secondary power supply units form the basis for supplying the electrolysis cell with current and voltage, respectively.

[0020] The power supply unit thus enables preventive hygienic measures to combat and contain Corona Covid-19 by producing efficient and higher dosed disinfection solutions from normal table salt (NaCl) in a higher concentration than previously possible for the drinking water sector and is sufficient for disinfecting the water.

[0021] The inventive step here does not lie in a novel electrolysis cell, since these methods are well known, but in an innovative contactless energy transfer from the power section of the primary power supply unit to the secondary power supply unit and from this to the electrolysis cell, which prevents germs, bacteria and viruses from being introduced into the water to be treated by repeatedly inserting the electrolysis cell by hand and via infected cable connections.

[0022] The primary power supply unit is designed to accommodate a container with water and the disinfection device. The disinfection device, with its secondary power supply unit, is located inside the container and can remain there during water addition and removal. To simplify placement, the primary power supply unit has a recessed area on its base to accommodate the container, allowing for precise positioning.

[0023] The primary power supply unit is equipped with at least one, preferably several, LEDs that define the installation position for the container. Additionally, the LEDs can indicate the connection between the primary and secondary power supply units.

[0024] The focus is therefore on contactless energy transfer from the primary power supply unit to the secondary power supply unit. In this process, the secondary and primary power supply units are equipped with a transmitter coil and a receiver coil, respectively, to enable inductive energy transfer.

[0025] For optimal coupling, the transmitter and receiver coils used should be of the same size, preferably with a 1:1 ratio. Components from the WE-WPCC family, such as 760308102142 (53 x 53 mm) or 760308100143 or 760308100110 (50 mm diameter), are specifically designed for high power applications. These coils are characterized by very low RDC values, very high Q-values, and a very high saturation current IR. To prevent unwanted saturation or overheating of the coils, a safety margin of 30% should always be included. If multiple coils are used, those with the highest inductance should be selected, as this allows for a smaller resonant circuit capacitor. This also reduces the reactive currents in the reservoir.Smaller currents in the resonant circuit lead to less self-heating and better EMC performance.

[0026] Because the water tank can be placed directly on the primary power supply unit, there is only a small distance to the secondary power supply unit, so that the inductive application of the receiver coil with high intensity is possible.

[0027] In further embodiments of the invention, the primary power supply unit is equipped with a microprocessor that regulates the power transfer. Furthermore, the primary power supply unit is designed for connection to a mains voltage of 230 volts, or optionally 110 volts. Alternatively, a lower voltage of, for example, 12 or 24 volts can be provided, allowing the vehicle's electrical system to be used as the power supply unit. The primary power supply unit can thus be powered by either a mains voltage or a vehicle voltage to enable the inductive charging of the receiver coil, with the power transfer being regulated by the microprocessor.Additionally, the primary power supply unit can have a capacitive contactless switch to activate the transmitter coil whenever a water container is placed on it. Alternatively, a switching contact can be used that is activated by placing the water container on top.

[0028] The primary and secondary power supply units can be designed for small or medium-sized water containers, approximately the size of a kettle, for example. A small disinfection device is sufficient, with electrodes spaced apart and moistened by the water. Immediately after applying power, bubbles rising from the electrodes indicate that the electrolysis cell is functioning correctly.

[0029] As an alternative to easily handled water containers of a suitable size for the electrolysis cell, larger containers designed to hold a greater quantity of fresh water can also be equipped with at least one electrolysis cell. These larger containers also utilize a primary and secondary power supply unit, allowing the necessary energy to be supplied wirelessly to the secondary power supply unit. This offers the aforementioned advantages of preventing the introduction of germs, bacteria, and viruses, for example, through a cable connection within the water container.The required size of the primary and secondary power supply units depends on the size of the water tank. In some cases, multiple electrolysis cells with corresponding primary and secondary power supply units can be used, which can be activated independently and disinfect the water. Larger induction coils also allow for higher energy transfer in large systems of up to 2000 watts.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the primary power supply unit has a digital display instrument which at least enables the display of the current flow and the supply voltage.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the LED diodes form a ring shape, wherein the container can be positioned inside the ring.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the primary power supply unit is provided with a parallel connection of capacitor and inductor to compensate for the stray inductance of the WPC coil. The secondary power supply unit is equipped with a resonant converter, which is used as a synchronous rectifier to obtain the required DC voltage.

[0033] The primary power supply unit can further include an integrated timer that influences the microprocessor in order to regulate the selectable concentration of sodium chloride. The primary power supply unit can only be activated via the contactless capacitive switch when a container with the secondary power supply unit is placed on the support surface. The container for holding the water is preferably made of glass or plastic.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention is based on the process objective of enabling a germ-free transmission of the supply voltage to the electrolysis cell.

[0035] To solve the problem, it is planned that a voltage will be applied to the anode and cathode for the electrolytic production of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) from table salt (NaCl). The electrodes will be positioned below the water level, and the supply voltage will be transmitted via a contactless and wireless primary and secondary power supply unit. This ensures, in particular, that germs, bacteria, and viruses, which can adhere to a cable connection, for example, do not enter the drinking water being treated. The use of a primary and secondary power supply unit, each equipped with a transmitter coil on one side and an inductively driven receiver coil on the other, enables contactless and wireless transmission of the supply voltage.

[0036] The primary power supply unit is equipped with several LEDs that define a placement area for the container. This ensures that the container of drinking water is positioned directly above the primary transmitter coil, thus enabling optimal transfer of electromagnetic energy to the secondary receiver coil. Furthermore, the LEDs can indicate a connection between the primary and secondary power supplies. The primary power supply unit is switched on and off via a contactless switch, such as a capacitive touch switch.

[0037] The duration of the switch-on time is controlled by a timer or a microprocessor.

[0038] The essential advantage of the present invention is that a power supply unit for a disinfection device is disclosed, which consists of a primary and secondary power supply unit, wherein the primary power supply unit is equipped with a transmitter coil and inductively acts on a receiver coil of the secondary power supply unit.

[0039] This offers the significant advantage that contamination of the water by inserting and removing the electrolysis cell can be prevented, because it is located in the water container and the required energy is transferred inductively from the primary power supply unit to the secondary power supply unit without contact.

[0040] The invention will be explained in more detail below using a figure.

[0041] It shows Fig.1. In a schematic view, the principle of energy transfer for a disinfection device.

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a disinfection device 1, which is located in a container 2 containing water 3. The container 2 is placed on a support tray 4. The disinfection device 1, including the power supply unit A, essentially consists of three parts: 1. The primary power supply unit (A), consisting of a special 230 volt AC coil, built into a round, plate-shaped plastic housing with integrated LED lighting and contact switch. 2. The secondary power supply unit (B) with a secondary receiver coil 7, a capacitor, a rectifier for conversion to direct current and an electrolysis cell with cathode and anode. 3. A glass or plastic carafe with a smooth bottom to hold the housing with the secondary receiver coil and electrolysis cell.

[0043] This device configuration is used for disinfecting one to two liters of water at selectable concentrations. a) Drinking water with a concentration of 0.2 milligrams of NaClO per liter b) Preparation of a disinfectant solution with a 3% NaClO concentration for hand disinfection c) Preparation of a disinfectant solution with a 5% NaClO concentration for surface disinfection

[0044] The disinfection device 1 is located in a housing 5, which contains the secondary power supply unit 6 with secondary receiver coil 7. The housing 5 is placed on the bottom 8 of the container 2, so that the two electrodes 9, 10 protruding from the housing are wetted by the water 3.

[0045] The primary power supply unit 11 can be equipped with a microprocessor (not shown) and has a proximity switch 12, which enables the power supply via a mains cable 13. As long as the proximity switch 12 is closed, a transformer coil 14 is energized, which transmits the required voltage to the primary transmitter coil 15 on its output side. As soon as the transmitter coil 15 is energized, an inductive field 16 is generated, which enables energy transfer to the receiver coil 7, thus initiating the electrolysis process.

[0046] The support tray 4 is equipped with ring-shaped LEDs 17, which indicate the position for placing the container 2.

[0047] Both the primary power supply unit 11 and the secondary power supply unit 6 are shown again in an enlarged position above the container 2. Reference symbol list 1 Disinfection unit 2 containers 3 Water 4 support trays 5 cases 6 Power supply unit 7 Receiver coil 8 Floor 9 electrode 10 electrode 11 Power supply unit 12 proximity switches 13 power cables 14 Transformer coil 15 Transmitter coil 16th field 17 LED

Claims

[1] Power supply unit (6, 11) for a disinfection device (1) for the production of drinking water, comprising at least a primary and secondary power supply unit (11, 6), a disinfection device (1) associated with the secondary power supply unit (6) with an open electrolysis cell and a waterproof housing (5) from which the two electrodes (9, 10) of the electrolysis cell protrude, wherein the housing (5) can be inserted into a container (2) so that the electrodes (9, 10) of the electrolysis cell can be wetted by the contents of the container (2), wherein the secondary power supply unit (6) consists of an inductively actuated receiver coil (7) which is arranged near the bottom of the housing (5) and can be actuated by a primary power supply unit (11) outside the housing (5), characterized by , that the primary power supply unit (11) has a trough-shaped recess for the container (2) on the support side and is equipped with at least one is equipped with an LED diode (17) which defines a placement position for the container (2), wherein the one or more LED diodes (17) indicate at least the contact between primary and secondary power supply unit (11, 6). [2] Power supply unit (6, 11) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a contactless energy transfer takes place from the primary power supply unit (11) to the secondary power supply unit (6). [3] Power supply unit (6, 11) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the secondary and primary power supply unit (6; 11) are equipped with a transmitter coil (15) and a receiver coil (7). [4] Power supply unit (6, 11) according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized by, that the primary power supply unit (11) is equipped with a microprocessor which regulates the power transfer. [5] Power supply unit (6, 11) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the primary power supply unit (11) is designed for connection to a mains voltage of 230 volts. [6] Power supply unit (6, 11) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the primary power supply unit (11) has a capacitive contactless switch to activate the transmitter coil (15). [7] Power supply unit (6, 11) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the primary power supply unit (11) has a digital display instrument which displays at least the current flow and the supply voltage. [8] Power supply unit (6, 11) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the primary power supply unit (11) is provided for placing a container (2) with water (3) and the disinfection device (1). [9] Power supply unit (6, 11) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the LED diodes (17) are arranged in a ring shape, wherein the container (2) can be positioned inside the ring. [10] Power supply unit (6, 11) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the primary power supply unit (11) has a parallel connection of capacitance and inductance to compensate for the stray inductance of the WPC coil. [11] Power supply unit (6, 11) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the primary power supply unit (11) has an integrated timer influencing the microprocessor to regulate the selectable concentration of sodium chloride. [12] Power supply unit (6, 11) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the primary power supply unit (11) can only be activated when a container (2) with the secondary power supply unit (6) is placed on the support surface. [13] Power supply unit (6, 11) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that a resonant converter of the secondary voltage supply unit (6) is provided as a synchronous rectifier. [14] Power supply unit (6, 11) according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the container (2) for holding the water (3) consists of a glass or plastic container. [15] Method for the electrophysical production of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) from sodium chlorine (NaCl) by applying a voltage to the anode and cathode, which are arranged below a water level in a container (2), wherein the supply voltage is transmitted by a contactless and wireless primary and secondary voltage supply unit (11; 6), using a voltage supply unit (11; 6) according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized by , that the primary power supply unit (11) is equipped with several LED diodes (17) by which a positioning position for the container (2) is defined and the LED diodes (17) indicate an existing contact between primary and secondary power supply units (11; 6), wherein the primary power supply unit (11) is switched on and off via a contactless switch, such as a non-contact capacitive switch. [16] Method according to claim 15, characterized by , that the primary power supply unit (11) has a transmitter coil (15) and the secondary power supply unit (6) has an inductively actuated receiver coil (7). [17] Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by that the duration of the switch-on time is controlled by a timer or by an integrated microprocessor.

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