Device for dispensing water and method for dispensing water

Abstract

Device (100) for dispensing water, in particular for dispensing water from a conditionable water system, comprising a jet shaper (1) which is configured to shape the water to be dispensed, a first supply line (11) for supplying water from a first supply device to the jet shaper (1), a second supply line (12) for supplying water from a second supply device to the jet shaper (1), wherein the jet shaper (1) is configured to shape the jet depending on whether water is supplied from the first supply line (11) or from the second supply line (12).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for dispensing water and a method for dispensing water. State of the art

[0002] In water dispensing devices, jet shapers are known from the prior art. These shape the water jet and enable a defined water flow. It is also known from the prior art to mix air into a water jet. The resulting water jet is also referred to as an aerated water jet. Devices are also known from the prior art that dispense water in a treated form, in particular chilled, heated, boiling, or carbonated. In potentially germ-contaminated environments, water is typically dispensed through devices without openings for air mixing. It is known from the prior art that dispensing boiling water without prior expansion leads to a fanned-out water jet and the release of water vapor into the environment. This can impair or endanger users.

[0003] The water dispensing devices known in the prior art have restrictions, particularly with regard to simultaneously fulfilling several of the requirements listed above. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to solve, at least partially, the problems of the prior art. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a passive water dispensing device and a method for dispensing water, which enables the shaping of a water jet depending on the water supply line used in the water dispensing device and which is readily scalable in size, so that even small device dimensions can be achieved.

[0005] The problem is solved by a device for dispensing water according to claim 1 and a method for dispensing water according to the dependent claim. Advantageous further developments and embodiments are described in the dependent claims and in this description.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for dispensing water, in particular for dispensing water from a conditionable water system, comprising a jet shaper configured to shape the water to be dispensed, a first supply line for supplying water from a first supply device to the jet shaper, a second supply line for supplying water from a second supply device to the jet shaper, wherein the jet shaper is configured to shape the jet depending on whether water is supplied from the first supply line or from the second supply line.

[0007] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for dispensing water using a water dispensing device according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0008] Wherever “or” is used in the following list, unless otherwise stated, it means “and / or”.

[0009] In typical embodiments, the water dispensing device dispenses water from a conditionable water system. In particular, the water from the conditionable water system comprises tempered water, especially chilled water, heated water, or boiling water. In embodiments, the water from the conditionable water system comprises carbonated water. In embodiments, the water dispensing device dispenses unconditioned water.

[0010] In typical embodiments, the dispensing of water includes, in particular, the dispensing of water to a user, wherein a dispensed jet of water typically emerges openly from the water dispensing device. Typically, the user selects the water to be dispensed, and in particular the conditioning of the water to be dispensed, by means of a device. Typically, the water dispensing device has a plurality of, in particular two or three, supply lines for feeding water from a plurality of supply devices, in particular from conditioned water systems or from water supply systems. In typical embodiments, each of the water supply lines has different supply devices, in particular water with different conditioning. In embodiments, several of the supply lines feed the device with either identically conditioned or unconditioned water.

[0011] Typically, a jet shaper shapes the water being dispensed or enables a defined flow rate. In some embodiments, the jet shaper allows air to be introduced into the water being dispensed. This results in a water jet that users perceive as pleasant and full. In some embodiments, the jet shaper is designed to produce a laminar water jet.

[0012] In typical embodiments, the jet shaper enables the expansion of gas-water mixtures, for example, of water vapor in boiling water.

[0013] Typically, a beam shaper allows for different beam shaping depending on the feed from specific supply lines. In particular, the beam shaper allows for different beam shaping when fed from a first supply line compared to when fed from a second supply line.

[0014] Typically, the aerator has an opening for mixing air into the water to be dispensed or for releasing gases, particularly water vapor. In typical embodiments, the opening comprises several individual openings, in particular 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, or 15 individual openings. Typically, the individual openings are arranged rotationally symmetrically about an axis, in particular rotationally symmetrically in n directions, where n is any natural number greater than 1. Typically, the opening can be closed variably, in particular depending on the supply of water from one of the supply lines, in particular depending on the supply from the first supply line or from the second supply line. Typically, the aerator is designed or installed in the device such that a supply line from a dispensing device that provides boiling hot water opens the opening.This advantageously allows the steam from the boiling water to expand through the opening. This typically reduces or prevents the water jet from fanning out and releasing further steam in a radial direction. In typical designs, the hot, escaping steam cleans the opening, particularly disinfecting it.

[0015] Typically, the jet shaper is designed or installed in the device such that a supply line from a water supply unit that provides non-boiling water, in particular from a supply unit that provides chilled, heated, or untreated water, closes the opening. This advantageously protects the dispensed water from contamination by airborne substances, especially pathogens, germs, pollutants, or other foreign matter.

[0016] Typically, the aerator has an adjusting element that adjusts the opening, in particular the degree of opening, depending on the supply of water from one of the supply lines, especially from the first supply line or the second supply line. For example, the adjusting element opens the opening when water is supplied from a supply line of a device that provides boiling hot water, and closes the opening when water is supplied from a supply line of a device that provides chilled, heated, or untreated water.

[0017] In some embodiments, the adjusting element closes the opening when water is supplied from a feed line from a dispensing device that provides carbonated water. This reduces or prevents adverse outgassing of the carbonated water.

[0018] In some embodiments, the adjusting element modifies the exit area of ​​the emerging water jet depending on the water supply from one of the supply lines, particularly from the first or second supply line. For example, the adjusting element enlarges the exit area of ​​the emerging water jet when water is supplied from one supply line and reduces the exit area when water is supplied from another. Thus, the force of the emerging water jet can be influenced by the adjusting element.

[0019] In some embodiments, the adjusting element modifies the shape-defining nozzles of the water dispensing device depending on the supply of water from one of the supply lines, particularly from the first or second supply line. For example, the adjusting element changes the arrangement of the shape-defining nozzles of the water dispensing device in one way when water is supplied from one supply line and in a different way when water is supplied from another supply line. Thus, the direction of the discharged water jet can be influenced by the adjusting element.

[0020] In typical embodiments, the adjusting element comprises a wing. Typically, the wing is arranged, particularly in relation to the supply lines, such that, depending on the flow from one of the supply lines, especially from the first or the second supply line, the wing moves the adjusting element so that the jet is shaped differently, in particular so that a closing element opens or closes the opening.

[0021] In some embodiments, the wing is symmetrical; in particular, the wing surface is the same or symmetrically shaped for the first and second supply lines. In other embodiments, the shape of the wing differs for the first and second supply lines.

[0022] Typically, the adjusting element has end stop positions, with a first end stop position being associated with a complete opening of the opening and a second end stop position being associated with a complete closing of the opening.

[0023] Typically, the adjusting element is connected to a locking element, which opens or closes the opening by bringing recesses of the locking element into at least partial spatial overlap with the opening, in particular with the individual openings of the opening.

[0024] Typically, the adjusting element is designed as an impeller. In typical embodiments, the impeller is configured such that different flow directions, particularly from different supply lines, result in the desired movement of the adjusting element. For example, the supply line for the first line can be on one side of a rotation axis of the adjusting element, and the supply line for the second line can be on the opposite side of the rotation axis. In embodiments, the adjusting element, particularly the impeller, can be shaped such that it is guided into the designated end stop in both axial and radial flow directions.

[0025] In some embodiments, a further, and in particular a third, supply line for water is routed past the aerator. Typically, this further supply line is routed at least substantially centrally through the aerator and / or through the adjusting element.

[0026] Typically, the adjusting element, in particular the impeller, is designed with a hollow shaft. This allows, in typical embodiments, the connection to a further, and in particular a third, water supply line. This further supply line is typically independent of other supply lines and does not trigger any movement of the adjusting element.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the adjusting element, particularly the impeller, is designed as a hollow shaft with inner vanes. Typically, an inflow movement moves the hollow impeller into a corresponding end-stop position, thereby opening or closing the opening, especially individual openings, without any offset. A particular advantage here is the ability to maintain the same design and size compared to conventional jet shapers while simultaneously integrating additional functionalities.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the opening is designed such that different flow rates of water from various supply devices, in particular boiling hot water or cold or warm water, lead to different behavior at the opening. Specifically, at low flow rates of boiling hot water, steam expansion can occur, and at higher flow rates of warm or cold water, air may be mixed in.

[0029] Typically, the device according to one of the embodiments described herein is used in particularly hygiene-sensitive areas, especially in the medical field such as hospitals, where the simultaneous dispensing of boiling hot water as well as tempered, particularly warm or cold, water or carbonated water is required. In contrast to the prior art, typical embodiments allow the dispensing of non-boiling, i.e., tempered, untempered, or carbonated, water in a single device, wherein the opening in the aerator is closed to prevent the intake of potentially contaminated air, and the dispensing of boiling hot water, wherein the opening is open so that the expansion of the steam can occur in a controlled manner through the opening of the aerator, thus reducing or eliminating the risk of obstruction or danger to the user from uncontrolled escaping steam.The hot steam exiting the jet shaper can also clean the point where the water exits, especially disinfect it.

[0030] In other applications, the device, according to one of the embodiments described here, allows for the aeration of tap water while simultaneously preventing the adverse outgassing behavior of carbonated water. This results in a laminar flow for both types of water.

[0031] In other applications, the use of a hollow shaft allows for the separation of high-pressure and low-pressure water heaters in a water dispensing device.

[0032] Designing the device as a passive component without active control elements, which is directly actuated by volume flows in the supply lines, advantageously avoids additional energy sources.

[0033] Due to the compact design of the device, it can also be implemented in very small dimensions, which in particular reduces design limitations. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the figures of which show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a water dispensing device according to a typical embodiment; Fig. 2 another schematic view of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a schematic view of a device for dispensing water according to another typical embodiment; Fig. 4 a schematic view of a water dispensing device according to a typical embodiment; Fig. 5A a schematic view of a beam shaper according to a typical embodiment; Fig. 5B a schematic view of the beam shaper of the Fig. 5A in a different operating state; Fig. 6 a schematic view of a beam shaper according to another typical embodiment; Fig. 7 A schematic view of a device for water dispensing with the jet shaper of the Fig. 6; Fig. 8A a schematic view of part of a beam shaper according to a typical embodiment; Fig. 8B a schematic view of part of the beam shaper of the Fig. 8A in a different operating state; Fig. 8C a schematic view of part of the beam shaper of the Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B in a different operating state. Description of exemplary implementations

[0035] Typical embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. The invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments; rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the claims. In describing the embodiment, the same reference numerals may be used in different figures and for different embodiments to represent identical or similar parts, in order to improve clarity. However, this does not mean that corresponding parts of the invention are limited to the variants shown in the embodiments. For the sake of clarity, some features already described in connection with other figures are not described again. In some cases, features shown multiple times in a figure are identified by reference numerals only once.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a device for dispensing water.

[0037] Specifically, the water dispensing device 100 comprises a first supply line 11 for supplying water from a first dispensing unit, a second supply line 12 for supplying water from a second dispensing unit, and a jet shaper 1. The supply lines 11 and 12 convey water to the jet shaper 1. The jet shaper 1 comprises an impeller 3, which is connected to an axle 4. The impeller rotates about the axle 4 depending on the supply of water from one of the supply lines 11 or 12. The jet shaper 1 further comprises an opening 6 through which gases, in particular air or water vapor, can be released from or absorbed into a water jet.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows the device of the Fig. 1 schematically in a top-view-like perspective.

[0039] In the Fig. 2 includes the opening 6 two individual openings 16 on substantially opposite sides of the beam former 1.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a water dispensing device according to another typical embodiment.

[0041] Specifically, the device 100 comprises the first supply line 11 and the second supply line 12, wherein the first supply line is axial to the axis 4 of the impeller 3 and the second supply line 12 is radial to the axis 4 of the impeller 3. The jet shaper includes a closing element 8, which is connected to the axis 4 of the impeller. The closing element 8 opens or closes the openings of the jet shaper, creating an intake path for air 7 and an expansion path for hot steam 7, respectively. The device 100 further comprises a first outlet path 21 and a second outlet path 22 for discharging the water.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a water dispensing device according to another typical embodiment.

[0043] Specifically, the device 100 comprises, in addition to the first supply line 11 and the second supply line 12, a third supply line 13, which passes centrally by the jet shaper, in particular by the impeller 3 of the jet shaper. In this embodiment, the shaft 4 of the impeller 3 is designed as a hollow shaft, so that water from the supply line 13 is guided centrally through the hollow shaft. Besides the first outlet 21 and the second outlet 22, the device 100 comprises a third outlet 23 for the water from the third supply line 13.

[0044] Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B shows a schematic view of a jet shaper of a water dispensing device according to another typical embodiment in a top view in two operating states.

[0045] Specifically, the beam shaper comprises 1 individual openings 16, wherein in the operating state of the Fig. 5A a total of four individual openings 16 are visible and in the operating state of the Fig. In 5B, a total of 8 individual openings are visible. The individual openings 16 are connected to the impeller (not shown) and rotatable around the impeller's axis. The individual openings can be aligned with recesses in the closure element of the aerator 1 by rotating them. This results in a larger or smaller outlet area from the aerator, depending on the position of the impeller and thus on the supply of water from the first or second inlet. In the Fig. 5A has a smaller exit area, in which Fig. 5B has a larger exit area.

[0046] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a beam shaper according to another typical embodiment.

[0047] Specifically, the jet shaper 1 comprises a vane wheel 3 with two blade surfaces, which is rotatable about an axis 4 of the vane wheel. The axis 4 is connected to the closing element, which, depending on the position of the closing element, opens or closes the individual openings 16 of the jet shaper. This opens or closes an intake path 7 for the ambient air. Furthermore, when using boiling hot water, an expansion path 7 for the hot steam is created.

[0048] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a water dispensing device with the jet shaper of the Fig. 6, where only one wing surface of the impeller is shown.

[0049] Specifically, the device 100 comprises the first supply line 11 and the beam shaper 1. The second supply line is shown in the illustration of the Fig. Figure 7 is not shown. Each of the impeller blade surfaces is assigned to one of the supply lines, so that the rotation of the impeller depends on the water supply through one of the supply lines. The rotation of the impeller is limited by an end stop position (not shown).

[0050] Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B and Fig. Figure 8C shows a schematic view of part of a beam shaper according to a typical embodiment in various operating states.

[0051] Specifically, the steel former 1 comprises a closure element 8, which closes or opens individual openings 16 of the jet former 1. This creates intake paths 7 for air or expansion paths 7 for hot steam, depending on the water conditioning. The jet former shown comprises eight individual openings 16, which can be opened or closed by eight corresponding recesses in the closure element 8. The closure element is symmetrically arranged around the axis 4 of the impeller. By rotating the impeller and its axis 4, the closure element 8 is rotated, and the individual openings 16 are opened or closed depending on the position of the impeller. Fig. 8A the individual openings 16 are partially closed. In the Fig. 8B, the individual openings 16 are fully open, so that the intake path 7 of the air, or the expansion path 7 of the hot water vapor, is at its maximum. In the Fig. 8C the individual openings 16 are closed, so that the water in the jet former 1 is protected from contamination.

[0052] The invention is not limited to previously described embodiments; rather, the scope of the invention is determined by the attached claims. List of reference symbols 100 device 1 beam shaper 3 impeller 4 Axis of the impeller 6 Opening 7. Air intake path, hot steam expansion path 8 locking element 11 first supply line 12 second supply line 13 third supply line 16 single openings 21 first output route 22 second output route 23 third output route

Claims

[1] Device (100) for dispensing water, in particular for dispensing water from a conditionable water system, with a jet former (1) which is arranged to shape water to be dispensed, a first supply line (11) for supplying water from a first supply device to the jet former (1), a second supply line (12) for supplying water from a second supply device to the jet former (1), wherein the jet former (1) is arranged to form the jet in dependence on a supply of water from the first supply line (11) or from the second supply line (12). [2] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the jet former (1) has an opening (6, 16) for admixing (7) air into the water to be dispensed and / or for enabling expansion (7) of water vapor when dispensing boiling-hot water, wherein the jet former (1) is arranged such that the opening (6, 16) is closed or opened depending on a supply of water from the first supply line (11) or from the second supply line (12). [3] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the jet former (1) is arranged such that the exit area of ​​the jet is enlarged or reduced depending on a supply of water from the first supply line (11) or from the second supply line (12). [4] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the jet former (1) is arranged such that the radiation direction of the jet is changed depending on a supply of water from the first supply line (11) or from the second supply line (12). [5] Device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the jet former (1) has an adjusting element which is designed to close or open the opening (6, 16) depending on a supply of water from the first supply line (11) or from the second supply line (12). [6] Device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the adjusting element comprises a wing (3) which is arranged so that the wing (3) moves the adjusting element depending on the flow from the first supply line (11) or from the second supply line (12), so that a closure element (8) of the adjusting element opens or closes the opening (6, 16). [7] Device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the adjusting element is designed as an impeller (3). [8] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a third supply line (13) for supplying water from a third supply device, wherein the third supply line (13) is arranged to guide water past the jet former (1). [9] Device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the third supply line (13) is guided at least substantially centrally through the beam former (1) and / or through the adjusting element. [10] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply systems are arranged to provide at least one of the following: chilled water, carbonated water, boiling hot water and filtered water. [11] A method for dispensing water using a water dispensing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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