Aerator for the outlet of a water dispensing device, and water dispensing device with the same.

Abstract

Aerator (8) for the outlet of a water dispensing device (1), in particular a tap or water dispenser, for dispensing a uniform jet of water, wherein the outlet of the water delivery device (1) is formed by an outlet pipe (2), and the aerator (8) is designed for connection with the outlet pipe (2), characterized in that an electric heating device (12) is directly integrated into the aerator (8), so that the aerator (8) can be directly heated at least in the area of ​​an outlet opening (14) of the aerator (8) in order to prevent retrograde contamination, wherein a control device (31) is provided which is designed to control the electric heating device (12) at predetermined time intervals.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to measures for preventing retrograde contamination during the dispensing of water from a water dispensing device, for example from a faucet or a water dispensing device (water dispenser), and particularly relates to a jet regulator for the outlet of a water dispensing device, which is intended to ensure the dispensing of a uniform water jet, and to a water dispensing device comprising such a jet regulator. State of the art

[0002] Aerators are attachments that form the actual water outlet during water dispensing and are designed to even out the escaping water stream, and if necessary, widen and slow it. With irregular use, but also with frequent use of the water dispenser, there is a risk that one or more water drops may remain at the free end of the tap, which can lead to the formation of germs, or that the edge of the outlet may occasionally absorb germs from the environment, for example, from users of the water dispenser or from the surrounding area.

[0003] To prevent retrograde contamination, various measures are known from the state of the art.

[0004] EP 3 560 674 B1 discloses a water dispensing device in which a sleeve, into which a heating coil is integrated, is arranged around the outlet pipe used for dispensing water. However, this heating coil is arranged at a relatively large distance from the actual water outlet.

[0005] EP 2 933 006 B1 describes a connector with a filter that can be connected to a water outlet fitting near the outlet opening. For disinfection, the filter is coupled to a heating device. The connector can be attached to a faucet instead of a jet regulator.

[0006] DE 203 01 999 U1 discloses a heatable dispensing opening of a water-conducting fitting. This can be, for example, a tubular shower head with a spray valve at the dispensing opening or the end of a faucet spout. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved jet regulator that has a simple design and can be variably arranged at the outlet of a water dispenser to prevent retrograde contamination at the outlet of a water dispenser due to water stagnation. Furthermore, a corresponding water dispenser with such a jet regulator is to be provided.

[0008] This object is achieved by a jet regulator having the features of claim 1 and by a water dispensing device having the features of claim 10. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the present invention, a jet regulator is provided for the outlet of a water dispensing device, in particular a faucet or water dispenser, for dispensing a uniform water jet. The outlet of the water dispensing device is formed by an outlet pipe, and the jet regulator is designed for connection to the outlet pipe. According to the invention, an electric heating device is directly integrated into the jet regulator so that the jet regulator can be directly heated at least in the region of an outlet opening of the jet regulator in order to prevent retrograde contamination. A control device is provided which is designed to activate the electric heating device at predetermined time intervals.

[0010] According to the invention, the predetermined time intervals can be specified by the control device in such a way that, at least in the case of proper or normal user behavior, it can be assumed that an operator is no longer in the area of ​​the water dispensing device, so that accidental contact with the jet regulator, in particular in the area of ​​an outlet opening of the jet regulator, cannot generally occur. For this purpose, for example, sufficient time intervals between a previous water dispensing can be specified, or a distinction can be made between daytime or regular operation and nighttime operation or a standby mode, in which the water dispensing device is not or cannot be used on a regular basis, and in which the electric heating device is only activated in nighttime or standby mode.

[0011] According to a further embodiment, the predetermined time intervals are predetermined by the control device such that the jet regulator is sufficiently cooled, at least in the region of an outlet opening of the jet regulator, so that burns or scalding of an operator due to accidental contact of the operator, for example, a finger of the operator, with the jet regulator, particularly in the region of the outlet opening of the jet regulator, are prevented. Such sufficient cooling can be assumed, for example, when the temperature falls below approximately 50°C or 60°C.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the control device can further be designed to activate the electric heating device after a predetermined time interval has elapsed after the water dispensing device has dispensed water. Since an operator will generally no longer be in the area of ​​the water dispensing device after such a predetermined time interval has elapsed, it can be assumed with a very high degree of probability that injury to the operator due to inadvertent contact with an overheated jet regulator is ruled out.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the jet regulator can further comprise a detection device for detecting at least one operating parameter of the water dispensing device, in particular an operating state of the water dispensing device, a type of water, a dispensed water quantity, or a temperature, for example the temperature of the dispensed water jet. The detection device is connected to the control device, and the control device activates the electric heating device when the at least one detected operating parameter meets a predetermined criterion. It is advantageous that the electric heating device does not always need to be activated, so that energy can be saved and the dispensing of water is not temporarily blocked due to an excessively high temperature at the water outlet, in particular in the area of ​​the jet regulator.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the control device can control the electrical heating device in such a way that the jet regulator is heated to a predetermined minimum temperature, because it can be assumed that when the predetermined minimum temperature is reached, contamination of the jet regulator is reliably prevented at least in the region of an outlet opening of the jet regulator.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the detection device can be designed to detect a temperature of the outlet pipe of the water dispensing device, the temperature of the discharged water jet, and / or the temperature of the jet regulator, in particular in the region of the outlet opening of the jet regulator, as the operating parameter. For this purpose, average temperature values ​​can also be calculated and transferred to the control device. The control device can evaluate the detected temperature such that the predetermined criterion is met when the detected temperature exceeds a minimum temperature. The minimum temperature is specified such that it is sufficient to reliably prevent contamination of the jet regulator, at least in the region of an outlet opening of the jet regulator.If this minimum temperature is exceeded, the electric heating device does not need to be operated, so that energy can be saved when operating the water dispenser.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the detection device can further be designed to detect as the operating parameter whether the dispensed water is carbonated or chilled, wherein the control device only controls the electrical heating device if the control device determines that the dispensed water is not carbonated and / or uncooled. “Carbonated” can also be defined such that the dispensed water has a minimum carbon dioxide content other than zero, and “uncooled” can also be defined such that the dispensed water does not exceed a minimum temperature. If it is determined that the dispensed water is (sufficiently) carbonated and / or sufficiently chilled, it can be assumed that retrograde contamination due to the carbon dioxide content orthe prevailing temperatures cannot occur, so that the electric heating device does not need to be operated and thus energy can be saved overall when operating the water dispenser.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the aerator can be designed as a sleeve in which a heat-conducting carrier with the electric heating device, at least one sieve insert, and a seal are accommodated. The seal axially secures the heat-conducting carrier with the electric heating device and the sieve insert against slipping out of the sleeve. Such a aerator is compatible with a commercially available aerator or aerator and can replace it.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the heat-conducting carrier can be designed as a sleeve and the electrical heating device can be arranged in a peripheral wall of the sleeve, in particular integrated into the peripheral wall, so that an advantageously simple and cost-effective construction can be realized.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the sleeve can be designed as a plastic injection-molded part, wherein the electrical heating device comprises a plurality of heating coils which are accommodated in grooves in the peripheral wall of the sleeve, which makes the construction of the jet regulator even simpler and more cost-effective.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a water dispensing device, in particular a faucet or water dispenser, is provided for dispensing a water jet, which has an outlet pipe for dispensing a water jet. A jet regulator, as disclosed above, is provided for dispensing a uniform water jet. The jet regulator is connected to the outlet pipe of the water dispensing device to prevent retrograde contamination in the region of an outlet opening of the jet regulator.

[0021] Further aspects of the present invention also relate to a method for controlling an electrical heating device of a jet regulator, as described above, so that retrograde contamination at the outlet of a water dispensing device can be effectively prevented, as well as a corresponding control program in the form of software or a computer program product. Figure overview

[0022] The invention will be described below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, from which further features, advantages, and objects to be achieved will emerge. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic exploded view of the outlet end of a water dispenser with a jet regulator according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a water dispensing device with a jet regulator according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic flow diagram for controlling a first embodiment of a jet regulator according to the present invention; and Fig. 4 a schematic flow diagram for controlling a second embodiment of a jet regulator according to the present invention.

[0023] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote identical or essentially functionally identical features. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0024] According to the Fig. 1, the jet regulator 8 is arranged directly at the lower end 21 of the outlet pipe 2 of a water dispensing device 1 (not shown), for example a conventional faucet or a water dispenser. An electric heating device 12 is arranged in the jet regulator 8, in particular integrated therein, wherein the electric heating device 12 extends to, or close to, the frontmost end 14 of the jet regulator 8 in order to ensure suitable heating in this area, as explained in more detail below. Downstream of the electric heating device 12, there are thus practically no further sections that could come into contact with water or germs during water dispensing. According to the invention, the heating takes place at a position far enough upstream that practically no water stagnation can occur downstream of it, thus reliably preventing retrograde contamination.For this purpose, a time-dependent control of the electric heating device 12 is used, as explained below. At the same time, precautions have been taken, as explained below, to ensure that a user of the water dispensing device 1 cannot accidentally injure themselves on the jet regulator 8, for example, by scalding or burning themselves.

[0025] As in the Fig. 1, the jet regulator 8 is designed as a sleeve 10 into which the electric heating device 12 is integrated. Connecting means 13 for connecting to the lower end 21 of the outlet pipe 2 are provided on the sleeve 10, for example an internal or external thread that is screwed into a corresponding external or internal thread at the lower end 21 of the outlet pipe 2, or a bayonet-like locking mechanism. In the assembled state, the outlet opening 14 of the sleeve 10 can form the actual outlet end of the water dispensing device 1. However, it is also conceivable for the jet regulator 8 to be connected to the outlet pipe 2 via a coupling device 22 such that the lower end 21 of the outlet pipe 2 is aligned with the outlet opening 14 of the sleeve 10.

[0026] According to the Fig. 1, a heat-conducting carrier 11 with the electric heating device 12, at least one sieve insert 5, and a seal 4 are accommodated in the sleeve 10, wherein the seal 4 axially secures the heat-conducting carrier 11 with the electric heating device 12 and the sieve insert 5 against slipping out of the sleeve 10. The sleeve 10 can thus be attached to the outlet pipe 2 of the water dispensing device 1 as a jet regulator in the same way as a conventional aerator.

[0027] The heat-conducting carrier 11 is designed as a sleeve, wherein the electrical heating device 12 is arranged in a peripheral wall of the sleeve 11, electrically insulated from the sleeve 11, but also electrically insulated from the sleeve 10 of the jet regulator 8. Preferably, the electrical heating device 12 is integrated into the peripheral wall of the sleeve 11, for example, directly received in grooves on the inner or outer peripheral wall of the sleeve 11. The sleeve 10, if appropriate also the sleeve 10, can be designed as a plastic injection-molded part. A conventional heating coil with a plurality of windings is expediently used as the electrical heating device 12, as in the Fig. 1 shown.

[0028] The electric heating device 12 expediently extends longitudinally almost to the frontmost end of the sleeve 10, 11, whereby a small distance to the frontmost end of the sleeve 10, 11 can be maintained so that a user cannot burn or scald their finger if they accidentally touch the lower end 14. Due to the thermal conductivity and the control of the electric heating device 12, sufficient heating can nevertheless be ensured at the frontmost end of the jet regulator 8 in order to reliably prevent retrograde contamination of the water dispensing device 1. The distance to the frontmost end of the sleeve 10, 11 can be defined, for example, by a circumferential projection on the inner circumferential wall of the sleeve 10 or 11 of short axial length.

[0029] The Fig. 2 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a water dispensing device 1 with a jet regulator 8 according to the present invention. In the illustrated arrangement, a control device 31, for example a microcontroller, is additionally provided, which can also be integrated directly into the jet regulator 8, for example, and is suitably connected to a power source (not shown). The control device 31 is connected to the electric heating device 12 and controls it such that at least a section of the jet regulator 8 is heated to a predetermined minimum temperature sufficient to reliably prevent retrograde contamination in the area of ​​the jet regulator 8. For this purpose, the control device 31 appropriately controls an electric current as well as the applied heat quantity.

[0030] In order to prevent injury to an operator, for example by burning or scalding the finger due to accidental contact of the operator with the jet regulator 8, in particular in the area of ​​the outlet opening 14 of the jet regulator 8, the electrical heating device 12 is controlled according to the invention only at predetermined time intervals which are selected such that injury during operation of the water dispensing device 1 is practically excluded, in particular because the jet regulator 8 has cooled down sufficiently at least in the area of ​​the outlet opening 14 of the jet regulator 8.

[0031] For this purpose, a distinction can be made between daytime and nighttime operation or a predetermined operating time and a rest state, assuming that the water dispensing device cannot be operated in a nighttime or rest state, which can be easily achieved, for example, by a central on / off switch or by controlling the water dispensing device with a separate rest state. In such an embodiment, the electric heating device is only activated at time intervals outside of daytime operation or the predetermined operating time in order to heat the jet regulator 8 to a predetermined minimum temperature sufficient to prevent retrograde contamination.For example, the electric heating device can be activated upon actuation of a central off switch to ensure appropriate heating of the jet regulator 8 for a predetermined period of time when the water dispenser is shut down and turned off. Or, the electric heating device can be activated when a control system places the water dispenser into a standby state in which no water can be dispensed without renewed actuation, for example, of a push button.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the electric heating device can also be controlled and operated at predetermined times, wherein a distinction can be made between daytime and nighttime operation or a predetermined operating time and a rest state, so that the electric heating device is controlled, for example, only at time intervals outside of the daytime operation or the predetermined operating time.

[0033] To prevent injury to a user, for example, by burning or scalding a finger, the electric heating device 12 can, according to a further embodiment, additionally or alternatively be activated after a predetermined time interval has elapsed after the water dispenser has dispensed water, because it can be assumed that a user has moved far enough away from the water dispenser and can no longer accidentally come into contact with the jet regulator. For this purpose, a sensor 30 is provided, which can also be integrated into the jet regulator 12, to detect the dispensing of water by the water dispenser and transmit a corresponding signal to the control device 31.

[0034] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic flow diagram for such a timing control of the water dispensing device. The actual start of operation can occur at the aforementioned predetermined time intervals, as described above, or, for example, after a predetermined minimum time t Start after the last water dispensing. If the control system of the water dispensing device determines that the electric heating device should be switched off after the predetermined minimum time t Start after the last water discharge, is to be operated (step S1), the electric heating device 12 is controlled (step S2) until a time t END is reached (step S3), which is selected so that a retrograde contamination in the area of ​​the jet regulator 8 by controlling the electrical heating device in the time interval t Start are ENDis reliably prevented. The length of this time interval depends in particular on the heating current and the total amount of heat applied.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the electrical heating device 12 can also be controlled depending on the detection of at least one operating parameter of the water dispensing device. For this purpose, a detection device 30 is also provided, which can generally be integrated into the jet regulator 8, but can also be arranged inside or on the water dispensing device 1 in order to detect an operating parameter of the water dispensing device 1. The detection device 30 is connected to the control device 31, and the control device 31 only controls the electrical heating device 12 if the at least one detected operating parameter meets a predetermined criterion.

[0036] Such an operating parameter can in principle also indicate a day and night operation or an operating time and a rest state of the water dispensing device 1, which can be done for example by querying a central control (not shown) of the water dispensing device 1, so that the electric heating device is controlled for example only in time intervals outside of the day operation or the predetermined operating time.

[0037] Such an operating parameter can, for example, also indicate which type of water was drawn, whereby the electric heating device 12 is controlled depending on the type of water.

[0038] For this purpose, the detection device 30 can be designed to detect a temperature of the outlet pipe 2 of the water dispensing device 1, the temperature of the dispensed water jet, and / or the temperature of the jet regulator 8 itself, particularly in the region of the outlet opening 14 of the jet regulator 8, as operating parameters. The detected temperature values ​​can also be averaged. The detected temperature is transmitted to the control device 31, which evaluates it, optionally also monitors its temporal progression, and then determines, based on the evaluation, whether a predetermined criterion has been met. The electric heating device 12 is then controlled depending on the predetermined criterion, particularly when it is met.

[0039] Preferably, the jet regulator 8 cannot be heated if hot water has previously been dispensed. In general, for example, a minimum temperature can be specified for the outlet pipe 2 of the water dispensing device 1, for the temperature of the dispensed water jet, and / or the temperature of the jet regulator 8 itself, particularly in the region of the outlet opening 14 of the jet regulator 8, wherein the control device 31 only activates the electric heating device 12 if the predetermined minimum temperature is not exceeded, i.e., it can be assumed that temperatures sufficient for adequate disinfection of the outlet pipe 2, the liquid channel 20, and / or the jet regulator 8 could not be reached during the dispensing of warm water.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the detection device 30 can also be used to detect, based on an operating parameter or a measured variable, whether the water dispensed by the water dispensing device 1 is carbonated or chilled. For this purpose, for example, valve positions within the water dispensing device 1 can be queried, which indicate whether a water-carrying path for carbonated water or chilled water is activated, or the operating state of a carbonator or a cooling device or the operating state of operating elements of the water dispensing device 1, for example push buttons or touch-sensitive fields on a touch display, can be queried. The operating parameter orThe operating state is then evaluated by the control device 31 in such a way that the electrical heating device 12 is only activated if the control device 31 determines on the basis of the transmitted detection value that the dispensed water is not carbonated (or not sufficiently carbonated) and / or is uncooled or not sufficiently cooled, so that it can be assumed that suitable conditions do not prevail during the dispensing of water to ensure sufficient disinfection of the outlet pipe 2, the liquid channel 20 and / or the jet regulator 8 during the dispensing of carbonated and / or uncooled water. This is because germ formation cannot be assumed, for example, if the dispensed water is (sufficiently) carbonated and / or cooled or sufficiently cooled.

[0041] The Fig.4 shows a schematic flow diagram for such a control of the electric heating device as a function of a detected operating parameter or a detected measured variable.

[0042] First, an operating parameter or measured variable is recorded (step S10) and transmitted to the control device for evaluation. If the control device determines in step S11 that the at least one recorded operating parameter or measured variable meets a predetermined criterion, the electric heating device is activated for a predetermined period of time (step S12), which is selected such that retrograde contamination in the area of ​​the jet regulator 8 is reliably prevented, which depends in particular on the heating current intensity and the total amount of heat applied.

[0043] As explained above, the operating parameter or the measured variable can, for example, indicate whether the dispensed water is carbonated or (sufficiently) cooled, wherein the control device only controls the electric heating device if the control device determines, based on threshold values, that the dispensed water is not carbonated or not sufficiently carbonated and / or is not cooled or not sufficiently cooled.

[0044] As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon studying the above description, a controller as described above can be implemented, in particular, in the form of a control program or computer program product that causes a controller or processor to execute the control method disclosed above. Such a control program or computer program product can be stored directly in an operating memory of the water dispensing device or in its control unit, or can be transmitted to it via a network.

[0045] In summary, a jet regulator for the outlet of a water dispensing device, in particular a faucet or water dispenser, for dispensing a uniform water jet is disclosed. The outlet of the water dispensing device is formed by an outlet pipe, and the jet regulator is designed for connection to the outlet pipe. According to the invention, an electric heating device is directly integrated into the jet regulator, so that the jet regulator can be directly heated at least in the region of an outlet opening of the jet regulator in order to prevent retrograde contamination. A control device is provided which is designed to activate the electric heating device at predetermined time intervals.The predetermined time intervals can be set by the control device in such a way that injury to an operator through contact with a jet regulator that is still too hot is unlikely or reliably excluded, at least in normal operation. List of reference symbols 1 water dispenser 2 Outlet pipe 3 water flow regulators 4 Seal 5 sieve insert 8 aerators 10 sleeves 11 carriers 12 electric heating device / heating coil 13 Coupling device / thread 14 Outlet opening of the sleeve 20 Fluid channel 21 lower end of outlet pipe 2 22 Coupling device / thread 30 Recording device 31 Control 32 memory QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 560 674

[0004] EP 2 933 006 B1

[0005] DE 203 01 999 U1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Jet regulator (8) for the outlet of a water dispensing device (1), in particular a tap or water dispenser, for dispensing a uniform water jet, wherein the outlet of the water dispensing device (1) is formed by an outlet pipe (2), and the jet regulator (8) is designed for connection to the outlet pipe (2), characterized by that an electric heating device (12) is integrated directly into the jet regulator (8), so that the jet regulator (8) can be heated directly at least in the area of ​​an outlet opening (14) of the jet regulator (8) in order to prevent retrograde contamination, wherein a control device (31) is provided which is designed to control the electrical heating device (12) at predetermined time intervals. [2] A jet regulator according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined time intervals are predetermined by the control device (31) such that the jet regulator (8) is sufficiently cooled at least in the region of an outlet opening (14) of the jet regulator (8) so that a burn or scalding of an operator due to accidental contact of the operator with the jet regulator (8), in particular in the region of the outlet opening (14) of the jet regulator (8), is prevented. [3] A jet regulator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined time intervals are predetermined by the control device (31) such that the electric heating device (12) is activated after a predetermined time interval has elapsed after the discharge of water by the water discharge device (1). [4] Jet regulator according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a detection device (30) for detecting at least one operating parameter of the water dispensing device (1), in particular an operating state of the water dispensing device, a type of water, a quantity of water dispensed or a temperature of the dispensed water jet, wherein the detection device (30) is connected to the control device (31) and the control device (31) controls the electrical heating device (12) when the at least one detected operating parameter fulfills a predetermined criterion. [5] A jet regulator according to claim 4, wherein the detection device (30) is designed to detect the temperature of the outlet pipe (2) of the water dispensing device (1), the temperature of the dispensed water jet and / or the temperature of the jet regulator (8), in particular in the region of the outlet opening (14) of the jet regulator (8), as the operating parameter, and the control device (31) evaluates the detected temperature such that the predetermined criterion is met if the detected temperature does not exceed a minimum temperature. [6] A jet regulator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the detection device (30) is further designed to detect as an operating parameter whether the dispensed water is carbonated or chilled, and the control device (31) only controls the electric heating device (12) if the control device (31) determines that the dispensed water is not carbonated and / or uncooled. [7] Jet regulator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the jet regulator (8) is designed as a sleeve (10) in which a heat-conducting carrier (11) with the electric heating device (12), at least one sieve insert (5) and a seal (4) are accommodated, wherein the seal (4) axially secures the heat-conducting carrier (11) with the electric heating device (12) and the sieve insert (5) against slipping out of the sleeve (10). [8] Jet regulator according to claim 7, wherein the heat-conducting carrier (11) is designed as a sleeve and the electrical heating device (12) is arranged in a peripheral wall of the sleeve, in particular is integrated into the peripheral wall, in an electrically insulated manner from the sleeve (10). [9] A jet regulator according to claim 8, wherein the sleeve is a plastic injection-molded part and the electrical heating device (12) comprises a plurality of heating coils received in grooves in the peripheral wall of the sleeve. [10] Water dispensing device (1), in particular a tap or water dispenser, for dispensing a water jet, with an outlet pipe (2) for dispensing a water jet, characterized by a jet regulator (8) according to one of the preceding claims for dispensing a uniform water jet, wherein the jet regulator (8) is connected to the outlet pipe (2) of the water dispensing device (1) in order to prevent retrograde contamination in the region of an outlet opening (14) of the jet regulator (8).

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