WATER DISPENSERS AND METHOD FOR THEIR OPERATION

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a water dispenser designed to dispense carbonated water or carbonated beverages. The invention further relates to a method for operating a water dispenser. Background of the invention

[0002] Water dispensers or beverage production machines can include a refrigerated carbonator that dispenses carbonated water. The carbonator comprises a refrigerated pressure vessel connected to a pressurized gas cylinder filled with carbon dioxide.

[0003] To dispense hot water, for example for tea or for preparing hot drinks by the water dispenser itself, such a water dispenser can also include a boiler or instantaneous water heater, the so-called thermoblock, through which hot water or hot drinks are provided.

[0004] Particularly in the boiler and the downstream pipe sections and components of the water dispenser, limescale deposits form to an increased extent. These consist primarily of calcium and magnesium carbonates.

[0005] Calcium salts, in particular, contribute to the overall hardness of the water and thus to the formation of deposits. When the water is heated in the boiler, carbon dioxide escapes, and the dissolved calcium bicarbonate converts into insoluble calcium carbonate, which forms limescale deposits.

[0006] It has therefore long been known to reduce the total hardness of the water.

[0007] In an installation system, a water softening system can be used which exchanges calcium and magnesium for sodium via an ion exchanger, thus reducing the hardness of the water.

[0008] However, this can lead to a bad taste in the water, and too much sodium is also unhealthy for the human body.

[0009] Therefore, for water dispensers, and especially for water dispensers designed as beverage machines, there are systems that soften the water using an ion exchanger loaded with hydrogen ions.

[0010] Such a system is, for example, marketed by the applicant under the trade name "BestMax ®<".

[0011] However, excessive water softening is undesirable. Furthermore, it has been shown that enriching the water with minerals other than calcium not only improves its taste but also provides the user with physiologically important minerals.

[0012] A method for enriching water with magnesium ions is known from patent EP 2 094 611 B1 (BWT AG).

[0013] EP 3 507 247 B1 describes a method and a device for enriching water with zinc ions.

[0014] For example, if a magnesium ion exchanger is used, magnesium carbonates will still form in the boiler. Furthermore, a sufficiently high level of calcium removal is required to prevent limescale buildup in the boiler, which is neither necessary nor desirable for the cold water section of the water dispenser, since calcium is also a physiologically important mineral.

[0015] Thus, a large part of the ion exchanger's capacity for hydrogen is inevitably lost.

[0016] Document US 2 536 400 A shows a water dispenser in which a carbonator can optionally be used for heating as well as cooling. Object of the invention

[0017] In contrast, the invention is based on the objective of reducing the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0018] In particular, an object of the invention is to reduce the formation of limescale in the boiler of a beverage machine without removing magnesium and / or calcium from the water. Summary of the invention

[0019] The object of the invention is already solved by a water dispenser and by a method for operating a water dispenser according to one of the independent claims.

[0020] Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0021] The invention relates to a water dispenser. For the purposes of this invention, the term "water dispenser" does not only refer to a machine for producing beverages from which water is dispensed without any further additives.

[0022] Rather, the invention also relates to water dispensers in the broadest sense.

[0023] This could be a tap that is connected to a building's water supply line.

[0024] The invention further relates to water dispensers with or without a tank, which dispense hot and cold water.

[0025] The invention further relates to machines that use water to produce hot drinks, e.g. tea or coffee, and / or with which so-called soft drinks can be produced, i.e. carbonated sweetened drinks.

[0026] It goes without saying that the main ingredient of any such beverage is water.

[0027] The water dispenser includes a heater. The heater is preferably electrically operated. In water dispensers and beverage preparation machines, this is also referred to as a thermoblock.

[0028] This can be designed as a boiler or as an instantaneous water heater.

[0029] Furthermore, the heater can be designed as a stationary water heater, in particular as a wall-mounted and / or under-sink unit.

[0030] According to the invention, the water dispenser comprises at least one metering valve through which carbon dioxide can be directed into the heater.

[0031] The thermoblock can be designed, in particular, as a boiler. According to another embodiment, a design as an instantaneous water heater is also conceivable.

[0032] The invention is based on the finding that carbon dioxide can be used to increase the carbon dioxide content and thus the carbonic acid concentration in the boiler.

[0033] This lowers the pH value and counteracts the previously described effect of limescale formation due to the reduction of carbonic acid caused by heating.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the water dispenser includes a carbonator for dispensing carbonated water.

[0035] The carbonator is specifically designed as a cooled pressure vessel.

[0036] The carbonator can be connected to a CO₂ pressurized gas cylinder. Carbon dioxide is supplied to the carbonator via the pressurized gas cylinder, possibly through a pressure reducer.

[0037] The carbon dioxide dissolves partly in the water present in the carbonator, and partly forms carbonic acid, which lowers the pH value of the water.

[0038] These types of water dispensers are often designed to dispense both carbonated chilled water and carbonated unchilled water.

[0039] Water that is not to be carbonated can only be directed along the cooling coils of the carbonator to the outlet.

[0040] The pressurized gas cylinder used for the carbonator can be used to supply carbon dioxide to the heater.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the carbon dioxide is introduced into the heater as a gas, in particular from the pressurized gas container via a pressure reducer.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the invention, the carbon dioxide is introduced into the heater dissolved in water (together with dissociated dissolved carbonic acid). This can allow for easier dosing via a single metering valve.

[0043] The metering valve is designed as a switching valve.

[0044] In particular, the metering valve is designed as a solenoid valve which can be opened via a control device.

[0045] The water dispenser therefore includes a control device that regulates the introduction of carbon dioxide via the dosing valve.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, this control is volume- and / or time-based. Depending on the volume flowing through the boiler and / or time-dependently, the control device temporarily opens the switching valve to achieve the desired carbon dioxide enrichment in the boiler.

[0047] Preferably, both the elapsed time and the volume of water that has flowed through the boiler are included in the calculation of the opening times of the switching valve.

[0048] This embodiment of the invention enables particularly simple control. For example, no separate water meter is required to measure the flow rate through the boiler; instead, it can be determined indirectly via the number of hot beverages dispensed.

[0049] Since the calcite deposition capacity of water gradually decreases due to the formation of carbon dioxide during heating, it may be useful to add carbon dioxide over time.

[0050] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the carbon dioxide dosing can be carried out depending on the heating of the thermoblock.

[0051] The boiler is temperature-controlled, meaning that if the machine is in standby mode, the boiler is heated in order to dispense a hot beverage.

[0052] The control system cycles the water on and off to counteract cooling. When a hot beverage is dispensed, the water in the boiler cools down due to the incoming water, and the boiler must be heated more intensely by the control system.

[0053] This can be used to control the introduction of carbon dioxide.

[0054] The same principle can also be applied to instantaneous water heaters, which then only heat the water as it flows through the heater. Preferably, the control is adjustable to change the amount of carbon dioxide per unit of time and / or based on volume.

[0055] The setting is preferably based on the hardness of the incoming water.

[0056] In this embodiment of the invention, the water dispenser according to the invention comprises setting means, such as a rotary dial or a display, via which the hardness of the water can be entered at the respective point of use.

[0057] Based on this, a control electronics system calculates how much carbon dioxide is required and adjusts the CO2 output into the thermoblock accordingly.

[0058] In a further development of the invention, the water dispenser comprises two switching valves arranged in series, which can be controlled alternately. The switching valves are in particular designed as solenoid valves.

[0059] A small amount of carbon dioxide can be added to the thermoblock very easily via two such switching valves.

[0060] An intermediate piece arranged between the switching valves is pressurized as soon as the switching valve located on the inlet side after the CO2 pressure vessel opens.

[0061] A pressure-dependent amount of CO2 is introduced into this section of pipe, and when the outlet-side switching valve opens, a small amount of carbon dioxide is introduced depending on the volume of the section of pipe, as well as depending on the pressure in the thermoblock and the applied carbon dioxide pressure.

[0062] The pressurized gas container and the two switching valves thus form a very simply constructed metering pump.

[0063] The invention further relates to an arrangement with the water dispenser described above.

[0064] The arrangement also includes a water treatment cartridge through which water is supplied to the water dispenser.

[0065] These types of cartridges are usually inserted inline into a filter cartridge head, as in the system described above. The filter cartridge head is typically located outside the water dispenser. However, integrating the cartridge into the water dispenser is also possible.

[0066] The cartridge can be designed in such a way that it releases a mineral, especially magnesium, silicon, lithium and / or zinc, into the water.

[0067] Due to the design according to the invention, only a small amount of limescale forms despite the presence of magnesium in the water supplied to the boiler.

[0068] The ion exchange material can be loaded with magnesium or zinc to at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, of its total capacity.

[0069] Preferably, the ion exchange material is loaded with less than 60%, and particularly preferably with less than 20%, of its capacity with hydrogen and / or sodium.

[0070] In particular, the ion exchanger can be completely loaded with magnesium.

[0071] Information regarding the loading of the ion exchanger always refers to its delivery condition.

[0072] As stated at the beginning, a strong softening of the water is therefore unnecessary.

[0073] The determination of the total capacity of the ion exchanger and thus the determination of the loading level can be carried out according to DIN 54403:2009-04.

[0074] The invention further relates to a method for operating a water dispenser, in particular the water dispenser as described above.

[0075] The water dispenser includes a thermoblock, in particular a boiler, for heating the water, whereby carbon dioxide is supplied to the thermoblock.

[0076] The carbon dioxide is preferably supplied from a pressurized gas cylinder, which also supplies a carbonator of the water dispenser with carbon dioxide.

[0077] Preferably, the pH value in the thermoblock is adjusted to below 7.5, preferably to 6.0 to 7.5, particularly preferably to 6.5 to 7.0, by supplying carbon dioxide.

[0078] Preferably, the pH value is not measured directly via a measuring device, but rather the dosage of

[0079] Carbon dioxide is emitted, as described above, on a time- and / or volume-based basis.

[0080] Taking into account the local water hardness, a control device can dose the carbon dioxide so that the aforementioned pH values ​​are maintained.

[0081] The thermoblock is preferably heated to at least 60 °C, particularly preferably to at least 80 °C, particularly preferably up to the boiling point.

[0082] The dosing of carbon dioxide is carried out, as described above, preferably via two counter-clockwise switching valves, which are in particular designed as solenoid valves.

[0083] The invention further relates to a system for dispensing hot drinks and cold carbonated drinks, which includes the water dispenser described above and / or is designed to carry out the method described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0084] The subject matter of the invention shall below refer to Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 will be explained in more detail. Fig. 1 Figure 1 is a schematic view of a system according to the invention for dispensing beverages, which includes a water dispenser according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows an alternative embodiment. Fig. 3 shows another alternative embodiment. Fig. 4 Figure 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment in which the water dispenser includes a tap and a water heater. Detailed description of the drawings

[0085] Fig. 1 The schematic diagram shows a system for dispensing hot and cold carbonated beverages.

[0086] This includes a water dispenser 1. Water is supplied to the water dispenser 1 via an existing water pipe 2 on site.

[0087] In this embodiment of the invention, the water is passed through a water filter, which comprises a filter candle head 3 installed inline in the water line 2 on site and a filter candle 4 inserted into the filter candle head 3.

[0088] In filter cartridge 4, for example, the water can also include an ion exchanger, which releases magnesium ions in particular into the water being treated.

[0089] The water dispenser 1 includes a pump 5, through which the desired water can be pumped to an outlet 10.

[0090] The water dispenser 1 shown here is designed to dispense chilled water, chilled carbonated water and hot water for the preparation of hot drinks.

[0091] In this embodiment, the line 2 branches off behind the pump 5 into the flow paths 6a to 6c.

[0092] The flow path 6a is designed for the delivery of hot water. The water is passed through the boiler 7 and from there to the outlet 10.

[0093] The dispensing of the different types of water is controlled via the switching valves 9a to 9c.

[0094] This means, for example, that to dispense hot water, the switching valve 9a is opened and the water heated by the boiler 7 flows to the outlet 10.

[0095] Flow path 6b passes through a carbonator 8.

[0096] This is a cooled pressure vessel which is connected to a CO2 pressure vessel via line 12.

[0097] The water present in the carbonator 8 is thus put under pressure and enriched with a different amount of carbonic acid (and correspondingly dissolved CO2) depending on the pressure.

[0098] Since the pressure in the carbonator 8 can be higher than the applied line pressure, at least one pump 5 must be present for the flow path 6b of the carbonator.

[0099] When the switching valve 9c is open, cold carbonated water is dispensed.

[0100] The flow path 6c for cooled water only, but not enriched with carbon dioxide, runs along the cooling coils of the carbonator 8. By opening the switching valve 9c, cooled water is released.

[0101] In order to reduce the formation of limescale in boiler 7, carbon dioxide is also added to the water present in boiler 7 according to the invention.

[0102] Carbon dioxide is supplied via the same pressurized gas container 11 from which the carbonator 8 is supplied with CO2.

[0103] In this embodiment, carbon dioxide can be supplied directly to the boiler 7 via line 13.

[0104] To introduce only a small amount of carbon dioxide, the two switching valves 15a and 15b are connected in series in line 13.

[0105] These are controlled alternately via a control unit 14.

[0106] The pipe section 13a located between the switching valves 15a and 15b serves as a pressure accumulator.

[0107] To introduce carbon dioxide, the switching valve 15a opens first and the pipe section 13a fills with carbon dioxide.

[0108] Then the first switching valve 15a is closed and the switching valve 15a located downstream of it is opened by the control device 14.

[0109] So much carbon dioxide now flows from pipe section 13a towards boiler 7 that a pressure equalization is achieved.

[0110] In this way, even small amounts of carbon dioxide can be added very easily.

[0111] The dosage is preferably determined based on the opening times of the switching valve 9a and / or by time control.

[0112] Fig. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0113] As shown here, the carbon dioxide from the CO2 pressure gas container 11 does not have to be fed directly to the boiler 7.

[0114] In this embodiment, the line 13 for supplying carbon dioxide runs directly to the line 2 in front of the pump 5.

[0115] The amount of carbon dioxide introduced is shown in the diagram. Fig. 1 regulated via two switching valves.

[0116] In this embodiment of the invention, the water is already enriched with a small amount of carbon dioxide when it is fed into the carbonator 8.

[0117] Preferably, the dosing takes place within the water dispenser 1.

[0118] For example, dosing can also be carried out in pathway 6a (not shown).

[0119] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the invention.

[0120] According to this embodiment, water from the carbonator 8, which is connected to the CO2 pressure gas container 11, is directed into the boiler 7 via the line 16.

[0121] The carbon dioxide is not introduced directly, but dissolved in the water, or introduced in the form of carbonic acid.

[0122] Due to the larger volume compared to a dispensing unit shaped like a kettle, a single switching valve 17 can be used in one of these embodiments to perform the dispensing.

[0123] A disadvantage is that the cooled water in the Carbonator 8 has to be reheated.

[0124] In another embodiment (not shown), a separate pressure vessel may also be provided to introduce carbonated water into the boiler 7.

[0125] Fig. 4 Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a water dispenser 1, which includes a tap 19 and a water heater 18.

[0126] The tap can be designed, for example, as a mixing tap, like those used in households.

[0127] The water passed through the filter candle 4 with an ion exchange material branches into two pipe sections 2, 2b.

[0128] Pipe section 2b supplies tap 19 with cold water.

[0129] Pipe section 2a supplies hot water to tap 19 and leads via the water heater 18.

[0130] In this embodiment, the water heater comprises a boiler 7 and can in particular be designed as an under-sink unit.

[0131] To increase the pH value in boiler 7, according to the embodiment as per Fig. 1 , carbon dioxide is introduced into boiler 7 via two switching valves 15a, 15b arranged in series.

[0132] Due to the resulting reduction in limescale formation, the ion exchange material can be loaded with less hydrogen or sodium. The resulting additional capacity in filter cartridge 4 can then be used for dosing other ions, such as magnesium.

[0133] If a water softening system (not shown) is used instead of a filter cartridge 4, which is regenerated with a saline solution, a higher degree of hardness of the treated water can be set without increasing limescale formation.

[0134] This can reduce the sodium content of the treated water.

[0135] The invention made it possible to improve the formation of limescale in the thermoblock of a water dispenser, in particular the water dispenser of a machine for preparing cold and hot drinks, in a very simple way. Reference symbol list:

[0136] 1 Water dispenser 2 Water pipe 2a, 2b Pipe section 3 Filter cartridge head 4 Filter cartridge 5 Pump 6a - 6c Flow path 7 Boiler 8 Carbonator 9a - 9c Switching valve 10 Outlet 11 CO2 pressurized gas cylinder 12 Pipe 13 Pipe 13a Pipe section 14 Control device 15a, 15b Switching valve 16 Pipe 17 Switching valve 18 Water heater 19 Faucet 20 Pipe

Claims

1. A water dispenser (1) comprising a heater, in particular a boiler (7), for dispensing warm water, characterised in that the water dispenser (1) comprises at least one dosing valve in the form of a switching valve (9a - 9c), through which carbon dioxide can be fed into the heater, wherein the water dispenser (1) comprises a controller (14) which controls the introduction of carbon dioxide via the switching valve (9a - 9c).

2. The water dispenser (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the water dispenser (1) comprises a preferably cooled carbonator (8) for dispensing carbonated water, which can be connected to the pressurized CO2 gas container (11); and / or that a partial flow of carbonated water can be fed into the heater, wherein said partial flow can in particular be mixed with a main flow to the heater, in particular a partial flow volume of between 2 % and 90 %, in particular between 5 % and 50 % of the total flow to the heater.

3. The water dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the controller controls the introduction of carbon dioxide via the switching valve (9a - 9c) on a time basis and / or volume basis.

4. The water dispenser (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that< / b> the controlling is adjustable, in particular based on a degree of hardness of the input water; and / or that the water dispenser (1) comprises two switching valves (15a - 15b) connected in series, which can be controlled alternately; and / or that water can be fed from the carbonator (8) into the heater; and / or that the water dispenser (1), in particular the heater, is connectible to a pressurized CO2 gas container (11).

5. An assembly comprising a water dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cartridge for water treatment, through which water is supplied to the water dispenser (1), wherein the cartridge is in particular configured for releasing a mineral into the water, in particular magnesium, silicon, lithium, and / or zinc.

6. The assembly according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the cartridge contains an ion exchange material, in particular an ion exchange material loaded with magnesium and / or zinc; wherein the ion exchange material is in particular loaded with magnesium or zinc to a degree of at least 30 %, preferably at least 50 % of its total capacity; and / or wherein the ion exchange material is loaded with hydrogen and / or sodium to a degree of less than 60 %, preferably less than 20 % of its total capacity.

7. A method for operating a water dispenser (1), in particular a water dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water dispenser comprises a heater for heating the water, in particular a boiler (7), and wherein the heater is supplied with carbon dioxide.

8. The method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the supplying of carbon dioxide is used to adjust the pH in the heater to less than 7.5, preferably to between 6.0 and 7.5, most preferably to between 6.5 and 7.0.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the water in the heater is heated to at least 60 °C, preferably to at least 80 °C; and / or that the dosing of carbon dioxide is effected via two switching valves (15a - 15c) which are clocked alternately, in particular solenoid valves.

10. A system for dispensing hot beverages and cold carbonated beverages, comprising a water dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and / or configured for performing a method according to any one of the preceding claims.