Device for removing water from a drinking water line, sanitary system comprising such a device and use of such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for draining water, in particular stagnant water, from a drinking water line, with at least one drinking water supply line (2) for supplying drinking water to a terminal drinking water tap (4), in particular a shower head or hand shower, with at least one first shut-off element (16) for shutting off the drinking water supply line (2), with at least one water discharge line (18) connected to the drinking water supply line, with at least one second shut-off element (20) for shutting off the water discharge line (18), and with at least one control device (22) for alternately activating the first shut-off element (16) and the second shut-off element (20).To further simplify compliance with drinking water hygiene regulations in such a device and to create a structurally advantageous means of maintaining drinking water hygiene, the invention provides that the device is equipped with at least one pump (28) having a suction port (24) and a water outlet (26), wherein the suction port (24) is connected to the drinking water supply line (2) downstream of the first shut-off valve (16) in the direction of drinking water flow, and wherein the water outlet (26) is connected to the water discharge line (18) upstream of the second shut-off valve (20) in the direction of water flow. The invention further relates to a sanitary system with such a device and to the use of such a device for draining stagnant water from a drinking water line.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for draining water, in particular stagnant water, from a drinking water pipe, comprising at least one drinking water supply line for supplying drinking water to a terminal drinking water tap, in particular an overhead or hand-held shower, at least one first shut-off element for shutting off the drinking water supply line, at least one water discharge line connected to the drinking water supply line, at least one second shut-off element for shutting off the water discharge line, and at least one control device for alternately activating the first shut-off element and the second shut-off element. The invention further relates to a sanitary system, preferably for a shower, comprising such a device for draining water from a drinking water pipe.Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of such a device for draining stagnant water from a drinking water pipe, in particular a shower water pipe.

[0002] Drinking water installations are subject to strict hygiene requirements to prevent any direct or indirect health impairments or disruptions to the well-being of users. It is desirable to ensure that the drinking water quality in the respective drinking water installation is essentially impeccable. This should prevent microorganisms, including pathogens such as Legionella, from multiplying in the drinking water installations. If Legionella enters installations with heated drinking water, where water temperatures between 25°C and 50°C prevail, they can multiply to hygienically relevant concentrations.

[0003] In particular, stagnation and unsuitable operation can impair the quality of drinking water in the pipes and devices of a drinking water installation through the proliferation of microorganisms or through an increased concentration of dissolved components of the materials of the devices or pipes, so that the requirements for drinking water are no longer met.

[0004] A well-known measure for maintaining hygienically perfect drinking water quality is to provide a drinking water circulation line that returns drinking water to a drinking water heater, e.g. a storage drinking water heater, in which the drinking water is heated to a minimum temperature of, for example, approximately 60 °C.

[0005] Another well-known measure for maintaining hygienically safe drinking water quality is to install a flushing station at the end of a water pipe, for example, at one end of a drinking water line in a residential building, hotel, or hospital. The flushing station allows for the targeted discharge of cold and / or hot water into a drain to ensure water exchange in the respective water pipe.

[0006] In a drinking water pipeline on a single-story level, the (subsequent) installation of a flushing station can prove particularly disadvantageous if there is no inspection opening at one end of the drinking water pipeline, and thus no structurally advantageous option for locating a flushing station. However, especially when consumers are located at the end of a pipeline arrangement that is not designed as a circulation line, there is a need to enable reliable flushing of such consumers as well.

[0007] In particular, in the case of showers, which can often be located at the end of such a drinking water line, it is only known from the prior art to provide manual flushing by operating a shower head.

[0008] However, such manual flushing and the associated manual documentation often result in a situation where hygienically safe drinking water quality cannot be guaranteed. There is also a risk for the person performing the manual flushing that, if Legionella growth has already begun within the drinking water installation, the manual flushing could disturb the existing Legionella bacteria in the air and thus be inhaled by the person performing the manual flushing.

[0009] The applicant has already developed a flushing device for a shower to perform an automated hygienic flush. With such a flushing device, stagnant water can be drained in a controlled manner into a concealed outlet via a concealed water drainage pipe. This flushing device thus offers improved hygienic flushing compared to conventional sanitary systems for showers. However, the applicant has recognized that residual water in an overhead or hand shower cannot be flushed out, or cannot be sufficiently flushed out, using such a flushing device. Stagnant water within the pipe or hose between the wall outlet and the overhead or hand shower is not flushed out and requires manual flushing by the operator or user of the overhead or hand shower.

[0010] Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a device and a sanitary system of the type mentioned at the outset, which further simplify or improve compliance with drinking water hygiene and enable a constructively favorable possibility for compliance with drinking water hygiene.

[0011] The object is achieved according to the invention in a first aspect of the present invention in that the device is provided with at least one pump having a suction connection and a water outlet, wherein the suction connection is connected to the drinking water supply line behind the first shut-off element as seen in the drinking water flow direction, and wherein the water outlet is connected to the water discharge line upstream of the second shut-off element as seen in the water flow direction.

[0012] This provides a device for draining stagnant water from a drinking water supply line, particularly from a drinking water supply line supplying an overhead or handheld showerhead, which further simplifies and improves compliance with required drinking water hygiene standards. Likewise, the use of a pump and associated shut-off elements enables the extraction of residual water in a drinking water line leading to an overhead and / or handheld showerhead or terminal drinking water tap in a structurally advantageous and convenient manner. In particular, the swirling of Legionella bacteria into the room air, which can occur during manual flushing, can be avoided.Preferably, the control device actuates the shut-off elements alternately for a specific period of time during which residual water in an overhead and / or hand shower or terminal drinking water tap is to be sucked away and drained away. Such a period of time for draining stagnant water can be at least 10 seconds, preferably at least 30 seconds, particularly preferably at least 60 seconds.

[0013] Apart from hygienic aspects, the suction of residual water from a head and / or hand shower also has the advantage that the user does not come into contact with cooled residual water while showering.

[0014] The pump used in the device according to the invention can, in particular, be a hydraulic pump, for example a piston pump, in particular a rotary piston pump, a rotary vane pump, a gear pump, a centrifugal pump, or a peristaltic pump. Such a pump is available with comparatively compact dimensions. Such pumps also sometimes have low energy consumption during operation. A particular advantage of peristaltic pumps is that only the hose comes into contact with the liquid. Since only the inner wall of the hose comes into contact with the liquid, the risk of contamination of the liquid by the pump, or vice versa, is eliminated.

[0015] An advantageous alternative embodiment of the invention provides that the pump is a jet pump, preferably a water jet pump, with a driving medium inlet. Such a pump can also be referred to as a Venturi nozzle or compared to a Venturi nozzle. A water jet pump is a jet pump in which water is fed into a Venturi nozzle as the driving medium. Such pumps are used in particular to extract liquids or gases.

[0016] In the Venturi nozzle, the dynamic pressure (back pressure) is maximum and the static pressure is minimum at the narrowest point of the tapered nozzle. The velocity of the propellant or water increases proportionally to the cross-sections as it flows through the nozzle, because the same amount flows through everywhere. At the same time, the pressure decreases proportionally in the intake port of the jet pump, which is preferably located at the narrowest point of the Venturi nozzle.

[0017] The jet pump's motive medium inlet is preferably connected to the drinking water supply line upstream of the first shut-off valve, as seen in the direction of drinking water flow. This allows for a short pipe run from the drinking water supply line to the jet pump's motive medium inlet.

[0018] A particular advantage of jet pumps, especially water jet pumps, is that they do not require a motor or drive and therefore no power connection. They are also characterized by their compact dimensions, simple design (no moving parts), and maintenance-free operation.

[0019] To create the negative pressure at the jet pump's Venturi nozzle, a compressed air jet can be used instead of a water jet. Accordingly, an alternative embodiment of the invention provides for the jet pump's propellant inlet to be connected to a compressed air source. In this case, the compressed air can be generated, for example, using an oil-free compressor.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the control device for the alternate activation of the first shut-off element and the second shut-off element is combined with at least one mixing device for mixing, preferably for variably mixing, drinking water flowing from a cold water inlet line and from a hot water inlet line to provide tempered drinking water, preferably being positioned together with such a mixing device on or in an assembly unit. Furthermore, it is preferred that such a mixing device is followed by a mixing valve or control valve of the control device, by means of which the tempered drinking water can be guided either to at least one drain outlet and / or to at least one tap outlet, for example a shower outlet. By combining orBy positioning the control device with the mixing device on or in an assembly unit, cost-effective prefabrication and rapid assembly of the control device and mixing device can be achieved and optimized.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, in particular the at least one control device and / or a second control device, the valve arrangement, at least one cold water and / or hot water inlet, at least one drain outlet and / or the at least one drinking water tap outlet, for example a shower outlet, is / are mounted or mounted on a common mounting unit, in particular on a common plate, in particular an angle plate, or on a common frame, or in an assembly unit, for example in a common housing, in particular in an assembly housing or in an assembly box. This allows cost-effective prefabrication and rapid assembly of the valve arrangement and control system to be further optimized.Preferably, the at least one drinking water inlet, the at least one drain outlet, and / or the at least one drinking water tap outlet are fluidly connected to the at least one valve arrangement by means of substantially flexible hoses. For example, the mounting unit can be arranged behind a wall, in particular behind a partition wall, of a shower area and sealed off from the shower area.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the mounting unit for covering an inspection opening can be connected to an operating unit of a tap fitting, for example a shower fitting. This enables a structurally advantageous and flexible arrangement of a device for draining stagnant water from a drinking water supply line, since no separate inspection opening is required for the installation of such a device. Alternatively, the mounting unit can have a cover for at least one inspection opening. It is preferred that a sealing means, in particular a sealing sleeve, is arranged between the mounting unit and an operating unit connected to the mounting unit or a cover connected to the mounting unit. Such a sealing means advantageously enables the mounting unit, in particular a mounting housing, to be sealed off from a shower area.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferred that the device according to the invention, at least several components of the device, in particular a hygienic flushing device arranged on a mounting unit, can be arranged behind a partition wall or shower wall. At least one inspection opening resulting from the arrangement of the hygienic flushing device and / or mounting unit can be substantially closed with an operating element, in particular with an operating element of a shower. Preferably, the at least one operating element is detachably connected to such a mounting unit so that, in the event of maintenance or repair, the operating element can be conveniently removed to provide access to the inspection opening.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferred that the mounting unit has a mounting preparation for connecting the mounting unit to a support frame, in particular a pre-wall frame. Such a mounting unit can be connected to pre-wall frames for both solid construction and drywall construction. The pre-wall frames can also be pre-wall frames comprising a head and / or hand shower, and / or a substantially square or circular floor drain, or a substantially elongated drainage channel. This makes it possible to provide a mounting unit that offers a multitude of different possible applications in practice.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the mixing device of the device according to the invention for discharging stagnant water comprises at least one inlet as a cold water inlet for connecting the cold water inlet line, at least one inlet as a hot water inlet for connecting the hot water inlet line, and at least one outlet as a tap outlet for connecting the drinking water inlet line for supplying drinking water to the terminal drinking water tap.

[0026] The device according to the invention for draining stagnant water from a drinking water supply line can be integrated into an automated hygiene flushing system. Accordingly, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the mixing device further comprises at least one drain outlet for connecting the cold water inlet and / or the hot water inlet to the or a second water discharge line for draining incoming drinking water, at least one valve arrangement for letting in drinking water through the cold water inlet and / or the hot water inlet and for discharging drinking water through the at least one drain outlet and / or the at least one tap outlet, and a controller or second control device which, depending on at least one control signal, actuates the at least one valve arrangement to carry out a hygiene flush in such a way thatthat the valve arrangement lets in drinking water from the respective supply line through the cold water inlet and / or the hot water inlet and discharges it at least partially, preferably substantially completely, particularly preferably for a specific period of time through the at least one drain outlet. This creates an optimized flushing device, in particular for a shower, for carrying out a hygienic flush, which simplifies compliance with the required drinking water hygiene. In particular, the additional provision of a drain outlet enables the carrying out of a hygienic flush in a structurally favorable and convenient manner. The said control device can be the control device already specified above or the first control device of the device according to the invention. However, it is also within the scope of the present invention,that the already specified control device or first control device and the second control device are designed together as a control unit.,

[0027] The control unit or second control device can provide a controlled and preferably automated water exchange and thus a hygienic flush. In particular, the swirling of Legionella bacteria into the room air, which can occur with manual flushing, can be avoided. Preferably, the control unit or second control device actuates the valve arrangement for a specific period of time during which the hygienic flush is to be performed. Such a period of time for performing the hygienic flush can be at least 10 seconds, preferably at least 30 seconds, particularly preferably at least 60 seconds.

[0028] A further embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the controller or second control device comprises a warm-up function, that the controller or second control device actuates the at least one valve arrangement in such a way that the valve arrangement discharges the tempered drinking water made available by the mixing device at least partially, preferably substantially completely, through the at least one drain outlet until a minimum temperature of the tempered drinking water is reached, and that the controller or second control device actuates the at least one valve arrangement once the minimum temperature of the tempered drinking water has been reached in such a way that the valve arrangement makes the tempered drinking water available for use via the tap outlet.

[0029] This makes it possible for a user of a drinking water tap, in particular a user of a shower, to only be provided with sufficiently tempered water via the at least one drinking water tap outlet or shower outlet. For example, at the start of a shower, this can prevent cold water from flowing out of a shower outlet even though the user wants to use tempered water. As long as the water has not reached a minimum temperature, for example set by the user, the tempered water can therefore be drained via the drain outlet and a water drainage line connected to the drain outlet. It is also preferred that the control or second control device drains the excessively hot water via the drain outlet when a maximum temperature, which can also be set by a user, is exceeded, thus preventing the user from accidentally scalding.

[0030] A further embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that a flow path of the inlet drinking water within the mixing device from at least one of the inlets can be changed by means of the controller or second control device such that the inlet drinking water can be discharged essentially either through the at least one drain outlet or through the at least one tap outlet. This advantageously allows for a hygienic flush without contaminating a drinking water supply line or showerhead connected to the at least one drinking water tap outlet.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the controller or second control device generates the control signal for actuating the at least one valve arrangement for performing a hygiene flush in response to a sensor signal. For this purpose, the device according to the invention can comprise at least one sensor configured to generate at least one sensor signal. This can enable advantageous and essentially automated actuation of the valve arrangement for performing a hygiene flush.

[0032] It is preferred that the sensor signal is indicative of at least one of the following parameters: Time interval since the last drinking water withdrawal from at least one of the inflow lines, water temperature of the drinking water present in at least one of the inflow lines, number of drinking water withdrawals carried out in a certain period of time, duration of a hygiene flush carried out, and / or input, in particular user input.

[0033] In order to be able to generate a sensor signal indicative of a time interval since the last drinking water was drawn from the at least one inflow line, it is preferred that the controller or second control device comprises at least one time-measuring device and / or is provided with at least one time-measuring device. The time-measuring device preferably has a sensor for detecting a drinking water draw from the at least one inflow line. If, for example, a drinking water draw from the at least one inflow line is detected, a timer can be activated by the time-measuring device, for example. If a predetermined, in particular predeterminable, time interval since the last drinking water draw from the inflow line is exceeded, the controller or second control device can generate a control signal for actuating the valve arrangement, so that a hygienic flush is carried out.This allows a hygienic flush to be carried out at regular intervals, so that compliance with drinking water hygiene can be guaranteed.

[0034] The controller or second control device can also comprise a counting device and / or be connected to a counting device, wherein the sensor signal is indicative, among other things, of the number of drinking water withdrawals performed within a specific period of time. It is preferred that such a counting device be combined with an aforementioned time-measuring device since the last flush, so that the sensor signal can be indicative of usage intervals of the withdrawal point, taking into account the hygiene flushes performed. This can enable optimization with regard to water savings during the automated hygiene flushes.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferred that the controller or second control device comprises and / or is provided with at least one time-measuring device, wherein such a time-measuring device generates a sensor signal indicative of the duration of a hygiene flush being performed. Thus, if a minimum flush duration is exceeded, the controller or second control device can generate a control signal for actuating the valve arrangement to terminate the hygiene flush, thereby reducing the drinking water used for the hygiene flush.

[0036] To determine a sensor signal indicative of the water temperature of the drinking water located in at least one inlet line, it is preferred that at least one sensor for measuring the water temperature is arranged at the at least one inlet or in the at least one inlet line. Depending on the water temperature, a sensor signal, in particular a temperature signal, can be generated by the at least one sensor and transmitted to the controller. The controller or second control device can then, depending on the transmitted sensor signal, generate a control signal for actuating the at least one valve arrangement to carry out a hygiene flush. This enables a temperature-dependent and needs-based hygiene flush, so that unnecessarily high water consumption can be avoided.

[0037] It is also preferred that the at least one sensor signal be indicative of an input, in particular indicative of a user input. For this purpose, it is preferred that the controller or second control device comprises communication means and / or is connected to communication means that transmit or can transmit an input to the controller or second control device. This preferably enables manual control of the device according to the invention, in particular the performance of a hygiene flush, in addition to a substantially automated control.

[0038] A further preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the data relating to a hygiene flush are logged in a memory by the controller or second control device, particularly after a hygiene flush has been performed. Essentially automated logging enables reliable and systematic logging of the drinking water quality, particularly with regard to the hygiene flushes performed.

[0039] It is preferred that the logging performed meets the requirements for automated and digital logging as defined by VDI Guideline 6023. This allows the operator of drinking water installations, especially showers, to demonstrate that hygiene requirements for the drinking water installations are met.

[0040] Preferably, the controller or second control device comprises communication means or is connected to communication means, so that the data stored as part of the logging can be transmitted to a server or to a network, in particular to a drinking water management system. The logging can include, for example, temperature profiles of the drinking water located in the at least one inlet line, usage times of a drinking water tap, e.g. a shower, in particular flow times through a shower outlet, usage times of a hygiene flush, in particular flow times through a drain outlet, number and duration of hygiene flushes performed, water temperature and frequency of hygiene flushes performed at an elevated water temperature, usage intervals of a shower device and / or a hygiene flush, and possible error messages.

[0041] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that at least one of the control devices or the control unit has communication means for connecting the control unit or the relevant control device to a network, in particular to a drinking water management system or a building management system, and / or a server, or is connected to such communication means. The provision of communication means enables communication between the device according to the invention and a drinking water management system and / or a building management system, whereby, for example, logging can be accessed by means of the drinking water management system or the building management system.Likewise, the parameters of the at least one sensor signal, such as the time interval after which an automated hygiene flush should occur, can be changed and / or adjusted using the communication means. For example, the communication means can be a network connection and / or a fieldbus system. Likewise, the communication means can also be communication means that enable essentially wireless communication, for example, via WLAN. The communication means of the controller can also be used to connect the controller to sensors.

[0042] According to a second aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned object is achieved with a sanitary system, preferably for a shower, having a device according to the invention, wherein the device can preferably have one of the configurations described above. It is particularly preferred that the drinking water supply line for supplying drinking water to a terminal drinking water tap is designed as a pipeline or, at least in sections, as a flexible hose line.

[0043] A further preferred embodiment of the sanitary system according to the invention provides that the at least one water discharge line has a backflow prevention device for the discharged water, and that the backflow prevention device is preferably designed as a free outlet, as a pipe interrupter, in the form of one or more ventilation openings and / or as a mechanical device.

[0044] The present invention particularly relates to the use of a device according to one of claims 1 to 13 for draining stagnant water from a drinking water supply line, in particular a shower water line, preferably in conjunction with a sanitary system for a terminal drinking water tap, for example a head and / or hand shower, particularly preferably a sanitary system according to claim 14 or 15.

[0045] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to several exemplary embodiments. The drawings show schematically: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a sanitary installation with a drinking water supply line, which supplies a terminal tap, e.g. a shower head, with drinking water, and a device according to the invention for removing stagnant water from the drinking water supply line; Fig. 2 shows the sanitary installation from Fig. 1, wherein a state is outlined in which stagnant water is drained from a section of the drinking water supply line ending at the tap; Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the invention for draining stagnant water from the drinking water supply line in a sanitary installation similar to that shown in the Figures 1 and 2 sketched plumbing installation; Fig. 4 the plumbing system from Fig. 3 , wherein a state is outlined in which stagnant water is drained from a section of the drinking water supply line ending at the tap; Fig. 5 an embodiment of a sanitary installation according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 3 used hygiene flushing device, in a front view; Fig. 6 an embodiment of a sanitary system with a hygiene flushing device according to Fig. 5, in a front view; Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of a hygiene flushing device, in a front view; Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a sanitary installation with drinking water supply lines, which supply terminal taps, e.g. a head shower and a hand shower, with drinking water, and a device according to the invention for draining stagnant water from the respective drinking water supply line; Fig. 9 shows the sanitary installation from Fig. 8 , wherein a state is outlined in which stagnant water is drained from a section of the drinking water supply line ending at the hand shower; Fig. 10a shows an embodiment of an operating unit, in a front view; and Fig. 10b shows a further embodiment of an operating unit, in a front view.

[0046] In the following description of the various embodiments of the invention, components and elements with the same function and / or the same mode of operation are provided with the same reference numerals, even if the components and elements may differ in their dimensions or shape in the various embodiments. The components and elements sketched in the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0047] In the Figures 1 and 2 A sanitary installation is shown which has a drinking water supply line 2, which supplies drinking water to a terminal tap 4. The terminal tap 4 can be, for example, a hand shower or - as in the Figures 1 and 2shown - a shower head. 6 denotes a shower tray or a shower floor, which is equipped with a floor drain 8 through which used drinking water can flow into a drainage pipe 10. The direction of water flow resulting from a specific valve circuit is marked by arrows in the drawing. 12 denotes an actuating or operating unit, by means of which the drinking water supply to the tap 4 can be triggered, controlled, or stopped.

[0048] Particularly in the case of terminal drinking water taps, there is a risk of contamination of the drinking water available there if the tap in question is not used for an extended period of time. Automated hygiene flushing, in which stagnant water is drained, for example, via an automatically controlled flush valve 14, often does not adequately drain stagnant water at a terminal drinking water tap, particularly if the drinking water supply line supplying the drinking water tap 4 has a looped pipe section, for example, a hose section. In such a pipe section, prolonged stagnation of water in the residual water in the pipe can lead to the formation or proliferation of microorganisms (germs), which is hazardous to health.

[0049] In order to simplify compliance with drinking water hygiene and to create a constructively favorable possibility for compliance with drinking water hygiene, the Fig. 1 The sanitary installation shown has a device for draining stagnant water from a drinking water supply line 2 leading to the terminal tap 4 or overhead shower.

[0050] For this purpose, the device according to the invention comprises at least one drinking water supply line 2 for supplying drinking water to a terminal drinking water tap 4, for example a head shower, at least one first shut-off element 16 for shutting off the drinking water supply line 2, at least one water discharge line 18 connected to the drinking water supply line 2, at least one second shut-off element 20 for shutting off the water discharge line 18, at least one control device 22 for alternately activating the first shut-off element 16 and the second shut-off element 20, and at least one pump 28 having a suction connection 24 and a water outlet 26. The suction connection 24 is connected to the drinking water supply line 2 behind the first shut-off element 16, as seen in the drinking water flow direction, while the water outlet 26 is connected to the water discharge line 18 upstream of the second shut-off element 20, as seen in the water flow direction.The shut-off elements 16, 20 are designed, for example, as electrically or electromagnetically controllable shut-off valves.

[0051] In the Figures 1 and 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 28 is a jet pump having a driving medium inlet 30, which is connected to the drinking water supply line 2 upstream of the first shut-off element 16, as seen in the drinking water flow direction. The pump 28 can also be referred to as a Venturi nozzle or water jet pump.

[0052] In Fig. 1An operating state is sketched in which the first shut-off element 16 is open and the second shut-off element 20 is closed. Accordingly, drinking water can flow to the tap (overhead shower) 4 via the drinking water supply line 2 and exit at the tap 4. A mixing device 32 for mixing, preferably for variably mixing, drinking water flowing in from a cold water inlet line 34 and from a hot water inlet line 36 to provide tempered drinking water is preferably arranged upstream of the drinking water supply line 2. The mixing device 32 is combined with the control device 22 for alternately activating the first shut-off element 16 and the second shut-off element 20, preferably positioned together with the mixing device 32 on or in a mounting unit 38. The mounting unit 38 can, for example, be based on a box-shaped or angled support made of sheet metal and / or plastic.The mounting unit 38 preferably has an optional hygiene flushing device 44, which will be described below.

[0053] In Fig. 2 A hygienic flushing state is sketched in which the first shut-off element 16 is closed and the second shut-off element 20 downstream of the pump 28 (Venturi nozzle) is open. In this circuit state, stagnant water is sucked out of section 2.1 of the drinking water supply line 2, which ends at the tap (overhead shower) 4, by means of the pump 28 and discharged via the water discharge line 18 into the drainage line 10 assigned to the tap 4 or another drainage line (not shown). The water discharge line 18 has a backflow prevention device 40 for the discharged drinking water (stagnant water). The backflow prevention device 40 is designed, for example, as a free outlet, as a pipe interrupter, in the form of one or more ventilation openings and / or as a mechanical device.

[0054] In the hygienic flush mode, drinking water is fed into the Venturi nozzle 28.1 of the pump 28 as the driving medium. In the tapered nozzle 28.1, the dynamic pressure is maximum and the static pressure is minimum at its narrowest point. The velocity of the driving drinking water increases as it flows through the tapered nozzle in proportion to the cross-sections, since the same amount of water flows along the Venturi nozzle 28.1 throughout. At the same time, the pressure decreases proportionally in the intake port 24, which is preferably located at the narrowest point of the Venturi nozzle 28.1. The negative pressure thus generated in the intake port 24 drains the water-containing line section 2.1, which ends at the tap 4. In other words, by diverting the drinking water into the drainage system at the Venturi nozzle 28.1, a negative pressure is generated, through which the residual water in the pipe section 2.1 ending at the tap 4 is sucked out.

[0055] The driving medium inlet 30 of the jet pump 28 is connected to the drinking water supply line 2, preferably close to the first shut-off element 16, as seen in the drinking water flow direction. The intake connection 24 of the jet pump 28 is preferably connected close to the outlet 16.1 of the first shut-off element 16 on the line section 2.1 ending at the tap 4.

[0056] The Figures 3 and 4 The embodiment shown differs from the one shown in the Figures 1 and 2 in particular in that the pump 28' for sucking off residual water from the pipe section 2.1 ending at the tap 4 is not designed as a water jet pump, but as a hydraulic pump 28', which is driven by a motor 42, preferably an electric motor. In the sanitary installation according to the Figures 3 and 4The hydraulic pump 28' used can be, for example, a piston, rotary piston, centrifugal, gear or hose pump. In contrast to the water jet pump 28 according to the Figures 1 and 2 has a hydraulic pump 28' according to Figures 3 and 4 no propellant connection 30. The hydraulic pump 28' is connected to the drinking water supply line 2 via a single branch 2.2, wherein the branch or suction connection 24 is arranged near the outlet 16.1 of the first shut-off element 16.

[0057] In Fig. 5 is a hygiene flushing device 44 designed as an assembly unit 38, as used in a sanitary installation according to Figures 1 and 2 or the Figures 3 and 4is used, shown separately and on a larger scale. The hygiene flushing device 44 can also be referred to simply as a flushing device. The flushing device 44 has two inlets 46, 48, wherein the inlet 46 serves as a cold water inlet 46 for connecting a cold water supply line 50 and the inlet 48 serves as a hot water inlet 48 for connecting a hot water supply line 52 (see Fig. 6 ). Furthermore, the flushing device 44 has a drain outlet 54 for connecting the inlets 46, 48 to a water discharge line 56 for discharging the incoming drinking water. The flushing device 44 also has a first shower outlet 58 for a head shower for connecting the inlets 46, 48 to a head shower line, and a second shower outlet 60 for connecting the inlets 46, 48 to a hand shower.

[0058] The two inlets 46, 48, the drain outlet 54, and the shower outlets 58, 60 preferably each have an external thread for connection to the inlet lines 50, 52, the water discharge line 56, and / or the respective shower lines. Furthermore, the two inlets 46, 48 are connected to a valve assembly 64 by means of substantially flexible hoses 62.

[0059] The valve arrangement 64 comprises at least one mixing device 32 for mixing drinking water supplied from the cold water supply line 50 and the hot water supply line 52, so that tempered drinking water can be provided at an outlet 66 of the mixing device 32. The mixing device 32 can further comprise a controller or second control device 65. The mixing device 32 can be configured, for example, as an electronic or electromechanical mixing unit. Furthermore, the valve arrangement 64 comprises a valve element 14 connected to the mixing device (mixing unit) 32.The controller or second control device 65 is connected to the valve element 14 and, by means of the valve element 14, can control, in particular, whether the drinking water admitted through the inlets 46, 48 should be drained via the drain outlet 54 as part of a hygienic flush or whether the admitted drinking water should be made available to a shower user via at least one of the shower outlets 58, 60. The drain outlet 54 and the shower outlets 58, 60 are preferably also connected to the valve element 14 via flexible hoses 62.

[0060] To transmit a sensor signal to the controller or second control device 65, the flushing device 44 further comprises a communication means 68, which is particularly designed to be wirelessly connected to a network and / or a server, e.g., via WLAN. The communication means 68 is connected to the controller or second control device 65 by means of a cable 69 via a power supply 70 and the valve element 14.

[0061] When the communication means 68 receives a sensor signal from a sensor arranged in the same network, the communication means 68 forwards the sensor signal to the controller or second control device 65. Depending on the sensor signal, the controller or second control device 65 can generate a control signal for actuating the valve arrangement 64 such that a hygiene flush is performed. In particular, any drinking water available for this purpose is introduced from the inlets 46, 48 and discharged again via the drain outlet 54.

[0062] The Fig. 5The components of the flushing device 44 shown are arranged in an assembly unit 38, wherein the assembly unit 38 is designed as an assembly housing having circumferential side walls 72, with the inlets 46, 48 and the drain outlet 54 being arranged on the lower side wall 72. Furthermore, the assembly unit 38 has a plurality of fastening openings 74, by means of which the assembly unit 38 can be fastened to a support frame 76 (cf. Fig. 6 ).

[0063] The support frame 76 has longitudinal struts 78, which are connected to one another by a plurality of cross struts 80. The mounting unit 38 is screwed to two invisible cross struts via the fastening openings 74 and fastening screws 82. The overhead shower line 59 is connected to a shower head outlet 84 arranged in the cross strut 80.

[0064] The water drainage line 56 has a backflow prevention device 86 for the drained drinking water. For this purpose, the first part of the water drainage line 56 is designed as a free outlet 88, which opens into a funnel-shaped element 89. The funnel-shaped element 89 is in turn connected to a second part 90 of the water drainage line 56, which can be connected to a conventional shower drain or a shower drain channel.

[0065] The mounting unit 38 is preferably provided with a sealing sleeve (not shown) for sealing the mounting unit 38 from a shower area. The sealing sleeve is designed as a circumferential seal along the side walls 72 of the mounting unit 38. The sealing sleeve can be used to seal the valve arrangement 64 arranged in the mounting unit 38, the control or second control device 65, the inlets 46, 48 as well as the drain outlet 54 and the shower outlet 58 from a shower area. Preferably, the Fig. 5 as well as Fig. 6 The mounting unit 38 shown is arranged behind a wall, in particular behind a pre-wall, within the shower area.

[0066] In the Fig. 10a and 10bare schematic representations of a first and a second embodiment of an operating unit 12' for covering an inspection opening 92 of the flushing device 44. The operating units 12' are each provided with a mounting frame 94 for connecting the operating units 12' to the mounting unit 38 of the flushing device 44. Both operating units 12' each have an upper rotary control 95 for setting a desired shower temperature and a lower rotary control 96 for setting a desired water jet strength or a desired water volume flow. In contrast to the Fig. 10b The control unit 12' shown in Fig. 10aThe control unit 12' shown additionally has a hand shower outlet 97 for the additional connection of a hand shower. A toggle switch 98 is arranged below the hand shower outlet 97, by means of which a user can select whether a hand shower or an overhead shower should be used for the shower experience.

[0067] In Fig. 7 A further embodiment of a hygiene flushing device 44 designed as an assembly unit 38 is shown. The hygiene flushing device 44 can also be referred to simply as a flushing device. The flushing device 44 according to Fig. 7 can be used in a sanitary installation, such as those found in the Figures 8 and 9 is outlined.

[0068] The Fig. 7 The flushing device 44 or assembly unit 38 shown differs from the one shown in Fig. 5illustrated flushing device 44 in that in the pipes or hoses 62, which lead essentially from the valve element 14 to the head shower outlet 58 or to the hand shower outlet 60, two line branches 100, 101 or 102, 103 are arranged, wherein a shut-off element 16' or 16" is arranged between the respective pair of line branches 100, 101 or 102, 103. The line branches 100, 101 or 102, 103 can, for example, each be designed as a Y-piece or T-piece. The shut-off element 16', 16" is preferably designed as an electrically actuated shut-off valve. From the two line branches 100, 101 and 102, 103, pipes or hoses 62 lead to a water jet pump 28', 28" having a Venturi nozzle 28.1. The line 62, which is connected to the front line branch 100 or 102, 103, as seen in the direction of water flow.102 leads to the driving medium inlet 30 of the water jet pump 28', 28", while the line 62, which is connected to the line branch 101 or 103 which is at the rear in the water flow direction, i.e. downstream of the shut-off element 16', 16", leads to the suction connection 24 of the water jet pump 28', 28". The water outlet (outlet) 26 of the water jet pump 28', 28" is connected to a water discharge line 56 via a pipe or hose 62 and at least one connecting piece, which is designed, for example, as a Y-piece or T-piece.

[0069] In the pipe or hose line 62, a shut-off element 20' is arranged behind the water jet pump 28', 28" and upstream of the water discharge line 56, as seen in the direction of water flow. This shut-off element 20' is also preferably designed as an electrically actuated shut-off valve. The water discharge line 56 discharges stagnant water sucked out of the head or hand shower line by means of the water jet pump 28' or 28" via a backflow preventer 86, which is designed, for example, as a free outlet or pipe interrupter, into a drainage line.

[0070] The shut-off elements 16', 16", 20' are assigned a control device 22 or 65, by means of which the shut-off elements 16', 20' or 16", 20' of a respective shut-off element pair can be activated alternately, so that when one shut-off element 16' or 16" is open, the other shut-off element 20' is closed, and vice versa. A water flow direction resulting from a specific valve circuit, which, for example, corresponds on the one hand to the use of a hand shower 110 and on the other hand to the suction of stagnant water from the hand shower line 112, is shown in the Figures 8 and 9 marked by arrows.

[0071] The embodiment of the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments outlined in the drawings. Rather, further variants are conceivable, which, even in a design deviating from the examples shown, make use of the invention described in the appended claims. For example, it is also within the scope of the invention to use as the driving medium for the jet pump 28 according to the Figures 1 and 2 In the embodiment shown, compressed air is used instead of drinking water. In this case, the driving medium inlet 30 of the jet pump 28 is not connected to the drinking water supply line 2, but to a compressed air source (not shown).

Claims

1. Device for draining water from a drinking water pipe, - with at least one drinking water supply line (2) for supplying drinking water to a terminal drinking water tap (4), in particular an overhead or hand shower (110), - with at least one first shut-off element (16, 16', 16") for shutting off the drinking water supply line (2), - with at least one water discharge line (18; 56) connected to the drinking water supply line (2), - with at least one second shut-off element (20, 20') for shutting off the water discharge line (18; 56), - with at least one control device (22; 65) for alternately activating the first shut-off element (16; 16', 16") and the second shut-off element (20; 20'), and - with at least one pump (28; 28', 28"; 28) having a suction connection (24) and a water outlet (26). 29), - wherein the suction connection (24) on the drinking water supply line (2) is arranged behind the first shut-off element (16;16', 16"), and - wherein the water outlet (26) is connected to the water discharge line (18; 56) upstream of the second shut-off element (20; 20') as seen in the direction of water flow.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by - that the pump (28; 28', 28") is a jet pump having a driving medium inlet (30).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized by - that the driving medium inlet (30) of the jet pump is connected to the drinking water supply line (2) in front of the first shut-off element (16; 16', 16"), as seen in the drinking water flow direction.

4. Device according to claim 2, characterized by - that the driving medium inlet (30) of the jet pump is connected to a compressed air source.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by - thatthe at least one first shut-off element (16; 16', 16") and / or the at least one second shut-off element (20; 20') is / are positioned together with the at least one pump (28; 28', 28"; 29) on or in a mounting unit (38).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by - that the control device (22; 65) for alternately activating the first shut-off element (16; 16', 16") and the second shut-off element (20; 20') is combined with at least one mixing device (32) for mixing, preferably for variable mixing, drinking water flowing in from a cold water inlet line (34) and from a hot water inlet line (36) to provide tempered drinking water, preferably positioned together with such a mixing device (32) on or in a mounting unit (38).

7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by - thatthe mounting unit (38) for covering at least one inspection opening (92) can be connected to an operating unit (12') of a tap fitting, preferably a shower fitting.

8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by - that the mixing device (32) comprises the following: - at least one inlet as a cold water inlet (46) for connecting the cold water supply line (34; 50); - at least one inlet as a hot water inlet (48) for connecting the hot water supply line (36; 52); and - at least one outlet as a tap outlet (58, 60) for connecting the drinking water supply line (2) for supplying drinking water to the terminal drinking water tap (4).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized by - thatthe mixing device (32) further comprises: - at least one drain outlet (54) for connecting the cold water inlet (46) and / or the hot water inlet (48) to the or a second water discharge line (18; 54) for discharging admitted drinking water; - at least one valve arrangement (64) for admitting drinking water through the cold water inlet (46) and / or the hot water inlet (48) and for discharging drinking water through the at least one drain outlet (54) and / or the at least one tap outlet (58; 60); and - a controller or second control device (65) which, depending on at least one control signal, actuates the at least one valve arrangement (64) to carry out a hygienic flush in such a way that the valve arrangement (64) discharges drinking water from the respective inlet line (34, 36;50, 52) and discharges at least partially, preferably substantially completely, through the at least one drain outlet (54); 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized by - that the control or second control device (65) comprises a warm-up function, - that the control or second control device (65) actuates the at least one valve arrangement (64) such that the valve arrangement (64) discharges the tempered drinking water provided by the mixing device (32) at least partially, preferably substantially completely, through the at least one outlet (54) until a minimum temperature of the tempered drinking water is reached, and - thatthe control or second control device (65) actuates the at least one valve arrangement (64) once the minimum temperature of the tempered drinking water has been reached in such a way that the valve arrangement (64) makes the tempered drinking water available for use via the tap outlet (58, 60).

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10 in combination with claim 6, characterized by - that a flow path of the admitted drinking water within the mixing device (32) from at least one of the inlets (46, 48) can be changed by means of the control or second control device (65) such that the admitted drinking water can be discharged substantially either through the at least one drain outlet (54) or through the at least one tap outlet (58, 60).

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11 in combination with claim 8, characterized by - thatthe controller or second control device (65) forms the control signal for actuating the at least one valve arrangement (64) for carrying out a hygiene flush as a function of at least one sensor signal, which is preferably indicative of at least one of the following parameters: - time interval since a last drinking water withdrawal from at least one of the inflow lines (34, 36; 50, 52), - water temperature of the drinking water present in at least one of the inflow lines (34, 36; 50, 52), - number of drinking water withdrawals carried out in a certain period of time, - duration of a carried out hygiene flush, and / or - input, in particular user input.

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by - thatat least one of the control devices (22; 65) has communication means (68) for connecting the respective control device (22; 65) to a network, in particular to a drinking water management system or a building management system, and / or to a server.

14. Sanitary system, preferably for a shower, with a device () according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the drinking water supply line (2) for supplying drinking water to a terminal drinking water tap (4) is designed as a pipeline or at least in sections as a flexible hose line (112).

15. Sanitary system according to claim 14, characterized by - that the at least one water discharge line (18; 56) has a backflow prevention device (40; 86) for the discharged water and, - thatthe backflow prevention device (40; 86) is preferably designed as a free outlet (88), as a pipe interrupter, in the form of one or more ventilation openings and / or as a mechanical device.

16. Use of a device according to one of claims 1 to 13 for draining stagnant water from a drinking water pipe, preferably a shower water pipe, and preferably in conjunction with a sanitary system for a terminal drinking water tap, such as a head and / or hand shower, particularly preferably a sanitary system according to claim 14 or 15.

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