Device for producing temperature-controlled mixed water

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for producing temperature-controlled mixed water, comprising a cold water duct (3) that is connectable to a cold water supply line (2), a hot water duct (5) that is connectable to a hot water supply line (4), a mixed water duct (6) into which the cold water duct (3) and the hot water duct (5) each open, a cold water diaphragm valve (8) arranged in the cold water duct (3) for limiting the cold water quantity flowing through the cold water duct (3), a hot water diaphragm valve (9) arranged in the hot water duct (5) for limiting the hot water quantity flowing through the hot water duct (5), a cold water actuator (10) for actuating the cold water diaphragm valve (8), a hot water actuator (12) for actuating the hot water diaphragm valve (9), and a pressure equalizing valve (14) arranged upstream of the cold water diaphragm valve (8) in the cold water duct (3) and upstream of the hot water diaphragm valve (9) in the hot water duct (5), wherein the pressure equalizing valve (14) is designed such that, in the event of a pressure difference between the cold water supply line (2) and the hot water supply line (4), said pressure equalizing valve automatically changes the flow cross section of the cold water flowing through the pressure equalizing valve (14) and, at the same time, the flow cross section of the hot water flowing through the pressure equalizing valve (14), such that the pressure difference is equalized downstream of the pressure equalizing valve (13).

Description

[0001] Device for producing tempered mixed water

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for producing tempered mixed water. Mixed water is the result of a mixture of cold water and hot water. Tempered mixed water is mixed water at a desired or set temperature, in particular a temperature desired or set by a user.

[0003] Devices of the type in question are well known in practice. Such devices comprise a connection for a cold water supply line and an adjoining cold water channel, as well as a connection for a hot water supply line and an adjoining hot water channel. The cold water channel and the hot water channel can each be limited by a valve and each open into a mixed water channel, which forms the outlet for tempered mixed water.

[0004] To make the production of tempered water more comfortable for the user, generic devices comprising actuators are also known. The actuators are each assigned to one of the valves and are each configured to control or operate the associated valve to restrict the corresponding channel. Such a device makes it possible to implement the mixed water temperature desired by a user by the device's actuators opening or closing the associated valve as appropriate.

[0005] However, a disadvantage of known devices of this type is that, in the event of a pressure difference between the cold water connection or the cold water supply line and the hot water connection or the hot water supply line, the actual mixed water temperature deviates from the desired mixed water temperature. In other words, in the event of such a pressure difference, the mixed water is colder or warmer than desired or set by the user. The reason for this is that if one of the two valves is subjected to a higher pressure than the other, a larger volume of water flows through this valve than would be necessary to achieve the desired mixed water temperature. This has a direct impact on the mixing ratio of the mixed water and thus on its temperature.

[0006] Such a pressure difference can arise if, for example, a relatively large amount of cold water is drawn within a relatively short period of time from the same supply line that feeds the cold water connection of the generic device, for example by flushing the toilet. Drawing off cold water causes the pressure in the cold water supply line to drop briefly, so that the amount of hot water actually delivered into the combined water sewer due to this pressure difference exceeds the amount of hot water required to generate the desired combined water temperature. If, as a result of drawing off cold water, the pressure in the combined water supply line significantly exceeds the pressure in the cold water supply line, this can result in a dangerously high combined water temperature, which could scald the user.

[0007] Conversely, such a pressure difference can also arise if, for example, a relatively large amount of hot water is drawn from the same supply line that feeds the hot water connection of the device in question within a relatively short period of time for handwashing. As a result of this hot water withdrawal, the pressure in the hot water supply line drops briefly. Due to this pressure difference, the amount of cold water actually discharged into the mixed water channel exceeds the amount of cold water actually required to generate the desired mixed water temperature. This, in turn, can lead to a mixed water temperature that is perceived by the user as unpleasantly low.

[0008] To address the described phenomenon, it is conceivable to equip a generic device with pressure and / or temperature sensors in the cold water channel and the hot water channel, feed the acquired information into a control system, and thus achieve more stable behavior of the generic device with regard to the generation of tempered mixed water. However, this requires significant design and circuitry complexity and is therefore costly both in terms of production and maintenance.

[0009] The present invention is therefore based on the object of at least partially solving the problem explained above as a whole and, in particular, of specifying a device for producing tempered mixed water which can produce tempered mixed water independently of any pressure differences in the supply lines of the device, and specifically with comparatively simple means.

[0010] The underlying problem is solved by a device for producing tempered mixed water with the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous further developments arise from the subclaims.

[0011] A device for generating tempered mixed water is proposed, comprising a cold water channel connectable to a cold water supply line, a hot water channel connectable to a hot water supply line, and a mixed water channel into which the cold water channel and the hot water channel each discharge. The cold water channel and the hot water channel each comprise a connection for a corresponding supply line, which each forms the corresponding water inlet or inlet of the device according to the invention. The mixed water channel forms the mixed water outlet or outflow of the device according to the invention.

[0012] Furthermore, the device according to the invention comprises a cold water diaphragm valve arranged in the cold water channel for limiting the amount of cold water flowing through the cold water channel, and a warm water diaphragm valve arranged in the warm water channel for limiting the amount of warm water flowing through the warm water channel. The cold water diaphragm valve thus also serves to limit the amount of cold water flowing into the mixed water channel. Analogously, the warm water diaphragm valve thus also serves to limit the amount of warm water flowing into the mixed water channel.

[0013] Furthermore, the device according to the invention comprises a cold water actuator for, preferably continuously, actuating, i.e. for opening and closing, the cold water diaphragm valve and a hot water actuator for, preferably continuously, actuating, i.e. for opening and closing, the hot water diaphragm valve.

[0014] Finally, the device according to the invention comprises a pressure equalization valve arranged upstream of the cold water diaphragm valve, i.e., upstream of the cold water diaphragm valve, in the cold water channel, and a pressure equalization valve arranged upstream of the warm water diaphragm valve, i.e., upstream of the warm water diaphragm valve, in the warm water channel. This is a single pressure equalization valve. The pressure equalization valve is arranged both in the cold water channel and in the warm water channel, which is separate from the cold water channel and, in particular, is not fluidically connected to the cold water channel.

[0015] The cold water channel of the device according to the invention comprises the entire cavity within the device according to the invention, from the connection for a cold water supply line, through the part of the pressure equalization valve through which cold water flows, to the cold water diaphragm valve. Similarly, the hot water channel of the device according to the invention comprises the entire cavity within the device according to the invention, from the connection for a hot water supply line, through the part of the pressure equalization valve through which hot water flows, to the hot water diaphragm valve.According to the invention, the pressure compensation valve is designed such that, in the event of a pressure difference between the cold water supply line and the hot water supply line, it automatically changes the flow cross-section of the cold water flowing through the pressure compensation valve and simultaneously changes the flow cross-section of the hot water flowing through the pressure compensation valve, so that the pressure difference downstream of the pressure compensation valve is balanced. The effective flow cross-section of the cold water channel is the smallest flow cross-section along the cold water channel. The effective flow cross-section of the hot water channel is the smallest flow cross-section along the hot water channel.

[0016] The pressure compensation valve preferably comprises a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, a cold water outlet, a hot water outlet, and a displaceable piston, wherein the piston is arranged between the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet, and between the cold water outlet and the hot water outlet, such that the piston fluidically separates the cold water flowing through the pressure compensation valve from the hot water flowing through the pressure compensation valve. The piston is in particular designed such that it moves according to the pressure conditions at the cold water inlet and at the hot water inlet. The pressure conditions at the cold water inlet and at the hot water inlet cause an axial displacement of the piston along the longitudinal axis of the pressure compensation valve, namely such that a force equilibrium is established on the piston.

[0017] The piston is preferably designed such that the displacement of the piston increases or decreases the respective flow cross-section of the cold water and hot water flowing through the pressure equalization valve, depending on the prevailing pressure conditions. Specifically, the piston can be designed such that, when the pressure in the cold water supply line is greater than the pressure in the hot water supply line, the piston moves toward the hot water channel, thereby reducing the flow cross-section of the cold water flowing through the pressure equalization valve and simultaneously increasing the flow cross-section of the hot water flowing through the pressure equalization valve.A piston designed in this way can further be designed such that, when the pressure in the hot water supply line is greater than the pressure in the cold water supply line, the piston moves in the direction of the cold water channel and thereby reduces the flow cross-section of the hot water flowing through the pressure compensation valve and, at the same time, increases the flow cross-section of the cold water flowing through the pressure compensation valve.

[0018] The pressure compensation valve is designed in particular such that the piston in a first end position completely closes the cold water inlet and at the same time completely opens the hot water inlet, that the piston in any number of intermediate positions partially closes the cold water inlet and at the same time also partially closes the hot water inlet, whereby the more the piston closes the cold water inlet, the less the piston closes the hot water inlet at the same time, and vice versa, and that the piston in a second end position completely opens the cold water inlet and at the same time completely closes the hot water inlet.

[0019] By automatically changing or adjusting the flow cross-section of the cold and hot water flowing through the pressure compensation valve, the pressure compensation valve compensates for the pressure difference described downstream of the pressure compensation valve. This, in turn, makes it possible to produce tempered mixed water, independent of any pressure differences in the device's supply lines, using comparatively simple means.

[0020] A further positive effect of the pressure equalization valve on the device according to the invention is that, in the event of a pressure difference between the cold water supply line and the hot water supply line, the cold water actuator or the hot water actuator—depending on whether the pressure in the cold water supply line exceeds the pressure in the hot water supply line or vice versa—needs to deflect the cold water diaphragm valve or the hot water diaphragm valve less to achieve the desired mixed water ratio or the desired mixed water temperature. This protects the material of the corresponding diaphragm valves and saves energy for the corresponding actuators. Furthermore, this prevents a phenomenon known as flutter, whereby a pressurized diaphragm valve opens and closes uncontrollably.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the cold water actuator is a linear stepper motor. This is a motor designed to axially displace a drive shaft. Depending on the displacement of the thus driven shaft, a water channel of the cold water diaphragm valve opens or closes. The linear stepper motor allows the cold water diaphragm valve to be precisely controlled and actuated, i.e., opened and closed.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the hot water actuator is a linear stepper motor. This is a motor designed to axially displace a drive shaft. Depending on the displacement of the thus driven shaft, a water channel of the hot water diaphragm valve opens or closes. The linear stepper motor allows the hot water diaphragm valve to be precisely controlled and actuated, i.e., opened and closed.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a temperature sensor arranged in the mixed water channel for detecting the temperature of the mixed water. By detecting the mixed water temperature, this information can be utilized in a closed control loop. Furthermore, the information on the mixed water temperature can be fed into a monitoring or quality control system. For example, this can be used to detect any technical defects at an early stage. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a battery for supplying the cold water actuator and the hot water actuator with electrical energy. The cold water actuator and the hot water actuator are electrical machines that require electrical energy for their respective operation.The design and functionality of the device according to the invention enable energy-saving operation of the actuators, particularly since, in the case of the described pressure difference, the pressure compensation valve requires less deflection of the respective diaphragm valves to generate the desired temperature-controlled mixed water. This allows comparatively low-power actuators to be used in the device according to the invention. This, in turn, makes it possible to dispense with a wired power supply for the device according to the invention and instead provide a battery. The use of a battery, in turn, enables a particularly versatile application of the device according to the invention.

[0024] Alternatively, according to a further advantageous embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises an accumulator for supplying the cold water actuator and the hot water actuator with electrical energy. Here, too, the cold water actuator and the hot water actuator are electrical machines that require electrical energy for operation. The design and functionality of the device according to the invention enable energy-saving operation of the actuators, particularly since, in the case of the described pressure difference, the pressure compensation valve requires less deflection of the respective diaphragm valves to generate the desired temperature-controlled mixed water. This allows comparatively low-performance actuators to be used in the device according to the invention. This, in turn, makes it possible to dispense with a wired power supply for the device according to the invention and to provide an accumulator instead.The use of a rechargeable battery, in turn, enables particularly versatile use of the device according to the invention. Furthermore, the use of a rechargeable battery is comparatively environmentally friendly, as it is rechargeable. The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figure. It shows an advantageous embodiment of the invention, although the invention is not limited to this advantageous embodiment. Identical components are always provided with the same reference numerals in the figures and are therefore generally named or mentioned only once. It shows in detail.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic, semi-transparent side view.

[0026] The single figure shows an embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention for producing tempered mixed water.

[0027] The device 1 comprises a cold water channel 3 connectable to a cold water supply line 2, a hot water channel 5 connectable to a hot water supply line 4, and a mixed water channel 6 into which the cold water channel 3 and the hot water channel 5 each flow. The mixed water channel 6 is connectable to a further water line 7.

[0028] The device 1 further comprises a cold water diaphragm valve 8 arranged in the cold water channel 3 for limiting the amount of cold water flowing through the cold water channel 3 or into the mixed water channel 6. Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a hot water diaphragm valve 9 arranged in the hot water channel 5 for limiting the amount of hot water flowing through the hot water channel 5 or into the mixed water channel 6. The device 1 further comprises a cold water actuator 10 in the form of a linear stepper motor for actuating the cold water diaphragm valve 8 by means of an axially displaceable drive shaft 11, and a hot water actuator 12 in the form of a linear stepper motor for actuating the hot water diaphragm valve 9 by means of an axially displaceable drive shaft 13.Finally, the device 1 comprises a pressure equalization valve 14, which is arranged upstream of the cold water diaphragm valve 8 in the cold water channel 3 and upstream of the hot water diaphragm valve 9 in the hot water channel 5. The pressure equalization valve 14 is designed such that, in the event of a pressure difference between the cold water supply line 2 and the hot water supply line 4, it automatically changes the flow cross-section of the cold water flowing through the pressure equalization valve 14 and simultaneously changes the flow cross-section of the hot water flowing through the pressure equalization valve 14.

[0029] The pressure equalization valve 14 has a hollow cylindrical base body open on both sides. It comprises a cold water inlet 15 and a hot water inlet 16, each formed as perforations in the outer surface of the base body of the pressure equalization valve 14. Furthermore, the pressure equalization valve 14 comprises a cold water outlet 17 and a hot water outlet 18, each formed by the open end sides of the base body of the pressure equalization valve 14. The cold water inlet 15 and the cold water outlet 17 of the pressure equalization valve 14 together form part of the cold water channel 3. The hot water inlet 16 and the hot water outlet 18 of the pressure equalization valve 14 together form part of the hot water channel 5.The pressure compensation valve 14 further comprises a piston 19 which is displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the pressure compensation valve 14, the piston 19 being arranged between the cold water inlet 15 and the hot water inlet 16 and between the cold water outlet 17 and the hot water outlet 18.

[0030] To detect the temperature of the mixed water, the device 1 further comprises a temperature sensor 20, the measuring sensor of which projects into the mixed water channel 6.

[0031] Furthermore, the device 1 comprises an accumulator 21 for supplying the cold water actuator 10 and the hot water actuator 12 with electrical energy. List of reference symbols

[0032] 1 device for producing tempered mixed water

[0033] 2 cold water supply line

[0034] 3 cold water channel

[0035] 4 hot water supply line

[0036] 5 hot water channel

[0037] 6 combined sewer

[0038] 7 Continuing water pipe

[0039] 8 cold water diaphragm valve

[0040] 9 Hot water diaphragm valve

[0041] 10 cold water actuators

[0042] 11 Drive shaft of the cold water actuator

[0043] 12 hot water actuator

[0044] 13 Drive shaft of the hot water actuator

[0045] 14 Pressure equalization valve

[0046] 15 Cold water inlet

[0047] 16 Hot water inlet

[0048] 17 Cold water outlet

[0049] 18 Hot water outlet

[0050] 19 pistons

[0051] 20 Temperature sensor

[0052] 21 Accumulator

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for producing tempered mixed water, comprising a cold water channel (3) connectable to a cold water supply line (2), a hot water channel (5) connectable to a hot water supply line (4), a mixed water channel (6) into which the cold water channel (3) and the hot water channel (5) each open, a cold water diaphragm valve (8) arranged in the cold water channel (3) for limiting the amount of cold water flowing through the cold water channel (3), a hot water diaphragm valve (9) arranged in the hot water channel (5) for limiting the amount of hot water flowing through the hot water channel (5), a cold water actuator (10) for actuating the cold water diaphragm valve (8), a hot water actuator (12) for actuating the hot water diaphragm valve (9), and a Pressure equalization valve (14) arranged in the hot water channel (5),wherein the pressure compensation valve (14) is designed such that, in the event of a pressure difference between the cold water supply line (2) and the hot water supply line (4), it automatically changes the flow cross-section of the cold water flowing through the pressure compensation valve (14) and simultaneously changes the flow cross-section of the hot water flowing through the pressure compensation valve (14), so that the pressure difference downstream of the pressure compensation valve (13) is compensated.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the cold water actuator (10) is a linear stepper motor.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the hot water actuator (12) is a linear stepper motor.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a temperature sensor (20) arranged in the mixed water channel (6) for detecting the temperature of the mixed water.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a battery for supplying the cold water actuator (10) and the hot water actuator (12) with electrical energy.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising an accumulator (21) for supplying the cold water actuator (10) and the hot water actuator (12) with electrical energy.

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