Household appliance for dispensing carbonated and cooled drinking water, comprising a removable water tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance for dispensing drinking water, comprising an outlet, via which drinking water can be tapped, a continuous-flow enrichment unit, which is installed upstream of the outlet, for enriching the drinking water with a gas, a receiving area for a container comprising the gas, a continuous-flow heating unit, which is installed upstream of the outlet, for heating the drinking water, and an inlet, which is installed upstream of the continuous-flow enrichment unit and the continuous-flow heating unit and via which the drinking water can be supplied to the continuous-flow enrichment unit and / or the continuous-flow heating unit, wherein the inlet is formed on or in a reversibly removable and reinsertable water tank.

Description

[0001] Household appliance for dispensing carbonated and chilled drinking water, with removable water tank

[0002] The present invention relates to a household appliance for dispensing drinking water enriched with a gas.

[0003] Enrichment can, for example, be carbonation, in which carbon dioxide (CO2) is added to the water. In conventional household appliances, carbonation occurs under relatively high pressure; the water is poured into a bottle, which is then pressurized with CO2. While this injection process sometimes only partially introduces CO2 into the water, with the rest escaping, other problems can also arise.

[0004] The present invention is based on the technical problem of providing an advantageous household appliance for dispensing enriched drinking water.

[0005] This is achieved with the household appliance according to claim 1. In this case, the enriched drinking water can be drawn from an outlet, with the enrichment taking place upstream of the outlet in the liquid stream, i.e., the enrichment unit is operated in a continuous flow (“continuous flow enrichment unit”). Compared to the procedure described above, in which the entire bottle contents are carbonated, this allows, for example, the amount of water required for immediate consumption to be provided. In addition to CO2 or gas savings, for example, in view of outgassing over time, this can also be advantageous for hygiene reasons. For example, it can prevent stagnant water and thus the formation of bacteria or germs.

[0006] In addition to the flow-through enrichment unit, this household appliance also features a flow-through heating unit, which is also located between the inlet and outlet and is therefore intended for the (optional) heating of the tapped drinking water. Aside from the expanded usage possibilities of the household appliance—in addition to dispensing enriched water, the same appliance can also dispense heated water (e.g., for tea or baby food, etc.)—the combination of the heating and flow-through enrichment units in the same appliance can also be advantageous, for example, with regard to the hygiene reasons mentioned above.

[0007] Since the dead volumes (standing water) can be kept comparatively small with the flow-through enrichment unit, the heating function can be integrated hygienically overall, even though the heating itself could promote the spread of bacteria (at least below certain temperatures). Since the flow-through heating unit can utilize the equipment already provided for enrichment in the household appliance (depending on the implementation, e.g., power connection, pump, etc.), the various functions can also be accommodated in a space-saving manner, especially compared to the provision of separate appliances (soda makers and kettles).

[0008] The inlet is located on or in a reversibly removable and reinsertable water tank, which can, for example, have a capacity of at least 0.5 liters or 0.7 liters. Also, with a view to the design as a household appliance, upper limits can be, for example, a maximum of 2 liters, 1.5 liters, or 1 liter. In use, the water tank is removed for filling and then reinserted when full. Water is preferably drawn off from the underside, where a self-closing valve can be located, for example, which is opened mechanically or by a corresponding control when inserted into the device.

[0009] Preferred embodiments are the subject of the entire disclosure and in particular of the dependent claims, wherein the presentation of the features does not always distinguish in detail between device and method or use aspects. For example, the description of a device suitable for a certain operation can also be read as a reference to a corresponding operating method or use, and vice versa. The "household appliance" (or just "appliance") is intended for household use, although actual use is of course generally not restricted to private households. The device can also be used, for example, in communal kitchens in offices and club houses, etc. With regard to suitability for household use, the gas container, for example a CO2 cylinder, which is arranged in the receptacle, can have an internal volume of no more than 2 liters, 1.5 liters or 1 liter, whereby possible lower limits, for example,can be at least 0.2 liters, 0.3 liters, or 0.4 liters, respectively. The receptacle and the gas container are preferably housed together with the enrichment unit and, if applicable, other components, such as a feed pump, etc. (see details below), i.e., they are housed in the same housing. Regardless of these details, the gas container arranged in the receptacle is then fluidically connected to the flow-through enrichment unit, meaning that during or for enrichment, gas from the container flows into the enrichment unit and from there into the water.

[0010] Overall, the device can thus have a relatively compact design and be designed as an easily transportable device, whose operation, for example, requires only plugging it into a conventional power outlet (no additional power connections, etc.). In use, the device can be placed in its entirety on a raised surface above the floor, such as a kitchen countertop, table, or sideboard. No complex installation is required, and commissioning can even be carried out by a private individual.

[0011] The device or its function is also described with reference to how the water is channeled and treated in the device. This is generally not intended to imply that the water must flow and be treated accordingly in order to fulfill the object, but should be read as a reference to a correspondingly equipped device (as well as a disclosure of the operating method / use). The "being equipped" can, for example, mean that the device is equipped with corresponding fluid lines (for the water and, for example, also gas) that connect the individual components to one another, e.g. the inlet to an input side of the enrichment unit and its output side to the outlet (each for the water). The terms "upstream" and "downstream" then also refer to the flow in these fluid lines. Furthermore, the "being equipped" can also mean that the device comprises a control unit, which, for example, has a feed pump and / or a valve orControls valves and thus causes the described process to be carried out, for example when activated by a user.

[0012] The instantaneous water heater can, in particular, be provided in the form of an electric instantaneous water heater in which the passing water is heated by means of electrical power, thus being configured for corresponding operation. For example, with a view to preferred operation with a conventional mains connection, a maximum output of 5 kW, 4 kW, 3.5 kW, or 3 kW may be preferred for the instantaneous water heater (possible lower limits could be, for example, 1 kW or 2 kW). Also, due to the overall hygienic design of the device (low dead volumes, optional filtration, etc.), the instantaneous water heater, or in general terms, the instantaneous water heater, does not necessarily have to be designed for very high temperatures (see above), which can generally be advantageous with regard to structural integration and, in particular, the preferred operation with a conventional earthed socket.In addition to the heating power, another factor that can influence the water temperature dispensed is the flow rate, which, for example, can be lower when dispensing a hot beverage than with enriched / unheated water.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the device with the flow-through heating unit is designed to heat passing drinking water by at least 25 °C, and in increasing order of preference by at least 30 °C, 35 °C or 40 °C. In detail, the temperature is considered immediately downstream of the flow-through heating unit, e.g., at an initial temperature of 22 °C. Possible upper limits of the temperature increase can be, for example, 70 °C, 65 °C or 60 °C. The target temperature of the water drawn at the outlet for a "hot draw" can be, for example, at least 50 °C, 55 °C or 60 °C, with possible upper limits of, for example, 90 °C, 80 °C or 70 °C. A range of 60-70 °C may therefore be particularly preferred, which may be acceptable to the user in terms of the necessary heating power or still possible output rate, and is hygienically possible due to the device design (despite T<70 °C).

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, a heating unit bypass line is provided parallel to the path through the flow-through heating unit, through which the water can be guided past the heating unit from the inlet to the outlet (but optionally through other components, e.g., the enrichment unit; see below). The heating unit bypass line can be advantageous, for example, when heated and subsequently enriched / sparkling water are drawn sequentially, as it can prevent the otherwise necessary intermediate rinsing of the flow-through heating unit for cooling or a temporary shutdown of the device until cooling.

[0015] Conversely, if heated water is drawn later, any residual heat still available on the branch / path through the heating unit can be utilized, thus optimizing energy consumption. Generally, a controllable multi-way valve can be installed upstream of the heating unit bypass line and the line in which the heating unit is located. These lines can therefore be connected to different connections of the multi-way valve. By controlling the valve accordingly, the water can be directed, for example, at least proportionally more or even exclusively through one or the other outlet.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the device is configured to direct different amounts of water through the heating unit bypass line and the continuous heating unit upon corresponding user activation. This is preferably achieved by appropriately controlling a controllable multi-way valve; see the previous paragraph. "Different amounts" means that at least one portion of the water directed through the bypass and the heating unit can be changed; preferably, at least one or the other path can also be selectively actuated.

[0017] The device can, for example, also be set up to dispense water at different temperatures, i.e. for different heating levels (e.g. "hot" and "warm"). When dispensing "hot" water (e.g. for tea), all of the water can be passed through the heating unit, whereas when dispensing "warm" water (e.g. for baby food), water passed through the heating unit bypass line can be added in proportion. This variant can be advantageous, for example, in that the flow-through heating unit can then be essentially optimized for a single temperature / flow rate, which can offer advantages, for example, from a design perspective. Since a proportion of unheated water is then added when "warm" is dispensed, the dispensing rate can be higher than when "hot" is dispensed.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, an enrichment unit bypass line is provided parallel to the path through the enrichment unit, through which water can be guided past the enrichment unit from the inlet to the outlet. For example, if a portion of the water guided via the inlet is simultaneously guided through the enrichment unit bypass line and another portion of it is simultaneously guided through the enrichment unit, the resulting mixed water can then, for example, have a medium degree of enrichment. This allows the enrichment unit to be operated, for example, with a substantially constant flow rate, or the flow rate can be adjusted for optimal operation of the enrichment unit.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the device is designed to dispense water at different enrichment levels upon corresponding user activation. In general, a continuous selection is also conceivable, but preferably different levels are predefined (or can be predefined in a configuration mode of the control unit). One level can, for example, be maximally enriched water, in which case, for example, all of the water is then passed through the enrichment unit and the enrichment unit bypass line remains out of service. With a medium enrichment level, as described in the previous paragraph, water can be passed through the enrichment unit and through the enrichment unit bypass line simultaneously. A further level can be still water, in which case the enrichment unit remains out of service and all of the water is passed through the enrichment unit bypass line.

[0020] In general, the device preferably has a feed pump, by means of which the water is fed from the inlet, e.g., from the water tank, through the interior to the outlet. This means that, unlike, for example, a direct connection to the water pipe and thus the municipal water supply, fewer or no pressure fluctuations need to be taken into account, which can enable stable operation and a compact design (no oversizing). With this in mind, the feed pump in a preferred embodiment has a constant power output, e.g., of a maximum of 150 W, 120 W, 100 W, or 80 W (with possible lower limits of at least 40 W or 50 W). Designing for a constant flow rate can also be economically advantageous, whereby, for example, in combination with the enrichment unit bypass line, different enrichment levels can nevertheless be realized.

[0021] According to a preferred variant, the continuous heating unit can be arranged in the enrichment unit bypass line or downstream of it. The latter means an arrangement downstream of the node at which the path through the enrichment unit bypass line and the path through the enrichment unit converge again, whereas "in the enrichment unit bypass line" means upstream of this node. In both cases, an advantage of this positioning can be, for example, that the continuous heating unit is thus at least downstream of the branch at which the path splits into the bypass and enrichment unit. This branch is preferably provided in the form of a multi-way valve, which usually has a certain mass. By arranging the heating unit downstream of this, thermal losses / delays can be reduced, for example, because the valve does not have to be heated as well.

[0022] If the heating unit is arranged in the enrichment unit bypass line, this line can be further subdivided, namely, it can be divided into a path through the heating unit and a path through the previously discussed heating unit bypass line. This applies analogously to a downstream arrangement of the enrichment unit bypass line; the previously discussed heating unit bypass line can also be implemented there. Alternatively, there can generally be only a single line at the corresponding location (in the enrichment unit bypass line or downstream of it), in which the continuous heating unit is located.

[0023] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the enrichment unit bypass line and the heating unit bypass line are connected to the same connection of the same multi-way valve. Both bypasses are connected to the same line. The water can enter the multi-way valve, for example, via an inlet connection, with a first outlet connection leading through the continuous enrichment unit, a second connection through the enrichment unit bypass line / heating unit bypass line, and a third connection through the continuous heating unit. Preferably, there is no further multi-way valve between the multi-way valve and the enrichment unit, nor between the multi-way valve and the heating unit.In contrast to the variant described in the previous paragraph, in which two multi-way valves are provided in series (the one for the heating unit bypass line downstream of the one for the enrichment unit bypass line), in this variant, the switchability is realized with a common valve. This can be advantageous in terms of space requirements, especially with regard to "household applications." Regardless of the specific implementation (e.g., whether with one common valve or several), the water flow through the various bypass lines is preferably controlled by a common control unit. This can, for example, initiate the appropriate water flow through the bypass lines in response to a corresponding user activation - "still," "medium," and "sparkling," or "warm" and / or "hot" - preferably by controlling the controllable valve(s).

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the device has a continuous cooling unit through which drinking water flows, thereby cooling it. This can, for example, be a cooling of at least 5 °C, 10 °C, or 12 °C. In detail, the difference in the continuous cooling unit immediately upstream and downstream is considered, for example, based on an initial temperature of 22 °C. The cooling can, for example, be limited to a temperature difference of no more than 15 °C, for example to prevent icing. In general, the "cooling function" can also be of interest as an alternative to the "heating function" and should accordingly be disclosed independently thereof. All embodiments relating to the "continuous cooling unit" are also intended to be disclosed independently of the presence of a "continuous heating unit," although a combination of the two is preferred.

[0025] The continuous flow cooling unit is preferably provided as an electrical continuous flow cooler, e.g. in the form of a Peltier element. This allows it to access the infrastructure existing in the device, e.g. via the mains connection provided for the pump and / or the heating unit. In general, the same arrangement options exist with regard to the cooling unit as described above for the heating unit; the two can, for example, also be arranged sequentially in the same path (e.g., structurally integrated as a common unit, e.g., housed together). In a preferred embodiment, however, the cooling unit is arranged upstream of the enrichment unit, more preferably as a separate component from the heating unit (the latter is preferably located parallel to the enrichment unit or downstream of it, see above). The optional cooling upstream of the enrichment unit can, for example,This can be advantageous in that cooled water can be enriched more easily, thus improving gas absorption capacity. Furthermore, a certain degree of spatial decoupling from the heating unit can also offer advantages, for example, for insulation reasons (no unwanted thermal coupling), especially since the distribution across different locations within the device can also potentially allow for more efficient use of installation space.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the cooling unit is also arranged upstream of the enrichment unit bypass line, i.e., upstream of the corresponding branch point or multi-way valve (between the inlet and the branch point). This allows, for example, still water that is not routed through the enrichment unit but via the enrichment unit bypass line to be dispensed chilled.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, a cooling unit bypass line can be provided, which, in parallel with the cooling unit, connects the inlet to the outlet. In other words, the water can thus be guided through the cooling unit or through the cooling unit bypass line past the cooling unit, e.g., completely or only partially, which can be advantageous, for example, with regard to the sequential supply of cooled and heated water; see also the above comments. Preferably, a controllable valve is provided at the branch point between the cooling unit bypass line and the cooling unit, which is further preferably controlled via the control unit discussed above.

[0028] The subject of the application is also a device that not only has a receptacle for accommodating a gas container, but also has a gas container inserted into the receptacle. This can be, for example, a CO2 cylinder; alternatively, oxygen (O2) can also be used to enrich the water. In general, a receptacle is even conceivable in which a CO2 cylinder is inserted on one side and an O2 cylinder on the other side. However, the CO2 and O2 cylinders are preferably placed alternately in the same receptacle.

[0029] The flow-through enrichment unit can also advantageously be used to enrich the water with oxygen. In particular, the pressure in the enrichment unit can be significantly reduced compared to the pressure in the cylinder (see details below). Thus, the O2 cylinder, for example, can be used with the same enrichment unit, even if the pressure in it is originally higher than in a CCh cylinder (for illustration, e.g., around 200 bar compared to 60 bar in the case of the CCh cylinder), connected via a pressure reducer. Due to the flow-through enrichment and the associated comparatively low pressures, oxygen can also be used for enrichment, which otherwise may require more attention in handling etc. than CO2 (e.g., due to the original pressure or at least due to oxidizing or corrosive properties).

[0030] Preferably, both the outlet through which the enriched water is drawn and the inlet upstream of the flow-through enrichment unit are equipped with a filter. Flow-through enrichment can reduce the water volumes within the device. Furthermore, filtering the inlet and outlet further reduces the risk of germs entering the enrichment unit and thus the drinking water. Flow-through enrichment can reduce the volume available for germ formation, and filtering prevents them from starting.

[0031] The second filter, through which the enriched drinking water passes at the outlet, in a preferred embodiment has a filter membrane with a pore size of at most 0.5 pm, further and particularly preferably at most 0.3 pm or 0.2 pm. A micromembrane filter is preferred, and a lower limit of the pore size can therefore be 0.1 pm. The filter membrane can preferably have a sleeve shape, in particular a hollow cylindrical shape, i.e. delimit a sleeve or hollow cylindrical interior and, during operation, flow through it radially to a longitudinal axis, preferably from the radial outside into the interior. In general, the sleeve shape allows a larger membrane surface to be realized, for example compared to a flat geometry (e.g. filter disc), so that even with a small pore size the flow during output is not significantly limited.

[0032] By filtering the outlet, which, for example, allows all dispensed water to pass through the second filter, particularly the filter membrane, when dispensing, the device can be protected even when no water is being dispensed. As explained above, the entry of germs through the outlet can be prevented or even prevented. The small pore size can be advantageous in this regard. The filter membrane is preferably made of ceramic.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the second filter is part of a filter unit that is replaceable in its entirety, meaning it can be removed and replaced with another, but identically constructed, filter unit. This filter unit can include, for example, the filter membrane and a housing part, by which the filter unit can be grasped and handled with a lower risk of contamination. The filter unit preferably has an outlet hose through which the water is discharged downstream of the second filter. This outlet hose, which is located outside the filter and thus susceptible to contamination, is thus replaced together with the filter, which is advantageous from a hygiene perspective.

[0034] The outlet hose can, for example, have a minimum length of 2 cm, 4 cm, or 6 cm, with possible upper limits of, for example, 30 cm, 25 cm, or 20 cm. Regardless of these details, the outlet hose is preferably arranged in a pipe socket integrated with the device, preferably a pipe socket extending from the housing as a tap. The pipe socket can have a curved shape, at least in sections, which is ergonomic, for example, when tapping, but can be difficult to access for cleaning. By arranging the outlet hose of the filter unit, which is then replaced together with the latter, in the curve, a hygienic solution is nevertheless possible.

[0035] In general, the inlet can also be filtered with a filter membrane, in particular a micromembrane filter. Preferably, however, the first filter is provided as an activated carbon filter; in a preferred embodiment, it is part of a multi-stage filter cartridge. The water flows through these stages sequentially, whereby, in addition to filtration, the water can also be mineralized or treated. The filter cartridge is assigned to the inlet, i.e., upstream of the enrichment unit. This arrangement can be advantageous, in addition to protecting against the ingress of germs, also with regard to gas enrichment.

[0036] The filter cartridge may additionally comprise, for example, the following stage(s): Sand, in particular purified sand, for filtering out solids; and / or

[0037] Coral material, especially from sea corals, e.g. in granulate form, for binding lime and chlorine, and / or

[0038] Minerals to mineralize the water, e.g. with magnesium and / or calcium; and / or

[0039] Quartz crystals, especially natural rock crystal, e.g. for energizing / vitalizing.

[0040] The second filter is preferably positioned upstream of this / these filter stage(s), and particularly preferably forms the first stage of the filter cartridge. The cleaning itself can help improve subsequent gas enrichment, for example, because more free hydrogen bonds are then available. The binding of, for example, lime by the coral material can also be beneficial in this regard; moreover, enrichment can also be improved by prior mineralization. The filter cartridge preferably has all of the stages listed above, and particularly preferably, the gas flows through them in the order mentioned.

[0041] The water tank is preferably equipped with a removable lid, and a base is preferably provided on its underside. This allows the filled water tank to be placed on a flat surface. It is particularly advantageous to place it in a refrigerator to cool the water. While such storage could in principle be problematic with regard to the introduction of germs, with the present device, the water undergoes the gas enrichment, and thus also the upstream and downstream filtration, only after storage.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the first filter, in particular a filter cartridge, is arranged in the water tank. In other words, the filtered inlet is located in the water tank, thus limiting any germ formation to this area. The water tank is relatively easy to remove and clean; preferably, it is dishwasher-safe.

[0043] Preferably, the filter cartridge is arranged in the water tank so that it can be reversibly removed and reinserted, particularly preferably inserted from above into an opening in the base. The filter cartridge can be part of a filter unit which, when inserted, extends, for example, at least to half the height, preferably at least 0.7 times the height, of the water tank, which can simplify removal and reduce handling within the water tank and thus any possible germ ingress. The filter unit arranged in the water tank preferably has a filter level upstream of the filter cartridge, preferably a stainless steel grid, for example with a pore size of at most 50 pm, 20 pm or 15 pm (with a possible lower limit of, for example, at least 5 pm).

[0044] A filter unit with an openable chamber, preferably located upstream of the filter cartridge, can also be advantageous. A cleaning tablet can be inserted into the chamber, e.g., for a cleaning mode of the device, and / or a tablet for treating the actual drinking water, such as a flavor tablet, can be added. Because it is positioned upstream of the filter cartridge and thus outside the interior area protected by the filter, this is possible without any hygienic restrictions for both the device itself and the user (unlike, for example, flavoring on the outlet side).

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the enrichment unit comprises a flow-through chamber and, downstream of this, a mixing and settling chamber. The water flows through the flow-through chamber, for example, essentially laminarly. The gas is supplied to the water flow in the flow-through chamber, preferably at the outer periphery of the flow. In other words, a gas jacket is placed around the flowing water and is also carried along by it. The flow itself can be advantageous with regard to the gas supply, as the gas can be sucked into the flow, figuratively speaking, like a water jet pump (Venturi principle). This means that the gas does not have to be supplied with too great an excess pressure in relation to the water. The gas pressure can, for example, be a maximum of 6 bar (and the water pressure, for example, around 5 bar). The limited pressure is, especially considering the application environment "household appliance", e.g.Advantageous in terms of safety and also in terms of compact design.

[0046] To supply the gas, the flow chamber is preferably embedded in an enrichment chamber, thus forming a double-walled system. The outer wall defines the enrichment chamber, and the inner wall separates the flow chamber and the enrichment chamber. Gas can then be introduced into the flow chamber via one or more openings in the inner wall, for example, distributed circumferentially.

[0047] In the flow-through chamber, no or no significant mixing is required; for this purpose, the fluid flow (consisting of water and gas) is guided into the mixing and settling chamber. In a preferred embodiment, a partition plate is arranged between them, in which an opening with a relatively small cross-section is provided that fluidically connects the chambers; preferably, several or a plurality of such openings are provided (the opening cross-sections can, for example, be in the range of a few 10 pm and are thus significantly smaller than the flow cross-section in the flow-through chamber). The diameter jump achieved with the partition plate can, on the one hand, lead to turbulence in the laminar flow, but in particular also to a pressure drop. As a result, the water can even pass into the gas phase, which, for example, can enable particularly efficient gas introduction due to the free bonds. Related to the orientation of the installed device,The openings are preferably located at the top, so that the water can settle or condense towards the bottom of the chamber and then be removed from there.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the mixing and settling chamber has a maximum volume of 200 ml, and more preferably, a maximum volume of 150 ml or 100 ml (possible lower limits could be, for example, 50 ml or 70 ml). This limits the amount of water remaining in the device between two servings accordingly (see the initial remarks).

[0049] The flow-through and / or mixing / settling chamber, and if applicable also the enrichment chamber (see above), are preferably provided as plastic injection-molded parts. They are preferably injection-molded in several parts, as separate components, and then assembled. Seals can be arranged between the individual parts, for example, and the individual parts can be pressed together by an outer casing structure, such as a clamp. However, the individual parts are preferably joined, in particular glued to one another, for example using a food-safe adhesive. Irrespective of these details, the plastic used can preferably be a polyamide, for example commercially available under the trade name Grilamid. One advantage here can be the particularly low surface roughness, which in turn can prevent the accumulation of germs. Once the device is set up, the enrichment unit is preferably flowed through from top to bottom, so for exampleThe mixing and settling chamber is arranged below the flow chamber. The water is preferably drawn from the bottom of the mixing and settling chamber, i.e., from a position relatively low in relation to the device as a whole. For ergonomic reasons, the outlet is preferably arranged in the upper half of the device, particularly at its top. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the enriched water is then led upwards to the second filter via a connecting line, whereby the connecting line can have a comparatively small volume (hardly any dead volume), e.g., a maximum of 30 ml or 20 ml.

[0050] The invention also relates to the use of a device disclosed herein for dispensing enriched drinking water, particularly in a private household. Preferably, the water is dispensed in different enrichment levels based on a user selection, with different levels being particularly preferably predefined, e.g., "still," "medium," and "sparkling." Regardless of the degree of enrichment, user activation is preferably via a button, meaning the water is dispensed continuously as long as the user presses it (and, for example, the water tank is still sufficiently full). For this purpose, the device can be equipped with a push-button switch; however, the button function can also be stored, for example, in conjunction with a touch display in the device's evaluation or control unit.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the water is enriched with CO2, or, in simple terms, "bubbled." Alternatively, or in combination, enrichment can also be carried out with oxygen; see the details above. The oxygen enrichment, i.e., the device discussed above with an inserted oxygen container, and the corresponding use are also intended to be disclosed independently of the presence of a flow-through heating unit. The device can therefore, for example, be used for oxygen enrichment equipped with the flow-through enrichment unit. The presence of a heating and cooling unit are optional additional features, but generally not mandatory for oxygen water.

[0052] In a preferred application involving a device with a flow-through heating unit, water is dispensed at different temperatures based on a user selection, with various levels preferably being predefined. For example, in a basic state, the water can be dispensed without additional heating, i.e., at essentially the same temperature as that in the water tank. There can then be at least one "hot water" level, or several, such as "warm" and "hot." In general, enrichment and heating can also be combined; alternatively, the device can be configured, for example, so that when the user selects "hot water," the path through the enrichment unit is blocked, i.e., the water is directed exclusively through the enrichment unit bypass line.

[0053] In the case of a device with a cooling unit, the water can be additionally cooled, for example, in addition to the initial temperature (essentially the temperature in the water tank), based on the user's selection. This can be combined with the different enrichment levels, such as "sparkling" / "medium" / "sparkling"; the water can therefore be stored as in the tank or dispensed "chilled."

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the first and / or the second filter are replaced at regular intervals, see also the above comments. They are preferably replaced at the same intervals, which can prevent, for example, operating errors or cross-contamination. Particularly preferably, the first and second filters are provided as a set, i.e., in the same outer packaging. The device can indicate to the user when a filter needs to be replaced, e.g., by indicating the number of dispenses remaining or the remaining dispensed quantity (e.g., in liters). The interval between two filter changes can be based, for example, on the time or the dispensed quantity; both values ​​can also be used in combination. The indication can be shown on the device itself, e.g., visually via a display; alternatively or additionally, the information can also be presented, for example, in an app linked to the specific device.For this purpose, the device can be smart, i.e. equipped with sensors and an interface, whereby the former can record operating data (e.g. amount of water dispensed), which is then output via the latter, for example directly to a connected handheld device (tablet, smartphone, etc.) or initially via a server.

[0055] The operating data output by a smart device can include, for example, gas consumption, particularly CO2 consumption. Inline enrichment, especially in the configuration described above, can result in relatively low gas consumption, which can be displayed to the user, for example, in relation to the enrichment described above by pressurizing a container (which can result in a relatively large loss of gas). Displaying gas consumption can also have a positive reinforcing effect on user behavior, for example, if different enrichment levels are available, leading to a more conscious choice of the lower enrichment level.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, a cleaning agent is introduced into an openable chamber of a filter unit with the first filter / filter cartridge, and a cleaning mode of the device is activated, for example, via the control unit. The cleaning agent can, in particular, be a cleaning tablet, e.g., Kukident.

[0057] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment, whereby the individual features within the scope of the independent claims may also be essential to the invention in other combinations and no distinction is made in detail between the different claim categories. In detail,

[0058] Figure 1a shows a schematic overview of a device for dispensing water enriched in a flow-through enrichment unit;

[0059] Figure 1b shows a schematic overview of a device with an alternative arrangement of continuous heating and continuous cooling units to Figure 1a;

[0060] Figure 2 shows a schematic detailed representation of the flow-through enrichment unit of the device according to Figure 1;

[0061] Figure 3 shows the housing with its components in an exploded view;

[0062] Figure 4 shows the water tank of the device with the filter cartridge arranged in it in a sectioned side view.

[0063] Figure 1a shows a device 1 for dispensing drinking water 2 enriched with a gas 3, in this case CO2 or O2. The device 1 has a water tank 4 that can be removed for filling. A filter cartridge 5, discussed in more detail below, is provided in the water tank 4. This filter cartridge has a total of several stages 5.1. One of these stages 5.1 forms a first filter 11 and, in this case, is filled with activated carbon granules. The filter cartridge 5 with the first filter 11 is assigned to an inlet 6, and thus is flowed through by the water at the transition from the water tank 4 into the device interior 7.

[0064] The device 1 further comprises a second filter 12, which is assigned to an outlet 8. The water flows through the second filter 12 upstream of a tap 9. It can prevent germs from entering the device interior 7 via the outlet 8 or tap 9, which, in conjunction with the filtering of the inlet 6, reduces the overall risk of contamination. The second filter 12 has a filter membrane 13 and is designed here as a micromembrane filter with a pore size of approximately 0.15 pm. A flow-through enrichment unit 20 can be seen in the device interior 7, the function of which is described in further detail with reference to Figure 2. A feed pump 15 is provided upstream of the flow-through enrichment unit 20, with which the water is pumped from the water tank 4 to the flow-through enrichment unit 20 upon user activation.In addition to a flow line 16, through which the water can be guided through the flow-through enrichment unit 20, there is an enrichment unit bypass line 17, through which water can be guided past the flow-through enrichment unit 20. The proportional distribution can be effected at a multi-way valve 18, which is controlled by a control unit 19 of the device 1.

[0065] Depending on the desired degree of enrichment, the proportion of water passed through the enrichment unit bypass line 17 and thus past the enrichment unit 20 can be greater or smaller. For example, for the "still" variant, all of the water can be passed through the enrichment unit bypass line 17, or for the "sparkling" variant, no water at all can be passed through the enrichment unit bypass line 17. The enriched water is drawn from the bottom of the enrichment unit 20 and led upwards via a connecting line 35. Accordingly, the second filter 12 and the tap 9 are arranged at the top of the device 1.

[0066] A container 30, in which the gas 3 is stored, is coupled to the enrichment unit 20. The container 30 is designed as a bottle and inserted into a receptacle 31. In the present example, the container 30 is screwed in and, when the gas 3 is used up, can be removed and replaced with a filled bottle.

[0067] The device 1 is further equipped with a continuous-flow heating unit 110, in this case an electrically operated continuous-flow heater. This is operated via the same power supply as the feed pump 15; this electrical wiring is not shown here for the sake of clarity. The continuous-flow heating unit 110 is arranged in the connecting line 35; in general, it can also be provided directly therein without any further sub-branching.

[0068] In the variant according to Figure 1 a, however, a further multi-way valve 118 is provided which, similar to the multi-way valve 18, has one inlet and two outlets. It is also controlled by the control unit 19, although this control connection is not shown for the sake of clarity. One outlet of the further multi-way valve 118 leads into the heating unit flow line 116 and thus through the continuous flow heating unit 110. The other outlet leads into a heating unit bypass line 117, i.e. past the continuous flow heating unit 110 to the outlet 8. In response to a corresponding user actuation, e.g. "hot water", the further multi-way valve 118 directs the water through the continuous flow heating unit 110 so that correspondingly hot water is dispensed (e.g. with a temperature in the range 60-70 °C). This can be done, for example,be linked to a control of the multi-way valve 18 such that the water is routed there exclusively via the enrichment unit bypass line 17. Still water is heated.

[0069] When unheated water is subsequently drawn, the additional multi-way valve 118 switches to the heating unit bypass line 117, thus bypassing the water (regardless of whether it is still, medium, or sparkling) through the continuous flow heating unit 110. Another option may be for the additional multi-way valve 118 to partially direct water through the continuous flow heating unit 110 and the heating unit bypass line 117, which, for example, can realize an additional heating stage ("warm" vs. "hot").

[0070] The device 1 further comprises a flow-through cooling unit 120, which is arranged upstream of the multi-way valve 18. It is thus located in front of its inlet, allowing the water to be optionally cooled before enrichment. Cooling is performed electrically (via the same power supply), although for the sake of clarity, neither the electrical connection nor the control by the control unit 19 are shown. The latter controls the two multi-way valves 18, 118, as well as the flow-through heating unit 110 and the flow-through cooling unit 120.

[0071] Figure 1b shows a variant which is partially alternative to Figure 1a, with the differences being discussed primarily below. In general, within the scope of this disclosure, the same reference numerals designate the same parts or parts with a comparable function, and in this respect, reference is always made to the description of the other respective figures. In the variant according to Figure 1b, the multi-way valve 18 has a further outlet to which the heating unit flow line 116 is connected. Thus, no additional valve is provided downstream; instead, the paths through the flow-through heating unit 110 and the flow-through enrichment unit 20 branch off at the same multi-way valve 18. Analogous to the above description, the enrichment unit bypass line 17 is also connected to this multi-way valve, which in this case also serves as the heating unit bypass line 117.The water can then be led past both the flow-through enrichment unit 20 and the flow-through heating unit 110 to the outlet 8.

[0072] Additionally, in the variant according to Figure 1b, the continuous cooling unit 120 is arranged downstream of an additional multi-way valve 218, thus providing a cooling unit flow line 216 that leads through the continuous cooling unit 120, and a cooling unit bypass line 217 that leads past the cooling unit 120. This configuration could of course also be implemented in the variant according to Figure 1a, i.e., combined with the integration of the continuous heating unit 110 shown there. Conversely, this also applies to the integration of the continuous heating unit 110 according to Figure 1b, which can also be combined with a "simple" continuous cooling system according to Figure 1a (or can also be provided without such a system).

[0073] Figure 2 shows the enrichment unit 20 in a schematic detail. The water 2 is fed to the enrichment unit 20 via a check valve 33 and then first enters a flow-through chamber 21, downstream of which is a mixing and settling chamber 22. A separating plate 23, which is penetrated by a plurality of openings 24 (micro-openings), is arranged between the two chambers. The supplied water 2 flows through the flow-through chamber 21 essentially in a laminar manner, with the gas 3 being fed to this flow 25 at the outer circumference 26. For this purpose, the flow-through chamber 21 is embedded in an enrichment chamber 27, the two being connected to one another via openings 28.

[0074] The enrichment chamber 27 is pressurized with gas 3, with a pressure slightly higher than that of the water (e.g., approximately one bar). As a result, the gas 3 forms a jacket around the flow 25, and mixing occurs upon impact with the separating plate 23 or upon entry into the mixing and settling chamber 22. This swirls the previously laminar flow, and the water can transition into the gas phase due to the pressure drop resulting from the change in diameter. This enables particularly efficient attachment of the water molecules to the gas; the water condensing at the bottom of the mixing and settling chamber 22 is enriched with the gas, in this case, carbonated.

[0075] The water 2 is discharged via an outlet 29 at the bottom of the mixing and settling chamber 22. It then flows via a flow regulator 38 and a tap valve 39 to the second filter 12 (not shown here) and tap 9 (also not shown). The container 30 is also connected via a valve 34, which adjusts the gas pressure in the enrichment chamber 27.

[0076] Figure 3 shows the device 1 in an exploded view. The viewing direction is slightly diagonal from the rear above, with the tap 9 located at the front above. Also visible on the top is a control panel 40 with, in this case, four buttons 41, which can be used to request water with different degrees of enrichment or, alternatively, hot water. The receptacle 31 is provided at the rear, and when the container 30 is inserted, it is then covered by a form-fitting cover 42. The enrichment unit 20 is housed in a front housing part 43, and the feed pump 15 is located in a base part 44. The water tank 4 is arranged between the chamber containing the container 30, which can be opened by removing the cover 42, and the front housing part 43 with the enrichment unit 20. It can be removed from the side, diagonally to the bottom right in the present illustration.The water tank 4 is equipped with a lid 45 that can be removed for filling and cleaning. The bottom of the water tank 4 has a base 46, allowing it to be placed on a flat surface and, in particular, placed in a refrigerator for cooling purposes.

[0077] The second filter 12, i.e. the filter membrane 13, is part of a filter unit 47. This further comprises an outlet hose 48 and a housing part 49, via which the outlet hose 48 is connected to the filter membrane 13. The filter unit

[0078] 47 is replaced as a whole, including the outlet hose 48. This is placed in a pipe socket 50, which extends with a bend and then downwards and is part of the tap 9. Due to the bend, the pipe socket is difficult to access for cleaning, therefore the outlet hose

[0079] 48 arranged in the pipe socket 50 (and replaced regularly).

[0080] In addition to the flow-through enrichment unit 20, the flow-through heating unit 110 can be seen. In the present example, this is arranged in the path leading upwards from the lower end of the flow-through enrichment unit 120, i.e., corresponding to the variant shown in Figure 1a (where the valves and lines, etc., are not shown). An advantage of this arrangement, together with the flow-through enrichment unit 20 in an outer of the three "columns" of the device 1, is that the water tank 4, as the "middle column," creates a distance from the container 30 containing the gas, i.e., the CO2 or O2 cylinder. This can, for example, prevent unwanted heat input where the gas is still present at high pressure. Figure 4 shows the water tank 4 in a sectional oblique view. The filter cartridge 5 is provided as part of an elongated filter unit 60 and can therefore be removed from within the water tank 4 without any major handling. The first filter stage 5.1, i.e., upstream of the first filter 11 (activated carbon granules), there is an openable chamber 61 into which a cleaning or flavoring tablet can be placed. Preferably, a top cover 65 can be removed for this purpose, thus making the chamber 61 accessible without removing the filter unit 60 from the water tank 4.

[0081] Downstream of the first filter stage 5.1.1 with the activated carbon granulate there are further filter stages 5.1, namely

[0082] - a second filter stage 5.1.2 filled with purified sand;

[0083] - a third filter stage 5.1.3 filled with sea coral granules;

[0084] - a fourth filter stage 5.1 .4, which serves to supplement with natural minerals;

[0085] - a fifth filter stage 5.1 .5, which is filled with rose quartz.

[0086] List of reference symbols

[0087] Household appliance (“appliance”) 1

[0088] Drinking water 2

[0089] Gas 3

[0090] Water tank 4

[0091] Filter cartridge 5

[0092] Multiple levels 5.1

[0093] First filter stage with activated carbon granules 5.1.1

[0094] Second filter stage with purified sand 5.1.2

[0095] Third filter stage with sea coral granules 5.1.3

[0096] Fourth filter stage to supplement with natural minerals 5.1.4

[0097] Fifth filter stage with rose quartz 5.1.5

[0098] Entrance 6

[0099] Device interior 7

[0100] Outlet 8

[0101] Tap 9

[0102] First Filter 11

[0103] Second filter 12

[0104] Filter membrane 13

[0105] Feed pump 15

[0106] Flow line 16

[0107] Enrichment unit bypass line 17

[0108] Multi-way valve 18

[0109] Control unit 19

[0110] Flow-through enrichment unit 20

[0111] Flow chamber 21

[0112] Mixing and settling chamber 22

[0113] Partition plate 23

[0114] Openings 24

[0115] Drinking water flow 25

[0116] Outer circumference 26 Enrichment chamber 27

[0117] Openings 28

[0118] Outlet (of the mixing and settling chamber) 29

[0119] Container 30

[0120] Recording 31

[0121] Check valve 33

[0122] Valve 34

[0123] Connecting line 35

[0124] Flow rate regulator 38

[0125] Nozzle 39

[0126] Control panel 40

[0127] Keys 41

[0128] Aperture 42

[0129] Front housing part 43

[0130] Bottom part 44

[0131] Lid 45

[0132] Stand area 46

[0133] Filter unit 47

[0134] Outlet hose 48

[0135] Housing part 49

[0136] Pipe socket 50

[0137] Filter unit (with filter cartridge) 60

[0138] Openable Chamber 61

[0139] Lid (to open the chamber) 65

[0140] Continuous heating unit 110

[0141] Heating unit flow line 116

[0142] Heating unit bypass line 117

[0143] Additional multi-way valve 118

[0144] Continuous cooling unit 120

[0145] Cooling unit flow line 216

[0146] Cooling unit bypass line 217

[0147] Additional multi-way valve 218

Claims

Claims 1. Household appliance (1) for dispensing drinking water (2), comprising an outlet (8) through which the drinking water (2) can be drawn, a flow-through enrichment unit (20) upstream of the outlet (8) for enriching the drinking water (2) with a gas (3), a receptacle (31) for a container (30) containing the gas (3), a flow-through heating unit (110) upstream of the outlet (8) for heating the drinking water (2), an inlet (6) upstream of the flow-through enrichment unit (20) and the flow-through heating unit (110), through which the drinking water (2) can be supplied to the flow-through enrichment unit (20) and / or the flow-through heating unit (110), wherein the inlet (6) is formed on or in a reversibly removable and reinsertable water tank (4).

2. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1, which is designed to heat drinking water (2) passing through the flow-through heating unit (110) by at least 25 °C.

3. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a heating unit bypass line (117) which, in parallel connection to the continuous heating unit (110), connects the inlet (6) to the outlet (8).

4. Household appliance (1) according to claim 3, comprising a control unit (19) which is configured to direct proportionally different amounts of water through the heating unit bypass line (117) and through the continuous heating unit (110) depending on a degree of heating desired by the user.

5. Household appliance (1) with an enrichment unit bypass line (17) which, in parallel connection to the flow-through enrichment unit (20), connects the inlet (6) to the outlet (8).

6. Household appliance (1) according to claim 5, wherein the continuous heating unit (110) is arranged in the enrichment unit bypass line (17) or downstream thereof.

7. Household appliance (1) according to claim 5 in conjunction with claim 3 or 4, wherein the heating unit bypass line (117) and the enrichment unit bypass line (17) coincide and are connected to the same connection of a common multi-way valve (18).

8. Household appliance (1) according to claim 4 in conjunction with one of claims 5 to 7, in which the control unit (19) is additionally designed to guide proportionally different amounts of water through the bypass line (17) and through the flow-through enrichment unit (20) depending on a degree of enrichment desired by the user.

9. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, with a flow-through cooling unit (120) upstream of the outlet (8) for cooling the drinking water (2).

10. Household appliance (1) according to claim 9, wherein the continuous cooling unit (120) is arranged upstream of the continuous enrichment unit (20).

11. Household appliance according to claim 10 in conjunction with one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the continuous cooling unit is arranged upstream of the enrichment unit bypass line (17).

12. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, with a cooling unit bypass line (217) which, in parallel with the continuous cooling unit (120), connects the inlet (6) to the outlet (8).

13. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a container (30) with CO2 or O2 is inserted into the receptacle (31).

14. Use of a household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims for dispensing drinking water (2), in particular in a private household.

15. Use according to claim 14, wherein the drinking water is enriched with CO2 and / or O2.

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