Potable water storage system
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BRIAND OLIVIER
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-17
Smart Images
Figure EP2024072370_13022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Drinking water reserve system
[0002] Technical field of the invention
[0003] The invention relates to a drinking water reserve system, in particular to a universally applicable system that can be integrated into conventional drinking water supplies at various locations. Depending on the location, the system can be installed in a customized form, particularly with different dimensions. The invention is therefore a drinking water reserve system, in which water is constantly fed into a container from a drinking water source, flows through it during normal operation, and can be manually drawn from it in drinking water quality in an emergency.
[0004] State of the art
[0005] In order to provide water for single-family and multi-family homes, as well as holiday homes and mountain huts, apartments, general businesses such as hotels, canteens, restaurants, and even individual drinking water outlets, such as coffee machines, at least for a certain period of time in the event of an interruption in the water supply network and / or the power supply, there are various types of drinking water reserves that can be used even without power. The stored drinking water must meet the high hygiene standards for foodstuffs.
[0006] Drinking water storage tanks are known which are sufficiently and constantly filled with drinking water, preventing water stagnation in the tank except in an emergency. For this purpose, these tanks are connected to the drinking water supply so that drinking water is always automatically fed back in when the water and / or energy supply is restored. It is known to connect the tank to the general drinking water supply in parallel with individual consumers via a multi-way connection, or alternatively, to provide the tank in series with one of the system components of the water supply system. For example, US 5 975 133 also discloses an emergency water tank system, wherein the closed tank is connected to a water supply line via an inlet and to a further water supply line via an outlet.The inlet and outlet are located at the same height in the tank and can be bypassed via a bypass line. Furthermore, the necessary check valves and multi-way valves are provided in the lines. A sediment drain valve is located at the lowest point in the tank. A water outlet opening is also located in the lower area of the tank, from which water can be drawn from the tank in an emergency. A disadvantage is that the arrangement of the inlet and outlet within the tank prevents the water from circulating sufficiently, making it difficult to maintain hygiene standards. Furthermore, mandatory internal cleaning of the tank is not provided.
[0007] US Pat. No. 4,962,789 also discloses an emergency water reservoir comprising a closed tank connected upstream of a water heater in a water supply system. The water flows from the public water network into the tank and flows through it toward the water heater. In the event of an emergency, emergency water can be manually drawn from the tank via a faucet. A disadvantage of this is that the tank is always coupled to the water heater and cannot be universally used at different locations in the supply network. In particular, only a pressure relief valve is provided on the tank, while a vent valve is assigned to the water heater. Without coupling the two systems, water cannot be drawn from the tank.
[0008] There is therefore a need for a drinking water reserve system that can be easily integrated into a newly constructed or existing water supply at freely selectable locations, while maintaining, in particular, food hygiene standards. Summary of the invention
[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a drinking water reserve system that, as a self-sufficient system, is cost-effective, reliable, and easy to integrate into a newly constructed or existing drinking water system at various locations, meets strict food hygiene standards, and is environmentally friendly. The system provides a removable drinking water supply that is accessible without a power supply.
[0010] The objects are achieved by a drinking water reserve system according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.
[0011] Essential to the solution according to the invention is a drinking water reserve system, comprising
[0012] - a container with a top, a bottom and a side wall connecting them, which define a volume for holding drinking water, comprising
[0013] • a water inlet pipe which opens at the bottom of the container and can be connected to a pipe of a drinking water supply and a water outlet pipe which leads from an upper area of the container and can be connected to a further pipe,
[0014] • a lockable water outlet located in a lower area of the container to draw drinking water from the container,
[0015] • a closable emptying opening in the bottom of the container to allow it to be completely emptied,
[0016] Ventilation valve and vent valve, and a closable inspection opening provided in the lower part of the container to allow inspection of the interior of the container, and
[0017] - Filter media which are arranged in the water inlet pipe and filter the incoming drinking water.
[0018] The drinking water reserve system is connectable to drinking water supply lines via preferably detachable screw connections. Drinking water from an unspecified drinking water source flows in from the bottom of the tank via the water inlet line, flows through the tank, and flows out into a connecting line at the top of the tank. Thus, during normal operation, the contents of the tank are continuously and sufficiently circulated, ensuring compliance with food hygiene standards.
[0019] The drinking water reserve system's tank is equipped with a lockable water outlet located in the lower area of the tank. When the water outlet is opened, for example when a faucet or shut-off valve located in the water outlet is opened, drinking water can be drawn from the tank even when there is no power available and / or an emergency such as an interruption in the drinking water supply. Such an emergency situation can arise, for example, when maintenance work is being carried out on the water network, a water supply pipe is frozen, and / or in the event of a power outage. In these cases, a consumer can draw drinking water directly from the tank, at least as long as there is water in the tank. A hose can also be connected to the water outlet, which allows free drawing, to further simplify drawing.Furthermore, the drinking water reserve system ensures that the tank is immediately and automatically refilled once the emergency is over. Generally, the water supply for households or consumers comprises a pipe system to supply a consumer with cold water at mains pressure via a main water distribution system and / or with a defined pressure after a pressure unit and / or with hot water after the cold water has been tempered in a water heater. Accordingly, the water supply system comprises valves, pressure elements, and / or other system components. The drinking water reserve system according to the invention can be easily connected to pipes of the drinking water supply system, preferably by means of screw connections between standardized pipe connections.
[0020] The tank of the drinking water reserve system is not filled with stagnant water; instead, the water flows through it and is therefore in circulation. The tank can therefore be considered a flow-through intermediate tank in the drinking water supply and is made of a material that is suitable for food storage and is officially approved. The tank can be made of metal, plastic, or another suitable material that is suitable for storing drinking water while complying with the required hygiene standards. Chrome steel is particularly preferred.
[0021] The water outlet is located in the lower area of the tank. Preferably at a position such that a partial volume of the drinking water remains between the tank bottom and the water outlet even when the water outlet is open. Deposits could collect in this partial volume and be carried into the tank with the drinking water despite the drinking water quality and despite the upstream filter media. These particles can sink towards the bottom of the tank and cause corresponding deposits on the bottom, particularly if the flow through the tank is blocked for inspection, e.g. control and / or cleaning. The tank can be completely emptied via the drain opening provided at the bottom of the tank and the deposits can be removed with the partial volume. It is therefore preferable for the drain opening to be located at the lowest point of the tank.The drinking water reserve system includes a ventilation valve and a vent valve, which are located at the highest point, for example, on the top of the tank. Alternatively, ventilation and / or vent valves can also be located on the water outlet line. When the previously emptied tank is refilled with drinking water, the air is released into the atmosphere via the vent valve. If drinking water leaks from the water outlet, air from the atmosphere is directed into the tank via the ventilation valve. This creates pressure equalization for the system, preventing negative pressure and enabling efficient draining and filling. This increases the safety of the tank and the connected lines.
[0022] In one embodiment, the ventilation valve and the vent valve are combined in one unit.
[0023] Furthermore, a closable inspection opening is provided for inspection, control, and / or regular maintenance of the container, particularly in the lower area of the container. The inspection opening can also be provided in relation to the water outlet, whereby the inspection opening can be closed by means of a cover to which the water outlet or faucet can be arranged. With the inspection opening open, the interior of the container can be visually inspected and, in particular, cleaned. Additionally, one or more inspection windows can be provided in other areas of the container, allowing a visual inspection of the container interior from the outside.
[0024] Filter media are provided in the water inlet line, which particularly finely filters the water coming from a water source. The filter media comprise a filter cartridge, also known as a filter canister, which can be accommodated in a housing and removed from the housing for regeneration or replacement. Furthermore, the filter media can also be separated from the connected lines and completely replaced. The filter media is provided to remove impurities, rust particles, grains of sand and other foreign particles from the drinking water. For hygiene reasons, the filter cartridge is replaced regularly. Just like the container, the filter media can also be checked and / or replaced regularly to comply with the required hygiene standards for foodstuffs. Accordingly, backflow and overflow valves can occur upstream and downstream of the filter media in the water inlet line.Shut-off valves must be provided to enable the filter media to be replaced.
[0025] To prevent drinking water from flowing back from the tank into the drinking water line in the event of an interruption in the drinking water supply, a check valve is provided in the water inlet line. This check valve, particularly designed as a controllable check valve, also allows for a metered supply of fresh water to the tank. In the event of a pressure drop in the supply line, the check valve automatically switches to its closed position, thus preventing the drinking water from being sucked back out of the tank.
[0026] During normal operation, the drinking water fed in via the water inlet line flows through the tank toward the water outlet line and then into a downstream line. The additional check valve is provided in the water outlet line to allow a defined water flow out of the tank and prevent backflow from the downstream line into the tank. This prevents the drinking water in the tank from becoming contaminated by backflowing water or adversely changing parameters such as temperature.
[0027] In one embodiment, the water inlet line is arranged such that the drinking water flows into the tank via an inlet provided in the tank base and impinges on a baffle plate arranged in the mouth area. The baffle plate is designed to slow the inflow velocity of the drinking water, ensuring sufficient circulation of the drinking water within the tank and preventing short-circuit flow between the inlet and outlet. This circulation, combined with a largely constant temperature of the tank volume, filtration of the incoming water, and other measures, promotes the maintenance of drinking water quality.
[0028] To monitor the temperature in the tank, which also meets hygiene standards, a temperature sensor is provided. This measures the temperature of the drinking water in the tank and displays this value clearly visible from the outside. In addition to the temperature sensor, other sensors can be provided, such as a conductivity sensor, which can also provide data for monitoring the hygiene of the drinking water. The measured data can also be used to control the drinking water reserve system.
[0029] In a further embodiment, thermal insulation is provided for the tank. The thermal insulation can completely surround the tank, with recesses provided so that the water outlet, the inspection opening, and / or the temperature indicator are accessible or visible from the outside. The thermal insulation also supports compliance with quality standards and, on the other hand, allows the drinking water reserve system to be used even in environments with extreme temperatures and / or strongly fluctuating temperatures.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the container can be placed on height-adjustable feet. This allows the drinking water reserve system to be adjusted to its installation location. For example, the drinking water reserve system can be integrated into a kitchen, with the height of the feet being adjustable to the base height or the height of other built-in elements. Alternatively, the drinking water reserve system is also suitable for wall mounting, so the feet can be omitted.
[0031] To facilitate on-site installation, easily accessible handles and / or a transport hook can be provided on the outside of the container, e.g. on the side wall. In one embodiment, the drinking water reserve system can be connected in series with one or more identical or different drinking water reserve systems. Accordingly, the onward line connecting to the water outlet line of the first system can be connected to the water inlet line of a second system, and so on. In this way, each residential unit in an apartment building can be provided with its own individual drinking water reserve system. Access to the water outlet could also be secured by means of an individually accessible access, e.g. with a lock, to prevent misuse.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the drinking water reserve system can be integrated upstream and / or downstream of system components of the drinking water supply. These can be, for example, a hot water heater, a water supply point, etc. Accordingly, the drinking water reserve system according to the invention can be integrated either in a cold water line leading to the consumer upstream or downstream of a pressure unit or pressure elements, and / or in the cold water line leading to the hot water heater, and / or in a hot water line leading to a consumer.
[0033] Another advantage is that the drinking water reserve system is maintainable and verifiable, with a test report for the individual system being issued and filed by an appropriate state-certified licensing authority, e.g., the Drinking Water Testing Center. Regulations of the Gas and Water Association, e.g., the SVGW for Switzerland, can be taken into account for this purpose.
[0034] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the drinking water reserve system according to the invention, which are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings. Further advantages of the present invention can be derived from the description, as well as suggestions and proposals for how the subject matter of the invention can be modified or further developed within the scope of the claims. Brief description of the drawings
[0035] The embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a container of a drinking water reserve system according to the invention;
[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic side view and partially broken away plan view of a container of the drinking water reserve system according to the invention;
[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the drinking water reserve system in a first application.
[0039] Preferred embodiments of the invention
[0040] Figure 1 schematically shows a front view of a container 10 of a system 1 according to the invention for drinking water reserves, hereinafter also referred to simply as system 1. This is a closed, preferably cylindrical container 10 with a top 11, a bottom 12 and a side wall 13 connecting them. The volume enclosed by the surfaces 11, 12, 13 of the container 10 can be provided with drinking water as a drinking water reserve for emergencies. Preferably, thermal insulation 2 is provided which almost completely surrounds the container 10, wherein both a water outlet 20 and an inspection opening 22 and / or a display 3 for ascertainable measurement data of the drinking water, for example the temperature in the container 10 ascertainable by a temperature sensor, are accessible or readable.
[0041] The system 1 can be connected to a drinking water supply. The drinking water supply makes drinking water from a water source available to a consumer via pipes and other system components as cold water at mains pressure and / or an adjustable pressure and / or as hot water at mains pressure and / or adjustable pressure. The drinking water reserve system 1 can be connected to these pipes via corresponding connections 14, i.e. both for the introduction of drinking water and for the discharge of drinking water via a further pipe. The system 1 thus includes a water inlet pipe 15 which draws the drinking water directly or indirectly from the water source of the drinking water supply, conducts it through a filter medium 16 and feeds it into the tank 10 via a check valve 17 arranged in the water inlet pipe 15.
[0042] The filter media 16 are preferably replaceable. For this purpose, the filter media 16 or a filter unit can be integrated into the water inlet line 15 via upstream and downstream connections. They can be removed and replaced or regenerated by loosening the connections. In the illustrated embodiment, a shut-off valve 24 is provided upstream of the filter media 16, and a screw connection (not shown in more detail) is schematically shown downstream of the filter media 16, so that the filter media 16 can be disconnected from the system or drinking water supply 1 for replacement.
[0043] The check valve 17, in the illustrated embodiment installed downstream of the filter element 16 in the water inlet line 15, prevents drinking water from flowing back from the container 10, particularly in the event of a pressure drop in the drinking water supply lines or in the water inlet line 15.
[0044] Preferably, the water inlet line 15 leads via the base 12 into the container 10. A baffle plate 18 is arranged in the mouth area of the water inlet line 15 inside the container. The drinking water flowing out of the opening of the water inlet line 15 strikes the baffle plate 18, the flow velocity is reduced, and the flow is redirected. This prevents the incoming drinking water from flowing through the container 10 in a kind of short-circuit flow, taking the direct and shortest possible path and preventing the drinking water volume from circulating. Furthermore, it is avoided that any particles accumulated in the base area of the container 10 are stirred up. Furthermore, a water outlet line 19 is connected to the upper area of the container 10 and can be connected to a further line of a drinking water supply via a further check valve 32.Accordingly, the additional check valve 32 prevents the water from the connecting line from flowing back into the tank 10, thereby potentially contaminating the drinking water. Furthermore, a preferably controllable additional check valve 32 can meter the flow of drinking water from the tank 10, possibly in conjunction with a control of the system 1 and / or the drinking water supply.
[0045] In the upper region of the container 10, preferably on the top side 1, 1, a vent valve 30 and a vent valve 31 are arranged, which first enable the filling or draining of drinking water from the container 10. The vent valve 30 and the vent valve 31 can be combined into a single unit. Furthermore, the vent and / or vent valve 30, 31 can be arranged in the water outlet line 19. In order to be able to replace the vent valve 30 and / or the vent valve 31 and / or a corresponding unit, corresponding shut-off valves 24 are provided between them and the container 10 in order to be able to interrupt the fluid line.
[0046] Also provided on the bottom 12 of the container 10 is a drain opening 23, to which a drain line can be connected, which can be shut off by means of a further shut-off valve 33. This allows the container volume to be completely drained, for example, during maintenance and / or cleaning. Alternatively, the drain line can also be provided by a section of the water inlet line 15, from which the container contents can be drained via the further shut-off valve 33.
[0047] The water outlet 20 is provided in a lower area of the container 10, for example, in the form of a valve or a shut-off faucet. A hose can also be connected to the water outlet 20, making manual drinking water extraction even more flexible. In the illustration in Figure 1, the water outlet 20 is provided on a cover 21 of the inspection opening 22, which can be closed by the cover. The inspection opening 22 is provided to allow inspection of the interior of the container 10 and make it accessible for cleaning. This allows, for example, deposits inside the container to be removed manually.
[0048] The container 10 can be placed on feet 25, which are preferably height-adjustable in order to be able to adapt the system 1 with respect to other elements in the environment of the installation site.
[0049] Figure 2 shows a side view of the system 1 without thermal insulation 2, wherein the same components as shown in Fig. 1 are provided with the same reference numerals.
[0050] The inspection opening 22 can be seen in the side view shown; it protrudes from the side wall 13 of the container 12 and can be closed with the lid 21. A faucet 26 is shown at the water outlet 20 with a fluid connection to the drinking water volume, through which the drinking water reserve stored in the container 10 can be drawn.
[0051] Figure 3 shows the use of the system for drinking water reserve
[0052] 1, using the same components as those in Figures 1 and
[0053] 2 are designated by the same reference numerals. Two systems 1 are connected in series. This is preferred when an individual drinking water reserve is to be provided for several parties, which can only be drawn by this party, or to increase the overall drinking water volume stored.
[0054] Furthermore, the embodiment of Fig. 3 shows that the ventilation valve 30 and the vent valve 31 are arranged as a single unit on the respective water outlet line 19. As can be seen from Fig. 3, the systems 1 can be separated from each other at the corresponding connections 14, just as individual components of the systems 1 can be easily replaced.
[0055] It is also conceivable that the drinking water reserve system 1 is installed upstream of a hot water heater in a consumer's hot water supply. The design of system 1 allows it to be integrated at individual points in a drinking water supply and easily provide a drinking water reserve for a consumer, which can be used in emergencies.
Claims
Patent claims 1. A drinking water reserve system (1 ) comprising - a container (10) with a top (11), a bottom (12) and a side wall (13) connecting them, which define a volume for receiving drinking water, comprising • a water inlet line (15) which opens at the bottom (12) of the container (10) and can be connected to a line of a drinking water supply and a water outlet line (19) which leads from an upper region of the container (10) and can be connected to a further line, • a lockable water outlet (20) arranged in a lower region of the container (10) for drawing drinking water from the container (10), • a closable emptying opening (23) in the bottom (12) of the container (10) in order to be able to empty it completely, • Ventilation valve and vent valve (30, 31 ), and • a closable inspection opening (22) provided in the lower region of the container (10) to allow inspection of the interior of the container, and - Filter means (16) which are arranged in the water inlet line (15) and filter the incoming drinking water.
2. The drinking water reserve system (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that in the water inlet line (15) a A check valve (17) is provided to prevent backflow from the container (10).
3. The drinking water reserve system (1) according to claim 1 and / or 2, characterized in that a further check valve (32) is provided in the water outlet line (19) to prevent backflow into the container (10).
4. The drinking water reserve system (1 ) according to claim 2 and / or 3, characterized in that the check valve (17) and / or the further check valve (32) are controllable to enable a defined water flow.
5. The drinking water reserve system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a baffle plate (18) is provided in the mouth area of the water inlet line (15) in the interior of the container (10).
6. The drinking water reserve system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water outlet (20) can be closed by means of a water tap (26) and is provided at a point on the container such that a zone is provided between this point and the bottom in which deposits can be collected and discharged via the emptying opening (23).
7. The drinking water reserve system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a temperature sensor is provided to determine the temperature of the drinking water volume and to display these temperature values on a display (3).
8. The drinking water reserve system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ventilation valve (30) and the vent valve (31) are combined into one unit.
9. The drinking water reserve system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that thermal insulation (2) is provided on the container (10).
10. The drinking water reserve system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (10) can be placed on height-adjustable feet (25).
11. The drinking water reserve system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drinking water reserve system (1) can be connected in series to one or more drinking water reserve systems (1).
12. The drinking water reserve system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drinking water reserve system (1) can be integrated into a hot water and / or fresh water supply line at a position which is immediately upstream of a consumer's supply point, a hot water heater and / or a pressure unit of the drinking water supply.