OZONIZED WATER DISPENSING DEVICE

Abstract

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: OZONIZED WATER DISPENSING DEVICE Ozonized water dispensing device for one or more ozonized water consuming devices, which comprises a supply circuit (20) with a first end connectable to a source of ozonized water and at least one second end (22) connectable to one or more consuming devices (1); at least one first solenoid valve (30) for each consuming device (1) controlled by at least one controller device (40) which includes, for each consuming device (1), an auscultating sensor (41) configured to, by means of simple contact or proximity and without intervening on the electrical circuits of the consuming device, detect disturbances in physical magnitudes indicative of a supply of washing water;the controller device (40) being configured to, in response to the readings of each monitoring sensor (41), determine a need for ozonized water consumption for each consumer device (1) and regulate said at least one first solenoid valve (30) in response. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1;

Description

Title of the invention: OZONIZED WATER DISPENSING DEVICE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present utility model relates to a water purification device which comprises an ozonized water generating unit and an ozonized water dispensing unit for supplying washing machines with ozonized water, whether domestic or industrial washing machines. State of the art

[0002] In patent JP2001137588A there is presented an ozone purification system for a washing machine which comprises a distribution piping which transports water from outside, in which ozone gas from an ozone generator, also called ozonizer, as well as a detergent, a solvent or the like are pumped by liquid pumps from a detergent container and an adjuvant container and said components are mixed through mixers. The mixture is stirred and pressurized in a transport pump 5 which impels it through a transport tube to a sprayer arranged in an embodiment in the front door of a washing machine. The sprayer continuously disperses the mixture in the washing liquid.

[0003] On the other hand, WO0037730A1 discloses a dispenser for a washing machine that integrates a bubble generator, an ozone generator, and a radical generator. A housing of the dispenser has a gas mixing chamber therein. A bubble generator is disposed in the housing and generates air to generate air and ozone bubbles and pump it to a gas mixing chamber. An ozone generator is disposed in the gas mixing chamber and applies a high voltage to the air introduced into the gas mixing chamber from the bubble generator to produce ozone. A radical generator has a ceramic catalyst to decompose ozone from the ozone generator into oxygen to generate air bubbles and an oxygen generator to be reactive with a hydrogen ion in the wash water to generate a radical.The dispenser sterilizes bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, or algae that live in water or clothes. The dispenser also improves the washing effect of a washing machine by oxidizing and bleaching the actions of ozone and radicals.

[0004] However, none of the known antecedents describes an ozonized water dispensing device that can be easily connected and coordinated with an external ozonized water consuming device. The present invention solves the above and other problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing ozonized water for one or more consumer devices, in which the dispensing device comprises: - an ozonized water supply circuit with a first end connected to a source of ozonized water and with at least one second end, opposite the first end, connectable to a water intake of one or more ozonized water consuming devices; - at least one first solenoid valve, interposed between each consumer device and the rest of the ozonized water supply circuit, and controlled by at least one controller device;

[0006] characterized in that

[0007] said at least one controller device includes, for each consumer device, an auscultating sensor configured to, by means of simple contact or proximity with parts of the consumer device and without intervening on the electrical circuits of the consumer device, detect disturbances or alterations in physical magnitudes indicative of a supply of wash water in the consumer device; and wherein

[0008] said at least one controller device is configured to, in response to the readings of each monitoring sensor, determine a need for ozonized water consumption for each consumer device and to regulate said at least one first solenoid valve to supply each consumer device with ozonized water according to the determined need for ozonized water consumption.

[0009] It is understood that the ozonized water consuming device is any machine intended to use ozonized water, typically in a washing and / or disinfection process, for example a dishwasher or a washing machine, both domestic and industrial.

[0010] The proposed ozonized water distribution device is intended to supply ozonized water to one or more consumer devices and comprises, in a manner known per se: - an ozonized water generator with a non-ozonized water inlet and an ozonized water outlet; - an ozonized water supply circuit with a first end connected to the ozonized water outlet of the ozonized water generator and with at least one second end, opposite the first end, connectable to a water intake of one or more consumer devices; - at least one first solenoid valve, interposed in said circuit ozonized water supply between each second end and the first end, and controlled by at least one controller device.

[0011] Ozonized water is water mixed with ozone, which gives it disinfecting power.

[0012] Thus, the ozonized water generator will obtain non-ozonized water through the non-ozonized water inlet, which will typically be connected to a drinking water supply network, add ozone thereto by dissolving it in the water, transforming it into ozonized water, and supply said ozonized water through the ozonized water outlet.

[0013] The ozonized water supply circuit is connected to said ozonized water outlet by a first end and distributes the ozonized water to one or more consuming devices through one or more second ends of the supply circuit. Each ozonized water consuming device will be connected to a second end of the supply circuit.

[0014] The ozonized water supply circuit also includes, interposed, at least one first solenoid valve, i.e. a flow control valve which can be actuated automatically by means of electricity and which can therefore be controlled by means of at least one controller device integrated into the ozonized water distribution device.

[0015] Said at least one controller device may be, for example, one or more programmable logic controllers, one or more computing devices, one or more computers, or the like. It is contemplated that a single controller device may simultaneously control multiple ozonized water consuming devices or, conversely, that each ozonized water consuming device has a dedicated controller device.

[0016] The present invention further proposes, in a manner not known in the state of the art, that said at least one controller device includes, for each ozonized water consumer device, an auscultating sensor configured to, by means of simple contact or proximity with parts of the consumer device and without intervening on the electrical circuits of the consumer device, detect disturbances or alterations in physical magnitudes indicative of a supply of wash water in the consumer device.

[0017] Thus, the auscultating sensor is a sensor which makes it possible to detect the operating state of the consumer device by simply placing it next to or in contact with any specific component of the consumer device, but without needing to modify the consumer device or to intervene on its electrical or electronic control circuits.

[0018] The at least one controller device will be configured to, in response to the readings of each monitoring sensor, determine a need for ozonized water consumption. for each consumer device and to regulate said at least one first solenoid valve to supply each consumer device with ozonized water according to the determined ozonized water consumption requirement.

[0019] It is understood that the requirement for ozonized water may be a pre-established quantity of ozonized water or calculated in proportion to the magnitude of the readings obtained by the monitoring sensor.

[0020] The disturbances or alterations of physical magnitudes detected by the auscultating sensor may be, for example, variations in the magnetic fields generated by an electric motor, variations in electrical conductivity in the presence of water, variations in the electrical capacity of water pipes when they fill with water, variations in sound, vibrations or variations in the position of determined elements.

[0021] Thus, the monitoring sensor may be, for example, a magnetic sensor, an electrical conductivity sensor, a capacitive sensor, an acoustic sensor, a vibration sensor or an accelerometer.

[0022] Thus, a magnetic sensor will be associable, for example, with a motor, typically a washing water pumping motor of the consumer device, for detecting the actuation of the washing water pumping motor and therefore detecting the consumption of washing water. Alternatively, a magnet may be fixed to certain moving part of the consumer device which moves during the consumption of washing water, said magnetic sensor detecting the movement of the magnet.

[0023] It is understood that the magnetic sensor is a sensor capable of perceiving disturbances in magnetic fields, typically through the Hall effect, and that the pumping motor is an electric motor that drives a pump.

[0024] An electrical conductivity sensor, located in contact with a floodable area of the consumer device, such as the interior of a wash water supply pipe or the interior of a wash area, where, for example, clothes or dishes are washed, will be able to detect a variation in the electrical conductivity when the wash water enters the consumer device.

[0025] Alternatively, a capacitive sensor will be associable with a wash water pulse conduit of the consumer device for detecting the supply of wash water. The capacitive sensor placed adjacent to or in contact with a conduit, for example a wash water supply conduit, will perceive an alteration in the dielectric constant of the conduit when it is full of water compared to the same conduit when it is empty of water, given the high dielectric constant of water, by perceiving when the consumption of wash water of the consumer device begins.

[0026] An acoustic sensor may detect a sound generated by the entry of wash water into the consumer device, or generated by the actuation of the pumping motor or by the pump.

[0027] A vibration sensor may be associated, for example, with the pumping motor or a wash water supply pipe, the vibration produced being detected by the actuation of the pump or by the flow of water through the pipe.

[0028] An accelerometer may be attached to a certain part of the movable actuator device during the supply of wash water in order to detect its movement.

[0029] Thus, the auscultator sensor allows to coordinate the supply of ozonized water with the washing water supply cycle of the consumer device in a simple and minimally invasive manner with the consumer device, allowing a rapid installation of the ozonized water distribution device by personnel who do not need a high qualification, since they only have to identify the position in which to locate the auscultator sensor inside the consumer device, without the need for electrical connection with parts of the consumer device, whose improper handling could affect the correct operation of the consumer device. Brief description of the figures

[0030] The foregoing and other advantages and features will be better understood from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the attached drawings, which should be taken as illustrative and non-limiting, in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] shows a schematic view of the ozonized water distribution device according to a first embodiment in which it supplies ozonized water to a single consumer device;

[0032] [Fig.2] shows a schematic view of the ozonized water distribution device according to a second embodiment in which it supplies three consumer devices with ozonized water. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] The attached figures show illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] The proposed ozonized water distribution device makes it possible to supply ozonized water to one or more consumer devices.

[0035] Ozonated water is understood to be water, typically potable water obtained from a potable water supply, into which ozone has been dissolved.

[0036] It is also understood that an ozonized water consuming device is any device, external to the ozonized water dispensing device, which is intended to wash by means of the application of water. Consuming devices include, among others, domestic, professional and industrial dishwashers and washing machines.

[0037] The proposed ozonized water distribution device comprises a supply circuit (20) for ozonized water with a first end connected to a source of ozonized water, for example to an ozonized water outlet (12) of an ozonized water generator (10), and with at least one second end (22), opposite the first end, connectable to a water intake of one or more ozonized water consuming devices (1).

[0038] The ozonized water supply circuit (20) includes at least one first solenoid valve (30) interposed between the consumer device (1) and the rest of the ozonized water supply circuit (20), typically on the second end (22) of the supply circuit. Each first solenoid valve (30) makes it possible to close or open the passage of ozonized water to at least one of the consumer devices (1).

[0039] At least one controller device (40), such as for example a programmable logic controller, a computer device or a computer, will be connected to the first solenoid valve (30), allowing to regulate its opening and closing by said at least one controller device (40) according to a pre-established programming. For example, said at least one controller device (40) can be configured to open the first solenoid valve only for a short pre-established period of time, for example of a few seconds, for each certain time of detection of washing water supply in the consumer device, for example 10 seconds of ozonized water supply for each minute of detection of washing water consumption, or any other relationship.The alternating opening of the first solenoid valves makes it possible to supply various consumption devices with a single ozonized water distribution device of reduced dimensions and costs.

[0040] In the example of [Fig.2] is shown a supply circuit (20) for ozonized water provided with a single first end (21) but with three second ends (22) connected in parallel, each of them including a first independent solenoid valve (30) and connected to a separate ozonized water consumer device (1).

[0041] Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, the ozonized water supply circuit (20) may include multiple second ends (22), each of them provided with a first solenoid valve (30). In such a case, each first solenoid valve (30) will be associated, through the controller device (40), with an auscultating sensor (41) configured to, by means of simple contact or proximity with parts of the consumer device (1) and without intervening on the electrical circuits of the consumer device (1), detect disturbances or alterations in physical magnitudes indicative of a supply of wash water in the consumer device (1).

[0042] Notwithstanding the above, it is also contemplated that, as shown in the example of [Fig.l], the ozonized water supply circuit (20) has only a second end (22), provided with a first solenoid valve (30), connected to a single ozonized water consuming device (1).

[0043] It is also contemplated that the supply circuit has an additional outlet provided with a manual valve, allowing a user to obtain ozonized water directly from this manual valve, for example to carry out manual cleaning tasks.

[0044] The monitoring sensor (41) may be, for example, a capacitive flow sensor that can be associated with a wash water impulse conduit (3) of the consumer device for detecting the supply of wash water and / or a magnetic sensor that can be associated with a wash water pumping motor (2) of the consumer device (1) for detecting the actuation of the wash water pumping motor (2).

[0045] Said at least one controller device (40) is configured to, in response to the readings of the auscultator sensor (41), detect a supply of wash water to each of the consuming devices (1) and to regulate said at least one first solenoid valve (30) in response to said detection of the supply of wash water.

[0046] It is proposed that each auscultating sensor be associated with a fixing device, for example a self-adhesive surface, a collar, an elastic collar, a flange, a magnet or a combination thereof. Any of these fixing devices will facilitate the fixing of the auscultating sensor in the position close to or adjacent to the element of the consumer device to be auscultated.

[0047] Optionally, a section of the ozonized water supply circuit (20) may include a magnetic decalcifier (50) around it in order to provide ozonized and decalcified water.

[0048] The ozonized water source may comprise, for example, an ozonized water generator (10) having a non-ozonized water inlet (11), typically a stream of water obtained from a mains outlet, and an ozonized water outlet (12). After passing through the ozonized water generator device (10), the water contains dissolved ozone or a higher concentration of ozone than before entering the ozonized water generator (10).

[0049] Thus, the ozonized water generator (10) is the one responsible for dissolving the ozone in the water entering the device. To achieve this, the ozonized water generator (10) typically comprises an ozone generator (13) connected to a mixer (14) associated with a conduit which connects the non-ozonized water inlet (11) and the ozonized water outlet (12).

[0050] The ozone generator (13) produces ozone and supplies it to the mixer (14) responsible for dissolving the ozone in the water stream which passes through the ozonized water generator (10).

[0051] The ozone generator (13) may be, for example, a generator intended to generate ozone by the corona effect using a high electrical voltage.

[0052] The ozonized water generator (10) may include, between the non-ozonized water inlet (11) and the ozonized water outlet (12), a sensor capable of determining the circulation of water through it, for example a flow sensor, and the ozone generator (13) may be configured to generate ozone automatically in response to the detection of a flow rate by said sensor. Thus, each time a first solenoid valve opens, the pressure of the mains water will drive a flow of water through the ozonized water generator (10), which will be detected by the sensor and will cause the generation of ozone by the ozone generator (13) and its dissolution in the mixer.

[0053] Alternatively, it is proposed that the control device may be configured to also regulate the ozone generator (13) in response to readings from at least one monitoring sensor (41), simultaneously with the opening of a first solenoid valve.

Claims

Claims

1. Ozonized water distribution device for one or more ozonized water consuming devices, wherein the distribution device comprises: - an ozonized water supply circuit (20) with a first end connected to a source of ozonized water and with at least one second end (22), opposite the first end, connectable to a water intake of one or more ozonized water consuming devices (1); - at least one first solenoid valve (30), interposed between each consuming device (1) and the rest of the ozonized water supply circuit (20), and controlled by at least one controller device (40);characterized in that said at least one controller device (40) includes, for each consumer device (1), an auscultating sensor (41) configured to, by means of simple contact or proximity with parts of the consumer device (1) and without intervening on the electrical circuits of the consumer device (1), detect disturbances or alterations in physical magnitudes indicative of a supply of wash water in the consumer device (1); and wherein said at least one controller device (40) is configured to, in response to the readings of each auscultating sensor (41), determine a consumption requirement of ozonized water for each consumer device (1) and to regulate said at least one first solenoid valve (30) to supply, each consumer device (1), with ozonized water according to the determined consumption requirement of ozonized water.;

2. Ozonized water distribution device according to claim 1, in which the disturbances or alterations of physical magnitudes detected by the auscultating sensor (41) are variations of the magnetic fields generated by an electric motor, variations of electrical conductivity in the presence of water, variations of electrical capacitance of the water pipes when they fill with water, variations of sound, vibrations or variations of position of determined elements.

3. An ozonized water dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the auscultating sensor (41) is a magnetic sensor, an electrical conductivity sensor, a capacitive sensor, an acoustic sensor, a vibration sensor or an accelerometer.

4. Ozonized water distribution device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the ozonized water supply circuit (20) includes multiple second ends, each being provided with a first solenoid valve (30), and wherein each first solenoid valve (30) is associated, through at least one controller device (40), with an auscultating sensor (41).

5. An ozonized water dispensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the ozonized water source comprises an ozonized water generator (10) having a non-ozonized water inlet (11) and an ozonized water outlet (12), a mixer interposed between the water inlet (11) and the water outlet (12) and adapted to dissolve ozone in a water stream passing therethrough, and an ozone generator (13) connected to the mixer (14) to supply it with ozone.

6. An ozonized water dispensing device according to claim 5, wherein the ozonized water generator (10) includes, between the non-ozonized water inlet (11) and the ozonized water outlet (12), a water circulation sensor, and the ozone generator (13) is configured to generate ozone automatically in response to readings from the water circulation sensor.

7. An ozonized water dispensing device according to claim 5, wherein the at least one control device (40) is connected to the ozone generator (13) and configured to also regulate the ozone generator (13) in response to readings from the at least one monitoring sensor (41).

8. Ozonized water distribution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one auscultating sensor (41) is associated with a fixing device.

9. An ozonated water dispensing device according to claim 8, wherein the attachment device is selected from: self-adhesive surface, collar, elastic collar, flange, magnet, or a combination thereof.

10. Ozonized water distribution device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a section of the circuit ozonized water supply (20) includes a magnetic decalcifier (50) around it.

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