Dispensing device for purified water

Abstract

This application relates to a dispensing device for purified water, more specifically, a dispensing device for ultrapure water. This application also relates to a water purification system including such a water purification dispensing device, and to a method for dispensing purified water.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to a dispensing device for purified water, more specifically, a dispensing device for ultrapure water. This application also relates to a water purification system including such a water purification dispensing device, and to a method for dispensing purified water. [Background technology]

[0002] Various applications in the fields of pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and semiconductors require water of a higher purity than natural water or tap water ("tap water") to avoid or at least reduce adverse effects on the reproducibility of analysis and production processes due to the occurrence of undesirable side reactions or the introduction of contaminants. Therefore, depending on the application, the purity of the water needs to be improved by removing at least partially the contaminants contained in the water. The purest water is often referred to as "ultrapure water," or "Type I" according to ASTM D 1193-06, and is characterized, for example, by a resistivity of at least 18.0 MΩ·cm and a total organic carbon (TOC) of up to 5 ppb. "Type II" water is typically characterized by a resistivity of at least 1.0 MΩ·cm and a total organic carbon (TOC) of up to 50 ppb. Type III water is the lowest laboratory water grade, with a resistivity of at least 0.05 MΩ·cm and a maximum of 200 ppb of total organic carbon. It is recommended for standard laboratory use, such as washing glassware and heating baths, and for supplying water to water purification systems that produce Type I water.

[0003] A water purification system capable of producing ultrapure water or Type I water is known as such. Integrated water purification systems designed to purify tap water include various purification steps, such as filtration, reverse osmosis, electrodeionization, ultraviolet treatment, and ion exchange steps. Generally, such a purification system includes a first purification step in which tap water is purified to a first purity grade (e.g., Type II or lower as defined in ASTM D 1193-06), and a second purification step in which the pre-purified water from the first purification step is further purified to a higher purity (e.g., Type I as defined in ASTM D 1193-06), which can then be dispensed from the system and used.

[0004] Purifying water to ultra-high purity levels is difficult because the acceptable level of impurities is extremely low. Therefore, to prevent the accumulation of impurities in the water purification system and dispensing section, for example, when water is not dispensed from the system, purified water must be continuously recirculated throughout the system, for example, through the first and second purification stages, and continuous recirculation through the dispensing device.

[0005] In many commercially available water purification systems, the dispenser for dispensing purified water from the system is portable for user convenience, allowing the user to move it to the actual location of use within a given range without having to move the entire heavy water purification system. This requires a supply line that supplies purified water from the preceding purification stage to the dispensing device in a first channel and recirculates any undispensed purified water in a second channel. Furthermore, since the dispensing device includes solenoid valves and / or electric valves, an additional electrical cable is required to supply power to these valves. To prevent damage to the supply line and electrical cable, these are often enclosed in protective sheaths. As a result, the supply line becomes considerably thicker and heavier, leading to reduced flexibility.

[0006] For example, in a commercially available state-of-the-art water purification system (100) disclosed in EP 1 814 007 A1, the flow schematic is shown in Figure 1, where reference numerals (146) and (147) indicate first and second flow paths supplying purified water to a dispenser, the dispenser includes an outlet (102), a filter (107), and a distribution solenoid valve (120). In such a commercially available state-of-the-art water purification system, each of the first and second flow paths is realized by tubing having an inner diameter of 6 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm, thus reducing the flexibility and ergonomics of the supply line solely by its thickness.

[0007] In such water purification systems, the flow of purified water through the dispenser's water outlet is generally controlled by opening and closing the water outlet using a solenoid valve. However, solenoid valves only have an on / off setting and cannot control the flow rate of purified water dispensed. For this reason, solenoid valves are sometimes connected to electric valves, which allows the user to precisely control the flow rate of dispensed water, from dropwise (or "drop-wise") dispensing to high flow rates. Both solenoid valves and electric valves may be integrated with the dispenser, or alternatively, the electric valve may be located remotely in a remote central unit, for example, with only the solenoid valve present in the actual dispenser. Water purification and distribution systems for ultrapure water are also described, for example, in US 5,925,240 A, WO 2010 / 043899 A1, and US 11,035,484 B2.

[0008] However, existing water purification systems, particularly distribution systems and dispensing devices, have numerous drawbacks, such as the following: (i) A PCB ("printed circuit board") containing electronic components must be incorporated into the dispensing unit, along with the power transferred from the remote main system to the dispenser or dispensing device; (ii) Solenoid valves and electric valves, when combined, are bulky components that limit the integration and design options of the dispenser in order to maintain ergonomic operation; (iii) Prolonged power supply to the activation coil of a solenoid valve may cause heating that can impair the quality of the purified water dispensed from the dispenser or dispensing device; and, (iv) In a system having more than one dispenser or dispensing device, an electric valve connected to several solenoid valves may only allow one flow rate setting at a time and may not allow different flow rates to be set for different dispensers or dispensing devices.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to overcome these and other drawbacks and to make water purification systems, especially those for laboratory use, and especially dispensing devices, more user-friendly and / or simpler in terms of structure, preferably combined with a reduction in one or more of the following: size, cost, and environmental impact.

[0010] In addition, such a water purification system preferably also allows for simple and ergonomic operation and / or simple and robust assembly. [Overview of the project]

[0011] The inventors have surprisingly discovered that the above needs can be met individually or in any combination by dispensing devices, water purification systems, and the methods of this application.

[0012] Therefore, this application is, A dispensing device for dispensing purified water, (a) A dispenser including a valve assembly and a water outlet, and (b) A supply line that supplies purified water to the dispenser and removes water from the dispenser. The dispensing device includes, wherein the supply line includes an integrated multi-lumen tube, the integrated multi-lumen tube having at least two separate lumens that each function as a flow path for supplying water to and from the dispenser.

[0013] In addition, this application provides a water purification system including such a dispensing device.

[0014] Furthermore, this application relates to a method for dispensing purified water, (A) The step of providing a dispensing device as defined herein; (B) The step of supplying purified water to the dispenser through the supply line; and, (C) The method is provided, comprising the step of dispensing purified water through a dispenser. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a reproduction of Figure 1 from EP 1 814 007 A1, and shows an exemplary flow schematic of a state-of-the-art water purification system available for commercial use. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary water purification system of this application. [Figure 3a-3c] Figure 3a shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary integrated multi-lumen tube that may be used in this specification. Figure 3b shows a schematic diagram of the integrated multi-lumen tube of Figure 3a enclosed in a tight protective sheath. Figure 3c shows a schematic diagram of the exemplary integrated multi-lumen tube of Figure 3a enclosed in a loose protective sheath. [Figure 4-5] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary first disk of a valve assembly according to this application. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary second disk of a valve assembly according to this application. [Figure 6-7]FIG. 6 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary valve assembly according to the present application, in which the first disk shown in FIG. 4 and the second disk shown in FIG. 5 are overlapped with each other. FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an exemplary dispenser of the present application. [Figures 8a-8b] FIG. 8a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary dispenser according to the present application, having the valve assembly of the present application in a closed position. FIG. 8b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary dispenser according to the present application, having the valve assembly of the present application in an open position.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] For the purposes of the present application, the term "distribution system" is generally used to represent a system that transports purified water from a water purification unit to a place of use. Such a distribution system can include, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of a distribution device, a dispensing unit, a supply line, and / or a dispenser, as defined herein.

[0017] For the purposes of the present application, the terms "supply line" and "purified water supply line" are consistently used to indicate a supply line that supplies purified water to a dispenser and removes non-dispensed purified water (i.e., purified water that has not been drawn from the system for use) from the dispenser.

[0018] For the purposes of the present application, the term "raw water supply line" is consistently used to represent a line that feeds raw water from an external source, such as tap water, to a water purification system for purification.

[0019] For the purposes of the present application, the term "lumen" is used to represent a continuous cavity extending along the longitudinal axis of a tube. Throughout the present application, such a continuous cavity extending along the longitudinal axis of a tube may be referred to as a "flow path" or a "channel".

[0020] This application relates to a dispensing device for dispensing liquids such as water, particularly purified water, such as ultrapure water, i.e., Type I water. This dispensing device has been found to be particularly useful in laboratory water purification systems. Such laboratory water purification systems have a maximum dispensing capacity of 5 l·min. -1 , more preferably a maximum of 4 l·min -1 More preferably, up to 3 l·min -1 Most preferably a maximum of 2 l·min -1 It has a dispensing rate of ("maximum dispensing rate"). Although generally described throughout this specification in the context of such water purification systems, this dispensing device can also be used in other applications where precise dispensing of liquids may be required.

[0021] Such a water purification system generally consists of a water supply, a water purification unit, and a dispensing device, which in turn includes a supply line and a dispenser. For clarity, note that the supply line (fluidly) connects the water purification unit and the dispenser.

[0022] A schematic diagram of such a water purification system (10), which includes an unprocessed water supply line (11), a water purification unit (12), and a dispensing device (13), wherein the dispensing device (13) includes, in order, a supply line (14) and a dispenser (15), is shown in Figure 2.

[0023] Water purification means, and by extension components, generally included in a water purification unit for purifying raw water from an external source to a desired level of purity are generally known in the art and are disclosed, for example, in the documents already shown.

[0024] Supply line The supply line (or purified water supply line) supplies (or transports) purified water to the dispenser and returns any water not dispensed from the dispenser back to the water purification unit, where it is then subjected to one or more purification steps. Supplying such flow to and from the dispenser ("circulation") can prevent the accumulation of impurities in the stagnant water, for example, by extraction from the material used in the tubes that carry the purified water. Such circulation can be carried out continuously, or preferably discontinuously to reduce energy consumption, for example, by circulating the water periodically for a sufficient period (or hours) to remove and / or re-purify any stagnant water in the loop (encompassing the supply line). The period between such cyclings, i.e., the time between cyclings, can be determined, for example, based on the amount of impurities introduced into the purified water during a particular period and / or what level of purity of purified water is desired.

[0025] The water supply line includes, or preferably consists of, an integrated multi-lumen tube. Such an integrated multi-lumen tube contains at least two (e.g., two, or three, or four, or five, or six, or seven, or eight, or more) separate lumens within a single ("integrated") tube, each functioning as a flow path from / to the dispenser. Note that, regardless of the total number of lumens contained in such an integrated multi-lumen tube, at least one (e.g., one, or two, or three, or four, or more) lumen functions as a flow path (or channel) for supplying (purified) water to the dispenser, and at least one (e.g., one, or two, or three, or four, or more) lumen functions as a flow path (or channel) for removing undispensed purified water from the dispenser.

[0026] Preferably, the integrated multi-lumen tube includes at least one (e.g., one, two, three, four, or more) central lumens, each lumen separated from the others, and at least one (e.g., one, two, three, four, or more) peripheral (or outer) lumens.

[0027] Preferably, the integrated multi-lumen tube includes at least two lumens (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or even more) that are symmetrically distributed around at least one central lumen, with each lumen separated from the others.

[0028] Preferably, the integrated multi-lumen tube contains or consists of a low-leachability material, preferably a low-leachability polymer. Such a low-leachability polymer can be selected from the group consisting of, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF, also called polyvinylidene difluoride), perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), with low-density polyethylene being preferred.

[0029] Preferably, the feeding line includes a protective sheath surrounding an integrated multi-lumen tube. Such a sheath can tightly surround the integrated multi-lumen tube (i.e., there is no free volume between the sheath and the outer surface of the integrated multi-lumen tube) or loosely surround it (i.e., there is a free volume between the sheath and the outer surface of the integrated multi-lumen tube). Preferably, such a sheath tightly surrounds the integrated multi-lumen, and the sheath and the integrated multi-lumen tube are co-extruded. The co-extrusion of the sheath and the integrated multi-lumen tube results in strong adhesion between them, essentially producing an integrated sheathed multi-lumen tube.

[0030] Preferably, the protective sheath contains, or preferably consists of, a different material from, the integrated multi-lumen tube.

[0031] Preferably, the feeding line, including a protective sheath (if present), is flexible. Such a flexible feeding line is then preferably made from low-density polyethylene. This allows for easy handling of the dispensing device and improves ergonomics.

[0032] Figure 3a schematically shows an exemplary integrated multi-lumen tube (20) that may be used herein, comprising a total of five lumens (21) separated from each other, one central lumen (21a), and four peripheral lumens (21b) symmetrically arranged around the central lumen (21a).

[0033] Figure 3b schematically shows an example of the integrated multi-lumen tube (20) in Figure 3a, which is fitted with a sheath (22) that tightly encloses the integrated multi-lumen tube (20).

[0034] Figure 3c schematically shows an exemplary integrated multi-lumen tube (20) of Figure 3a, which includes a sheath (22) that loosely surrounds the integrated multi-lumen tube (20), thereby having a free volume (23) between the sheath and the integrated multi-lumen tube (20).

[0035] dispenser The dispenser may include any suitable valve arrangement that allows control of the flow of purified water being dispensed, from drop by drop to the system's maximum dispensing rate; however, it is preferable that the dispenser includes a valve assembly comprising two ceramic discs (or a "pair" of discs), which may hereafter be referred to as the "first disc" and the "second disc," respectively.

[0036] Preferably, the pair of first and second discs are arranged such that their opposing first and second sealing contact surfaces are in contact with each other and slide at least partially, and are rotated relative to each other. Here, the first disc has at least one window, and the second disc has a solid portion arranged to completely cover at least one window of the first disc in a fully closed rotation position, thereby closing it, and an opening arranged to at least partially expose at least one window of the first disc in a fully open rotation position.

[0037] Preferably, in the fully closed rotation position, the solid portion of the second disk, which is positioned to completely cover and close at least one window of the first disk, is formed to encompass the portion of the second seal contact surface that overlaps with the first seal contact surface of the first disk, which surrounds the edge of the window with a seal zone having a width of at least 1.5 mm, preferably at least 2.0 mm.

[0038] Preferably, the first and second seal contact surfaces of a pair of first and second discs arranged to be in contact with each other and at least partially slide are polished or ground, and have a surface roughness Ra of up to 0.60 μm and / or a surface flatness of up to 0.80 μm.

[0039] Preferably, the opposing first and second seal contact surfaces of a pair of first and second disks are arranged such that 50-80%, preferably 55-75%, and most preferably 60-70% of the first and second seal contact surfaces slide in contact with each other between a fully closed rotation position and a fully open rotation position.

[0040] Preferably, the second disk is in contact with the first disk and floating freely, or is deflected toward the first disk by a bias element.

[0041] Preferably, at least one window of the first disk has a notch / dent embedded in the material of the first disk from the plane defined by the first seal contact surface of the first disk at the edge of at least one window, where the exposure of at least one window is initiated in the movement of the second disk in a direction from a fully closed rotational position to a fully open rotational position.

[0042] Preferably, the notch / dent has a pointed tip that gradually widens and / or deepens towards at least one window.

[0043] Preferably, at least one window has a slope or bevel on the sidewall adjacent to the edge such that the free opening width of at least one window in the thickness direction of the first disk gradually narrows as it moves away from the plane of the first seal contact surface, and the exposure of at least one window is initiated in the movement of the second disk in a direction from a fully closed rotational position to a fully open rotational position.

[0044] Preferably, the valve assembly is sized to provide a flow rate through at least one window of drop by drop, preferably from 20 ml·min -1 to a maximum of 5 l·min -1 more preferably a maximum of 4 l·min -1 even more preferably a maximum of 3 l·min -1 and most preferably a maximum of 2 l·min -1 within the rotational angle range of the relative movement between the fully closed rotational position and the fully open rotational position.

[0045] Preferably, the rotational angle range between the fully closed rotational position and the fully open rotational position is 50° - 70°, preferably 55° - 65°, and most preferably about 60°.

[0046] Preferably, the first disc is provided with positioning notches to prevent rotation in the liquid dispenser container and to determine the mounting position, and the positioning notches are formed and / or arranged asymmetrically with respect to the circumference of the first disc.

[0047] Preferably, the second disc is provided with one or more driver recesses (single) / recesses and / or protrusions (single) / protrusions on the side opposite to the second seal contact surface for engagement with the rotary actuator of the liquid dispenser.

[0048] Preferably, the first disk has a circular outer circumference, and the second disk has a non-circular outer circumference with openings arranged to at least partially expose at least one window of the first disk that is radially recessed from the outer circumference.

[0049] Preferably, the first disc and / or the second disc are made from a ceramic material, preferably aluminum oxide ceramic.

[0050] Preferably, the first disc of the valve assembly is rotatably fixed in a position within the vessel such that at least one window communicates with the outlet, and the second disc is mounted within the vessel such that it floats freely in contact with the first disc, and that the first and second sealing contact surfaces are pressed against each other by pressure from the supply piping acting on the second disc.

[0051] Preferably, the second disc of the valve assembly is engaged (or "mechanically connected") to a manually operable rotary actuator (e.g., a handwheel) to rotate the second disc relative to the first disc between a fully closed and fully open rotational position.

[0052] A manually operable rotary actuator may be mechanically connected directly or indirectly to the second ("upper") disk of the valve assembly. In the case of a direct connection, the rotary actuator, including any short shaft integrally formed with the rotary actuator, rotates the second disk relative to the first disk between a fully closed rotation position and a fully open rotation position. In the case of an indirect connection, the rotary actuator is mechanically connected to the second ("upper") disk via a shaft, and the rotary actuator and the shaft are separate parts. Preferably, the shaft consists of two different parts, the shaft and the driver, where the rotary actuator is mechanically connected to the shaft, the shaft is mechanically connected to the driver, and again the driver is mechanically connected to the second ("upper") disk.

[0053] Therefore, a preferred dispenser includes a manually operable rotary actuator (e.g., a handwheel), a valve assembly including two ceramic discs, and a shaft connecting the rotary actuator to one of the ceramic discs (preferably the second ("upper") disc), thereby enabling the valve to be opened and closed by rotating the rotary actuator. It is important to understand that the manually operated rotary actuator, the second ("upper") disk, and, if present, the shaft and / or driver, are mechanically interconnected to enable smooth and precise rotational motion, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0054] A preferred valve assembly described herein is a mechanical valve assembly comprising a pair of discs, preferably made of ceramic material, which can be incorporated into a dispenser of a water purification system to replace both electric and solenoid valves. This pair of discs controls the opening and closing of the flow through the valve assembly, as well as the flow rate from drop by drop to high flow rates, i.e., 20 ml·min -1 From a maximum of 5 l·min -1 up to, more preferably a maximum of 4 l·min -1More preferably up to 3 l·min -1 Up to, most preferably a maximum of 2 l·min -1 It can be used to control both the dispensing flow rate and the dispensing rate up to that point.

[0055] The preferred mechanical valve assembly described herein has one or more of the following advantages compared to existing products as a result of its reduced size and complexity: (i) A water purification system having multiple dispensers and / or dispensing devices capable of dispensing simultaneously at different flow rates; (ii) The size of the dispenser and / or dispensing device can be reduced by removing solenoid valves (if provided, and motorized valves) and PCBs from the dispenser and / or dispensing device, which improves the ergonomic handling of the dispenser and / or dispensing device; (iii) The number of components and the complexity of the dispenser and / or dispensing system and / or distribution system can be reduced, in particular, power or control circuits do not need to be supplied from the main system constituting the water purification unit to the distribution system and / or dispenser and / or dispensing device, and the connections between the main system and the distribution system and / or dispenser and / or dispensing device can be reduced to dual or single tubes rather than two separate tubes and electronic cables that need to be incorporated into an external sleeve or tied together by appropriate means such as cable ties, thus avoiding the need for electronic means; (iv) The simplification of the structure and the absence of electronic components are also beneficial from an environmental perspective, reducing the carbon footprint of the distribution system and / or dispensing device and / or dispenser, as well as the entire water purification system, and improving recyclability; (v) The possibility of omitting electronic components from dispensing and / or distribution units would further simplify maintenance and repair of the units when necessary, as electronic connections would not be required; (vi) From a manufacturing standpoint, the valve assembly, together with the liquid dispensing device and / or dispenser, provides a simpler, more robust, i.e., error-free assembly; and, (vii) Finally, the valve assembly and the associated liquid dispensing device and / or dispenser offer greater design flexibility: having electronic components near hydraulic components in a small, enclosed space poses risks and severely restricts the design of purified water distribution systems (single and multiple) and / or dispensing devices and / or dispensers (single and multiple), forcing most existing products to have inflow from the bottom of the dispenser. The absence of electronic components made possible by the use of this mechanical valve assembly simplifies the design constraints on the distribution system and / or dispensing device and / or dispenser, as well as the entire water purification system, and consequently reduces risks from that perspective.

[0056] The present invention will now be described in detail based on preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the appended exemplary schematic diagrams, Figures 4 to 8a and 8b.

[0057] Preferred valve assemblies and liquid dispensing device units for liquid dispensers as defined herein will be described herein in relation to exemplary preferred embodiments, particularly for water purification systems.

[0058] A valve assembly (40) for a liquid dispenser (31) includes a pair of first (41) and second discs (42) (see Figures 3 and 4, respectively) that rotate relative to each other, and comprises opposing first (41a) and second seal contact surfaces (42a) arranged to contact and slide at least partially with respect to each other.

[0059] The first disk (41) has at least one window (43a, 43b) (in an embodiment, two windows located opposite each other through the center of the disk). The second disk (42) has solid portions (44a, 44b) arranged to completely cover at least one window (43a, 43b) of the first disk (41) in a fully closed rotation position (see Figure 6), thereby closing axially, and openings (45a, 45b) arranged to at least partially expose at least one window (43a, 43b) of the first disk (41) in a progressive relative rotation until it is located in a fully open rotation position. In this case as well, in an embodiment, there are two solid portions (44a, 44b) and two openings (45a, 45b) that are complementary to the two windows (43a, 43b) of the first disk (41). Two of the windows and their corresponding openings and solid parts are arranged in a rotationally symmetric manner, but their number may be one for each, or two or more distributed along the circumference.

[0060] The windows (43a, 43b) extend axially along the thickness of the first disk (41) and serve as axial passages for fluid passing through the valve assembly (40), as will be described later.

[0061] The solid portions (44a, 44b) of the second disk (42a, 44b), positioned to completely cover and close the windows (43a, 43b) of the first disk (41) in the fully closed rotation position, are formed to encompass a portion of the second seal contact surface (42a) that overlaps with the first seal contact surface (41a) of the first disk (41) within a closed seal zone (46a, 46b) that surrounds the edges (43c and 43d) of the windows (43a, 43b), respectively. The seal zones (46a, 46b) have a width of at least 1.5 mm, preferably at least 2.0 mm, measured perpendicular to the edges, or more precisely, perpendicular to the tangents to the edges in the plane of the first and second seal contact surfaces (41a, 42a), in order to ensure a seal in the fully closed position. The valve assembly (41) requires a specific circular area outside the surface, as the sealing of the housing of the incorporated dispenser (31) by the container occurs on the surface opposite the first sealing contact surface (41a) of the first disc (41) (which may be the underside of the first disc if it is positioned as the lower disc in the example of Figure 7). These two requirements, combined with the need to maximize the opening area of ​​the windows (43a, 43b) to set the desired maximum dispensing rate as defined above, determine the size, shape, and characteristics of the two discs (41, 42).

[0062] The first disc (41) and / or the second disc (42) are preferably made from a ceramic material. Since the valve assembly (40) is intended to be incorporated into dispensing devices and dispensers (31) particularly for ultrapure water, the type of ceramic material used should be selected to avoid contamination of the ultrapure water. Aluminum oxide ceramic is a suitable and preferred material. However, depending on the circumstances and if the required sealing properties of the sealing contact surfaces (41a, 42a) of the discs can be achieved, other materials including metals or alloys, or different substrates with appropriate coatings including ceramic coatings, are possible.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first disc (41) has a circular outer circumference, and the second disc (42) has a non-circular outer circumference with openings (45a, 45b) positioned to at least partially expose at least one window (43a, 43b) of the first disc (41) that is radially recessed from the outer circumference (see Figure 5). The discs (41, 42), however, may have a peripheral shape other than circular. If the peripheral shape is "non-circular", the peripheral shape prevents rotation by engaging with corresponding appropriately shaped recesses or protrusions, thereby facilitating the retention of at least one disc (i.e., a fixed disc) in the container of the dispenser (31).

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the first disc (41) is provided with positioning notches (47a, 47b) around its outer periphery to prevent rotation when attached to the container (32) of the dispenser (31) and to determine a specific mounting position on the container (32). The positioning notches (47a, 47b) are formed and / or positioned asymmetrically with respect to the circumference of the first disc (41) in order to determine a specific mounting position.

[0065] The second disc (42) is provided with one or more driver recesses (single) / recesses (plural) (48a, 48b) and / or protrusions (single) / protrusions (plural) (not shown) on the side opposite to the axial second seal contact surface (42a) for engagement with the rotary actuator (33) of the liquid dispenser (31). In this embodiment, the recesses (48a, 48b) are shallow pockets or grooves with closed bottoms that do not extend axially through the thickness of the second disc (42). The rotary actuator (33) is provided with corresponding protrusions (33a, 33b) (see Figure 7) for engagement with the recesses (48a, 48b). The shape or contour of the recesses (48a, 48b) and the corresponding protrusions (33a, 33b) is asymmetrical to determine a specific mounting orientation, or more precisely, a predetermined rotational position of the actuator (33) that can engage.

[0066] The sealing characteristics of the discs (41, 42) depend primarily on the percentage of the disc sealing contact surfaces (41a, 42a) that are in effective contact at a microscopic level. The disc sealing contact surfaces (41a, 42a) are therefore processed to reach a predetermined percentage of the contact surface between the two discs (41, 42). Too low a percentage will impair the seal, while too high a percentage will result in excessive effort during operation. As described below, since no external force is applied to the discs (41, 42) during integration within the dispenser (31), this percentage of the contacting disc surfaces (41a, 42a), along with the hydraulic pressure and frictional force of the seal on the drive actuator (33), is the only parameter that affects the operating effort.

[0067] The first and second seal contact surfaces (41a, 42a) of a pair of first and second discs (41, 42) arranged to be in contact with each other and at least partially sliding are to have a surface quality or surface roughness Ra of up to 0.60 μm, more preferably up to 0.50 μm, most preferably up to 0.40 μm, and / or a flatness of up to 0.80 μm, preferably 0.80 μm, most preferably up to 0.60 μm, to maintain a fluid-tight seal when in contact. Preferably, the first and second seal contact surfaces (41a, 42a) of a pair of first and second discs (41, 42) are polished or ground.

[0068] The opposing first and second seal contact surfaces (41a, 42a) of a pair of first and second discs (41, 42) are arranged such that 50-80%, preferably 55-75%, and most preferably 60-70% of the first and second seal contact surfaces (41a, 42a) slide in contact with each other between a fully closed rotation position and a fully open rotation position.

[0069] The force required to actuate the valve assembly (40) is directly proportional to the axial force applied to the discs (41, 42). Friction force = Normal force * Coefficient of friction

[0070] The valve assembly is incorporated, for example, into a water dispenser (31) in the form of an ergonomically designed, easy-to-use dispenser, and low operating force is important because the user holds it with only one hand and operates it with the thumb within a relatively small range of angular movement. This is different from similar fluid valves that are driven by motors (single, multiple) used to operate the valve over a wide range of angles.

[0071] For ergonomic operation, it is therefore important to reduce the force required to open and close the valve assembly (40) as much as possible. For this effect, the axial force acting on the discs (41, 42) must be minimized in order to minimize the frictional force between the discs (41, 42). Extensive testing has shown that water pressure is sufficient to press the discs (41, 42) together and seal them, and no additional force is required.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, when the valve assembly (40) is incorporated into the dispenser (31), the second disc (42) is preferably positioned as the upper disc and mounted to float freely in contact with the first disc (41) in order to minimize the operating force of the water dispenser (31). The upper manifold has axial restraints for determining and fixing the height of the first or lower disc (41), and as shown in Figure 7, the seal is realized by a custom seal (37a) between the first disc (41) and the housing. The drive actuator (33) then ensures that there is a functional gap between the protrusions (33a, 33b) in the recesses (48a, 48b) of the second disc (42), and that no axial force is applied between the discs (41, 42) other than that caused by the fluid pressure acting on the second disc (42) pressing against the first disc (41).

[0073] In addition to optimizing the disk characteristics and integrating them with a freely floating second or upper disk (42), the optimization of the rotational seal of the drive actuator (33) can also reduce forces and improve the ergonomics of operation.

[0074] In certain applications, it may be beneficial to slightly deflect the second disc (42) toward the first disc (41) by a bias member (not shown), such as an elastic member like an elastic seal (e.g., an O-ring), or by a spring placed between the drive actuator (33) and the upper surface of the second disc (42) in order to enhance the sealing effect. Such a bias member can be placed, for example, in the space between the protrusions (33a, 33b) and the upper surface of the second disc (42) (not shown in the figure).

[0075] For intended use in a liquid dispenser (31) for ultrapure water, the disc design and characteristics are optimized to allow a wide range of flow rates: a good seal must be achieved when fully closed, and flow rates from stable, easily accessible drop-by-drop dispensing to the maximum dispensing volume when the valve assembly (40) is fully open, along with limiting pressure loss, are provided within an ergonomically limited angular range that allows the liquid dispenser (31) to be operated with only one hand, with the rest of the hand holding the device, and operated with the thumb.

[0076] The dimensions and arrangement of the discs (41, 42) of the valve assembly (40), particularly the windows (singular, plural) (43a, 43b), solid parts (44a, 44b), and openings (45a, 45b), are configured to provide a range of rotational angles between a fully closed rotational position and a fully open rotational position, which is 50° to 70°, preferably 55° to 65°, and most preferably about 60°.

[0077] The valve assembly (40) is dimensioned to provide a flow rate through at least one window (43a, 43b), drop by drop, preferably from 20 mL / min to the maximum defined dispensing rate as defined herein, within a range of rotational angles of relative motion between a fully closed rotational position and a fully open rotational position.

[0078] In particular, to provide stable and easily achievable drop-by-drop dispensing from a fully closed position at the start of the operating range (or, correspondingly, from a fully open position toward the end of the operating range, although this will not be directly described below), at least one window (43a, 43b) of the first disk (41) has a notch / dent (43e) embedded in the material of the first disk (41) from the plane defined by the first sealing contact surface (41a) of the first window (41) at the edge (43c, 43d) of the at least one window (43a, 43b) located on the side where exposure of the at least one window (43a, 43b) begins when the second disk (42) moves in the direction from a fully closed rotation position toward a fully open rotation position (see Figures 4, 6, and 8b).

[0079] The notch / dent (43e) has a pointed, sharp tip and gradually widens continuously in the horizontal direction defined by the extension of the plane of the first seal contact surface (41a), and / or gradually deepens in the direction perpendicular to that plane toward at least one window (43a, 43b). In other words, the surface of the cross-section of the notch / dent (43e) increases toward at least one window (43a, 43b) in the circumferential direction of the first disk (41).

[0080] Furthermore, in order to smooth the flow of fluid in further rotation of the second disk (42) beyond the notch / dent, at least one window (43a, 43b) has a slope or inclination (43f) on the side wall adjacent to the edge such that the exposure of at least one window begins in the movement of the second disk (42) from a fully closed rotation position to a fully open rotation position, so that the free opening width or cross-sectional surface of at least one window (43a, 43b) in the thickness or axial direction of the first disk (41) gradually narrows over at least a certain range as it moves away from the plane of the first seal contact surface (41a).

[0081] As described above, the valve assembly (40) of the present invention is advantageous as it is designed for use in a liquid dispenser (31) for a water purification system. The integration of the valve assembly (40) in a preferred embodiment of the liquid dispenser (31) is at least partially shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 7. The liquid dispenser (31) is in the form of an ergonomically designed, easy-to-use dispenser, which is held in one hand while the valve assembly (40) is operated with the thumb, and includes a housing (35), a supply pipe (36) for purified water connected to face upwards to a port (39) of the housing (35), and an outlet (38) for purified water facing downwards in a typical upright orientation.

[0082] A valve assembly (40) according to the present invention is positioned within a container (32) of a housing (35) so that the valve assembly (40) can control the flow volume or flow rate of purified water from a supply pipe (36), i.e., a single-piece multi-lumen tube as defined herein, to an outlet (38). The container (32) communicates with a port (39) and an outlet (38) of the housing (35). The first disc (41) of the valve assembly (40) is rotated and fixed in position within the container (32) by, for example, a projection that engages with positioning notches (47a, 47b) on the outer periphery of the first disc (41) (see Figure 4), or by a container fitting shape such that at least one window (43a, 43b) communicates with the outlet (38). The outer periphery of the surface of the first disc (41) surrounding the lower opening of the window(singular, plural)(43a, 43b) is sealed against the housing (35) by an annular seal (37a) such that all liquid entering the outlet (38) from the container (32) must pass through the window(singular, plural)(43a, 43b) of the first disc (41).

[0083] The second disc (42) is mounted to the container (32) so as to float freely in contact with the first disc (41) so that the first and second seal contact surfaces (41a, 42a) are pressed against each other solely by the water pressure from the supply pipe (36) acting on the second disc (42) as described above.

[0084] The second disc (42) of the valve assembly (40) is engaged with a manually operable rotary actuator (33, 34) to rotate the second disc (42) relative to the first disc (41) between a fully closed rotation position and a fully open rotation position within the rotation range described above. The rotary actuator includes a shaft (34) and a driver (33) connected to the lower end of the shaft (34).

[0085] The driver (33) and shaft (34) may be made from the same material (i.e., essentially composed of the same material), but it is preferable that the driver (33) and shaft (34) be made from different materials. Preferably, the driver (33) is made from a material having a low content of leaching, i.e., a low tendency to release impurities (i.e., essentially composed of the same material). Non-limiting examples of materials suitable for the driver (33) may be selected from the group consisting of polyacetal and polypropylene. A preferred example of a material suitable for the driver (33) is polyoxymethylene (POM). Preferably, the shaft (34) is made from a material having mechanical strength particularly good torsional resistance, in order to enable accurate and error-free operation of the ceramic disc, which is necessary in particular for finding the drop-dispensing position. Non-limiting examples of such materials suitable for the shaft (34) may be selected from the group consisting of polyamide (PA), reinforced (e.g., fiber-reinforced or talc) polyamide, and reinforced (e.g., talc) polypropylene. A preferred example of a suitable material for the shaft (34) is polyphthalamide (PPA).

[0086] A portion of the actuator, not shown in the figure, extends outside the housing (35), is accessible by the thumb, and is operated to rotate the second disc (42), and can be molded according to the desired ergonomics. The rotary actuator is sealed to the housing (35) by an O-ring or gasket (37b) to prevent the liquid from leaking out of the container (32) except through the outlet (38). The specific design of the actuator is not important, considering that the floating positioning of the second disc and contact with the first disc are achieved without introducing any additional axial force in relation to the rotational operation of the second disc from a fully closed to a fully open rotational position. (See also Figures 8a and 8b).

[0087] In one embodiment, the second disk (42) is provided with additional protrusions (44c, 44d) on its outer circumference, which are inserted into corresponding peripheral grooves (32a, 32b) of the container (32) in order to guide and limit the range of rotation of the second disk (42).

[0088] In addition to considerations regarding hydraulic performance and ease of use, the shape and features of the two discs (41, 42) are also optimized for a simple and robust assembly process with a very limited possibility of misassembling (i.e., incorrectly assembling) the parts within the housing (35) of the liquid dispenser (31). In particular, the positioning notches (47a, 47b) of the first disc (41), used to hold the first disc (41) in place, are asymmetrical so that they fit into only one position in the integrated container (32). Asymmetrical ribs (32c, 32d) in the container (32), used to hold the first or lower disc (41) in a fixed position, also prevent the upper disc (42) from being mounted in the wrong angular position (see Figures 8a and 8b).

[0089] The two protrusions (33a, 33b) (see Figure 7) for engaging with recesses (48a, 48b) of the second or movable disc (42) used to drive valve operation by the rotary actuators (33, 34) are also different from each other in order to allow only one angular position relative to the axis of the actuator (33). This is important because the stops (fully open and fully closed) on the valve are determined between the axis and the housing (35).

[0090] The ribs (32e, 32f) between the circumferential grooves (32a, 32b) of the container (32) are used to define these stops and thus affect the shape of the second or movable disk (42), which should be able to rotate freely within its operating range regardless of these ribs (32e, 32f).

[0091] This application further relates to a method for dispensing purified water using the dispensing device.

[0092] Therefore, this method of dispensing purified water is (A) A step of providing a dispensing device including a dispenser and a supply line as defined herein; (B) The step of supplying purified water to the dispenser through the supply line; and, (C) The step of dispensing purified water through a dispenser.

[0093] Preferably, the method for dispensing purified water includes the steps of: providing a dispensing device including a supply line and a dispenser, as defined in detail herein; supplying purified water to the dispenser through the supply line; opening a valve assembly provided on the dispenser; dispensing a desired amount of purified water from the dispenser; and closing the valve assembly.

[0094] Preferably, step (C) includes the following steps: (C1) The step of opening a valve assembly containing two ceramic discs by manually operating a rotary actuator (this allows purified water to flow through the dispenser and outlet); (C2) The step of dispensing the desired amount; and, (C3) Step of closing the valve assembly.

Claims

1. A dispensing device for dispensing purified water, (a) A dispenser including a valve assembly and a water outlet, and (b) A supply line that supplies purified water to the dispenser and removes water from the dispenser. The dispensing device, wherein the supply line includes an integrated multi-lumen tube, the integrated multi-lumen tube having at least two separate lumens that each function as a channel for supplying water to and from the dispenser.

2. The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the integrated multi-lumen tube contains a low-leachability material, preferably a polymer such as low-density polyethylene, or is made of a low-leachability material, preferably a polymer such as low-density polyethylene.

3. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the supply line is flexible.

4. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the supply line includes a protective sheath surrounding an integrated multi-lumen tube.

5. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the integrated multi-lumen tube includes at least one central lumen and at least one, preferably multiple, outer lumens separated / isolated from the central lumen.

6. A dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an integrated multi-lumen tube includes at least two, preferably at least three or four outer lumens, which are distributed symmetrically around at least one central lumen.

7. The dispensing device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the supply line is connected to or connectable to the water purification unit such that the flow of purified water toward the dispenser is directed through at least one of at least one central lumens, and any flow of purified water returning to the water purification unit and / or another dispenser is directed through one or more outer lumens.

8. A dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the valve assembly of the dispenser includes two ceramic discs.

9. A dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the dispenser includes a manually operable rotary actuator, and the valve assembly includes two ceramic discs, the rotary actuator being mechanically connected to one of the ceramic discs.

10. A dispensing device and / or dispenser that does not require electricity, according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A water purification system comprising a dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method for dispensing purified water, (A) A step of providing a dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; (B) The step of supplying purified water to the dispenser through the supply line; and, (C) The method comprising the step of dispensing purified water through a dispenser.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the dispensing device is as described in any one of claims 2 to 10.

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