Water treatment device, water treatment system, operating method

Abstract

The invention relates to a water treatment device comprising: a head (11) which can be mounted in a pipe (1) carrying water to be treated and which has a first connection region (119a); a container (15) for receiving a water treatment substance (17), which container has a second connection region (119b) that is complementary to the first connection region (119a); sensors (210-215) for detecting one or more state variables in the water treatment device; an electronic and preferably also digitally operating control circuit (201) for evaluating the detected state variables; a signal generator for outputting information on the basis of the evaluation and / or on the basis of a general state variable; and an input device (231, 241, 242) for user inputs. The control circuit (201) is designed to control the signal generator, in particular the display (231, 241, 242), also on the basis of a user input, in particular to output an instruction for operating a water treatment device component that influences sensor output.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] WATER TREATMENT DEVICE, WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM, OPERATION

[0003] DRIVE

[0004] The invention relates to a water treatment device, a system comprising such a device, and an operating method for a water treatment device or a water treatment system. The device serves to treat water that is supplied as service water to a water circuit, for example, for water circulating in a heating or cooling circuit. To avoid damage in systems with circulating water, the supplied water must in most cases be suitably treated. The treatment includes, on the one hand, adjusting the pH value and, on the other hand, removing any substances that may precipitate, such as limescale or the like. Adjusting the conductivity may also be desired. Standards may be relevant. In Germany, VDI 2035 must be observed.

[0005] Fig. 7 schematically shows a familiar situation. On the left, a target circuit 71 is shown, which may be a heating circuit. However, it could also be a cooling circuit or other water circuit. A circulation pump 72 keeps water circulating as needed. 73 is a boiler or, if applicable, a cooling source that heats or cools the circulating water. 74 are, for example, radiators or can also be hot water heat exchangers, coolers, or similar. The components are connected via pipes in a closed circuit.

[0006] The system can lose water through various effects. It must therefore be refilled repeatedly. The filling is indicated from the right side of Fig. 7. 76 is a general water connection, as found everywhere. 75 is a pressure adjustment device that sets the pressure on its outlet side (left in Fig. 7) to a specific value, for example 2 bar or similar. 75 can also stand for an actuatable system separation valve. 10 is the water treatment device, through which the incoming water flows from right to left. The treated water leaves the water treatment device 10 via line 70b and is fed into the target circuit or heating circuit at the feed point 71a.70c and 70d are shut-off valves by means of which the lines can be closed, for example, when the water treatment device 10 is to be installed or removed, or when it is to be opened to replace consumables. The inlet-side valve 70c can be integrated with the actuatable system isolation valve 75.

[0007] The water treatment device 10 comprises a head 11 and a container 15 that can be attached and detached therefrom in a fluid-tight manner. 12 is an inlet connection, 13 an outlet connection. The container 15 can, for example, be screwed into the head 11 from below. The container is often cylindrical and can have a diameter greater than 8, 10, or 12 cm and a length greater than 20, 30, or 40 cm. Its diameter can be less than 20 or 15 cm. Its length can be less than 80, 60, or 50 cm. However, other sizes and geometries are also possible.

[0008] Container 15 contains consumable material. It is often referred to as a "resin" or "mixed bed." This can be a mixture of ion exchange substances that achieve the desired pH adjustment and exchange harmful ions, particularly anions and cations. In this respect, material 17 is a consumable that must be replaced from time to time, for example, annually or every two years, or less frequently, or more often, or upon consumption, which also depends on how much water needs to be supplied to the target circuit or heating circuit 71 over time.

[0009] When exchanging the material, the container 15 is unscrewed from the head 11 after the shut-off valves 70c, 75, and 70d have been closed. The material 17 is often held in a cartridge 16, which is suitably held as a unit in the container 15. Not shown are the holding and centering devices by which the cartridge 16 is suitably held. The devices in the water treatment device 10 are such that the water flows from the inlet connection 12 through the water-treating substance 17 in a defined manner and then leaves the water treatment device 10 via the outlet connection 13.

[0010] The existing devices have several disadvantages. Replacing consumables requires regularly trained personnel, which is comparatively slow and expensive. Taps are often forgotten to be opened or closed. Replacing the consumables themselves can simply be forgotten, making water treatment increasingly inefficient. Connecting the container to the head can be laborious and error-prone.

[0011] The object of the invention is to provide a water treatment device that is easy and reliable to handle.

[0012] This problem is solved with the features of the independent patent claims.

[0013] A water treatment device has the features of the independent claims.

[0014] A water treatment device has a head which can be mounted in a pipe carrying water to be treated and which has an inlet connection and an outlet connection, which has a first connection area, a container for receiving a water-treating substance, which has a second connection area which is complementary to the first connection area and can be connected to it in a fluid-tight manner and can be detachably connected thereto, sensors for detecting one or more state variables in the water treatment device, an electronic and preferably also digitally operating control circuit for evaluating the detected state variables, a signal generator, preferably a display and / or an acoustic generator, for outputting information in accordance with the evaluation and / or in accordance with a general state variable, in particular time, and an input device for user inputs, wherein the control circuit is designed toThe display can also be controlled according to user input. In particular, it can provide a notification about the operation of a component of the water treatment device that influences a sensor output.

[0015] In this way, a menu-based navigation system can be created for the user. For example, the device can be requested to be properly closed, prompting the user to check the closure and, if necessary, correct it.

[0016] A water treatment device as above may comprise a clock, wherein the control circuit is designed to also carry out the evaluation in accordance with a time signal from the clock and / or to also control the display in accordance with a time signal from the clock.

[0017] For example, the clock can set an absolute time to the second. It can also know a date. If the device is networked, the clock can be set and corrected based on information from the network, for example, for daylight saving time or similar. The clock can be used to control time-dependent processes, such as periodic processes or time-dependent processes.

[0018] The sensor system may comprise a flow sensor for detecting the volume or volume rate of water flowing through, wherein the control circuit is designed to also carry out the evaluation in accordance with a signal from the flow sensor and / or to also control the display in accordance with a signal from the flow sensor.

[0019] For example, a flow sensor can generate and output a signal indicating the volume flowing through per unit time, called the flow rate. The dimension can then be m 3 / s, although other scales can also be used, e.g., l / min (liters per minute). The flow volume can be determined by integration or summation over time. The dimension can then be m 3 or I (liters). The flow sensor can also count the incoming volume. Differentiating with time allows the respective flow rate to be determined. The signal from a flow sensor can be used in various ways, which will be described later.

[0020] The sensor system can preferably have a conductivity sensor for the flowing water at the outlet, wherein the control circuit is designed to also perform the evaluation based on a signal from the conductivity sensor and / or to also control the display based on a signal from the conductivity sensor. Where conductivity is addressed here, it can be a specific value with the unit S / m = Siemens / m = 1 / Ohm / m or an absolute value with the unit S. The use of resistance or specific resistance is equivalent to this, or can be converted via the reciprocal. The following primarily addresses specific conductivity values. However, measurements can be performed differently within the device and, if necessary, calibrated internally accordingly.

[0021] The conductivity of water depends on the relative amount of dissolved ions (anions and cations), so the conductivity of the water is a measure of its ion content. Measured at the outlet of the device, the conductivity is thus a measure of a property of the water fed into the target circuit or heating circuit. It can also be used to determine the quality and / or depletion level of the mixed bed in the water treatment device.

[0022] The flow sensor can be used to record the volume of water that has not been deionized or has only been insufficiently deionized. If, for example, the mixed bed material in the cartridge has not been changed for a long time and is heavily used, its effectiveness will be less significant. A user can then still add water, but it will then be less well treated or no longer treated at all, particularly deionized. The current volume determination can be correlated with the current conductivity determination, particularly in such a way that a quantitative quality measure is obtained for the quality of the water volume supplied to the system or circulating in the system over a certain period of time. This can be achieved in particular when a cartridge or mixed bed has reached a certain level of use and a desirable target value for the inflowing water can no longer be set.The resulting quantity quality measure can be compared with a threshold value. Depending on the comparison, actions can be taken, such as notifications or alarms.

[0023] It is also possible to aggregate water volumes in different quality classes. The quality classes can be determined based on the measured conductivity correlated to the measured volume and given, graded specific conductivity limits, for example, "good" class for water with a measured conductivity of < 10 pS / m, "medium" class for water with a measured conductivity of 10 pS / m < 90 pS / m, and "poor" class for water with a measured conductivity of 90 pS / m < 90 pS / m. Water volumes can then be aggregated separately in the quality classes defined by the graded specific conductivity limits. The specific conductivity limits mentioned above and below are optionally selectable values.

[0024] The sensor system can have a pressure sensor at the outlet, wherein the control circuit is designed to carry out the evaluation also in accordance with a signal from the pressure sensor and / or to control the display also in accordance with a signal from the pressure sensor

[0025] If the water treatment device is fluidly connected to the target circuit or heating circuit, the system's fill level can be determined from the pressure, for example. Other evaluations are also possible. The sensor system can include a temperature sensor for the water temperature, with the control circuit being designed to also perform the evaluation based on a signal from the temperature sensor and / or to also control the display based on a signal from the temperature sensor. The temperature signal from a temperature sensor can be used, in particular, to correct other temperature-dependent sensor outputs, such as to correct the output of the conductivity sensor.

[0026] The actuator system may comprise at least one electrically actuated valve, wherein the control circuit is designed to control the valve in accordance with an evaluation and / or in accordance with a user input.

[0027] Preferably, the actuator system has electrically operated and automatically controllable valves at the inlet and outlet. The device can then be completely decoupled automatically or via a menu, for example when replacing a cartridge, i.e., disconnected from both the target circuit or heating circuit and the water supply network. The water treatment device itself can then be opened, for example by removing the mixed-bed container to replace the mixed bed. Safety measures are also possible, for example, whereby the valves are automatically closed or remain closed under certain conditions, so that no water can leak out and the target circuit or heating circuit is disconnected from the water supply. The closing strategy can be "a priori closed," which means that the valves are essentially closed and only opened under certain conditions. For example,A microswitch may be provided which signals the correct seating, in particular the correct and complete screwing in, of a cartridge in its receptacle, wherein the valves are only opened or remain open as long as correct seating of the cartridge is signaled. A water treatment device may be designed as described above. Furthermore, it may comprise a head which can be mounted into a pipe carrying water to be treated and which has an inlet connection and an outlet connection, said head having a first connecting region. It also has a container for holding a water-treating substance, said container having a second connecting region complementary to the first connecting region and which can be connected to it in a fluid-tight manner and detachably therefrom.

[0028] The head has a support part which supports the first connecting region and a third connecting region, and a mounting part with a fourth connecting region complementary to the third connecting region, wherein the third and fourth connecting regions are designed to establish a connection between the support part and the mounting part that can be adjusted at different angles. On the support part, the first connecting regions and the third connecting region, with their respective complementary second connecting regions and fourth connecting regions, define two connection directions that enclose an angle that is greater than 70 or 80 or 85° and less than 110 or 10 or 95°, i.e. approximately right-angled. The inlet connection and the outlet connection are attached to the mounting part. The complementary connecting regions establish fluid-tight connections between the inlet connection and the container or between the container and the outlet connection, each through the support part.

[0029] Water treatment devices are used in a central heating system or boiler room, or in cold water systems or refrigeration systems without inhibitors. They are typically mounted on a wall. The described mechanical design allows for simple and flexible installation, as it can be carried out without considering or handling the entire water treatment device during installation. Initially, only the mounting part is mounted at a selectable angle. The two connections of the support part are positioned "at an angle" in such a way that one, between the support part and the tank, can point in a selectable direction after installation, for example, vertically, allowing the tank to be attached to the support part projecting downwards or upwards. The other, between the support part and the mounting part, points horizontally after installation, allowing the actual device body to be attached to the wall-mounted mounting part.

[0030] The connections establish the mechanical connections as well as the necessary fluid connections for conveying the water from the inlet through the mixed bed to the outlet and, if necessary, past the sensors. The fluid connections must be designed to safely withstand the prevailing pressures. On the inlet side, the pressure of the general water treatment device can prevail. However, a pressure reducing valve can be provided upstream or within the water treatment device itself. On the outlet side, the pressure in the heating system or the chilled water systems or refrigeration systems prevails, which is defined by the height of the water column above the water treatment device.

[0031] One of the third and fourth connection areas, preferably the third, can have a first thread permanently attached to a nozzle, while the other, preferably the fourth, has a complementary and coaxial union nut. The thread axes of the two threads can be horizontal during installation, which in this case means a maximum of 10, 5, 2, or 1° offset from ideal horizontal.

[0032] The union nut allows the two connecting sections to be tightly pulled and pressed together. They can be equipped with suitable sealing structures, particularly sealing rings, to ensure fluid-tight sealing of the required fluid lines for inlet and outlet when the union nut is tightly screwed onto its complementary thread.

[0033] One of the third and fourth connecting regions can have a first locking formation that defines a plurality of locking positions rotationally spaced around the thread axis. The other connecting region then has a second locking formation that is functionally complementary to the first locking formation. The two locking formations engage with each other when the carrier part is attached to the mounting part and thus define and maintain a specific angular position around the thread axis of the carrier part relative to the mounting part. The third and fourth connecting regions can each have a first pipe water line located concentrically to the thread axes and a ring water line formed concentrically around the thread axes, the walls of which are designed to be pressed tightly against one another in the connecting region.

[0034] The locking formations are arranged so that when the third and fourth connecting sections are loosely placed against each other, they engage in one of many possible angular positions around the thread axis. This assigns the carrier part a defined angular position that remains unchanged even when the union nut is firmly tightened. The defined angular position is such that the first connecting section is aligned as desired, preferably facing downwards in the installation orientation, or possibly also upwards.

[0035] A spacer for the spaced fastening of the water treatment device, in particular its mounting part, at an installation location, e.g., a wall, can be attached or attachable to the mounting part, preferably opposite the fourth connecting region.

[0036] The spacer can have a hat profile, with the brim area being designed for screwing to the mounting location, such as a wall, while the mounting part can be attached, for example, screwed to the top of the hat crown. The spacer can create space, particularly distance from a wall, for components upstream of the water treatment device, such as a pressure reducing valve or a system separation valve. If necessary, the spacer can also be routed over other lines, allowing for better use of space at a mounting location, particularly a wall. Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0037] Fig. 1 schematically shows a partial water treatment device,

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a general electrical block diagram,

[0039] Fig. 3 the networking of the water treatment device,

[0040] Fig. 4 shows schematically an exemplary time course of a sensor output,

[0041] Fig. 5 possible test sequences,

[0042] Fig. 6a-h constructive features, and

[0043] Fig. 7 State of the art.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a perspective schematic of a water treatment device in its installed state. 114 is the hat-shaped profiled spacer with various holes 114a in the "brim part," allowing the spacer to be anchored to a wall with several screws, for example. The distance from the wall can be more than 2, 4, or 6 cm. It can be less than 10 or 8 cm. The actual water treatment device 100 is attached to the spacer 114. It has a container 15 and a head 11.

[0045] In the embodiment shown, the head 11 is divided into a support part 111 and a mounting part 113. The head 111 can have a removable cap 112. A first connection 119, which is mechanically stable and fluid-tight, can be established between the head 11 and the container 15. A second connection 118, which is mechanically stable and fluid-tight, can be established between the support part 111 and the mounting part 113. The first connection 119 can be created by two connecting areas 119a and 119b in the support part 111 or container 15. This can be a screw connection such that, for example, the container 15 can be screwed into the support part 111 from below. The second connection 118 can be created by two connecting areas 118a and 118b in the support part 111 or mounting part 113. 17 is a key that is temporarily pushed onto the container from below and is used to screw and unscrew the container.It can be pulled down again after use.

[0046] The mounting part 113 has a mounting surface 116, with which it can either be attached directly to the mounting location or with which it can be screwed onto the crown area of ​​the spacer 114. The union nut of the second connection 118 can be seen, which, in the illustrated state, is screwed onto the external thread of a threaded socket of the support part 111. Components of the water treatment device 100, namely control electronics, sensors, fluid lines, and the like, can be installed on the support part and in particular under the removable cover 112, which will be described in more detail below.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows a possible electrical layout of the water treatment device. Not all components shown in Fig. 2 need to be present. The dashed outline indicates that key components of the electronic part or control circuit are located in the head 11 and, in particular, on the support part 111 under the cap 112.

[0048] The electronics may comprise a digital control circuit 201, which may be internally constructed in the manner of a small computer with bus 208, CPU 202, ROM 203, RAM 204, registers 205, interface circuits 206 and possibly a clock 207.

[0049] A unique identification ID can be encoded in the control circuit 201, which can be electronically retrieved, communicated, and compared. Accordingly, the water treatment device 100 can also have an optically or electronically readable marking 271 on its exterior, for example on the cap 112, which contains a corresponding identification coded in an optically or electronically readable manner. Conversion structures between digital and analog can be provided for sensors and actuators, indicated as a D / A converter 209. A flow sensor 210 can be provided, which outputs a signal representing the water flow through the device. It can be analog and enter the D / A converter on its analog side. The signal can be a flow rate signal corresponding to volume per time or can be a volume signal. It can be conditioned or further processed accordingly in the control circuit 201.

[0050] A conductivity sensor 211 may be provided. It is preferably located at the outlet of the device and thus measures the properties of the water discharged into the target circuit or heating circuit after it has been treated in the mixed bed of the water treatment device.

[0051] A pressure sensor 212 may be provided. It is preferably located at the outlet of the device. It can thus measure the pressure in the heating circuit when the valve to the target circuit or heating circuit is open. The pressure can be a measure of the fill level of the cooling water or heating system.

[0052] A temperature sensor 213 may be provided to measure the water temperature in the device at a suitable location. It preferably measures it near the conductivity sensor 211, since the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 213 can be used to temperature compensate the temperature-dependent output of the conductivity sensor 211.

[0053] A closure sensor 214 may be provided to detect correct attachment of the container 15 to the head 11. This may be a microswitch that only emits a "correct" signal when the container 15 is correctly screwed into the head 11 until it stops.

[0054] A depletion sensor 215 may be provided, which appropriately senses the depletion of the mixed-bed material in the container 15. Electrically automatically actuated valves 221, 222 may be provided. One may be located at the inlet of the water treatment device, the other at the outlet. They may be mounted in the mounting part 113 or in the support part 111.

[0055] A setting device and / or a measuring device for the hardness or ion load of the incoming water can be provided as a measure of its inlet quality. By comparing the thus determined inlet quality with the measured outlet quality, the consumption per volume of flowing water or the total consumption of the cartridge or mixed bed can be determined. The greater the difference in quality, the higher the consumption of the cartridge or mixed bed per volume.

[0056] A setting device for the capacity of the cartridge or mixed bed can be provided. If the initial capacity is known, the remaining capacity of the cartridge or mixed bed can be determined from this and the previous consumption.

[0057] However, the cartridge's consumption or remaining capacity can also be determined solely from the quality of the water leaving the cartridge. For example, a limit value of the specific conductivity of the water at the cartridge outlet, measured by conductivity sensor 211 and possibly temperature-compensated, can be monitored, and if this limit is exceeded, a warning or alarm corresponding to a high ion load can be issued. The output can be provided locally, visually and / or acoustically, and / or via a network connection. The specified limit value for consumption monitoring can be above 1 or 2 or 5 or 10 or 20 or 50 or 100 pS / m. It can be below 300 or 200 or 100 or 80 pS / m. A corresponding prior limit value for an advance warning corresponding to a remaining capacity can be in ranges whose limits are at least 40 or 20 or 10% lower than the above-mentioned limits.In general, the sensors emit signals that are appropriately received by the controller or control circuit 201. They can undergo analog-to-digital conversion. They can be polled periodically or can transmit and generate interrupts. The same applies analogously to the actuators, in particular the automatically electrically actuated valves 221 and 222. Driver circuits can be provided to reliably switch the power for the actuators. The sensor signals can then be processed locally and / or transmitted via a network connection to an external server for further evaluation and initiation. Data can also be received externally, for example to trigger optical and / or acoustic outputs and / or alarms and / or to actuate actuators, in particular the solenoid valves 221, 222, and / or to query sensors.

[0058] The power supply may comprise a battery 261. It may also comprise a mains connection. In addition to the mains connection, a rechargeable battery may be provided to serve as an emergency power supply in the event of a power failure. It may be dimensioned to maintain operation for more than 1, 2, 5, or 10 hours during a power failure.

[0059] 231 symbolizes an alphanumeric display. This can be a small liquid crystal display. 232 and 233 symbolize output lights, such as LEDs of different colors, such as red and green, which can be used to signal different states. 234 symbolizes a loudspeaker that can output signals if necessary. 241 and 242 symbolize input options for a user. This can be one or more keys or buttons. It can also be a touchscreen, which can then be configured together with the alphanumeric display 231.

[0060] The water treatment device can have information network connections. 251 symbolizes a wired connection, 252 a wireless connection. The connections can be configured according to common protocols and standards. They can implement the Internet Protocol IPv4 or IPv6. They can follow an IoT standard. It can also be an I2C interface. The wireless interface can include WLAN / WiFi or Bluetooth or similar. It can be an NFC interface or an RFID interface. A device ID can be stored electronically via this interface.

[0061] Electrical and electronic components are present to the extent that they are required for the automatic activities, be it their logical control or their execution.

[0062] With the hardware shown, a menu navigation for a user and / or monitoring and evaluations are possible in such a way that various activities can be remembered, carried out, monitored or initiated, such as one or more of

[0063] • Menu-guided cartridge change: A time-controlled reminder function can be implemented. If the user wishes to change the cartridge, they can confirm this upon receiving a reminder or initiate it in another way. The valves can then be closed automatically, or a reminder can be issued for a manual action. This is followed by the manual action of unscrewing the container, removing the used cartridge, inserting a new one into the container, and screwing the container back on. The microswitch 214 can then be automatically queried or, if the container is correctly seated, emit a signal that then triggers further measures, in particular the opening of valves or the issuing of a reminder for this, and the resetting or updating of documentation data.

[0064] • Automatic refilling: If a pressure sensor and automatically operated valves are present, the system can be designed to automatically refill water into the target circuit, e.g., a heating circuit. For example, the pressure in the system can be queried periodically, such as hourly, every two weeks, or daily. If the pressure or its gradient falls below a threshold, automatic refilling can be initiated. This, in turn, can be accompanied by a local and / or external warning and / or can be blocked, for example, if the leak detections described below suggest a leak and / or if the quality of the incoming water is too poor due to a used cartridge. The warning and / or blockage, in turn, can be canceled by intervening on the device. The intervention can be carried out manually locally on the device or externally via a network connection.

[0065] • System pressure testing, leak detection 1: This can be done periodically if a pressure sensor is present, e.g. once an hour, every two weeks or daily by querying the pressure sensor. The measured pressure values ​​p can be transmitted externally via a network and / or evaluated internally. The pressure value p and / or its temporal progression - gradient dp / dt - can be monitored, for example by comparing it with a threshold value. The threshold value can be fixed or can be entered. If necessary, instructions, messages or alarms can be issued visually and / or acoustically and / or sent externally via a network. A rapid drop in pressure can be an indication of a leak. Various temporal patterns can be monitored, for example pattern 1 a one-off large pressure drop and pattern 2 a more frequent but smaller pressure drop in a given time window.The values ​​defining the patterns (length of the respective time window, number of valve openings within it, and / or total pressure drop within it) can be preset and / or selectable from a list and / or individually definable. Selection and / or definition can be done locally or externally via a network connection.

[0066] • Consumption monitoring, leak detection 2: The water volume Q passed through a cartridge can be added up to form a continuous counter reading. The time profile - gradient dQ / dt - can be created. The values ​​can be created and / or monitored locally or after network transmission on a server, for example by comparing them with a threshold value. The threshold value can be permanently written in or can be entered. High consumption over time can be an indication of a leak. Different temporal patterns in consumption can also be monitored, for example pattern 1 being a one-off large refill and pattern 2 being more frequent but smaller refills within a given time window. The values ​​defining the patterns (length of the respective time window, number of valve openings within it and / or volume supplied within it) can be preset and / or can be selected from a list and / or can be individually defined.The selection and / or definition can be done locally or externally via a network connection.

[0067] • Opening detection: It can be monitored and detected whether or not the container 15 is unscrewed from the head 11. This can be done locally and / or network-connected using the closure sensor or microswitch 214. If opening or unscrewing is detected, any automatically adjustable valves provided can be closed, and a notification and / or alarm can be issued visually and / or acoustically locally and / or network-connected.

[0068] • Correlated with the water volume, the water quality, particularly its ion load, can be monitored at the outlet of the water treatment device. Viewed together, the signals provide a measure of the quality of the water supplied to or circulating within the system, as well as a measure of the previous consumption of the mixed bed in the cartridge. Appropriate notifications and warnings can be generated and issued locally or transmitted externally. The remaining capacity of the mixed bed can be displayed. The sensor signals can be processed locally and / or transmitted via a network connection to an external server for further analysis and action.

[0069] • Battery replacement / charging indicator: The water treatment device can have a battery or rechargeable battery 631. Particularly if it cannot be charged in the device, a charging indicator and / or a battery replacement reminder function can be provided. The voltage of the battery or rechargeable battery 631 can be monitored and evaluated, for example, compared with a suitable threshold. If necessary, e.g., if the threshold is undershot, a reminder or warning can be issued visually and / or acoustically locally and / or via a network. This can preferably also be time-controlled without voltage measurement.

[0070] • Venting program: Some of the ongoing monitoring functions, such as leak detection, can be temporarily disabled or ignored. This can occur, for example, during new installation or maintenance work, especially when filling a system for the first time. Expected but unwanted alarms and interventions during maintenance, such as leak alarms or valve closures, are then suppressed. Disabling or ignoring can be manually set and reset manually or automatically after a specific time period. The specified time period can be longer than 15, 30, or 60 minutes. It can be shorter than 4, 2, or 1 hour.

[0071] • Serial or parallel output or display of device and / or system information, in particular device type and / or serial number and / or untreated water meter and / or treated water meter and / or software version and / or IMSI number and / or IoT version of the water treatment device.

[0072] • Reset to factory settings

[0073] • Signal strength evaluation: With a wireless network connection, the incoming signal strength of the wireless connection can be monitored. If it falls below a threshold, a notification and / or alarm can be issued, preferably locally. A repeater can then be installed, for example.

[0074] Insofar as measures of the controller or control device 201 have been described so far or in the following, only the local controller 201 of the water treatment device 10 can be addressed. However, the combination of local components and network-connected components that are connected to the local water treatment device 10 via an interface can also be addressed. Fig. 3 shows a network integration of the water treatment device 10. It is shown schematically in Fig. 3 on the left-hand side. 50 indicates a computer network. This will usually be the Internet. 51 is the computer or computer network of a service provider that can be addressed and accessed in the network.52 symbolizes the computer / network access of a person directly affected by the water treatment device 10, for example, the homeowner or resident in a private household, or a caretaker or similar in commercial buildings. 53 symbolizes the network access / computer of, for example, a tradesman or a dealer who carries out work and / or procures materials. It should be noted that the service provider 51 can be the same as the tradesman or dealer 53, so their addresses / computers can be the same.

[0075] The water treatment device 10, for example, has the network interface 251, 252 and "knows," for example, the network address of the service provider 51. Notifications can then be sent to the service provider 51 when certain internal results / sensor signals are present (arrow 55).

[0076] For example, the output signal from one or more sensors can be routinely forwarded to the service provider 51. The forwarding can occur together with the unique identification ID of the water treatment device 10. The identification ID can include a technical network address and / or a unique device identifier. The service provider 51 can create documentation and / or perform evaluations, such as tracking developments. If certain conditions are detected, the affected party 52 and / or a tradesperson / dealer 53 can be informed.

[0077] When setting up the network connection of the water treatment device 10, the cooperation of the owner / affected party 52 is generally necessary in order to make factually reasonable settings and to comply with legal requirements. During system setup, for example, the service provider 51 or the craftsman 53 (arrow 58) can submit the relevant inputs and specifications to the service provider 51. The affected party 52 can then approve and release the intended interactions (arrow 57).

[0078] To enable the water treatment device 10 to communicate as autonomously as possible, it can be provided with wireless access to the telephone network. It can follow the standards applicable to IoT ("Internet of Things"). It can also have a permanently installed SIM card, which provides identification and is linked to payment mechanisms, similar to a prepaid mobile phone.

[0079] Instead or in addition, less extensive mechanisms can also be provided. In a simple embodiment, the water treatment devices 10 have an optically readable code (QR code or barcode 271), which, for example, contains the identification of the device 10 and also specifies a network address. A person at the water treatment device 10 can then establish a network connection with a mobile device 54 (smartphone) via these optically readable codes and thus, for example, query historical data, obtain information, and take appropriate action.

[0080] If the electronic part of the water treatment device 10 has a near-field interface 252 (NFC, RFID) or a line connection 251s, this can be used to communicate with a mobile device 54 of a person at the water treatment device 10. The mobile device 54 can be a mobile phone, as is the case with the optically readable codes. The most recent sensor data can then be transmitted to the device 54 via the near-field interface 38c or the connector 38d, from which it can be forwarded to the service provider 51 (arrow 56). The electronics of the water treatment device 10 are then designed to transmit identification information of the water treatment device 10 and / or sensor data from this water treatment device 10 via the near-field interface. Features of the invention relating to filling the system to be filled with water are described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig.Figure 4 is a highly schematic timing diagram illustrating the exemplary output of a flow sensor 210 over time. As already described, the flow sensor outputs a flow rate signal, preferably a signal that correlates with the instantaneous flow rate (volume per unit time).

[0081] A water treatment device 10 can, as already described, be equipped with automatically actuated valves 221, 222. This can be used for automatic filling and detection mechanisms.

[0082] For automatic filling alone, valves 221, 222 can be opened and closed according to specific strategies. They can be opened and closed according to a predetermined time pattern. For example, they can be opened periodically (e.g., every x = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ... days or hours) and then kept open for a certain period of time (e.g., y = 1, 2, 3, 4, ... minutes) and then closed again. Empirically, it can be assumed that if a pressure regulator is installed upstream of the system, a pressure equalization occurs between the internal pressure of the system being filled and the filling pressure, so that filling then ends automatically.

[0083] If, however, a pressure sensor 212 is present, both the start and end of filling can be controlled according to the detected pressure. The control can be hysteresis-like.

[0084] If there is no pressure sensor but a flow sensor 210 as described, filling can, for example, begin in a time-controlled manner (as mentioned above, for example, every x days) by opening the valves, and can be terminated depending on the flow, for example when the flow has dropped to a detected 0 or when, coming from higher values, it has dropped to a limit value qg > 0. The latter is advantageous if the filling quantity is to be determined by integrating the flow quantity. The inaccurate lower value ranges are then truncated, so that the measured values ​​during filling are then comparatively accurate higher values, which then also allow a comparatively reliable conclusion about the filling quantity.

[0085] Fig. 4 shows the start of a filling process at time t1. As pressure equalization occurs, the flow rate q detected by sensor 210 decreases during filling. When the detected flow rate q has decreased to the limit value qg, the filling process is terminated by closing valves 221, 222. This can be repeated periodically, as already described above, and can thus be controlled by control circuit 201. At time t2, the valves are opened again, and the procedure is repeated as described. From time t3 onward, a filling process is shown that generates a comparatively high filling quantity.

[0086] The areas under the curves starting from tl, t2, ... correspond to the integral of the flow rate and are thus a measure of the amount of water supplied, which in turn is a measure of what was previously lost. The areas under the curves starting from tl and t2 correspond to filling quantities in ml and m2. If a comparatively high filling quantity (integral / area under the curves shown in Fig. 4 above the limit value) is detected during a filling process or over several filling processes, this may be an indication of a large or small leak in the system being filled, and appropriate warnings can then be issued.

[0087] For example, it is assumed that a certain limit value mg of the supplied filling quantity is exceeded during filling from time t3. This can be determined based on the recorded flow rate q as an integral over it and then lead to notifications, alarms or similar. In Fig. 4 it is assumed that at time t4 the supplied quantity m3 exceeds a threshold value mg. This can then immediately lead to a notification or alarm. The aforementioned limit values ​​can be set during system configuration on a system-specific basis. The repetition periods can also be specified on a system-specific basis. If comparatively high filling quantities result in a filling process, the repetition rate of the filling processes can also be shortened.

[0088] The evaluation of the detected flow rate may therefore include determining a quantity of water treated in a specific period of time, in particular by integrating the outputs of a flow rate sensor, comparing the quantity determined for the period with a threshold value for that period and issuing a message when the threshold value is reached or exceeded.

[0089] The filling frequency (opening of the automatically controllable valves) can be set more often than empirically necessary. This then serves to detect leaks. If, for example, valves 221 and 222 are opened once a day, it can be expected that often no or only very small quantities are filled. If they suddenly increase, this could be an indication of a recent leak, and leaks can thus be detected and reported early. However, it is also possible to open the valves only after a certain pressure drop. Refilling then occurs. Frequent opening or a short time interval between two consecutive openings = fillings can then be an indication of a leak.

[0090] However, the settings can also be such that the measured flow rates are communicated externally via the described network connection and processed externally, and then lead to appropriate further measures (notification / alarm when limit values ​​are exceeded).

[0091] The control circuit 201 is designed to control the processes mentioned above. The described method of evaluating the detected flow rates allows for the elimination of a pressure sensor 212, thus allowing the device to be constructed with less complexity.

[0092] Fig. 5 shows further tests and sequences that can be carried out in the water treatment device 10. If a pressure sensor 212 is present, as shown in Figure 5a, for the purpose of monitoring the cooling or heating system, the control circuit can be designed to measure the pressure prevailing there periodically, for example once a day, as a measure of the system fill level. The signal from the pressure sensor 212 is then evaluated and appropriately processed. The evaluation can include a threshold comparison of the pressure signal itself and / or its gradient over time. Typically, a pressure sensor is located on the target circuit or heating circuit side and can be interrogated directly. If, however, it is separate, certain valve openings can be carried out automatically.

[0093] The controller can be designed to activate and query one or more of the aforementioned sensors on a time-controlled basis, e.g., periodically, and otherwise de-energize these sensors to reduce energy consumption. The period duration can be 1, 2, 5, or 10 hours, or 1, 2, or 5 days. The specified values ​​can also form the upper limit of the period duration.

[0094] The controller can be designed to monitor the current consumption of any solenoid valves present. If incorrect power consumption, i.e., excessive or insufficient, is detected, a warning and / or alarm can be issued, either locally and / or via a network connection, visually and / or acoustically.

[0095] The controller can be designed to receive and implement software updates, particularly from a network connection. The controller can be designed to perform software function tests, particularly after updates. If a software error is detected, a notification and / or alarm can be issued locally and / or via a network connection, visually and / or acoustically. The controller can be designed, in particular, to check the functionality of the network connection after an update and, in the event of an error, to revert to the previous software version for the network connection or the entire system.

[0096] Features of the mechanical structure are shown in Fig. 6a to 6i.

[0097] Fig. 6a is a side view of an assembled water treatment device 100. Reference numerals already described are not mentioned again. 601 symbolizes a wall to which the spacer 114 can be screwed. 602 symbolizes another line not belonging to the water treatment device 100, over which the spacer 114 can be installed if this creates space advantages. It should be noted that both the spacer 114 and the mounting part 113 can, in principle, be attached to the wall in any rotational orientation. Design features, in particular the union nut and locking formations, nevertheless allow the water treatment device in the narrower sense to be given a defined position.

[0098] 603 is the union nut of the fourth connection section 118b. 604 symbolizes the connection for an inlet-side system separation valve or a pressure reducer, or a combination of both. On the opposite side is the outlet connection 13 to the heating or cooling system. The connections can have a screw connection with union nuts. 605 is a plug. 606 symbolizes a connection for draining and / or venting the system. Since the mounting part 113 can be installed at an adjustable angle, it also provides the flexibility to mount the vent connection 606 at the highest point to vent the air from the connection flange and the cartridge.

[0099] 604 is the connection to the water supply, e.g., to a system separation valve 75. It corresponds to the inlet connection 12. 605 is a plug for another opening. The water treatment device 100 can have automatically actuated valves 221, 222, shown only schematically in dashed lines in Fig. 6d, at the inlet and / or outlet. These can be solenoid valves. An inlet valve 221 can be located downstream of the inlet connection 12. An outlet valve 222 can be located upstream of the outlet connection 13. The valves can be located in the support part 111 or in the mounting part 113, as shown. They can be controlled by the controller 201. Their load current upon actuation can be measured and evaluated. The controller can control the valves autonomously according to running algorithms and / or according to inputs from a network connection and / or according to local inputs.

[0100] 117 is the dividing line between the fixed part of the support part 111 and the cap 112. The cap 112 can be completely removable or can be folded upwards or to the side.

[0101] Fig. 6b shows a view into the open assembly part with the open fourth connection area 118b for the second connection. 603a is the internal thread of the union nut 603. 607 is the inlet, which can be in fluid communication with the inlet connection 604, for example. It has a conical sliding surface 607a. 606 is an annular chamber for the water outlet at the outlet opening 609. It has a conical circumferential sliding surface 608a. VR2 symbolizes an imaginary direction of the second connection. This can be the thread axis of the union nut 603.

[0102] Fig. 6c shows the third connecting region 118a on the support part 111, which is complementary to Fig. 6b. 612 is the inlet towards the mixed bed and is in fluid communication with the inlet 607 in the fourth connecting region 118b. 612a is a sliding edge that tightly seals with the sliding region 607a when the union nut 603 is tightened. 611 is an annular space that can be fluid-tightly connected to the annular space 608 in the fourth connecting region 118b. 611a is a sliding edge that, when the union nut 603 is tightened, slides onto the sliding surface 608a and seals there. 613 is the inlet into the annular chamber 611 from the container 15. 614 is the connection for a pressure sensor to the annular chamber 611. 603b is the thread complementary to the thread 603a of the union nut 603 on the socket of the carrier part 111. 610 shows a detent formation which has many of the same structural features distributed around the circumference.These can be projections arranged at regular angular intervals around the thread axis. The angular interval can be greater than 2, 5, or 10°. It can be less than 30, 20, or 10°. When mounting the carrier part 111 on the mounting part 113, the locking formation 110 interacts with a complementary locking formation in the mounting part, which is not shown in Fig. 6b, however. According to the angular pitch of the structural features of the locking formation 610, fixed angular positions can be set when the carrier part 111 is loosely pushed onto the mounting part 113; these angular positions are also maintained when the union nut 603 is tightened.

[0103] Fig. 6d is an oblique top view of the support part 111. 616 is the inlet from the mounting part. 615 is the return flow towards the mounting part and the outlet with a backflow preventer. 631 symbolizes a battery or a rechargeable accumulator. 211 is a conductivity sensor. 210 symbolizes a flow meter. 634 is a connection for the conductivity sensor. 212 is a pressure sensor or a blind plug 635 instead. The optionally provided automatically actuated valves 221, 222 at the inlet and / or outlet are shown schematically in dashed lines.

[0104] Fig. 6e is a perspective view of a cap 112 of the support part 111. At a suitable location, such as its upper surface as shown in Fig. 6b or on a front surface, the cap 112 may have an opening 617 or a transparent area behind which an alphanumeric display 231 is located. Further openings not shown may be provided for display elements 232, 233 such as light-emitting diodes and for input elements such as buttons 241, 242.

[0105] Fig. 6f shows the cap 112 obliquely from below. It can be seen that it can carry a circuit board 618 inside, which can carry many of the elements shown with reference to Fig. 2. The cover 112 can be clipped or screwed onto the support part 111. Fig. 6g shows the support part 111 from below and thus provides a view into the open first connection area 119a for the first connection 119. VR1 symbolizes an imaginary direction of the first connection 119. This can be the threaded axis of the first connection area 119a. It has a supply line area 620, which receives water via 604, 607, 612, and 616, which then flows towards the mixed bed. 622 is a sealing area that interacts with a corresponding cover area 626 on the container 15. 621 is an annular channel that can form an annular chamber with a corresponding annular channel 625 in the cartridge 15. It runs around the inlet 620 and also around the inlet 624 in the container 15.623 are several overflow openings distributed along the circumference, through which water that may leak from the head 11 can drain radially outward. 619a is an internal thread of the first connection area 119a. 214 symbolizes the closure sensor. It can be designed as a microswitch that is suitably positioned and switches when the thread of the container 15 is properly screwed completely into the internal thread 619a of the first connection area 119a. The direction VR1 of the first connection 119 can form an angle of more than 70 or 80 or 85 or 88 or 89° with the direction VR2 of the second connection 118. The angle can be less than 110 or 100 or 95 or 92 or 91°. 211 is the conductivity sensor.

[0106] Fig. 6h shows the upper region of the container 15. 624 is the inlet to the mixed bed. 625 is the annular chamber draining from the mixed bed. The second connection region 119b can be seen at the top of Fig. 6h. 619b is the thread on the container 15 that complements the internal thread 619a. The mixed-bed cartridge 16 is located in the container itself. It should be noted that the mixed-bed cartridge 16 can be loosely inserted into the container 15, but can be held there in a defined manner. It can form part of the second connection region. The mixed-bed cartridge 16 can support the sealing region 626 and can have the inlet opening 624 for the inflowing water. In terms of length, the cartridge 16 can then be dimensioned such that when the container 15 is properly screwed into the first connecting region 119a of the carrier part 111, the upper end of the cartridge, in particular the sealing region 626, is pressed against the corresponding sealing region 622 of the carrier part 111.At least one of these sealing areas may comprise a resilient material.

[0107] A water treatment system comprises a water treatment device as described above and below and a water or heating or cooling circuit connected thereto, preferably as described.

[0108] The invention also relates to an operating method for a heating or cooling circuit, in which one or more of the following measures can be carried out by means of a water treatment device, preferably as described:

[0109] • menu-guided cartridge change preferably as described above or below,

[0110] • automatic refilling preferably as described above or below,

[0111] • System pressure testing and initial leak detection preferably as described above or below,

[0112] • Consumption monitoring and a second leak detection 2 preferably as described above or below,

[0113] • Opening detection preferably as described above or below,

[0114] • Monitoring of water quality, in particular its ion load, correlated with the amount of water at the outlet of the water treatment device, preferably as described previously or subsequently,

[0115] • Control of a battery exchange and / or charge indicator preferably as described above or below,

[0116] • Ventilation program preferably as described above or below,

[0117] • Serial or parallel output or display of device and / or system information preferably as described above or below,

[0118] • Reset to factory settings preferably as described above or below,

[0119] • Evaluation of the signal strength, preferably as described above or below. The features described in this description and the claims or shown in a figure are to be considered as combinable with one another even if their combination is not expressly described, insofar as the combination is technically possible. Features described in a specific context, embodiment, figure, or claim are also to be considered as separable from that claim, context, embodiment, or figure and as combinable with any other figure, claim, embodiment, or context, insofar as this is technically possible. Embodiments and figures are not to be understood as necessarily exclusive of one another.Descriptions of a method or a process or a process step or a process step are also to be understood as a description of devices and / or possibly program instructions of executable code on a data carrier that are suitable for implementing the method or the process or the process step or the process step, and vice versa.

[0120] List of reference symbols:

[0121] 10 Water treatment device

[0122] 11 head

[0123] 12 Inlet connection

[0124] 13 Drain connection

[0125] 15 containers

[0126] 16 cartridges

[0127] 17 keys

[0128] 50 computer network

[0129] 51 computers of a service provider

[0130] 52 computer users

[0131] 53 computer technicians / dealers

[0132] 54 Mobile device, smartphone 55 - 58 Connections

[0133] 70a, b lines

[0134] 70c, d shut-off valves

[0135] 71 Target circuit, heating circuit

[0136] 71a Feed-in point

[0137] 72 Circulation pump

[0138] 73 boilers

[0139] 74 radiators

[0140] 75 Pressure adjustment device, system separator

[0141] 76 Water network connection

[0142] 111 Carrier part

[0143] 112 cap

[0144] 113 Assembly part

[0145] 114 spacers

[0146] 117 border

[0147] 118a, b third, fourth connecting area

[0148] 119a, b first, second connection area

[0149] 201 Control circuit

[0150] 202 CPU

[0151] 203 ROM

[0152] 204 RAM

[0153] 205 registers

[0154] 206 Interface

[0155] 207 o'clock

[0156] 208 buses

[0157] 209 D / AA / D converters

[0158] 210 flow sensor

[0159] 211 Conductivity sensor

[0160] 212 pressure sensor

[0161] 213 Temperature sensor 214 Lock sensor

[0162] 215 Consumption sensor

[0163] 221, 222 automatically operated valves

[0164] 231 alphanumeric display

[0165] 232, 233 ads

[0166] 234 speakers

[0167] 241, 242 Input devices

[0168] 251 wired interface

[0169] 252 Wireless interface

[0170] 261 Power supply

[0171] 271 optically readable marking

[0172] 601 Wall

[0173] 602 line

[0174] 603 union nut

[0175] 603a Internal thread of the union nut

[0176] 603b thread

[0177] 604 Water supply connection

[0178] 605 plugs

[0179] 606 Vent / drain connection

[0180] 607 supply line

[0181] 607a sliding surface

[0182] 608 Annular chamber

[0183] 608a sliding surface

[0184] 609 Expiration

[0185] 610 locking forming

[0186] 611 Annular chamber

[0187] 611a Sliding edge

[0188] 612 Line

[0189] 612a Sliding edge

[0190] 613 Inlet 614 Pressure sensor connection

[0191] 615 Expiration of the carrier part

[0192] 616 Inlet of the carrier part

[0193] 617 Opening 618 Circuit board

[0194] 619a internal thread

[0195] 620 inlet

[0196] 621 Annular chamber

[0197] 622 Sealing surface 623 Overflow openings

[0198] 624 Cartridge inlet

[0199] 625 Annular chamber

[0200] 626 sealing surface

[0201] 631 Battery, rechargeable battery 634 Connection

[0202] 635 Blind plug instead of pressure sensor

Claims

Amended patent claims:

1. Water treatment device with a head (11) which can be mounted in a pipe (1) to be treated and which has an inlet connection (12) and an outlet connection (13), which has a first connecting region (119a), a container (15) for receiving a water-treating substance (17), which has a second connecting region (119b) which is complementary to the first connecting region (119a) and can be connected to it in a fluid-tight manner and can be detachably connected thereto, Sensors (210 - 215) for detecting one or more state variables in the water treatment device, an electronic and preferably also digitally operating control circuit (201) for evaluating the detected state variables, a signal generator, preferably a display (231-233) and / or an acoustic generator (114), for outputting information in accordance with the evaluation and / or in accordance with a general state variable, in particular time, and an input device (231, 241, 242) for user inputs, wherein the control circuit (201) is designed to control the signal generator, in particular the display (231, 241, 242), also in accordance with a user input, in particular to output an instruction for actuating a component of the water treatment device that influences a sensor output.

2. Water treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor system comprises a closure sensor (214), preferably designed as a switch, for detecting the correct connection of the container (15) and the head (11), wherein the control circuit (201) is designed to control the display (202, 203) in accordance with a signal from the closure sensor (214).

3. Water treatment device according to claim 2, characterized in that it has a clock (207), wherein the control circuit (201) is designed to also carry out the evaluation in accordance with a time signal from the clock (207) and / or to control the display (202, 203) in accordance with a time signal from the clock (207), and / or the sensor system has a flow sensor (210) for detecting the volume or volume rate of water flowing through, wherein the control circuit (201) is designed to also carry out the evaluation in accordance with a signal from the flow sensor (210) and / or to control the display (231 - 233) in accordance with a signal from the flow sensor (210), and / or the sensor system preferably has a conductivity sensor (211) for the water flowing through at the outlet, wherein the control circuit (201) is designed toto carry out the evaluation also in accordance with a signal from the conductivity sensor (211) and / or to control the display (231 - 233) also in accordance with a signal from the conductivity sensor (211), and / or the sensor system has a pressure sensor (212) on the outlet side, wherein the control circuit (201) is designed to carry out the evaluation also in accordance with a signal from the pressure sensor (212) and / or to control the display (231 - 233) also in accordance with a signal from the pressure sensor (212), and / or the sensor system has a temperature sensor (213) for the water temperature, wherein the control circuit (201) is designed to carry out the evaluation also in accordance with a signal from the temperature sensor (213) and / or to control the display (231 - 233) also in accordance with a signal from the temperature sensor (213).

4. Water treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control is designed to implement a menu navigation for the cartridge change and also to automatically control measures that can be carried out automatically using actuators, in particular the closing and / or opening of one or more valves.

5. Water treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller is designed to sum up the amount of water output by it on the basis of an output signal of a flow sensor (210) and to make corresponding outputs at the signal generator and / or via a network interface, wherein the summation can be correlated with the output of a conductivity sensor (211).

6. Water treatment device according to claim 5, characterized in that the control is designed to determine the degree of consumption and / or the residual capacity of the water-treating substance (17) on the basis of the accumulated water quantity and / or on the basis of a measured conductivity of the treated water and to make corresponding outputs at the signal generator and / or via a network interface.

7. Water treatment device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the control is designed to infer water loss and possibly a leak on the basis of the accumulated water quantity, in particular on the basis of a gradient thereof, and to make corresponding outputs at the signal generator and / or via a network interface.

8. Water treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a setting device for setting the pH value and / or the hardness and / or the ion load of the inflowing water.

9. Water treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller is designed to infer water loss on the basis of an output signal of a pressure sensor (212), in particular a gradient of the signal, and to make corresponding outputs at the signal generator and / or via a network interface.

10. Water treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller is designed to monitor the voltage of a battery and, if necessary, to make corresponding outputs on the signal generator and / or via a network interface.

11. Water treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control system is designed to activate, query, and evaluate sensors in a time-controlled manner, e.g., periodically.

12. Water treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator system has at least one electrically actuatable valve (221, 222), wherein the control circuit (201) is designed to control the valve in accordance with an evaluation and / or in accordance with a user input.

13. A water treatment device, which can be designed according to one of the preceding claims, with a head (11) which can be mounted into a pipe (1) to be treated and has an inlet connection (12) and an outlet connection (13), which has a first connecting region (119a), a container (15) for receiving a water-treating substance (17), which has a second connecting region (119b) complementary to the first connecting region (119a) and connectable to it in a fluid-tight manner and detachable therefrom, wherein the head (11) has a support part (111) which supports the first connecting region (119a) and a third connecting region (118a), and a mounting part (113) with a fourth connecting region (118b) complementary to the third connecting region (118a), wherein the third and fourth connecting regions are designed to establish a rotationally variable connection between the support part and the mounting part,and wherein on the carrier part (111) the first connecting region (119a) and the third connecting region (118a) with their respective complementary second connecting region, (119b) and fourth connecting region (118b) define two connecting directions (VR1, VR2) which enclose an angle which is greater than 70 or 80 or 85° and less than 110 or 10 or 95°, wherein the inlet connection (12) and the outlet connection (13) are attached to the mounting part and the complementary connecting regions produce fluid-tight connections between the inlet connection (12) and the container (15) or the container (15) and the outlet connection (13) in each case through the carrier part (111).

14. Water treatment device according to claim 13, wherein one of the third and fourth connecting portions has a first thread fixedly attached to a nozzle and the other of the third and fourth connecting portions has a union nut with a second thread complementary to the first thread, the thread axes of the two threads being coaxial and horizontal when installed.

15. Water treatment device according to claim 13, wherein one of the third and fourth connecting regions has a first locking formation which defines a plurality of locking positions rotationally spaced around the thread axis, and the other of the third and fourth connecting regions has a second locking formation functionally complementary to the first locking formation, wherein the third and fourth connecting regions can each have a first pipe water line lying concentrically to the thread axes and a ring water line formed concentrically therearound, the walls of which are designed to be pressed tightly against one another.

16. Water treatment device according to claim 13 or 14, with a spacer (114) attached or attachable to the mounting part, preferably opposite the fourth connecting region (118b), for fastening the water treatment device at an installation location.

17. Water treatment system with a water treatment device according to one of the preceding claims and a water or heating or cooling circuit connected thereto, preferably as described.

18. Operating method for a heating or cooling circuit, preferably as described, or for a water treatment system, preferably as described, in which one or more of the following measures can be carried out by means of a water treatment device, preferably according to one or more of the preceding claims as described: • menu-guided cartridge change preferably as described above, • automatic refilling preferably as described above, • System pressure testing and / or initial leak detection, preferably as described above, • Consumption monitoring and / or a second leak detection 2 preferably as described above, • Opening detection preferably as described above, • Monitoring of water quality, in particular its ion load, correlated with the amount of water at the outlet of the water treatment device, preferably as described above, • Control of a battery exchange and / or charge indicator as described, • Ventilation program preferably as described above, • Serial or parallel output or display of system information as described, • Reset to factory settings preferably as described above, • Evaluation of the signal strength preferably as described above.

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