Drinking water treatment device, in particular a countertop drinking water treatment device

Abstract

The invention relates to a drinking water treatment device (1), in particular a countertop drinking water treatment device, comprising a fresh water tank (2), which is connected to an osmosis unit (4) so as to conduct a flow via a fresh water line (3) for drinking water, wherein a pressure-increasing pump (5) is provided which is fluidically connected to the fresh water line, and a UV lamp (6) is associated with the pressure-increasing pump, the UV lamp preferably being connected upstream of the pressure-increasing pump in the flow direction of the fresh water from the fresh water tank to the osmosis unit. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for controlling such a drinking water treatment device (1).

Description

[0001] 251210-980

[0002] Drinking water treatment device, in particular countertop drinking water treatment device

[0003] The invention relates to a drinking water treatment device, in particular a countertop drinking water treatment device, in detail according to the features of the independent claims.

[0004] Drinking water treatment devices equipped with a reverse osmosis unit to filter drinking water and remove contaminants are known from the prior art. Typically, such devices include a pressure booster pump to deliver the water through a reverse osmosis membrane at sufficient pressure.

[0005] However, such drinking water treatment systems have disadvantages if no water is drawn from the system for extended periods. In such cases, stagnation and deposits can occur in the pipes, impairing the water quality within the system. Furthermore, it has been shown that prolonged periods of inactivity without water draw-off place a heavy strain on the booster pump and can lead to damage. Although these problems are known, the exact causes of the damage to the booster pump have remained unclear until now.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a drinking water treatment device that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the service life of the pressure booster pump is also to be increased.

[0007] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims according to the invention. Furthermore, the problem is also solved by a method according to the invention. The dependent claims represent particularly preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0008] A drinking water treatment device according to the invention, in particular a countertop drinking water treatment device, comprises a fresh water tank which is connected to a reverse osmosis unit via a fresh water line for drinking water, wherein a pressure booster pump is provided in the flow path with the fresh water line and a UV lamp is associated with the pressure booster pump. Preferably, the UV lamp is connected upstream of the pressure booster pump in the direction of flow of the fresh water from the fresh water tank to the reverse osmosis unit.

[0009] It has now been shown that the drinking water treatment device according to the invention effectively reduces clogging of the pressure booster pump's diaphragm, particularly when this pressure booster pump is designed as a diaphragm pump. This is achieved by connecting the UV lamp (251210-980) upstream of the pressure booster pump, which disinfects the fresh water before it enters the pump. This keeps the diaphragm clean and sealed, as no biofilm can form on the diaphragm surface. Such a biofilm could otherwise grow on the diaphragm and lead to leaks over time. The diaphragm pump requires a tight seal between the diaphragm and its counterpart, which seals the diaphragm, to ensure proper functioning. Biofilm growth would impede this seal and impair the pump's functionality, significantly reducing its service life.

[0010] Until now, experts had overlooked the benefits of placing a UV lamp so far forward in the flow of fresh water, and thus in front of the reverse osmosis unit. The reason for this was simply that it was unknown that the membrane of the booster pump could become clogged by adhering microorganisms, subsequently leading to leaks in the pump. Only with the realization that microbial colonization of the membrane can cause leaks and malfunctions did it become clear that pre-positioning a UV lamp could effectively prevent biofilm growth and keep the membrane permanently clean and sealed.

[0011] If the water purification unit is designed as a countertop water purification system, it does not have a continuous water supply from the mains water supply; it is therefore not connected to such a system. Instead, it is supplied with drinking water or fresh water, e.g., from the mains water supply, in batches, with the fresh water then stored in the fresh water storage tank. A reverse osmosis water tank is also provided to hold the fresh water purified by the reverse osmosis unit, and a wastewater tank is provided to collect the wastewater exiting the reverse osmosis unit. The countertop water purification unit thus does not require a drain for wastewater connected to a sewer system; it is a stand-alone unit. One could also say that the water purification unit is separate from the mains water supply, meaning it is not permanently connected to it or operates intermittently.The drinking water treatment unit operates autonomously, without a fixed inlet connection to the drinking water network or an outlet connection to the sewage system, thus requiring no outlet and is therefore designed for batch operation without a fixed water supply and drainage.

[0012] In piped water treatment systems, the occurrence of stagnation is largely prevented by the system design. Such systems are designed for a continuous or at least regularly renewed flow of feed water from the supply network. The water is taken directly from the drinking water line 251210-980 and passed through the downstream components without any significant residence time. This prevents prolonged periods of stagnation of water in the inlet area or in the booster pump, which would promote the formation of biofilms. Furthermore, piped systems are typically operated with a constant inlet pressure and defined flow velocities. These hydraulic conditions ensure that deposits, microbiological growth, or particulate contaminants do not form in the supply line or are immediately flushed out.In such a system, the pressure booster pump operates in a stable operating state in which valves, sealing surfaces and moving components do not come into contact with biologically contaminated water that has been standing for a long time.

[0013] In contrast, as already mentioned, the use of a fresh water tank inevitably leads to discontinuous operation with longer periods of water stagnation. Stagnant water can occur, particularly in the pipe sections between the fresh water tank and the booster pump, as well as in the pump itself. This stagnation promotes the formation of biofilms, which can deposit on surfaces and subsequently impair the function of the booster pump, with the disadvantages mentioned previously, such as the clogging of valve seats or the incomplete closure of check valves. Such effects are generally not to be expected in piped systems, as the underlying operating conditions are completely different.

[0014] The invention also relates to a room, such as a commercial or residential space, comprising a drinking water treatment device according to the invention, in particular a countertop drinking water treatment device, wherein the room is free of a drain for wastewater and free of a connection to the drinking water network.

[0015] The invention also relates to the use of the drinking water treatment device according to the invention, particularly in a room such as a commercial or residential space, or particularly without connecting the drinking water treatment device to the drinking water network and without connecting to a wastewater drain.

[0016] The invention also relates to the use of a drinking water treatment device according to the invention, in particular a countertop device.

[0017] Drinking water treatment device, in particular comprising a fresh water tank which is connected to a reverse osmosis unit via a fresh water line, wherein a pressure booster pump is provided in flow connection with the fresh water line and a UV lamp is associated with the pressure booster pump, in particular 251210-980 for the batch-wise provision of hygienically treated drinking water at changing locations without a fixed water supply and drainage system. The UV lamp is preferably connected upstream of the pressure booster pump in the direction of flow of the fresh water from the fresh water tank to the reverse osmosis unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a UV lamp according to the invention in a drinking water treatment device according to the invention, in particular a countertop drinking water treatment device, in particular comprising a fresh water tank which is connected to an osmosis unit via a fresh water line, wherein a pressure booster pump is provided in flow connection with the fresh water line and the UV lamp is connected upstream of the pressure booster pump in the direction of flow of the fresh water from the fresh water tank to the osmosis unit, for the temporary joint activation of the UV lamp and the pressure booster pump for the circulation and disinfection of the water contained in the drinking water treatment device.

[0019] In principle, however, the drinking water treatment device could also be piped and permanently or temporarily connected to a drinking water network, particularly to the fresh water pipe.

[0020] Advantageously, the drinking water treatment unit includes a reverse osmosis water tank for the fresh water treated by the reverse osmosis unit. This tank is connected to the reverse osmosis unit on one side and to a dispensing point for the reverse osmosis water on the other. A reverse osmosis water bypass is provided, allowing the reverse osmosis water to bypass the dispensing point. A switching valve is provided in, before, or after the reverse osmosis water bypass, or the bypass itself is formed by such a switching valve. In its first position, the switching valve partially or completely bypasses the reverse osmosis water at the dispensing point, and in its second position, it closes the bypass, allowing the reverse osmosis water to flow to and be dispensed at the dispensing point.In this way, the booster pump, and especially its diaphragm if it is part of the bypass circuit, can be effectively protected from further microbial growth. Regular circulation and cleaning of the water in the bypass circuit prevents the formation of biofilms and deposits on the booster pump's diaphragm. This significantly contributes to keeping the diaphragm clean and functional, which in turn ensures the pump's leak-tightness and efficiency. This considerably extends the booster pump's service life by preventing blockages and wear caused by microbial growth. 251210-980.

[0021] The switching valve can be designed as a 3 / 2-way valve, with three ports and two valve positions.

[0022] In a particular embodiment, the reverse osmosis unit comprises a fresh water inlet for the fresh water supplied to the unit via the fresh water line, a reverse osmosis water outlet for the fresh water treated by the unit, and a wastewater outlet for the wastewater exiting the unit. Preferably, the reverse osmosis water tank has a tank inlet for supplying the reverse osmosis water to the tank and a tank outlet for discharging the reverse osmosis water from the tank to the point of use. The reverse osmosis water outlet of the unit is connected to the tank inlet of the tank via a reverse osmosis water tank inlet, and the point of use is connected to the tank outlet of the tank and the point of use via a reverse osmosis water tank outlet.This configuration allows for efficient control of the water flow, so that, depending on the valve position, reverse osmosis water can be directed to the point of use or through the bypass circuit. A check valve prevents the backflow of reverse osmosis water from the bypass circuit into the reverse osmosis unit, further ensuring water quality.

[0023] In another embodiment, the reverse osmosis water bypass is arranged in a flow-conducting manner between the reverse osmosis water tank outlet and the reverse osmosis water tank inlet to form the bypass circuit and to divert the reverse osmosis water past the point of use when the switching valve is in the first switching position, and to interrupt the bypass circuit and allow the supply of reverse osmosis water to the point of use when the switching valve is in the second switching position. Preferably, a check valve is provided that prevents backflow of the reverse osmosis water from the bypass circuit into the reverse osmosis unit and is arranged in the reverse osmosis water tank inlet.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the reverse osmosis water bypass is arranged in a flow-conducting manner between the reverse osmosis water tank outlet and the fresh water supply line to form the bypass circuit and to divert the reverse osmosis water past the point of use when the switching valve is in the first switching position, and to interrupt the bypass circuit and allow the supply of reverse osmosis water to the point of use when the switching valve is in the second switching position. Preferably, a check valve is provided to prevent backflow of the reverse osmosis water from the bypass circuit into the fresh water line. The check valve is located upstream of the UV lamp in the direction of fresh water flow and is preferably arranged in the fresh water line. 251210-980

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, a reverse osmosis water pump is arranged in the direction of flow of the reverse osmosis water, from the reverse osmosis water tank to the point of use, particularly in the reverse osmosis water tank outlet, to pump the reverse osmosis water to the point of use. Preferably, a further UV lamp is connected upstream or downstream of the reverse osmosis water pump in the direction of flow of the reverse osmosis water, wherein, preferably in the embodiment according to claim 4 or 5, the switching valve of the further UV lamp is connected downstream of the UV lamp in the direction of flow of the reverse osmosis water, from the reverse osmosis water tank to the point of use.

[0026] Advantageously, a post-filter is arranged in the reverse osmosis water tank inlet line, in the direction of water flow, between the reverse osmosis unit and the reverse osmosis water tank, to filter the reverse osmosis water. Preferably, a pre-filter is provided between the fresh water tank and the reverse osmosis unit. This pre-filter is preferably located in the fresh water line and, viewed in the direction of water flow from the fresh water tank to the reverse osmosis unit, is positioned upstream of the UV lamp. The pre-filter is preferably designed as a filter for organic or inorganic substances. It can therefore be designed as a sediment and / or chlorine filter. For this purpose, the pre-filter can, for example, be designed as a PPC filter made of polypropylene (PP) and activated carbon (C). The PP can be wrapped around the activated carbon core as a fleece and arranged so that the water flows from the outside in, first through the PP and then through the activated carbon.The post-filter can be a CB filter activated carbon block ("carbon block"), ensuring optimal filtration. The two pre- and post-filters, arranged in the reverse osmosis water bypass or bypass circuit, reduce the bacterial count in each filter. One could also say that, due to their arrangement in the reverse osmosis water bypass or bypass circuit, these two filters function as backwashed filters. Fresh water flows in, and the UV lamp continuously kills the bacteria along with the fresh water. This backwashing also allows the use of more affordable filters, such as CB and PPC filters, as the UV lamp prevents bacteria from multiplying uncontrollably.

[0027] The UV lamp can preferably be designed as a UVC lamp.

[0028] The osmosis unit is particularly preferably set up in such a way that it works to treat drinking water from the fresh water supply according to the principle of reverse osmosis.

[0029] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling a drinking water treatment device according to the invention, in which the UV lamp and the pressure booster pump are used temporarily for circulating and disinfecting the reverse osmosis water. 251210-980

[0030] The pressure booster pump and the UV lamp can be activated temporarily to stimulate the water flow and disinfect the osmosis water.

[0031] If the drinking water treatment device is preferably configured according to one of claims 4 to 8, the switching valve can be partially moved to a first switching position outside of operating hours to allow the withdrawal of reverse osmosis water via the draw-off point. This can be done automatically by a control unit associated with the drinking water treatment device in order to partially or completely divert the reverse osmosis water through the reverse osmosis water bypass and the bypass circuit at the draw-off point (then called bypass operation). The valve is then moved to a second switching position to partially or completely block the reverse osmosis water bypass and the bypass circuit, so that the reverse osmosis water can be fed to the draw-off point for withdrawal (then called draw-off operation). The control unit can also control the UV lamps, the pressure booster pump, the reverse osmosis pump, and the switching valve accordingly.

[0032] Using the method according to the invention, the bypass operation can be activated whenever the drinking water treatment unit is not in draw-off mode. The control system of the drinking water treatment unit can be designed such that it automatically terminates the bypass operation when it detects draw-off mode. Detection can be initiated by a user who presses an activation button on the drinking water treatment unit to draw osmosis water. The activation button can be connected to the control system for this purpose.

[0033] For example, the pressure booster pump is designed as a diaphragm pump.

[0034] The drinking water treatment unit can advantageously be equipped with exactly two pumps to supply the entire water circuit, especially the one carrying the reverse osmosis water, within the unit. In this system, the reverse osmosis water can be pumped in a bypass circuit by the booster pump and / or the reverse osmosis water pump.

[0035] The advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the figures.

[0036] They show:

[0037] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a drinking water treatment device according to a first embodiment; 251210-980

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a drinking water treatment device according to a second embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a drinking water treatment device according to a first embodiment.

[0040] The drinking water treatment unit 1 comprises a fresh water tank 2, which is connected to a reverse osmosis unit 4 via a fresh water line 3. The fresh water line 3 carries fresh water from the fresh water tank 2, which is pumped to the reverse osmosis unit 4 by a booster pump 5. A UV lamp 6 is installed upstream of the booster pump 5, in the direction of the fresh water flow, to disinfect the water before it enters the reverse osmosis unit 4. This largely prevents the diaphragm booster pump 5, if it is a diaphragm pump, from becoming clogged with microorganisms. This measure alone significantly extends the service life of the booster pump 5.

[0041] A reverse osmosis water tank 7 is connected to the reverse osmosis unit 4. This tank holds the treated fresh water, then called reverse osmosis water. The reverse osmosis water tank 7 is connected by flow to a dispensing point 8, which is only indicated here by the arrow. The treated reverse osmosis water can be drawn from this point, e.g., for drinking purposes.

[0042] The reverse osmosis unit 4 comprises a fresh water inlet 18 for the fresh water supplied to the reverse osmosis unit 4 via the fresh water line 3, wherein the fresh water inlet 18 is connected to the fresh water line 3 in a flow-conducting manner. Furthermore, the reverse osmosis unit 4 comprises a reverse osmosis water outlet 19 for the fresh water treated by the reverse osmosis unit 4, hereinafter referred to as reverse osmosis water, and a wastewater outlet 20 for the wastewater exiting the reverse osmosis unit 4. The wastewater can be collected in a wastewater tank 23, for which purpose the wastewater tank 23 can be connected to the wastewater outlet 20 via a wastewater line 24 in a flow-conducting manner. Notwithstanding the embodiment shown, the fresh water tank 2 and the wastewater tank 23 can be designed as a compact unit in a housing, separated from each other in a flow-conducting manner.

[0043] Furthermore, the reverse osmosis water tank 7 can have a tank inlet 21 for supplying the reverse osmosis water to the reverse osmosis water tank 7 and a tank outlet 22 for discharging the reverse osmosis water from the same to the dispensing point 8. The reverse osmosis water outlet 19 of the reverse osmosis unit 4 can also be connected via a reverse osmosis water tank inlet 11 251210-980 to the tank inlet 21 of the reverse osmosis water tank 7, and the dispensing point 8 can be connected via a reverse osmosis water tank outlet 13 to the tank outlet 22 of the reverse osmosis water tank 7 and ultimately to the dispensing point 8.

[0044] According to a further development of the invention, an osmosis water bypass 9 is provided. The osmosis water bypass 9 allows the osmosis water to be routed around the draw-off point 8 in a bypass circuit. A switching valve 10 is located between the osmosis water bypass 9 and the draw-off point 8, which controls the flow of the osmosis water. In a first switching position, the switching valve 10 directs the osmosis water through the osmosis water bypass 9 around the draw-off point 8. In a second switching position, it allows the osmosis water to be supplied to the draw-off point 8.

[0045] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the reverse osmosis water bypass 9 is arranged in a flow-conducting manner between the reverse osmosis water tank outlet 13 and the reverse osmosis water tank inlet 11 in order to form the bypass circuit between these two lines 11, 13 and to direct the reverse osmosis water past the dispensing point 8 via the reverse osmosis water bypass when the switching valve 10 is in the first switching position. Conversely, the switching valve 10 can interrupt the bypass circuit and allow the supply of reverse osmosis water to the dispensing point 8 when the switching valve 10 is in the second switching position.

[0046] To prevent backflow of the reverse osmosis water from the bypass circuit 9 into the reverse osmosis unit 4, a check valve 12 is provided. This valve is located downstream of the reverse osmosis unit 4 in the direction of water flow from the reverse osmosis unit 4 towards the reverse osmosis water tank 7 (referring to the draw-off operation) and is positioned in the reverse osmosis water tank inlet line 11. This prevents the reverse osmosis water from the bypass circuit from flowing back to the reverse osmosis unit 4.

[0047] The osmosis water tank inlet 11 thus connects the osmosis water outlet 19 of the osmosis unit 4 with the tank inlet 21 of the osmosis water tank 7 in a flow-conducting manner, and the osmosis water tank outlet 13 connects the tank outlet 22 of the osmosis water tank 7 with the dispensing point 8, so that the osmosis water, depending on the position of the switching valve 10, is either supplied to the dispensing point 8 or routed past it via the osmosis water bypass 9.

[0048] In the reverse osmosis water tank line 13, between the reverse osmosis water tank 7 and the draw-off point 8, there is a reverse osmosis water pump 14, which pumps the reverse osmosis water to the draw-off point 8. A second 251210-980 pump is located in the direction of flow to the reverse osmosis water pump 14.

[0049] A UV lamp 15 is connected downstream, serving to further disinfect the reverse osmosis water in the bypass circuit. This downstream placement positions the UV lamp as close as possible to the outlet 8, ensuring that all components flow through it.

[0050] Furthermore, a pre-filter 16 is provided in the fresh water line 3 between the fresh water tank 2 and the reverse osmosis unit 4 (in the direction of fresh water flow, upstream of the UV lamp 6 and the pressure booster pump 5) to filter the incoming fresh water. A post-filter 17 is arranged in the reverse osmosis water tank inlet line 11 between the reverse osmosis unit 4 and the reverse osmosis water tank 7 to further treat the reverse osmosis water before storage in the reverse osmosis water tank 7. Both filters 16 and 17 can be arranged separately in a single housing, with the flow direction separated from each other. Thus, in bypass operation, the post-filter 17 is located downstream of the inlet of the bypass circuit 9 into the reverse osmosis water tank inlet line 11, viewed in the direction of reverse osmosis water flow.

[0051] In this arrangement, fresh water is directed via the pressure booster pump 5 and the UV lamp 6 into the reverse osmosis unit 4, where it is filtered. The filtered reverse osmosis water is then directed into the reverse osmosis water tank 7, from where, depending on the position of the switching valve 10, it is either routed to the draw-off point 8 or via the reverse osmosis water bypass 9 into the bypass circuit. The check valve 12 prevents backflow of the reverse osmosis water to the reverse osmosis unit 4 when the drinking water treatment unit 1 is in bypass mode.

[0052] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the drinking water treatment device 1. This differs from the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 in the arrangement of the osmosis water bypass 9 and its connection to the fresh water supply line 3.

[0053] In this embodiment, the reverse osmosis water bypass 9 is arranged in a flow-conducting manner between the reverse osmosis water tank outlet 13 and the fresh water supply line 3. The reverse osmosis water bypass 9 thus connects both lines 3 and 13. This configuration forms a bypass circuit through which the reverse osmosis water can be routed past the draw-off point 8 when the switching valve 10 is in its first switching position. In this first switching position, the reverse osmosis water flows back to the fresh water supply line 3 via the bypass circuit 9, thus enabling a closed circuit for circulating the reverse osmosis water (bypass operation). Here, the two pumps 5 and 14 and the two UV lamps 6 and 15 can disinfect the system and prevent microorganisms from adhering to the membrane of the booster pump 5. 251210-980

[0054] In the second switching position of the switching valve 10, the osmosis water bypass 9 is partially or completely blocked, allowing the osmosis water to be directed to the dispensing point 8 for withdrawal (dispensing operation).

[0055] Preferably, a check valve 12 is provided in the fresh water line 3, which prevents backflow of the reverse osmosis water towards the fresh water tank 2. The check valve 12 is located upstream of the UV lamp 6 in the fresh water line 3, viewed in the direction of flow of the fresh water. This arrangement of the check valve 12 ensures that the reverse osmosis water does not flow back into the fresh water tank 2, but only flows towards the reverse osmosis unit 4 and the bypass circuit, thus ensuring clean and hygienic water flow.

[0056] Regardless of the embodiment shown, in a dispensing operation, reverse osmosis water from the reverse osmosis water tank 7 is supplied to the dispensing point 8 and from there dispensed, for example, by the user, e.g., for drinking. It can be pumped to the dispensing point 8 by the reverse osmosis water pump 14 and, if necessary, disinfected by the second UV lamp 15. The combination of pre-filter 16 and post-filter 17 ensures high water quality by filtering both the fresh water before the reverse osmosis unit 4 and the reverse osmosis water before the reverse osmosis water tank 7.

[0057] Also independent of the illustrated embodiment, during periods of inactivity when no reverse osmosis water is being drawn through the outlet 8, i.e., during extended periods without draw-off, the drinking water treatment unit 1 is temporarily switched to bypass operation. The arrangement of UV lamps according to the invention and the possibility of diverting the water via the bypass circuit enable continuous disinfection and a flexible water flow, which ensures the quality of the treated water even during extended periods of inactivity and protects the diaphragm of the booster pump 5 from contamination, thereby increasing its service life.

[0058] The method for controlling the drinking water treatment device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 enables the temporary recirculation and disinfection of the reverse osmosis water in a bypass mode to ensure water quality even outside of draw-off times. The water flow is controlled so that the reverse osmosis water is regularly recirculated, e.g., several times a day. This can be achieved with a control unit associated with the drinking water treatment device 1. Therefore, the drinking water treatment device 1 or the control unit is configured to perform a method according to the invention. 251210-980

[0059] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the pressure booster pump 5 and the reverse osmosis water pump 14 are activated in bypass mode in combination with the UV lamps 6 and 15 to disinfect the reverse osmosis water in the bypass circuit. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, only the reverse osmosis water pump 14 and the UV lamp 15 are used.

[0060] The switching valve 10 is thus moved into a first switching position, in which the reverse osmosis water is routed past the draw-off point 8 in a bypass circuit. This bypass operation ensures that the water circulates within the system and is regularly disinfected by the UV lamps, which ensures water hygiene, especially during longer periods of inactivity, and protects the diaphragm of the pressure booster pump 5.

[0061] Depending on the embodiment, the bypass circuit runs either between the reverse osmosis water tank outlet 13 and the reverse osmosis water tank inlet 11 (as in Fig. 1) or between the reverse osmosis water tank outlet 13 and the fresh water line 3 (as in Fig. 2). In both cases, a check valve 12 prevents the reverse osmosis water from flowing back into the fresh water tank 2 or the reverse osmosis unit 4, so that the circulation remains limited to the reverse osmosis circuit.

[0062] As soon as the osmosis water is ready for dispensing, the switching valve 10 is moved to a second switching position, thereby canceling the bypass circuit and allowing the osmosis water to flow to the dispensing point 8.

Claims

251210-980 Claims 1. Drinking water treatment appliance (1), in particular countertop Drinking water treatment device (1) comprising a fresh water tank (2) which is connected via a fresh water line for drinking water to an osmosis unit (4), wherein a pressure booster pump (5) is provided in flow connection with the fresh water line and a UV lamp (6) is assigned to the pressure booster pump (5), wherein preferably the UV lamp (6) is connected upstream of the pressure booster pump (5) in the flow direction of the fresh water from the fresh water tank (2) to the osmosis unit (4).

2. Drinking water treatment device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an osmosis water tank (7) for the fresh water treated with the osmosis unit (4) is connected on the one hand to the osmosis unit (4) in a flow-conducting manner, and on the other hand to a draw-off point (8) for the osmosis water in a flow-conducting manner, with an osmosis water bypass, via which the osmosis water can be routed past the draw-off point (8) in a bypass circuit (9), wherein a switching valve (10) is provided in, before or after the osmosis water bypass or the osmosis water bypass is formed by a switching valve (10) which in a first switching position routes the osmosis water partially or completely through the osmosis water bypass and past the draw-off point (8) and in a second switching position partially or completely blocks the osmosis water bypass, so that the osmosis water can be supplied to the draw-off point (8) in a flow-conducting manner and can be drawn off via this point.

3. Drinking water treatment device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reverse osmosis unit (4) comprises a fresh water inlet for the fresh water supplied to the reverse osmosis unit (4) via the fresh water line, a reverse osmosis water outlet for the fresh water treated by the reverse osmosis unit (4), and a wastewater outlet for the wastewater exiting the reverse osmosis unit (4), wherein preferably the reverse osmosis water tank (7) has a tank inlet for supplying the reverse osmosis water to the reverse osmosis water tank (7) and a tank outlet for discharging the reverse osmosis water from the same to the dispensing point (8), wherein the reverse osmosis water outlet of the reverse osmosis unit (4) is connected to the tank inlet of the reverse osmosis water tank via a reverse osmosis water tank inlet line (11) in a flow-conducting manner, and the dispensing point (8) is connected to the tank outlet of the reverse osmosis water tank and the dispensing point (8) in a flow-conducting manner via a reverse osmosis water tank outlet. is. 251210-980 4. Drinking water treatment device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the reverse osmosis water bypass is arranged in a flow-conducting manner between the reverse osmosis water tank outlet and the reverse osmosis water tank inlet (11) to form the bypass circuit (9) and to direct the reverse osmosis water past the dispensing point (8) when the switching valve (10) is in the first switching position and to interrupt the bypass circuit (9) and to allow the supply of reverse osmosis water to the dispensing point (8) when the switching valve (10) is in the second switching position, wherein preferably a check valve (12) is provided that prevents a backflow of the reverse osmosis water from the bypass circuit (9) into the reverse osmosis unit (4) and the check valve (12) is connected downstream of the reverse osmosis unit (4) in the direction of flow of the reverse osmosis water from the reverse osmosis unit (4) towards the reverse osmosis water tank (7) and preferably in the Osmosis water tank supply line (11) is ordered.

5. Drinking water treatment device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the reverse osmosis water bypass is arranged in a flow-conducting manner between the reverse osmosis water tank outlet and the fresh water supply line in order to form the bypass circuit (9) and to direct the reverse osmosis water past the draw-off point (8) when the switching valve (10) is in the first switching position and to interrupt the bypass circuit (9) and to allow the supply of reverse osmosis water to the draw-off point (8) when the switching valve (10) is in the second switching position, wherein preferably a check valve (12) is provided that prevents a backflow of the reverse osmosis water from the bypass circuit (9) into the fresh water line and the check valve (12) is positioned upstream of the UV lamp (6) in the direction of flow of the fresh water and is preferably located in the fresh water line.

6. Drinking water treatment device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, viewed in the direction of flow of the osmosis water from the osmosis water tank (7) to the point of use (8), in particular in the In the reverse osmosis water tank outlet, a reverse osmosis water pump is arranged to pump the reverse osmosis water to the dispensing point (8), wherein preferably a further UV lamp (15) is connected upstream or downstream of the reverse osmosis water pump in the direction of flow of the reverse osmosis water, wherein preferably in the embodiment according to claim 4 or 5 the switching valve (10) of the further UV lamp (15) is connected downstream of the UV lamp (15) in the direction of flow of the reverse osmosis water from the reverse osmosis water tank (7) to the dispensing point (8).

7. Drinking water treatment device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that in the reverse osmosis water tank inlet line (11) in the direction of flow of the 251210-980 A post-filter is arranged between the osmosis unit (4) and the osmosis water tank (7) to filter the osmosis water, and preferably, in an embodiment according to one of claims 1 to 6, a pre-filter is provided between the fresh water tank (2) and the osmosis unit (4), which is preferably arranged in the fresh water line and is located upstream of the UV lamp (6) in the direction of flow of the fresh water from the fresh water tank (2) to the osmosis unit (4), wherein the pre-filter is preferably a PPC filter and the post-filter is a CB filter.

8. Drinking water treatment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the osmosis unit (4) is configured to operate for the treatment of drinking water from the fresh water supply according to the principle of reverse osmosis.

9. Method for controlling a drinking water treatment device (1), wherein the drinking water treatment device (1) is configured according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the UV lamp (6) and the pressure booster pump (5) are used temporarily for circulating and disinfecting the osmosis water.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the drinking water treatment device (1) is preferably configured according to one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the switching valve (10) is partially moved to a first switching position outside of the usage time for the withdrawal of the osmosis water via the withdrawal point (8) in order to partially or completely direct the osmosis water past the withdrawal point (8) through the osmosis water bypass and the bypass circuit (9) and is moved to a second switching position in order to partially or completely block the osmosis water bypass and the bypass circuit (9) so that the osmosis water can be supplied to the withdrawal point (8) in a flow-conducting manner in order to withdraw it there.

Images