DE102006048113A1 - Method for use of tap water, involves increasing of temperature by heater, which is switched on after opening a tapping outlet, and tap water collected in surge water, which is supplied to user - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves increasing of the temperature by a heater, which is switched on after opening a tapping outlet. The tap water is controlled in a surge tank after opening of a hot water tapping outlet (58), which measures the temperature of the tap water. An inlet is closed for surge tank by reaching a desired water temperature and an outlet is opened for tap water. The tap water collected in surge water, which is supplied to a user. An independent claim is also included for a device for the use of tap water, in which temperature is increased by a heater.

Description

The Invention relates to a method of using tap water, its temperature from a switched on after opening a dispensing valve heater elevated becomes.

Furthermore the invention relates to a device for using tap water, whose temperature is switched from one to the opening of a dispensing valve Heating increased becomes.

in view of constantly increasing demands to the water supply in terms of quantity and quality of consumption of water and the needs remaining behind development new water sources are constantly increasing the price of water. The call, new sources of water to open up becomes more and more urgent. It moves the recycling of already tapped water through multiple use increasingly clear in the field of view.

at the recycling of already used water are significant Problems on. These are triggered by the fact that substantial conversion measures especially in the bathrooms. there have to a variety of new pipes and pipes are laid so that an expensive installation effort must be operated. In many make have to on a house extensive renovations are carried out.

task The present invention is therefore water-saving measures without expensive installation work being carried out have to.

These The object is achieved in terms of the method in that that after opening the tap valve, the tap water passed into an intermediate container is measured, the temperature of the tap water in the river and upon reaching a desired Tap water temperature closed an inflow to the intermediate container and an outflow for the tap water opens becomes.

at In this process, only pure drinking water is temporarily stored in the intermediate container. This Water has been carelessly discharged into a drain, and indeed until after opening one Hot water valve the water flowing out of the faucet a temperature reached, which is desired by the respective user. This will be high wasted drinking water. By the collection of this Water in the intermediate tank can These pure drinking water purposes are harnessed for the customary fresh water would have to be tapped. The storage in the intermediate container can be done easily because the stored water has pure drinking water quality and therefore no odor nuisance generated.

The Proceeding procedure largely self-sustaining. The users of the cached water can quickly with their Adapt washing and bathing habits to the process steps. The Savings of valuable drinking water lead to a quick amortization necessary plant parts.

Regarding the device, the object is achieved in that after opening the Dispensing valve the tap water into an intermediate container can be introduced and that the tap water in its flow is a temperature measuring device has, which is electrically connected to a switch, when exceeded one in the river desired Temperature an inflow to the intermediate container occlusive. and one Outflow for the tap water opens. This device favors in terms of their functional design and ease of use their installation. Therefore, many water users become the Benefits of this device and thus the consumption of drinking water to reduce. The device does not make great demands on its user who uses the possibility knows how to use the device to save water.

With Such a device, the use of tap water designed particularly inexpensive, because components are used in the device that are purchased as standard and can be mounted easily. The resulting Device changed the appearance of the bathroom only insignificant, as they are on small space installed and cheap be accommodated in existing facilities of the bathroom can, for example, in a provided below a sink Bathroom cabinet. Since this is arranged below the washbasin is, can be in this provided intermediate container by due to its Gravity draining water to be filled.

According to one preferred embodiment of Invention, the collected water in the intermediate tank a Rinsing a flush fed. This washing container will in the usual way actuated, without that Users on the origin of the rinse water gets attentive. The intermediate container is dimensioned large enough, so that for regular needs enough Water for rinsing a toilet available stands.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the level is monitored in the intermediate container. That's how he becomes It is sufficient that the intermediate container can be filled to the limit of its capacity with tap water, which is introduced, for example, for flushing the toilet in the washing. On the other hand, there is no fear that an upper level of the intermediate container is exceeded, so that there is a risk that the water will flood the surrounding bathroom. Before this overfilling occurs, a valve is opened to a sequence from which the water flowing to the intermediate container is discharged into a sewage system.

According to one another preferred embodiment The invention is when falling below a lower level in the intermediate container and at the same time emptying the rinse tank tap water from a Water network in the intermediate tank fed. From this comes the fed tap water in the washing container, so this never without rinse water is encountered.

According to one another preferred embodiment The invention will be all Functions of the inflow of tap water centrally controlled. To Already sufficient for a relatively small control device, the installed within the bathroom and usually fully automatic is controlled. Only in case of failure of the controller attacks in an emergency a user-operable control. This can under the Use of the central control in the course of the entire process intervene and in this way even in a possibly occurring disorder for one smooth flow of a rinse to care.

Regarding The device is a pump between the intermediate container and the washing to promote of the water. This pump is considered an underwater pump designed so that they are housed inside the intermediate container can be and therefore no additional needs Requires installation space. These pumps are very sturdy and perform their services without any significant disruption.

According to one another preferred embodiment The invention is in the washing a level sensor provided for controlling a water drain from the intermediate container. Sinks accordingly in the washing of the Water level below a certain mark, so it will be the underwater pump controlled so that these water from the intermediate tank in pump the rinse tank can.

According to one another preferred embodiment the invention are provided in the intermediate container level sensors, the with empty rinsing a Control for activate the inflow of tap water to the intermediate tank. Should be in not enough in a remote case Tap water flowed into the tundish before the switching of the water flow takes place, so can in an emergency also the intermediate container be refilled by direct coupling to a water network. In this way is always enough Water for the supply of the rinsing container in intermediate container available.

According to one another preferred embodiment The invention is the control for the inflow of tap water designed as a float switch. Such float switch are known from a variety of washing containers and have a high level of development. This way will the refilling of the intermediate container with equipped with a high degree of operational safety.

According to one another preferred embodiment In the normal case of the invention, the float switch is the tap water supply mechanically locked. This will prevent that from happening early Water has been discharged from the water network into the intermediate tank without any need becomes. However, the lock is controlled by a servomotor, which is only turned on when both in the rinse tank as well in the intermediate container a need for rinse water occurs.

According to one another preferred embodiment The invention is manual in the central control of the device a tangible. Should therefore be with automatically running control processes once disorders enter, so can These are easily removed by manual intervention. Here are according to a Another preferred embodiment of Invention for displaying the switching positions of the blocking valve LEDs intended.

Further Details of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed Description and attached Drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention, for example is illustrated.

In Drawings show:

1 a schematic representation of a provided with a drain basin and

2 : a schematic representation of a plant for the use of tap water.

A method of using tap water is described by means of an in 2 illustrated service water utilization device 2 explained. With the help of this hot water utilization device 2 Wastewater from a sink 1 a toilet flush 46 fed for reuse. The sink 1 is with a sewer pipe 4 connected. This sewer pipe 4 has a shut-off valve 6 , by means of a servomotor 8th can be opened and closed. In addition, the sewer has 4 an additional connection flange with which a hose 22 connected is. This hose 22 flows into an intermediate container 26 in which water can be cached. Here is the flange for the hose 22 so provided in the hose 22 just because of one in the sewer 4 can build up water pressure. Is therefore the sewer 4 with closed shut-off valve 6 closed, forms in front of the check valve 6 a build-up of pressure over the hose 22 towards the intermediate container 26 is derived.

The control of the servomotor 8th with which the shut-off valve 6 is actuated, with the aid of a temperature sensor 14 in the area of one in the sink 1 incoming water flow is provided. This water flow is controlled by a river watcher 12 detected in the area of a hot water stopcock 10 is provided. In this hot water stopcock 10 the water flow flows from a commercial water heater, which is not shown. This has a heater with which the water heater leaving the water heater is heated, as soon as one at the sink 1 provided hot water tap 58 is opened. After opening the hot water tap 58 the heater, not shown, of the water heater, also not shown, is turned on. This starts the heating of the hot water flow, which, however, reaches a desired temperature only after a certain lead time until the heater, not shown unfolds the heating energy required for heating the hot water flow.

During this time of heating up, the check valve stops 6 closed the drain, so that in the sewer pipe 4 the back pressure can build up over the hose 22 in the cache 26 is derived. Only after the temperature sensor 14 has detected the heating of the water flow and has generated a corresponding signal, with the help of this signal, the servo motor 8th controlled, so that this the sewer line 4 can open from which the water flow can drain off in the direction of a drain, not shown. As a result, the back pressure in the sewer line 4 mined, and thus the hose 22 separated from the other water supply.

With the servomotor 8th , the river watchman 12 and the temperature sensor 14 is not shown by lines a control unit 16 connected, which may for example have a microprocessor, not shown. This control unit 16 is in a waterproof or splash-proof housing 18 accommodated. Supply of the control unit 16 takes place from a power grid, not shown.

In addition, the sink 1 provided with a cold water supply. This can be combined with the hot water supply via a single lever mixing valve 60 Controlling the cold water from a cold water wall stopcock 36 accrues. This is also a pressure line 20 connected via a float switch 32 connected to the cold water supply. This float switch 32 is in the intermediate container 26 arranged and serves, if necessary, the intermediate container 26 to refill, if in a remote exceptional case not enough water but the hose 22 in the intermediate container 26 entry. Through the pressure line 20 becomes the intermediate container 26 filled with cold water when the float switch 32 the access from the pressure line 20 to the intermediate container 26 opened. As a rule, however, the intermediate container 26 over the hose 22 filled, so the float switch 32 for refilling the intermediate container 26 does not have to be in action. During this time is the float switch 32 through a servomotor 34 mechanically blocked. Only when the water level in the intermediate container 26 has largely dropped and a subsequent delivery of water from the hose 22 is not to be expected to a sufficient extent, is the servomotor 34 controlled by lines not shown. The necessary control commands are in the control unit 16 generated, via unillustrated control lines with the servomotor 34 connected is.

In the intermediate container 26 is to determine its level an array of level sensors 28 intended. This measures the respective fill level at three different fill levels, namely a maximum, a medium and a minimum fill level. The level sensors 28 are not shown lines with the control unit 16 connected. Depending on the height of the level sensors 28 measured level is at the lowest level of water in the buffer 26 fed or prevented at the maximum level another feed of water.

Furthermore, in the intermediate container 26 a submersible pump 30 provided by means of a hose 42 with a cistern 46 a toilet 47 connected is. About the hose 42 gets water from the cache 26 in the cistern 46 fed. As a result, the level drops in the buffer 26 , so recently water from the sewer 4 over the hose 22 in the cache 26 is initiated. It is the sewer 4 from the check valve 6 locked. The submersible pump 30 is via lines not shown with the control unit 16 connected. The hose 42 is with a check valve 40 provided to prevent, if necessary, a backflow from the cistern 46 in the cache 26 takes place and in the cistern 46 possibly developing odors in the cache 26 enter. Both the hose 42 as well as the intermediate container 26 can be installed under plaster. However, it is also conceivable to accommodate the intermediate container in a vanity unit. The hose 42 can be installed together with the mentioned control cables in a standard cable channel.

In the cistern 46 can be similar to the cache 26 a three-part level sensor 44 be provided. This is also not shown control lines with the control unit 16 connected. The level sensor 44 signals a maximum, a medium and a minimum level in the cistern 46 , Should be a minimum level from the level sensor 44 be determined is via the control unit 16 the submersible pump 30 controlled, so that water from the cache 26 in the cistern 46 can promote. Should, however, at this time in the cache 26 a minimum level from the level sensor 28 will be reported via the control unit 16 the servomotor 34 in the float switch 32 driven. This raises the blockade of the float switch 32 on, so now on the pressure line 20 directly from the cold water stopcock 36 Water from the water network in the cache 26 and from this about the submersible pump 30 in the cistern 46 is fed.

Finally, above the sink 1 an operating unit 52 arranged, which has a sensor button 48 "On" and a sensor button 50 "Off", by means of which the sewer pipe 4 manually locked or opened, with two LED 54 . 56 show the current state. For this purpose, the operating unit 52 via lines also not shown with the control unit 16 connected.

Flows after opening the hot water tap 58 Water in the sink 1 , so detects the water flow of the flow detector 12 , However, as long as the water does not yet have the temperature suitable for use, the temperature sensor controls 14 the control unit 16 at. This causes the servomotor 8th the check valve 6 closes. By in the sewer pipe 4 resulting back pressure will drain the water from the sewer 4 with the hose 22 pushed out connecting connecting flange and flows through the hose 22 in the intermediate container 26 ,

• – die gewünschte Wassertemperatur von bspw. 22°C wurde erreicht und vom Temperatursensor 14 gemessen,
• – es fließt kein Wasser mehr durch die Warmwasserleitung (Warmwasserhahn wurde geschlossen),
• – der Füllstandsmelder 28 meldet maximalen Füllstand im Zwischenbehälter 26,
• – Sensortaster 50 „Aus" wurde betätigt,
• – es wurde bei manueller Bedienung eine Zeitüberwachung (z.B. 3 Minuten) überschritten, oder
• – es ist ein Störfall eingetreten.

The check valve 6 is only then by the servomotor 8th opened if any of the following conditions exist:

• - The desired water temperature of, for example, 22 ° C was reached and the temperature sensor 14 measured,
• - no more water flows through the hot water pipe (hot water tap has been closed),
• - the level indicator 28 reports maximum level in the intermediate tank 26 .
• - Sensor button 50 "Off" was pressed,
• - It was exceeded during manual operation, a time monitoring (eg 3 minutes), or
• - An accident has occurred.

With closed shut-off valve 6 becomes the intermediate container 26 filled until a maximum level is reached, this by means of the level sensor 28 is detected.

Alternatively, there is the possibility of the check valve 6 by means of the sensor key 48 . 50 to open or close manually, eg with the check valve open 6 little dirty cleaning water over the sink 1 Dispose of in a drain, not shown, or wash your hands with cold water. The current switching states of the LED 54 . 56 displayed. The closed state of the check valve 6 is also monitored over time. After about 3 minutes, the check valve 6 automatically opened when pressing the sensor button 50 "Off" did not happen.

If the level sensor is activated after flushing the toilet 44 detects that no maximum degree of filling in the cistern 46 is present, by means of the submersible pump 30 Water from the intermediate container 26 through the hose 42 in the cistern 46 pumped until the maximum filling level is reached or the intermediate container 26 is empty.

If the intermediate container 26 is empty, happens depending on the level of the cistern 46 following: A half-cistern 44 is completely sufficient for a conditioner. Therefore, as long as no minimum level in the cistern 46 the servo motor is detected 34 not turned on, the idle the arm of the float switch 32 regardless of the level in the intermediate container 26 holding up. After switching on the servomotor 34 makes this a 90 ° turn, thereby releasing the arm so that the float falls down and an inflow of cold water through the pressure line 20 allowed. The servomotor 34 remains switched on until the water level has risen to the middle level. Then the float switch stops 32 the inflow of water. The servomotor 34 is therefore only switched on, if both in the intermediate container 26 as well as in the cistern 46 the minimum level is undershot.

Further, upon reaching the middle level, the servomotor becomes 34 switched off again and his lever arm locks the arm of the float switch 32 , The submersible pump 30 is already running again, as soon as a minimum level in the intermediate container 26 is reached and promotes water in the cistern 46 , until in the intermediate container 26 a medium level is reached, so even before triggering a toilet flush-hot water in the intermediate tank 26 can be collected.

 1

sink

2

Water utilization device

4

sewer

6

check valve

8th

servomotor

10

Warmwasserabsperrhahn

12

flow Switch

 14

temperature sensor

 16

control unit

 18

casing

 20

pressure line

 22

tube

 24

check valve

 26

cache

 28

level sensors

 30

submersible pump

 32

float switch

 34

servomotor

36

Kaltwasserwandabsperrhahn

 38

filter

 40

check valve

 42

tube

 44

level sensors

 46

cistern

 47

Toilet

 48

Sensor button "shut-off valve One"

 50

Sensor button "shut-off valve Out"

 52

operating unit

 54

LED "display" shut-off valve One"

 56

LED "display" shut-off valve Out"

 58

Hot water tap

 60

A mixing faucet

Claims (21)

Method for using tap water whose temperature is increased by a heater switched on after opening a nozzle, characterized in that after opening the hot water tap ( 58 ) the tap water into an intermediate container ( 26 ) is conducted, the temperature of the tap water is measured and upon reaching a desired tap water temperature, an inflow to the intermediate container ( 26 ) and a drain ( 4 ) is opened for the tap water. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the intermediate container ( 26 ) collected tap water is supplied to a consumer. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that in the intermediate container ( 26 ) collected water a rinse tank ( 46 ) is supplied to a water flush. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the water from the intermediate container ( 26 ) in the washing container ( 46 ) is pumped. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the water before entering the intermediate container ( 46 ) is filtered. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the level in the intermediate container ( 26 ) is monitored. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that, when an upper filling level is exceeded, water flowing into the outflow ( 4 ) is initiated. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that when exceeding a predetermined level in the washing container ( 46 ) and with perfect filling of the intermediate container ( 26 ) the water in the drain ( 4 ) is initiated. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that when falling below a lower level in the washing ( 46 ) Water from the intermediate container ( 26 ) in the washing container ( 46 ). Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that when falling below a lower level in the intermediate container ( 26 ) and at the same time emptied rinsing container ( 46 ) Tap water from a water network in the intermediate container ( 26 ) is fed. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized that all Functions of the inflow of tap water are centrally controlled. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that in a central control unit ( 16 ) is manually intervened to control the functions. Device for the use of tap water, the temperature of which is increased by a heater switched on after opening a dispensing valve, characterized in that after opening of the hot water dispensing valve ( 58 ) the tap water into an intermediate container ( 26 ) and that the tap water in its flow is a temperature measuring device ( 14 ), which is electrically connected to a change-over switch, which, when a desired temperature in the flow is exceeded an inflow to Zwischenbe container ( 26 ) and opens a drain for the tap water. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that in the intermediate container ( 26 ) a pump ( 30 ) for conveying the water from the intermediate container ( 26 ) in a washing container ( 46 ) is arranged a toilet flush. Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that in the washing container ( 46 ) a level sensor ( 44 ) for controlling one of the intermediate container in the washing container ( 46 ) entering water flow is provided. Device according to one of the claims 7 to 13, characterized in that in the intermediate container ( 26 ) a level sensor ( 28 ), which is provided with emptied washing container ( 46 ) a control for the inflow of tap water to the intermediate container ( 26 ) is activated. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the control for the inflow of tap water as a float switch ( 32 ) is trained. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the float switch ( 32 ) one of a servomotor ( 34 ) has unlockable float arm. Device according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that a central control unit ( 16 ) is provided for all electrically operable functions. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that in the control of the control unit ( 16 ) is manually engageable. Apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that for displaying the switching positions of the check valve ( 6 ) Light emitting diodes ( 54 . 56 ) are provided.