DE102006048113B4 - Method and device for using tap water - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for using tap water, the temperature of which is increased by a heater switched on after opening a hot water tap valve (58), characterized in that after opening the hot water tap valve (58) the tap water flowing out of the tap valve (58) is led into an intermediate container (26), the temperature of the tap water is measured and, when a desired tap water temperature is reached, an inflow to the intermediate container (26) is closed and a sewage pipe (4) is opened for the tap water flowing off.

Description

The invention relates to a method for the use of tap water, the temperature of which is increased by a switched on after opening a dispensing valve heater.

In addition, the invention relates to a device for the use of tap water, the temperature of which is increased by a switched on after opening a dispensing valve heater.

In view of the ever-increasing demand for water supply in terms of the quantity and quality of the water to be consumed, and the development of new water sources behind this demand, water prices are constantly rising. The call to open up new water sources is becoming ever more urgent. In doing so, the utilization of already tapped water by means of multiple uses becomes more and more evident in the field of view.

From the DE 42 39 137 A1 is an energy and water-saving shower device known that can be operated in two phases, the so-called cleaning and Abspülphase. The phases can be selected via an operating arm. In the rinsing phase, purified water circulates constantly, while in the cleaning phase, the water is fed to a drain.

In the DE 42 00 895 A1 a device is described in the process water of a washing machine is collected in a buffer to supply it to a toilet flush.

From the DE 36 29 532 A1 a device is known which is intended to prevent stagnant water in a shower duct to prevent Legionella multiplication. For a drain valve is provided.

In the DE 34 36 941 A1 a shower device is disclosed in which via a regulating valve, the strength and intensity of the incoming water is adjustable. In a shower tray collected water is fed to a container, from where it in turn via a filter pump in the circuit is inserted.

When recycling already used water, considerable problems arise. These are triggered by the fact that significant conversion measures must be made especially in the bathrooms. In this case, a variety of new pipes and pipes must be laid so that a costly installation effort must be operated. In many cases, extensive renovation work must be carried out on a house.

Object of the present invention is therefore to take water-saving measures, without the need expensive installation work must be carried out.

This object is achieved in terms of the method in that after opening the dispensing nozzle, the outflowing tap water is passed into an intermediate container, the temperature of the tap water is measured in the flow and closed on reaching a desired tap water temperature, an inflow to the intermediate container and opened a drain line for the effluent tap water becomes.

In this process, only pure drinking water is temporarily stored in the intermediate container. This water has been carelessly introduced into a drain, and that until such time as after the opening of a hot water valve the water flowing out of the faucet had reached a temperature that is desired by the user. As a result, high quality drinking water is wasted. The collection of this water in the intermediate container, this pure drinking water purposes can be used for the usually fresh water would have to be tapped. The storage in the intermediate container can be carried out easily, since the stored water has pure drinking water quality and therefore produces no odor nuisance.

The process is largely automatic. The users of the cached water can quickly adapt to the process steps with their washing and bathing habits. The savings of valuable drinking water lead to a quick amortization of necessary plant components.

With regard to the device, the object is achieved in that after opening the dispensing valve, the tap water can be introduced into an intermediate container, and that the tap water has in its flow a temperature measuring device which is electrically connected to a switch, which is at a desired temperature in the flow Closes inflow to the intermediate container and opens a drain pipe for the wastewater. This device favors their installation in terms of their functional design and ease of use. Therefore, many water users will take advantage of this device and thus reduce the consumption of drinking water. The device makes no great demands on its user, who knows the possibility to save water with the help of the device.

With such a device, the use of tap water designed particularly cost, since used in the device components which can be purchased as standard and mounted in an easy way. The resulting device changes the appearance of the bathroom only insignificantly, since they can be installed in a small space and can be accommodated conveniently in existing facilities of the bathroom, for example, in a provided below a sink bathroom cabinet. Since this is arranged below the washbasin, an intermediate container provided in this can be filled by the expiring due to its gravity water.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the water collected in the intermediate container is fed to a rinsing container of a water rinse. This washing is operated in the usual way without the user's attention to the origin of the rinse water. The intermediate container is dimensioned large enough so that enough water is available for flushing a toilet for regular use.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the level is monitored in the intermediate container. In this way it is achieved 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 a further preferred embodiment of the invention tap water is fed from a water network in the intermediate container falls below a lower level in the intermediate container and at the same time emptying of the washing. From this, the fed tap water enters the washing container, so that it is never found without rinsing water.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, all functions of the inflow of tap water are centrally controlled. For this purpose, a relatively small control device is already sufficient, which is installed inside the bath room and is usually controlled fully automatically. Only in the event of a failure of the controller does an operator-controllable controller intervene in the event of an emergency. This can intervene with the help of the central control in the course of the entire process and in this way, even in case of a disturbance occur ensure a smooth flow of a rinse.

With regard to the device, a pump for conveying the water is arranged between the intermediate container and the washing container. This pump is designed as an underwater pump, so that it can be accommodated within the intermediate container and thus requires no additional need for installation space. These pumps are very robust and perform their services without any major disturbances.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a level sensor for controlling a water drainage from the intermediate container is provided in the washing. Accordingly, if the water level drops below a certain mark in the rinsing container, this causes the underwater pump to be activated so that it can pump water from the intermediate container into the rinsing container.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, level sensors are provided in the intermediate container, which activate a control for the inflow of tap water to the intermediate container with emptied rinsing container. If in a remote case not enough tap water has flowed into the intermediate container before the switching of the water flow takes place, then in an emergency and the intermediate container can be refilled by direct coupling to a water network. In this way, there is always enough water to supply the rinsing container in the intermediate container.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the control for the inflow of tap water is designed as a float switch. Such float switches are known from a variety of washing containers and have a high level of development. In this way, the refilling of the intermediate container is equipped with a high level of operational safety.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the float switch is normally mechanically locked to the tap water supply. In this way it is prevented that water is introduced from the water network in the intermediate container early without any need occurred. However, the lock is controlled by a servomotor that is only turned on when there is a need for flushing water in both the purge bin and the tundish.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, manual intervention is possible in the central control of the device. Should therefore at automatically run control events once malfunctions occur, they can be easily removed by manual intervention. In this case, light-emitting diodes are provided according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention for displaying the switching positions of the check valve.

Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, for example.

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 wash basin 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, there is not enough water over 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. Here 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 pool 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 also not shown lines 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,
• - Manual operation has exceeded a time limit (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 manually open or close, for. B. with open check valve 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 full 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 flushing-hot water in the intermediate tank 26 can be collected.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

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 on"

50

Sensor pushbutton "shutoff valve off"

52

operating unit

54

LED indication "shut-off valve on"

56

LED "display" shut-off valve off "

58

Hot water tap

60

A mixing faucet

Claims (21)

Method of using tap water whose temperature is different from that after opening a hot water tap ( 58 ) is increased heating, characterized in that after opening of the hot water tap ( 58 ) that the water tap valve ( 58 ) draining 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 sewer ( 4 ) is opened for the outgoing 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. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that when exceeding an upper level of water flowing in 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 in that all functions of the inflow of tap water into the intermediate container ( 26 ) are centrally controlled. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that in a central control unit ( 16 ) is manually intervened to control the functions. Apparatus for the use of tap water, the temperature of which is increased by a heater switched on after opening a dispensing valve, for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 12, 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 with a check valve ( 6 ) is electrically connected, the flow at a desired temperature in the flow an inflow to the intermediate container ( 26 ) and opens a drain line for the wastewater. 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 claims 13 to 15, 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 lockable / 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.

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