DE102008040336A1 - Device for disinfecting water and using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for disinfecting water with a UV lamp 50 and at least one vessel through which water can pass, an inlet 32 and an outlet 34 in which a reaction chamber 35 is arranged, wherein the outlet 34 of the vessel 30 has a free outlet forms. The outlet 34 of the vessel 30 is located in the radiation area of the UV lamp 50.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for sterilizing water with a UV lamp and at least one water-permeable, an inlet and outlet vessel, in a reaction chamber is arranged, wherein the outlet of the vessel forms a free outlet. The invention also relates to the use of such a device.

One such free outlet forms a water tapping point or tapping point, where the treated water can be removed by the user.

The known disinfection equipment for the so-called Point-of-use use, d. H. Use at the point of use, are chamber reactors, which are usually made of stainless steel or aluminum. The reactors are often cylindrical and have two connections for the water inlet and for the water outlet on. At the outlet, a line is connected to the tap leads. In the middle of the reactors is a linear low-pressure mercury lamp. This UV lamp must be in regular intervals be replaced to ensure that always the required radiant power is available for effective sterilization.

From the US 4,769,131 a sterilization device is known in which a UV lamp is centrally arranged in a housing, which is surrounded by a tube coil which terminates in corresponding connection fittings in the housing wall. The tube coils form the reaction chamber and are irradiated by the UV lamp. To replace the lamp, a plate at the end of the housing must be removed. The lamp is then pulled out of the inside of the hose coil.

Of the Outlet can be connected directly to a faucet or other suitable Be connected removal means. These downstream components can nachverkeimen. In addition, this sterilizing device a conventional filter cartridge are connected upstream.

The Reaction chamber can also be through grooves in the housing of the degermination device be formed. In this case, the UV lamp is made of a two-piece Surrounded housing shell.

From the US 2004/0182761 A1 is a sterilization device is known, which provides a combination of filter and UV lamp. In a water-bearing housing, inter alia, an annular coal block is arranged, in which the UV lamp is located. To replace the UV lamp, first open the housing and then remove the carbon block from the water in the housing. The water in the coal block runs out of it during removal and contaminates the surroundings of the unit. Several hand movements are required until the UV lamp to be replaced is accessible. In addition, the water-bearing parts of the device in an exchange of the coal basin and / or UV lamp are free and are touched by the user and thus contaminated.

One Another disadvantage is the large footprint of the Device as well as in the space requirement for inputs and Removal of the UV lamp. A terminal installation in known Water-dispensing devices is not useful because the space required at the tap would be very large. This is impractical, unaesthetic and not economical meaningful.

Examples that would be the installation in one in the refrigerator door integrated water dispenser or installation in a water cooler from the dimensions of a tabletop device.

at The devices of this and the previous font is also the chamber internal volume very large. That has the disadvantage that such degerming equipment bad after a device can be operated, which cooled drinking water generated. Because the water in the reaction chamber of the degermination unit is usually located outside the refrigerator and gets warm. In addition, none of the known Devices the possibility of the water in the reaction chamber and / or the lamp via a cooling element, such. B. by to cool a heat sink.

From the EP 1 440 941 B1 a water treatment device for beverage dispenser for dispensing drinking water is known. The device comprises a portion of a water pipe as a reaction chamber, wherein upstream of the outlet of the water pipe, which forms a tapping point for removing the sterilized water, and parallel to the water pipe, a UV lamp is arranged. The tapping point itself is located outside the irradiation range of the UV lamp and is provided with a protective element for protection against contamination by the user.

If necessary, the UV lamp can only be exchanged with relatively great effort. The reaction chamber is obviously fixed and therefore needs to be cleaned from time to time. Explanations to this problem can be found in the EP 1 440 941 B1 certainly not. The performance of this submission is so far poor in relation to their size, because the reaction chamber is only partially felt by the upstream air inlet with water.

It is therefore starting from the EP 1 440 941 B1 Object of the invention to provide a sterilization device, in which a simple way a recontamination of the drinking water behind the reaction area is eliminated by a possibly occurring after- or Rückverkeimung immediately.

These Task is solved with a degermination device that a UV lamp and at least one water-permeable, an inlet and an outlet having vessel with a reaction chamber, wherein the outlet of the reaction chamber forms a free outlet and thus a water tapping point and wherein the outlet of the vessel in the radiation area the UV lamp is located.

There the outlet of the vessel at the same time the The user can treat the treated water directly from the opening in his drinking vessel fill. As the outlet of the vessel and thus the Zapfstelle itself is located in the radiation range of the UV lamp is eliminates any possible re-entrainment immediately. Eventual contamination by the user, eg. B. by touching the spout area, the quality can be of the water.

A Further improvement can be achieved if the outlet of the Vessel opposite an opening a housing in which the vessel is located, is set back.

Preferably points the vessel from the beginning of the reaction chamber to the outlet of the vessel no unirradiated Dead spaces on. The reaction chamber begins in the flow direction behind the inlet of the vessel. The vessel points no fasteners on the dead spaces for could form the water.

A Further improvement is preferably achieved in that the Spout of the vessel, especially with the Water coming inside surface of the spout, one has hydrophobic surface. This measure has the advantage that deposits and also germs adhere worse. This additionally complicates the formation of deposits by which the radiation intensity would be reduced and the biofilm growth. If the spout after the water withdrawal partially empty, no wetting water film remains, in which it can come to the contamination.

Preferably points the vessel in the area of the reaction chamber at least one water-flowable turn on. For example, a plurality of turns may meander be arranged adjacent to the UV lamp. The individual turns can be perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal direction be aligned with the UV lamp.

Preferably becomes the area of the reaction chamber of the vessel formed from a helix, in particular from a spiral helix, which can be designed as a tube or hose coil. The UV lamp is arranged in the central area of the helix. The Wendel has the advantage that the entire water to be treated one as long as possible, defined distance in the irradiation area the UV lamp passes through, whereby by the spiral shape and the associated Dean effect very even Flow conditions and a good circulation be ensured of the water. That contributes optimum performance with minimal reaction chamber volume. The Wall thickness of the helix is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The advantage of this measure is that the UV radiation is minimally attenuated. The flow cross section and the length of the water passage in the reaction chamber are. preferably chosen so that the reactor internal volume less than 120 ml. Particularly advantageously, a reactor internal volume is smaller as 40 ml.

If the sterilization device is operated according to a device, The chilled drinking water produces the amount of water kept low in the reaction chamber, so that the consumer in the first removed glass enough cool water finds.

Preferably the vessel exists at least in the area of the reaction chamber and the effluent of a fluoropolymer, such as. B. PFA (perfluoroalkoxy polymer resin, vinyl ether), MFA (perfluoroalkoxy polymer resin, methyl vinyl ether), FEP (fluorinated ethylene-propylene), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), THV (terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluorides). Preferably, the vessel is at least in the area of the reaction chamber and the outlet of a hydrophobic Material, in particular of a hydrophobic polymer.

The Vessel may according to a particular embodiment consist of a UV-C-resistant injection molded part, the during installation of the sterilization device in a housing or a container can be used.

Preferably, the outlet of the vessel has an outlet piece. The end region of the vessel, in particular in the case of a hose coil, must generally be curved in the direction of the outlet in order to ensure a perfect position of the outlet of the vessel within a housing or a container. The manufacturing process can be associated with a high Level of safety, be simplified by the fact that a prefabricated outlet piece is attached to the outlet. The outlet piece as well as its connection area with the vessel are likewise located in the irradiation area of the UV lamp. The spout is preferably made of the same material as the vessel and is also transparent to UV-C radiation. This effectively prevents bacterial contamination at the connection point between the outlet piece and the vessel.

Preferably is the vessel of a reflective in the UV range Surrounded reflector means. Through the back reflection in the direction the UV lamp, the reaction chamber is again from the UV radiation detected. The efficiency of the water sterilization device is improved or the length can with the same emission performance be shortened.

Preferably the reflector means is a reflective coating on the Outer wall of the vessel. As coating materials in particular metals, such as. As aluminum, chromium, nickel, and Fluoropolymers and materials containing metal oxides and metal salts included, in question.

According to one particular embodiment, the reflector means a be reflective component such. B. a sleeve over the vessel is plugged or a metal grid. The sleeve may be made of metal, in particular made of aluminum. Also, the reflector means a reflective Be plastic film.

The UV lamp and the vessel can be in one be arranged common cartridge, the cartridge preferably at least fasteners for releasably attaching a connection device and connection means for the Supply of electricity and water from a connection device having.

When Fasteners are preferably latching and / or bayonet means provided, which allow a quick replacement of the cartridge.

By the integration of both the vessel with the reaction chamber as well as the UV lamp in a common cartridge becomes a single compact Created component that is independently handled and can be easily exchanged by the user. Damage to the UV lamp when installing and removing is avoided because they are within the cartridge is located and thus not directly for accessible to the user.

The Cartridge is closed except for the inlet and the outlet Container, whereby a further advantage is achieved, the It is that the user with the internal water-bearing Components in particular with those downstream located after the reactor, has no contact, leaving a contamination effectively avoided. Preferably, the UV lamp and the Vessel is arranged captive in the cartridge, so that when removing or installing the cartridge concerned Components can not accidentally fall out of the cartridge. The captive arrangement includes a detachable Arrangement not off.

According to one In another embodiment, the UV lamp and the vessel are insoluble arranged in the cartridge.

The indissoluble attachment in the cartridge means that the User can not remove the lamp from the cartridge, which does not exclude that in the context of recycling a separation of the components possible is.

The Vessel with the reaction chamber and the outlet is replaced together with the lamp, so in regular time intervals, which are preferably at the exchange cycles of Orient UV lamp, also the reaction chamber is renewed. A separate cleaning of the reaction chamber to remove deposits, not necessary. The risk of failure due to deposit formation is avoided.

The Dimensioning of the cartridge is significantly smaller than that of the known Germicidal equipment, so that also a installation, preferably a terminal installation, z. B. in refrigerators with usual dimensions, is possible. That too Inner volume of the reaction chamber is much smaller, so that the Amount of warm water at the beginning of the extraction is low, which in particular in conjunction with refrigerators is beneficial.

Preferably the cartridge has an opening located in the cartridge wall on, in which the outlet of the vessel is located.

Around to completely exclude contamination by the user It is beneficial if the outlet of the vessel set back from the opening of the cartridge is. This measure offers an additional Advantage, because the cartridge wall in the opening area the UV radiation at the exit from the opening prevents.

in the In the case of a cartridge, the reflector means may also have a coating the inner surface of a cartridge wall.

Another embodiment provides that the reflector means is for example a sleeve which is inserted in the cartridge or a metal grid. This sleeve can protrude from the cartridge and can be detected, for example, in a connection device into which the cartridge is inserted, and used as a thermal bridge. For example, if the reflector means is connected to a cooled area or a lower temperature area or a cooling element, as is possible in a refrigerator among other things, cooling inside the cartridge and thus also cooling of the water and / or the UV radiation may occur. Lamp can be brought about in a simple manner.

These Thermal bridge can also be made by a thermally conductive Element can be realized, which preferably led out of the cartridge is. This may for example be a heat pipe, such as. B. a heat pipe. The thermally conductive element may be in the range the connecting means of the cartridge protrude from this. The thermally conductive Element can, for example, on the vessel wall or on the reflective component, in particular on the sleeve, be arranged.

The Fasteners and the connection means can on a End of the cartridge or according to another embodiment be provided on a side wall of the cartridge.

Of the Outlet may be on a bottom wall of the cartridge or on a side wall be provided the cartridge.

The Arrangement of the connection means, the fastening means and optionally the heat-conducting element and the outlet depends according to the installation position of the cartridge. The cartridge can be horizontal or inserted vertically in a corresponding connection device be.

The UV lamp preferably has a lamp cap, which the connection means for the supply of electricity. Other connection means for the supply of electricity are then not required because the already existing lamp socket can be used. The Cartridge can be further simplified.

The Control electronics can be located outside the cartridge. When installing the degermination device in a refrigerator, can the control electronics in the control electronics of the refrigerator be integrated.

Further Ways to accommodate the control electronics are the connection device or the lamp base of the UV lamp. at Housing in the lamp base, the control electronics can individually turn on the lamp type and thus can under Circumstances also different UV lamps in the existing Connection device to be installed or plugged.

A preferred use of the water sanitizer is in refrigerators, especially refrigerators, provided. For this includes use in beverage dispensers, Coolers and chillers.

exemplary Embodiments of the invention are described below explained in more detail in the drawings. Show it:

1 a perspective view of a cartridge with associated connection device,

2 another embodiment of a cartridge,

3 another embodiment of a cartridge,

4 . 5 perspective, enlarged views of the vessel with outlet and

6 a perspective view of a connection device.

In the 1 is shown a device for sterilizing water, which is a cartridge 10 in which the vessel 30 in the form of a helical coil 36 is arranged. The as helical coil 36 executed section includes the reaction chamber 35 , which is flowed through by the water to be treated.

The cartouche 10 has a cylindrical side wall 12 , at the top end 16 a flange with fasteners 20 is provided, which may for example be designed as a bayonet or Rastelelemente. Details of the fasteners 20 are in 1 not shown.

At the upper end 16 is also the inlet 32 of the vessel 30 , At the bottom 18 the cartouche 10 is the bottom wall 27 Conically shaped and forms a discharge section 28a with an opening 26 , In this opening 26 is reset the outlet 34 of the vessel 30 arranged, thereby avoiding the user's direct contact with the outlet 34 can produce. The outlet 34 with the opening 26 the cartouche 10 together forms a tapping point or water tapping point. This is done by the under the opening 26 indicated drops indicated.

In the central area of the helix 36 is the UV lamp 50 that radiate their UV output radially There and thus in the spiral 36 flowing water is irradiated. The turns 37 the helix 36 surround the lamp 50 almost complete, so most of the UV output of the UV lamp 50 in the reaction chamber 35 penetrates. The lamp 50 and the outlet 34 are arranged such that the outlet 34 is in the irradiation area of the UV lamp. The UV lamp shines in the lower area 50 not only radially but in all directions, leaving the outlet 34 is detected. The tapered outlet section 28a has the advantage that the UV radiation detecting the outlet is largely in the cartridge 10 is retained and only a small portion through the opening 26 can escape. The emerging UV radiation is reduced substantially to the radiation component located in the outgoing water jet.

The side wall 12 and the spout section 28a are with a in the UV-C range, in particular for the sterilization relevant radiation range of the lamp reflective coating 40 Mistake. When using low-pressure mercury lamps, this affects the radiation at 254 nm.

At the upper end has the UV lamp 50 the lamp base 52 with the connection means 24 for electricity. Separate connection means shows the cartridge 10 not on this, because the existing connection means of the lamp base 52 be used. In the lamp base 52 is also the control electronics 54 the lamp 50 arranged. Details regarding the attachment of helix 36 and UV lamp 50 inside the cartridge 10 have been omitted for clarity. Both components are preferably held by means of precisely fitting injection-molded parts.

Above the cartridge 10 there is a suitable connection device 1 with housing 2 into the cartouche 10 is inserted. For this purpose, the connection device 1 also appropriate fasteners 3 which may comprise, for example, the second part of a bayonet catch or a latching device.

Furthermore, the connection device contains 1 a water connection 4 and a power connection 5 that with the appropriate connection means 22 and 24 the cartouche 10 interact when the cartridge 10 in the connection device 1 inserted and / or screwed. The connection device is supplied 1 over the water hose 6 and the power cable 7 , The connection device 1 For example, in a beverage dispenser with cooling device such. As a refrigerator or cooler, be mounted.

In the 2 is another embodiment of the cartridge 10 shown. Also in this embodiment, a vertical installation is provided. The cartouche 10 is at the top and bottom 16 . 18 each completed with a wall and also has a cylindrical side wall 12 on. The arrangement of the vessel 30 with the reaction chamber 35 and the UV lamp 50 with lamp base 52 corresponds to the arrangement according to the 1 , Inside the cartouche 50 between vessel 30 and sidewall 12 is a component that reflects in the UV range 41 in the form of a sleeve 42 arranged the coil 36 encloses. In the lower area is a thermally conductive element 44 arranged in the form of a guided through the cartridge wall to the outside pin.

The of the UV lamp 50 emitted UV radiation penetrates the coil 36 with the turns 37 and will be on the reflective sleeve 42 reflected back inside, so that the reflected UV radiation again the reaction chamber 30 penetrates.

In contrast to the sterilization device according to 1 is the inlet 32 provided in the lower region and the flow direction of the water to be sterilized is from bottom to top. Because of this, these are the fasteners 20 as well as the connection means 22 and 24 at the bottom of the cartridge wall 12 arranged laterally. There is also the heat-conducting element 44 intended. The fasteners 20 , which are not shown in detail, allow a horizontal insertion of the filter cartridge 10 , The lamp 50 is also from below in the interior of the helix 36 plugged in.

At the upper end 16 the cartouche 10 is the side of the cartridge wall 12 a spout section 28b formed in which a horizontally arranged connecting portion 39 of the vessel 30 is arranged, at the end of which the outlet 34 located. The outlet section 28b has an opening 26 , opposite to the outlet 34 is set back.

The outlet section 28b is with a reflective component 41 lined in the form of a coated film to remove the UV radiation from the lamp to the outlet 34 respectively.

In the 3 is another embodiment of a cartridge 10 shown, which is installed horizontally. In contrast to 1 is a spout section 28c on the side of the cartridge wall 12 formed. Within this outlet section is the outlet 34 the reaction chamber 30 ,

In the 4 is the vessel 30 with the reaction chamber 35 shown enlarged. The end of the last turn 37 is curved approximately tangentially, so that is a down-facing outlet 34 is formed. In the spout 34 is a spout 38 used, which also consists of UV-C-transparent material, such as the vessel 30 , The arrows indicate that this is from the center of the helix 36 located UV lamp 50 UV light emitted the outlet 34 and also the outlet piece 38 irradiated.

The outlet piece 38 is conical and can be at the bottom of a lip closure 60 have, which opens automatically when the water jet emerges. The conical design in conjunction with the lip closure 60 has the advantage of having UV radiation within the coils 37 to the outlet 34 is guided, held back and thus can not get outside.

In the 5 a further embodiment is shown, which is only in the outlet piece 38 from the design of the 4 different. The outlet piece 38 is on the outlet 34 of the vessel 30 postponed.

In the 6 is another embodiment of a connection device 1 for horizontal installation of a cartridge 10 shown in perspective. The connection device 1 has a cylindrical housing 2 on, in the front area in a trough-shaped section 2a passes. On the inner wall of the trough-shaped section 2a there is a fastener 3 which cooperates with a corresponding fastening means on the cartridge and the cartridge in the trough-shaped section 2a holds. At the rear wall of the housing 2 are the water connection 4 and the power connection 5 intended.

1

connecting device

2

casing

2a

trough-shaped section

3

fastener

4

mains water supply

5

power connection

6

water hose

7

power cable

10

cartridge

12

Side wall

16

upper The End

18

lower The End

20

fastener

22

connection means (Water)

24

connection means (Electricity)

26

opening

27

bottom wall

28a, b, c

exit section

30

vessel

32

inlet

34

outlet

35

reaction chamber

36

spiral

37

convolution

38

run-out piece

39

connecting portion

40

reflective coating

41

reflective component

42

shell

44

thermally conductive element

50

UV lamp

52

lamp base

54

control electronics

60

lip closure

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 4769131 [0004]
• US 2004/0182761 A1 [0007]
• - EP 1440941 B1 [0011, 0012, 0013]

Claims (31)

Device for disinfecting water with a UV lamp ( 50 ) and at least one, permeable by water, an inlet ( 32 ) and an outlet ( 34 ) having vessel ( 30 ), in which a reaction chamber ( 35 ), the outlet ( 34 ) of the vessel ( 30 ) forms a free outlet, characterized in that the outlet ( 34 ) of the vessel ( 30 ) in the radiation range of the UV lamp ( 50 ) is located. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the vessel ( 30 ) from the beginning of the reaction chamber ( 35 ) to the outlet ( 34 ) of the vessel has no unirradiated dead spaces. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outlet ( 34 ) of the vessel ( 30 ) has a hydrophobic surface. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the vessel in the region of the reaction chamber ( 30 ) at least one water-flowable turn ( 37 ) having. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the vessel ( 30 ) at least in the region of the reaction chamber ( 35 ) and the outlet ( 34 ) consists of a fluoropolymer. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the vessel ( 30 ) at least in the region of the reaction chamber ( 35 ) and the outlet ( 34 ) consists of a hydrophobic material. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the vessel ( 30 ) an injection molded part ( 31 ). Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the outlet ( 34 ) of the vessel ( 30 ) an outlet piece ( 38 ) having. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the vessel ( 30 ) is surrounded by a reflective in the UV region reflector means. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the reflector means a reflective coating ( 40 ) on the outer wall of the vessel ( 30 ). Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the reflector means a reflective component ( 41 ). Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the component ( 41 ) a sleeve ( 42 ). Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the sleeve ( 42 ) consists of metal. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the sleeve ( 42 ) consists of aluminum. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that that the component is a coated plastic film. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the UV lamp ( 50 ) and the vessel ( 30 ) in a common cartridge ( 10 ) are arranged. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the cartridge ( 10 ) Fastening means ( 20 ) for releasable attachment to a connection device ( 1 ) and connection means ( 22 . 24 ) for the supply of electricity and water from a connection device ( 1 ) having. Device according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the UV lamp ( 50 ) and the vessel ( 30 ) captive in the cartridge ( 10 ) are arranged. Device according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the UV lamp ( 50 ) and the vessel ( 30 ) insoluble in the cartridge ( 10 ) are arranged. Device according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the cartridge ( 10 ) in a cartridge wall ( 12 . 27 ) an opening ( 26 ), in which the outlet ( 34 ) of the vessel ( 30 ) is located. Device according to one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the outlet ( 34 ) of the vessel ( 30 ) opposite the opening ( 26 ) of the cartridge ( 10 ) is set back. Device according to one of Claims 16 to 21, characterized in that the reflector means comprise a reflective coating ( 40 ) of the inner surface of the cartridge wall ( 12 ). Device according to one of claims 10 or 15 to 21, characterized in that a heat-conducting element ( 44 ) provided from the cartridge ( 10 ) is led out. Device according to one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the attachment medium ( 20 ) and the connection means ( 22 . 24 ) at one end ( 16 . 18 ) of the cartridge ( 10 ) are arranged. Device according to one of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that the fastening means ( 20 ) and the connection means ( 22 . 24 ) on a side wall ( 12 ) of the cartridge ( 10 ) are provided. Device according to one of claims 16 to 25, characterized in that the outlet ( 34 ) on a bottom wall ( 27 ) of the cartridge ( 10 ) is arranged. Device according to one of claims 16 to 25, characterized in that the outlet ( 34 ) on a side wall ( 12 ) of the cartridge ( 10 ) is provided. Device according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the UV lamp ( 50 ) a lamp base ( 52 ) having the connection means ( 24 ) for the supply of electricity. Apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that the lamp base ( 52 ) an electronic control system ( 54 ) of the UV lamp ( 50 ) contains. Use of a water sterilization device according to claim 1 in a refrigerator. Use of a water sterilization device according to claim 1 in a refrigerator.