CARTRIDGE, IN PARTICULAR SANITIZING CARTRIDGE, AND SYSTEM FOR SANITIZING A DRINKING-WATER DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR SANITIZING SAID DEVICE

Abstract

A system for sanitizing a drinking water-carrying device includes a filter candle that can be installed in a filter head. The filter head has one inlet and one outlet, and the system includes a sanitizing cartridge which can replace the filter candle. The sanitizing cartridge includes a sanitizing agent that can be flushed into the drinking water-carrying device via the filter head.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A system for sanitizing a drinking water-carrying device, comprising: a filter head having one inlet and one outlet; a filter candle that can be installed in the filter head; and a sanitizing cartridge that can replace the filter candle, wherein the sanitizing cartridge includes a sanitizing agent which can be flushed into the drinking water-carrying device via the filter head.

22. The system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the sanitizing cartridge comprises an adapter that can be installed in the filter head, the adapter being adapted for inserting the sanitizing agent insert therein.

23. The system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the sanitizing agent is a solid in form of at least one tablet.

24. A sanitizing cartridge, adapted for the system as claimed in claim 21.

25. The sanitizing cartridge in particular as claimed in claim 24, comprising an adapter that can be installed in the filter head, with an insert installed in the adapter for dispensing the sanitizing agent into the drinking water.

26. The sanitizing cartridge as claimed in claim 25, wherein the insert is latched in the adapter.

27. The sanitizing cartridge as claimed in claim 25, wherein the insert is a conduit coaxial with a central axis.

28. The sanitizing cartridge as claimed in claim 27, comprising an annular passage defined by the insert and an opposite wall of the adapter.

29. The sanitizing cartridge as claimed in claim 24, wherein the sanitizing agent is arranged in a chamber through which water can flow and which is closed by a screen at least on an outlet side thereof.

30. The sanitizing cartridge as claimed in claim 24, wherein the sanitizing cartridge comprises a flow restrictor.

31. The sanitizing cartridge as claimed in claim 25, wherein the insert has at least two fins which extend radially outwards and engage in corresponding grooves of the adapter.

32. The sanitizing cartridge as claimed in claim 31, wherein at least part of the fins have a locking lug which is latched in the adapter.

33. An insert, adapted for the sanitizing cartridge as claimed in claim 24.

34. An adapter, designed for the sanitizing cartridge as claimed in claim 24.

35. The adapter as claimed in claim 34, wherein the adapter is adapted for being connected to a filter head, and wherein an insert can be inserted into the adapter, which includes a sanitizing agent for water treatment.

36. The adapter as claimed in claim 35, wherein the adapter is configured such that the insert can be latched in the adapter.

37. An assembly comprising the adapter as claimed in claim 35 and an insert inserted in the adapter.

38. A method for sanitizing a drinking water dispenser, comprising: replacing a filter candle that is installed in a filter head which is connected to a feed conduit by a sanitizing cartridge; feeding a sanitizing agent into the drinking water dispenser by way of the sanitizing cartridge.

39. The method as in claim 38, further comprising: emptying a carbonator and/or a conduit of the drinking water dispenser by introducing a carbon dioxide before feeding the sanitizing agent.

40. The method as claimed in claim 39, wherein the sanitizing agent is a tablet which dissolves when water flows by.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] The subject-matter of the invention will be explained in more detail below by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings of FIGS. 1 through 9.

[0085] FIGS. 1a and 1b show an exemplary embodiment of a system for sanitizing a drinking water-carrying device.

[0086] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the filter head with a filter candle installed.

[0087] FIG. 1b shows a perspective view of the filter candle and of the sanitizing cartridge that can be installed in the filter head as an alternative.

[0088] FIG. 2 is a side view of the sanitizing cartridge and the sanitizing agent insert which can be inserted into the adapter of the sanitizing cartridge.

[0089] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the sanitizing agent insert.

[0090] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line A-A as indicated in FIG. 3.

[0091] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sanitizing cartridge.

[0092] FIG. 6 is an axial sectional view of the sanitizing cartridge.

[0093] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a detail in the vicinity of a fin with a locking lug by way of which the sanitizing agent insert is latched.

[0094] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the system is used for sanitizing a drinking water-carrying device.

[0095] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the method steps for sanitizing a drinking water-carrying device according to one exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] FIGS. 1a and 1b show the components of a system 1 for sanitizing a drinking water-carrying device.

[0097] FIG. 1a is a perspective view showing a filter candle 2 installed in a filter head 3.

[0098] The filter head 3 has an inlet (not visible in this view) and an outlet 5 via which the filter head is connected into a pressurized pipe (not shown).

[0099] The water flows through the filter candle 2 which contains water treatment components, in particular an ion exchange material and activated carbon, and is conveyed towards the drinking water-carrying device via outlet 5.

[0100] In this exemplary embodiment, the filter head 3 is attached to a wall mount 4.

[0101] Furthermore, the filter head 3 comprises a control element 6 which can be used to set a flow ratio of softened and non-softened or less softened water. In this way, the desired degree of softening can be adjusted and the system can in particular be adapted to the degree of hardness of the drinking water available on site.

[0102] As can be seen in FIG. 1B illustrating the detached filter candle 2, the head of filter candle 2 has a thread 7 which serves to connect the filter candle 2 to a corresponding thread of the filter head 3.

[0103] The head of filter candle 2 furthermore comprises a water inlet and a water outlet, via which water is introduced into the filter cartridge 2, for example via a downcomer, and which is discharged again, for example via an annular passage surrounding the downcomer, in order to then be supplied to the drinking water-carrying device via outlet 5 of the filter head 3.

[0104] A sanitizing cartridge 10 can be connected to the filter head 3 instead of the filter candle 2.

[0105] The cartridge described below can also be used for other purposes than for the purpose of sanitizing. Instead of a sanitizing cartridge containing a sanitizing agent, it may also be a different cartridge, with the difference of not containing an sanitizing agent. For the sake of simplicity, the cartridge will be referred to as a sanitizing cartridge 10 below.

[0106] The configuration of the connection, or port, of the sanitizing cartridge 10 corresponds to the connection of the filter candle 2. When being installed or removed, the sanitizing cartridge will likewise cause a valve integrated in the filter head 3 to open or close, respectively, which ensures that when the filter candle 20 or the sanitizing cartridge 10 is screwed in/out, the water flow is stopped so that no unintentional water leakage can occur.

[0107] In this exemplary embodiment, the sanitizing cartridge 10 consists of the adapter 200 into which a sanitizing agent insert 100 is inserted.

[0108] The sanitizing agent insert 100 contains the sanitizing agent in the form of at least one tablet.

[0109] The sanitizing agent insert 100 is slidingly introduced into the adapter 200 coaxially.

[0110] To this end, the sanitizing adapter 100 has a plurality of fins 101 that extend radially outwards for guiding it when being inserted.

[0111] The reusable adapter 200 has a thread 201 corresponding to that of the filter candle 2.

[0112] Since the sanitizing cartridge 10 only needs to contain sanitizing agent for a single sanitizing process, significantly less volume is required for this purpose, so that the sanitizing cartridge 10 has an overall shorter length than the filter candle 2 in this exemplary embodiment.

[0113] Once the adapter 200 has been coupled with the sanitizing agent insert 100, the sanitizing cartridge 10 can be screwed into the filter head 3 using a rotary handle 202 with a profile for a better grip.

[0114] FIG. 2 is a side view of the sanitizing cartridge 10 with the sanitizing agent insert 100 removed.

[0115] Sanitizing agent insert 100 and adapter 200 are coaxial to their central axis m.

[0116] Central axis m is coaxial to the thread 201 and to a central axis of the connection 105 which serves as an inlet in this exemplary embodiment.

[0117] The sanitizing agent insert 100 is tubular and is inserted into a receptacle 203 of the adapter 200 in the axial direction.

[0118] In this exemplary embodiment, receptacle 203 protrudes beyond the thread 201 and has a smaller diameter than thread 201.

[0119] FIG. 3 shows the sanitizing agent insert 100 in a top plan view.

[0120] In this top plan view, the sanitizing agent insert 100 is ring-shaped and has a coaxial passage (106, see FIG. 4) which is closed from above by a screen disk 103.

[0121] This allows water to flow through the sanitizing agent insert 100.

[0122] In this exemplary embodiment, the screen disk 103 has a plurality of openings 104, each one closed by a screen.

[0123] Screen disk 103 can serve as a flow limiter which provides for a predefined volume flow in order to gradually but completely dissolve the sanitizing agent while the system is flushed with the sanitizing agent.

[0124] Alternatively, a predefined volume flow can be implemented on the system side, or by a flow limiter integrated in the sanitizing agent insert 100 and/or in the adapter 200.

[0125] Furthermore, the sanitizing agent insert 100 has four radially extending fins 101 distributed around its perimeter.

[0126] Two opposing fins 101 have a locking lug 102 which is effective for latching the sanitizing agent insert 100 in the adapter.

[0127] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view taken along line A-A indicated in FIG. 3.

[0128] Starting from a conical connection 105 which serves as the inlet of the sanitizing cartridge, the sanitizing agent insert 100 has a passage 106 leading to a chamber 107.

[0129] Chamber 107 is closed at the top by screen disk 103 and at the bottom by screen disk 108, so that the sanitizing tablet 109 does not fall out.

[0130] In this way, the chamber 107 can be flowed through and the sanitizing tablet 109 will dissolve in the process.

[0131] Optionally, the screen disk 108 may be designed to be removable without using tools.

[0132] Thus, it is conceivable to refill the chamber 107 with a tablet in order to reuse the sanitizing agent insert 100.

[0133] According to another embodiment, however, the screen disk 108 cannot be removed by the user when used as intended. This prevents the user from coming into contact with the sanitizing agent.

[0134] However, what has to be replaced for a sanitizing procedure is only the sanitizing agent insert 100 which can be provided in the form of an inexpensive injection molded plastic part and which in particular does not have to include the complex thread for being connected to the filter head.

[0135] The sectional view also shows that two opposite fins 101 have a locking lug 102 in an upper portion, which together with the fin 101 form a T-shape and which are used to latch the sanitizing agent insert 100 in place.

[0136] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sanitizing cartridge, in particular showing the connection, i.e. port, of sanitizing cartridge 10.

[0137] The coaxial passage 106 of connection 105 serves as an inlet (an inverted configuration is also conceivable). The further connection, in particular the outflow or outlet port, is in the form of an annular passage 8.

[0138] Annular passage 8 is defined by the tubular configuration of the sanitizing agent insert comprising the passage 106 which faces the wall of port 204.

[0139] FIG. 6 shows an axial sectional view of the sanitizing cartridge 10 with the sanitizing agent insert 100 installed.

[0140] The sanitizing agent insert 100 is slidingly introduced into the receptacle 203, with the fins 101 serving as a guide.

[0141] In the connected state, water flows from the filter head through passage 106, then through chamber 107 which contains the sanitizing tablet, and leaves the chamber 107 through the lower screen disk 108.

[0142] At the bottom, the sanitizing agent insert 100 sits on at least one strut 205 (or two struts arranged in the shape of a cross), so that the water can flow out at the bottom.

[0143] The direction of the water now mixed with the sanitizing agent then reverses and the water flows via the annular passage 8 which surrounds the sanitizing agent insert 100, to the port 204 or outlet.

[0144] It will be appreciated that the water flows past the fins 101 which extend radially through the annular passage 8.

[0145] FIG. 7 is a perspective detail view of a locking lug 102 connected to fin 101.

[0146] The locking lug is first guided by the corresponding guide 206 in the adapter wall for then becoming latched below an edge.

[0147] However, the guide lug 102 and the edge are designed such that the sanitizing agent insert can also be removed again without tools.

[0148] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall system which can be used for sanitizing a drinking water-carrying device 20, in this exemplary embodiment in the form of a water dispenser.

[0149] The system comprises the filter head 3 in which a filter candle 2 or the sanitizing cartridge 10 as described above can be used as alternatives.

[0150] In this exemplary embodiment, the filter head together with the filter candle 2 or with the sanitizing cartridge 10 is arranged outside of the device 20. Installation thereof inside the device 20 is likewise conceivable.

[0151] The device in the form of a water dispenser is connected to a tap 12 where water can be extracted, in this exemplary embodiment three types of water.

[0152] The type of water to be extracted can be set on the tap which can be connected to valve 11 in the form of a switching valve, for example.

[0153] For this purpose, the valve has three inlets 16a to 16c.

[0154] Chilled but non-carbonated water is applied at inlet 16a.

[0155] Chilled carbonated water is applied at inlet 16b.

[0156] Non-chilled water as extracted from the water-carrying pipe directly downstream of filter candle 2 is applied at inlet 16c.

[0157] The drinking water-carrying device 20 comprises a cooling system 15 through which chilled water can be directed to inlet 16a.

[0158] Device 20 furthermore optionally comprises a pump 14 which is operable to press water through the cooling coils of the cooling system 15 and into the carbonator tank 9. Because of the CO.sub.2 held in the carbonator tank 9, the pressure in the tank may be greater than the pipe pressure applied.

[0159] Moreover, with increasing pressure in the carbonator tank 9, more CO.sub.2 will go into solution.

[0160] The chilled water is fed to the carbonator tank 9 which in turn is connected to the CO.sub.2 tank 17 to carbonate the water.

[0161] Thus, chilled carbonated water from the carbonator tank 9 can be supplied to inlet 16b of valve 11.

[0162] It goes without saying that the tap 12 will be located above a drain 13 through which the sanitizing liquid discharged during a sanitizing process can flow into the sewage system.

[0163] As illustrated by the flow chart according to FIG. 9, for sanitizing the entire system including the machine 20, the filter candle is first replaced by a sanitizing cartridge.

[0164] Then, a sanitizing program can be started on the device, in particular on the water dispenser.

[0165] First, it is checked whether there is still enough carbon dioxide left in the CO.sub.2 tank to complete the sanitizing program. For this purpose, the device may comprise a computing device, for example, which calculates the fill level of the CO.sub.2 tank since it has been replaced.

[0166] In the case of a positive result, the carbonator tank including the conduit leading to inlet 16b is flooded with carbon dioxide.

[0167] During this process, pump 14 is disabled.

[0168] Subsequently, the system is flooded with sanitizing liquid by simultaneously and/or sequentially opening the valve 11 at all inlets 16a to 16c until the sanitizing liquid reaches the outlet. In this case, preferably all conduits downstream of the filter head 3 are flooded with sanitizing liquid, i.e. for example also the conduit which leads to inlet 16c.

[0169] The water flowing through the sanitizing cartridge 10 causes the at least one tablet contained therein to slowly dissolve so that the entire system downstream of filter head 3 will then be flooded with sanitizing liquid.

[0170] The sanitizing liquid is then left to take effect, for example for a duration of 5 to 60 minutes.

[0171] Subsequently, for example after a respective system indicator lit up or after an acoustic signal, the sanitizing cartridge is replaced by a new filter candle 2.

[0172] By opening the valve 11 without feeding water into the carbonator tank, the carbonator tank and the conduit leading to inlet 16b are again emptied by introducing carbon dioxide.

[0173] Thereafter, first the filter candle is flushed and the carbonator tank as well as all the conduits leading to ports 16a to 16c are flooded with water by opening valve 11 at all inlets 16a to 16c and turning on pump 14.

[0174] In order to really completely flush the sanitizing agent out of the system, the carbonator tank 9 together with the conduit leading to inlet 16b is then emptied again using carbon dioxide, in order to then flood all the conduits again with filtered water.

[0175] The sanitizing process will then have been completed and the drinking water dispenser is ready for further use.

[0176] A signaling means provided on the tap, such as an LED, for example, can signal that the device 20 is ready for operation again, meaning that the sanitizing process has been concluded.

[0177] The invention allowed to provide for simple, safe, and convenient sanitizing of a drinking water-carrying device.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0178] 1 System for sanitizing a drinking water-carrying device

[0179] 2 Filter candle

[0180] 3 Filter head

[0181] 4 Wall mount

[0182] 5 Outlet

[0183] 6 Control element

[0184] 7 Thread

[0185] 8 Annular passage

[0186] 9 Carbonator tank

[0187] 10 Sanitizing cartridge

[0188] 11 Valve

[0189] 12 Tap

[0190] 13 Drain

[0191] 14 Pump

[0192] 15 Cooling system

[0193] 16a-16c Inlet

[0194] 17 CO.sub.2 tank

[0195] 20 Drinking water-carrying device (water dispenser)

[0196] 100 Sanitizing agent insert

[0197] 101 Fin

[0198] 102 Locking lug

[0199] 103 Screen disk

[0200] 104 Opening

[0201] 105 Connection

[0202] 106 Passage

[0203] 107 Chamber

[0204] 108 Screen disk

[0205] 109 Sanitizing tablet

[0206] 200 Adaptor

[0207] 201 Thread

[0208] 202 Rotary handle

[0209] 203 Receptacle for sanitizing agent insert

[0210] 204 Connection

[0211] 205 Strut

[0212] 206 Guide