Disinfecting device having power supply means and fluid outlet

DISINFECTING DEVICE HAVING POWER SUPPLY MEANS AND FLUID

OUTLET

The invention relates to a device having an outlet for a liquid, in particular water, and having a means for irradiating the liquid with UV light, it being possible for the irradiation means to be supplied with electrical power and the irradiation means being arranged at the outlet or integrated in said outlet.

DE 37 86 219 T2 discloses a device of this kind. Said device has an element for emitting light beams, with which element a container containing liquid or the mouth of a dispensing line is irradiated in order to prevent bacterial multiplication there. To this end, a nozzle or a spout is provided with an LED diode or an electroluminescence element such that a section in the vicinity of the mouth is irradiated, as a result of which multiplication of bacteria at the mouth of the nozzle is intended to be prevented. A disadvantage is that electrical connection wires lead directly away from the nozzle, this presenting a considerable safety risk. This device, which is designed for a high-volume beverage machine, attempts to maintain an existing water quality, but said water quality cannot be improved. The device is not suitable for disinfection, that is to saying killing existing bacteria, in particular Legionella, and/or rendering such bacteria harmless.

A disinfecting device is disclosed by WO 82/04481. The faucet of said disinfecting device is designed such that a tubular UV lamp is pushed into the interior of said faucet, water which flows out of the faucet flowing around said UV lamp and thus being sterilized.

One disadvantage, besides the high structural complexity and the large space requirement, is the additional external control unit to which the UV lamp has to be connected.

The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

It would be desirable to provide a simple device of the type mentioned in the introductory part which ensures reliable disinfection.

On account of the irradiation means having a good disinfection action, disinfection of a liquid which flows out of an outlet is made possible by embodiments of the invention for the first time. The advantages of an irradiation means according to embodiments of the invention as the disinfection means can be found in the disinfecting, bacteria-killing or microbicidal action which develops in fractions of a second. Bacteria, Legionella, viruses, yeasts and fungi are rendered harmless by the disinfecting device according to the invention. Embodiments of the invention provide reliable disinfection of the outflowing liquid even in the case of a liquid which flows out quickly and a residence time of a liquid which is consequently comparatively low as said liquid flows through a conventional fitting, extraction point and/or nozzle which is provided, in particular, for extracting potable water, service water and/or gray water. Since the pressure values of a water conduction system are subject to limit values, the maximum flow rate can be easily determined and, in addition, the corresponding performance of the irradiation or disinfection means can be established.

The disinfection effect is matched to the liquid to be disinfected, in particular to the degree of turbidity, temperature, bacterial growth rate and/or absorption rate. The irradiation dose or fluence in the form of the product of the irradiation intensity and action time is used as a measure of the disinfection action.

In the case of potable water treatment within buildings, the so-called reduction equivalent fluence, based on an irradiation wavelength of 254 nm, usually specified. For treating potable water, it advantageous for the irradiation dose or the reduction equivalent fluence of the device according to the invention to be at least 400 J/m2 or 40 mJ/cm2 at an irradiation wavelength of 254 nm. Lower irradiation doses have proven sufficient for some applications, for example after-treatment of potable water at a sanitary fitting outlet. In this case, it is expedient for the device to provide an irradiation dose or a reduction equivalent fluence of at least 150 J/m2 or 15 mJ/cm2.

On account of the low level of energy consumption of the irradiation or disinfection means and on account of the electrical supply of a low voltage to said irradiation or disinfection means, embodiments of the invention can also be used in sanitary fittings, such as potable water fittings, without a safety risk. A low voltage is understood to mean an electrical voltage in the low-voltage range. In this case, a supply of up to V AC and up to 60 V DC is considered to be a low voltage or protective low voltage. Ideally, an electrical supply means according to the invention supplies the irradiation means with a voltage, in particular a DC voltage, in the low-voltage range of up to 15 volts.

Embodiments of the invention provide a particularly advantageous and simple way of disinfecting a liquid without a safety risk and with a low level of complexity at or in the vicinity of the point at which said liquid enters an atmosphere from a closed conduction system. The liquid is disinfected directly at the location at which it is used, at the so-called point of use (POU).

When the electrical supply means is integrated in the outlet and/or the device, an externally arranged energy supply or power source is unnecessary. In this case, the electrical supply means is expediently integrated or embedded in the outlet and/or the device such that it is protected. The feed lines are no longer mounted such that they are exposed in the immediate vicinity of an outlet but are equally integrated in the outlet and/or the device. Said feed lines therefore do not present any risk of external attacks or damaging contact. This provides an autonomous unit in which all the components required for disinfecting liquids are incorporated in the outlet and/or in the device. The user cannot see any external difference compared to a conventional fitting. This is particularly advantageous in domestic sanitary fittings, such as a potable water, service water and/or gray water fitting.

According to an advantageous refinement of the invention, the irradiation means has one or more UV-C radiation sources. The advantages of such an irradiation and/or disinfection means are the high radiation intensity, which has a disinfection action, thereof in comparison to UV-A and/or UV-B radiation sources which are used for illumination purposes. In this case, the UV-C radiation sources emit light with a wavelength of i00 to 280 nm. It has proven particularly effective to carry out the disinfection at a wavelength of 254 nm, more precisely 253.7 run. Bacteria, Legionella, viruses, yeasts and fungi are reliably rendered harmless as a result.

In this case, it is advantageous for the irradiation means to have one or more UV-C LEDs. LEDs, that is to say light-emitting diodes, are robust, have a low level of heat development and have a low structural height together with a high irradiation intensity at the same time. The irradiation intensity of said light-emitting diodes remains the same over the service life of said light-emitting diodes. They are operated in the lowvoltage range, for example at 5 to 12 volts, and have a low level of energy consumption. The power loss of UV-C LEDs is very low and, depending on type, is between a few microwatts and a few milliwatts. Furthermore, LEDs have a service life of several thousand hours and do not require maintenance.

It has proven particularly advantageous for the electrical supply means to be a battery. On account of the low level of energy consumption of the disinfection means, only a small amount of space is required in an outlet of a device according to the invention. The low level of energy consumption of the disinfecting device leads to a long service life of the battery. Therefore, only a low level of expenditure on maintenance required for a device according to embodiments of the invention. The battery is arranged in a replaceable manner or can be replaced together with the device.

As an alternative, the electrical supply means formed by a turbine and/or a turbine unit which driven by a liquid which flows through the device. In this case, the turbine and/or turbine unit are/is arranged within the device, and therefore the blades of said turbine or turbine unit are driven by the liquid which flows through the device. A generator which arranged within the turbine and/or turbine unit converts the rotation energy into electrical energy.

As an alternative, the electrical supply means formed by a means which converts solar energy and arranged at the outlet and/or on the device. An autonomous device with a long service life is provided by a photovoltaic or solar module of this kind.

It goes without saying that a combination of a turbine and/or a solar module with a rechargeable battery, a storage battery, is also covered within the scope of embodiment of the invention.

The effectiveness of the irradiation of liquid, in particular of water, is improved by the outlet being designed to be reflective and/or without a dead space in the interior. Good reflection of the UV-C radiation sources in the interior of the outlet is achieved, for example, by polished stainless steel or chromium surfaces. The lack of dead space and the reflection of surrounding surfaces reduces the required light intensity and/or the residence time of the water in the illumination or irradiation region.

The water ideally emerges close to the irradiation means. The irradiation means irradiates the outlet areas of the outlet before the water emerges. Bacteria which have accumulated at the outlet areas during a water extraction phase are rendered harmless.

In order to switch on the irradiation means, a proximity switch can be arranged in the device, said proximity switch closing an electrical supply circuit for the irradiation means as soon as anyone comes into the vicinity of the device. A proximity switch of this kind can additionally cause the liquid to flow. For example, in the case of a potable water fitting, the valve, which opens and/or closes the line, can likewise be opened and/or closed by the proximity switch. On account of the fact that electrical current flows more quickly than water, the LEDs light up before the water enters the outlet. As a result, no water can flow out without being disinfected. The walls and any other possible residues of water within the device are reliably disinfected. As an alternative, provision is made for the electrical circuit for the disinfection means to be closed by means of contact being made by the liquid itself.

In addition, means of controlling, for example, intermediate irradiation and/or flushing in the case of long breaks in the extraction of water are provided. If a device is not used for a relatively long period of time, one or more UV radiation sources can be switched on. This is performed in a time-controlled manner, as an alternative, the device is made to open briefly in order to carry out intermediate flushing.

Furthermore, provision is made to integrate temperature, quantity and/or pressure sensors in the device.

The device ideally has additional means of influencing the flow, in particular the admixture of air. These means can be, for example, elements of a jet regulator, a mixer nozzle and/or an aerator which adds air bubbles to a jet of liquid. This produces a jet of liquid with a high level of hygiene-related convenience at a low level of consumption. This is further assisted, when UV-C radiation sources are used, by the radiation from said UV-C radiation sources and/or a portion thereof having a fluorescing effect on the jet of liquid emerging from the outlet or flowing across the outlet.

Since UV-C light is not colorless, water, for example, appears in a light, blue color, this visually indicating that said water is disinfected. And the hygiene sensation is assisted as a result.

According to embodiments of the invention, the device can have means for connection to and/or arrangement on a fitting, in particular a potable water, service water and/or gray water fitting. These means can be, for example, screw connections, clamping connections, bayonet fittings, universal coupling elements or the like. As a result, existing fittings can be permanently or temporarily retrofitted with a device according to the invention. This is particularly advantageous for travelers for whom safe water quality is important in the event of there being disadvantageous hygiene conditions.

The device ideally has the external dimensions of a standard jet regulator or a standard aerator. Matching the external dimensions of the aerator to customary standard sizes produces a device which is compatible with an aerator as a standard component which is used by a vast majority of manufacturers. For example, jet regulators or aerators with a female thread connection M22 x 1 or a male thread connection M24 x 1 are widespread. The power of the radiation source is matched to the defined spatial and outlet conditions of a standard jet regulator or aerator of this kind.

Therefore, the device according to the invention can be retrofitted in a simple manner to existing fittings, for example instead of a standard aerator.

As already mentioned above, the device can form a water extraction point of a potable water line, as a result of which a large number of fields of application are made accessible.

Embodiments of the invention can be used in sanitary fittings, such as washstands, bidets, sinks, or in tub outlets.

Embodiments of the invention are not restricted to standard components but is also used in a very wide variety of individual sanitary fittings as occur, for example, in the case of showers, tub outlets or in injection nozzles in the field of pools or tubs.

Nozzles or the like are also to be understood to mean outlets within the scope of the invention. The use of embodiments of the invention are therefore likewise provided and highly advantageous in the case of closed service water systems in which the formation of bacteria or the like is usually very high.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in greater detail below. For the sake of improved clarity, schematic illustrations are shown, in which fig. 1 shows a first device invention; according to the fig. 2 shows a second device according to the invention in the form of an aerator; figs 3, 4 show views detail of invention; (side view, plan view) of a the aerator according to the fig.

shows a three-dimensional view of a further aerator according to the invention; fig. 6 shows a further device according to the invention in the form of a pipe line and fig. 7 shows a further device according to the invention having a flat outlet.

Fig. 1 shows - in a schematic illustration - a device according to the invention in the form of a sanitary fitting 1 having an outlet 2, a fitting head 3 with a lever 4 and a fitting base 5. In the device I, an irradiation means 6 is integrated in the outlet 2, said means irradiating a liquid which is located in the outlet 2 and/or flows through said outlet with UV light. An electrical supply means 7, for example a battery, is integrated in the fitting base 5. The electrical supply means 7 is arranged in a replaceable manner at the edge of the fitting base 5. The electrical supply means 7 supplies the irradiation means 6 with a voltage in the low-voltage range, a socalled low voltage, via an electrical line 8.

The electrical circuit is closed by means of the fitting head. The irradiation means 6 has one or more UV-C radiation sources - not illustrated individually here - for irradiating a liquid which flows out through the outlet 2. The irradiation means 6 has a good disinfection action together with a low level of energy consumption. On account of the low level of energy consumption, the electrical supply means 7 can supply the irradiation means 6 with a low voltage or a voltage in the low-voltage range. On account of the irradiation means 6 having a good disinfection action, it is possible to disinfect a liquid which flows out comparatively quickly. An outflowing liquid is reliably disinfected even given a short residence time of a liquid as it flows through the sanitary fitting I. The UV-C radiation source or sources emit light with a wavelength of 100-280 nm. A wavelength of 254 nm, more precisely 253.7 nm, is ideal. Any bacteria, Legionella, viruses, yeasts, fungi or the like which are present are rendered harmless in an extremely short time. No externally arranged power supply sources are required on account of the integration of the electrical supply means 7 in the fitting i. In addition, the sanitary fitting 1 according to the invention can be used without a safety risk on account of the electrical supply of the irradiation means 6 with a low voltage.

The device 1 according to the invention provides an advantageous and simple way of disinfecting a liquid without a safety risk and with a low level of complexity at the point where said liquid passes from a closed line system to an atmosphere, for example via a sanitary fitting. The liquid is therefore disinfected directly at the location at which it is used, at the so-called point of use (POU).

Fig. 2 shows a second apparatus according to the invention in the form of an aerator II. The aerator II is attached to a conventional sanitary fitting 13 by means of a screw connection 12. An aerator, also called a jet regulator or mixer nozzle, is usually used in sanitary fittings to admix air. An aerator of this kind adds air bubbles to an outflowing jet of liquid. To this end, the aerator ii has a fine-meshed screen 14 through which a jet of liquid flows. This produces a jet of liquid, with added air, which provides a high level of hygiene-related convenience together with a low level of consumption. The use of an aerator is customary in sanitary fittings. The aerator is usually attached to a sanitary fitting by means of a screw connection. By way of example, aerators with a female thread connection M22 x 1 or a male thread connection M24 x 1 are widespread. The device according to the invention in the form of an aerator ii has the external dimensions of a standard aerator.

The aerator II contains - schematically illustrated in the figure - a battery 9 as the electrical supply means, irradiation means 6 and a contact or switch For its part, the irradiation means 6 comprises one or more UV-C radiation sources 16. The UV-C radiation sources 16, for example UV-C LEDs, are arranged in the screen insert 14 of the aerator II. Said UV-C radiation sources are supplied with a voltage in the low-voltage range, a so-called low voltage, by the battery 9 as the electrical supply means. The use of UV-C LEDs produces the following advantages. They are robust, have a low level of heat development, have a low structural size and a high irradiation intensity. They are operated in the low-voltage range, for example at 5 to I0 or 12 volts, and have a low level of energy consumption. In this case, the power loss of UV-C LEDs is between a few microwatts and a few milliwatts. Furthermore, the UV-C LEDs used have a long service life and are non-wearing.

By virtue of said UV-C LEDs being positioned directly at the outlet 2 of the aerator ii, an outflowing liquid is disinfected immediately before being passed to the open atmosphere, that is to say directly at the location at which it is used, the so-called point of use (POU). On account of the low level of energy consumption of the UV-C LEDs or UV-C radiation sources 16, only a small amount of space is required in the aerator II. In addition, the low level of energy consumption of the UV-C LEDs leads to a long service life of the battery 9. The battery is arranged in a replaceable manner or can be replaced together with the device II.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the aerator II from fig. 2.

The aerator II has a connection thread 12 for connection to a sanitary fitting 13, an outlet 2 and a screen 14. UV-C radiation sources 16, designed in the form of UV-C LEDs, are arranged in the screen 14. An electrical supply means, a battery 9, for supplying the UV-C radiation sources 16 is arranged by means of a holder 18 which is held in the aerator Ii by strut elements 19. In the illustration, the electrical supply means is arranged in the center of the aerator According to the invention, a different position of the electrical supply means, for example on a wall of the aerator ii, is also provided. As an alternative, an electrical supply means of this kind can also be arranged within the screen 14 and be held by said screen. In the aerator Ii, a switch 15 with which the circuit to the UV-C radiation sources 16 is closed arranged within the circuit 8 which connects the UV-C radiation sources 16 to the battery 9. The switch an electrical contact which is closed by outflowing liquid. In the illustration, the further circuit routed via a line which is integrated in a wall 20 of the aerator II. The outlet 2 has, in the interior, wall surfaces which are designed to be reflective.

Reflection of the UV-C radiation sources in the interior of the outlet 2 is achieved, for example, by polished stainless steel or chromium surfaces. In addition, the outlet 2 is designed without a dead space.

As soon as outflowing liquid closes the contact or the switch 15, the UV-C radiation sources 16 light up and emerging water is disinfected. As an alternative to a contact switch 15 of this kind, a proximity switch which closes an electrical supply circuit for the UV-C LEDs as soon as a user comes into the vicinity of the device can also be arranged in the aerator.

Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the aerator ii according to the invention. Said figure shows the fine-meshed screen 14 of the aerator II. There are several possible arrangements for the UV-C LEDs or UV-C radiation sources 16 within the screen 14 and/or within the aerator Ii. An aerator Ii with four UV-C LEDs or UV-C radiation sources 16, which are arranged symmetrically around a center point of the aerator II, is shown by way of example. A battery 9, which is designed in the form of a button cell, is held in a holder 18 by means of a plurality of struts 19.

Fig. 5 shows a three-dimensional view of a further aerator 21. Said aerator again has means for connection to a sanitary fitting. These are illustrated as connection thread 12 in the figure. However, said means can also comprise other connection means, such as a universal coupling element. UV illumination means or UV-C radiation sources 16 are again arranged in the screen 14 of the aerator 21. A means which converts solar energy serves to generate electrical energy in this aerator 21. To this end, the wall of the aerator 21 is equipped with solar cells 24. Said solar cells convert light energy into electrical energy which serves to supply the UV illumination means 16. In addition, the aerator 21 has a storage battery 23 which is held by means of struts 19 and holders 18. Said storage battery is charged by the solar cells and serves to temporarily store energy. An autonomous device according to the invention which has a long service life is provided by a photovoltaic or solar module of this kind which is integrated in the aerator 21. The device 21 according to the invention independent of local power supply conditions by virtue of the use of a means which converts solar energy. The means for connection to and/or arrangement on a fitting - not illustrated here -, in particular a potable water, service water and/or gray water fitting, produces a device which is particularly advantageous for travelers. Travelers can take an aerator 21 of this kind - ideally designed with a universal coupling element - with them in order to obtain a safe water quality in the event of there being disadvantageous hygiene conditions on location. A universal aerator of this kind can be fitted to a sanitary fitting on location in a simple manner.

In order to switch on the UV-C radiation sources 16, a proximity switch 25 is arranged in the aerator 21. Said proximity switch closes an electrical supply circuit for the UV-C radiation sources 16 as soon as anyone comes into the vicinity of the aerator 21. The proximity switch 25 can additionally be used to cause the liquid to flow. To this end, in the case of a fitting, the valve, which opens or closes the line, likewise opened or closed by the proximity switch signal. To this end, electrical connecting lines and/or contact connections - not illustrated here - are, for example, provided from the aerator 21 to a fitting. As an alternative, provision is made to use a proximity switch, which is present in a fitting in any case and is used to open or close the fitting, to close or open arrangement immediately additionally appears in indicating the circuit for the UV irradiation of the UV-C radiation at the outlet 2 of the provides a visual effect.

a light, blue color, that said water is amplifying the hygiene sensation.

means. The sources aerator The water this visua!ly disinfected and Fig. 6 shows a further device according the invention in the form of a pipe line 31. A turbine unit 32 with blades 33 is incorporated in the pipe line The turbine blades 33 are driven by the liquid which flows through the device. A generator 34 is driven by means of a shaft 37 which is connected to the turbine blades 33, said generator converting the rotation energy produced into electrical energy. A holder with struts 36 is arranged in the pipe line 31. In this case, the star-shaped strut serves to secure the UV radiation sources 16. This provides various ways of placing the UV radiation sources 16 inside a pipe line 31. A pipe line disinfecting device according the invention of this kind can be used, for example, as a connecting line to a toilet cistern.

Fig. 7 shows a further device according the invention which is used, for example, in tub outlets. A flat outlet 42 is arranged on a fitting body The electrical supply means is formed by a solar module, comprising solar cells 24 and an energy storage means not illustrated here -, with the solar module being arranged on the fitting body 41 or integrated in said fitting body. The fitting body is connected to a pipe line 43 which is continued in the fitting body and, at an opening 44, issues into the flat outlet Outflowing water is disinfected by UV radiation sources 16 which are arranged at the outlet 42. A switch provided within the fitting body 41, said switch closing the circuit for the UV radiation sources 16 as soon as liquid which is flowing through closes the electrical contacts of said circuit. The outlet 42 shown is at least party composed of UV-transparent material, for example quartz glass. The UV-C radiation sources 16 radiate into the UV-transparent material, as a result of which UV-C radiation passes through the entire transparent region. The outflowing liquid flows across the flat outlet 42 through which UV-C radiation passes and is disinfected in this way. A residence time of a liquid which is to be disinfected, during which residence time the liquid is exposed to UV irradiation, can be increased with an arrangement of this kind.

Consequently, a lower irradiation intensity is sufficient with an arrangement of this kind. The invention likewise makes provision for the UV irradiation means to be arranged within a flat outlet of this kind.

In any case, the invention is not restricted to the shown embodiments but is used in a large number of applications. The invention can be used, for example, in sanitary fittings such as washstands, bidets, sinks, tub outlets, shower heads or injection nozzles in the field of swimming pools.