Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02308503 2000-OS-O1
Description:
Technical Field:
The invention concerns mobile liquid dispensers operating
without auxiliary power and/or an auxiliary device in
accordance with the preamble of claim 1.
Prior Art:
Systems for supplying outlet points, in particular with water,
are known in various forms. In its simplest form, a system of
this type consists of a storage container that is placed
higher than the outlet points. The outlet points are
hydraulically acted upon by hydrostatic pressure. The
disadvantage of this is that the storage container must be
situated higher than the outlet points in order to generate
the pressure, which is not always possible.
A further possibility for the water supply is known from DE-A
40 29 848. This publication discloses a container having a
variable volume. To produce the water pressure, a weight is
placed on the container. The advantage of this solution vis-
a-vis the one described above is that the container can also
be placed lower than the outlet points. However, the
disadvantage is the high overall weight of the system.
Due to the disadvantages of the above described systems, water
supply systems that operate in conjunction with electric pumps
came into use. Each time water is removed, the pump is
simultaneously switched and conveys the water under pressure
to the outlet point. Systems of this type can be used
everywhere where a power source is available, above all in
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trailers, motor homes and sports boats. That is, they are
bound to the vehicle in which they are installed. It is not
possible to remove the system in order to use it at different
locations.
As an alternative to the pump operation, it is known from DE-U
296 20 776 to supply outlet points with liquid under pressure
with aid of a liquid container under internal pressure. To
produce the operating pressure, the fact that many liquids,
for example drinking water, are available under pressure in a
supply system is utilized. If, first of all, the pressure
tank filled only with air is filled with water from the supply
system, then the internal pressure of the tank increases up to
the pressure of the supply system. If an outlet point, e.g.
a water tap, is then opened, the air cushion pushes the liquid
out of the container. Depending on the internal pressure of
the tank, greater vertical differences can also be overcome.
The advantage thereby is that the compressed air cushion
weighs practically nothing.
Description of the Invention:
In light of this background, the object of the invention is to
provide a liquid dispenser that is mobile in the sense that it
can be placed in various locations by a person without a great
deal of effort and energy, where it can be immediately used
without making further connections or without additional
filling but which can also provide large amounts of liquid.
According to the invention, this object is solved by a liquid
dispenser having the features of claim 1.
Advantageous embodiments can be found in the subclaims.
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The advantage of the invention is that it enables the greatest
possible flexibility for its user due to its versatility.
Thus, the liquid dispenser is a multifunctional device which
is suitable for the most diversified applications. To operate
the liquid dispenser, it is merely briefly connected to a
stationary supply system. The pressure tank is thereby filled
and the operating pressure generated. The liquid dispenser
can then be placed at any location desired and operated there
without auxiliary power and/or an auxiliary device such as
e.g. a pump, compressor, etc.
The simplest outlet unit is a hose that can be used for
cleaning or watering.
It is also possible to configure the outlet unit as a water
tap with a collecting basin, as a result of which a drinking
bowl or washbowl is obtained.
According to an advantageous embodiment, a waste water tank is
placed below the washbowl and connected with it.
Another type of use is a trough in which the outlet unit
consists of a mouth-operated valve and a trough-shaped
drinking basin. An embodiment of this type can, for example,
best be used in riding where the horses must be supplied with
drinking water and hosed down at continuously changing
locations.
Moreover, the user of a liquid dispenser according to the
invention is completely independent of local conditions. This
is due to the fact that the liquid dispenser is not tied to
stationary power and water supply systems and due to the
compactness of the liquid dispenser. Since the liquid
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dispenser combines all significant elements in a very small
space, it is possible to take it along everywhere without much
effort. When appropriately dimensioned, the liquid dispenser
can be carried or driven by a person.
A further advantage of the invention is its economic
efficiency. This is produced by the modular structure of the
liquid dispenser. Thus, the liquid dispenser can consist of
a base module on which various outlet units can be mounted
depending on the desired use. A hose and basin have already
been mentioned. Moreover, in case of defects, the modular
structure enables an easy replacement.
According to an advantageous embodiment, the adjacent units
are configured in such a way that they can be easily
assembled.
Finally, a further advantage of the invention can be seen in
the simple and comfortable handling of the liquid dispenser.
In the event that all of the connections and attachments are
configured as plug connections and quick couplings having an
integrated water stop, the liquid dispenser of the invention
can be retrofitted in seconds from one use to another.
Filling the pressure tank is just as simple, whereby the
connection to the local supply system must merely be
established with aid of a hose.
According to a further advantageous embodiment, shelves can be
installed on the liquid dispenser, preferably at the level of
the outlet point. This results in surfaces that can be used
for storing kitchen utensils, dishes, cutlery, soap, etc. but
also for preparing meals.
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According to an especially advantageous embodiment, pressure
tanks and/or housings are heat-insulated. This makes it
possible to also supply warm water with the system of the
invention. This is especially pleasant when using it as a
washing unit in the cold season. Moreover, as generally
known, the cleaning effect of warm wash water is better than
with cold water. Tests have shown that the water supply can
be kept warm for up to an entire day with aid of adequate heat
insulation.
The sealing element has a significant function. The sealing
element must, on the one hand, allow the liquid to pass
without hindrance and, on the other hand, it must prevent the
compressed gas cushion from leaking. There are several
alternatives for solving this object.
According to a first alternative, the sealing element is a
gas-tight membrane. It divides the interior of the pressure
tank into a compressed-gas filled part and a liquid-filled
part.
A second alternative provides that the sealing element is a
valve that is controlled by the internal pressure of the
pressure tank.
An especially simple embodiment for this comprises a
corrugated tube which is sealed at the front and at the back
by means of a cover. The front cover has a valve disk that
corresponds to a valve seat on the standpipe to the outlet
point. The back cover is fixed in a suitable manner to or in
the container. The cross section and spring properties of the
corrugated tube are dimensioned in such a way that the
corrugated tube expands and the valve closes when the internal
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pressure of the tank has reached the lower limit. When the
pressure tank is again filled, the valve is opened by the
liquid flowing in. The valve then remains open as long as the
internal pressure of the tank is above the minimum pressure.
If air is pressed in during filling of the pressure tank, for
example by a filling hose which is empty at first, then this
results in an excess of air which can, however, escape again
since the pressure-controlled valve does not close until
minimum pressure set at the factory is attained.
According to a third alternative, the sealing element is a
valve controlled by the level of the liquid.
An especially simple embodiment for this consists of a
floating sealing ball that is situated in a valve housing
which, on the one hand, has openings to the liquid in the
pressure tank and, on the other hand, a valve seat to the
standpipe.
In view of the object that the liquid dispenser according to
the invention is to be mobile and carried or driven by only
one person, the liquid supply in the pressure tank is limited,
for example to 20 1. However, in many cases, there is a
desire for larger amounts of liquid. To fulfill this desire,
at least one additional pressure tank is provided according to
an advantageous embodiment of the invention. The first
pressure tank forms the base pressure tank. Base pressure
tanks and additional pressure tanks are provided with
additional couplings having a shut-off device, preferably
quick couplings having an integrated water stop, wherein the
couplings only have connections to the liquid to prevent the
compressed gas cushion from leaking. Due to the corresponding
coupling parts on the pressure tanks, the additional pressure
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tanks can be mounted on the base pressure tank.
According to a further development, connecting pipes are
provided in the pressure tanks. In the base pressure tank,
the connecting pipe connects the one coupling part with the
sealing element. In the additional pressure tanks, the
connecting pipe connects the two coupling parts. In these
cases also, care should be taken that the connecting pipes are
only connected to the liquid, so that the compressed gas
cushion cannot leak.
Preferably, retaining and adjusting devices that correspond to
one another are provided on the pressure tanks, preferably
concentrically to the coupling.
Due to this further development of the invention, almost any
number of pressure tanks desired can be coupled, i.e. either
only a base pressure tank or a base pressure tank with any
number of additional pressure tanks desired, whereby it is
possible to remove every single pressure tank from the
composite and reinsert it in the composite when filled. In
any event, there is an automatic liquid and pressure
equalization in all containers. The liquid dispenser of the
invention thus enables a more or less continuous operation.
Brief Description of the Drawings:
The invention will be described in the following with
reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings,
showing:
Fig. 1 an oblique view of a liquid dispenser in the form
of a trough, in which built-in parts that are
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located on the inside and usually covered can be
seen,
Fig. 2 an embodiment of a pressure-controlled sealing
element in the closed state,
Fig. 3 the sealing element of Fig. 2 in the open state,
Fig. 4 an oblique view of a liquid dispenser in the form
of a mobile washing place, in which built-in parts
are located on the inside and usually covered can
be seen,
Fig. 5 a purely schematic view of a liquid dispenser in
the form of a second washing place in which, in
addition to the base pressure tank, several
additional pressure tanks are provided,
Fig. 6 a longitudinal section through two additional
pressure tanks in an enlarged representation,
Fig. 7 a longitudinal section through an automatically
closing plug coupling and
Fig. 8 an oblique view of a further liquid dispenser in
the form of a trough.
Mode of Performing the Invention and Industrial Application
Fig. 1 shows a liquid dispenser 100 for use as a trough. It
essentially consists of a cylindrical housing 110 that is
installed in the pressure tank 111. The pressure tank 111 is
filled partially with water. The area above it is filled with
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a pressurized gas, e.g. air. The pressure cushion is so great
that there is still an internal pressure of e.g. 1.5 bar even
when it is empty. This ensures that even the last drop of
water can be removed with pressure.
In the bottom of the storage container 111, one can see a
valve 10 in form of a corrugated tube that is controlled by
the internal pressure of the tank. This will be explained in
greater detail with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. The valve 10
cooperates with a sealing seat 117 in the bottom of the
pressure tank 111, from which a standpipe 118 extends up to
the upper end of the housing 110. A quick coupling 119 having
an integrated water stop is provided there.
The pressure tank 111 can be filled via a connecting piece 114
having a stop valve and one-way valve (see Fig. 5). A
manometer 115 enables the control of the internal pressure of
the tank.
In order to be able to easily transport the liquid dispenser
100, a single-axle undercarriage 112 and a handle 113 are
provided.
A separate upper part 120 which contains a liquid basin 122
and an outlet 123 for the liquid can be mounted on the housing
110. A standpipe 121 is provided with a coupling 125 which
corresponds to the coupling 119. To control the outflow of
water, a valve 124 is placed in front of the outlet 123. When
used as a trough, the valve 124 can be operated by the mouth
of the animal. Appropriate constructions are available
commercially.
It is understood that the unit 120 containing the collecting
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basin 122 may also be firmly connected with the housing 110.
A hose holder 133, on which a hose 130 is wound, is provided
as an additional device on the housing 110. The hose 130 has
a coupling 131 at its one end which corresponds to the
coupling 119. There is a spray nozzle 132 at the other end,
The valve 10 controlled by the internal pressure of the
pressure tank 111 will be explained with reference to Figs. 2
and 3. This is a corrugated tube 12, made e.g. of high-grade
steel, the upper end of which is closed by a cover 11 and the
lower end of which is closed by a cover 13. The lower cover
13 has a conical valve disk 14 that corresponds to the sealing
seat 117 in the bottom of the pressure tank 111.
The corrugated tube 12 is dimensioned in such a way that the
valve disk 14 is situated on the valve seat 117 and thus
closes the standpipe 118 as soon as the internal pressure in
the pressure tank 111 has fallen to the minimum pressure of
e.g. 1.5 bar set at the factory. This is shown in Fig. 2.
If the internal pressure in the pressure tank 111 is higher
than the minimum pressure, then the corrugated tube 12 is
pressed together. The valve disk 14 rises from the valve seat
117 and the liquid can flow from the pressure tank 111 into
the standpipe 118.
Fig. 4 shows a liquid dispenser 200 in the form of a washing
place. one can see a cylindrical housing 210 having a door
215 and closure 216. When required, liquid can be removed
from the pressure tank 211 through this door 215. The housing
210 is heat-insulated, so that heated liquid can also be
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supplied during the cold season.
A wash basin 217, that is filled via a water tap 218 having a
valve 219, can be seen in the upper end of the housing 210.
A collecting container 220 for the used liquid is seen
underneath the washbowl 217.
For the sake of simplicity, the fittings for filling and
emptying the container 211, 220 are not shown.
For easier handling of the liquid dispenser 220, both an
undercarriage 212 and a handle 213 are again provided. It is
shown in the drawing turned by 90°. The handle 213 is led in
eyelets and can therefore be pulled out and pushed in.
The periphery of the housing 221 is raised about the washbowl
217. This makes it possible to attach accessories. A working
plate 222 is shown as an example of an accessory. It is
dimensioned in sush a way that it can be turned over like a
cover for the washbowl 217. Due to the recess 223, the water
tap 218 and valve 219 do not interfere.
It is understood that other accessories can also be attached,
for example towel holders, soap dispensers, even simple
cooking rings operated with gas or spirits.
A further door 231 is provided in the housing 210 which
enables access to a storage area 230 for accessories. Systems
for sterilizing or heating the liquid are considered, among
other things, as accessories.
Fig. 5 shows purely schematically and in longitudinal section
a liquid dispenser 300 constructed like a modular system.
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This system consists of a base pressure tank 301 on which
three additional pressure tanks 302 are mounted. Self-sealing
couplings 40 are situated in the bottom and top part of the
pressure tanks 301, 302.
The basic construction of the base pressure tank 301
corresponds to that o f DE-U 2 9 6 2 0 7 7 6 . A float va lve 2 0
having a floatable sealing ball 21 is provided as sealing
element which prevents the compressed gas cushion from leaking
above the liquid. The housing for the valve 20 has lateral
openings 22 which establish the connection for the liquid.
The valve 20 is connected with the standpipe 306 via which the
base pressure tank 301 can also be filled and emptied.
While the valve 20 is installed in the bottom of the base
pressure tank 301, the self-sealing coupling 40 is mounted in
its top part. A connecting pipe 43 connects the coupling 40
with the sealing element 20.
The parts of the coupling 40 mounted in the bottom and top of
the additional pressure tanks 301 are also connected to one
another with aid of connecting pipes 43 so as to be impervious
to gas and liquid. The pipe 23 has openings 44 in the area of
the container bottom which establishes the connection to the
liquid.
Prior to the first filling with liquid, the pressure tanks
301, 302 are filled with a compressed gas cushion of e.g. 1.5
bar, preferably at the factory. A hose coupling fitting 308
is then connected with the supply system via a hose (not
shown) in which there is a pressure of e.g. 5 bar. As a
result, the non-return valve 307 opens and the liquid flows
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via the standpipe 306, the float valve 20, the opening 22, the
pipes 43, the openings 44 and the self-closing couplings 40
into all of the pressure tanks 302, 302. As soon as the
pressure of the compressed gas cushion above the liquids has
risen to the pressure of the supply system, the filling ends
automatically. The non-return valve 307 closes and the hose
can be removed. According to Boyle-Mariotte's law, the gas
volume is reduced from 100% at the start to 30%, so that the
pressure tanks are filled up to 70% with liquid. The dead
weight of the compressed gas cushion is negligibly small.
A wash basin 303 having a water tap 304 and hand valve 305 is
mounted on the uppermost additional pressure tank 302 as
outlet point. The water tap 304 is connected with the base
pressure tank 301 via the standpipe 306. As soon as the hand
valve 305 is opened, the liquid flows under pressure into the
wash basin 303. A waste water tank 309 collects the waste
water.
Fig. 6 shows a section through two additional pressure tanks
302 on an enlarged scale. Retaining and adjusting devices 48,
49 that correspond to one another are provided at the bottom
and top of the container 303. They surround the coupling 40
in a concentric manner and thus ensure that they are not
damaged when a container module is mounted.
Moreover, the male part 41 and/or the female part 42 of the
self-closing coupling 40 can be seen in the bottom and top of
the additional pressure tanks. Details can be seen in the
enlarged representation in Fig. 7.
Furthermore, the pipe 43 with the openings 44 connecting the
two parts 41, 42 of the coupling 40 can be seen in the area of
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the container floor.
Fig. 7 shows the two parts 41, 42 of the self-sealing coupling
40 in an enlarged representation and longitudinally cut,
configured like a plug coupling in this case.
Both parts 41, 42 have a conical sealing seat. A sealing
element 45 is pressed onto it with aid of a spring 46. The
sealing elements 45 have an opening pin 47 at their front end.
If the two parts 41, 42 of the plug coupling 40 are pressed
together, then the opening pins 47 meet and lift the sealing
elements 45 against the force of the springs 46 from the valve
seats.
If the two parts 41, 42 of the plug coupling 40 are separated
again, then the sealing elements 45 are again pressed onto the
valve seat by the springs 46, so that neither liquid nor gas
can escape.
Fig. 8 shows a further liquid dispenser 400 in the form of a
trough. Two pressure tanks 411, 415 are installed inside the
housing 410. A sack-shaped membrane 30 can be seen as sealing
element inside them. The stored liquid is situated inside the
membranes 30, the compressed gas cushion on the outside. The
inside of the membranes 30 is connected with a standpipe 418
via connecting pieces 414. The compressed gas cushions of the
pressure tanks 411, 415 are connected via a pressure
connecting pipe 419, so that the internal pressure in the two
containers is always the same.
A central fitting 406 is installed in the housing 410. It
comprises a hose connecting fitting 407, a stop valve 408 and
a compressed gas coupling 409. A manometer can also be
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provided, if necessary.
When used as a trough for animals, a drinking basin 422 is
provided in the upper end of the housing 410 which can be
filled with a mouth-operated valve 424 via a water outlet 423.
A standpipe 421 connects the central connecting fixture 406
with the mouth-operated valve 424.
