IL211596A

IL211596A - Vehicular potable water dispensing apparatus

Info

Publication number: IL211596A
Application number: IL21159611A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: David Mifano; Ofer Molco
Priority date: 2011-03-07
Filing date: 2011-03-07
Publication date: 2012-01-31
Also published as: WO2012120501A1

Description

211596 |7'n I 453585 mx Vehicular potable water dispensing apparatus Ί"2 D'n ps>m VEHICULAR POTABLE WATER DISPENSING APPARATUS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of potable hot and cold water apparatus. More particularly, the invention relates to a potable hot and cold water apparatus for use in vehicles.

Background of the Invention Travelers occasionally find themselves inside a vehicle desiring to drink a thirst quenching beverage such as, for example, water. If the traveler did not make arrangements to have drinking water inside the vehicle prior to travel, the traveler may have to go thirsty for an extended period of time until the vehicle arrives to a location where water is accessible. For example, this may occur when travelling in an automobile over large distances where locations for stopping for drinking water may be relatively large, or when the automobile is stuck in a traffic jam.

U.S. Patent No. 4, 140,150 to Rundell describes "a drinking water supply and conditioner for vehicles comprises a tank mounted in the luggage compartment of the vehicle and connected with hot and cold water heat exchangers attached to the vehicle engine. Each of the heat exchangers has two distinct vessels therein separated by a heat transmitting wall.

The inner vessel of the hot water heat exchanger is connected with a hose carrying hot engine cooling fluid therein, such as a heater or radiator hose, and the inner vessel of the cold water heat exchanger is connected with an air conditioning refrigerant line. A faucet is mounted in the passenger area of the vehicle and includes a valve for controlling liquid flow therethrough. Tubing interconnects the tank with each of the heat exchangers and the faucet, and a pump is connected therewith, whereby during vehicle operation, both cold and hot drinking water are supplied to the faucet under pressure for dispensing therefrom." U.S. Patent No. 5,497,918 to Brilanchik discloses "a system in a land vehicle for the delivery of a hot or cold drink. The system includes at least one closed loop for heating or cooling with a circulating heat carrier fluid, and at least one open loop in which a drink is conducted from a reservoir to a dispenser via an indirect heat exchanger that forms part of the closed loop. In one embodiment the system delivers by choice either a hot or a cold drink and it includes two open loops and two closed loops." Frequently, cold water and/or hot water (CW/HW) systems used in vehicles are connected to the engine and/or cooling system of the vehicles. Such is the case with the systems disclosed in U.S. Patents 4, 140, 150 and 5,497,918 mentioned above. A drawback associated with these types of systems is that adaptations are required to be made to the engine and/or cooling system for connecting the CW/HW system, which may be relatively expensive. An additional drawback in connecting the CW/HW system to the vehicle engine and/or cooling system is that a breakdown in one or more components in the CW/HW system may cause engine and or cooling system failure. A further drawback is that the vehicles have to be in operation for beverage dispensing, and if the vehicle is not warmed up, it may take some time for the beverage to be dispensed at the required temperature.

All the methods described above have not yet provided satisfactory solutions to the problem of having a CW/HW system connected to the vehicle's engine and/or cooling system.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the above-mentioned and other problems of the prior art.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention provides for potable water dispensing apparatus (l) for use in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a first water temperature modifying stage (2) including a first thermal modifying unit (18) adapted to simultaneously heat and cool water for rapid dispensing to a user, and a second water temperature modifying stage (3) including a second thermal modifying unit (47) for supplying a cold water flow and/or a hot water flow into the first water temperature modifying stage (2).

In some exemplary embodiments, the first thermal modifying unit (18) includes a thermoelectric cooler and/or heater.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first water temperature modifying stage (2) includes a cold water pipe system (24) and/or a hot water pipe system (26).

In some exemplary embodiments, the cold water pipe system (24) and/or the hot water pipe system (26) include closed circulation.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first stage (2) includes a circulation pump (34, 36) for circulating water in the cold water pipe system (24) and/or the hot water pipe system (26).

In some exemplary embodiments, the first stage (2) includes a pressure sensor (30) for sensing a low water pressure and/or high pressure in the cold water pipe system (24) and/or the hot water pipe system (26).

In some exemplary embodiments, the first stage (2) includes a valve (28) for regulating an inflow of the cold water flow and/or the hot water flow.

In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus includes a drinking water dispenser (32) for dispensing hot or cold water to the user.

In some exemplary embodiments, the drinking water dispenser (32) includes a sensor (44) for sensing an amount of water dispensed to the user.

In some exemplary embodiments, the second thermal modifying unit (47) is electrically powered.

In some exemplary embodiments, the second thermal modifying unit (47) includes a gas compression unit (48).

The foregoing embodiments of the invention are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems and methods thereof, which are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments and features of the present invention are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings^ Figure 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle potable water apparatus, including a first water temperature modifying stage, according to some embodiments of the present invention! Figure 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle potable water apparatus of Figure 1, including the first water temperature modifying stage and a second water temperature modifying stage, according to some embodiment of the present invention! Figure 3 schematically illustrates another perspective view of the vehicle potable water apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, according to some embodiments of the present invention! and Figure 4 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary water dispensing unit included in the vehicle potable water apparatus of Figures 1 to 3 and mounted inside a vehicle cabin, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments The present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, circuits, and so on, are not described in detail.

An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a potable water apparatus for use in a vehicle for rapidly dispensing a beverage such as, for example water, to a user. Optionally, the apparatus is operable independently of vehicle operation. Additionally, the apparatus is operable independently of vehicle engine or cooling system operation. Optionally, the apparatus dispenses cold water and/or hot water. Optionally, the vehicle may be any type of human tranport vehicle used on land, sea, or air, or any combination thereof. Optionally, the land vehicles include automobiles, buses and trucks.

In some exemplary embodiments, the potable water apparatus includes a first water temperature modifying stage. Optionally, the first temperature modifying stage is adapted to provide rapid, substantially immediate dispensing of drinking water at a modified temperature, which may be a cold temperature or a hot temperataure. Optionally, the first temperature modifying stage includes a thermal unit which is used for cooling and/or heating the drinking water. Optionally, the thermal unit is electrically powered. Optionally, the electrically powered thermal unit includes a thermoelectric cooler. Optionally, the thermoelectric cooler includes a Peltier device. Optionally, the electrically powered thermal unit includes a heat pump. Optionally, the thermal unit simultaneously heats hot water and/or cool cold water.

In some exemplary embodiments, the irst water temperature modifying stage includes a water circulation system coupled to the thermal unit for rapidly modifying the temperature of the water circulated inside the circulation system. Optionally, a pump is used for increasing a flow velocity of the water inside the water circulation system. Optionally, the water circulation system includes a cold water pipe system where water is cooled by the thermal unit. Additionally or alternatively, the water circulation system includes a hot water pipe system where water is heated by the thermal unit. Optionally, the cold water pipe system and the hot water pipe system are parallely connected and coupled to the thermal unit so that the temperature of the water in each system is simultaneously modified by the thermal unit.

In some exemplary embodiments, an amount of water flowing in the water circulation system is an amount required by a user for a one-time use. Optionally, the amount is sufficient for multiple uses. Optionally, the amount is at least 50 milliliters (ml), at least 75 ml, at least 100 ml, at least 225 ml, at least 333 ml, at least 500 ml, at least 1 liter, or more.

In some exemplary embodiments, a water dispensing unit is coupled to the water circulation system and regulates a flow of water out of the circulation system for dispensing to a user. Optionally, the dispensing unit allows for dispensing of cold water. Additionally or alternatively, the dispensing unit allows for dispensing of hot water. Optionally, the dispensing unit dispenses a predetermined amount of cold and/or hot water by a single touch of an activation button by a user. Optionally, the dispensing unit includes a water level sensor which senses when water dispensed into a cup reaches a predetermined level for preventing further dispensing of water into a same cup. Optionally, the sensor is an electrode with a variable resistance according to the level of the water. Alternatively, the sensor is an optical sensor. Alternatively, the sensor measures a flow rate of the water being dispensed. Optionally, the dispensing unit activation button(s) are easily accessible to the user for enabling the user to maintain concentration on driving.

In some exemplary embodiments, the second temperature modifying stage is coupled to the water circulation system and provides flow of cold and/or hot water into the first water temperature modifying stage when water is dispensed to the user (through the dispensing unit). Optionally, a pressure sensor in the circulation system senses a pressure drop below a predetermined level and sends an opening signal to a valve connecting the second temperature modifying stage to the circulation system. Optionally, the predetermined level is when any amount of water in the circulation system has been dispensed. Alternatively, the predetemined level is when all water in the circulation system has been dispensed. Optionally, cold water flows into the cold water pipe system. Additionally or alternatively, hot water flows into the hot water pipe system.

In some exemplary embodiments, the second temperature modifying stage includes a water storage container having a single compartment for holding relatively large amounts of drinking water. Alternatively, the water storage container has at least two compartment for holding water to be cooled and water to be heated. Optionally, the water storage container holds at least 1 liter, at least 2 liters, at least 5 liters, at least 10 liters, at least 20 liters, at least 35 liters, or more. Optionally, the water storage container includes a cap for filling the container. Optionally, the water storage container is removable and/or replaceable. Optionally, the water storage container includes a water level sensor for sending a warning that the water level has decreased to a predetermined minimum level.

In some exemplary embodiment, the second temperature modifying stage includes a second thermal modifying unit for cooling and/or heating water in the water storage container. Optionally, the water is cooled and/or heated in cold and hot water containers, respectively, in fluid communication with the water storage container. Alternatively, the water is separately cooled and heated in the water storage container. Alternatively, the water is cooled and/or heated while flowing out of the water storage container for supplying the water circulation system in the first water temperature modifying stage.

In some exemplary embodiments, the second thermal modifying unit includes a gas compression unit for compressing a gas such as, for example, other refrigerant gases known in the are may be used.

Optionally, the gas compression unit is electrically powered.

Optionally, the gas compression unit is connected to a cooling mechanism and/or a heating mechanism which transfer cooling and/or heating to the cold and hot water tanks.

Optionally, the second thermal modifying unit includes a heat pump. Optionally, the heat pump may include a condenser and/or an evaporator. Alternatively, the second thermal modifying unit may be any device known in the art suitable for cooling and/or heating water for use in a vehicle potable water apparatus as disclosed herein.

In some exemplary embodiments, the cold water container and/or the hot water container fluidly connect to the cold water pipe system and/or the hot water pipe system, respectively, in the first temperature modifying stage.

Optionally, water flow between each container and each pipe system is controlled by the valve and pressure sensor in each pipe system.

In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus includes control devices for substantially preventing possible damage to the first temperature modifying stage and the second temperature modifying stage. Optionally, the apparatus includes one or more thermostats, pressure sensors, and/or other sensors known in the art for deactivating operation of the thermal modifying units when the temperature of the water being cooled and/or heated by a particular thermal modifying unit has reached a predetermined temperature, or when there is no water in one of the stages. Optionally, the apparatus includes one or more one way valves for preventing water flow in an unwanted direction in the stages, or between the stages. Optionally, the apparatus includes one or more pressure relief valves for releasing pressure in pipes and/or water tanks.

In some exemplary embodiments, the operation of the apparatus is programmable. Optionally, a user may program the operation by inputting data through the activation buttons on the water dispensing unit. Optionally, data input may include desired cold and/or hot water temperature, the amount of water to be dispensed by the single push of the button (serving amount), minimum level of water in the water storage container before the warning is issued, and the like. Optionally, the water dispensing unit includes a display for displaying information associated with the operation of the apparatus such as, for example, ON/OFF state, the temperature of the water in both stages, the serving amount, the amount of water remaining in the water storage container, a number of servings remaining, apparatus operation warnings, and the like.

Reference is now made to Figure 1 which schematically illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle potable water apparatus 1, including a first water temperature modifying stage 2 and a second water temperature modifying stage 3, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Optionally, second water temperature modifying stage 3 includes a protective enclosure 10 having a protective enclosure cover 12 for protecting it components. Optionally, second water temperature modifying stage 3 may be placed in a trunk of a vehicle or other suitable storage compartment.

In some exemplary embodiments, first temperature modifying stage 2 includes a cold water pipe system 24 and a hot water pipe system 26 in thermal contact with a first thermal modifying unit 18, each pipe system including a circulation pump 34 and 36, respectively, and a pressure sensor 30. Optionally, first thermal modifying unit 18 is a thermoelectric cooler which, when electrically powered, transfers heat from a cold plate 20 to a hot plate 22, so that the cold plate delivers cooling to cold water pipe system 24 while the hot plate delivers heating to hot water pipe system 26. Optionally, pumps 34 and 36 are circulation pumps which when powered, maintain the water inside cold water pipe system 24 and hot water pipe system 26 continuously circulating inside the systems and coming in contact with cold plate 20 and hot plate 22, respectively. Optionally, each pressure sensor 30 senses a decrease in water pressure inside its respective pipe system and sends an activation signal to a valve 28 in a cold water line 14 or a hot water line 16, respectively, opening the respective valve. Alternatively, an activation signal from one pressure sensor 30 opens both valves 28.

In some exemplary embodiments, cold water line 14 and hot water line 16 connect cold water pipe system 24 and hot water pipe system 26 respectively, to second temperature modifying stage 3. Opening of valve 28 in line 14 allows flow of cold water from second water temperature modifying stage 3 through the line into cold water pipe system 24.

Additionally, opening of valve 28 in line 16 allows flow of hot water from second water temperature modifying stage 3 through the line into hot water pipe system 26.

In some exemplary embodiments, cold water pipe system 24 and hot water pipe system 26 are connected to a water dispensing unit 32. Optionally, water dispensing unit 32 includes a cold water button 40 which, when depressed by a user, opens a valve (not shown) in the dispensing unit which allows cold water to flow out of cold water pipe system 24 and out the dispensing unit through a dispensing outlet 42. Optionally, the cold water flows into a container placed inside a container holder 46. Additionally or alternatively, water dispensing unit 32 includes a hot water button 38 which, when depressed by the user, opens a valve (not shown) in the dispensing unit which allows hot water to flow out of hot water pipe system 26 and out dispensing outlet. Optionally, water dispensing unit 32 includes a water level sensor 44 which measures a level of the water inside the container placed inside container holder 46.

Reference is now made to Figures 2 and 3 which schematically illustrate perspective views of vehicle potable water apparatus 1, including first water temperature modifying stage 2 and second water temperature modifying stage 3, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some exemplary embodiments, second water temperature modifying stage 3 includes a water storage container 66, a second thermal modifying unit 47, a cold water container 64, and a hot water container 62.

In some exemplary embodiments, water storage container 66 holds relatively large amounts of drinking water and is reiillable. Optionally, a removable cap 68 seals water storage container 66 when filled. Optionally, cap 68 connects a cold water feed pipe 70 and a hot water feed pipe 72 to cold water container 64 and hot water container 62, respectively. Optionally, cold water container 64 and hot water container 62 are filled by drinking water from water storage container 66. Optionally, cap 68 prevents water flow from water storage container 66 into cold water feed pipe 70 and hot water feed pipe 72 if the storage container is incorrectly positioned inside enclosure 10. Optionally, cap 68 substantially prevents water spillage from water storage container 66 if the storage container is incorrectly positioned. Optionally, cap 68 includes a one-way valve for substantially preventing water flow from cold water feed pipe 70 and/or hot water feed pipe 72 into water storage container 66.

In some exemplary embodiments, second thermal modifying unit 47 includes a gas compression unit 48 powered by an electric motor 74. Optionally, a cooling mechanism 50 and a heating mechanism 52 are fluidly connected to gas compression unit 48. Optionally, cooling mechanism 50 is thermally connected to cold water container 64 and cools the water inside the container. Additionally, heating mechanism 52 is thermally connected to hot water container 62 and heats the water inside the container. Alternatively, the water in both cold water container 64 and hot water container 62 are at a same cold temperature, mechanisms 50 and 52 configured for cooling the water therein. Alternatively, the water in both cold water container 64 and hot water container 62 are at a same hot temperature, mechanisms 50 and 52 con igured for heating the water therein.

In some exemplary embodiments, hot water line 16 is fitted with a pressure relief valve 54. Optionally, pressure relief valve 54 releases pressure when a pressure buildup inside hot water line 16 and/or hot water container 62 exceeds a predetermined level. Optionally, a drain pipe 60 connects to pressure relief valve 54. Optionally, drain pipe 60 drains liquids out of the vehicle.

Reference is now also made to Figure 4 which schematically illustrates a perspective view of water dispensing unit 32 attached to a vehicle console 78, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Optionally, water dispensing unit 32 is positioned on vehicle console 78 so that hot water button 38 and cold water button 40 are easily accessible to the user.

In the figures and/or description herein, the following reference numerals have been mentioned: DESCRIPTION NO. vehicle potable water system fist water temperature modifying stage second water temperature modifying stage enclosure enclosure cover cold water (CW) line 14 hot water (HW) line 16 first thermal modifying unit 18 cold plate 20 hot plate 22 cold water (CW) pipe system 24 hot water (HW) pipe system 26 valve 28 pressure sensor 30 water dispensing unit 32 cold water (CW) circulation pump 34 hot water (HW) circulation pump 36 hot water (HW) button 38 cold water (CW) button 40 water dispensing outlet 42 water level sensor 44 container holder 46 second thermal modifying unit 47 gas compression unit 48 cooling mechanism 50 heating mechanism 52 relief pressure valve 54 drain pipe 60 hot water (HW) container 62 cold water (CW) container 64 water storage container 66 cap 68 hot water (HW) feed pipe 70 cold water (CW) feed pipe 72 electric motor 74 vehicle dashboard 78 The foregoing description and illustrations of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the above description in any form.

Any term that has been defined above and used in the claims, should to be interpreted according to this definition.

The reference numbers in the claims are not a part of the claims, but rather used for facilitating the reading thereof. These reference numbers should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any form.

ABSTRACT A potable water dispensing apparatus (l) for use in a vehicle, the dispensing apparatus comprising a first water temperature modifying stage (2) including a first thermal modifying unit (18) adapted to simultaneously heat and cool water for rapid dispensing to a user; and a second water temperature modifying stage (3) including a second thermal modifying unit (47) for supplying a cold water flow and/or a hot water flow into said first water temperature modifying stage (2).

What is claimed is÷

Claims

1. A potable water dispensing apparatus (l) for use in a vehicle, the dispensing apparatus comprising: a first water temperature modifying stage (2) including a first thermal modifying unit (18) adapted to simultaneously heat and cool water for rapid dispensing to a user; and a second water temperature modifying stage (3) including a second thermal modifying unit (47) for supplying a cold water flow and/or a hot water flow into said first water temperature modifying stage (2).

2. A dispensing apparatus (l) according to claim 1 wherein said first thermal modifying unit (18) includes a thermoelectric cooler.

3. A dispensing apparatus (l) according to claim 1 wherein said first water temperature modifying stage (2) includes a cold water pipe system (24) and/or a hot water pipe system (26).

4. A dispensing apparatus (l) according to claim 3 wherein said cold water pipe system (24) and/or said hot water pipe system (26) include closed circulation.

5. A dispensing apparatus (l) according to claim 3 wherein - 19 - said first stage (2) includes a circulation pump (34, 36) for circulating water in said cold water pipe system (24) and/or said hot water pipe system (26).

6. A dispensing apparatus (l) according to claim 3 wherein said first stage (2) includes a pressure sensor (30) for sensing a low water pressure in said cold water pipe system (24) and/or said hot water pipe system (26).

7. A dispensing apparatus (l) according to claim 1 wherein said first stage (2) includes a valve (28) for regulating an inflow of said cold water flow and/or said hot water flow.

8. A dispensing apparatus (l) according to claim 1 including a drinking water dispenser (32) for dispensing hot or cold water to said user.

9. A dispensing apparatus (l) according to claim 8 wherein said drinking water dispenser (32) includes a sensor (44) for sensing an amount of water dispensed to said user.

10. A dispensing apparatus (l) according to claim 1 wherein said second thermal modifying unit (47) is electrically powered.

11. A dispensing apparatus (l) according to claim 1 wherein said second thermal modifying unit (47) includes a gas compression unit (48). 11200 - 20 -

12. A dispensing apparatus (l) according to claim 3 wherein said first stage (2) includes a pressure sensor (30) for sensing a high water pressure in said cold water pipe system (24) and/or said hot water pipe system (26).