WO2014190994A1

WO2014190994A1 - A water dispensing system

Info

Publication number: WO2014190994A1
Application number: PCT/DK2014/000029
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ole Clement
Original assignee: Jb Armatur Aps
Priority date: 2013-05-31
Filing date: 2014-05-26
Publication date: 2014-12-04
Also published as: DK201300333A1; DK177916B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a water dispensing system (100) for domestic use, such as for use in a household kitchen, said system comprising : a faucet (2) for dispensing water; and a chill water tank (200) for accommodating chill water and/or a hot water tank (300) for accommodating hot water; wherein said chill water tank comprises refrigerating means (202); and wherein said hot water tank comprises heating means (302); said hot water tank and said chill water tank each individually being thermally isolated from its surroundings; wherein said chill water tank (200), if present, comprises an inlet (204) for cold water and an outlet (206) for chilled water; wherein said hot water tank (300), if present, comprises an inlet (304) for cold water and an outlet (306) for hot water; wherein said faucet comprises a cold water inlet (4) for supplying cold water from a cold water supply line (6); wherein said faucet comprises a warm water inlet (8) for supplying warm water from a warm water supply line (10); wherein said faucet comprises a chill water inlet (12) and/or wherein said faucet comprises a hot water inlet (14); wherein said faucet comprises a cold water valve (16) for leading cold water through said faucet via a conduit; wherein said faucet comprises a warm water valve (18) for leading warm water through said faucet via a conduit; wherein said faucet comprises a chill water valve (20) for leading cold water from said cold water supply line (6) and to said inlet (204) for cold water of said chill water tank, via a chill water tank inlet conduit (22); and/or wherein said faucet comprises a hot water valve (24) for leading cold water from said cold water supply line (6) and to said inlet for cold water of said hot water tank, via a hot water tank inlet conduit (26); wherein said system comprises a chill water tank outlet conduit (28) for connecting the outlet (206) of said chill water tank to said chill water inlet (12) of said faucet and/or wherein said system comprises a hot water tank outlet conduit (30) for connecting the outlet (306) of said hot water tank to said hot water inlet (14) of said faucet; wherein said chill water valve (20), if present, and wherein said hot water valve (24), if present, is/are arranged upstream of the cold water valve (16), relative to the flow direction of cold water entering the faucet.

Description

A water dispensing system

Field of the invention

The present invention relates in a first aspect to a water dispensing system for domestic use. In a second aspect the present invention to the use of such as water dispensing system.

Background of the invention

In most industrialized countries, households have access to cold water and warm water for the purpose of using this water for consumption, such as in a household kitchen. The cold and/or warm water is available in the household in a faucet.

The water is usually provided by municipal organizations responsible for such services. In certain instances only cold water is provided to each household via a cold water supply line. In this case, the household itself must provide for heating unit in order also to provide warm water. Such a heating unit may be a heating unit arranged in the household, or it may be a central heating unit providing warm water to a number of

households.

In other instances, cold water as well as warm water will be provided to the household. The cold water will be provided in a cold water supply line, and the warm water will be provided in a warm water supply line via a district heating system, optionally including a heat exchanger arranged in each household.

Using the above systems, a household will have access to cold water as well as warm water.

However, in a modern kitchen it is often desirable - in addition to having access to cold water and warm water - also to have access to chilled water and hot water. In this context, chilled water shall be interpreted to mean water having a temperature significantly lower than the cold water supplied by the municipal cold water supply line, such as less than 5 °C. Likewise, in this context, hot water shall be interpreted to mean water having a temperature significantly higher than the warm water supplied by the municipal warm water supply line, such as more than 90 °C. Such chilled water may be useful for drinking or for general cooling purposes. Such hot water may be useful for disinfecting appliances used for baby care, such as feeding bottles; for general cleaning purposes and for use for hot drinks, such as coffee and tea.

Household faucet systems for providing cold water and warm water as well as chilled water and hot water are well-know.

These well-known faucets comprise a chill water tank and a hot water tank. A supply line for municipal cold water is connected directly to an inlet of the cold water tank, where the cold water is further cooled. In respect of the hot water tank, also a supply line for municipal cold or warm water is connected directly to an inlet of the hot water tank, in which the water is heated.

Accordingly, in the well-known faucet systems for providing water having four different temperatures, the chill water tank as well as the hot water tank will permanently be pressurized with a pressure corresponding to the pressure in the water supply lines providing the inlet water to these tanks.

Having a pressurized hot water tank containing water at a temperature of 90 °C or more poses a serious safety hazard for the user.

Additionally, in these systems hot water will flow through the valve opening/closing the supply through the faucet water tap. As hot water is prone to evaporation, such valves will suffer from scale deposits, eventually leading to clogging or leaking of the valve.

Leading hot water through the valve opening/closing the supply through the faucet water tap moreover will be accompanied with sputtering of hot water/steam, imposing further safety hazards to the user.

Finally, such pressurized tanks must be installed by professionals, leading to increased expenses for the owner of the household.

Accordingly, there persists a need for a water dispensing systems being able to dispense cold water, warm water as well as chilled water and hot water, and in which the above stated disadvantages are not present.

Brief description of the invention

These disadvantages are overcome with the present invention in its first and second aspect. The first aspect of the present invention relates to a water dispensing system for domestic use, such as for use in a household kitchen. The water dispensing system comprises:

a faucet for dispensing water; and

a chill water tank for accommodating chill water and/or a hot water tank for accommodating hot water; wherein said chill water tank comprises refrigerating means; and wherein said hot water tank comprises heating means; said hot water tank and said chill water tank each individually being thermally isolated from its surroundings;

wherein said chill water tank, if present, comprises an inlet for cold water and an outlet for chilled water;

wherein said hot water tank, if present, comprises an inlet for cold water and an outlet for hot water;

wherein said faucet comprises a cold water inlet for supplying cold water from a cold water supply line;

wherein said faucet comprises a warm water inlet for supplying warm water from a warm water supply line;

wherein said faucet comprises a chill water inlet and/or wherein said faucet comprises a hot water inlet;

wherein said faucet comprises a cold water valve for leading cold water through said faucet via a conduit;

wherein said faucet comprises a warm water valve for leading warm water through said faucet via a conduit;

wherein said faucet comprises a chill water valve for leading cold water from said cold water supply line and to said inlet for cold water of said chill water tank, via a chill water tank inlet conduit; and/or wherein said faucet comprises a hot water valve for leading cold water from said cold water supply line and to said inlet for cold water of said hot water tank, via a hot water tank inlet conduit;

wherein said system comprises a chill water tank outlet conduit for connecting the outlet of said chill water tank to said chill water inlet of said faucet and/or wherein said system comprises a hot water tank outlet conduit for connecting the outlet of said hot water tank to said hot water inlet of said faucet; wherein said chill water valve, if present, and wherein said hot water valve, if present, is/are arranged upstream of the cold water valve, relative to the flow direction of cold water entering said faucet.

The second aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a water dispensing system according to the first aspect, in a kitchen.

In the water dispensing system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the water supplied to the chill water tank and the hot water tank, respectively does not originate directly from the municipal cold water supply line. Rather, the water supplied to the chill water tank and the hot water tank, respectively originates from the municipal cold water supply line which is controlled by valves opening/closing the cold water supplied to the chill water tank and hot water tank, respectively.

In this way, neither the chill water tank nor the hot water tank will be permanently pressurized with a pressure corresponding to the pressure in the water supply lines providing the inlet water to these tanks. Hence, a great improvement in safety is provided.

Additionally, in the water dispensing system according to the first aspect of the present invention the valve opening/closing the stream of hot water is not in contact with hot water. Rather, this valve is only in contact with cold water originating directly from the cold water supply line.

Accordingly, the leak/scale formation problems associated with the prior art systems in relation to evaporation of hot water in the hot water valve, are eliminated.

Furthermore, the feature of having a non-pressurized hot water tank will eliminate the problems associated with the prior art systems in relation to sputtering of hot water/steam, thus further improving the safety of the dispensing system.

Finally, as the tanks used in the system of the first aspect of the present invention does not comprise pressurized tanks, the installation and maintenance of the system may be undertaken by a non-profession, such as by the owner of the household. Hence, this fact results in cost

reduction in installation and maintenance.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows diagrammatically the principle of the water dispensing system according to the first aspect of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a chill water tank according to one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows a hot water tank according to one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows a T-connection for collecting the conduit leading chilled water and the conduit for leading hot water into one conduit according to one embodiment of the water dispensing system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows details of the hot water tank of one embodiment of the water dispensing system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows details of a faucet of a water dispensing system according one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention comprising a spray tap.

Detailed description of the invention

The first aspect of the present invention

The first aspect of the present invention relates to a water dispensing system for domestic use, such as for use in a household kitchen, said system comprising :

a faucet for dispensing water; and

wherein said faucet comprises a cold water inlet for supplying cold water from a cold water supply line; wherein said faucet comprises a warm water inlet for supplying warm water from a warm water supply line;

wherein said system comprises a chill water tank outlet conduit for connecting the outlet of said chill water tank to said chill water inlet of said faucet and/or wherein said system comprises a hot water tank outlet conduit for connecting the outlet of said hot water tank to said hot water inlet of said faucet;

wherein said chill water valve, if present, and wherein said hot water valve, if present, is/are arranged upstream of the cold water valve, relative to the flow direction of cold water entering said faucet.

Accordingly, the water dispensing system according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a faucet and a chill water tank comprising refrigeration means and/or a hot water tank comprising heating means, and various conduits connecting the various parts.

Cold water from a cold water supply line, e.g. e municipal cold water supply line, will be directed to the chill water tank and/or the hot water tank upon activation of a valve opening/closing the stream of water to these tanks. Hence, neither the chill water tank nor the hot water tank will be pressurized, which - as set out above implies a number of advantages.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the refrigerating means of said chill water tank comprises a thermo electrical Peltier element. In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention the heating means of said hot water tank comprises electrical heating means.

Such means for providing refrigeration and heating of the contents of the chill water tank and/or the hot water tank are easy to install and virtually maintenance free and only takes up a minimum of space.

The tanks may each comprise an inner container and an outer container. The inner container is preferably made from a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity, such as a metal or an alloy, such as aluminum. The outer container is preferably made from a material having a relatively low thermal conductivity, such as a polymer, such as plastic.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention the chill water tank comprises means for supplying inlet water to a top part of said tank, and wherein said chill water tank comprises means for providing outlet water from a bottom part of said tank.

This design of the chill water tank will ensure that the water leaving the chill water tank for consumption will be as cold as possible.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention the hot water tank comprises means for supplying inlet water to a bottom part of said tank, and wherein said hot water tank comprises means for providing outlet water from a top part of said tank.

This design of the hot water tank will ensure that the water leaving the hot water tank for consumption will be as hot as possible.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention the valve for leading cold water through said faucet and said valve for leading warm water through said faucet are integrated into one single valve.

Integrating the valves for cold/warm water will provide a design that is more convenient for the user.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention valve for leading cold water from said cold water supply line and to said chill water tank and said valve for leading cold water from said cold water supply line and to said hot water tank are integrated into one single valve.

Integrating the valves for chilled/hot water will provide a design that is more convenient for the user. In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention the chill water tank outlet conduit and the hot water tank outlet conduit are connected to a T-connection comprising means for shutting off access to the hot water tank in case the chill water valve is opened; and comprising means for shutting off access the chill water tank in case the hot water valve is opened.

This design of the water dispensing system will prevent chilled water in entering the hot water tank and vice versa in the situation in which the chill water valve and/or the hot water valve is opened.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention the chill water tank is configured to uphold, in use, an internal

temperature of 1 - 8 °C, such as 2 - 7 °C, e.g. 3 - 6 °C, for example 4 - 5 °C and/or wherein said hot water tank is configured to uphold, in use, an internal temperature of up to 94 - 99 °C, such as 95 - 98 °C, e.g. 96 - 97 °C.

These temperatures of the chilled water and the hot water respectively have proven suitable for the intended purpose.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention the faucet internally comprises one or more separate conduits, such as tubes, e.g. rubber tubes or silicone tubes, for leading water though through said faucet in order to avoid water contamination originating from the material of the faucet, preferably one tube for leading cold and warm water through; and another tube for leading chilled and hot water through.

Such a design will ensure that no water contamination originating from the material of the faucet will appear.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention the chill water tank and/or wherein said hot water tank each

independently has an internal volume of 1 - 10 I, such as 2 - 9 I, for example 3 - 8 1, such as 4 - 7 I or 5 - 6 I.

Such volumes have proven suitable for a typical household kitchen.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the system comprises an expansion vessel in fluid connection with the hot water tank. Providing the hot water tank with an expansion vessel will ensure that any expanded hot water/steam will be trapped and not led to the water tap of the faucet, hence providing enhanced safety.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention the expansion vessel is in fluid connection with a venturi type valve drain connected to the inlet for cold water of said hot water tank.

Such a design will provide a means of emptying the expansion vessel by means of movement of cold water streaming into said hot water tank.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention said drain of said expansion vessel comprises a ball valve.

Providing the drain of the expansion vessel with a ball valve will ensure that suction of air into said hot water tank is avoided .

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention the chill water tank, if present, comprises a thermostat for temperature control; and/or wherein said hot water tank, if present, comprises a thermostat for temperature control.

A thermostat may provide for keeping the temperature of the chill water tank and/or the hot water tank within the desired ranges.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention the system comprises:

said chill water inlet of said faucet and said hot water inlet of said faucet; said valve for leading chilled water through said faucet and said valve for leading hot water through said faucet;

said chill water tank and said hot water tank;

said conduit for connecting the outlet of said chill water tank to said chill water inlet of said faucet and said conduit for connecting the outlet of said hot water tank to said hot water inlet of said faucet;

said chill water tank inlet conduit, and said hot water tank inlet conduit.

In other words, in this embodiment the system comprises all the means necessary for being able to dispense cold water and warm water on the one hand; as well as chilled water and hot water on the other hand.

In yet another embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the system only comprises the means necessary for being able to dispense cold water and warm water on the one hand; and chilled water the other hand.

It may be preferred that the system only comprises the means necessary for being able to dispense cold water and warm water on the one hand; and hot water the other hand.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention the system additionally comprises means for supplying carbon dioxide the water to be dispensed, preferably to the cold or the chilled water to be dispensed.

Means for supplying carbon dioxide the water to be dispensed will provide for production of carbonated water.

Such additionally carbon dioxide providing means are known in the art and are commercially available. See for example the system provided by the company Rotarex (see website: www.rotarex.com).

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention the system additionally comprises a spray tap with an associated flexible hose, said spray tap being provided with a spray tap valve, wherein said flexible hose being in fluid connection with said faucet, and wherein said faucet comprises a diverter configured to diverting water to the spray tap when the spay tap valve is opened.

Spray taps are convenient in a kitchen faucet because they provide an easy way of spraying or rinsing off dirt on e.g. dishes.

It may be advantageous to provide water dispensing system according to the first aspect of the present invention with one or more filters which may remove any bad taste form the water of the water supply, such as the taste of disinfecting chemicals, e.g. disinfecting chlorine based substances.

It will be advantageous to provide the faucet and the associated conduits with bajonet connectors for easy installation and maintenance. The second aspect of the present invention

In a second aspect the present invention relates to the use of a water dispensing system according the first aspect of the invention, in a kitchen, such as in a professional kitchen.

Referring now in details to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, a water dispensing system according to the first aspect of the present invention is

schematically outlined in fig. 1.

Fig. 1 shows a water dispensing system 100. The water dispensing system comprises a faucet 2, a chill water tank 200, a hot water tank 300, and various conduits for conducting water 22,26,28,30.

The faucet 2 itself comprises an armature 3 and a water tap 5. The faucet comprises a cold water inlet 4 providing cold water from a cold water supply line 6, such a domestic supply line for cold water connected to a municipal water supply system. Additionally, the faucet comprises a warm water inlet 8 providing warm water from a warm water supply line 10, such a domestic supply line for warm water connected to a municipal water supply system or connected to a central heating unit. Cold and warm water will enter the faucet in a traditionally and/or conventionally way as it is well known in the art.

A valve 16 in the faucet will upon actuation allow cold water to flow from the cold water supply line 6 into the faucet and further out of the water tap 5 of the faucet via conduit 17. A valve 18 will upon actuation allow warm water to flow from the warm water supply line 10 into the faucet and further out of the water tap 5 of the faucet via conduit 19.

In addition to the cold water valve 16 and the warm water valve 18, the faucet also comprises a chill water valve 20 and a hot water valve 24.

Both the chill water valve 20 and the hot water valve 24 are connected to the cold water supply line 6. In the embodiment of fig. 1, the chill water valve 20 and the hot water valve 24 are connected to the cold water supply line 6 at a position corresponding to an upstream position in relation the cold water valve 16 relative to the direction of flow of cold water into the faucet.

Upon opening the chill water valve 20, cold water will flow from a cold water supply line 6 and into the faucet, passing the valve 20 and further into a chill water tank 200 via the chill water inlet conduit 22 and via the inlet for cold water 204. The entering cold water will force the water already present in the chill water tank (being in a state of a chilled temperature due to refrigeration means provided in the chill water tank (not shown in fig. 1)) out of the chill water tank via the outlet for chilled water 206 and via the chill water tank outlet conduit 28. The chilled water will enter the faucet 2 via the chill water inlet 12 provided in the faucet, whereafter it is allowed to exit the water tap 5 via conduit 21 and via the internal water tap conduit 7 of the faucet.

Likewise, upon opening the hot water valve 24, cold water will flow from a cold water supply line 6 and into the faucet, passing the valve 24 and further into a hot water tank 300 via the hot water inlet conduit 26 and via the inlet for cold water 304. The entering cold water will force the water already present in the hot water tank (being in a state of a hot temperature due to heating means provided in the hot water tank (not shown in fig. 1)) out of the hot water tank via the outlet for hot water 306 and via the hot water tank outlet conduit 30. The hot water will enter the faucet 2 via the hot water inlet 14 provided in the faucet, whereafter it is allowed to exit the water tap 5 via conduit 25 and via the internal water tap conduit 7 of the faucet.

It is acknowledged from fig. 1 that in case the chill water valve 20 and the hot water valve 24 are closed, there is no water pressure imposed on the water tanks 200,300. Any internal pressure encountered within these tanks will soon be equalized because there is free access from the interior of these tanks to the internal water tap conduit 7 of the faucet. Hence, great safety is provided with the system according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the chill water tank 200 of the water dispensing system 100 of the present invention. The chill water tank 200 comprises an inner container 218 for accommodating chilled water and an outer container 220 functioning as a housing of the tank. Between the inner container 218 and the outer container 220 is provided a thermally insulating material 222.

Immediately below the bottom of the inner container 218, but within the outer container 220, is provided a heat sink in thermal connection to the cooling side of a peltier element 208. The hot side of the peltier element is in thermal contact with a heat sink 228 arranged outside the outer container 220. A fan 230 is provided for removing heat from the hot side of the peltier element. Inside the inner container is provided a thermostat 217 for temperature control.

In the embodiment shown in fig 2, water will enter via the inlet 204 for cold water via means for supplying water to a top part 212 of the chill water tank 200. Water will exit the chill water tank 200 via means 214 for providing outlet water from a bottom part 216 of the chill water tank, and via the outlet 206 for chilled water.

By making sure that the chilled water provided to the faucet originates from a bottom part 216 of the chill water tank, it is ensured that the chill water for use will be as cold as possible.

Fig. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the hot water tank 300 of the water dispensing system 100 of the present invention. The hot water tank 300 comprises an inner container 318 for accommodating hot water and an outer container 320 functioning as a housing of the tank. Between the inner container 318 and the outer container 320 is provided a thermally insulating material 322.

Inside the inner container is provided a thermostat 317 for temperature control and heating means 302 in the form of an electrical heating element 308.

In the embodiment shown in fig 3, water will enter via the inlet 304 for cold water via means 310 for supplying water to a bottom part 316 of the hot water tank 300. Water will exit the hot water tank 300 via means 314 for providing outlet water from a top part 312 of the hot water tank, and via the outlet 306 for hot water.

By making sure that the hot water provided to the faucet originates from a top part 312 of the hot water tank, it is ensured that the hot water for use will be as hot as possible.

In ordinary faucets for use in e.g. domestic kitchens it has been well known for many years to combine the opening of the valve providing cold water and the valve providing warm water into one single, integrated valve. In such a valve movement of an actuator in one direction may control the amount of water dispensed from the faucet, whereas a movement of the actuator in another direction may control the mutual mixing ratio between the cold water and the warm water, and accordingly control the temperature of the water. It may be convenient in the first aspect of the present invention also to provide a combined valve for dispensing hot water or child water. In this case, however, no mixing of the hot and chilled water will take place;

rather the same valve will be used for dispensing hot water as well as chilled water, but no mixing of these two types of water having different temperatures.

Fig. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment in which the chill water outlet conduit 28 and the hot water outlet conduit 30 are connected to each other in a T-connector 32. The T-connector comprises in its interior a ball 40. Upon opening the chill water valve 20, chill water will flow from the chill water tank through the chill water tank outlet conduit 28 into the T- connector, where the chill water will press the ball 40 to the right (as shown in fig. 4). This movement of the ball will lock the access of chill water into the hot water outlet conduit 30 and into the hot water tank 300. Likewise, upon opening the hot water valve 24, hot water will flow from the hot water tank through the hot water tank outlet conduit 30 into the T-connector, where the chill water will press the ball 40 to the left (not shown in fig. 4). This movement of the ball will lock the access of hot water into the chill water tank outlet conduit 28 and into the chill water tank 200.

In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the system 100 comprises an expansion vessel. This is illustrated in fig. 5.

Fig 5 shows the hot water tank 300 comprising means 310 for supplying inlet water to a bottom part of the hot water tank 300. Means 314 for providing outlet water from a top part of the hot water tank is also shown.

The means 310 for supplying inlet water to the hot water tank 300 will be in fluid connection with the hot water tank inlet conduit 26. The means 314 for providing outlet water from the hot water tank is in fluid

connection with the hot water tank outlet conduit 30.

In case the hot water will not be dispensed for an extended period of time, it may happen that water present in the hot water tank will expand. In order to avoid that such hot water will unintentionally and hazardous be dispensed from the water tap 5, an expansion vessel 324 has been provided. A tube 330 for expansion water is in fluid connection with the interior of the expansion vessel 324. In case the water present in the hot water vessel expands/rises, the expanded/raised water will be conducted to the expansion vessel 324 via tube 330. In order to be able to empty the expansion vessel, a draining system has been provided. The draining system comprises a drain tube 332 entering the interior of the hot water inlet conduit 26. In the interior of this hot water inlet conduit 26 is provided a venturi valve 326.

When the hot water valve is opened cold water will flow into the hot water tank via the hot water inlet conduit 26. By virtue of the venturi valve and the associated venturi effect, a sub-atmospheric pressure will be

encountered within the drain tube, leading to emptying the expansion vessel 324. A ball valve 328 ensures that when the expansion vessel has been emptied of water, no air will be sucked into the hot water tank 300.

Also shown in fig, 5 is a water jet brake 334. The water jet brake 334 comprises a perforated disc arranged in the conduit 310. This brake will ensure that the water jet being created by the venture valve will not stir the content of the hot water tank 300 in such a way that the relatively hot water present at the top of that tank will be mix with the relatively colder water being present at the bottom of that tank.

In some embodiments it may be advantageous to include into the water dispensing system of the present invention a water spray tap connected to a flexible hose.

Fig, 6 shows details of the valve system of such an embodiment. The warm water valve 18 is being supplied with warm water from a warm water supply line 10. The cold water valve valve 16 is being supplied with cold water from a cold water supply line 6. Downstream of the valves 16 and 18 the water is directed into a diverter 44. The diverter 44 functions in such a way when the spray tap valve 48 is closed, the diverter will lead water streaming into it through the tap via conduits 17,19.

When the spray tap valve 48 is opened, the diverter will sense this and subsequent close the streaming of water through the conduits 17, 19 leading to the tap 5. Instead, the diverter will open for the direction of water stream in such a way that it leads water to the spray tap where water will be ejected in a spray.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. List of reference numerals

2 Faucet

3 Armature

4 Cold water inlet

5 Water tap

6 Cold water supply line

7 Internal water tap conduit

8 Warm water inlet

10 Warm water supply line

12 Chill water inlet

14 Hot water inlet

16 Cold water valve

17 Conduit for leading cold water from cold water valve to tap 18 Warm water valve

19 Conduit for leading warm water from warm water valve to tap

20 Chill water valve

21 Conduit for leading chilled water through the faucet to the tap of the faucet

22 Chill water tank inlet conduit

24 Hot water valve

25 Conduit for leading hot water through the faucet to the tap of the faucet

26 Hot water tank inlet conduit

28 Chill water tank outlet conduit

30 Hot water tank outlet conduit

32 T-type connector for chill and hot water 34 Cold water inlet of integrated cold/hot water valve

36 First cold water outlet of integrated cold/hot water valve

38 Second cold water outlet of integrated cold/hot water valve

40 Ball of T-type ball valve

42,42' Separate conduits leading water through faucet

42",42"' Separate conduits leading water through faucet

44 Diverter

46 Conduit leading water to spray tap

48 Valve of spray tap

100 Water dispensing system

200 Chill water tank

202 Refrigeration means

204 Inlet for cold water

206 Outlet for chilled water

208 Peltier element

210 Means for supplying inlet water to a top part of chill water tank

212 Top part of chill water tank

214 Means for providing outlet water from a bottom part of chill water tank

216 Bottom part of chill water tank

217 Thermostat

218 Inner container of chill water tank

220 Outer container of chill water tank

222 Thermally insulating material

224, 228 Heat sink

230 Fan 300 Hot water tank

302 Heating means

304 Inlet for cold water

306 Outlet for hot water

308 Electric heating means

310 Means for supplying inlet water to a bottom part of hot water tank

312 Top part of hot water tank

314 Means for providing outlet water from a top part of hot water tank

316 Bottom part of chill water tank

317 Thermostat

318 Inner container of hot water tank

320 Outer container of hot water tank

322 Thermally insulating material

324 Expansion vessel

326 Venturi type valve

328 Ball valve of expansion vessel

330 Tube for expansion water

332 Drain tube of expansion vessel

334 Water jet brake

Claims

1. A water dispensing system (100) for domestic use, such as for use in a household kitchen, said system comprising :

a faucet (2) for dispensing water; and

a chill water tank (200) for accommodating chill water and/or a hot water tank (300) for accommodating hot water; wherein said chill water tank comprises refrigerating means (202); and wherein said hot water tank comprises heating means (302); said hot water tank and said chill water tank each individually being thermally isolated from its surroundings;

wherein said chill water tank (200), if present, comprises an inlet (204) for cold water and an outlet (206) for chilled water;

wherein said hot water tank (300), if present, comprises an inlet (304) for cold water and an outlet (306) for hot water;

wherein said faucet comprises a cold water inlet (4) for supplying cold water from a cold water supply line (6);

wherein said faucet comprises a warm water inlet (8) for supplying warm water from a warm water supply line (10);

wherein said faucet comprises a chill water inlet (12) and/or wherein said faucet comprises a hot water inlet (14);

wherein said faucet comprises a cold water valve (16) for leading cold water through said faucet via a conduit (17);

wherein said faucet comprises a warm water valve (18) for leading warm water through said faucet via a conduit (19);

wherein said faucet comprises a chill water valve (20) for leading cold water from said cold water supply line (6) and to said inlet (204) for cold water of said chill water tank, via a chill water tank inlet conduit (22); and/or wherein said faucet comprises a hot water valve (24) for leading cold water from said cold water supply line (6) and to said inlet for cold water of said hot water tank, via a hot water tank inlet conduit (26);

wherein said system comprises a chill water tank outlet conduit (28) for connecting the outlet (206) of said chill water tank to said chill water inlet (12) of said faucet and/or wherein said system comprises a hot water tank outlet conduit (30) for connecting the outlet (306) of said hot water tank to said hot water inlet (14) of said faucet; wherein said chill water valve (20), if present, and wherein said hot water valve (24), if present, is/are arranged upstream of the cold water valve (16), relative to the flow direction of cold water entering the faucet.

2. A water dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein said

refrigerating means of said chill water tank comprises a thermo electrical Peltier element (208); and/or wherein said heating means of said hot water tank comprises electrical heating means (308).

3. A water dispensing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

said chill water tank comprises means (210) for supplying inlet water to a top part (212) of said tank, and wherein said chill water tank comprises means (214) for providing outlet water from a bottom part (216) of said tank; and/or

wherein said hot water tank comprises means (310) for supplying inlet water to a bottom part (316) of said tank, and wherein said hot water tank comprises means (314) for providing outlet water from a top part (312) of said tank.

4. A water dispensing system according to any of the claims 1 - 3, wherein said valve (16) for leading cold water through said faucet and said valve (18) for leading warm water through said faucet are integrated into one single valve.

5. A water dispensing system according to any of the claims 1 - 4, wherein said valve (20) for leading cold water from said cold water supply line and to said chill water tank (200) and said valve (24) for leading cold water from said cold water supply line and to said hot water tank (300) are integrated into one single valve.

6. A water dispensing system according to any of the claims 1 - 5, wherein said chill water tank outlet conduit (28) and said hot water tank outlet conduit (30) are connected to a T-connection (32) comprising means for shutting off access to the hot water tank (300) in case the chill water valve (20) is opened; and comprising means for shutting off access the chill water tank (200) in case the hot water valve (20) is opened.

7. A water dispensing system according to any of the claims 1 - 6, wherein said chill water tank (200) is configured to uphold, in use, an internal temperature of 1 - 8 °C, such as 2 - 7 °C, e.g. 3 - 6 °C, for example 4 - 5 °C and/or wherein said hot water tank (300) is configured to uphold, in use, an internal temperature of up to 94 - 99 °C, such as 95 - 98 °C, e.g. 96 - 97 °C.

8. A water dispensing system according to any of the claims 1 - 7, wherein said faucet (2) internally comprises one or more separate conduits (42,42', 42",42"') , such as tubes, e.g. rubber tubes or silicone tubes, for leading water though through said faucet in order to avoid water contamination originating from the material of the faucet, preferably one tube for leading cold and warm water through; and another tube for leading chilled and hot water through.

9. A water dispensing system according to any of the claims 1 - 8, wherein said chill water tank (200) and/or wherein said hot water tank (300) each independently has an internal volume of 1 - 10 I, such as 2 - 9 I, for example 3 - 8 1, such as 4 - 7 I or 5 - 6 I.

10. A water dispensing system according to any of the claims 1 - 9, wherein said an outlet for hot water (30) of said hot water tank (300) comprises an expansion vessel (324).

11. A water dispensing system according to claim 10, wherein said expansion vessel is in fluid connection with a venturi type valve drain (326) connected to the inlet for cold water (26) of said hot water tank ( 300).

12. A water dispensing system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said drain (326) of said expansion vessel comprises a ball valve (328) for avoiding suction of air into said hot water tank.

13. A water dispensing system according to any of the claims 1 - 12, wherein said chill water tank (200), if present, comprises a thermostat

(217) for temperature control; and/or wherein said hot water tank (300), if present, comprises a thermostat (317) for temperature control.

14. A water dispensing system according to any of the claims 1 - 13, wherein said system comprises:

said chill water inlet (12) of said faucet (2) and said hot water inlet (14) of said faucet (2);

said valve for leading chilled water (20) through said faucet and said valve (24) for leading hot water through said faucet;

said chill water tank (200) and said hot water tank (300); said conduit (28) for connecting the outlet (206) of said chill water tank to said chill water inlet (12) of said faucet; and said conduit (30) for connecting the outlet (306) of said hot water tank to said hot water inlet (14) of said faucet;

said chill water tank inlet conduit (22), and said hot water tank inlet conduit (26).

15. A water dispensing system according to any of the claims 1 - 14, wherein said system additionally comprises means for supplying carbon dioxide the water to be dispensed, preferably to the cold or the chilled water to be dispensed.

16. A water dispensing system according to any of the claims 1 - 15, wherein said system additionally comprises a spray tap with an associated flexible spray tap hose, said spray tap being provided with a spray tap valve, wherein said flexible hose being in fluid connection with said faucet, and wherein said faucet comprises a diverter configured to diverting water to the spray tap when the spay tap valve is opened.

17. Use of a water dispensing system (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 16 in a kitchen, such as in a professional kitchen.