System for water dispenser disinfection by integral heating, corresponding method, device and fountains

Abstract

The invention relates to a water dispenser 1, for example, but not by way of limitation, of the type comprising a removable carboy 2, mounted on a tapping device (and holder) 3; this carboy supplies water to a tank 4 which is connected to a dispensing faucet 6. An evaporator 5 allows optional cooling of the water upstream of the faucet 6. The invention consists in surrounding a portion (sufficient to obtain the desired effect) of the lateral surface of the tank 4 with a heating device 7, in particular a heating plate that fits against the lateral surface of the tank 4. At regular intervals, the plate 7 heats water in the tank 4 to a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to destroy pathogenic bacteria. This method for disinfection by periodic integral heating of a water circulation and distribution system can be applied to any type of dispenser, of the carboy type, the direct expansion type, or the ice-block type. Disinfection is complete, including microcracks, joints and the like, and destruction or prevention of biofilms.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.