DE202012012276U1 - Device for cleaning a domestic water pipe and / or for maintaining the water quality - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for cleaning a domestic water pipe (4, 5) and / or for maintaining the water quality in the area between a central domestic water connection (3) and a fitting (2) of a water tapping point (1), with a first water line (5) for cold water and one second water line (6) for hot water and with a circulation regulator (8) in the region of the water tapping point (1), by means of which the two water lines (5, 6), bypassing the valve (2) connectable and so the water from the first water line (5 ) to the second water pipe (6) or? vice versa; from the second water line (6) to the first water line (5) is circulated.

Description

The invention relates to a device for cleaning a domestic water pipe and / or for maintaining the water quality in the area between a central domestic water connection and a fitting of a water tapping point.

The water supply point may be, for example, a sink, a shower, a toilet, a sink in the kitchen, a washing machine connection, etc. Other connections are conceivable.

According to the Drinking Water Ordinance, hygiene in drinking water networks must be ensured. It is important to prevent the contamination of water pipes, faucets, water outlets of any kind up to the entry of contaminated drinking water from the domestic water connection and sustainably germ-free, to keep at least low in germ. This requires the inclusion of all parts of the drinking water network that come into contact with the drinking water.

To ensure this, in existing or new facilities, the surfaces must be free of deposits (deposits, biofilms), Totleitungen largely harmless, the stagnation of water are avoided by regular rinsing, the Rückverkeimung be minimized by the junction and for sterilization regularly a disinfection will be carried out.

The invention is therefore based on the object, a device for cleaning a domestic water pipe and / or maintaining the water quality in the area between a central domestic water connection and a fitting of a water tap in terms of sustainable hygiene, ease of use and the possibility of retrofitting at a reasonable cost to accomplish.

The technical solution is characterized by the features of claim 1.

This creates a drinking water hygiene system that meets the required aspects of sustainable hygiene, easy handling and retrofitting at a reasonable cost. The essence of the invention is based on a movement of the water column, in the form of a water circulation, but the circulation water does not escape from the regular water outlet opening of the valve. Rather, there is a kind of internal return, which is not noticeable from the outside and not visible. This is an impairment or even endangerment of the user is excluded because he gets in contact with the circulation water in any way. The basic principle of this circulation method is that in the circulation circuit on the one hand the cold water pipe and on the other hand the hot water pipe are included, which are led to the valve. This means that the circulation water is led from the cold water line to the hot water line or, conversely, that the circulation water is led from the hot water line to the cold water line. Technically, this means that a circulation regulator is provided in the area of the water tapping point, which effectively shorts the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe while bypassing the valve. This circulation controller can - as will be explained - have a wide variety of technical properties. The cleaning and / or maintaining the water quality takes place, for example, automatically by an appropriate timing. Other control options are conceivable. If several water tapping points should be present, it is in principle conceivable either to treat all water taps or only a part of the water taps or to control only partial areas. In principle, it is also conceivable to combine the circulation process with a rinsing process by first allowing the water to circulate several times before it is then discharged. In the event that - first - a thorough cleaning of the water pipe has been carried out with the result of the desired water quality, it is then the task of subsequent movements of the water column to maintain the water quality achieved.

The developments according to claims 2 to 4 suggest the use of water meters. This has the advantage that the circulation volume is determined by a corresponding circulation water meter. In this case, the circulation regulator with its circulation thermostat can be assigned its own water meter. As a result, the circulating amount of water is measured in a direct manner. If the two water pipes are connected so that the hot water from the corresponding hot water pipe flows into the cold water pipe, it can measure the amount of hot water and from this the heat consumption can be determined.

The development according to claim 5 suggests that in the circulation of water, the maximum flow rate is generally below the start-up limit of the water meter. This means that the water meters do not register the circulation flow rates at all. Because the initial idea here is that mechanical flow meter due to wear and internal friction do not respond to small amounts of water. Only after a certain start-up limit is the measurement started. Therefore, the idea is that these Start-up limit is taken, below which the circulation takes place. This means that despite circulating water, the water meters produce no measured value.

The development according to claim 6 proposes that is set in electronic water meters, the lower starting value as a function of the maximum flow rate in the circulation of the water. Only above this start-up value do the water meters begin to count. However, the deviation caused by the setting of the start-up value is still clearly below the maximum permissible deviation of the water meter at itself. Because the "problem" with electronic water meters is that they are more sensitive than mechanical water meters. In these electronic water meters, however, an adjustment of the start-up limit can be made, which in the present case depends on the circulation volume.

The development according to claim 7 takes into account that water meters basically have a measured value error. If the circulation volume is below this measurement error quantity, the corresponding circulating water quantity is negligible. The core idea is therefore that in the circulation of water, the circulation volume is so small that the differences from cold water meter to hot water meter at maximum allowable deviations of these devices are minimal or tolerable.

The development according to claim 8 suggests that count in the circulation of the water of the hot water meter forward and the cold water meter backwards, or vice versa. This means that the difference between the two measured values represents the necessary heat energy of the circulating hot water. This amount of hot water is the amount that is necessary for the germ killing in the water system. Also in the filling phase by the new circulation larger amounts of water are passed through the water meter. In this case, the cold water meter counts backwards. He transfers this amount to the hot water meter and brings the measured values in difference. This means that both counters suppress the circulation amount.

The development according to claim 9 proposes that the circulation controller has a display device which signals when a circulation takes place and - if so - as possibly the degree of circulation. The system thus has an operating display and a circulation display. The basic idea is therefore to check whether the circulation is in operation or not. The circulation display can be done electronically. But even a mechanical display is conceivable. As a result, one has overall the opportunity to see whether the circulation system is still functional at all or whether the circulation system has failed, for example due to calcification. There is also the danger that the thermostat is always in the open position due to any blockages, so that a permanent circulation takes place.

The development according to claim 10 proposes a particular radio-controlled display device for operating data of the cleaning system. This display device for operating data of the cleaning system is to be understood in the most general sense, especially as regards the operating data. For example, the operating data may be displayed to the consumer, for example, that a cleaning cycle has taken place or is taking place, so that the water system of the consumer is free of harmful bacteria, especially Legionella. In addition, however, the water temperature can also be displayed as operating data. Further operating data for the display are conceivable without further ado. Preferably, the display device is controlled by radio. This has the advantage of easy installation, without any cables must be laid. Of course, however, the data transmission can also be done by cable.

As an alternative to the display device (or additionally), according to the embodiment of claim 11, the system may have an interface for exporting data. This means that other systems, such. B. building management systems data can be transmitted, which relate to the cleaning device according to the invention and the associated method.

According to the embodiment in claim 12, the circulation controller on a thermostatic valve. Through this thermostatic valve, the temperature of the circulation water can be set exactly. Because this thermostatic valve regulates the supply of hot water to the cold water. The thermostatic valve has a thermostatic element that expands when heated and contracts when cooled. In addition to the above-described thermostatic valve, there are also electronically controlled thermostats. Here the temperature is measured by a sensor. A controller then controls the flow through an electronically controllable actuator.

With the development according to claim 13, a first variant of the thermostatic valve is proposed. In this first variant, the thermostatic valve has a thermostatic element which reacts to temperature changes by expansion or contraction. This thermostatic valve is used by type, for example, radiators.

An alternative to this proposes according to the embodiment in claim 14 as a second variant, a thermostatic valve, which is electronically operable. The core idea here is that the temperature of the water is measured via a corresponding sensor. Due to this signaling then the thermostatic valve is electrically opened more or more closed. For this purpose, for example, an electrical actuator is sufficient, ie by applying a voltage or a current of this actuator is actuated and thus changes the passage opening for the circulating water. This electronic circulation thermostat is a technically very easy way to regulate even small flow rates of hot water can.

According to the embodiment in claim 15, the thermostatic valve preferably has a mechanical cleaning device. Because a problem is that in the moving parts of the thermostatic valve can fix any solid parts that affect the functioning of the thermostatic valve or even completely prevent. For this reason, a mechanical cleaning device is provided, which is operated from the outside by hand and which acts on the interior of the thermostatic valve so that solve any fixed solids again.

The development according to claim 16 suggests that the thermostat temperature of the thermostatic valve is adjustable. As a result, the desired temperature of the circulating water can be set either by the consumer or by a suitably authorized person. If, for example, only a low starting temperature is desired in the mixer, the thermostat is adjusted accordingly.

According to the embodiment in claim 17, it is proposed that the thermostat can be switched off. The advantage is that thereby the circulation is completely interrupted. This can save energy. The technical solution may consist in that a mechanical fixation is provided for example by means of a mechanical locking device. This locking device permanently blocks the supply of hot water. An alternative technical solution provides that in the region of the input or in the region of the output of the thermostat, a shut-off valve is arranged. Thus, a total circulation controller with lockable thermostat is created, which shuts off the circulation function. In this case, a manually operable adjusting device can be provided which completely interrupts the circulation.

According to the embodiment in claim 18, the circulation controller is assigned a contamination indicator. This may be, for example, a flow sensor or a biosensor. The core idea of this development is to carry out a check as to whether there is a risk of contamination and, if so, that this risk of contamination is indicated. A first possibility of the contamination indicator would be a flowmeter. If the flow meter does not respond, it can be assumed that there is no circulation and then there is a risk of contamination of the water pipes. A second possibility is to integrate a biosensor that responds to Legionella. Again, a corresponding display is provided, which emits a corresponding, for example, optical or acoustic signal at the risk of contamination. It is also conceivable that a corresponding measured value is transmitted by radio to a central office.

The development according to claim 19 proposes that the circulation controller, in particular the thermostatic valve is associated with a filter unit. The basic idea here is that this filter unit performs an ultrafiltration so that bacteria can be filtered out.

According to the embodiment in claim 20, it is proposed that the circulation controller, in particular the thermostatic valve is associated with a fixed or an adjustable Durchflußreduzierer. The basic idea is that the circulation volume can be adjusted or changed with an adjustable flow reducer. This is especially true in view of the fact that, for example, the water meter must be kept below its start-up limit. This means that by means of the flow reducer, the circulation volume can be adjusted depending on the specifications of the water meter. Alternatively, however, the flow reducer may also be factory set.

According to the embodiment in claim 21, it is proposed that components of the circulation regulator consist of silver. On the one hand, silver has a bactericidal effect, on the other hand, the combination of water pipes made of copper and iron there is a risk that any copper particles settle on the other metal. Due to galvanic currents can then corrode the water pipe. The use of silver has the advantage that the copper particles are effectively attracted and thus removed from the circulation.

According to the embodiment in claim 22, it is proposed that the circulation controller seen in the flow direction of the water is preceded by a collecting anode, which is in terms of their galvanic properties of a nobler metal than the metal of the water pipes. The background to this is as follows: When different metals meet, they inevitably define galvanic elements. The consequence of this is that an electric current flows between the less noble metal and the nobler metal. This is accompanied by the fact that dissolve metal ions from the less noble metal, which flow to the nobler metal and settle there. This less noble metal material can thereby settle in the circulation controller, so that it clogs in the course of time and therefore no longer fulfills its function. However, according to the invention, the circulation regulator is preceded by a so-called collecting anode, the separated metal from the water pipes does not enter the circulation regulator, but is in some measure intercepted by the collection anode. This ensures that the circulation controller remains free of metal components from the water pipes and thus can permanently fulfill its function.

The development according to claim 23 proposes that, seen in the flow direction of the water, a sacrificial anode is connected downstream of the circulation regulator, which in terms of its galvanic properties consists of a less noble metal than the metal of the water conduits. The background here is as follows: As stated above for the collecting anode, metal ions may be released from the metal of the water pipes. This gradually leads to corrosion of these water pipes, which can eventually become leaky and cause corresponding water damage in the building. To avoid this, a so-called sacrificial anode is provided. Here, due to the above-described galvanic effect anode material is secreted, wherein the metal of this sacrificial anode settles on the inner wall of the water pipe. As a result, the previously generated defects are filled again, with the result that the water pipe essentially retains its material thickness.

According to the development in claim 24, a device for detecting the degree of wear of the sacrificial anode is provided. This creates a possibility to be able to replace the sacrificial anode when its wear has reached or exceeded a certain limit by metal removal. The degree of wear of the sacrificial anode can be displayed or forwarded to another system.

A further development proposes according to claim 25, that the electrical energy of the above-described anodes from ambient energy can be fed. As energy, for example, the kinetic energy of the water movement can be used by a corresponding turbine. However, it is also possible to obtain the electrical energy that is generated from a temperature difference due to the Seebeck effect.

The development according to claim 26 proposes that the circulation regulator is installed in the mixer / faucet. Thus, the mixer tap serves for a normal removal of water, on the other hand it serves as an adjustable thermostat for water circulation.

A further development proposes according to claim 27, that the circulation regulator is integrated in a thermostat of the fitting such that the thermostat regulates both the mixing temperature of the fitting for the regular water removal and for the cleaning process according to the invention. As a result, the thermostat of the valve fulfills a double task, namely on the one hand the circulation of hygiene and on the other hand, the setting of the desired mixing temperature of the valve. Overall, this creates a very compact unit within the valve, which is designed to be multifunctional.

The development according to claim 28 proposes that in the circulation system, a disinfection device is installed. The advantage is that the central hot water tank does not have to be heated to the usual temperature to safely kill the Legionella. Rather, the central hot water tank can be operated at a lower temperature. If then any legionella should be left, they are killed by the disinfection device in the circulation circuit. In principle, several disinfection sites and / or multiple disinfection processes can also be used. For example, a UV filter, etc. may be provided. Thus, a perfect hygiene is ensured even at low water temperature.

The development according to claim 29 proposes that the circulation regulator is formed in a so-called hygiene design. By this is meant that the circulation controller is constructed so that there are no unnecessary voids or dead spaces. Furthermore, the materials used are antibacterial and / or prevent by their surface condition that build up deposits in the valve so as to prevent or at least minimize bacterial growth in the circulation valve. The circulation valve is finally designed so that it is easily accessible and quickly removed and cleaned by simple manipulations can be. In summary, the circulation valve is characterized by the use of suitable materials (antibacterial, smooth surfaces, special coatings, etc.), by a special design according to the guidelines and standards of hygiene design (no dead space, sealing of cavities, etc.), through a simple inspection and Maintenance option and finally - if necessary - due to the design by a simple and quick cleaning of the valve.

The development according to claim 30 proposes a flow-optimized circulation, namely that the circulation regulator or the entire circulation system is designed to optimize flow. Specifically, the controller and the pump are designed so that turbulence of the flowing water does not occur or are minimized. The circulating water in this case represents a continuous water thread, which is pumped through the installation system.

The development according to claim 31 proposes the integration of the circulation control function in cartridges for valves. Specifically, the circulation control function is integrated in a ceramic cartridge for a fitting (eg single lever mixer). The circulation control function is permanently active, regardless of the use of the valve. The cartridge is part of fittings and can be replaced. The technical realization may be the integration of an expansion element (thermostat) in a ceramic disc of the cartridge. Depending on the extent of the thermostatic element, the opening of a connection from hot water to cold water side is regulated.

The development according to claim 32 proposes a device for securing the installation against unauthorized dismantling. This means that to ensure the hygiene function, the circulation controller can not be removed without authorization. For one reason of the deconstructor could be, for example, the reduction of energy requirements, so as to save costs.

The development according to claim 33 proposes a device for detecting a no longer functioning circulation controller based on a measurement of the volume flow as a function of the time and / or measurement of the temperature in the cold water line. This device allows the detection of a defective circulation regulator. For example, you can see from a longer-lasting flow rate that the circulation controller is permanently open and thus larger amounts of hot water are introduced into the cold water pipe. Likewise, one recognizes that the controller remains permanently closed, and indeed when no volume flow takes place. The device then transmits, for example, information by radio to a central location or it signals this via a display. Another possibility is to measure the temperature in the cold water pipe. If a permanent increase in the chilled water temperature occurs (eg over 40 ° C over a defined period of time), the system triggers an alarm or signals the defect of the circulation controller in a different way. By way of example, a short-term increase in the temperature of the cold water directly in the region of the thermostat can be used to prove the function of the circulation regulator.

The development according to claim 34 suggests that in case of a defect of the circulation regulator, the circulation is safely interrupted (even energy self-sufficient) and no hot water flows uncontrollably into the cold water pipe. The technical realization can be formed by a prestressed, mechanical closure device, which is unlocked by an actuator in the event of a fault and reliably interrupts the faulty circulation. The actuator is controlled via a sensor that detects the faulty state. One possible form of implementation for the actuator here is a control that is located outside the medium and triggers the mechanical unlocking by a thermally dependent movement. As a result, unlocking can be done without power.

Finally, the development according to claim 35 proposes that the circulation valve has its own device for safety shutdown in the event of a defect. This safety shut-off ensures that beyond the circulation behavior no volume of water can flow into the other water pipe. One possible form of implementation is, for example, a purely mechanical solution through a double-acting thermostatic valve by placing two thermostats with different temperatures set at different points. A once triggered circulation shutdown via the safety device can only be reset manually. Thus, the control behavior is suppressed at the shutdown temperature at the safety thermostatic valve. Another possible implementation is based on a sensor-controlled unit. This z. B. monitors the temperature or flow to the cold water. If the intervention limits are exceeded, an emergency shutdown occurs by interrupting the circulation.

Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In these shows:

1 a schematic representation of a house with - distributed over several floors - several water taps;

2a and 2 B Detail sections of a sampling point with a arranged between the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe circulation controller in two embodiments;

3 a sectional view through a thermostatic valve in spherical shape;

4a to 4c Illustrations of a thermostatic valve with a device for the mechanical removal of foreign bodies;

5a to 5c Thermostatic valves with various accessories;

6a to 6d a thermostatic valve whose temperature can be adjusted;

7a to 7c different versions of a mixer with integrated circulation controller;

8th a schematic representation of a house with - distributed over several floors - several water tapping points with a disinfection device.

1 schematically shows a building with three floors. The two upper floors have water points 1 on, such as B. fittings 2 for a sink, a shower, a toilet or a kitchen sink. In the basement of the building is a central water supply 3 with a central hot water tank 4 ,

Furthermore, a water pipe 5 for cold water and a water pipe 6 intended for hot water. Finally, the water system has a circulation pump 7 as well as a circulation regulator on each floor 8th on which one of the water points 1 namely, the fitting 2 assigned.

The operation is as follows:
For disinfecting the water pipes 5 . 6 these are in the area of the water intake point 1 , which with a circulation regulator 8th is provided, shorted. This means that supplied hot water is not from the valve 2 the water intake point 1 exits, but that the supplied hot water by means of the circulation regulator 8th over the water pipe 5 for the cold water is discharged. The circulating pump is used for this circulation circulation 7 , The reverse direction is equally conceivable for the circulation mode. In the illustrated embodiment, both in the water pipe 5 for the cold water as well as in the water pipe 6 for the hot water water meter 9 built-in.

2a shows an enlarged view of a water tapping point 1 in the form of a washbasin. Here are the water pipe 5 for the cold water and the water pipe 6 recognizable for the hot water. In between is the circulation controller 8th with assigned water meter 9 , Also in the two water pipes 5 . 6 are each water meter 9 connected.

In 2 B it is shown that the circulation controller 8th with control valve a display device 10 has. This may be a lamp that indicates whether the system is in operation and circulation is taking place or not. In addition, an optical scale can be provided, which serves to display the degree of circulation.

3 shows a the circulation controller 8th associated thermostatic valve 11 in spherical form. It is in the housing of this thermostatic valve 11 a thermostatic element 12 arranged on which a correspondingly movable closure element 13 located. This closure element 13 changes the opening cross section of the flowing hot water when the thermostatic element 12 expands or contracts. In addition to the spherical shape shown, the housing can also have cylindrical, cubic and all other conceivable shapes. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the closure element 13 hemispherical formed. Of course, this closure element 13 also have any other suitable shape.

The 4a to 4c show a thermostatic valve 11 with a mechanical cleaning device. If there is a problem with the moving parts of the thermostatic valve 11 any solid parts can set, which the functioning of the thermostatic valve 11 impair or even prevent completely. For this reason, a mechanical cleaning device is provided, which is actuated from the outside and which so on the inside of the thermostatic valve 11 acts to dissolve any solids that have settled, as possible again.

The basic principle of this mechanical cleaning device is that an actuator 14 is provided. About a corresponding actuating rod acts this actuator 14 on the movable closure element 13 of the thermostatic valve 11 , The actuator 14 can be operated from the outside by an operator by this operator on the actuator 14 pulls against the force of a spring. Will then the actuator 14 released, he returns due to the spring force in its initial position and pushes impulsively against the closure element 13 of the thermostatic valve 11 , Due to the vibration can then solve as possible fixed solid part.

5a shows a thermostatic valve 11 of the circulation regulator 8th , which with a contamination indicator 15 Is provided. It may be a flow sensor or a biosensor or the like. Act. Associated with the system is a corresponding evaluation with an optical display 16 , The core idea is to check whether there is a risk of contamination and, if so, that this risk of contamination is indicated. For example, if the flow meter does not respond, it can be assumed that there is no circulation and then the risk of contamination of the water pipes 5 . 6 consists. Another possibility is - as stated - to integrate a biosensor that responds to Legionella. Again, there is a corresponding message 16 provided, which outputs a corresponding, for example, optical or acoustic signal at the risk of contamination. It is also conceivable that a corresponding measured value is transmitted by radio to a central office.

In 5b is a thermostatic valve 11 of the circulation regulator 8th shown a filter 17 is downstream. The corresponding filter unit of this filter 17 is designed to filter out bacteria.

5c shows a thermostatic valve 11 of the circulation regulator 8th which is an adjustable flow reducer 18 assigned. In the illustrated embodiment, it may be against each other rotatable discs with openings. By turning the one disk, the opening cross section can be changed. As a result, adjustment of the circulation volume is possible in a technically simple manner. To change the circulation volume, an adjusting ring can be actuated on the housing.

An embodiment for changing the thermostat temperature of the thermostatic valve 11 of the circulation regulator 8th is in 6a shown. Here is the thermostatic valve 11 a rotatable cap 19 on, in which the thermostatic element 12 is arranged. By turning the cap 19 becomes the thermostatic element 12 with its closure element 13 moved forward or backward. From the distance between the closure element 13 and the flow opening gives the thermostat temperature. The larger this distance, the higher the thermostat temperature. Thus, by simply turning the cap 19 the thermostat temperature changed and adapted to the respective needs.

6b shows the situation when the thermostat is open and the circulation is active accordingly.

6c however, the situation shows when the circulation valve completely closes the flow opening. This deactivates the circulation.

6d Finally, the situation shows in comparison to the illustration in 6a as by turning the cap 19 the thermostat temperature can be changed. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap was 19 screwed in, so that the thermostat temperature is lower.

Further adjustment of the thermostat are conceivable and possible.

7a and 7b show a fitting 2 (Mixer tap) with integrated circulation regulator 8th , The adjustability can via an adjustment 20 respectively. Thus, the fitting is used 2 (Mixer) for a normal removal of water, on the other hand, it serves as an adjustable thermostat for water circulation.

7c finally the faucet shows 2 (Mixer) additionally with a scalding protection. This means that the maximum temperature is limited.

8th indicates by analogy 1 , as in the circulation system, a disinfection device 21 is installed. It may be, for example, a UV filter here. Other disinfection devices and disinfection methods are equally applicable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Water extraction point

2

fitting

3

House water supply

4

Hot water storage

5

Water pipe (cold)

6

Water pipe (warm)

7

circulation pump

8th

circulation controller

9

water meter

10

display

11

thermostatic valve

12

thermostatic element

13

closure element

14

actuator

15

Contamination indicator

16

optical display

17

filter

18

Flow rate

19

cap

20

adjustment

21

disinfecting device

Claims (35)

Device for cleaning a domestic water pipe ( 4 . 5 ) and / or to maintain the water quality in the area between a central domestic water connection ( 3 ) and a fitting ( 2 ) of a water intake point ( 1 ), with a first water pipe ( 5 ) for cold water and a second water pipe ( 6 ) for hot water and with a circulation regulator ( 8th ) in the area of the water intake point ( 1 ), by means of which the two water pipes ( 5 . 6 ) bypassing the valve ( 2 ) and so the water from the first water pipe ( 5 ) to the second water line ( 6 ) or - conversely - from the second water line ( 6 ) to the first water pipe ( 5 ) is circulatable. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one water meter ( 9 ) is provided for determining the amount of circulating water. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the water meter ( 9 ) the circulation controller ( 8th ) between the two water pipes ( 5 . 6 ) assigned. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the water pipes ( 5 . 6 ) each a water meter ( 9 ) assigned. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the maximum flow rate of the circulating water below the start-up limit of the water meter ( 9 ) lies. Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that in an electronic water meter ( 9 ) the lower starting value is adjustable in dependence on the maximum flow rate of the circulating water. Device according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the amount of circulating water is less than the measured value tolerances of the water meter ( 9 ). Device according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the water meter ( 9 ) for the cold water in the opposite direction as the water meter ( 9 ) for the hot water. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation regulators ( 8th ) a display device ( 10 ) with regard to circulation and / or degree of circulation. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a display device, in particular controlled by radio, for operating data of the cleaning device is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an interface for exporting data is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation regulator ( 8th ) a thermostatic valve ( 11 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the thermostatic valve ( 11 ) a thermostatic element responding to temperature changes by expansion or contraction ( 12 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the thermostatic valve ( 11 ) is electronically operable. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the thermostatic valve ( 11 ) has an integrated mechanical cleaning device. Device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the temperature of the thermostatic valve ( 11 ) is changeable. Device according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the thermostatic valve ( 11 ) can be switched off. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation regulator ( 8th ) a contamination indicator ( 15 ) assigned. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation regulator ( 8th ) a filter ( 17 ) assigned. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation regulator ( 8th ) a fixed or adjustable flow reducer ( 18 ) assigned. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation regulator ( 8th ) Has areas with a biocidal surface, in particular silver. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation regulator ( 8th ) in the flow direction of the water, a collection anode is connected upstream, which consists in terms of their galvanic properties of a nobler metal than the metal of the water pipes. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation regulator ( 8th ) is seen downstream of a sacrificial anode in the flow direction of the water, which is in terms of their galvanic properties of a less noble metal than the metal of the water pipes. Apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that a device for detecting the degree of wear is provided. Device according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the electrical energy of the anodes can be fed from ambient energy. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation regulator ( 8th ) in the fitting ( 2 ) is integrated. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation regulator ( 8th ) in a thermostat of the valve ( 2 ) is integrated in such a way that the thermostat both the mixing temperature of the valve ( 2 ) regulates the regular water withdrawal as well as for the cleaning process. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more disinfection devices ( 21 ) is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation regulator ( 8th ) is executed in hygienic design. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation regulator ( 8th ) and / or the entire circulation system are designed flow-optimized. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation control function is integrated in the ceramic cartridge for a fitting. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device for securing the installation is provided against unauthorized dismantling. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device for detecting a non-functional circulation regulator ( 8th ), this device being in particular a measuring device for measuring the volume flow as a function of time and / or a measuring device for measuring the temperature in the cold water line. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device is provided which in case of a defect of the circulation regulator ( 8th ) interrupts the circulation of the water. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulation regulator ( 8th ) has a device for safety shutdown in case of defect.

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