WO2001013045A1 - Sanitation unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Sanitation unit having a hot water boiler and a water treatment unit with a functional element, in particular for the prevention of deposits of scale, whereby a circulation pump (5) is provided, through which water taken from the hot water connection (18) of the boiler (1) can be routed through the functional element (9) to the water treatment unit of the cold water connection (21) of the boiler (1). The circulation pump (5) and the functional element (9) are contructed as one compact structural unit.

Description

 Sanitary facility

The invention relates to a sanitary installation with a hot water boiler and a water treatment device having a functional element, in particular for preventing limescale from being deposited. The invention further relates to a connection element for a hot water boiler.

When water is heated, lime precipitates depending on the hardness content, pH value, carbonate hardness and conductivity. This can include lead to system malfunctions, rapid wear and tear of high-quality fittings and increased energy consumption.

The classic solutions to avoid the above Problems exist in the reduction of hardness agents through softening systems (ion exchange) or dosing of inhibitors.

Modern process technologies use the formation of crystallization nuclei and work without the addition of operating chemicals. It has been shown that currently only a few processes which specify such a functional mechanism as an active principle meet the requirements for reducing the formation of stones in drinking water heating systems. A technically sufficient effect of devices that work purely with electromagnetic fields is not given. However, a sufficient pH shift that can be used to form crystallization nuclei can be achieved locally by electrolysis in the water.

It is also known that crystal nuclei can be produced in a sufficient amount by a purely catalytic process in order to ensure adequate limescale prevention. Suitable catalytically active, in particular granular, materials are described, for example, in international application WO 00/02658. These are weakly acidic ion exchange materials in the Ca form. With such materials it is possible to catalytically precipitate lime from calcareous water or to catalytically activate the formation of the smallest lime crystals on its surface. In practice, the methods and devices are installed almost exclusively in the house connection line or cold water supply line to the hot water generator.

Cold water treatment in the household is designed according to the peak flow (DIN 1988). Since the formation of crystallization nuclei, like any chemical reaction, follows a space-time yield, the short treatment times require large volumes in which the desired reactions for forming the crystallization nuclei can take place. For electrochemical methods, this means either large electrode surfaces or large current intensities, for catalytic methods large catalyst surfaces.

In the case of drinking water heating systems (hot water boilers) with storage tanks, the storage volumes for holding the heated drinking water can now be used simultaneously to increase the average contact time in the device and thus increase the time yield while the size of the devices remains the same.

This can include can be achieved in that the water treatment unit is connected to the drinking water tank via a circulation line and the storage content is repeatedly circulated via the treatment line. This type of installation has the following advantages:

The crystal nucleation takes place at the temperature of the DHW heater. At a typical temperature of 60 ° C, the rate of nucleation is 100 times faster than that of cold water. - The devices do not have to be designed according to the peak flows of the hot water requirements, but only depend on the storage size and heating-up time of the storage, and in hydraulic terms on the delivery rate of the circulation pump. These are orders of magnitude lower than the peak flow rates that can result from a demand requirement.

Costly disinfection units can generally be dispensed with.

It is also easily possible to thermally disinfect the devices using a separate heating unit. The advantage is that the heating power applied almost exclusively to the drinking water heating system flows in and so there is no increased energy expenditure for disinfection.

With smaller hot water storage tanks in a family home or with wall-mounted electrical storage tanks, there is usually no circulation. In order to be able to use the advantages of the hot water storage tank in these cases as well, a circulation line with a circulation pump will be installed.

It is therefore proposed that a circulation pump is provided, via which water removed from the hot water connection of the boiler can be fed to the cold water connection of the boiler via the functional element of the water treatment device, and that the circulation pump and the functional element are combined into a compact structural unit.

The size can be reduced by combining the circulation pump and the functional element (for example a container for a catalytically active substance in granular form). In addition, complex intermediate lines can be avoided. Finally, simple retrofitting is possible with existing drinking water installations, especially in connection with a hot water boiler.

In the case of a wall-hung boiler, according to a variant of the invention, it is provided that a circulation pump is provided, via which water removed from the hot water connection of the boiler can be fed to the cold water connection of the boiler via the functional element of the water treatment device, and that the circulation pump and the functional element are in short supply Are arranged below a wall-mounted hot water boiler.

While with conventional drinking water installations in a house, a water treatment device is usually installed in the basement in the cold water section, this variant offers an option for a water treatment device that can also be easily retrofitted for individual apartments to reduce the calcification of the hot water boiler and other sanitary components. The usual hot and cold water connections to the boiler, as well as the associated, mostly standardized wall outlets for cold and hot water and the mostly prescribed safety module can remain. It gets single lent an additional "branch" below the boiler, so that the hot water can be returned to the cold water connection of the boiler via a small circulation pump and the functional element. The lines provided between the boiler and the wall can carry the circulation pump and the functional element.

Because wall-hung boilers are often housed in bathrooms or other living areas, a cover is provided according to a preferred embodiment, which, apart from a visually appealing appearance, can also have technical functionalities. For example, it is possible to design this cover to be heat-insulating in order to avoid heat losses. In addition, the cover can consist of transparent, preferably not glass-clear, but only translucent material. This means that the safety assembly (pressure relief valve and drip cup) can be seen without removing the paneling. It is also possible to make the entire cover easily removable on the wall, for example for cleaning or maintenance purposes. For the same purpose it can be provided that the cover has an openable flap.

An electronic control module can also be provided under or next to this cover, which is equipped with an operating hours counter, which indicates to the operator by means of a signal lamp or an acoustic alarm that maintenance (checking the pressure relief valve or replacing the functional unit) is necessary. The acoustic alarm can be combined with a proximity switch, so that the acoustic alarm only occurs when someone actually comes close to the device, which suppresses disturbing noise during the night.

The electronic control module can also be designed such that it only controls the circulation pump when the boiler is actually heating up, that is to say its heating element is active. Finally, it is also conceivable and possible to design the control module so that it automatically opens a backwash valve in order to ensure trouble-free long-term operation. The catalyst granulate must namely be retained in the functional element within a container (for example in the form of an exchangeable cartridge) with fine sieves, and these can in the course of time be contaminated by contamination introduced from the installation system by the circulation. be placed. But also through the fine abrasion or the fine fraction of the grain of the

Catalyst granules can cause the sieves to be laid.

In principle, backwashing can also be activated manually. If an electronic control module is used, this can be automated, the control module activating, for example, backwashing on the basis of a timer or on the basis of a pressure drop below the limit value or on a flow measurement below the limit value. For such an embodiment, the compact connection unit should therefore also be equipped with connection options for a differential pressure measurement or be able to incorporate a flow measurement unit (for example a turbine wheel sensor).

If a catalytically active substance is used, for example in the form of granules, this should be renewed at regular intervals. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the container (cartridge), preferably including the necessary filters, can be replaced. Shut-off valves are provided on both sides of the functional element so that the boiler does not have to be completely drained. When these are closed, the catalyst cartridge can be easily replaced. After opening the shut-off valves, they are immediately ready for use again.

A particularly compact implementation of the concept according to the invention is possible with a connection element for a hot water boiler, which comprises: a hot water inlet connection which can be connected to a hot water connection of the boiler, a hot water outlet connection connected to the hot water inlet connection and which leads to at least one consumer Hot water line is connectable, a cold water outlet connection which can be connected to the cold water connection of the boiler, a cold water inlet connection which is connected to the cold water outlet connection and which can be connected to a cold water inlet, a circulation pump which is connected on the inlet side to the hot water inlet connection, a functional element output connection on the output side connected to the circulating pump for connecting a functional element through which flow is possible, and a functional element input connection which can also be connected to the functional element and which is connected to the cold water output connection.

Such a highly integrated connection element can contain all the necessary components, in particular the circulation pump and all connections, also for the functional element. The components can also be modularly expanded as required. Thanks to the multi-component connection head, expensive and time-consuming individual screw connections are unnecessary.

Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the following description of the figures.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the structure of a water treatment unit for a wall-hung electric boiler, the components integrated in the connection element according to the invention are shown schematically and clearly in a function diagram, Fig. 2 shows a front view of an embodiment of a connection element according to the invention for a wall-hung Electric boiler, FIG. 3 shows a side view from the right, FIG. 4 shows a side view from the left, FIG. 5 shows a schematic circuit diagram, according to which the following exemplary embodiments are essentially constructed, FIG. 5a shows the position 5 during the heating phase of FIG. 5, FIG. 6 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 5, but during the backwash phase, FIG. 6a accordingly shows the changed position of the backwash valve, which FIGS. 7 and 8 show another execution example iel of a system according to the invention in a partially sectioned front view and a top view, FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment in a schematic front view, FIG. 10 shows the pump including the pump drive and the functional element 9 of this embodiment of FIG. 9, 11, 12 and 13 show a further embodiment, namely in a perspective front view, a perspective rear view and a central front view, FIGS. 14 and 15 show a further embodiment of the system according to the invention in a perspective and a central front view, the 16 shows the installation situation of an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, FIG. 17 shows an exemplary embodiment of a standing boiler, FIG. 18 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cover according to the invention, and FIG. 19 shows a further exemplary embodiment of such a cover.

The wall-hung electric boiler 1 has a heating element 2.

The cold water flows through a cold water inlet 4, a backflow preventer 14, a cold water flow regulating valve 11 and an overpressure safety valve 12 into the boiler and is heated there. The hot water or hot water then flows via a backflow preventer 13 and a hot water pipe 3 to a consumer, not shown. So far the structure is state of the art and typical of wall-mounted electric boilers.

In the wall-hung electric boiler 1 shown in FIG. 1, a circulation pump 5 is now additionally provided, which pumps water back into the boiler via a functional element, for example, during the heating phase. The functional element can in particular be a device for nucleation, preferably for the formation of lime crystal nuclei, and for this purpose can have, for example, a catalytically active ion exchanger. However, the functional element can also contain a metering device for active substances, for example inhibitors. It is also possible that the functional element 9 contains a filter. Shut-off valves 8, 10 are also provided in the form of spherical slopes, which allow the functional element to be changed without having to empty the boiler. A backwash valve 7 allows water to flow through the functional element in the opposite direction in order to flush out any impurities. For this purpose, the backwash valve can be brought into a position in which it connects the functional element 9 to the drain 15. As already mentioned, FIG. 1 represents only a schematic representation of the individual components and lines. According to the invention, these components, at least however the circulation pump 5 and the necessary line connections, are integrated in a compact connection element (connection head) combined in its structural unit, such as this is shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. Such a highly integrated connection head can easily be mounted on wall-hung boilers. The connections for the individual lines, which will be described in the following, can correspond to the usual standards, so that simple retrofitting is possible.

The connection element or the connection head can for example be made of gunmetal or as a brass part. But it is also possible to use heat-resistant plastic.

A modular structure is advantageously provided in the sense that the connection element already has the possibility of integrating or connecting all the components shown in FIG. 1. However, not all components are absolutely necessary for operation. In this case, they can simply be closed with blind covers.

In detail, the exemplary embodiment of the connecting element according to the invention shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 has a base body 16, in which lines or bores run inside and which above all carries or holds the circulation pump 5.

In addition to the circulation pump 5, the connection element 16 has the following connections:

a hot water inlet connection 17 which can be connected to a hot water connection 18 of the boiler 1,

a hot water outlet connection 19 which is connected to the hot water inlet connection 17 via an inner line and which can be connected to a hot water line leading to at least one consumer,

a cold water outlet connection 20 which can be connected to the cold water connection 21 of the boiler, - One connected to the cold water outlet connection 20

Cold water inlet connection 22, which can be connected to a cold water inlet 4,

- On the output side with the circulation pump 5 in connection with the functional element output connection 23 for connecting the flowable functional element 9, and finally

- A functional element input connection 24, which can also be connected to the functional element 9 and is in flow connection with the cold water outlet connection 20.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the circulation pump 5 with the other components of the connecting element 16 are assembled into a compact structural unit. The connection element according to the invention can preferably comprise a backwash valve 7, via which the functional element 9 connected to the connection element 16 can be flushed from the cold water outlet connection 20 in the opposite direction into a drain. The other components, such as the backflow preventer 6, 13 and 14 as well as a cold water flow regulating valve 11 and an overpressure safety valve 12 can be integrated into the connection element.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the connection element according to the invention is arranged in a space-saving manner at a short distance below the hot water boiler and can be easily retrofitted there. It is advantageously carried exclusively by the lines 25 coming from the hot water boiler or leading into the wall and generally does not require any additional mounting.

As already mentioned, the connected functional element 9 can be a device for crystal nucleation. However, it cannot contain a metering device for active substances, especially inhibitors. Ion exchangers which are preferably catalytically active are also conceivable and possible.

The connecting element according to the invention preferably has shut-off valves 8, 10, which allow the functional element to be replaced without having to empty the boiler. The circulation pump can work continuously. But it is also an intermittent one

Operation of the circulation pump 5 conceivable and possible, for example a simultaneous one

Circuit with the heating element 2. For this purpose, it is provided that the circulation pump and / or the heating of the boiler and the backwash valve by its own

Control are monitored.

The highly integrated connection head is particularly suitable for wall-mounted hot water boilers, but can also be used cheaply in other hot water or hot water treatment systems.

In the following figures, the same reference numerals designate the same or equivalent parts as in FIGS. 1 to 4. The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 schematically shows the operating situation during the heating phase in which, starting from the hot water line 25 of the wall-mounted hot water boiler 1 Via the connecting line 26, a backflow preventer 6, a backwash valve 7, and circulation via the water-treating functional element 9. The treated water then returns to the cold water part, which leads into the hot water boiler 1, via a further connecting line 27, in which a shutoff valve 10 is arranged.

In this exemplary embodiment, the functional element 9 is a container which contains a catalytically active granulate arranged between two sieves 28, for example in the form of a weakly acidic ion exchanger. The granulate 29 is flowed through from bottom to top.

In this operating position, FIG. 5 shows the switching position of the valve ball of the backwash valve 7, which can be controlled, for example, by means of an electromagnet 30 from an electronic control unit. The line 26 comes from the circulation pump 5, the line 31 leads to the functional element 9.

In order to clean the filter 28 of the functional element from time to time, the backwash valve 7 can be brought into the position shown in FIG. 6a, whereby the water flow through the functional element 9 takes place in the opposite direction to that in FIG. 5.

The backwash valve 7 can be operated manually. However, it is also possible to provide an electronic control unit that does this automatically, for example via a time control or as a function of system parameters, for example by a differential pressure measurement upstream and downstream of the functional element, or a flow measurement, for example via a turbine wheel sensor. These measured variables make it possible to determine whether the sieves 28 have already been clogged. If this is the case, backwashing can then take place automatically.

The exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 shows a hot water boiler 1 and a functional element, generally designated 9, which is used for water treatment. The interior of the functional element 9 is not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 to indicate that it can work in the most varied of ways. For example, it is possible, as in FIGS. 5 and 6, to introduce a catalytically active substance in granular form. For example, weakly acidic ion exchangers in the Ca form are suitable. However, it is also possible, for example, that a metering device for active substances, for example inhibitors, is provided in the functional element. It is also conceivable that the functional element works essentially electrolytically. 7 and 8, the compact arrangement of the circulation pump 5 and the functional element 9 below the boiler 1 or the combination of the circulation pump 5 and the functional element 9 into a compact structural unit is essential.

The circulation pump 5 pumps hot water from the hot water-carrying line 25 of the boiler 1 via the functional element 9 into the return line 27, which, as shown in FIG. 8, opens into the cold water part, above the usual safety valve 12. This is also included a standard drip cup 32.

The section of the upper area of the functional element 9 is shown rotated in FIG. 7 in order to better illustrate the components, in particular the backwash valve 7. If this backwash valve is opened, the functional element 9 is flowed through in the opposite direction, ie water flows from the cold water part via the line 27 into the functional element 9 and from there via the backwash line 15a into the drip cup 32. This serves to clean the functional element 9 ,

As mentioned above, the circulation pump can operate continuously. However, it is cheaper to combine the running time of the circulation pump with the heating-up time of the boiler so that the pump only runs when the boiler is heating up. For example via control electronics, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 under

Reference number 33 will be described.

This control electronics 33 can also control the backwash valve in addition to the circulation pump.

The circulation pump is advantageously a wet-running pump, which is characterized by durability, smooth running and low costs.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is a wall-mounted electric boiler 1, the wall being provided with the reference number 34. It can be seen that the circulation pump 5 is essentially connected upstream of the hot water line 25, while the functional element 9 of the water treatment device is located to the side of the latter. The circulating pump 5 and the functional element 9 are assembled into a compact structural unit, so that the entire device does not protrude laterally beyond the boiler 1 and also has only a slight extension downward, in particular does not extend any further down than the drip cup 32 provided in any case of the safety valve 12. The compact assembly comprising the circulation pump 5 and the functional element 9 can only be carried by the lines 25 leading from the wall 34 to the boiler 1, which means that additional holes in the mostly tiled wall are unnecessary.

FIG. 9 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention, in which the circulation pump 5 is arranged below the functional element 9. The hot water connection to the wall takes place via a T-piece 35, from which the circulation line 26 starts.

10 shows the circulating pump 5 assembled with the functional element 9 into a compact structural unit. The pump connection 5a practically forms the compact connection to the functional element 9. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, the circulating pump 5 is located, which with the functional element 9 is assembled into a compact structural unit, above this functional element. Otherwise, the same reference numerals designate the same parts as in the previous drawings. 11, 12 and 13 show an advantageous as an automatic Vent 36 trained venting of the pump chamber so that expected air bubbles can not have a disruptive influence.

In the last-described exemplary embodiments, not only is the functional element 9, but also the circulation pump located to the side next to the connecting lines 25 between the boiler 1 and the wall 34. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the pump also carries an electronic control module at the front, which the Can control the pump and the backwash valve. Light-emitting diodes 37 can indicate the respective operating state.

16 shows the typical installation situation in a hot water installation. A bath tub is indicated at 38 and a washing machine at 39, above which the wall-hung electric boiler 1 is located. The sanitary facility for water treatment according to the invention is visually appealing and thermally insulated and is protected against contamination under a cover 40. This cover 40 can be mounted on the wall 34.

However, the invention is not only suitable for wall-hung electric boilers. The invention can also be used expediently for floor-standing boilers 1 ', as shown in FIG. 17. The standing boiler V has a cold water inlet 4 'and a hot water outlet 3'. From this, a circulation line 26, 27 leads back via a circulation pump 5 and a water-treating functional element 9 in the interior of the cover 40 parallel to the standing boiler 1 '. According to the invention, the circulation pump 5 and the functional element 9 are assembled under the cover 40 to form a compact structural unit. The cover can be made in one or more parts, as shown for example in FIG. 40. An actuator 41 for the backwash valve 7 can be guided through the cover to the outside. In addition, the cover can have a transparent or translucent area so that the usual safety group with pressure reducer, pressure relief valve and drainage cup can be seen from the outside without being removed. This viewing window is designated by the reference number 32. In general, the cover can be injection-molded from a translucent material, so that one can also look through the light-emitting diodes of any control electronics installed underneath. The production from injection molded plastic is inexpensive and enables an aesthetically appealing design. As already mentioned, the cover 40 can be made in one or more parts in order to make it partially removable and easy Allow attachment. In addition, the cover 40 can be heat-insulating to save energy.

FIG. 19 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a cover 40 which has three parts, namely a lower part 40a which can be pushed onto the cartridge of the functional element 9 from below, and two upper parts 40a and 40b which cover the lines. The control electronics 33 is exposed in this embodiment.

Claims

Patent claims: 1. Sanitary facility with a hot water boiler and a water treatment device having a functional element, in particular for preventing the deposition of lime, characterized in that a circulation pump (5) is provided, via which water removed from the hot water connection (18) of the boiler (1) the functional element (9) of the water treatment device can be fed to the cold water connection (21) of the boiler (1), and that the circulation pump (5) and the functional element (9) are combined to form a compact structural unit. 2. Sanitary facility according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional element (9) is a device for nucleation of at least one component dissolved in water, preferably for the formation of lime crystal germs. 3. Sanitary facility according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the functional element (9) has a metering device for active substances, in particular inhibitors. 4. Sanitary installation according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the functional element (9) contains an ion exchanger (29), preferably a weakly acidic ion exchanger in the Ca form. 5. Sanitary facility according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the functional element (9) is designed as a preferably replaceable container for a catalytically active substance (29) in granular form. 6. Sanitary facility according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the functional element (9) is a substantially electrolytically operating unit. 7. Sanitary installation according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the functional element (9) contains at least one filter (28), which is preferably suitable for retaining active granules (29) located in the functional element (9). 8. Sanitary facility according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a backwash valve (7) is provided, via which the functional element (9) from the cold water connection of the boiler (1) can be flushed out in the reverse direction into a drain (32) , 9. Sanitary facility according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the circulation pump (5) operates continuously. 10. Sanitary installation according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the circulation pump works intermittently, preferably always simultaneously with the heating element (2) of the boiler (1). 11. Sanitary facility according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the circulation pump (5) and / or the heating of the boiler (1) and optionally the backwash valve (7) are monitored by control electronics (33). 12. Sanitary installation according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the circulation pump (5) is a wet-running pump. 13. Sanitary facility according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the pump chamber of the circulation pump (5) has a vent (36). 14. Sanitary facility according to claim 13, characterized in that the vent (36) is an automatic vent (36). 15. Sanitary facility according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by shut-off valves (8, 7; 10) on both sides of the functional element (9). 16. Sanitary facility with a hot water boiler and a water treatment device having a functional element, in particular for preventing the Lime deposit, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that a circulation pump (5) is provided, via which water removed from the hot water connection (18) of the boiler (1) via the functional element (9) of the water treatment device to the cold water connection (21) of the boiler (1) can be fed, and that the circulation pump and the functional element are arranged a short distance below a wall-mounted hot water boiler. 17. Sanitary facility according to claim 16, characterized in that the circulation pump (5) and the functional element (9) are installed in a circulation line (26, 31, 27) which between the hot water wall connection (3) and the hot water outlet (18) branches off the boiler (1) and which opens back between the cold water wall connection (4) and the cold water inlet (21) of the boiler (1). 18. Sanitary installation according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the circulating pump (5) and the functional element (9) of the water treatment device do not protrude laterally beyond the boiler (1) and preferably extend down to a maximum of 25 cm from the bottom edge of the boiler. 19. Sanitary installation according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the functional element (9) - in a front view of the boiler - is located laterally next to the connecting lines (25) between the boiler and the wall. 20. Sanitary installation according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the circulation pump (5) - in a front view of the boiler (1) - laterally next to the connecting lines (25) between the boiler (1) and wall (34) lying (25) lies. 21. Sanitary installation according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the circulation pump (5) and the functional element (9) - preferably exclusively - carried by the lines (25) leading from the wall (34) to the boiler (1) are. 22. Sanitary installation according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized by a the circulation pump (5) and the functional element (9) at least partially surrounding cover (40). 23. Sanitary facility according to claim 22, characterized in that the cover (40) is mounted on the wall (34). 24. Sanitary facility according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the Cover (40) is made in one or more parts. 25. Sanitary installation according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the cover (40) consists at least partially of transparent material, preferably injection molded plastic. 26. Sanitary facility according to one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the cover (40) is designed to be heat-insulating. 27. Connection element for a hot water boiler, which comprises: a hot water inlet connection (17) which can be connected to a hot water connection (18) of the boiler (1), a hot water outlet connection (19) which is connected to the hot water inlet connection (17) and which one of the hot water pipes leading to at least one consumer can be connected, a cold water outlet connection (20) which can be connected to the cold water connection (21) of the boiler (1), a cold water inlet connection (22) connected to the cold water outlet connection (20) which connects to a Cold water inlet (4) can be connected, a circulation pump connected on the inlet side to the hot water inlet connection, a function element outlet connection (23) on the outlet side connected to the circulation pump for connecting a flow-through function element (9), and also to the function element (9) connectable function element input Connection (24) which is connected to the cold water outlet connection (20). 28. Connection element according to claim 27, characterized in that the circulation pump (5) is assembled with the other components of the connection element to form a compact structural unit. 29. Connection element according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that between the hot water outlet connection (19) and the branch to Circulation pump (5) a built-in backflow preventer (13) is provided. 30. Connection element according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the functional element input connection (24) and the functional element output connection (23) can each be shut off via a shut-off valve (8, 10) built into the connecting element. 31. Connection element according to one of claims 27 to 30, characterized in that it has a cold water flow regulating valve (11) and / or an overpressure safety valve (12). 32. Connection element according to one of claims 27 to 31, characterized in that the cold water inlet connection (22) is followed by a built-in backflow preventer (14). 33. Connection element for a wall-hung hot water boiler according to one of claims 27 to 32, characterized in that the connection element (16) is arranged at a short distance below the hot water boiler (1). 34. Connection element according to one of claims 27 to 32, characterized in that it is - preferably exclusively - carried by the lines leading to the hot water boiler (25) and the lines coming out of the wall (25).