AT10563U1 - METHOD FOR THE THERMAL DISINFECTION AND INSTRUMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THESE METHODS - Google Patents

Description

2 AT010 563U1

The invention relates to methods for the thermal disinfection sanitary fittings, in particular a shower fitting with cold and / or hot water connection, with a mixing device, with an electronic circuit unit, with a proximity sensor for detecting persons, with a triggering device, and with a power supply.

Such valves control or regulate the mixed water temperature, as well as the flow rate of the water flowing through the outlet and have the advantage that water is discharged only when a user is in the detection range of the proximity sensor. The faucets automatically close the water flow as soon as the user leaves the proximity area. On the one hand, this improves hygiene, since the user no longer needs to operate the fittings after a washing or showering operation, on the other hand, unnecessary water consumption is prevented.

Even public baths, spas and health resorts make very high demands on hygiene. Much higher demands are placed on care facilities and hospitals, in particular intensive care departments. The said fittings involve the risk that with prolonged non-use of such a fitting, for example, during the closing of the baths or when not occupied, bacteria or germs can form in the residual water of the valve, especially in the formation of Legionella to life-threatening diseases in humans being able to lead. From practice it is known that especially in hotels of high level, due to lower utilization and thus longer periods of non-use, the propagation of Legionella is particularly pronounced.

The pathogens may also form in the devices of the water installation if the water temperature is maintained in the range of about 30 ° C to about 50 ° C for a longer duration.

Above a limit of 60 ° C for the water temperature, the pathogens to be considered for hot water facilities are killed. Therefore, it is recommended, in particular to operate shower fittings so that at regular intervals by overheating the hot water flowing through the valve to temperatures above the limit, for example 70 ° C, the thermal disinfection is performed for a few minutes.

In DE3838046C2 a method for thermal disinfection is disclosed in which the superheated hot water is supplied to the water outlets of the valves belonging to a central hot water supply system during the disinfection process. From DE10156224C1 and DE 102004014126B3 devices for thermal disinfection are known.

A disadvantage of the prior art is that for the duration of the thermal disinfection the access to the sanitary facilities must be blocked for safety reasons. This requires an additional high personnel costs and restricts the operation of public baths, spas, health resorts, hospitals or care facilities, for example, if sanitary showers are to undergo a thermal disinfection during the opening hours for reasons of hygiene. Furthermore, it proves to be disadvantageous that valves with mechanical thermostat must have a switchable bypass from the hot water supply in the fitting to the outlet to perform the thermal disinfection can. The hygienic requirements can be met in this way only partially because the thermostat itself is excluded from the disinfection process.

On this basis, the present invention seeks to provide methods and fittings for performing these methods for thermal disinfection, which allow hygienic disinfection in individual fittings during normal 8etriebszeiten of public baths, spas, health resorts, hospitals or care institutions, 3 AT 010 563 Ul whereby scalding by hot water and touching hot valve parts is reliably prevented.

The object is achieved in that a sensor upon detection of a person in the detection range of the sensor initiates the termination of the thermal disinfection of the valve, wherein the hot water flow is interrupted in the valve. The thermal disinfection is stopped and scalding of the user is excluded.

In a particular embodiment of the invention can be provided that after termination of passing through the water parts of the valve hot water, cold or premixed water for a certain period of time by at least one water-carrying part of the valve flows to the outlet of the valve. As a result, the touchable fittings parts cool off very quickly after the termination of a thermal disinfection and the fitting can be used again for normal operation immediately after this cooling.

In continuation of the invention can be provided that after a termination of the thermal disinfection of a valve, the process of thermal disinfection is continued as soon as the user leaves the sanitary room. Thus, the thermal disinfection can be carried out during normal operating times.

Furthermore, it can be provided that after a termination of the thermal disinfection of a valve, this valve is blocked for operation until the valve is released by the maintenance staff for normal operation again. In particularly sensitive areas, for example in intensive care areas, special safety regulations can be adhered to.

In a particularly advantageous application can be provided that a valve for performing the thermal disinfection as a triggering device comprises an electronic thermostat, by the motor actuation of a mechanical thermostat, by a mixing valve, by a mixing and a control valve, or by two control valves and a electronic circuit unit can be executed. The mixing and control valves can alternatively be designed as proportional or control valves. The control valves may also be made of a combination of a plurality of solenoid valves with different flow. This allows a cost-effective implementation.

In a particular embodiment, it can be provided that a fitting for carrying out the thermal disinfection comprises a contact temperature sensor at the outlet of the fitting. If the temperature on the outside of the outlet is used to control or regulate the temperature of the thermal disinfection, a higher temperature of the hot water flowing through in the interior of the outlet will occur than in the outlet. This ensures a particularly reliable temperature profile of the thermal disinfection for the entire valve.

In a particular embodiment can be provided that the triggering device is designed as a solenoid valve. A solenoid valve allows a particularly simple release device.

In particular, it can be provided that the electronic circuit unit comprises a control unit for signal evaluation and for controlling a program sequence. Thus, the thermal disinfection can be adapted to specific needs for different applications.

According to a particular embodiment it can be provided that a fitting for carrying out the thermal disinfection may include temperature sensors in the cold or hot water supply line or at least one Temperaturschwellwertschalter in the outlet. This allows a particularly precise recording of the temperature profile of the thermal 4 AT 010 563 U1

Disinfection.

In a particular embodiment, it may be provided that the control unit has at least one output, which transmits a signal to the hot water system before starting the thermal disinfection, so that the hot water temperature is raised to the minimum temperature required for thermal disinfection. In a further embodiment, after completion of the thermal disinfection another signal can be delivered to the hot water system, so that the hot water temperature is lowered back to the usual operating temperature. As a result, only during the thermal disinfection, the temperature of the pending hot water must be raised. This leads to a considerable energy saving.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that a fitting for carrying out the thermal disinfection has a power supply. The power supply may be formed as a battery, as an accumulator, as a fuel cell or as a power supply. Battery, accumulator and fuel cell allow mounting and retrofitting even in places where no mains voltage is available. A power supply makes replacing a battery, charging an accumulator and refueling a fuel cell unnecessary, thus reducing maintenance.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the electronic circuit unit is designed as a switching element, switching relay or semiconductor switch. Thus, devices or systems can be controlled to carry out the thermal disinfection.

The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments are shown. Showing:

1a a shower fitting in a sanitary room,

1b shows the time course when performing the thermal disinfection,

1c shows the time course at the termination of the thermal disinfection,

FIG. 1 d shows the time course when thermal disinfection is blocked; FIG.

2 a shower fitting in a sanitary room,

3 a mixer with electronic mixer for thermal disinfection,

4 a fitting with interface,

5 several valves in series connection for the thermal disinfection,

Fig. 6 shows the execution of a control valve by combining a plurality of solenoid valves with different flow.

1 a shows a shower fitting 1 in a sanitary room 5 in the case of a thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1 b) and FIG. 1 b shows the time course and the effect context of the control signal 18 for triggering 20 and termination 21 of the thermal disinfection 30, FIG the thermal disinfection 30 by the output signal 23 of the sensor 2 'of Fig. 1a and 2 " 2, and FIG. 1 shows the thermal disinfection barrier 30 by the output signal 23. In FIG. 1b to FIG. 1d, the logical value '0' corresponds to the state 'OFF' and the logical value '1' to the state 'ONE'.

The shower fitting 1 comprises a fitting housing 10 in a surface-mounted design, an outlet 4, a sensor 2 'for detecting a person 7 in the sanitary room 5, an electronic mixer 14 with control element 3 for adjusting the water temperature and the volume flow of the shower jet 8, and one in the operating element. 3 integrated operating device 15, here as a button with time relay, for switching on and off the shower jet 8. Wall side 5a, the shower fitting 1 to the hot water pipe 13 and the cold water pipe 12 is connected. The electronic mixer 14 comprises an interface, here designed as a control line 16, wherein a control signal 18 (Fig. 1b) on the control line 16 with the rising edge 18a (Fig. 1b), the thermal disinfection 30 (Fig. 1b) triggers and this with the descending flank (Fig. 1b) ends. With the rising edge 18a (Fig. 1b) of the control signal 18 (Fig. 1b), the electronic mixer 14 controls wholly hot water from the hot water pipe 13 whose water temperature at the wall 5a inlet of the shower fitting 1 is at least 70 eC. This hot water flows through the electronic mixer 14 in the mixed water line 17 to the outlet 4, which is designed here as a shower head. Thermal disinfection 30 (Figure 1b) takes about 5 minutes. With the trailing edge 18b (Fig. 1b) of the control signal 18 (Fig. 1b), the electronic mixer 14 controls for the duration of about 10 seconds entirely on cold water from the cold water pipe 12. The cold water flows through the water-carrying parts of the valve first This ensures that the next person 7 using the shower fitting 1 is not exposed to scalding. During the thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1 b), a warning light 19, which is embodied as a red light-emitting diode in the operating element 3, flashes.

For measuring the temperature of the thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1b), the shower fitting 1 comprises a contact temperature sensor 39, which is arranged flush at the outlet 4 and conducts the temperature measured values to the electronic mixer 14.

The sensor 2 'is designed as an infrared sensor, the detection range 11 extends to the door 6. If a person 7 enters or stays in the sanitary room 5, the sensor 2 'detects the person 7 and sends an electrical output signal 23 (FIG. 1 c) to the electronic mixer 14.

In an alternative embodiment, the sensor 2 'is designed as a radar sensor or motion detector.

If, during a thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1c), a person 7 enters the sanitary room 5, this leads in the electronic mixer 14 to the demolition 22 (FIG. 1c) of the thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1c) of the shower mixer 1, wherein the electronic mixer 14 immediately interrupts the flow of hot water in the shower fitting 1 and the use of the shower fitting 1 locks, which is indicated by a flashing of the warning light 19. In this case, the shower fitting 1 remains locked until the maintenance personnel initiate another thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1c) on site and the thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1c) of the shower fitting 1 is carried out for a duration of approximately 5 minutes ,

If a person 7 is staying in the sanitary room 5, the electronic mixer 14 blocks the execution of the thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1 d) if a thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1 d) is triggered by a rising edge 18 a (FIG. 1 d) of the control signal 18 (FIG. 1 d). Fig. 1d) of the shower fitting 1 is triggered. The warning light 19 signals this state by their flashing. The shower fitting 1 remains locked in this case, even for normal use until the maintenance personnel another thermal disinfection 30 (Fig. 1d) triggers on site and the thermal disinfection 30 (Fig. 1d) of the shower fitting 1 for a period of about 5 minutes is performed.

Fig. 2 shows, in continuation to Fig. 1a, a shower fitting 1 with an external sensor 2 " for detecting a person 7 in the sanitary room 5. The sensor 2 " is connected by the line 9 with the shower fitting 1.

In an alternative embodiment, in the sanitary room 5 several shower fittings 1 with integrated sensor 2 'or external sensor 2 " arranged. If a person 7 enters the sanitary room 5 during thermal disinfection 30 (Figure 1c) of at least one of the shower fittings 1 in the sanitary room 5, the output signal 23 (Figure 1c) triggers that sensor 2 'or 2 "detecting the person 7, the demolition 22 (Figure 1c) of the currently running thermal disinfection 30 (Figure 1c).

Fig. 3 shows in continuation a block diagram of a shower fitting 1 according to FIG. 1a with a 6 AT 010 563 U1

Valve housing 10, an outlet 4, and the shut-off valves 31 as connections for the cold water pipe 12 and the hot water pipe 13. Following the shut-off valves 31, the backflow preventer 29 are arranged. In the fitting housing 10 of the electronic mixer 14, the control element 3 with the integrated therein actuating device 15 and the warning light 19, and designed as a battery power supply 32 and the sensor 2 'are arranged. The electronic mixer 14 comprises the triggering devices 26a in the cold water branch, 26b in the hot water branch, the associated temperature sensors 25a and 25b, the mixing chamber 27, and in the mixed water line 17, the temperature sensor 25c and the flow sensor 28. The electronic mixer 14 further includes the electronic circuit unit 24 to Detection of the temperature measured values of the temperature sensors 25a, 25b and 25c, as well as for the detection of the measured values of the flow sensor 28. The electronic circuit unit 24 is designed as an electronic controller whose setpoint values for temperature and flow are made adjustable via the control element 3. The actuation of the actuating device 15 triggers a showering process, wherein the electronic circuit unit 24 produces the mixed water temperature and the flow to the outlet 4 by the control of the tripping devices 26a and 26b and corrects fluctuations of the actual value of the mixed water temperature and the actual value of the flow in the mixed water line 17. By simultaneously actuating the actuating device 35 and the actuating device 15, a thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1b) is triggered with a time delay of approximately 1 minute, the actuating device 35 being accessible only to the maintenance personnel. Furthermore, the electronic circuit unit 24 comprises a threshold value switch which, in the case of a thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1b), compares the temperature of the hot water flowing through in the mixed water line 17 with a reference value and closes the tripping devices 26a and 26b when the temperature falls below the reference value.

3 shows a block diagram of a shower fitting 1. The control element 3 for setting temperature and flow comprises a touch screen 34 with menu-driven input and display of the actual value of the temperature and the flow in the mixed water line 17. The display of the touch screen 34 indicates thermal disinfection 30 (Figure 1b) with a flashing red bar.

In alternative embodiments, the display of the touch screen 34 displays the thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1b) in the form of a flashing traffic sign "entrance forbidden" or "stop".

The shower fitting 1 is connected with the interface 36 to the bus line 37 of the building management system, which centrally controls the triggering of the thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1c). After termination 22 (FIG. 1 c) of a thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1 c), the electronic circuit unit 24 sends an electronic message to the central controller 38 via the interface 36 and the bus line 37.

At the outlet 4 (Figure 1a), a contact temperature sensor 39 (Figure 1a) is mounted. After termination 21 (FIG. 1 b) of a thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1 b), the electronic circuit unit 24 reports the temperature of the outlet 4 to the central controller 38 via the interface 36 and the bus line 37.

In an alternative embodiment, the electronic circuit unit 24 comprises a control unit for triggering 20 (FIG. 1b) of the thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1b) of the fitting 1 at regular intervals, the time interval and the duration of the thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. is made adjustable on the touch screen 34.

The power supply 32 is alternatively designed as an accumulator, fuel cell or as a power supply.

The tripping devices 26a and 26b are alternatively designed as control valves or proportional valves.

Claims (27)

7 AT 010 563 U1 The electronic circuit unit 24 comprises a control unit for signal evaluation and for controlling a program sequence. The electronic circuit unit 24 is alternatively designed as a switching element, switching relay or semiconductor switch. Fig. 5 shows a plurality of shower fittings 1a to 1c according to Fig. 1a, in particular the shower fitting 1b in thermal disinfection 30 (Fig. 1b). The control line 16 for triggering 20 (FIG. 1b) of the thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1b) of the shower fittings 1a to 1c is designed as a series connection, in so-called "daisy chain" arrangement. The central controller 38 triggers the thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1b.) In the shower fitting 1a by means of a control signal 18 (FIG. 1b). At the end of this cycle, the shower fitting 1a sends the control signal 18 (Fig. 1b.) To the shower fitting 1b for triggering its thermal disinfection 30 (Fig. 1b.) And then on to the shower fitting 1c until the control signal 18 (Fig. 1b). as acknowledgment of the transmission, the central control 38 is again reached, whereby the entire cycle of the thermal disinfection 30 (FIG. 1b) is completed. As a result, sufficient flush volume for disinfection 30 (FIG. 1b) is available for all shower fittings 1a to 1c. Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment for the tripping device 26a or 26b of Fig. 3. In this embodiment, the solenoid valves 40a to 40d are at different weighted flow rates Q1 to Q4 - Q1 to 16, Q2 to 8, Q3 to 4, Q4 to 2 Liters per minute - and the electronic circuit unit 24 (Figure 3) controls the solenoid valves 40a to 40d by switching pulses for opening and closing. The total flow Q of this valve arrangement results from the sum of the weighted flow rates of the solenoid valves 40a to 40d. In an alternative embodiment, further solenoid valves are connected in parallel. Claims 1. Method for thermal disinfection (30) of a fitting (1, 1a-c), in particular a shower fitting, in a sanitary room (5), after triggering (20) the thermal disinfection (30) in the fitting (1, 1a c) and detection of the presence of a person (7) with a sensor (2 ', 2 ") in the sanitary room (5), characterized in that the sensor (2', 2") upon detection of a person (7) in the detection area (11) of the sensor (2 ', 2 ") initiates the termination (22) of the thermal disinfection (30) of the fitting (1, 1a-c), whereby the hot water flow in the fitting (1) is interrupted. 2. A method for thermal disinfection (30) of a valve (1, 1a-c) according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve (1, 1a-c) after completion (21) or termination (22) of the thermal disinfection (30 ) of the fitting (1, 1a-c) triggers a flow of water with cold water or premixed water through at least one water-carrying part of the valve (1, 1a-c). 3. A method for thermal disinfection (30) of a valve (1, 1a-c) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the valve (1, 1a-c), the thermal disinfection (30) of the valve (1, 1a) c) triggers in time intervals of at least one minute. 4. A method for thermal disinfection (30) of a valve (1, 1a-c) according to claim 3, characterized in that the time interval for the triggering (20) of the thermal disinfection (30) of the valve (1, 1a-c) adjustable is executed. 5. A method for thermal disinfection (30) of a valve (1, 1a-c) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the duration of the thermal disinfection (30) of the valve (1, 1a-c) is made adjustable. 8 AT 010 563 U1 6. A method for thermal disinfection (30) of a valve (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that after termination (22) of the thermal disinfection (30) the valve (1, 1a-c) via an interface (36) and a bus line (37) sends an electronic message to a central controller (38). 7. A method for thermal disinfection (30) of a valve (1, 1a-c) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that after triggering (20) of the thermal disinfection (30) the valve (1, 1a-c) with a at the outlet (4) of the valve (1, 1a-c) attached contact temperature sensor (39) measures the temperature at the outlet (4) and with an electronic circuit unit (24) detects the duration of the thermal disinfection (30) and the temperature at Outlet (4) and the duration of the thermal disinfection (30) in an electronic memory of the circuit unit (24) after completion (21) or termination (22) of the thermal disinfection (30) stores. 8. A method for thermal disinfection (30) of a valve (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the valve (1, 1a-c), the thermal disinfection (30) by opening a triggering device (30). 26a-b, 40a-d). 9. A method for thermal disinfection (30) of a valve (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the simultaneous actuation of at least two actuators (15, 35) of the valve (1, 1a-c ) triggers the thermal disinfection (30) of the valve (1, 1a-c). 10. A method for thermal disinfection (30) of a valve (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an electrical signal (18, 18a, 18b), the triggering (20) or the termination (21 ) of the thermal disinfection (30) of the valve (1, 1a-c) initiates. 11. A method for thermal disinfection (30) of a valve (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an electrical signal (23) the termination of the thermal disinfection (30) of the valve (1, 1a -c). 12. fitting (1, 1a-c) with at least one fitting housing (10), an outlet (4) and at least one in the fitting housing (10) arranged sensor (2 ') for detecting persons (7) or at least one outside of the fitting (1, 1a-c) arranged sensor (2 ") for detecting persons (7) in a sanitary room (5) for performing the method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the sensor (2 ', 2 " ) upon detection of a person (7) in the detection area (11) of the sensor (2 ', 2 ") initiates the termination (22) of the thermal disinfection (30) of the fitting (1, 1a-c), the hot water flow in the fitting (1) is interrupted. 13. Armature (1, 1a-c) according to claim 12, characterized in that the valve (1, 1a-c) an electronic circuit unit (24), a power supply (32), at least one triggering device (26a-b, 40a d) for opening and closing the cold and hot water, a mixer (14) for adjusting the water temperature in the outlet (4), an interface (36) for connecting a bus line (37), a control element (3) and at least one shut-off valve ( 31) in a fitting housing (10). 14. Fitting (1, 1a-c) according to claim 13, characterized in that the triggering device (26a-b, 40a-d) is designed as a solenoid valve, a proportional valve, a mixing valve or as a control valve. 15. Fitting (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the power supply (32) is designed as a battery, as an accumulator, as a fuel cell or as a power supply. 9 AT 010 563 U1 16. Fitting (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the electronic circuit unit (24) is designed as a switching element, as a switching relay or as a semiconductor switch. 17. Fitting (1, 1a-c) according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the valve (1, 1a-c) at least two actuating devices (15, 35) for triggering a thermal disinfection (30). 18. Fitting (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the valve (1, 1a-c) comprises at least one temperature sensor (25a-c) in the fitting housing (10). 19. Fitting (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the fitting (1, 1a-c) on the outside of the outlet (4) mounted Anliegetemperatursensor (39) for measuring the temperature of Outlet (4) in a thermal disinfection (30). 20. Fitting (1, 1a-c) according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that the valve (1, 1a-c) comprises at least one threshold value, which is a measured value of the temperature in the region of the outlet (4) with at least a reference value is compared and when the temperature falls below at least one reference value, the tripping device (26a-b, 38a-d) closes. 21. Fitting (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that the fitting (1, 1a-c) an electronic circuit unit (24) having an interface (36) for electronic data exchange with a central controller (38), whereby the electronic circuit unit (24) sends an electronic message to the central controller (38) when the temperature of the thermal disinfection (30) of the valve (1, 1a-c) falls below a reference value. 22. Fitting (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 12 to 21, characterized in that the fitting (1, 1a-c) an electronic circuit unit (24) having an interface (36) for electronic data exchange with a central controller (38), wherein the electronic circuit unit (24) transmits an electronic message to the central controller (38) when the temperature of the thermal disinfection (30) of the fitting (1, 1a-c) is greater than a reference value. 23. Fitting (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 12 to 22, characterized in that the fitting (1, 1a-c) at least one electronic memory for recording the temperature of the outlet (4) and the duration of the thermal disinfection (30) of the fitting (1, 1a-c). 24. Armature (1, 1a-c) according to any one of claims 12 to 23, characterized in that the armature (1, 1a-c) has an interface (36) for the electronic data transmission of the recorded in the electronic memory temperature of the outlet < 4 ) and the duration of the thermal disinfection (30) of the fitting (1, 1a-c). 25. Fitting (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 12 to 24, characterized in that the fitting (1, 1a-c) at least one interface (36) for inputting a control signal (18) for triggering a thermal disinfection ( 30) of the fitting (1, 1a-c). 26. Fitting (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 12 to 25, characterized in that the fitting (1, 1a-c) at least one interface (36) for outputting a control signal (18) at the end (21) of a thermal disinfection (30) of the valve (1,1a-c). 10 AT 010 563 U1 27. Fitting (1, 1a-c) according to one of claims 12 to 26, characterized in that the fitting (1, 1a-c) at least one interface (36) for outputting a control signal (18) at break (22) of a thermal disinfection (30) of the valve (1, 1a-c). For this purpose 6 sheets of drawings