DE102009058168A1 - Control device for contactless controlling of e.g. water temperature of shower device, has control unit coupled with sensor for receiving output signal from sensor and providing corresponding control signal to control parameter of device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (2) has an optical proximity sensor (3) for detecting movement of a body part or an object in a longitudinal extension of a detection area (D) of the sensor. The sensor generates light beams with different wavelengths in a visible range. The sensor generates an output signal corresponding to amount and direction of the movement of the body part or the object. A control unit (4) coupled with the sensor receives the output signal from the sensor and provides a corresponding control signal for controlling a function parameter of a device e.g. shower device. An independent claim is also included for a contactless controlling of a function parameter of a shower device and an extractor hood.

Description

The present invention relates to a control device for the contactless control of at least one functional parameter of a device, in particular a shower device or an extractor hood, with at least one optical proximity sensor for detecting a movement of a body part or an object or the like in a detection range of the optical proximity sensor.

Control devices of the above type are well known. The document DE 102 19 944 C1 discloses, for example, a device for non-contact control of a shower, which comprises a plurality of sensors, each of which is influenced by a shower parameter by a user deliberately moves his hand into a detection range of this sensor and with its movement triggers a certain logical function, with which an influence on the water flowing to the shower can be exercised. A change in temperature occurs as long as the user leaves his hand in the detection area of the sensor. Accordingly, two sensors are required to control a shower parameter, a sensor for increasing and a sensor for reducing the shower parameter.

This type of control has the disadvantage that a user can unintentionally get into the detection range of the sensor. For example, when the user picks up a care product that is stored inside the shower device and moves into the detection area of the optical proximity sensor, this can lead to an unwanted change of the corresponding shower parameter, such as a temperature change.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a control device with an optical switch, which has a simplified structure and in which the risk of incorrect operation by the user is reduced.

This object is achieved in that the optical proximity sensor determines a movement in the longitudinal extent of its detection range in magnitude and direction and generates an amount and direction of movement corresponding output signal, and that a control unit is coupled to the optical proximity sensor, which outputs the output signal optical proximity sensor receives and outputs a corresponding control signal for controlling the function parameter to the device to be controlled.

In other words, the control device according to the invention allows an increase as well as a reduction of at least one functional parameter to be effected with only one optical switch, since a movement of a body part of a user in the detection range of the optical proximity sensor can be determined in magnitude and direction by the proximity sensor. As a result, the number of proximity sensors within a device to be controlled can advantageously be at least halved compared to control devices known from the prior art. Furthermore, the mere presence of a body part in the detection range of the sensor does not yet lead to a change in one of the functional parameters but only an active movement by the user, which considerably reduces the risk of incorrect operation. It should be noted that the term body part also means a body part connected objects and objects that the user engages with a body part to understand.

To save electricity costs, it may be desirable to put the control device in a kind of standby mode during constant operation of the device to be controlled and to activate it completely only immediately before actuation. A particularly simple possibility of activating the proximity sensor can be provided, for example, by the user moving a body part into the detection area of the optical proximity sensor and leaving it there for a predetermined period of time.

For this purpose, the detection range of the proximity sensor can be arranged so that it can be easily reached by a hand and / or a foot of the user.

In order to be able to carry out a reliable and simple autocorrelation measurement via the optical proximity sensor, it may be advantageous if the optical proximity sensor generates coherent light, in particular at least one laser beam, as the measurement signal.

If the optical proximity sensor generates a plurality of laser beams each having different wavelengths in the visible range, each laser beam being associated with at least one functional parameter of the device to be controlled, a particularly compact design is possible.

In this case, in order to change at least one functional parameter of the device to be controlled, the user can simply grasp into the detection range of the optical proximity sensor and the laser beams, which then become visible on the palm of his hand, through the different ones Distinguish color from each other and assign according to the associated function parameters.

To change one or more functional parameters, the user can then hold his hand in the detection range of the proximity sensor such that the laser beam or beams corresponding to the functional parameters to be changed are reflected by his hand in the direction of the proximity sensor. If the proximity sensor detects the laser beam (s), then only the function parameters associated with the reflected wavelengths are changed in accordance with the movement of a body part, for example the hand of the user.

A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the detection area is subdivided along its extension into a plurality of segments, each segment serving to control a respective functional parameter of the device. The assignment of the movement of the body part of the user takes place here as a function of the reflected laser radiation, taking into account the entry height of the laser radiation reflecting body part. Thus, it becomes possible for a user to cause, for example, a change in the amount of water in the case of controlling a shower device by raising the foot in a lower control segment and a change in the temperature in an upper control segment by extending the hand. The number of the control device can be significantly reduced by such a segmentation, since several functional parameters can be controlled by only one optical proximity sensor.

In order to facilitate locating the position of the detection range of the optical proximity sensor for the user, it is provided in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention that the optical proximity sensor has a position indicator which generates a visible light beam at least over the entire detection range of the optical proximity sensor.

A particularly compact and moisture-resistant embodiment of the present invention results when the optical proximity sensor and the control unit together form an assembly and in particular are arranged in a common housing.

As already mentioned above, one of the fields of application of the control device according to the invention for non-contact control of at least one functional parameter in a shower device can be seen. In this case, the device to be controlled can be, for example, an electrically adjustable valve on a water supply line to a shower head arranged in the shower device or also an electric dimmer for regulating the illumination intensity and color within the shower device. The function parameters to be varied here may preferably comprise at least one shower parameter, in particular water temperature and / or water pressure and / or an environmental parameter, in particular a change in the volume within the shower device and / or a change in the illumination color.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that a movement of a body part of the user corresponds to a height difference between the body part of the user and optical proximity sensor within the shower device, wherein the control unit detects a reduction in the height difference of an increase in water temperature and / or water pressure and or the volume and / or the change of the illumination color within the shower device and the detection of an increase in the height difference of a decrease in the water temperature and / or the water pressure and / or the volume and / or the change of the illumination color within the shower device.

An alternative application of a control device according to the invention is, for example, the use of the control device in an extractor hood, for example for controlling the suction power.

In this case, the control unit can generate a control signal at a detected decrease in the height difference between the optical proximity sensor and a body part of the user, which leads to an increase in a suction power of the hood and at a detected increase in the height difference to a decrease in the suction power of the hood.

• – mindestens ein kohärenter Lichtstrahl durch den optischen Näherungssensor erzeugt wird;
• – ein von einem sich relativ zu dem optischen Näherungssensor bewegenden Körperteil reflektierter kohärenter Lichtstrahl vom optischen Näherungssensor detektiert wird;
• – ein Ausgangssignals unter Ansprechen auf das reflektierte kohärente Licht vom optischen Näherungssensor erzeugt wird;
• – das Ausgangssignal an eine Steuereinheit weitergeleitet wird;
• – die Bewegung des Körperteils in Betrag und Richtung mittels der Steuereinheit anhand des Ausgangssignals bestimmt wird; und
• – die Steuereinheit ein zu dem Ausgangssignal korrespondierendes Steuersignal an die zu steuernde Vorrichtung, insbesondere die Duscheinrichtung oder die Dunstabzugshaube, zur Änderung mindestens eines Funktionsparameters ausgibt.

An inventive method for the contactless control of at least one functional parameter of a device, comprising at least one control device which has at least one optical proximity sensor for detecting a movement of a body part, an article or the like in a detection range of the optical proximity sensor in magnitude and direction comprises the method steps that

• - At least a coherent light beam is generated by the optical proximity sensor;
• A coherent light beam reflected by a body part moving relative to the optical proximity sensor is detected by the optical proximity sensor;
• An output signal is generated in response to the reflected coherent light from the optical proximity sensor;
• - The output signal is forwarded to a control unit;
• - The movement of the body part in magnitude and direction is determined by means of the control unit based on the output signal; and
• - The control unit outputs a control signal corresponding to the output signal to the device to be controlled, in particular the shower device or the extractor hood, for changing at least one function parameter.

Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by the dependent claims and the following description of the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of a shower device with a control device according to the invention; and

2 a schematic representation of a shower device according to the invention with a plurality of optical proximity sensors.

The 1 shows a schematic representation of a shower device 1 with a control device according to the invention 2 ,

The control device 2 serves for non-contact control of at least one functional parameter such as the water temperature, the water pressure o. Ä. In the shower device 1 , The control device 2 has an optical proximity sensor 3 to a movement of a body part of a user such as the palm of his hand or its foot in magnitude and direction in a detection range D of the optical proximity sensor 3 to determine. The optical proximity sensor 3 Upon detection of a movement of the body part of the user in the detection area D generates an output signal corresponding to the amount and direction of movement and 4 directs this to a control unit 4 further. The control unit 4 assigns to the output signal of the optical proximity sensor 3 a control variable and outputs a corresponding control signal for controlling the associated function parameter to a in the shower device 1 on a shower head 5 arranged electric valve 6 out.

The optical proximity sensor 3 generates in this embodiment, three laser beams each having different wavelengths in the visible range. The wavelengths are chosen here so that in the detection range D of the proximity sensor either on the floor of the shower device 1 or on the body part of the user appear three laser beams, each with a different color, each color is assigned to a respective function parameter of the shower device to be irradiated.

The detection area D of the optical proximity sensor 3 is also divided along its extension from the ceiling R to the room floor B into two segments T1, T2, wherein each segment T1, T2 each have a functional parameter of the shower device 1 assigned.

To ensure the undisturbed operation of the control device 2 to ensure, in this embodiment, in addition to the segments T1, T2, an upper reaction limit TO and a lower reaction limit TU for the optical proximity sensor 3 defined, which counteract an unwanted change in the functional parameters due to external influences in the areas above and below the reaction limits TO and TU.

The upper segment T1 is assigned in this embodiment, the function parameter of the temperature changes and the lower segment T2 of the function parameters of the control of the amount of water.

To activate the optical proximity sensor 3 In this embodiment, the user first has to use the optical proximity sensor 3 upstream motion detector 7 activate. This is done by the user's hand or his foot in the detection area D of the motion detector 7 for one on the motion detector 7 stops to be set and freely selectable duration. After a likewise freely selectable period of non-use of the shower facility 1 goes the optical proximity sensor 3 automatically into a standby mode.

The user of the shower device keeps changing one of the shower parameters 1 z. B. a hand in the upper segment T1 of the detection area D of the optical proximity sensor 3 and performs a movement within the upper segment T1. The optical proximity sensor 3 detects the movement of the body part of the user and derives a continuous function from it.

The operation of the optical proximity sensor will now be described with reference to the example of the change in the illumination intensity of the shower device 1 explained.

To increase the illumination intensity and thus brightness in the shower facility 1 The user moves a foot in the lower segment T2 of the detection range D of the optical proximity sensor 3 above the lower reaction limit TU. After a small freely selectable and the optical proximity sensor 3 adjustable delay time for example, 0.3 seconds is detected by the optical proximity sensor 3 first detects the entry height of the foot and assigned according to the entry height a function parameter. In this embodiment, the illumination intensity is assigned to the segment T2.

By raising the foot already during the movement of the foot within the segment T2, a corresponding height difference is measured and an output signal corresponding to the height difference is generated and sent to the control unit 4 forwarded, The control unit 4 assigns the output signal to a control variable for the function parameter to be controlled - in this case the illuminance - and outputs a corresponding control signal for changing the luminosity to a dimmer used to control the luminous intensity in the shower device. As soon as the foot leaves the detection area D, the luminosity setting remains constant.

To reduce the luminosity of the user brings his foot again above the lower reaction limit TU in the lower segment T2 of the detection area D. After an adjustable delay time is from the proximity sensor 3 the entry height of the foot detected and assigned according to the function parameter "luminosity". By lowering the foot within the lower segment T2, the height difference caused by the foot is measured in magnitude and direction during the movement and a corresponding output signal from the optical proximity sensor 3 to the controller 4 passed. The control device 4 assigns the output signal to a specific control variable and generates a control signal, which controls the dimmer to reduce the luminosity.

In the embodiment shown, the proximity sensor 3 with a position indicator 9 provided over the entire detection range D of the optical proximity sensor 3 a visible beam of light 10 generated and so the user of the shower facility 1 clearly indicates where the detection area D of the optical proximity sensor 3 to change various shower parameters is found.

In the embodiment shown, the optical proximity sensor generates 3 three laser beams L1, L2, L3, which are inside the light cone 10 of the proximity sensor 3 provided position indicator 9 run. The laser beams L1, L2, L3 each have a wavelength which is in the visible range. Now the user reaches into the area of the light cone 10 the position indicator 9 , so will next to the light of the position indicator 9 the punctiform and in relation to the light cone 10 the position indicator 9 much smaller laser beams L1, L2, L3 visible to the user. The user can cause a change in the associated with the respective laser beams L1, L2, L3 shower parameter by up or down movement of the hand in the region of the respective laser beam. If, for example, two laser beams are reflected on the palm during the up and down movement of the user's hand, two shower parameters can be changed simultaneously.

The generation of a plurality of laser beams L1, L2, L3 in an optical proximity sensor 3 makes it possible with just one optical proximity sensor 3 several different shower parameters corresponding to the number of laser beams L1, L2, L3 to be able to vary, in which the laser beams L1, L2, L3 with introduction of the hand in the cone of light 10 the position indicator 9 first be made visible by reflection on the palm of your hand. The user can then decide for one or more of the laser beams L1, L2, L3 to change the associated function parameters as desired. Thus, two or more parameters can be adjusted simultaneously with a single hand movement to the individual needs of the user.

2 schematically shows a shower device 2 in which a shower head 5 is arranged, which is a shower valve 6 for controlling the shower device 1 having supplied water. The shower valve 6 is with the and control unit 4 connected. The control unit 4 gives directional control of the shower valve 6 upon detection of movement of a body part such as a hand or a foot in the detection area D of the control unit 4 connected optical proximity sensor 3 a control signal to the shower valve 6 out. In the embodiment shown here is located in an entrance area E of the shower device 1 First, an optical proximity sensor S0 for activating the control unit 4 and the other optical proximity sensors S1-S4. The optical proximity sensor 3 is here to form a particularly compact and moisture-resistant design with the control unit 4 arranged together in a common housing. In the embodiment shown, several shower circuits DK1, DK2 and DK3 are also in the shower device 1 provided, each of which take over various shower functions. For example, the showering circuit DK1 can be activated to actuate an overhead shower via the optical proximity sensor S1, the showering circuit DK2 contains the function of a massage jet and is activated by the optical proximity sensor S2, the showering circuit DK3 receives the function of a so-called showering rain and is activated by the optical proximity sensor S3 , The optical proximity sensors S1 to S3 also allow in addition to the activation of the shower circuits a control of the amount of water and the water temperature.

In the area of the side walls are on the ceiling of the shower facility 1 Lighting units are provided, which indicate the mixing temperature in color or the mixer pressure, where "cold" is marked with blue and "warm" with purple and "hot" with red.

In the rear region of the shower device, further optical proximity sensors for the contactless control of the illumination intensity are provided for controlling the room light.

Although the foregoing description relates essentially to the scope of the control device in shower facilities. Of course, the control device with at least one optical proximity sensor can also be used in other systems that can be operated with adjustable functional parameters.

As a further example, an extractor hood may be mentioned, the lighting and / or suction power of which can be set by way of example by means of a control device according to the invention.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10219944 C1 [0002]

Claims (14)

Control device ( 2 ) for the contactless control of at least one functional parameter of a device, in particular a shower device ( 1 ) or an extractor hood, with at least one optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) for detecting a movement of a body part or an object or the like in a detection area (D) of the optical proximity sensor (10) 3 ), characterized in that the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) determines a movement in the longitudinal extent of its detection range (D) in magnitude and direction and generates an output signal corresponding to the magnitude and direction of the movement, and in that a control unit ( 4 ) with the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) which couples the output signal of the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) and outputs to it a corresponding control signal for controlling the function parameter to the device to be controlled. Control device ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) is activated by the user a body part in the detection area (D) of the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) and left for a predetermined period of time. Control device ( 2 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the detection area (D) of the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) is arranged so that it can be reached by a hand and / or a foot of the user. Control device ( 2 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) generates coherent light as a measuring signal, in particular at least one laser beam (L1, L2, L3). Control device ( 2 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) generates a plurality of laser beams (L1, L2, L3), each having different wavelengths in the visible range, wherein each laser beam (L1, L2, L3) is associated with at least one functional parameter of the device to be controlled. Control device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection area (D) is subdivided along its extent into a plurality of segments (T1, T2), wherein each segment (T1, T2) is assigned a respective functional parameter of the device. Control device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) a position indicator ( 9 ), which at least over the entire detection range (D) of the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) a visible light beam ( 10 ) generated. Control device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) and the control unit ( 4 ) form an assembly and are arranged in particular in a common housing. Shower facility ( 1 ) with at least one control device according to one of claims 1 to 8 for controlling at least one shower parameter and / or environmental parameter in the shower device ( 1 ). Shower facility ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the functional parameters to be controlled at least one shower parameter, in particular water temperature and / or water pressure and / or an environmental parameter, in particular change the volume within the shower device ( 1 ) and / or changing the illumination color. Shower facility ( 1 ) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a movement of the user of a height difference between the body part of the user and the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) within the shower facility ( 1 ), the control unit ( 4 ) a detection of a reduction in the height difference of an increase in the water temperature and / or the water pressure and / or the volume and / or the change in the illumination color within the shower device ( 1 ) and the detection of an increase in the height difference of a lowering of the water temperature and / or the water pressure and / or the volume and / or the change of the illumination color within the shower device ( 1 ). Extractor hood with at least one control device according to one of claims 1 to 8 for controlling the suction power. Extractor hood according to claim 12, characterized in that the control unit ( 4 ) at a detected decrease in the height difference between optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) and a body part of the user generates a control signal, which leads to an increase in a suction power of the extractor hood and with a detected increase in the height difference to a decrease in the suction power of the extractor hood. Method for the contactless control of at least one functional parameter of a device, with at least one control device ( 2 ), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 8, which comprises at least one optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) for detecting a movement of a body part, an object or the like in a detection area (D) of the optical proximity sensor (FIG. 3 ) in magnitude and direction, comprising the method steps of: - at least one coherent light beam (L1, L2, L3) being detected by the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) is produced; One of a relative to the optical proximity sensor ( 3 Moving body part reflected coherent light beam from the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) is detected; An output signal in response to the reflected coherent light (L1, L2, L3) from the optical proximity sensor ( 3 ) is produced; The output signal to a control unit ( 4 ) is forwarded; The movement of the body part in magnitude and direction by means of the control unit ( 4 ) is determined by the output signal; and - the control unit ( 4 ) to the output signal corresponding control signal to the device to be controlled, in particular the shower device ( 1 ) or the extractor hood, for changing at least one function parameter outputs.

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