DE102015002783A1 - Sanitary fitting with wireless sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

Sanitary fitting (1), comprising a radio sensor (2), wherein a by the radio sensor (2) monitorable sensor area (3) has a first control area (4) for controlling a flow rate of water from an outlet of the sanitary fitting (1), a second control area ( 5) for increasing a temperature of the water and a third sensor region (6) for reducing a temperature of the water, wherein the first control region (4) at least partially around a first axis (7), the second control region (5) at least partially a second axis (8) and the third control region (6) at least partially around a third axis (9) and wherein a sampling rate of the radio sensor (2) in a non-use phase of the sanitary fitting (1) reducible and the sampling rate of the radio sensor (2) in a use phase of the sanitary fitting (1) can be increased.

Description

The present invention relates to a sanitary fitting that is commonly used in conjunction with sinks, sinks, showers or bathtubs. Such sanitary fittings are used in particular to provide a mixed water with a desired mixed water temperature. Furthermore, a (cable or contactless) operating method for such a sanitary fitting is also explained.

Sanitary fittings are known from the prior art, which can be operated with wireless control units, for example with buttons. A disadvantage of such control units is, inter alia, that by touching pathogens to various users are transferable. Thus, such sanitary fittings do not always meet very high standards of hygiene. In addition, the wireless control units sometimes have a high energy consumption, so that energy sources, such as batteries, must be changed frequently.

The object of the invention is therefore to solve the problems described with reference to the prior art at least partially and in particular to provide a sanitary fitting that meets the highest standards of hygiene and also has a low energy consumption.

These objects are achieved with a sanitary fitting according to the features of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the sanitary fitting are given in the dependent formulated claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined in any technologically meaningful manner and define further embodiments of the invention. In addition, the features specified in the claims are specified and explained in more detail in the description, wherein further preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.

For this purpose, a sanitary fitting with a radio sensor, wherein a detectable by the radio sensor sensor area has a first control area for controlling a flow rate of water from an outlet of the sanitary fitting, a second control area to increase a temperature of the water and a third sensor area for reducing a temperature of the water wherein the first control area at least partially around a first axis, the second control area at least partially around a second axis and the third control area at least partially around a third axis and wherein a sampling rate of the radio sensor in a non-use phase of the sanitary fitting reducible and the sampling rate of the radio sensor can be increased in a use phase of the sanitary fitting.

The proposed sanitary fitting is used in particular in the context of sinks, sinks, showers and / or bathtubs. The sanitary fitting is used in particular to provide a mixed water with a desired mixed water temperature. For this purpose, the sanitary fitting may have, for example in a fitting housing a mixing valve, through which a cold water and a hot water to the mixed water with the desired mixed water temperature are miscible. The cold water here has in particular a cold water temperature of 0 ° C-40 ° C and / or the hot water to a hot water temperature of 40 ° C-80 ° C.

The sanitary fitting has a radio sensor with which the sanitary fitting is controllable. The wireless sensor is in particular wireless and thus freely placed. In particular, the radio sensor has a single sensor or is designed as a single sensor. In particular, the radio sensor does not have a plurality of sensors or a sensor phanx. The radio sensor can also be based on the infrared technology and / or the low frequency (LF) technology or (RF) technology so-called radar technology. In addition, dynamic three-dimensional (hand) gestures as movement, that is to say in particular a sequence of movements, can be detected with the radio sensor.

To operate the sanitary fitting of the radio sensor is in particular connected to a controller by means of a radio link, through which in particular the mixing valve and / or an optionally existing flow rate valve of the sanitary fitting can be controlled. The controller may in particular be a microprocessor. The at least one control is in particular designed and set up so that it can adjust the water flows through the sanitary fitting at least in its temperature or flow rate and / or b) the sampling rate of the radio sensor depending on the position of an object in the detection space of the radio sensor. The radio sensor thus serves as a control unit of the sanitary fitting and in particular has an infrared light source and a detector for detecting infrared rays reflected by a user's hand of the sanitary fitting. Preferably, the controller is integrated in the radio sensor.

With the wireless sensor, a sensor area is monitored, the first control area for controlling a flow rate of water from an outlet of the sanitary fitting, a second sensor region for increasing a temperature of the water and a third control region for reducing a temperature of the water. In other words, when a hand is detected by the radio sensor in the first control area, a flow rate of the water out of the spout of the sanitary fitting, upon detection of a hand in the second control area raises the temperature of the water and upon detection of a hand in the third control range, a reduction in the temperature of the water is effected. The first control region extends at least partially around a first axis, the second control region at least partially around a second axis, and the third control region at least partially around a third axis. The extension takes place in each case in particular (rotationally) symmetrically about the respective axis. By the wireless sensor thus the sanitary fitting is contactlessly actuated, so that no pathogens can be transmitted between different users.

Furthermore, a sampling rate of the radio sensor in a non-use phase of the sanitary fitting can be reduced and the sampling rate of the radio sensor in a phase of use of the sanitary fitting can be increased. The sampling rate of the radio sensor is to be understood in particular as a frequency with which the radio sensor monitors the sensor area. The non-use phase of the sanitary fitting is in particular a phase in which there is no hand in the sensor area and / or the sanitary fitting is not used. In the non-use phase, the sampling rate of the radio sensor can be reduced in particular to a frequency of 0.01 Hz (Hertz) to 400 Hz. In particular, the use phase is a phase in which a hand is in the sensor area and / or the sanitary fitting is in use. During the use phase, the sampling rate of the radio sensor can be increased in particular to a frequency of 0.01 Hz (Hertz) to 400 Hz. As a result, the energy consumption of the radio sensor can be reduced.

It is also advantageous if the first axis is designed as a central axis. A central axis is to be understood here in particular as an axis which is in alignment with a main sensor direction of the radio sensor, which is in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the radio sensor, which is aligned with a center axis of the radio sensor and / or which passes through a center of the radio sensor.

In addition, it is advantageous if the second axis intersects the first axis with a first angle of + 10 ° to + 80 ° and the third axis intersects the first axis with a second angle of -10 ° to -80 °. This means, in particular, that the second axis and the third axis face each other relative to the first axis, in particular in mirror image to the first axis. In particular, the second axis and / or the third axis have a (common) intersection with the first axis, which is located on a surface of the radio sensor or in the radio sensor. The first angle is preferably + 40 ° to + 50 ° or more preferably + 45 °. The second angle is preferably -40 ° to -50 ° or more preferably -45 °.

In addition, it is advantageous if, upon detection of a hand movement in the first control region by the radio sensor, a flow of water through the outlet of the sanitary fitting can be activated or deactivated. When activating the flow of water, for example, a temperature of 30 ° C of the water can be preset.

It is also advantageous if, when a hand movement is detected in a first region of the first control region, the temperature or the flow rate of the water can be increased by the radio sensor, for example to up to 38 ° C. (Celsius), and a hand movement can be detected in one second range of the first control range, the temperature or the flow rate of the water by the radio sensor reducible, for example up to 20 ° C, is. In particular, the first area is an upper area and the second area is a lower area of the first control area. The upper or lower region is oriented along the axis of the respective adjustment range, as viewed relative to the radio sensor. Ie. the upper area is further away from the radio sensor than the lower area. It may also be advantageous to provide additional functions that are performed when falling below a lower range.

In addition, it is advantageous if at least two states for the flow rate of the water and / or three states for the temperatures of the water can be controlled or adjusted by the radio sensor.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the radio sensor is arranged at a distance to the sanitary fitting. The distance between the wireless sensor and the sanitary fitting, for example, be 5 cm (centimeters) to 200 cm.

• a) Überwachen des Erfassungsraum des Funksensors mit einer ersten Abtastratenfrequenz,
• b) Starten des Betriebs bei Erfassung eines Objektes bzw. einer Hand in dem Erfassungsraum des Funksensors, insbesondere im Bereich der Mittelachse,
• c) Ausgeben eines Wasserstrahls mit vorbestimmten Eigenschaften, z. B. hinsichtlich einer mittleren Durchflussmenge und einer mittleren Temperatur (z. B. 30°C),
• d) Erhöhen der Abtastrate des Funksensors auf eine zweiten Abtastratenfrequenz,
• e) Anpassen mindestens einer Eigenschaft (insbesondere Durchflussmenge und/oder Temperatur) des Wasserstahls durch Bewegen des Objektes in dem Erfassungsraum des Funksensors, wobei bevorzugt für jede Eigenschaft eine vorgegeben Bewegungsebene bzw. ein vorgegebenes Bewegungskoordinatensystem vorgesehen ist,
• f) Stoppen des Betriebs bei Erfassung eines Objektes bzw. einer Hand in dem Erfassungsraum des Funksensors, insbesondere im Bereich der Mittelachse, und
• g) Absenken der Abtastrate des Funksensors auf die erste Abtastratenfrequenz.

According to a further aspect, the following method for operating a sanitary fitting with (corresponding radio sensor) is also explained:

• a) monitoring the detection space of the radio sensor at a first sampling rate,
• b) starting the operation upon detection of an object or a hand in the detection space of the radio sensor, in particular in the region of the central axis,
• c) dispensing a jet of water having predetermined properties, e.g. For example, in terms of a mean flow rate and an average temperature (eg 30 ° C),
• d) increasing the sampling rate of the radio sensor to a second sampling rate,
• e) adjusting at least one property (in particular flow rate and / or temperature) of the water steel by moving the object in the detection space of the radio sensor, wherein a predetermined movement plane or a predetermined movement coordinate system is preferably provided for each property,
• f) stopping the operation upon detection of an object or a hand in the detection space of the radio sensor, in particular in the region of the central axis, and
• g) lowering the sampling rate of the wireless sensor to the first sampling rate.

The steps b) + c) + d) can be at least partially simultaneous. The steps f) + g) can be at least partially simultaneous. After step g), it is also possible to proceed again to step a).

The features explained in connection with the sanitary fitting preferably apply equally to the above method and, to that extent, can also be used for more detailed characterization.

The invention and the technical environment will be explained in more detail with reference to the figure. It should be noted that the figure shows a particularly preferred variant of the invention, but this is not limited thereto. It shows schematically:

1 : a sanitary fitting with a radio sensor.

The 1 shows a schematically illustrated sanitary fitting 1 with a wireless sensor 2 , With the wireless sensor 2 is a sensor area 3 monitorable, having a first control area 4 for controlling a flow rate of water from an outlet, not shown, of the sanitary fitting 1 , a second control area 5 to raise a temperature of the water and a third control area 6 to reduce a temperature of the water. The first tax area 4 extends around a first axis 7 , the second tax area 5 around a second axis 8th and the third control area 6 around a third axis 9 , The first tax area 4 , the second tax area 5 and the third control area 6 have a spatial extent orthogonal to the plane of the drawing. The second axis 8th cuts the first axis 7 with a first angle 10 of + 45 ° and the third axis 9 the first axis 7 with a second angle 11 from -45 °. Furthermore, the first control area 4 a first area 12 wherein upon detection of a hand in the first area 12 a flow rate of the water is increased. In addition, the first tax area indicates 4 a second area 13 wherein upon detection of a hand in the second area 13 a flow rate of the water is reducible. The radio sensor 2 is via a radio link with a controller 14 connected, which in turn data leading to the sanitary fitting 1 connected is.

By sanitary fitting according to the invention particularly high standards of hygiene can be met and the energy consumption can be kept at a low level.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

plumbing fixture

2

wireless sensor

3

sensor range

4

First tax area

5

Second tax area

6

Third tax area

7

First axle

8th

Second axis

9

Third axis

10

First angle

11

Second angle

12

First area

13

Second area

14

control

Claims (7)

Sanitary fitting ( 1 ), comprising a radio sensor ( 2 ), one through the wireless sensor ( 2 ) monitorable sensor area ( 3 ) a first control area ( 4 ) for controlling a flow rate of a water from an outlet of the sanitary fitting ( 1 ), a second control area ( 5 ) for raising a temperature of the water and a third sensor area ( 6 ) for reducing a temperature of the water, wherein the first control range ( 4 ) at least partially around a first axis ( 7 ), the second control area ( 5 ) at least partially about a second axis ( 8th ) and the third control area ( 6 ) at least partially around a third axis ( 9 ) and wherein a sampling rate of the radio sensor ( 2 ) in a non-use phase of the sanitary fitting ( 1 ) and the sampling rate of the radio sensor ( 2 ) in a use phase of the sanitary fitting ( 1 ) can be increased. Sanitary fitting ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the first axis ( 7 ) is designed as a central axis. Sanitary fitting ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second axis ( 8th ) the first axis ( 7 ) at a first angle ( 10 ) from + 10 ° to + 80 ° and the third axis ( 9 ) the first axis ( 7 ) with a second angle ( 11 ) from -10 ° to -80 °. Sanitary fitting ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein upon detection of a hand movement in the first control area ( 4 ) by the radio sensor ( 2 ) a flow of water through the outlet of the sanitary fitting ( 1 ) can be activated or deactivated. Sanitary fitting ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein upon detection of a hand movement in a first area ( 12 ) of the first control area ( 4 ) the flow rate of water through the wireless sensor ( 2 ) and upon detection of a hand movement in a second area ( 13 ) of the first control area ( 4 ) the flow rate of water through the wireless sensor ( 2 ) is reducible. Sanitary fitting ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radio sensor ( 2 ) at least two flows of water and at least three temperatures are controllable. Sanitary fitting ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radio sensor ( 2 ) with a distance to the sanitary fitting ( 1 ) is arranged.

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