DE102020103121A1 - Procedure for recognizing an impending drain blockage - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for detecting an impending drain blockage of a sanitary bowl (2) with a bowl inlet (3) and a bowl outlet (4), comprising at least the following steps: a) recording a measure for the fluid flow through the bowl inlet (3), b) Detection of a measure for the fluid flow through the bowl drain (4), c) detection of an impending drain blockage if the time required for a certain fluid volume from the bowl inlet (3) to the bowl drain (4) exceeds a certain duration.

Description

The invention relates to a method for detecting an impending clogging of the drain in a sanitary bowl, a sensor arrangement, a sanitary bowl, a front-wall mounting system and a toilet.

Sanitary bowls are common parts of toilets and urinals. Corresponding sanitary bowls are often designed as sanitary ceramics or made of metal. For example, paper or the like can clog the drains of the sanitary bowls (or comparable containers) and consequently overflow the sanitary bowls.

In order to prevent uncontrolled overflow, for example level meters can be arranged in or on the bowl, which trigger when a predetermined water level is reached. Corresponding level gauges are, however, usually arranged in the front, visible area of the bowl, so that on the one hand they restrict the freedom of design and on the other hand are visible and / or accessible to the user.

In particular in cases of vandalism, accessibility of the fill level meter is particularly disadvantageous for the user, since it is then also damaged and deliberate clogging by so-called “clogging and flushing” can no longer be recognized and prevented.

Proceeding from this, it is the object of the present invention to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a method for detecting an impending drain blockage of a sanitary bowl, a sensor arrangement, a sanitary bowl, a front-wall mounting system and a toilet are to be specified, which offer the most reliable protection possible against a particularly deliberate overflow of the bowl. In addition, the design of the bowl should be designed as freely as possible.

These objects are achieved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous configurations of the solution proposed here are specified in the dependent claims. It should be pointed out that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined with one another in any desired, technologically sensible manner and define further embodiments of the invention. In addition, the features specified in the patent claims are specified and explained in more detail in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.

1. a) Erfassen eines Maßes für den Fluidstrom durch den Schüsselzulauf,
2. b) Erfassen eines Maßes für den Fluidstrom durch den Schüsselablauf,
3. c) Erkennen einer drohenden Ablaufverstopfung, wenn die Zeit, die ein bestimmtes Fluidvolumen von dem Schüsselzulauf bis zu dem Schüsselablauf benötigt, eine bestimmte Dauer überschreitet.

A method for recognizing an impending drain blockage of a sanitary bowl with a bowl inlet and a bowl outlet contributes to this, comprising at least the following steps:

1. a) recording a measure for the fluid flow through the bowl inlet,
2. b) recording a measure for the fluid flow through the bowl drain,
3. c) Detection of an impending drain blockage if the time it takes a certain fluid volume from the bowl inlet to the bowl outlet exceeds a certain duration.

Steps a), b) and c) can be carried out at least once or several times in succession in the order given. Furthermore, at least steps a) and b) can also be carried out at least partially in parallel or even simultaneously.

In particular, through the (intelligent) detection of the inflowing and draining water, the presented method, which can be carried out, for example, with sensors integrated in a front wall element, can detect an impending overflow of the bowl. As a result, an alarm message can be triggered and, if necessary, the fresh water supply can be stopped. The method offers the particular advantage that it can detect an impending drain blockage with means, such as sensors, which can be arranged on the back of the bowl, which is generally inaccessible to a user. In this way, in particular, even in the event of vandalism, the most reliable possible detection of an impending drain blockage can take place.

In step a) there is a (sensory) recording of a measure for the fluid flow through the bowl inlet. For this purpose, at least one first (inlet) sensor can be used, which is arranged in the area of the bowl inlet. In step b) there is a (sensory) recording of a measure for the fluid flow through the bowl drain. For this purpose, at least one second (drain) sensor can be used, which is arranged in the area of the bowl drain.

At least one first sensor and / or at least one second sensor are preferably integrated or mounted in a front-wall mounting system and / or covered or inaccessible in and / or on the bowl. By integrating at least one first sensor and / or at least one Second sensor in a pre-wall element or pre-wall mounting system or a concealed installation of one or more of the sensors on (usually) areas in and / or on the sanitary bowl that are not visible and / or accessible to a user is advantageously a design-independent, space-saving structure and on the other hand, protection against vandalism is possible.

In step c), an imminent drain blockage is recognized when the time required for a certain fluid volume from the bowl inlet to the bowl outlet exceeds a certain duration. In other words, this means in particular that the method is used to determine and monitor the time that a fluid flow (triggered by flushing) needs from the bowl inlet to the bowl outlet. A comparison of the determined time with the determined duration can contribute to the monitoring. For this purpose, the specific duration can be stored, for example, as a reference parameter in a memory that can be accessed by an evaluation unit that interacts with the sensors.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the measure for the fluid flow is a volume flow or a mass flow. In this context, the first sensor and / or the second sensor can be, for example (each) a volume flow sensor or a mass flow sensor.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that in step c) an impending drain blockage is detected when the time between a first significant increase in the time course of the measure for the fluid flow through the bowl inlet and a first significant increase in the time course of the measure for the fluid flow through the bowl drain passes that exceeds a certain duration. Here, an increase over time is viewed as “significant” in particular when the value of the measure for the fluid flow more than doubles in less than five seconds, preferably at least doubles in two seconds or less.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the determined duration is a predetermined duration or a typical passage time from the bowl inlet to the bowl outlet that has been determined. In other words, this means in particular that the specific duration can be fixed or updated in particular at regular time intervals, for example on the basis of the mean value of previously determined throughput times without clogging. Thus, for example, by electronically determining the (typical) flow time from the water inlet to the water outlet and evaluating the determined (current) time, an impending drain blockage can be recognized.

In particular, the determined duration can be formed on the basis of one or more previous observations or measurements (for example as a mean value). For example, the specific duration (for the following flushing process) can be determined on the basis of the time or even set as the time that, in a (immediately) preceding flushing process, between a first significant increase in the time course of the measure for the fluid flow through the bowl inlet and a first significant increase in the time course of the measure for the fluid flow through the bowl drain passes. In this context, one or more rinsing processes can be used to observe whether the cycle time increases from rinsing process to rinsing process or not. This allows a conscious “clogging and flushing” to be recognized in a particularly advantageous manner.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that an alarm be output if an impending drain blockage was recognized in step c). The alarm can be, for example, an acoustic and / or a visual alarm. The alarm can be issued directly in the area of the bowl. Alternatively or cumulatively, a warning or alarm message can also be communicated via a communication interface, such as a radio interface, to (pre-) specific recipients, such as a home owner's smartphone and / or a control center of a building service company.

The user (for example a house owner) can thus receive acoustic information, for example, even if he is not personally present. Furthermore, the building service for large systems (for example hotels) can be simplified by means of corresponding messages, in particular in that alarm messages can be sent directly via remote diagnosis in the event of a possible error.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the fluid supply to the bowl inlet is interrupted if an impending drain blockage was recognized in step c). To interrupt the fluid supply, for example, a drain valve arranged upstream of the bowl inlet in the direction of flow can be closed. Due to the particularly direct evaluation of the measured values, an electric motor-driven drain valve, for example, can immediately stop the flushing water inflow in the event of an imminent overflow and thus, for example, prevent the bathroom from being flooded by the toilet.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the sanitary bowl is a toilet bowl or a urinal. The sanitary bowl can for example have a body that is formed with ceramic and / or metal. The body of the sanitary bowl usually has at least three openings, namely a main opening through which objects such as feces and / or paper can be introduced into the bowl, a bowl inlet through which (rinsing) water can be introduced into the bowl , and a bowl drain through which the objects with the (rinse) water can be brought out of the bowl. Furthermore, the body of the sanitary bowl is usually formed in one piece.

• - mindestens einen ersten Sensor zum Erfassen eines Maßes für den Fluidstrom durch den Schüsselzulauf der Sanitärschüssel,
• - mindestens einen zweiten Sensor zum Erfassen eines Maßes für den Fluidstrom durch den Schüsselablauf der Sanitärschüssel,
• - eine Auswerteeinrichtung, die Daten des mindestens eine ersten Sensors und des mindestens einen zweiten Sensors empfangen und dahingehend auswerten kann, eine drohenden Ablaufverstopfung der Sanitärschüssel zu erkennen, wenn die Zeit, die ein bestimmtes Fluidvolumen von dem Schüsselzulauf bis zu dem Schüsselablauf benötigt, eine bestimmte Dauer überschreitet.

According to a further aspect, a sensor arrangement for a sanitary bowl and / or for a sanitary pre-wall mounting system for fastening a sanitary bowl is proposed, comprising:

• - At least one first sensor for detecting a measure for the fluid flow through the bowl inlet of the sanitary bowl,
• - At least one second sensor for detecting a measure of the fluid flow through the bowl drain of the sanitary bowl,
• - An evaluation device that receives data from the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor and can evaluate it to the effect of recognizing an impending drain clogging of the sanitary bowl if the time it takes a certain fluid volume from the bowl inlet to the bowl outlet is a certain one Duration exceeds.

In this context, it is preferred if the sensor arrangement is set up to carry out a method described here.

According to a further aspect, a sanitary bowl with a sensor arrangement described here is proposed. The sanitary bowl can be, for example, a toilet bowl or a urinal. In this context, a concealed installation of the sensors in and / or on, in particular, non-visible surfaces of the bowl is particularly advantageous. In this case, the sensors are arranged in and / or on the sanitary bowl itself. In this case, however, the evaluation unit can also be arranged at a distance therefrom, for example in a front-wall mounting system and / or a cistern that can be connected to the sanitary bowl.

According to a further aspect, a sanitary pre-wall mounting system for fastening a sanitary bowl is proposed, with a sensor arrangement described here. In other words, this means in particular that the front-wall mounting system (and not the sanitary bowl itself) has the sensor arrangement. In this context, an integration of the sensors and the evaluation device in a pre-wall element or the pre-wall mounting system is particularly advantageous. The functions of a pre-wall mounting system are known to the person skilled in the art and are therefore not explained in more detail here.

According to a further aspect, a toilet with a sensor arrangement described here and / or a sanitary bowl described here and / or a front-wall mounting system described here is proposed.

The details, features and advantageous configurations discussed in connection with the method can accordingly also occur in the sensor arrangement presented here, the sanitary bowl, the front-wall mounting system and / or the toilet, and vice versa. In this respect, reference is made in full to the statements made there for a more detailed characterization of the features.

• 1: eine hier beschriebene Toilette mit einem Vorwandmontagesystem,
• 2: zeitliche Verläufe von Messdaten zur Veranschaulichung einer möglichen Anwendung eines hier beschriebenen Verfahrens, und
• 3: weitere zeitliche Verläufe von Messdaten zur Veranschaulichung einer möglichen Anwendung eines hier beschriebenen Verfahrens.

The solution presented here and its technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be pointed out that the invention is not intended to be restricted by the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in or in connection with the figures and to combine them with other components and / or findings from other figures and / or the present description. It shows by way of example and schematically:

• 1 : a toilet described here with a front-wall mounting system,
• 2 : Temporal progression of measurement data to illustrate a possible application of a method described here, and
• 3 : further temporal progressions of measurement data to illustrate a possible application of a method described here.

1 shows schematically a toilet described here 1 with a pre-wall mounting system 5 . The toilet 1 has a sanitary bowl 2 with a bowl inlet 3 and a bowl drain 4th on. The sanitary bowl 2 can be done using the pre-wall mounting system 5 be attached to a wall of a bathroom or a toilet room. At the in 1 shown sanitary bowl 2 it is thus an example of a toilet bowl. Basically it can be with the sanitary bowl 2 but be a toilet bowl, urinal or similar sanitary bowl.

• - mindestens einen ersten Sensor 6 (hier beispielhaft zwei erste Sensoren 6) zum Erfassen eines Maßes für den Fluidstrom durch den Schüsselzulauf 3 der Sanitärschüssel 2,
• - mindestens einen zweiten Sensor 7 zum Erfassen eines Maßes für den Fluidstrom durch den Schüsselablauf 4 der Sanitärschüssel 2,
• - eine Auswerteeinrichtung 8, die Daten des mindestens eine ersten Sensors 6 und des mindestens einen zweiten Sensors 7 empfangen und dahingehend auswerten kann, eine drohenden Ablaufverstopfung der Sanitärschüssel 2 zu erkennen, wenn die Zeit, die ein bestimmtes Fluidvolumen von dem Schüsselzulauf 3 bis zu dem Schüsselablauf 4 benötigt, eine bestimmte Dauer überschreitet.

Furthermore, in 1 a sensor arrangement for the sanitary bowl 2 and the sanitary pre-wall mounting system 5 shown. The sensor arrangement is here, for example, in the front-wall mounting system 5 integrated. Alternatively or cumulatively, at least part of the sensor arrangement could also be in the sanitary bowl 2 be integrated or (directly) arranged on this. The sensor arrangement has the following components:

• - at least one first sensor 6th (here two first sensors as an example 6th ) for detecting a measure of the fluid flow through the bowl inlet 3 the sanitary bowl 2 ,
• - at least one second sensor 7th for detecting a measure of the fluid flow through the bowl drain 4th the sanitary bowl 2 ,
• - an evaluation device 8th , the data of the at least one first sensor 6th and the at least one second sensor 7th can receive and evaluate an impending clogging of the plumbing bowl 2 to detect when the time it takes a certain volume of fluid from the bowl inlet 3 up to the bowl drain 4th required, exceeds a certain duration.

The sensor arrangement is for performing the below in connection with the 2 and 3 described in more detail, set up here proposed method.

The at least one first sensor 6th is usually in the area of the bowl inlet 3 the sanitary bowl 2 arranged. The at least one second sensor 7th is usually in the area of the bowl drain 4th the sanitary bowl 2 arranged. The evaluation device 8th is here in a cistern as an example 9 the pre-wall mounting system 5 arranged.

The cistern 9 serves to store the (rinsing) water, which is supplied via the bowl inlet 3 in the sanitary bowl 2 can flow. For this purpose, the cistern is usually fluidic with the bowl inlet 3 connectable. This connection can be targeted with a drain valve 10 can be established and interrupted again. The drain valve 10 via an electric valve drive, for example 11 be operated. This can be controlled, for example, so that it closes the drain valve immediately 10 causes when the evaluation device 8th has recognized an impending drain blockage.

1. a) Erfassen eines Maßes für den Fluidstrom durch den Schüsselzulauf 3,
2. b) Erfassen eines Maßes für den Fluidstrom durch den Schüsselablauf 4,
3. c) Erkennen einer drohenden Ablaufverstopfung, wenn die Zeit 14, die ein bestimmtes Fluidvolumen von dem Schüsselzulauf 3 bis zu dem Schüsselablauf 4 benötigt, eine bestimmte Dauer (hier nicht dargestellt) überschreitet.

the 2 and 3 each show temporal progressions of measurement data to illustrate a possible application of a method described here. The method is used to identify an impending clogging of the drain in a sanitary bowl 2 (not shown here, cf. 1 ) with a bowl inlet 3 and a bowl drain 4th and comprises at least the following steps:

1. a) Detecting a measure for the fluid flow through the bowl inlet 3 ,
2. b) Detecting a measure for the fluid flow through the bowl drain 4th ,
3. c) Detection of an impending drain blockage when the time 14th that a certain volume of fluid from the bowl inlet 3 up to the bowl drain 4th required, exceeds a certain duration (not shown here).

The measure for the fluid flow can be a volume flow or a mass flow.

In the 2 and 3 an example of a possible application of the method described here is shown, in which in step c) an impending drain blockage is recognized when the time 14th that between an initial significant increase over time 12th the measure of the fluid flow through the bowl inlet 3 and a first significant increase over time 13th the measure of the fluid flow through the bowl drain 4th passes that exceeds a certain duration.

The specific duration can be a predetermined duration or a determined typical throughput time from the bowl feed 3 to the bowl drain 4th Act.

In the event of an impending clogging of the bowl drain 4th can be the time interval 14th of flushing processes triggered one after the other, for example, increase significantly. Once the time interval 14th If it becomes longer than the certain duration, it is concluded that there is an impending constipation. With this information, the water entry through the bowl inlet can be determined 3 stopped before the bowl overflows 2 comes.

In this context shows 2 a normal bowl drain flow scenario 4th or with an open bowl drain 4th . The time 14th is relatively short. In contrast shows 3 a scenario with impending clogging of the bowl drain 4th or with the bowl drain almost blocked 4th . The time 14th is relatively long and exceeds the specified duration.

So the toilet can 1 For example, be protected against willful vandalism in public areas by deliberately “clogging and flushing”.

In addition, an alarm can be output if an impending drain blockage was recognized in step c). Alternatively or cumulatively, the fluid supply can be to the bowl inlet 3 interrupted if an impending drain blockage was recognized in step c).

Thus, a method for recognizing an impending drain blockage of a sanitary bowl, a sensor arrangement, a sanitary bowl, a front-wall mounting system and a toilet have been specified which contribute to at least partially solving the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a method for detecting an impending drain blockage of a sanitary bowl, a sensor arrangement, a sanitary bowl, a front-wall mounting system and a toilet are specified, which offer the most reliable protection possible against an in particular deliberately caused overflow of the bowl. In addition, the design of the bowl can be designed as freely as possible.

List of reference symbols

1

Toilet

2

Sanitary bowl

3

Bowl inlet

4th

Bowl drain

5

Wall mounting system

6th

first sensor

7th

second sensor

8th

Evaluation device

9

cistern

10

Drain valve

11

Valve drive

12th

course

13th

course

14th

Time interval

Claims (12)

A method for detecting an impending drain blockage of a sanitary bowl (2) with a bowl inlet (3) and a bowl outlet (4), comprising at least the following steps: a) recording a measure for the fluid flow through the bowl inlet (3), b) recording a measure for the fluid flow through the bowl drain (4), c) Detection of an impending drain blockage when the time it takes a certain volume of fluid from the bowl inlet (3) to the bowl outlet (4) exceeds a certain duration. Procedure according to Claim 1 , the measure for the fluid flow being a volume flow or a mass flow. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein in step c) an impending drain blockage is detected when the time between a first significant increase in the time course of the measure for the fluid flow through the bowl inlet (3) and a first significant increase in the time course of the measure for the fluid flow through the bowl drain (4) passes that exceeds a certain duration. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determined duration is a predetermined duration or a determined typical passage time from the bowl inlet (3) to the bowl outlet (4). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an alarm is output if an impending drain blockage was recognized in step c). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid supply to the bowl inlet (3) is interrupted if an impending drain blockage was recognized in step c). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sanitary bowl (2) is a toilet bowl or a urinal. Sensor arrangement for a sanitary bowl (2) and / or for a sanitary pre-wall mounting system (5) for fastening a sanitary bowl (2), comprising: - At least one first sensor (6) for detecting a measure for the fluid flow through the bowl inlet (3) of the sanitary bowl (2), - At least one second sensor (7) for detecting a measure for the fluid flow through the bowl drain (4) of the sanitary bowl (2), - An evaluation device (8) which can receive data from the at least one first sensor (6) and the at least one second sensor (7) and evaluate it to detect an impending drain clogging of the sanitary bowl (2) when the time a certain Fluid volume required from the bowl inlet (3) to the bowl outlet (4) exceeds a certain duration. Sensor arrangement according to Claim 8 , set up to carry out a method according to one of the Claims 1 until 7th . Sanitary bowl (2) with a sensor arrangement according to Claim 8 or 9 . Sanitary pre-wall mounting system (5) for fastening a sanitary bowl (2), with a sensor arrangement according to Claim 8 or 9 . Toilet (1) with a sensor arrangement Claim 8 or 9 , a sanitary bowl (2) Claim 10 and / or a pre-wall mounting system (5) Claim 11 .

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