DE102021129928A1 - Method for controlling a shower system and shower system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a shower system (1). The invention also relates to a shower system (1), at least comprising a shower head (2) with a first jet outlet (3) and a second jet outlet (4), a switching device (5) for activating the desired jet outlet (3) and a temperature sensor (9) for determining a temperature of a volume flow (10) flowing through the shower head (2); and a control unit (14) by means of which the shower head (2) can be activated and the switching device (5) can be controlled, the control unit (14) only communicating with the shower head (2) via wireless data transmission.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a shower system and a shower system.

A shower system regularly includes a shower head connected to a mixer tap for supplying mixed water. When a user activates the water in the shower system, that water is initially cold. Depending on the installation, it can take seconds to minutes for warm water to come out of the shower head (overhead shower). For most users it is uncomfortable to stand directly under the initially cold water. It is therefore customary to first wait until the water has warmed up and repeatedly feel the temperature of the water - until a comfortable temperature is reached.

In addition, there is still residual water in the shower head or in the supply line to the shower head (e.g. pipes, shower system, shower arm, mixer tap, etc.). In the case of products with several spray types (e.g. shower head or overhead shower), there may still be residual water in a last unused chamber of a spray type in addition to the main volume flow. This can e.g. B. be in a jet type of a so-called jet beam, if only a different type of jet, z. B. the so-called Rain beam was used. This water can possibly remain there for several weeks.

There is therefore a need, on the one hand, to remove the cold water and, on the other hand, the residual water from the product before the user starts to shower, ie before the user is exposed to the volume flow emerging from the shower head.

From the U.S. 10,358,802 B2 a shower head system is known in which a shower head can be arranged in a receptacle with a drain and a temperature sensor and a temperature display. When the showerhead system is activated, water flows from the showerhead into the receptacle and down the drain. The temperature of the water is measured and displayed. A user can thus wait until the water has reached a desired temperature.

From the US 10,967,390 B2 a shower head system with a mixer tap to which the shower head is connected is known. Water is fed to an outlet until a minimum temperature is reached in the mixer tap. Only when the minimum temperature is reached is the water diverted to the shower head.

The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and in particular to specify a method for controlling a shower system and a shower system in which cold water and residual water can be removed from a shower head with at least two spray types .

This object is achieved with a method according to the features of independent patent claim 1 and by a shower system according to the features of independent patent claim 8. Further advantageous refinements of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims. It should be pointed out that the features listed individually in the dependent patent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful manner and define further refinements 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 configurations of the invention being presented.

• - einen Duschkopf mit einem ersten Strahlauslass und einem zweiten Strahlauslass sowie einer Schalteinrichtung zum Aktivieren des gewünschten Strahlauslasses;
• - eine Mischbatterie zum Mischen von Kaltwasser und Warmwasser zu Mischwasser mit einer gewünschten Mischwassertemperatur;
• - eine Verbindungsleitung zwischen dem Duschkopf und der Mischbatterie zur Zuleitung des Mischwassers zum Duschkopf; sowie
• - einen Temperatursensor

auf.A method for controlling a shower system contributes to this. The shower system shows at least

• - A shower head with a first jet outlet and a second jet outlet and a switching device for activating the desired jet outlet;
• - A mixing faucet for mixing cold water and hot water to mixed water with a desired mixed water temperature;
• - A connecting pipe between the shower head and the mixer tap for supplying the mixed water to the shower head; as well as
• - a temperature sensor

on.

1. a) Aktivieren des Duschsystems durch Einschalten eines Volumenstroms, der durch die Verbindungsleitung hin zum Duschkopf strömt;
2. b) Aktivieren zumindest des ersten Strahlauslasses, so dass der Volumenstrom nur über den ersten Strahlauslass ausströmt;
3. c) Messen der Temperatur des Volumenstroms mit dem Temperatursensor, wobei der erste Strahlauslass aktiviert bleibt, bis der Volumenstrom eine Mindesttemperatur erreicht hat;
4. d) Aktivieren zumindest des zweiten Strahlauslasses, sobald der Volumenstrom die Mindesttemperatur erreicht hat.

Dabei werden in den Schritten b) und d) voneinander unterschiedliche Strahlausgänge oder voneinander unterschiedliche Kombinationen von Strahlausgängen aktiviert.The procedure comprises at least the following steps:

1. a) activation of the shower system by switching on a volume flow that flows through the connecting line towards the shower head;
2. b) activation of at least the first jet outlet, so that the volumetric flow flows out only via the first jet outlet;
3. c) measuring the temperature of the volume flow with the temperature sensor, the first jet outlet remaining activated until the volume flow has reached a minimum temperature;
4. d) activation of at least the second jet outlet as soon as the volume flow has reached the minimum temperature.

In this case, in steps b) and d), different beam outputs or different combinations of beam outputs are activated.

The above (non-exhaustive) division of the method steps into a) to d) is primarily intended to serve only as a distinction and does not impose any order and/or dependency. The frequency of the process steps can also vary. It is also possible for method steps to at least partially overlap one another in terms of time. Process steps a) to c) very particularly preferably take place at least temporarily in parallel with one another. In particular, when the shower system is activated, the first jet outlet is always (at least or exclusively) activated. The temperature can be measured continuously or at time intervals. Step c) can also be carried out immediately after step a) and before, or simultaneously with, step b). Step d) is conditional and is only carried out if it was determined in step c) that the minimum temperature was reached. In particular, steps a) through d) are performed in the order listed.

The shower head has a first jet outlet, a second jet outlet and a switching device for activating the desired jet outlet. In this case, more than two jet outlets can also be provided. The switching device includes z. B. at least one valve through which a volume flow to the respective jet outlet, possibly also to several jet outlets can be diverted. A volume flow of a liquid (in particular water) emerges from the shower system via a jet outlet and can be used by a user for showering.

The mixer tap is suitable for mixing cold water and hot water to mixed water with a desired mixed water temperature. The mixer faucet can have a mixing valve for mixing cold water and hot water into mixed water with a desired mixed water temperature. The cold water can be fed to the mixing valve in particular via a cold water line and the hot water can be fed via a hot water line. The cold water can have a cold water temperature which is in particular a maximum of 25° C. (Celsius), preferably 1° C. to 25° C., particularly preferably 5° C. to 20° C. The hot water can have a hot water temperature which is in particular a maximum of 90°C, preferably 25°C to 90°C, particularly preferably 55°C to 65°C.

The shower head is fluidically connected to the mixer tap via the connecting line, so that when the shower system is activated and depending on requirements, cold water, hot water or mixed water can be routed to the shower head.

The temperature sensor is used to measure and determine a temperature of the volume flow supplied to the shower head. The temperature sensor can be arranged in the mixer tap, in or on the connecting line or in the shower head.

The shower head has a line volume in particular between the respective jet outlet and the connecting line, in which residual water can remain. This residual water is only removed from the shower head when the respective jet outlet is activated.

According to step a), the shower system is activated in particular by switching on a volumetric flow that flows through the connecting line to the shower head. Activation is carried out regularly by a user, e.g. B. by operating the mixer tap or a control unit of the shower system. Depending on the type of installation of the shower system, the volume flow has at least initially a temperature that regularly falls below a minimum temperature. The minimum temperature is in particular a temperature that is perceived as pleasant by a user, ie z. B. between 20 and 40 degrees Celsius.

According to step b), at least the first jet outlet is in particular activated, so that the volume flow flows out at least or exclusively via the first jet outlet. The first jet outlet can be a specific jet outlet, e.g. B. for a jet jet (few but larger openings, so that a relatively large volume flow flows out through each opening) or a rain jet (many but smaller openings, so that a relatively small volume flow flows out through each opening). The jet outlet provided for a jet jet is preferably selected first. But it can also be several, z. B. all jet outlets can be selected.

According to step c), in particular, the temperature of the volume flow is measured with the temperature sensor. The temperature can be measured continuously or at time intervals. The selected (first) jet outlet remains activated until the volume flow has reached a minimum temperature.

If it is determined in step c) immediately during or after activation of the shower system that the minimum temperature is reached, it is also possible to switch or switch directly to the respective other jet outlet. However, it is preferred that step b) is always carried out first and then, if necessary, step d) a short time later (ie without carrying out step c) again).

According to step d), at least the second jet outlet is in particular activated as soon as the volume flow has reached the minimum temperature. In steps b) and d), in particular, beam outputs that differ from one another or combinations of beam outputs that differ from one another are activated.

In particular, it is not mandatory that in step b) initially only the first beam output is activated and then in step d) only the second beam output is activated. In particular, different beam outputs and/or different combinations of beam outputs should be activated in steps b) and d). In particular, it can be made possible in this way for a user to conclude that the minimum temperature has been reached on the basis of the different jet shapes and/or the different noise that arises as a result of the use of the various jet outlets or their various combinations. In this way, in particular, an optical and/or acoustic distinguishing feature is provided that can be detected and processed by the user using sensors (ie via his sensory organs, eg the eyes or hearing).

The proposed method enables cold water to be removed from the shower system. Any remaining water is also removed, since the different jet outlets are (automatically) rinsed as a result of the process. Reaching the minimum temperature is shown in a number of ways: e.g. B. as stated acoustically and / or optically based on the selected jet outlets and possibly by a signaling device. The minimum temperature can be freely determined in particular by a user. In particular, the proposed solution can be integrated into an existing product with relatively little effort, so that costs can be kept low. Retrofitting by the customer is also possible.

In particular, the temperature sensor is arranged in the shower head.

In particular, the minimum temperature can be set for each activation of the shower system, in particular by a user.

In particular, the switching device comprises at least two solenoid valves, by means of which the first jet outlet, the second jet outlet or both jet outlets can be activated. If a jet outlet is activated, a volume flow or a partial volume flow flows out of the shower head via this jet outlet.

In particular, the shower system has a signaling device that can be used to generate an optical signal that at least indicates that the minimum temperature has been reached. The optical signal is in particular a light signal, z. B. generated by an LED or other light source.

In particular, the shower system has an operating unit, through which at least the shower system can be activated and the switching device can be controlled. The control unit only communicates with the shower head via wireless data transmission, e.g. B. via Bluetooth, WLAN or via a radio signal with a fixed frequency range. The control unit is in particular a remote control as hardware z. B. is provided together with the shower system. Alternatively, the remote control can also be provided as a program, so that e.g. B. via a smartphone or a tablet as hardware, the control unit can be implemented.

In particular, the operating unit has a signaling device that can be used to generate an optical signal that at least indicates that the minimum temperature has been reached. The optical signal is in particular a light signal, z. B. generated by an LED or other light source.

In particular, the shower head has battery-operated electronics in order to control at least the switching device (possibly also a transmitter/receiver unit for wireless data transmission). The electronics are connected in particular via Bluetooth low energy (BLE) to a remote control unit that can be positioned anywhere on the wall and is also battery-operated.

After the jet outlet has been switched over in accordance with step d), the temperature sensor and the electronics in particular go into passive operation, in which as little energy as possible is consumed.

• - einen Duschkopf mit einem ersten Strahlauslass und einem zweiten Strahlauslass, einer Schalteinrichtung zum Aktivieren des gewünschten Strahlauslasses und einem Temperatursensor zur Bestimmung einer Temperatur eines durch den Duschkopf strömenden Volumenstroms;
• - eine Bedieneinheit, durch die der Duschkopf aktivierbar und die Schalteinrichtung steuerbar ist, wobei die Bedieneinheit mit dem Duschkopf nur über kabellose Datenübertragung kommuniziert.

A shower system is also proposed, in particular set up to carry out the method proposed here, at least comprehensively

• - A shower head with a first jet outlet and a second jet outlet, a switching device for activating the desired jet outlet and a temperature sensor for determining a tempera tur of a volume flow flowing through the shower head;
• - A control unit, through which the shower head can be activated and the switching device can be controlled, the control unit communicating with the shower head only via wireless data transmission.

The above statements on the shower head and the control unit apply equally here.

The proposed shower system can be used with known components of shower systems, e.g. B. mixer taps and connecting lines, in particular combined. For example, an existing shower system can be supplemented or retrofitted with the proposed components, so that the shower system modified in this way then has the functionality described.

In particular, the switching device comprises at least two solenoid valves, by means of which the first jet outlet, the second jet outlet or both jet outlets can be activated.

In particular, the operating unit has a signaling device that can be used to generate an optical signal that at least indicates that the volume flow has reached a minimum temperature.

In particular, at least one system for data processing is provided, in particular in the operating unit, which has means which are suitably equipped, configured or programmed to carry out the method described or which carry out the method.

In particular, the control unit includes a system for data processing, z. B. a control device that has means for executing the steps of the method and / or has means that are suitably equipped, configured or programmed to execute the steps of the method or that execute the method.

The funds include B. a processor and a memory in which instructions to be executed by the processor are stored, as well as data lines or (radio) transmission devices that enable transmission of instructions, measured values, data or the like between the listed elements.

A computer program is also proposed, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method described or the steps of the method described.

A computer-readable storage medium is also proposed, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method described or the steps of the method described.

The explanations regarding the method can be transferred in particular to the shower system, the system for data processing and/or the computer-implemented method (ie the computer program and the computer-readable storage medium) and vice versa.

• 1: ein Duschsystem, zumindest teilweise in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 2: das Duschsystem nach 1 in einem ersten Zustand;
• 3: das Duschsystem nach 1 in einem zweiten Zustand; und
• 4: einen Ablauf des Verfahrens.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be pointed out that the figures show a particularly preferred embodiment variant of the invention, but this is not limited to this. The same components in the figures are provided with the same reference numbers. It shows as an example and schematically:

• 1 : a shower system, at least partially in a perspective view;
• 2 : the shower system after 1 in a first state;
• 3 : the shower system after 1 in a second state; and
• 4 : a flow of the procedure.

The 1 shows a shower system 1, at least partially in a perspective view. The shower system 1 comprises a shower head 2 with a first jet outlet 3 and a second jet outlet 4 (see FIG 2 and 3 ), a switching device 5 for activating the desired jet outlet 3, 4 and a temperature sensor 9 for determining a temperature of a volume flow 10 flowing through the shower head 2. The switching device 5 comprises two solenoid valves 11, through which the first jet outlet 3, the second jet outlet 4 or both jet outlets 3, 4 can be activated. The shower system 1 also includes a control unit 14, by means of which the shower head 2 can be activated and the switching device 5 can be controlled, with the control unit 14 communicating with the shower head 2 only via wireless data transmission. The operating unit 14 and the shower head 2 have a transmitter/receiver unit 15 for data transmission or for the transmission of data signals 20 . The operating unit 14 has several operating surfaces 16, through which the respective jet outlet 3, 4 or the selection of both jet outlets 3, 4 is possible.

The shower head 2 has a battery-powered electronics 19 (a data processing system) to the switching device 5, the temperature sensor 9 and the transmitter / receiver unit 15 for control wireless data transfer. The electronics are connected via Bluetooth low energy (BLE) to the control unit 14, which is designed as a remote control and can be freely positioned on a wall and is also battery-operated. The batteries 17 are easy for a user to install or replace.

The shower head 2 can be connected to a connecting line 8 via a (ball) joint 18 . The connecting line 8 connects the shower head 2 with a mixer tap 6, which is only indicated here.

2 shows the shower system 1 1 in a first state. To the remarks 1 is referenced.

The shower head 2 has a first jet outlet 3 and a second jet outlet 4 . A volume flow 10 of a liquid (in particular water) exits the shower system 1 via a jet outlet 3, 4 and can be used by a user for showering.

According to step a), the shower system 1 is activated by switching on a volume flow 10 which flows through the connecting line 8 towards the shower head 2 . Activation is carried out regularly by a user, e.g. B. by actuating the mixer tap 6 or a control unit 14 of the shower system 1. Depending on the type of installation of the shower system 1, the volume flow 10 has at least initially a temperature that regularly falls below a minimum temperature.

According to step b), the first jet outlet 3 is activated (first state of the shower system 1 ), so that the volume flow 10 of mixed water 7 flows out exclusively via the first jet outlet 3 . The first jet outlet 3 is intended for a jet jet. The second jet outlet 4 is intended for a Rain jet (see Fig 3 ).

The operating unit 14 has a signaling device 12, by means of which an optical signal 13 can be generated, which indicates that the minimum temperature has (not yet) been reached. The optical signal is a light signal generated by an LED. The lighting of the signaling device 12 indicates that the minimum temperature has not yet been reached.

According to step c), the temperature of the volume flow 10 is measured with the temperature sensor 9. The temperature can be measured continuously or at time intervals. The selected first jet outlet 3 remains activated until the volume flow 10 has reached a minimum temperature.

3 shows the shower system 1 in a second state. To the remarks 1 and 2 is referenced.

According to step d), the second jet outlet 4 is activated as soon as the volume flow 10 has reached the minimum temperature. In steps b) and d), different beam outputs 3, 4 are activated.

4 shows the process flow. According to step a), the shower system is activated by switching on a volume flow 10 that flows through the connecting line 8 to the shower head 2 (step a) 21). Activation 21 is carried out regularly by a user, e.g. B. by actuating the mixer tap 6 or a control unit 14 of the shower system 1.

The operating unit 14 has a signaling device 12, by means of which an optical signal 13 can be generated, which indicates that the minimum temperature has not yet been reached (signal generation 22). The optical signal is a light signal generated by an LED. The lighting of the signaling device 12 indicates that the minimum temperature has not yet been reached.

According to step b), the first jet outlet 3 is activated, so that the volume flow 10 flows out exclusively via the first jet outlet 3 (step b) 23).

According to step c), the temperature of the volume flow 10 is measured with the temperature sensor 9 (step c) 24). The selected first jet outlet 3 remains activated until the volume flow 10 has reached a minimum temperature.

According to step d), at least the second jet outlet 4 is activated as soon as the volume flow 10 has reached the minimum temperature (step d) 27).

Reaching the minimum temperature is referred to here as step c1) (step c1) 25).

If the minimum temperature is reached, the luminous signal of the signaling device 12 goes out. The extinguishing of the luminous signal is referred to here as step c2) (step c2) 26).

After the jet outlet 3, 4 has been switched over, the temperature sensor 9 and the electronics 19 go into passive operation, in which as little energy as possible is consumed. The initiation of passive operation is referred to here as step d1) (step d1) 28).

Reference List

1

shower system

2

shower head

3

first jet outlet

4

second jet outlet

5

switching device

6

mixer tap

7

mixed water

8th

connection line

9

temperature sensor

10

flow rate

11

magnetic valve

12

signaling device

13

signal

14

operating unit

15

transmitter/receiver unit

16

user interface

17

battery

18

joint

19

electronics

20

data signal

21

step a)

22

signal generation

23

step b)

24

step c)

25

step c1)

26

step c2)

27

step d)

28

step d1)

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• US 10358802 B2 [0005]
• US10967390B2 [0006]

Claims (10)

Method for controlling a shower system (1), wherein the shower system (1) at least - A shower head (2) with a first jet outlet (3) and a second jet outlet (4) and a switching device (5) for activating the desired jet outlet (3, 4); - A mixer tap (6) for mixing cold water and hot water to mixed water (7) with a desired mixed water temperature; - A connecting line (8) between the shower head (2) and the mixer tap (6) for supplying the mixed water (7) to the shower head (2); as well as - a temperature sensor (9) having; the method comprising at least the following steps: a) activating the shower system (1) by switching on a volume flow (10) which flows through the connecting line (8) towards the shower head (2); b) activating at least the first jet outlet (3), so that the volumetric flow (10) flows out at least via the first jet outlet (3); c) measuring the temperature of the volume flow (10) with the temperature sensor (9), the first jet outlet (3) remaining activated until the volume flow (10) has reached a minimum temperature; d) activating at least the second jet outlet (4) as soon as the volume flow (10) has reached the minimum temperature; wherein in steps b) and d) different beam outputs (3, 4) or different combinations of beam outputs (3, 4) are activated. procedure after Claim 1 , wherein the temperature sensor (9) is arranged in the shower head (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the minimum temperature can be set for each activation of the shower system (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device (5) comprises at least two solenoid valves (11) by which the first jet outlet (3), the second jet outlet (4) or both jet outlets (3, 4) can be activated. Method according to one of the preceding patent claims, in which the shower system (1) has a signaling device (12) which can be used to generate an optical signal (13) which at least indicates that the minimum temperature has been reached. Method according to one of the preceding patent claims, in which the shower system (1) has an operating unit (14) by means of which at least the shower system (1) can be activated and the switching device (5) can be controlled, the operating unit (14) being connected to the shower head (2) communicated only via wireless data transmission. procedure after Claim 5 , wherein the operating unit (14) has a signaling device (12) through which an optical signal (13) can be generated, which at least indicates that the minimum temperature has been reached. Shower system (1), at least comprising - a shower head (2) with a first jet outlet (3) and a second jet outlet (4), a switching device (5) for activating the desired jet outlet (3) and a temperature sensor (9) for determining a temperature of ) flowing volume flow (10); - A control unit (14) through which the shower head (2) can be activated and the switching device (5) can be controlled, the control unit (14) communicating with the shower head (2) only via wireless data transmission. Shower system (1) after patent claim 8 , wherein the switching device (5) comprises at least two solenoid valves (11), through which the first jet outlet (3), the second jet outlet (4) or both jet outlets (3, 4) can be activated. Shower system (1) according to any one of the preceding patent claims 8 and 9 , wherein the operating unit (14) has a signaling device (12) through which an optical signal (13) can be generated, which at least indicates that the volume flow has reached a minimum temperature.

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