DE2836698A1 - Mixer control for sanitary ware - has electronic circuitry to control each magnetic valve by volumetric flow modulation of supply in both hot and cold water paths - Google Patents

Abstract

The electronically controlled mixer valve, esp. for sanitary ware, has a closing magnetic valve in both hot and cold water paths. No further mechanical elements are required in order to introduce thermostatic elements. Existing mixers can be modified to thermostatic mixers using modular components. Each magnetic valve is operated as a volumetric flow modulator of its associated water supply under control of electronic circuits, which maintain the required temp.

Description

Electronically controlled mixer tap, especially in the sa-

sanitary area The invention relates to an electronic controlled mixer tap, especially in the sanitary area, with one each in the cold water and a solenoid valve located in the hot water path as a closing element.

In the case of fittings for hand basins, showers or urinals, in Solenoid valves have recently been increasingly used.

The reason for this is that then by contactless, for example electro-optical control, the water flow can be triggered, resulting in hygiene improved.

If such known fittings are to be thermostated, are further mechanical elements, for example expansion elements or other temperature-sensitive elements Elements with actuators required. The associated mechanics are quite complex and expensive. In addition, the existing components can be reused not possible.

The object of the present invention is to provide a mixer tap of the above to create the type mentioned, in the case of the additional thermostatting no further mechanical elements are required and in particular a modular expansion existing fittings to thermostatically controlled fittings is possible.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in that each solenoid valve additionally as a controlled modulator for the amount of the respectively assigned water flow serves and that an electronic control system is provided, which the solenoid valves in opposite directions applied to set a certain target temperature.

So while in the prior art, the solenoid valves are pure closing elements were activated at the beginning or at the end of the water course, these will be Solenoid valves now also during the water flow to modulate the cold or

Hot water flow used. The modulation becomes electronic controlled, so that mechanical control elements such as the aforementioned expansion elements are no longer necessary can come. The transition from a simple, electronically switched valve to a thermostated faucet is done by adding a simple electronic Module.

In a first embodiment, proportional valves are used as solenoid valves used; the control electronics then work analogously. In this case, includes Control electronics an electronic amplifier, the setpoint generator, the temperature sensor and acted upon by a function signal generator. With the function signal generator it can be a simple hand switch or an electro-optical one Trade receiver with a downstream amplifier. In the present context it is particularly advantageous if the setpoint generator can also be adjusted without contact is.

However, the solenoid valves preferably work digitally, in which case a clock is available, the evenly spaced narrow clock pulses supplies, wherein a first pulse shaper is present, the one solenoid valve delivers a pulse of a certain duration, while a second pulse shaper is available is, which delivers a pulse of a certain duration to the other solenoid valve, where a division stage is provided, which of a target / actual value comparator for the temperature is applied and from this the ratio of the durations of the two Pulses are calculated and determined by the pulse generator, and that a control system is available is via which a ready-to-operate signal is applied to the rest of the circuit can be. In this way it is achieved that the ratio of the durations of the signals with which the solenoid valves are acted upon, the desired target temperature of the mixed water.

The mentioned control can be a simple hand switch, contains but preferably an electronic proximity switch. Appropriately be the solenoid valves in the alternatively acted upon drive.

According to one embodiment of the invention is the sum of the widths the impulses of the impulse shaper constant. At the same time, this means that the flow rate of mixed water is constant. The sum of the widths of the pulses is advantageously the pulse shaper is chosen to be equal to the clock period P.

However, it is also possible that the sum of the widths of the pulses the pulse shaper is variable. In this case, in addition to the temperature of the outflow Mixed water also its amount can be determined.

It is expedient to choose the sum of the widths of the pulses Pulse shaper equal to the width of the signal of a sum pulse shaper generated by a Setpoint generator for the amount of water is applied, the width of the sum signal is between 0 and the clock period. Again, the setpoint generator can be sent directly from Hand operated; however, this is preferably done electro-optically.

The fact that the control electronics are constructed in a modular manner is ensures that from the simple, only switched valve on the thermostatted Faucet up to the thermostatted as well as volume-adjustable faucet an expansion is possible, which is based only on the addition of electronic components.

Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawing explained in more detail; They show: FIG. 1: the water flow diagram of an inventive Mixer tap; FIG. 2: an analog circuit arrangement; Figure 3: a first, digitally operating circuit arrangement; Figure 4: various pulses occurring in the circuit arrangement of FIG. 3 as a function of time; Figure 5: Pulses similar to Figure 4, also in the circuit arrangement can be realized according to Figure 3; Figure 6: a second, digitally working Circuit arrangement; FIG. 7: different in the circuit arrangement of FIG 6 occurring pulses as a function of time.

According to Figure 1, the water flow diagram in the mixer fitting is as follows: the cold water passes through the supply line 3 to the solenoid valve 1, which is from the Magnet winding M1 is operated. The hot water flows through the supply line 4 and arrives at the solenoid valve 2, which is controlled by the solenoid winding M2. Depending on the switching status, the water flowing through the solenoid valves 1 and 2 mixes in a small mixing chamber 5 that leads to the outlet 6. The temperature of the Water in the mixing chamber is monitored by a sensor F of known type.

The basic idea of thermostatting such, per se known Fittings now consists in the solenoid valves previously only used as closing elements to be used as modulation elements. This can basically be done in two ways happen: The circuit arrangement according to Figure 2 is for an "analog" mode of operation thought. This should be understood to mean an operating mode in which the solenoid valves not only the open and closed positions, but also a large number in between can take lying control positions. Primarily come as solenoid valves 1, 2 proportional valve tile in question where the magnetically induced The stroke is proportional to the electrical current through the magnet winding accordingly comprises a setpoint generator 7 with an electronic amplifier 8 communicates. A signal is placed over the connecting line, which correlated with the temperature setpoint. The setting of the setpoint generator can - if desired - also contactless, for example via a known per se electro-optical control.

The electronic amplifier 8 receives from the sensor F also a electrical signal for the actual temperature in the mixing chamber 5 is representative. This signal can immediately be viewed optically as a thermometer display, for example in digital form, can be made visible.

The electronic amplifier 8 generates in a known manner from the Setpoint temperature signal and the actual temperature signal an error signal. This modulates the currents through the magnet windings M1 and M2 are reversed, so that while maintaining of the total amount of flowing water, the actual temperature approximates the target temperature will. If, for example, the water in the mixing chamber 5 is too cold, this leads to the result Error signal in the electrical amplifier 8 to the fact that the hot water valve 2 something opened more and the cold water valve 1 is closed a little more.

The electronic amplifier 8 receives via a further line 9 a function signal. This means that the function described above can only be used expires when there is a voltage on line 9. Otherwise the solenoid valves 1.2 closed. This tension can be combined in a known manner from the light-emitting transmitter and the reflected light-receiving recipient 10 and a downstream amplifier 11 generate.

The circuit arrangement is designed so that a modular expansion from simple, light-controlled fittings to thermostated, light-controlled ones Valve is possible. This is done by adding the setpoint generator 7, the temperature sensor F as well as those parts of the amplifier that generate analog magnetic winding currents from this produce.

With a suitable arrangement, a valve initially supplied as a simple valve can be used Mixer faucet thermostated by adding a simple electronic component without having to make any further changes to the mixer tap.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, however, it is necessary that - as mentioned - the solenoid valves work proportionally. Should be the easy one The fitting was not equipped with such solenoid valves from the start the solenoid valves should be when expanding to a thermostatic mixer tap can also be exchanged.

For this reason it can be recommended to use the second type of connection to choose, with which the following explanations deal. She is "digital" in the sense that the solenoid valves used only have an open and a closed position own.

A first embodiment for a suitable circuit is shown in FIG 3 shown. It is explained together with FIG. 4 which signals to the in Figure 3 shows the circuit shown.

This circuit first has a control part 11 with which the remaining section of the circuit is activated. It can be a simple one Hand switch or - as is practical in most cases - an electro-optical switch recipient Act.

If voltage is present at the clock generator 12 from the control part 11-her, then arise the following pulses: The clock generator 12 generates at regular time intervals narrow rectangular pulses T (see FIG. 4). The width of the square pulse T is shown exaggerated in Figure 4; it is compared to the breadth of the others Pulses (W1, K1, W2, K2} negligible.

The frequency of the clock pulses T influences the number of circuits of the solenoid valves M1 and M2 per second. It thus determines the fineness and speed of response the scheme. Frequencies in the range of a few hearts should be sufficient as a rule.

The period between two clock pulses is called clock period P.

The clock generator 12 is followed by a control stage 13, 14.

This generates two square wave signals W and K, their combined lengths is equal to P (P = PW + PK>. The ratio of the individual lengths PW and PK becomes determined as follows: The tax level initially contains a division level 13.

This is obtained via a line 15 from a target / actual value comparator 17 applied. As described above, its error signal results from the Comparison of the actual and target signal, with the target value again being set without contact can be.

The division level continuously provides a number that is used as a quotient is used for the switch-on times of the two solenoid valves M1 and M2. This number and so that the switch-on times are changed when an error signal is on line 15 lies.

The quotient formed by division level 13 is transmitted over the line 16 given to the two pulse shapers 14a, 14b.

These then generate the real corner pulses W, K with the desired ones Values for the ratio and sum of the individual lengths.

Because each solenoid valve opens as long as it is acted upon by a signal is, the following can be read from Figure 3: The upper two pulse trains W1 and K1 represent a state in which the mixed water running out is proportionate is warm. Namely, the length PW of the pulse W1 is about three times as large as that Length PK of the pulse K1.

The hot water solenoid valve M1 is therefore three times during one period open as long as the cold water valve. A mixing ratio results from 1: 3.

The two lower pulse trains W2 and K2 mirror the reverse Conditions reflect: Here the flowing mixed water is relatively cold: the Impulse W2 is now about a third as long as impulse K2: the cold water valve opens during a period P three times as long as the hot water valve.

In Figure 4, the relationships are shown so that the valves M1 and M2 alternatively open and close, i.e. one has closed while the other releases the water flow. This has the advantage that the water is completely flows continuously. At most, it can happen at low clock frequencies come to incomplete mixing of the water flows in the mixing space, so that the flowing mixed water still has a certain temperature modulation.

If desired, therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, both can be used Valves M1 and M2 are given the desired pulse simultaneously, whereby then during part of the Clock period P both valves closed are. The proportions and the individual lengths of the pulses W1 and K1 are otherwise correct for the upper halves of Figures 4 and 5 are the same.

The mixing of the water in the mixing chamber is somewhat better here; At low frequencies of the clock generator 12, however, a slight modulation can occur the amount of water flowing out. However, all of the problems described can be avoided by shortening the clock period P, possibly also by enlarging the mixing space F, eliminate it.

If one goes from the requirement that the solenoid valves switched alternatively are to be given up, the requirement that the sum of the individual pulse lengths PWt PK has to be equal to the clock period P. The upper limit of this sum is then at two P. An example of this is shown in the lower half of FIG. However, the same flow rate can then no longer be used for all values of the pulse widths achieve. This is how you get - if both valves are open during the whole cycle period P. are mixed water of medium temperature and double the amount.

Since the rules are getting a bit confusing here, be at the following discussion of Figures 6 and 7 again assumed that the solenoid valves M1 and M2 can be switched alternatively or equivalent to alternatively.

The electronic circuit according to FIG. 6 is very similar the circuit of Figure 3 on.

Again, there is initially a control part 20, be this one Hand switch or optoelectronic, with which the rest of the circuit is activated will. The clock generator 21 then supplies narrow square-wave pulses T (see FIG. 7) a repetition frequency 1 / P; i.e .: P is the clock period Of the The main difference compared to the embodiment described above now exists in that not during the entire clock period P but only during one adjustable Part of the solenoid valves are controlled.

For this purpose, a summation pulse shaper 22 acted upon by the clock generator intended. This provides output pulses S with the following properties: You begin at the same time with a clock pulse and end after a time V, which is the The amount of mixed water flowing out. In the time P minus V thus flows no water.

The length of the pulse S is determined by the setpoint generator 23 for the amount of water, which acts on the sum pulse shaper 22, is determined. The setpoint generator 23 can it can be a simple potentiometer, a variable voltage source, as desired or an electro-optical, i.e. contactlessly controlled device.

The further processing of the signals corresponds to that according to the figure 3 with the exception that now the edges of the sum pulse S functionally Replace clock pulse.

The circuit is "dead" between the edges of the sum pulse, i.e. no pulses are generated to control the solenoid valves M1 and M2.

The one already known from FIG. 3 is applied to the sum pulse shaper 22 Division stage 24 connected to the pulse formers 25a and 25b. These worry together with the set-actual value comparator 26 for the fact that the solenoid valves M1 and M2 signals with the following properties are placed: The sum of the individual Pulse lengths Pw and PK is equal to the length V of the sum pulses (V = 9 + PK) o Die Division level 23 determines after you via the line 27 from the target / actual value comparator 26 supplied error signal the ratio nis of the individual output pulses so that the desired mixing ratio occurs.

In the upper half of Figure 7 the relationships are as follows: The width V1 of the sum pulse S1 is three quarters of the clock period P. During three quarters of the total time, either valve M1 or valve M2 is open. Three quarters of the maximum possible amount of mixed water flows. Through appropriate Setting the setpoint of the mixed water temperature was achieved that both the impulses W1 for the hot water valve as well as the impulses K1 for the cold water valve are the same size; so mixed water of medium temperature flows.

The lower half of FIG. 7 differs from the upper half in that here by adjusting the setpoint generator 23, the sum pulse S2 des Sum pulse shaper 22 only has a quarter of the length of the clock period P. So water only flows for a quarter of the time; during three Both valves are closed quarter of the time.

sen.

The temperature setting is as in the upper half of FIG. 7. This means that the signals W2 and K2 for the warm or

Cold water valves are each the same length and together as long as the sum pulse S.

The difference between the top half of Figure 7 and the bottom So half is that while maintaining the mixed water temperature the flow rate has been reduced. Of course it would also have been possible to change the setpoint input for the temperature independently and at the same time. This would have led to a different result in division level 23 and thus to one other proportional composition of the signals W2 and K2 out.

What about the modular design of the embodiment according to FIG 2 was said, applies even more to the embodiments according to FIGS. 3 and 7. Since "digital" work is being done here, they usually need them as locking elements Solenoid valves used do not need to be replaced when the mixer tap is removed shall be.

So it is sufficient to have a simple, not thermostatted but solenoid valve-controlled Turn device into a thermostated mixer tap by simply removing the components 12 to 15 are added as a module, for example plugged in. A change on mechanical components is not required.

Another expansion to - possibly electro-optically operated - Volume regulation is possible through the use of an additional module that controls the elements 22 and 23 includes. Again, there are no changes to the mechanical elements necessary.

Given that electronic components compared to mechanical components are becoming cheaper, this modular construction comes from Mischaramtur is of particular importance.

L e r s e i t e

Claims (17)

Electronically controlled mixer taps, especially in the sanitary area Claims 1. Electronically controlled mixer tap, especially in the sanitary area, with a solenoid valve in the cold and in the hot water path as a closing element, characterized in that each solenoid valve (M1, M2) also as a controlled Modulator for the amount of the respectively assigned water flow is used and that one Control electronics are provided, which the solenoid valves in opposite directions for setting applied to a certain target temperature. 2. Mixer fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that the solenoid valves (M1, M2) are proportional valves and that the control electronics (F, 7, 8, 10, 11) works analog. 3. Mixer fitting according to claim 2, characterized in that the control electronics an electronic amplifier (8) comprises the setpoint generator (7), the temperature sensor (F) and is acted upon by a function signal generator (11, 10). 4. Mixer fitting according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that the function signal generator is a manual switch. 5. Mixer fitting according to claim 3, characterized in that the Generator is an electro-optical receiver with a downstream amplifier. 6. Mixer fitting according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that that the setpoint generator (7) can be adjusted without contact. 7. Mixer fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that the Solenoid valves (M1, M2) work digitally that a clock (12) is present, the supplies narrow clock pulses (T) at regular intervals (P); that a first pulse shaper (14a) is present, the one solenoid valve (M2) a pulse (K) certain Duration (PK) supplies; that a second pulse shaper (14b) is present, which the another solenoid valve (M1) delivers a pulse (W) of a certain duration, with a Division stage (13) is provided, which of a target / actual comparator (17) for the temperature is applied and from this the ratio of the durations (PW / PK) of the two pulses (K, W) of the pulse shaper (14a, 14b) calculated and determined, and that a control (11) is present, via which a "ready-to-function signal" is sent to the rest of the circuit can be laid. 8. Mixer fitting according to claim 7, characterized in that the Control (11) is a manual switch. 9. Mixer fitting according to claim 7, characterized in that the Control (11) contains an electronic proximity switch. 10. Mixer fitting according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that that the solenoid valves (M1, M2) are acted upon alternatively during operation. 11. Mixer fitting according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that that the sum of the widths (pkw, PK) of the pulses (W, K) of the pulse shapers (14a, 14b) is constant. 12. Mixer fitting according to claim 11, characterized in that the Sum of the widths (Pw, PK) of the pulses of the pulse shapers (14a, 14b) equal to the clock period (P) is. 13. Mixer fitting according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that that the sum of the widths (Pw, PK) of the pulses (W, K) of the pulse formers (24a, 24b) is variable. 14. Mixer fitting according to claim 13, characterized in that the The sum of the widths (Pw, Pg) of the pulses (W, K) of the pulse shapers (24a, 24b) is the same the width (V) of the signal (S) of a sum pulse shaper (22), which is of a Setpoint generator (23) for the amount of water is applied, the width (V) of the Sum signal (S) is between 0 and the clock period (P). 15. Mixer fitting according to claim 14, characterized in that the Setpoint generator can be operated directly by hand. 16. Mixer fitting according to claim 14, characterized in that the Setpoint generator is electro-optically actuated. 17. Mixer fitting according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that that the control electronics are modular.