DK2210988T3

DK2210988T3 - Device for non-contact release of a flushing container valve

Info

Publication number: DK2210988T3
Application number: DK10151536.9T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Ulrich Kuhbier
Original assignee: Viega Tech Gmbh & Co Kg
Priority date: 2009-01-26
Filing date: 2010-01-25
Publication date: 2017-07-17
Also published as: EP2210988B1; ES2630021T3; EP2210988A3; DE202009000981U1; EP2210988A2

Description

The invention relates to a device for contactlessly triggering a cistern valve, comprising a cover plate for covering an inspection opening of a cistern, an electronic control unit, an electromagnetic actuator for actuating a cistern valve and a display device, a water level sensor for detecting the cistern fill level being connected to the control unit.

Devices of this kind typically comprise a proximity sensor and are often used with urinals. To prevent unintentional flushing operations when the proximity sensor is approached for a brief time, the known devices are provided with an electronic control unit that only triggers a flushing operation when a person spends a particular amount of time in the detection range of the proximity sensor; the flushing operation is not triggered until the person has left the detection range of the proximity sensor. However, an unintentional flushing operation always occurs in these known devices when a person not intending to use the associated urinal stops in the detection range of the proximity sensor for a certain amount of time and then leaves said range.

Devices of the aforementioned type are not commonly used in practice in conjunction with toilet cisterns. EP 1 156 166 A2, which is considered the closest prior art, describes a cistern for a lavatory installation. The cistern comprises a cistern body for storing flushing water, a fill valve for filling the cistern with flushing water, a drain valve, an actuation apparatus for triggering flushing, a control apparatus for controlling the flushing and filling operations, and means for electronically detecting the fill level of the cistern body. The means for electronically detecting the fill level are designed such as to continuously detect the fill level of the cistern body. Also arranged in the cistern body is an input apparatus that is connected to the control apparatus and on which freely selectable values each corresponding to a fill level can be adjusted by turning adjustment knobs. In the normal usage state of the cistern, the input apparatus is covered by the front wall of the cistern body or by the cover over the inspection opening of the cistern body. US-A-6 877 170 discloses a device for controlling a toilet cistern that comprises leak and overflow detection elements for preventing leaks. The device comprises inlet and outlet flow rate sensors that are connected by control technology to inlet and outlet valves and water level sensors in order to measure and control the water supply to and from the toilet. The water level sensors are arranged in the toilet cistern and connected to the control device in order to control the volume of water supplied to the cistern and the volume of water flowing through the outlet. The cistern can comprise a movable tank in order to more precisely control the volume of water held in the cistern and the volume of water released during the flushing operation. To trigger a flushing operation or actuate a cistern valve, the cistern is provided with a button or a movement detector. In addition, the control device can comprise a display device that is arranged on the front of the cistern and comprises one or more display lights.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device of the type mentioned at the outset that rules out unintentional flushing operations, is particularly suitable for being combined with a toilet cistern, and makes it easier for the user to operate a cistern.

This object is achieved by a device comprising the features of claim 1.

The device according to the invention comprises a cover plate for covering an inspection opening of a cistern, an electronic control unit, an electromagnetic actuator for actuating a cistern valve and a display device, a water level sensor for detecting the cistern fill level being connected to the control unit. A sensor matrix for contactlessly detecting body movements is also connected to the control unit, the control unit being provided with a memory for storing at least one signal value emitted by the sensor matrix and an evaluation device for comparing a signal value emitted by the sensor matrix with at least one stored signal value associated with at least one body movement. The cover plate is provided with the display device, the display device being designed to display triggered flushing and the current cistern fill level.

The device according to the invention enables contactless triggering of a toilet or urinal cistern valve by means of a teachable hand movement that generates one or more sensor signals or one or more signal values that are compared, by the evaluation device, with one or more stored signal values associated with a body movement, the control unit triggering the cistern valve if the compared signal values match within a predeterminable tolerance range. This reliably prevents unintentional flushing operations.

The device according to the invention can be taught various hand movements. The signal values or signal value sequences generated by the hand movements can be associated with either the same or different control commands, and the corresponding associations can be stored in the memory. It is thus possible to associate a particular hand movement or the signal values corresponding to the hand movement with a control command that triggers flushing, and to associate a different particular hand movement or the signal values corresponding to this hand movement with a control command for a 'flush stop’ function. The invention also allows the use of the 'two-volume' flushing technique by associating a particular hand movement or the signal values corresponding to the hand movement with a control command that triggers a partial flush and associating a different particular hand movement or the signal values corresponding to the hand movement with a control command that triggers a full flush. In particular, the device according to the invention allows a plurality of hand movements to be taught, in order to allow for use of the two-volume technique in combination with a flush-stop function.

Owing to the display device and the water level sensor, operation of the device according to the invention is convenient with regard to different flushing functions, in particular the two-volume technique. In particular, the display device gives the user of the device according to the invention visual feedback on the triggered flushing function or on the selected flushing volume. In addition, the water level sensor and the display device also give the user of the device according to the invention visual feedback on the flushing duration or the current water level in the cistern. The current water level in the cistern can be of interest to the user if, for example, he wishes to trigger subsequent flushing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the sensor matrix for contactlessly detecting body movements is formed by a plurality of optical electronic elements. A sensor matrix of this kind can be produced cost-effectively and has a relatively flat design, meaning that the sensor matrix takes up little construction depth and allows for many different designs for the cover plate.

To further increase the certainty that flushing operations will not be unintentionally triggered, the sensor matrix is preferably formed by optical electronic elements that operate on the basis of infrared light. This can prevent inadvertent triggering from rays of sun and light beams emitted from normal room lighting.

According to another preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the cover plate is formed by a semitransparent glass plate or plastics plate, the sensor matrix and the display device being arranged on the back of the cover plate. In this design, the sensor matrix and the display device are practically 'hidden' behind the cover plate. When the device is used, the triggering of a flushing operation, the volume of flushing water, the flushing duration and/or the current water level in the cistern are displayed by means of the display device using defined symbols and/or icons (pictograms), the symbols and/or icons being visible through the semitransparent cover plate. However, when the device is not in use, i.e. is in stand-by mode, no symbols or icons can be seen on the semitransparent cover plate.

According to another preferred embodiment, the display device of the device according to the invention is formed by at least one electroluminescent film and/or a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The display device can thus be designed to be very flat, so it takes up very little construction depth. A display device in this design is also distinguished by relatively low energy consumption.

In addition, a proximity sensor can be connected to the control unit of the device according to the invention, which sensor activates the display device. In this way, it can for example be indicated to a user of the cistern that a hand movement in front of the cover plate must be carried out in order to trigger a flushing operation, or that at least one hand movement must first be taught, associated with a flushing function and the association stored in the device.

Another preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterised in that the actuator for actuating the cistern valve is formed as a linear actuator. This design allows for the use of a flexible Bowden cable as a force-transmission member between the actuator and the cistern valve. In terms of the arrangement of the actuator, this produces numerous possibilities, thereby simplifying the construction of the device according to the invention, in particular creating additional freedoms in terms of structure and design.

According to another embodiment, in order to teach particular hand movements and associate them with various flushing functions, the control unit of the device according to the invention is provided, in addition to the sensor matrix, the memory and the evaluation device, with operating elements that can either be actuated in a contactless manner or designed as touch-sensitive operating elements.

Other preferred and advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

The invention will be described in more detail below on the basis of drawings that show several embodiments and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a cistern comprising a cistern valve and an device for contactlessly triggering the cistern valve;

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of parts of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view from the rear of the parts shown in Fig. 2, in an assembled state;

Fig. 4 is a front view of a cover plate of the device according to the invention in the stand-by state;

Fig. 5 is a front view of the cover plate of Fig. 4 during a full flush; and

Fig. 6 is a front view of the cover plate of Fig. 4 during a partial flush.

Fig. 1 shows a portion of a cistern 1 that is preferably formed as a flush-mounted cistern and comprises an inspection opening 2 on the front thereof. The cistern 1 (shown cutaway both vertically and horizontally) is designed for a toilet or a urinal and is provided with a device according to the invention for contactlessly triggering a cistern valve 3 on the basis of movement. Among other things, the device comprises an electronic control unit 4 and an electromagnetic actuator 5 for actuating the cistern valve (see Fig. 2 and 3).

In addition, the device according to the invention comprises a cover plate or operation panel 6 that is preferably formed by a semitransparent glass or plastics plate and arranged in front of the inspection opening 2 of the cistern 1, such as to close or cover the inspection opening 2.

The single-piece cover plate 6 is provided on the back with an attachment element 7 that can be releasably connected to a main frame 8 associated with the inspection opening 2. The main frame 8 is attached to a wall opening overlapping the inspection opening 2 of the cistern 1. The main frame 8 consists for example of a single-piece injection-moulded part made preferably of plastics material. On its front, the frame comprises a peripheral flange 8.1, to the inner edges of which a rearwardly protruding collar 8.2 is connected. Retaining webs 8.3 having a complex three-dimensional shape are integrally formed on the collar 8.2. On web portions 8.4 that are arranged in parallel with the flange 8.1 and protrude backwards therefrom, there are holes 8.5 formed for receiving bolts (not shown). The bolts are screwed into either the cistern 1 or a wall arranged in front of said cistern. When fitted, the back of the flange 8.1 adjoins the front of a wall covering, for example tiling, surrounding the inspection opening 2 of the cistern 1.

Close to the inner corners of its flange 8.1 or collar 8.2, the main frame 8 also comprises recesses (holes) 8.6, 8.7 for releasably attaching the attachment element 7. The attachment element 7 is designed as an attachment frame that can be inserted into the main frame 8. Said element comprises flanges or webs 7.1 that are arranged in a common plane and on the back of which there are formed clip elements in the form of resilient detent tongues 7.2 associated with the recesses 8.6, 8.7 in the main frame 8, and bolt-like centring or guide elements 7.3. The attachment element 7 is stuck on the back of the cover plate 6 by means of its flanges 7.1.

At least part of the control unit 4 of the device according to the invention is arranged in a housing that is arranged on the back of the cover plate 6 and received by the attachment frame 7 or main frame 8 (cf. Fig. 3). Preferably, the housing or control unit 4 is also stuck on the back of the cover plate 6. For example, all the electronic conductor tracks and/or electrical contact surfaces of the control unit 4 are laminated onto the back of the cover plate 6. The control unit 4 is provided with a power supply cable 4.1 and a cable 4.2 containing control lines, said latter cable being connected to the actuator 5 that actuates the cistern valve (drain valve) 3.

The actuator 5 is formed as a linear electrical actuator. It is mounted in a mounting 9 that is arranged on the back of the main frame and can be closed by a removable cover 10. Said actuator is also coupled to a flexible Bowden cable 11 (Fig. 1). The linear actuation movement of the actuator 5 is transmitted via the Bowden cable 11 to a lever mechanism (not shown in more detail), by means of which a valve body 12 formed as an overflow pipe can be raised from a valve seat 13 of the cistern valve 3. The lever mechanism is mounted in a mounting 14 connected to a housing-like valve body guide. 15 denotes a second Bowden cable used for manually actuating the cistern valve 3 in case of power failure or during maintenance works.

The control unit 4 is provided with a sensor matrix (not shown in more detail) for contactlessly detecting body movements. The sensor matrix is formed by a plurality of optical electronic elements that operate preferably on the basis of infrared light. The sensor matrix is preferably also stuck on or laminated to the back of the cover plate 6. The optical electronic elements of the sensor matrix can for example be proximity sensors and/or charge-coupled semiconductor elements (CCD elements). The sensor matrix comprises for example 16 such proximity sensors or semiconductor elements arranged in a grid-like or matrix-like manner. The sensor matrix of the device according to the invention can, however, comprise more or less than 16 such sensors or elements.

The signals emitted by the sensor matrix are evaluated by an evaluation device that is preferably formed by a microcontroller circuit. In addition, the control unit 4 of the device according to the invention comprises a memory in which signal values emitted by the sensor matrix can be stored. The evaluation device or microcontroller circuit compares the signal values emitted by the sensor matrix with the stored signal values associated with the body movements}. The evaluation device can thus evaluate different hand movements, in particular hand movement directions such as hand movements to the right, left, upwards and/or downwards, as well as hand signals denoting letters and/or numbers and any other hand movements, and trigger a desired flush function according to instructions that can be associated with said movements.

Inadvertent triggering of the associated cistern valve 3 is thus ruled out since all the body movements, in particular hand movements, not associated with a flushing function are disregarded by the control unit of the apparatus according to the invention. Foreign influences such as passing light beams, movements by pets, and movements caused by the flow of air are also disregarded.

The cover plate (operation panel) 6 is also provided with a display device for giving the user of the cistern 1 visual feedback on the flush function triggered or for displaying the current water level in the cistern 1. For this purpose, a water level sensor for detecting the cistern fill level is connected to the control unit 4. The water level sensor (not shown) is preferably designed as an optical or float-controlled water level sensor.

The display device is arranged on the back of the cover plate (operation panel) 6 and formed by at least one electroluminescent film and/or a plurality of LEDs. A triggered flushing, the optionally selected volume of flushing water and/or the cistern fill level are displayed by the display device preferably by defined symbols or icons (pictograms).

The cover plate 6 is designed in conjunction with the display device in such a way that there are no visible symbols or icons on the surface (visible side) of the cover plate 6 when in the stand-by state (cf. Fig. 4). A triggered flushing, an optionally selected volume of flushing water (e.g. full or partial flush) and/or the cistern fill level is not visually displayed unless a flushing function has been triggered by a particular associated hand movement in the range of the sensor matrix or the presence of a person in a particular range in front of the cover plate 6 has been detected by a proximity sensor (not shown) connected to the control unit 4.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 to 6, the display device comprises three vertical LED lines 16,17,18. The right-hand LED line 18 shows the cistern fill level in qualitative terms, whilst the two other LED lines 16,17 are used to display the triggered volume of flushing water. In this case, the left-hand LED line 16 is used to display a full flush, whilst the shorter LED line 17 is associated with a partial flush.

Fig. 5 shows an example situation in which the display device displays a full flush triggered by a corresponding hand movement with a relatively high or maximum volume of flushing water. This is shown by the LEDs in the longer left-hand line 16 being illuminated lighter than or in a different colour from the LEDs in the adjacent, shorter line 17. The LEDs of the display device can preferably be multicolour LEDs that can be illuminated in both red and green, for example. In the situation shown, out of the six LEDs in the right-hand line 18, which display the cistern fill level in qualitative terms, the two lower LEDS are illuminated lighter than or in a different colour from the other LEDs in the same line 18. This means that the cistern 1 in the situation shown in Fig. 5 is still filled with a third of the maximum volume of water.

However, Fig. 6 shows a situation in which a partial flush has been triggered. This is indicated by the LEDs of the shorter line 17 being illuminated lighter than or in a different colour from the LEDs of the shorter left-hand line 16. In this case, the cistern 1 is not or no longer completely full because the uppermost LED of the right-hand LED line 18 is illuminated lighter than or in a different colour from the other LEDs in this line 18.

This means that in the situation shown in Fig. 6, approximately one sixth of the maximum fill level of the cistern 1 is not there or has already flowed out.

In order for a freely predefinable hand movement or the sensor signal value sequence generated by the hand movement and emitted by the sensor matrix to be associated with a flushing function, in particular with opening the cistern valve 3 for a full or partial flush and closing the cistern valve 3 (flush-stop function), the control unit 4 of the device according to the invention is provided with operating elements (not shown). The teaching of a hand movement is preferably assisted by the display device by said device giving the user menu-based directions for inputting, associating and storing. The operating elements provided for this purpose preferably consist of contactlessly actuable operating elements. However, the scope of the present invention also includes providing the control unit 4 with touch-sensitive operating elements in order to associate a taught hand movement or the corresponding sensor signal value sequence with a flushing function and to store the association in the memory of the device according to the invention.

Claims

Device for touch-free release of a flushing container valve, with a cover plate (6) for covering an inspection opening in a flushing container, an electronic control unit (4), an electromagnetic actuator (5) for operating a flushing container valve and a display device (16, 17). , 18) wherein a water level sensor for detecting the rinse cistern filling level is connected to the controller (4), characterized in that a sensor matrix for non-contact sensing of body movements is connected to the controller (4), wherein the controller (4) is provided with a memory for storage. of at least one signal value emitted by the sensor matrix and an analyzer comparing a signal value emitted by the sensor matrix with at least one stored signal value assigned to a body movement, the cover plate (6) being provided with the display device (16, 17, 18) and wherein the display device (16, 17, 18) is configured to display a triggered flush and the ac counting flush cistern filling levels.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor matrix is formed by a plurality of optical electronic elements.

Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the optical electronic elements operate on an infrared basis.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cover plate (6) is formed of a semi-transparent glass or plastic plate.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sensor matrix is arranged on the back of the cover plate (6).

Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the analyzer is formed by a circuit board of a microcontroller.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that electronic conductor paths of the control unit and / or electrical contact surfaces of the control unit are laminated on the back of the cover plate (6).

Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the display device is formed of at least one electroluminescent film and / or a plurality of LEDs (16,17,18).

Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the display device (16, 17, 18) is arranged on the back of the cover plate (6).

Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the actuator (5) is designed as a linear drive.

Device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the control unit (4) is provided with non-contactable actuating controls.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the control unit (4) is provided with touch-sensitive operating elements.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that an approximation sensor activating the display device (16,17,18) is connected to the control unit (4).