EP0722019B1 - Automatic shower control - Google Patents

Automatic shower control Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0722019B1
EP0722019B1 EP96100374A EP96100374A EP0722019B1 EP 0722019 B1 EP0722019 B1 EP 0722019B1 EP 96100374 A EP96100374 A EP 96100374A EP 96100374 A EP96100374 A EP 96100374A EP 0722019 B1 EP0722019 B1 EP 0722019B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
detection
shower
water
control system
flow
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP96100374A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0722019A1 (en
Inventor
Heinz Hirsch
Heinz-Dieter Dr. Eichholz
Hans-Jürgen Ludewig
Günter Kolbert
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Grohe Water Technology AG and Co KG
Original Assignee
Friedrich Grohe Armaturenfabrik GmbH and Co
Friedrich Grohe AG
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Application filed by Friedrich Grohe Armaturenfabrik GmbH and Co, Friedrich Grohe AG filed Critical Friedrich Grohe Armaturenfabrik GmbH and Co
Publication of EP0722019A1 publication Critical patent/EP0722019A1/en
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/05—Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps
    • E03C1/055—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like
    • E03C1/057—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like touchless, i.e. using sensors

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a shower control for the Water flow with a detection device, with which detects the presence of a user by means of a switching device activates and deactivates the control, and a method of control the water flow of a shower according to the preamble of claim 8.
  • Such an automatic shower control and such a method are off the German published application DE 36 42 698 Al known.
  • the user is taking a shower from a proximity switch or a sensor device with which the water flow is controlled becomes.
  • This known device has a mechanical manually operated power button on with the on Automatic shower control can be started safely becomes.
  • the termination of the water flow or the deactivation of the automatic shower control occurs when the user enters the detection area leaves the sensor device.
  • a contactless switch on the control is not provided.
  • a non-contact shower control is known from German published patent application DE 41 06 539 A1, in which a second sensor device is provided for a second detection area for switching the water flow on and off, the two shower controls being connected to one another via special circuit devices.
  • This double training of the facility is relatively complex.
  • the invention has for its object to design the device specified in the preamble of claim 1 with simple means so that a special contactless switching on and off is possible. It is part of the task to propose a simple method for controlling the water flow to the shower head.
  • the normal detection range of the automatic shower control can optionally be switched on and off without contact.
  • An additional on and off switch is therefore no longer required.
  • a user of the automatic shower control In order to maintain the normal mode of presence detection of a user in the response area, a user of the automatic shower control must move very close to the proximity switch, for example with one hand, to the proximity switch, for example to less than 100 mm, without having to touch it .
  • This very short switching distance to the proximity sensor generates a detection signal with a high amplitude in the detection device, which can be used as a unique switching signal for switching over to the normal detection operating mode.
  • This function can be referred to as the "start function".
  • the water flow also starts for at least a time period T N without object detection in the normal detection area or for the time of object detection in the normal detection area plus the time period T N.
  • the switching signal which is generated by the very close movement of the user towards the proximity sensor leads to the termination of this operating mode.
  • a "stop function” is thus triggered. This immediately stops the water flow regardless of the object detection in the normal detection area, and the normal detection mode is ended or switched to the close detection mode.
  • a new start of the shower control is only possible if the user moves very close to the proximity sensor (start function). After a certain period of time T R , in which no object is detected in the normal detection mode, the shower controller automatically ends the normal detection mode.
  • This function can be referred to as "auto reset". There is no water flow during the time T R without object detection. A start of the water flow is possible at any time through object detection. After the time period T R has elapsed, a start is possible via the "start function".
  • the installation conditions for shower fittings are mostly shower cubicles, in-line showers with side separation and open row showers installed without a partition.
  • the shower control shown in the drawing has one, attached to an installation wall 2 Shower head 1 on.
  • a flush-mounted box 3 is provided, in which a proximity sensor system or detection device 4 together with control and evaluation electronics 8 and a solenoid valve 9 are arranged.
  • the solenoid valve 9 is above piping (not in the drawing shown) on the one hand with a mixed water preparation device and on the other hand with the shower head 1 connected.
  • the solenoid valve 9 is controlled by the control and evaluation electronics 8 operated.
  • the detection device 4 is an active infrared light controlled System designed with which a detection cone 5 can be generated is.
  • Infrared light emitted by a transmitter Infrared light emitted by a transmitter.
  • Arrived Object in the detection cone 5 is reflected Infrared light detected by a sensor system and by one determined intensity to a switching signal in the detection device generated.
  • the detection device 4 is designed in such a way that a local detection area 6 and a normal detection area 7 in the detection cone 5 is provided.
  • a near detection area is in the detection cone 5 a distance from the detection device 4 up to about 100 mm.
  • the normal detection area 7 extends in the detection cone 5 at a distance to the detection device 4 of about 100 to 800 mm.
  • a presence of the user in the normal detection area 7 does not lead to water being dispensed.
  • the first water release is only achieved if the user himself, for. B. by hand with an object, very close to the proximity sensor (detection device 4) (near detection area 7), but it does not need to touch it.
  • the water delivery is immediately started for a time T N (with or without the presence of an object in the normal detection area 7) and the detection area of the control and evaluation electronics 8 is switched to the normal detection operating mode (typically 600 to 800 mm).
  • This triggered water release should cause z. B. the branch line volume of the hot water or mixed water supply line is brought to the correct operating temperature in order to be able to start the showering process with the water at the correct temperature.
  • the user can immediately step into the normal detection area 7 (under the shower) and start showering.
  • a z. B. pictorial representation (not shown in the drawing) with a high requirement character.
  • water delivery can be in the normal acquisition mode, d. H. presence of objects in the normal detection range 7 can be stopped when an object again very close to the detection device 4 or is brought into the near detection area 6. Thereby in addition to stopping the water flow, the Response range reset to the near detection range 6, so that the user z. B. without water flow can move in the normal detection range 7.
  • the normal detection range 7 again Function.
  • the shower control automatically ends this normal operating mode and can only be started by bringing an object very close to the proximity sensor or into the proximity detection range 6.
  • the flow chart shown in Figure 2 shows the function of the shower control. If an object is detected in the close-up detection area 7, a signal is sent to the decision field 10 and it is determined whether the detection device 4 is in the close-up detection mode. If it is not in the close-up detection range, a signal is sent to the functional field 23 with which the water supply to the shower is blocked, and at the same time the functional field 22 is activated with which the detection device 4 is set to the close-range mode. If, on the other hand, it is determined that the detection device 4 is in the short-range mode, a signal is passed to the decision field 11 in which it is determined whether the detection in the short-range area 6 is a new event or whether an object is during a longer period Residence time is in the near detection area 6.
  • the signal is simply returned. If, on the other hand, it is a new event, a signal is given to the functional field 12 in which the detection device 4 is switched to the normal detection range mode and at the same time a signal is forwarded to the functional field 13 with which the solenoid valve 9 is opened and the water flow to the shower is released. The signal is then fed to a decision field 14, in which it is determined whether an object is in the normal detection area 7. If the answer is affirmative, the signal is simply returned. If, on the other hand, this is negated, a signal is sent to the functional field 15 and a timer T N is started, with which the shower water run-on time is determined from the shower.
  • the signal is then passed on to a decision field 16, in which it is determined whether an object is in the normal detection area 7. If this is affirmed, only a signal is returned to the decision field 14. If, on the other hand, the answer is in the negative, a signal is sent to the decision field 17 in which it is determined whether the time T N has elapsed or not. If this is negated, then only a signal is returned to the decision field 16. If this is answered in the affirmative, a signal is emitted to the functional field 18 with which a timer T R is started for a remaining period of the control device and at the same time activates the functional field 19 with which the solenoid valve 19 blocks the water supply to the shower head 1.
  • the signal is then fed to a decision field 20, with which it is determined whether an object is in the normal detection area 7. If this is affirmed, a signal is returned to the functional field 13, with which the solenoid valve 9 is opened again and the water flow to the shower head 1 is released again. If, on the other hand, no object is found in the normal detection area 7, a signal is sent to the decision field 21, with which it is determined whether the timer for the remaining time T R has expired. If the answer is no, a signal is returned to the decision field 20. If the answer is affirmative, a signal is sent to the functional field 22 with which the control and evaluation electronics 8 are reset to the short-range mode.
  • the shower control described above can additionally be provided with a device with which the maximum time T max in which water is released to the shower head for the shower process in the normal detection mode can be limited.
  • This device is inserted in dashed lines in the flow chart and has the following function. If it is determined with the decision field 14 that an object is in the normal detection area 7, a signal is passed to a function field 24 with which a timer T max is started and the signal is forwarded to a decision field 25 with which it is determined whether the Timer T max has already expired. If this is affirmed, a signal is sent to the functional field 23 and the water flow to the shower head 1 is shut off, and at the same time the control and evaluation electronics 8 in the functional field 22 are reset to the close-range mode.
  • a signal is forwarded to decision field 26, with which it is determined whether an object is in the normal detection range. If the answer is affirmative, a signal is sent to the decision field 25. If the answer is in the negative, a signal is sent to the function field 15 and the subsequent sequence routine, as described above, is carried out again.
  • the maximum shower time T max is recommended; a period of 1 to 10 minutes, preferably 5 minutes.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)
  • Bathtubs, Showers, And Their Attachments (AREA)
  • Threshing Machine Elements (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)
  • Sorption Type Refrigeration Machines (AREA)
  • Electronic Switches (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)

Abstract

The shower control has a detection device (4) for detecting the presence of the user and a switching device for activating and de-activating the control. An electronic control and evaluation device (8) provides intensity-selective evaluation of the detection signal provided by the detection device, with operation of the switching device in dependence on given intensity values. Pref. the intensity values used for operation of the switching device correspond to the users hand being placed within the detection cone at a distance of about 100 mm from the detection device.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Duschensteuerung für den Wasserdurchfluß mit einer Detektionseinrichtung, mit der die Anwesenheit eines Benutzers erfaßt wird, die mittels einer Schalteinrichtung die Steuerung aktiviert und deaktiviert, und ein Verfahren zur Steuerung des wasserdurchflusses einer Dusche gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 8.The invention relates to a shower control for the Water flow with a detection device, with which detects the presence of a user by means of a switching device activates and deactivates the control, and a method of control the water flow of a shower according to the preamble of claim 8.

Eine derartige automatische Duschensteuerung und ein derartiges Verfahren sind aus der deutschen Offenlegungsschrift DE 36 42 698 Al bekannt. Hierbei wird der Benutzer während des Duschens von einem Näherungsschalter bzw. einer Sensoreinrichtung erfaßt, mit der der Wasserdurchfluß gesteuert wird. Diese bekannte Vorrichtung weist eine mechanisch von Hand zu betätigende Einschalttaste auf, mit der ein sicherer Start der automatischen Duschensteuerung ermöglicht wird. Die Beendigung des Wasserdurchflusses bzw. der Deaktivierung der automatischen Duschensteuerung erfolgt, wenn der Benutzer den Erfassungsbereich der Sensoreinrichtung verläßt. Ein berührungsloses Einschalten der Steuerung ist dagegen nicht vorgesehen.Such an automatic shower control and such a method are off the German published application DE 36 42 698 Al known. Here, the user is taking a shower from a proximity switch or a sensor device with which the water flow is controlled becomes. This known device has a mechanical manually operated power button on with the on Automatic shower control can be started safely becomes. The termination of the water flow or the deactivation of the automatic shower control occurs when the user enters the detection area leaves the sensor device. A contactless switch on the control, however, is not provided.

Außerdem ist aus der deutschen Offenlegungsschrift DE 41 06 539 A1 eine berührungslos betriebene Duschensteuerung bekannt, bei der zum An- und Abstellen des Wasserdurchflusses eine zweite Sensoreinrichtung für einen zweiten Erfassungsbereich vorgesehen ist, wobei die beiden Duschensteuerungen über besondere Schaltkreiseinrichtungen miteinander verbunden sind. Diese doppelte Ausbildung der Einrichtung ist relativ aufwendig.
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, die im Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 angegebene Einrichtung mit einfachen Mitteln so auszubilden, daß eine besondere berührungslose Ein- und Ausschaltung ermöglicht wird.Hierbei gehört es mit zur Aufgabe, ein einfaches Verfahren zur Steuerung des Wasserdurchflusses zum Brausekopf vorzuschlagen.In addition, a non-contact shower control is known from German published patent application DE 41 06 539 A1, in which a second sensor device is provided for a second detection area for switching the water flow on and off, the two shower controls being connected to one another via special circuit devices. This double training of the facility is relatively complex.
The invention has for its object to design the device specified in the preamble of claim 1 with simple means so that a special contactless switching on and off is possible. It is part of the task to propose a simple method for controlling the water flow to the shower head.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Einrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 und durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 8 gelöst.
Weitere Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den Ansprüchen 2 bis 7 und 9 bis 10 angegeben.This object is achieved by a device with the features of claim 1 and by a method with the features of claim 8.
Further refinements of the invention are specified in claims 2 to 7 and 9 to 10.

Mit diesen erfindungsgemäßen Maßnahmen wird erreicht, daß der normale Erfassungsbereich der automatischen Duschensteuerung wahlweise berührungslos an- und abgeschaltet werden kann. Ein zusätzlicher An- und Abschalter ist somit nicht mehr erforderlich.
Um die normale Betriebsart der Anwesenheitserfassung eines Benutzers im Ansprechbereich zu erhalten, muß sich ein Benutzer der automatischen Duschensteuerung zu Beginn des Duschvorgangs sehr dicht, beispielsweise mit einer Hand, an den Näherungsschalter heranbewegen, beispielsweise auf weniger als 100 mm, ohne diesen jedoch berühren zu müssen. Durch diesen sehr kurzen Schaltabstand zum Näherungssensor wird ein Erfassungssignal mit hoher Amplitude in der Detektionseinrichtung erzeugt, welches als eindeutiges Schaltsignal zum Umschalten in die Normalerfassungsbetriebsart genutzt werden kann. Diese Funktion kann als "Start-Funktion" bezeichnet werden. Bei Aktivierung dieser Funktion startet auch der Wasserdurchfluß mindestens für eine Zeitspanne TN ohne Objekterfassung im Normalerfassungsbereich oder für die Zeit der Objekterfassung im Normalerfassungsbereich plus der Zeitspanne TN.
Befindet sich die Duschensteuerung bereits in der Normalerfassungsbetriebsart, so führt das Schaltsignal, das durch das sehr dichte Heranbewegen des Benutzers an den Näherungssensor erzeugt wird, zur Beendigung dieser Betriebsart. Es wird somit eine "Stop-Funktion" ausgelöst. Hiermit wird sofort der Wasserdurchfluß gestoppt, unabhängig von der Objekterfassung im Normalerfassungsbereich, und die normale Erfassungsbetriebsart wird beendet bzw. in die Naherfassungsbetriebsart umgeschaltet. Ein neuer Start der Duschensteuerung ist nur dadurch möglich, daß der Benutzer sich wiederum sehr dicht an den Näherungssensor heranbewegt (Start-Funktion).
Nach einer bestimmten Zeitdauer TR, in der in der Normalerfassungsbetriebsart kein Objekt detektiert wird, beendet die Duschensteuerung automatisch die normale Erfassungsbetriebsart. Diese Funktion kann als "Auto-Reset" bezeichnet werden. Während der Zeit TR ohne Objekterfassung erfolgt kein Wasserdurchfluß. Ein Start des Wasserdurchflusses ist aber jederzeit durch eine Objekterfassung möglich. Nach Ablauf der Zeitspanne TR ist ein Start über die "Start-Funktion" möglich.With these measures according to the invention it is achieved that the normal detection range of the automatic shower control can optionally be switched on and off without contact. An additional on and off switch is therefore no longer required.
In order to maintain the normal mode of presence detection of a user in the response area, a user of the automatic shower control must move very close to the proximity switch, for example with one hand, to the proximity switch, for example to less than 100 mm, without having to touch it . This very short switching distance to the proximity sensor generates a detection signal with a high amplitude in the detection device, which can be used as a unique switching signal for switching over to the normal detection operating mode. This function can be referred to as the "start function". When this function is activated, the water flow also starts for at least a time period T N without object detection in the normal detection area or for the time of object detection in the normal detection area plus the time period T N.
If the shower control is already in the normal detection operating mode, the switching signal which is generated by the very close movement of the user towards the proximity sensor leads to the termination of this operating mode. A "stop function" is thus triggered. This immediately stops the water flow regardless of the object detection in the normal detection area, and the normal detection mode is ended or switched to the close detection mode. A new start of the shower control is only possible if the user moves very close to the proximity sensor (start function).
After a certain period of time T R , in which no object is detected in the normal detection mode, the shower controller automatically ends the normal detection mode. This function can be referred to as "auto reset". There is no water flow during the time T R without object detection. A start of the water flow is possible at any time through object detection. After the time period T R has elapsed, a start is possible via the "start function".

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung dargestellt und wird im folgenden näher erläutert.
Es zeigt:

Figur 1
eine schematisch dargestellte Dusche mit Steuerung;
Figur 2
ein Ablaufdiagramm, in dem die Funktionsweise der in Figur 1 gezeigten Duschensteuerung angegeben ist.
An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below.
It shows:
Figure 1
a schematically illustrated shower with control;
Figure 2
a flow chart in which the operation of the shower control shown in Figure 1 is specified.

Die Installationsgegebenheiten für Duscharmaturen sind meist Duschkabinen, Reihenduschen mit seitlicher Abtrennung und offene, ohne Abtrennung installierte Reihenduschen. Die in der Zeichnung angegebene Duschensteuerung weist einen, an einer Installationswand 2 befestigten Brausekopf 1 auf. In der Installationswand 2 ist ein Unterputz Einbaukasten 3 vorgesehen, in dem eine Näherungssensorik bzw. Detektionseinrichtung 4 zusammen mit einer Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 8 sowie einem Magnetventil 9 angeordnet sind. Das Magnetventil 9 ist über Rohrleitungen (in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellt) einerseits mit einer Mischwasserbereitungseinrichtung und andererseits mit dem Brausekopf 1 verbunden. Das Magnetventil 9 wird dabei von der Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 8 betrieben. Die Detektionseinrichtung 4 ist als aktiv infrarotlichtgesteuertes System ausgebildet, womit ein Detektionskegel 5 erzeugbar ist. Im Bereich des Detektionskegels 5 wird hierbei Infrarotlicht von einem Sender abgestrahlt. Gelangt ein Objekt in den Detektionskegel 5, sowird reflektiertes Infrarotlicht von einer Sensorik erfaßt und von einer bestimmten Intensität an ein Schaltsignal in der Detektionseinrichtung erzeugt. Die Detektionseinrichtung 4 ist dabei so ausgelegt, daß ein Naherfassungsbereich 6 und ein Normalerfassungsbereich 7 im Detektionskegel 5 vorgesehen ist. Als Naherfassungsbereich ist im Detektionskegel 5 ein Abstand zur Detektionseinrichtung 4 bis etwa 100 mm vorgesehen. Der Normalerfassungsbereich 7 erstreckt sich im Detektionskegel 5 mit einem Abstand zur Detektionseinrichtung 4 von etwa 100 bis 800 mm. Der primäre Start der Duschensteuerung durch den Benutzer geschieht in der Kenntnis, daß das zunächst abgegebene Wasser in der überwiegenden Anzahl der Fälle falsch temperiert ist und der Benutzer sich für diesen Fall nicht im Duschbereich aufhalten möchte. Als weitere Benutzergewohnheit oder sinnvolles Anforderungsprofil ist die Unterbrechung der Wasserabgabe z. B. zu Einseifvorgängen oder auch zu Reinigungszwecken der Duscharmatur oder Duschkabine aufzuführen.The installation conditions for shower fittings are mostly shower cubicles, in-line showers with side separation and open row showers installed without a partition. The shower control shown in the drawing has one, attached to an installation wall 2 Shower head 1 on. In the installation wall 2 a flush-mounted box 3 is provided, in which a proximity sensor system or detection device 4 together with control and evaluation electronics 8 and a solenoid valve 9 are arranged. The solenoid valve 9 is above piping (not in the drawing shown) on the one hand with a mixed water preparation device and on the other hand with the shower head 1 connected. The solenoid valve 9 is controlled by the control and evaluation electronics 8 operated. The detection device 4 is an active infrared light controlled System designed with which a detection cone 5 can be generated is. Here, in the area of the detection cone 5 Infrared light emitted by a transmitter. Arrived Object in the detection cone 5 is reflected Infrared light detected by a sensor system and by one determined intensity to a switching signal in the detection device generated. The detection device 4 is designed in such a way that a local detection area 6 and a normal detection area 7 in the detection cone 5 is provided. As a near detection area is in the detection cone 5 a distance from the detection device 4 up to about 100 mm. The normal detection area 7 extends in the detection cone 5 at a distance to the detection device 4 of about 100 to 800 mm. The primary start of shower control by the user happens in the knowledge that the first delivered Water is wrong in the vast majority of cases is tempered and the user is in favor of this Case does not want to be in the shower area. As another User habit or reasonable requirement profile is the interruption of water delivery z. B. too Soaping processes or also for cleaning purposes Show shower fitting or shower cabin.

Der Komfort der berührungslosen Aktivierung der Wasserabgabe der Duscharmatur wird durch einen Näherungssensor, der über die Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 8 ein Magnetventil 9 betreibt, erreicht, wenn sich ein Benutzer im Normalerfassungsbereich 7 des Näherungssensors während der Normalbetriebsart aufhält. Eine Unterbrechung der Wasserabgabe wäre ohne einen zusätzlichen An-/Ausschalter oder den erfindungsgemäßen Gegenstand bei Präsenz des Benutzers im Normalerfassungsbereich 7 nicht möglich und würde bei geschlossenen Duschkabinen das Einseifen des Körpers nur unter Wasserabgabe gestatten. Ebenso müßte bei offenen Reihenduschen zu Einseifzwecken vom Benutzer der normale Erfassungsbereich verlassen werden. Mit der Integration des erfindungsgemäßen Gegenstandes der intensitätsselektiven Bewertung des Detektionssignals lassen sich diese Probleme beseitigen.The convenience of contactless activation of water delivery the shower tap is replaced by a proximity sensor, the one via the control and evaluation electronics 8 Solenoid valve 9 operates when reached by a user in the normal detection range 7 of the proximity sensor during normal operating mode. A break the water delivery would be without an additional one On / off switch or the subject of the invention when the user is present in the normal detection range 7 not possible and would with closed shower cubicles allow the body to be soaped only when water is released. Likewise would have to with open row showers for soaping purposes by the user the normal detection area to be left. With the integration of the invention Subject of the intensity-selective evaluation of the detection signal, these problems can be eliminated.

Dazu ist folgende Ablaufsemantik bei Benutzung der automatischen Duschensteuerung vorgesehen:The following process semantics for using the automatic Shower control provided:

Nähert sich ein Benutzer zur Aktivierung des Duschvorgangs der automatischen Duschensteuerung, so führt eine Anwesenheit des Benutzers im Normalerfassungsbereich 7 nicht zu einer Wasserabgabe. Die erstmalige Wasserabgabe wird nur dann erreicht, wenn sich der Benutzer selbst, z. B. mit der Hand mit einem Gegenstand, sehr nahe dem Näherungssensor (Detektionseinrichtung 4) nähert (Naherfassungsbereich 7), er braucht ihn jedoch nicht zu berühren. Durch dieses so erzeugte Schaltsignal wird sofort die Wasserabgabe für eine Zeit TN gestartet (mit oder ohne Anwesenheit eines Objektes im Normalerfassungsbereich 7) und der Erfassungsbereich der Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 8 auf die Normalerfassungsbetriebsart geschaltet (typischerweise 600 bis 800 mm).If a user approaches the automatic shower control to activate the shower process, a presence of the user in the normal detection area 7 does not lead to water being dispensed. The first water release is only achieved if the user himself, for. B. by hand with an object, very close to the proximity sensor (detection device 4) (near detection area 7), but it does not need to touch it. Through this switching signal generated in this way, the water delivery is immediately started for a time T N (with or without the presence of an object in the normal detection area 7) and the detection area of the control and evaluation electronics 8 is switched to the normal detection operating mode (typically 600 to 800 mm).

Diese so ausgelöste Wasserabgabe soll bewirken, daß z. B. das Stichleitungsvolumen der Warmwasser- respektive Mischwasservorlaufleitung auf die richtige Betriebstemperatur gebracht wird, um danach den Duschvorgang mit richtig temperierter Wasserabgabe beginnen zu können. Andererseits bei bereits optimaler Wassertemperatur kann der Benutzer auch sofort in den Normalerfassungsbereich 7 treten (unter die Dusche) und mit dem Duschen beginnen.
Um den Benutzer zu dieser erstmaligen Betätigung zu veranlassen, ist um die Detektionseinrichtung 4 zentrisch angeordnet eine z. B. piktorale Darstellung (in der Zeichnung nicht aufgeführt) mit hohem Anforderungscharakter gegeben. Nach dieser primären Initialisierung erfolgt ständig eine Abgabe von Wasser bei einer Objektanwesenheit im Normalerfassungsbereich 7 bis zu einer maximalen Laufzeit Tmax oder eine Unterbrechung der Wasserabgabe beim Verlassen des Erfassungsbereichs.This triggered water release should cause z. B. the branch line volume of the hot water or mixed water supply line is brought to the correct operating temperature in order to be able to start the showering process with the water at the correct temperature. On the other hand, when the water temperature is already optimal, the user can immediately step into the normal detection area 7 (under the shower) and start showering.
In order to induce the user to actuate this for the first time, a z. B. pictorial representation (not shown in the drawing) with a high requirement character. After this primary initialization, water is continuously dispensed when an object is present in the normal detection range 7 up to a maximum running time T max or the water dispensing is interrupted when it leaves the detection range.

Die Wasserabgabe kann jedoch in der Normalerfassungsbetriebsart, d. h. bei Objektanwesenheit im Normalerfassungsbereich 7 gestoppt werden, wenn erneut ein Objekt sehr dicht an die Detektionseinrichtung 4 herangeführt bzw. in den Naherfassungsbereich 6 gebracht wird. Dadurch wird neben dem Stoppen des Wasserflusses auch der Ansprechbereich auf den Naherfassungsbereich 6 zurückgesetzt, so daß sich der Benutzer z. B. ohne Wasserfluß im Normalerfassungsbereich 7 bewegen kann. Erneutes sehr nahes Heranführen eines Objektes an den Näherungssensor startet die Wasserabgabe wieder und setzt den großen normalen Ansprechbereich (Normalerfassungsbereich 7) der Normalerfassungsbetriebsart wieder in Funktion. Diese Vorgänge können beliebig oft wiederholt werden.However, water delivery can be in the normal acquisition mode, d. H. presence of objects in the normal detection range 7 can be stopped when an object again very close to the detection device 4 or is brought into the near detection area 6. Thereby in addition to stopping the water flow, the Response range reset to the near detection range 6, so that the user z. B. without water flow can move in the normal detection range 7. Again very close approach of an object to the proximity sensor starts the water delivery again and sets the large normal response range (normal detection range 7) the normal detection mode again Function. These processes can be repeated any number of times become.

Verläßt ein Benutzer den Ansprechbereich des Näherungssensors in der Normalerfassungsbetriebsart, so wird die Wasserabgabe nach einer Nachlaufzeit TN unterbrochen, da auch im erweiterten Ansprechbereich der Näherungssensorik kein Objekt mehr erfaßt wird. Tritt während einer Zeitspanne TR kein Benutzer in den Erfassungsbereich des Näherungssensors, so beendet die Duschensteuerung automatisch diese Normalbetriebsart und kann erst durch das erneute sehr nahe Heranführen eines Objektes an den Näherungssensor bzw. in den Naherfassungsbereich 6 gestartet werden.If a user leaves the response range of the proximity sensor in the normal detection operating mode, the water supply is interrupted after a follow-up time T N , since no object is detected any more even in the extended response range of the proximity sensor system. If no user enters the detection range of the proximity sensor during a period T R , the shower control automatically ends this normal operating mode and can only be started by bringing an object very close to the proximity sensor or into the proximity detection range 6.

Das in Figur 2 angegebene Ablaufdiagramm zeigt die Funktion der Duschensteuerung.
Wird ein Objekt im Naherfassungsbereich 7 detektiert, so wird ein Signal an das Entscheidungsfeld 10 geleitet und festgestellt, ob die Detektionseinrichtung 4 sich im Naherfassungsmodus befindet. Befindet sie sich nicht im Naherfassungsbereich, so wird ein Signal an das Funktionsfeld 23 abgegeben, mit dem der Wasserzulauf zur Dusche gesperrt wird,und gleichzeitig das Funktionsfeld 22 aktiviert, mit dem die Detektionseinrichtung 4 auf den Nahbereichsmodus gesetzt wird. Wird dagegen festgestellt, daß die Detektionseinrichtung 4 sich im Nahbereichsmodus befindet, so wird ein Signal an das Entscheidungsfeld 11 geleitet, in dem festgestellt wird, ob es sich bei der Detektion im Naherfassungsbereich 6 um ein neues Ereignis handelt oder ob ein Objekt sich während einer längeren Verweildauer im Naherfassungsbereich 6 befindet. Wird festgestellt, daß es sich um kein neues Ereignis handelt, so wird das Signal lediglich zurückgeführt. Handelt es sich dagegen um ein neues Ereignis, so wird ein Signal an das Funktionsfeld 12 gegeben, in dem die Detektionseinrichtung 4 auf den Normalerfassungsbereichsmodus geschaltet wird und gleichzeitig ein Signal an das Funktionsfeld 13 weitergeleitet, mit dem das Magnetventil 9 geöffnet und der Wasserzufluß zur Dusche freigegeben wird. Danach wird das Signal einem Entscheidungsfeld 14 zugeführt, in dem festgestellt wird, ob sich ein Objekt im Normalerfassungsbereich 7 befindet. Wird dies bejaht, so wird das Signal lediglich zurückgeführt. Wird dagegen dieses verneint, so wird ein Signal an das Funktionsfeld 15 gegeben und ein Timer TN gestartet, mit dem die Duschwassernachlaufzeit aus der Brause bestimmt wird. Das Signal wird danach weiter an ein Entscheidungsfeld 16 abgegeben, in dem festgestellt wird, ob sich ein Objekt im Normalerfassungsbereich 7 befindet. Wird dieses bejaht, so wird lediglich ein Signal an das Entscheidungsfeld 14 zurückgeführt. Wird dagegen dieses verneint, so wird ein Signal an das Entscheidungsfeld 17 abgegeben, in dem festgestellt wird, ob die Zeit TN abgelaufen ist, oder nicht. Wird dies verneint, so wird lediglich ein Signal an das Entscheidungsfeld 16 zurückgeführt. Wird dies dagegen bejaht, so wird ein Signal an das Funktionsfeld 18 abgegeben, mit dem ein Timer TR für eine Restlaufzeit der Steuereinrichtung gestartet wird und gleichzeitig das Funktionsfeld 19 aktiviert, mit dem das Magnetventil 19 den Wasserzulauf zum Brausekopf 1 absperrt. Das Signal wird dann einem Entscheidungsfeld 20 zugeführt, mit dem festgestellt wird, ob sich ein Objekt im Normalerfassungsbereich 7 befindet. Wird dieses bejaht, so wird ein Signal zurückgeführt zum Funktionsfeld 13, mit dem das Magnetventil 9 wieder geöffnet und der Wasserzufluß zum Brausekopf 1 wieder freigegeben wird. Wird dagegen kein Objekt im Normalerfassungsbereich 7 festgestellt, so wird ein Signal an das Entscheidungsfeld 21 abgegeben, mit dem festgestellt wird, ob der Timer für die Restlaufzeit TR abgelaufen ist. Wird dieses verneint, wird ein Signal zurückgeführt an das Entscheidungsfeld 20. Wird dieses dagegen bejaht, so wird ein Signal an das Funktionsfeld 22 abgegeben, mit dem die Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 8 auf den Nahbereichsmodus zurückgesetzt wird.
Die vorstehend beschriebene Duschensteuerung kann zusätzlich noch mit einer Einrichtung versehen werden, mit der die maximale Zeitdauer Tmax, in der Wasser zum Brausekopf für den Duschvorgang im Normalerfassungsmodus abgegeben wird, begrenzt werden kann. Diese Einrichtung ist in gestrichelten Linien in das Ablaufdiagramm eingesetzt und hat folgende Funktionsweise. Wird mit dem Entscheidungsfeld 14 festgestellt, daß sich ein Objekt im Normalerfassungsbereich 7 befindet, so wird ein Signal an ein Funktionsfeld 24 geleitet, mit dem ein Timer Tmax gestartet wird und das Signal an ein Entscheidungsfeld 25 weitergeleitet, mit dem festgestellt wird, ob der Timer Tmax bereits abgelaufen ist. Wird dieses bejaht, so wird ein Signal an das Funktionsfeld 23 geleitet und der Wasserzufluß zum Brausekopf 1 abgesperrt und gleichzeitig die Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 8 im Funktionsfeld 22 auf den Nahbereichsmodus zurückgesetzt. Wird dagegen im Entscheidungsfeld 25 der Zeitablauf verneint, so wird ein Signal an das Entscheidungsfeld 26 weitergeleitet, mit dem festgestellt wird, ob sich ein Objekt im Normalerfassungsbereich befindet. Wird dieses bejaht, so wird ein Signal an das Entscheidungsfeld 25 zu- Wird dagegen dieses verneint, so wird ein Signal an das Funktionsfeld 15 gegeben und die nachfolgende Ablaufroutine, wie sie vorstehend beschrieben ist, nochmals durchgeführt. Als maximale Duschzeit Tmax empfiehlt es sich; einen Zeitraum von 1 bis 10 Minuten, vorzugsweise 5 Minuten, vorzusehen.The flow chart shown in Figure 2 shows the function of the shower control.
If an object is detected in the close-up detection area 7, a signal is sent to the decision field 10 and it is determined whether the detection device 4 is in the close-up detection mode. If it is not in the close-up detection range, a signal is sent to the functional field 23 with which the water supply to the shower is blocked, and at the same time the functional field 22 is activated with which the detection device 4 is set to the close-range mode. If, on the other hand, it is determined that the detection device 4 is in the short-range mode, a signal is passed to the decision field 11 in which it is determined whether the detection in the short-range area 6 is a new event or whether an object is during a longer period Residence time is in the near detection area 6. If it is determined that this is not a new event, the signal is simply returned. If, on the other hand, it is a new event, a signal is given to the functional field 12 in which the detection device 4 is switched to the normal detection range mode and at the same time a signal is forwarded to the functional field 13 with which the solenoid valve 9 is opened and the water flow to the shower is released. The signal is then fed to a decision field 14, in which it is determined whether an object is in the normal detection area 7. If the answer is affirmative, the signal is simply returned. If, on the other hand, this is negated, a signal is sent to the functional field 15 and a timer T N is started, with which the shower water run-on time is determined from the shower. The signal is then passed on to a decision field 16, in which it is determined whether an object is in the normal detection area 7. If this is affirmed, only a signal is returned to the decision field 14. If, on the other hand, the answer is in the negative, a signal is sent to the decision field 17 in which it is determined whether the time T N has elapsed or not. If this is negated, then only a signal is returned to the decision field 16. If this is answered in the affirmative, a signal is emitted to the functional field 18 with which a timer T R is started for a remaining period of the control device and at the same time activates the functional field 19 with which the solenoid valve 19 blocks the water supply to the shower head 1. The signal is then fed to a decision field 20, with which it is determined whether an object is in the normal detection area 7. If this is affirmed, a signal is returned to the functional field 13, with which the solenoid valve 9 is opened again and the water flow to the shower head 1 is released again. If, on the other hand, no object is found in the normal detection area 7, a signal is sent to the decision field 21, with which it is determined whether the timer for the remaining time T R has expired. If the answer is no, a signal is returned to the decision field 20. If the answer is affirmative, a signal is sent to the functional field 22 with which the control and evaluation electronics 8 are reset to the short-range mode.
The shower control described above can additionally be provided with a device with which the maximum time T max in which water is released to the shower head for the shower process in the normal detection mode can be limited. This device is inserted in dashed lines in the flow chart and has the following function. If it is determined with the decision field 14 that an object is in the normal detection area 7, a signal is passed to a function field 24 with which a timer T max is started and the signal is forwarded to a decision field 25 with which it is determined whether the Timer T max has already expired. If this is affirmed, a signal is sent to the functional field 23 and the water flow to the shower head 1 is shut off, and at the same time the control and evaluation electronics 8 in the functional field 22 are reset to the close-range mode. If, on the other hand, the passage of time in decision field 25 is negated, a signal is forwarded to decision field 26, with which it is determined whether an object is in the normal detection range. If the answer is affirmative, a signal is sent to the decision field 25. If the answer is in the negative, a signal is sent to the function field 15 and the subsequent sequence routine, as described above, is carried out again. The maximum shower time T max is recommended; a period of 1 to 10 minutes, preferably 5 minutes.

Claims (10)

  1. Shower control system for the flow of water comprising a detection device (4), with which the presence of a user is detected, which activates and deactivates the control system by means of a switching device, characterised in that controlling and evaluating electronics (8) are provided, in which there is effected an intensity-selective evaluation of the detection signal produced by the detection device (4), the intensity of which signal is determined by the distance away of the object detected, wherein at least from a specific intensity value the switching device automatically triggers the flow of water by means of a further activation or deactivation of the shower control system.
  2. Shower control system according to claim 1, characterised in that the specific intensity value can be produced by introducing an object, for example the user's hand, into the detection cone (5) in a close-up detection range (6), for example up to 100 mm away from the detection device (4).
  3. Shower control system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the controlling and evaluating electronics (8) are so designed that after an activation the flow of water is immediately released for a specific period of time TN and the normal detection operating mode is adopted, according to which the flow of water is determined by detection of the user in the normal detection range (7) of the detection cone (5), with the shower control system being automatically deactivated (auto-reset) and the close-up detection operating mode being adopted after a specific follow-on time TR during which an object is not detected.
  4. Shower control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that in the normal detection operating mode as a result of the introduction of an object, for example the user's hand, into the close-up detection range (6) of the detection cone (5) the controlling and evaluating electronics (8) block the flow of water and thereafter the close-up detection operating mode is adopted.
  5. Shower control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the controlling and evaluating electronics (8) are so designed together with the detection device (4) that there are provided within the detection cone (5) a close-up detection range (6) of from 0 to 100 mm and a normal detection range (7) of from 100 to 800 mm.
  6. Shower control system according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that there is provided in the controlling and evaluating electronics (8) a device with which the maximum duration Tmax of the flow of water to the shower head (1) can be defined in the normal detection range (7).
  7. Shower control system according to claim 6, characterised in that the duration Tmax is approximately from 1 to 10 minutes, especially 5 minutes.
  8. Method of controlling the flow of water of a shower, using a detection device (4) arranged on an installation wall (2), with which the presence of a user is detected, and a switching device for activating and deactivating the control system, characterised by the following method steps:
    a) generation of a detection cone (5) in the shower region;
    b) differentiation between a detector signal reflected by an object in the close-up detection range (6) and a detector signal reflected by an object in the normal detection range (7), through the intensity of the reflected signal;
    c) opening of the flow of water to the shower head (1) and switching of the controlling and evaluating electronics (8) to the normal detection range (7) for a specific period of time when an object is introduced into the close-up detection range (6);
    d) termination of the flow of water when an object is introduced into the close-up detection range (6).
  9. Method according to claim 8, characterised in that after the flow of water has been blocked off the controlling and evaluating electronics (8) are effective only in the close-up detection range (6).
  10. Method according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterised in that the flow of water is terminated after a specific period of time Tmax even when there is an object in the normal detection range (7).
EP96100374A 1995-01-14 1996-01-12 Automatic shower control Expired - Lifetime EP0722019B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19501014A DE19501014A1 (en) 1995-01-14 1995-01-14 Automatic shower control
DE19501014 1995-01-14

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EP0722019A1 EP0722019A1 (en) 1996-07-17
EP0722019B1 true EP0722019B1 (en) 2000-05-24

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US (1) US5829072A (en)
EP (1) EP0722019B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH08215094A (en)
AT (1) ATE193352T1 (en)
DE (2) DE19501014A1 (en)
DK (1) DK0722019T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2148596T3 (en)

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EP0722019A1 (en) 1996-07-17
DE59605269D1 (en) 2000-06-29
US5829072A (en) 1998-11-03
JPH08215094A (en) 1996-08-27
ES2148596T3 (en) 2000-10-16
DK0722019T3 (en) 2000-10-30
ATE193352T1 (en) 2000-06-15
DE19501014A1 (en) 1996-07-18

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