EP0724043B1 - Control unit for a sanitary fitting - Google Patents

Control unit for a sanitary fitting Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0724043B1
EP0724043B1 EP96100724A EP96100724A EP0724043B1 EP 0724043 B1 EP0724043 B1 EP 0724043B1 EP 96100724 A EP96100724 A EP 96100724A EP 96100724 A EP96100724 A EP 96100724A EP 0724043 B1 EP0724043 B1 EP 0724043B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
control
energy
control device
saving mode
evaluation electronics
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EP96100724A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0724043A1 (en
Inventor
Heinz-Dieter Dr. Eichholz
Hans-Jürgen Ludewig
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 EP0724043A1 publication Critical patent/EP0724043A1/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 control device for a sanitary fitting, in particular a water outlet control, with a detection device containing at least one transmitter and a receiver, preferably working with infrared light radiation, control and evaluation electronics and one or more batteries or accumulators for the electrical energy supply.
  • a control device for a sanitary fitting, in particular a water outlet control, with a detection device containing at least one transmitter and a receiver, preferably working with infrared light radiation, control and evaluation electronics and one or more batteries or accumulators for the electrical energy supply.
  • control devices are mostly used for water outlet fittings on washstands, urinals etc.
  • One or more primary cells with a defined minimum capacity and a limited, also system-related shelf life are used for energy supply in these battery-operated, non-contact controlled sanitary fittings.
  • a further, but rarely practiced option is the use of switches with which the battery (s) are (are) electrically isolated from the control.
  • the disadvantages here are the unreliable costs for the required switch, the sealing measures and the easy manipulation or, if the switch is integrated in a sanitary fitting, its accessibility (unauthorized or unwanted decommissioning).
  • a sanitary fitting with a mechanical switch is known from EP-A-0 501 262, with which different operating modes can be switched on.
  • the invention has for its object an improved control device to create where the consumption of electrical Energy can be reduced significantly. Heard here with the task of a simple and safe procedure for Installation and operation of the control device in a sanitary fitting propose.
  • the topic "electrical energy supply / batteries” is at least for the installer or end user for the effective battery life specified by the manufacturer when installing the sanitary fitting to pay no further attention.
  • Water outlet fitting is a solenoid valve 4 with a water inlet 41 and a water outlet 42 are provided.
  • the solenoid valve 4 is of a control and Evaluation electronics 1 can be controlled.
  • a detection device 2 provided with the presence of a user is noticeable.
  • the normal operating mode a clocked infrared light beam from a transmitter 21 given up after a reflection on an object in the predetermined detection range from a receiver 22 is resumed.
  • a signal sent to the control and evaluation electronics 1 is given, in which a corresponding Water outlet program via a microprocessor or Microcontroller is processed using the solenoid valve 4 in the water outlet fitting after a predetermined Period (delay time) an opening pulse and after a likewise predetermined opening period a closing pulse is supplied.
  • the system software of the control and evaluation electronics 1 is expanded with an energy-saving mode in which the program execution normally executed is interrupted and all peripheral consumers, in particular the particularly energy-intensive transmission of infrared light , with the exception of the receiver 22 for infrared light radiation, the sensitivity of which is advantageously increased by appropriate circuitry.
  • the software for the energy-saving mode (sleep mode) is stored in a module 11.
  • the microcontroller unit or microprocessor unit provided in the control and evaluation electronics 1 is itself switched to a stand-by mode (STOP mode, POWER DOWN mode), which reduces the current consumption, for example, to 0.3 to 1.0 microamps or approximately minimized one hundredth of the current consumption in normal operation.
  • STOP mode POWER DOWN mode
  • the output signal of the receiver 22 is connected directly or via a suitable amplifier / filter circuit to an input (interrupt input) of the control and evaluation electronics 1.
  • the energy saving mode (sleep mode) of the water outlet fitting is preset by the manufacturer using a suitable tool, e.g. programming device, remote control, etc.
  • the module 11 is present in the software of the control and evaluation electronics 1 or of the microcontroller, which is activated by the mentioned aids, after a defined delay time of, for example, 60 seconds, a targeted "powerdown" of the control and evaluation electronics 1 or of the microcontroller is carried out in "sleep mode".
  • the control and evaluation electronics 1 or the controller then ceases all activities, except for monitoring the interrupt input (microcontroller port) of the receiver 22.
  • a sticker 23 is issued during the delay time infrared-opaque material attached to the detection device 2, in particular on the receiver 22.
  • the reactivation of the normal mode of the control and evaluation electronics 1 is carried out by detection of infrared light radiation, which exceeds a limit level value through the receiver 22, causing the microcontroller port an interrupt is triggered.
  • the increased sensitivity of the receiver advantageous that already in normal daylight included infrared light background radiation for a switchover from the energy-saving mode to the normal operating mode is sufficient in terms of intensity.
  • at Darkness can activate the normal operating mode through any kind of infrared light radiation with relevant Wavelength range, such as incandescent light, Candlelight or by rubbing one Match, etc., are triggered.
  • a once activated energy-saving mode (sleep mode) is also taken up again after removal and reinsertion of the battery 3 after an activation delay has expired.
  • a "POWER ON RESET" of the control and evaluation electronics 1 leads the device back into the energy-saving mode (sleep mode) as long as a microcontroller interrupt is not triggered by receiving an adequate infrared light intensity.
  • the energy saving mode can be activated and deactivated as often as required. This makes it possible to demonstrate the function for training courses, exhibitions, etc.
  • the subsequent activation of the energy-saving mode (sleep mode) can be useful if the capacity of the installed battery is to be spared for the period of prolonged non-use of the valve.
  • control and evaluation electronics can also be designed such that, for example, level-selective by evaluating the intensity of the received signal, which is caused by reflection of the infrared light transmission signal on a reflector, as described, for example, in German patent application P 44 20 335.7 is specified, is received by the receiver 22, the activation of the energy saving mode takes place.
  • the control and evaluation electronics according to the invention can also provide for the activation of the energy-saving mode when the infrared light intensity in the receiver caused by the transmission signal exceeds a defined level for a certain period of time t. This can be achieved, for example, by holding a mirror or a highly reflective object in front of the detection device of the fitting for a minimum period of time.
  • control and evaluation electronics can be designed in such a way that it provides for an automatic activation or deactivation of the energy-saving mode even by evaluating the current ambient infrared light radiation. Monitoring of the infrared light surrounding radiation can thus be used to identify phases of non-use, such as night operation or darkness, etc., with automatic activation of the energy-saving mode or a reactivation of the normal operating mode.

Abstract

The controller has an infrared detection unit contg. a transmitter and a receiver, control and evaluation electronics and a battery or accumulator power supply. The control and evaluation electronics have a sleep mode for power saving. The power saving mode can be set by the manufacturer and the normal mode can be activated by the installer and/or by the end user. The control and evaluation electronics contain a microprocessor or microcontroller; the residual current consumption in power saving mode is between 0.3 and 1 microamps or less than one hundredth of the normal mode current.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Steuereinrichtung für eine Sanitärarmatur, insbesondere Wasserauslaufsteuerung, mit einer wenigstens einen Sender und einen Empfänger enthaltenden, vorzugsweise mit Infrarotlichtstrahlung arbeitenden Detektionseinrichtung, einer Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik und einer oder mehreren Batterien oder Akkumulatoren für die elektrische Energieversorgung.
Derartige Steuereinrichtungen werden meist für Wasserauslaufarmaturen an Waschtischen, Urinalen etc. eingesetzt. In diesen batteriebetriebenen, berührungslos gesteuerten Sanitärarmaturen werden zur Energieversorgung eine oder mehrere Primärzellen mit einer definierten Mindestkapazität und einer beschränkten, ebenfalls systembedingten Lagerfähigkeit verwendet. Diese Batterien werden der Armatur als Beipack beigefügt, da das Einsetzen der Batterie(n) in die Armatur bzw. das zugehörige Batteriefach zu einer Aktivierung der Steuerelektronik führt und somit während der oftmals nicht vorherbestimmbaren Lagerzeit bzw. Transportzeit eine nicht dem Gebrauchsnutzen dienende Entladung der Batterie(n) infolge des Energiebedarfs der elektronischen Steuerung - insbesondere bei einer Ausführung mit aktiver Infrarotsensorik - erfolgt, die zu einer Reduzierung der für den Anwender meßbaren, effektiven Batterielebensdauer (Benutzungsdauer) führt. Da die Lebensdauer (Nutzungsdauer) einer Batteriefüllung für derartige Steuerungen zum derzeitigen Stand der Technik ohnehin nur wenige Jahre (ca. 2 - 3 Jahre) beträgt, würde beispielsweise eine zweijährige Gesamtlager- /Transportzeit der Armatur bis zur Installation beim Endkunden eine nicht zu akzeptierende Beschränkung der Nutzungsdauer für die Erstbatterieausstattung bewirken.The invention relates to a control device for a sanitary fitting, in particular a water outlet control, with a detection device containing at least one transmitter and a receiver, preferably working with infrared light radiation, control and evaluation electronics and one or more batteries or accumulators for the electrical energy supply.
Such control devices are mostly used for water outlet fittings on washstands, urinals etc. One or more primary cells with a defined minimum capacity and a limited, also system-related shelf life are used for energy supply in these battery-operated, non-contact controlled sanitary fittings. These batteries are included in the fitting as an accessory pack, since inserting the battery (s) into the fitting or the associated battery compartment leads to activation of the control electronics and thus a discharge of the battery that is not useful for the user during the often unpredictable storage or transport time (n) as a result of the energy requirement of the electronic control - in particular in the case of a version with active infrared sensor technology - which leads to a reduction in the effective battery life (service life) which can be measured by the user. Since the lifespan (service life) of a battery charge for such controls is currently only a few years (approx. 2-3 years) at the current state of the art, a two-year total storage / transport time of the valve until installation by the end customer would be an unacceptable limitation the useful life for the primary battery equipment.

Daher ist derzeit allgemein üblich, die Batterie(n) der Armatur vor Verpackung beizufügen und diese erst unmittelbar bei der Installation der Armatur in die Armatur selbst bzw. das zugehörige Batteriefach einzusetzen.Therefore, the battery (s) of the Add the fitting before packaging and only immediately when installing the valve in the valve yourself or the associated battery compartment.

Diese Handhabung weist folgende, eklatante Nachteile auf:

  • 1. Das Produkt (batteriebetriebene, berührungslos gesteuerte Sanitärarmatur) kann nicht im späteren Anlieferungszustand (Endkunde) getestet werden.
  • 2. Die Batterien können nicht ohne Aufwand getestet werden.
  • 3. Die Armatur bzw. das Batteriefach muß für das Einsetzen der beigefügten Batterie(n) durch den Endkunden bzw. Installateur geöffnet bzw. ggfs. teildemontiert werden. Hierbei ist die Gefahr der Fehlbestückung (Verpolung) bzw. der unsachgemäßen Handhabung bis hin zur Beschädigung von Dichtungen etc. gegeben.
    • This handling has the following significant disadvantages:
  • 1. The product (battery-operated, non-contact controlled sanitary fitting) cannot be tested in the later delivery state (end customer).
  • 2. The batteries cannot be tested without effort.
  • 3. The fitting or the battery compartment must be opened by the end customer or installer for inserting the attached battery (s) or, if necessary, partially dismantled. There is a risk of incorrect assembly (reverse polarity) or improper handling, including damage to seals, etc.

    • Als weitere, jedoch selten praktizierte Möglichkeit bietet sich der Einsatz von Schaltern an, mit denen die Batterie(n) elektrisch von der Steuerung getrennt wird (werden). Hierbei sind als nachteilig die nicht zu verlässigenden Kosten für den erforderlichen Schalter, die Abdichtungsmaßnahmen und die einfache Manipulierbarkeit oder bei Integration des Schalters in eine Sanitärarmatur, dessen Zugänglichkeit (unbefugte bzw. ungewollte Außerbetriebsetzung) zu benennen.
    Außerdem ist aus der EP-A-0 501 262 eine Sanitärarmatur mit einem mechanischen Schalter bekannt, mit dem unterschiedliche Betriebsarten eingeschaltet werden können.    A further, but rarely practiced option is the use of switches with which the battery (s) are (are) electrically isolated from the control. The disadvantages here are the unreliable costs for the required switch, the sealing measures and the easy manipulation or, if the switch is integrated in a sanitary fitting, its accessibility (unauthorized or unwanted decommissioning).
    In addition, a sanitary fitting with a mechanical switch is known from EP-A-0 501 262, with which different operating modes can be switched on.

    Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine verbesserte Steuereinrichtung zu schaffen, bei der der Verbrauch der elektrischen Energie erheblich verringert werden kann. Hierbei gehört es mit zur Aufgabe, ein einfaches und sicheres Verfahren zur Montage und den Betrieb der Steuereinrichtung in einer Sanitärarmatur vorzuschlagen.The invention has for its object an improved control device to create where the consumption of electrical Energy can be reduced significantly. Heard here with the task of a simple and safe procedure for Installation and operation of the control device in a sanitary fitting propose.

    Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Einrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruch 1 und durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Anspruch 14 gelöst.This task is carried out by a facility with the characteristics of Claim 1 and by a method with the features of the claim 14 solved.

    Weitere Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den Ansprüchen 2 bis 13 angegeben.Further embodiments of the invention are in claims 2 to 13 specified.

    Die mit der Erfindung erzielbaren Vorteile bestehen insbesondere darin, daß die Sanitärarmatur elektrisch betriebsbereit mit werksseitig installierter Batterie eingelagert werden kann, so daß für den Erstanwender das Einlegen der Batterie, das sich bei Produkten mit vollständig integrierten Komponenten im Armaturengehäuse schwierig und aufwendig gestalten kann, entfällt. Darüber hinaus wird erreicht, daß

  • 1. der Test des Gesamtsystems der Sanitärarmatur inkl. Batterien entsprechend dem späteren Anlieferungszustand möglich ist;
  • 2. kein mechanischer Eingriff des Installateurs oder Endverbrauchers in die Sanitärarmatur bzw. das Batteriefach zum Einsetzen der Batterien erforderlich ist;
  • 3. keine merkliche Beeinträchtigung der aktiven Batterielebensdauer auch bei längerfristiger Lagerung bzw. Transportzeit auftritt;
  • 4. die Angabe einer definierten effektiven Batterielebensdauer durch den Hersteller, unabhängig von der tatsächlichen Lagerzeit möglich ist;
  • 5. keine Gefahr der Verpolung bzw. des unsachgemäßen Einsetzens der Batterien durch den Installateur oder Endverbraucher bzw. eine Beschädigung von Dichtungen etc. auftreten kann;
  • 6. keine mechanischen Schalter zur Unterbrechung der elektrischen Energieversorgung während der Lagerung und/oder dem Transport der Steuereinrichtung bei eingesetzten Batterien erforderlich sind;
  • 7. eine sofortige Betriebsbereitschaft der automatischen Sanitärarmatur nach Entnahme aus der Verpackung möglich ist.
    • The advantages that can be achieved with the invention are, in particular, that the sanitary fitting can be stored electrically ready for operation with the battery installed at the factory, so that the first user does not have to insert the battery, which can be difficult and expensive for products with fully integrated components in the fitting housing , In addition, it is achieved that
  • 1. the test of the overall system of the sanitary fitting including batteries is possible according to the later delivery condition;
  • 2. no mechanical intervention by the installer or end user in the sanitary fitting or the battery compartment is required to insert the batteries;
  • 3. there is no noticeable impairment of the active battery life even with long-term storage or transport time;
  • 4. the manufacturer can specify a defined effective battery life regardless of the actual storage time;
  • 5. there is no risk of polarity reversal or improper insertion of the batteries by the installer or end user or damage to seals etc.;
  • 6. no mechanical switches for interrupting the electrical energy supply during storage and / or transportation of the control device when batteries are inserted are required;
  • 7. Immediate operational readiness of the automatic sanitary fitting is possible after removal from the packaging.

    • Der Thematik "elektrische Energieversorgung/Batterien" ist für den Installateur bzw. Endverbraucher zumindest für die herstellerseitig angegebene effektive Batterielebensdauer bei der Installation der Sanitärarmatur keine weitere Beachtung zu schenken.The topic "electrical energy supply / batteries" is at least for the installer or end user for the effective battery life specified by the manufacturer when installing the sanitary fitting to pay no further attention.

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

    Figur 1
    ein Blockschaltbild einer berührungslos gesteuerten sanitären Wasserauslaufarmatur;
    Figur 2
    ein vereinfachtes Ablaufdiagramm der Softwareroutine für den Energiesparmodus der Sanitärarmatur.
    An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and will be described in more detail below. It shows:
    Figure 1
    a block diagram of a non-contact controlled sanitary water outlet fitting;
    Figure 2
    a simplified flow chart of the software routine for the energy saving mode of the sanitary fitting.

    Bei dem in Figur 1 in schematischer Weise gezeigten sanitären Wasserauslaufarmatur ist ein Magnetventil 4 mit einem Wasserzulauf 41 und einem Wasserauslauf 42 vorgesehen. Das Magnetventil 4 ist von einer Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1 ansteuerbar. Hierbei ist im Bereich des Wasserauslaufs 42 eine Detektionseinrichtung 2 vorgesehen, mit der die Anwesenheit eines Benutzers feststellbar ist. Hierbei wird in der Normalbetriebsart von einem Sender 21 ein getakteter Infrarotlichtstrahl abgegeben, der nach einer Reflektion an einem Gegenstand im vorbestimmten Erfassungsbereich von einem Empfänger 22 wiederaufgenommen wird. Bei der Feststellung der Anwesenheit eines Benutzers erzeugt die Detektionseinrichtung ein Signal, das an die Steuer-und Auswerteelektonik 1 abgegeben wird, in der nun ein entsprechendes Wasserauslaßprogramm über einen Mikroprozessor oder Mikrocontroller abgearbeitet wird, wobei dem Magnetventil 4 in der Wasserauslaufarmatur nach einem vorbestimmten Zeitraum (Verzögerungszeit) ein Öffnungsimpuls und nach einem ebenfalls vorbestimmten Öffnungszeitraum ein Schließimpuls zugeführt wird. Die elektrische Energieversorgung der Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1 mit der Detektionseinrichtung 2 und dem Magnetventil 4 erfolgt von einer Batterie 3, wobei die Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1, die Detektionseinrichtung 2, die Batterie 3 und das Magnetventil 4 in der Wasserauslaufarmatur integriert sind.In the sanitary shown in Figure 1 in a schematic manner Water outlet fitting is a solenoid valve 4 with a water inlet 41 and a water outlet 42 are provided. The solenoid valve 4 is of a control and Evaluation electronics 1 can be controlled. Here is in the area of the water outlet 42 a detection device 2 provided with the presence of a user is noticeable. Here, the normal operating mode a clocked infrared light beam from a transmitter 21 given up after a reflection on an object in the predetermined detection range from a receiver 22 is resumed. When determining the detection device generates the presence of a user a signal sent to the control and evaluation electronics 1 is given, in which a corresponding Water outlet program via a microprocessor or Microcontroller is processed using the solenoid valve 4 in the water outlet fitting after a predetermined Period (delay time) an opening pulse and after a likewise predetermined opening period a closing pulse is supplied. The electrical energy supply the control and evaluation electronics 1 with the detection device 2 and the solenoid valve 4 from a battery 3, the control and evaluation electronics 1, the detection device 2, the Battery 3 and the solenoid valve 4 in the water outlet fitting are integrated.

    Um einen möglichst energiesparenden Betrieb für z. B. die Lagerhaltung derartiger Produkte mit installiertem und damit angeschlossenem Akkumulator oder Batterie 3 zu ermöglichen, ist die Systemsoftware der Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1 mit einem Energiesparmodus erweitert, in dem die normalerweise ausgeführte Programmabarbeitung unterbrochen und alle Peripherieverbraucher, insbesondere die besonders energieaufwendige Aussendung von Infrarotlicht, mit Ausnahme des Empfängers 22 für die Infrarotlichtstrahlung, dessen Empfindlichkeit vorteilhafterweise durch entsprechende Beschaltung erhöht wird, deaktiviert werden. Die Software für den Energiesparmodus (Sleepmode) ist hierbei in einem Modul 11 abgelegt.
    In dem Energiesparmodus wird die in der Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1 vorgesehene Mikrocontrollereinheit oder Mikroprozessoreinheit selbst in einen Stand-by-Modus geschaltet (STOP Mode, POWER DOWN Mode), der die Stromaufnahme beispielsweise auf 0,3 bis 1,0 Mikroampere oder auf etwa ein Hundertstel der Stromaufnahme im Normalbetrieb minimiert. Das Ausgangssignal des Empfängers 22 ist unmittelbar oder über eine geeignete Verstärker/Filterschaltung mit einem Eingang (Interrupt-Eingang) der Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1 verbunden. Der Energiesparmodus (Sleepmode) der Wasserauslaufarmatur wird vom Hersteller durch ein geeignetes Hilfsmittel, z.B. Programmiergerät, Fernbedienung etc., voreingestellt. Hierzu ist in der Software der Steuer-und Auswerteelektronik 1 bzw. des Mikrocontrollers das Modul 11 vorhanden, welches durch die genannten Hilfsmittel aktiviert wird, wobei nach einer definierten Verzögerungszeit von beispielsweise 60 Sekunden ein gezieltes "Powerdown" der Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1 bzw. des Mikrocontrollers in den "Sleepmode" durchgeführt wird. Die Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1 bzw. der Controller stellt hiernach alle Aktivitäten ein, außer der Überwachung des Interrupteinganges (Mikrocontroller-Port) des Empfängers 22. Um die Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1 im Energiesparmodus zu halten, wird während der Verzögerungszeit ein Aufkleber 23 aus infrarotlichtundurchlässigem Material auf der Detektionseinrichtung 2, insbesondere auf dem Empfänger 22 angebracht.    To ensure the most energy-efficient operation for e.g. B. to enable the storage of such products with installed and thus connected accumulator or battery 3, the system software of the control and evaluation electronics 1 is expanded with an energy-saving mode in which the program execution normally executed is interrupted and all peripheral consumers, in particular the particularly energy-intensive transmission of infrared light , with the exception of the receiver 22 for infrared light radiation, the sensitivity of which is advantageously increased by appropriate circuitry. The software for the energy-saving mode (sleep mode) is stored in a module 11.
    In the energy-saving mode, the microcontroller unit or microprocessor unit provided in the control and evaluation electronics 1 is itself switched to a stand-by mode (STOP mode, POWER DOWN mode), which reduces the current consumption, for example, to 0.3 to 1.0 microamps or approximately minimized one hundredth of the current consumption in normal operation. The output signal of the receiver 22 is connected directly or via a suitable amplifier / filter circuit to an input (interrupt input) of the control and evaluation electronics 1. The energy saving mode (sleep mode) of the water outlet fitting is preset by the manufacturer using a suitable tool, e.g. programming device, remote control, etc. For this purpose, the module 11 is present in the software of the control and evaluation electronics 1 or of the microcontroller, which is activated by the mentioned aids, after a defined delay time of, for example, 60 seconds, a targeted "powerdown" of the control and evaluation electronics 1 or of the microcontroller is carried out in "sleep mode". The control and evaluation electronics 1 or the controller then ceases all activities, except for monitoring the interrupt input (microcontroller port) of the receiver 22. In order to keep the control and evaluation electronics 1 in the energy-saving mode, a sticker 23 is issued during the delay time infrared-opaque material attached to the detection device 2, in particular on the receiver 22.

    Die Reaktivierung des Normalmodus der Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1 erfolgt durch Detektion von Infrarotlichtstrahlung, die einen Grenzpegelwert überschreitet, durch den Empfänger 22, wodurch am Mikrocontroller-Port ein Interrupt ausgelöst wird. Nach der Installation der Wasserauslaufarmatur an der Baustelle kann daher durch Entfernung des Aufklebers 23 die Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1 von dem Energiesparmodus in die Normalbetriebsart umgeschaltet werden, d.h. Aussenden von Infrarotlichtimpulsen und Anwesenheitsdetektion mit entsprechenden Schaltungen des Magnetventils 4. Hierbei ist die erhöhte Empfindlichkeit des Empfängers dahingehend vorteilhaft, daß bereits die in normalem Tageslicht enthaltene Infrarotlichthintergrundstrahlung für eine Umschaltung von dem Energiesparmodus in die Normalbetriebsart intensitätsmäßig ausreichend ist. Bei Dunkelheit kann die Aktivierung der Normalbetriebsart durch jede Art von Infrarotlichtstrahlung mit relevantem Wellenlängenbereich, wie beispielsweise Glühlampenlicht, Kerzenlicht oder auch durch das Anreiben eines Streichholzes etc., ausgelöst werden.The reactivation of the normal mode of the control and evaluation electronics 1 is carried out by detection of infrared light radiation, which exceeds a limit level value through the receiver 22, causing the microcontroller port an interrupt is triggered. After installing the Water outlet fitting at the construction site can, therefore Removal of the sticker 23 the control and evaluation electronics 1 from the energy saving mode to the normal operating mode be switched, i.e. Sending infrared light pulses and presence detection with appropriate Circuits of the solenoid valve 4. Here is the increased sensitivity of the receiver advantageous that already in normal daylight included infrared light background radiation for a switchover from the energy-saving mode to the normal operating mode is sufficient in terms of intensity. at Darkness can activate the normal operating mode through any kind of infrared light radiation with relevant Wavelength range, such as incandescent light, Candlelight or by rubbing one Match, etc., are triggered.

    Die Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1 kann in folgender Weise in einer Sanitärarmatur einmontiert und betrieben werden:

  • Zunächst wird werksseitig bei der Endmontage in einem, mit einem Wasserzulauf 41 und einem Wasserauslauf 42 versehenen Sanitärarmaturengehäuse das Magnetventil 4, die Detektionseinrichtung 2, die Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1 und die Batterie 3 einmontiert. Hiernach wird die Sanitärarmatur einem Prüfendtest unterzogen.
  • Nach einem Gutbefund der Sanitärarmatur wird dann zunächst der Energiesparmodus (Sleepmode) in der Steuer-und Auswerteelektronik 1 mit einem Handsender (IR-Fernbedienung) aktiviert, wobei dann in einer vorbestimmten, aber im Prinzip frei wählbaren Verzögerungszeit von z.B. 60 Sekunden der Empfänger 22 mit dem Aufkleber 23 aus infrarotlichtundurchlässigem Material bedeckt werden kann und/oder die Armatur in eine Verpackung aus infrarotlichtundurchlässigem Material verpackt werden kann, wonach eine Lagerung und/oder Transport mit Vertrieb der Sanitärarmatur über einen relativ langen Zeitraum folgen kann.
  • Nach der Auslieferung und der Installation auf der Baustelle wird die Verpackung und/oder der Aufkleber 23 von der Detektionseinrichtung 2 entfernt, so daß nunmehr bei dem ersten Erfassen eines ausreichenden Infrarotlichtpegels (Intensität) durch den Empfänger 22 (per Mikrocontrollerinterrupt) der Energiesparmodus (Sleepmode) der Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1 deaktiviert und die normale Betriebsart aktiviert wird. Die Sanitärarmatur ist damit für den normalen Betrieb bereit.
  • Der Installateur/Anwender benötigt somit keine bzw. nur allgemein verfügbare Hilfsmittel, um eine im Energiesparmodus (Sleepmode) angelieferte automatische Sanitärarmatur zu aktivieren bzw. in die Normalbetriebsart zu versetzen.
    • The control and evaluation electronics 1 can be installed and operated in a sanitary fitting as follows:
  • At the factory, the solenoid valve 4, the detection device 2, the control and evaluation electronics 1 and the battery 3 are first installed in a sanitary fitting housing provided with a water inlet 41 and a water outlet 42 during the final assembly. The sanitary fitting is then subjected to a final test.
  • After the sanitary fitting has been found to be good, the energy-saving mode (sleep mode) is first activated in the control and evaluation electronics 1 with a hand transmitter (IR remote control), the receiver 22 then being present in a predetermined, but in principle freely selectable delay time of, for example, 60 seconds the sticker 23 made of infrared-opaque material can be covered and / or the fitting can be packaged in a packaging made of infrared-opaque material, after which storage and / or transportation with distribution of the sanitary fitting can follow over a relatively long period of time.
  • After delivery and installation at the construction site, the packaging and / or the sticker 23 are removed from the detection device 2, so that when the receiver 22 detects a sufficient infrared light level (intensity) for the first time (via microcontroller interrupt), the energy-saving mode (sleep mode) the control and evaluation electronics 1 is deactivated and the normal operating mode is activated. The sanitary fitting is now ready for normal operation.
  • The installer / user therefore does not need any or only generally available aids to activate an automatic sanitary fitting supplied in energy-saving mode (sleep mode) or to switch it to normal operating mode.

    • In Verbindung mit einer nichtflüchtigen Parameterspeicherung in der Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik 1 wird ein einmal aktivierter Energiesparmodus (Sleepmode) auch nach einem Entfernen und Wiedereinsetzen der Batterie 3 nach einem Ablauf einer Aktivierungsverzögerung wieder eingenommen. Ein "POWER ON RESET" der Steuer-und Auswerteelektronik 1 führt die Einrichtung wieder in den Energiesparmodus (Sleepmode) zurück, solange nicht ein Mikrocontrollerinterrupt durch Empfang einer adäquaten Infrarotlichtintensität ausgelöst wird.
    Der Energiesparmodus kann beliebig oft aktiviert und deaktiviert werden. Somit ist eine Demonstration der Funktion für Schulungen, Ausstellungen etc. möglich. Darüber hinaus kann das nachträgliche Aktivieren des Energiesparmodus (Sleepmode) sinnvoll sein, wenn für die Zeitspanne einer längeren Nichtbenutzung der Armatur die Kapazität der installierten Batterie geschont werden soll.    In connection with a non-volatile parameter storage in the control and evaluation electronics 1, a once activated energy-saving mode (sleep mode) is also taken up again after removal and reinsertion of the battery 3 after an activation delay has expired. A "POWER ON RESET" of the control and evaluation electronics 1 leads the device back into the energy-saving mode (sleep mode) as long as a microcontroller interrupt is not triggered by receiving an adequate infrared light intensity.
    The energy saving mode can be activated and deactivated as often as required. This makes it possible to demonstrate the function for training courses, exhibitions, etc. In addition, the subsequent activation of the energy-saving mode (sleep mode) can be useful if the capacity of the installed battery is to be spared for the period of prolonged non-use of the valve.

    Alternativ zu der vorstehend aufgeführten Aktivierung des Energiesparmodus kann die Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik auch so ausgelegt werden, daß beispielsweise pegelselektiv durch eine Bewertung der Intensität des Empfangssignals, welches durch Reflexion des Infrarotlichtsendesignals an einem Reflektor, wie er beispielsweise in der deutschen Patentanmeldung P 44 20 335.7 angegeben ist, vom Empfänger 22 aufgenommen wird, die Aktivierung des Energiesparmodus erfolgt.
    Auch kann die erfindungsgemäße Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik die Aktivierung des Energiesparmodus dann vorsehen, wenn die im Empfänger durch das Sendesignal verursachte Infrarotlichtintensität für eine bestimmte Zeitdauer t einen definierten Pegel überschreitet. Dies kann beispielsweise durch ein Vorhalten eines Spiegels bzw. eines hochgradig reflektierenden Gegenstandes unmittelbar vor der Detektionseinrichtung der Armatur für eine Mindestzeitdauer erreicht werden.
    Schließlich kann die Steuer- und Auswerteelektronik so ausgebildet sein, daß sie selbst durch eine Bewertung der augenblicklichen Umgebungsinfrarotlichtstrahlung eine automatische Aktivierung oder Deaktivierung des Energiesparmodus vorsieht. Damit kann durch ein Monitoring der Infrarotlichtumgebungsstrahlung eine Erkennung von Nichtbenutzungsphasen, wie beispielsweise Nachtbetrieb bzw. Dunkelheit etc., mit automatischer Aktivierung des Energiesparmodus bzw. einer Reaktivierung der normalen Betriebsart erreicht werden.    As an alternative to the activation of the energy-saving mode listed above, the control and evaluation electronics can also be designed such that, for example, level-selective by evaluating the intensity of the received signal, which is caused by reflection of the infrared light transmission signal on a reflector, as described, for example, in German patent application P 44 20 335.7 is specified, is received by the receiver 22, the activation of the energy saving mode takes place.
    The control and evaluation electronics according to the invention can also provide for the activation of the energy-saving mode when the infrared light intensity in the receiver caused by the transmission signal exceeds a defined level for a certain period of time t. This can be achieved, for example, by holding a mirror or a highly reflective object in front of the detection device of the fitting for a minimum period of time.
    Finally, the control and evaluation electronics can be designed in such a way that it provides for an automatic activation or deactivation of the energy-saving mode even by evaluating the current ambient infrared light radiation. Monitoring of the infrared light surrounding radiation can thus be used to identify phases of non-use, such as night operation or darkness, etc., with automatic activation of the energy-saving mode or a reactivation of the normal operating mode.

    Claims (14)

    1. Control device for a sanitary fitting, especially a water outflow control, having a detection unit comprising at least one transmitter (21) and receiver (22); having control and evaluation electronics (1); and having one or more batteries (3) or accumulators for the supply of electrical energy, characterised in that the control and evaluation electronics (1) are provided with an energy-saving mode, the energy-saving mode being arranged to be switched on at least by the manufacturer and the normal operation mode being arranged to be activated at least by the installer and/or end user.
    2. Control device according to claim 1, characterised in that the control and evaluation electronics (1) have a microprocessor or microcontroller, wherein the quiescent current consumption in the energy-saving mode is approximately from 0.3 to 1.0 microamps or less than approximately one hundredth of the normal operation current consumption.
    3. Control device according to claim 1, characterised in that the control and evaluation electronics (1) have a microprocessor or microcontroller provided with a power down mode and, advantageously, with an interrupt control.
    4. Control device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the energy-saving mode is also arranged to be switched on and off as desired by the end user.
    5. Control device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the energy-saving mode is arranged to be maintained virtually indefinitely by means of a cover at least over the receiver (22) of the detection unit (2).
    6. Control device according to claim 5, characterised in that, for maintaining the energy-saving mode, a sticker (23) impermeable to infra-red light is provided on the detection unit (2).
    7. Control device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that, in the software of the control and evaluation electronics (1), there is provided a module (11) for the energy-saving mode, by means of which module (11) the energy-saving mode is arranged to be activated by a significant signal after a time delay, as a result of which the activity of the control and evaluation electronics (1) is reduced to monitoring the input of the receiver (22) in the detection unit (2), whilst the normal operation mode is arranged to be activated by detection of a sufficient infra-red light level.
    8. Control device according to claim 7, characterised in that the transmission of an infra-red light code from a remote control is provided as the significant signal, and the time delay is approximately 30 seconds.
    9. Control device according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the normal operation mode is arranged to be activated by the detection of normal daylight or the striking of a match a short distance away from the receiver (22).
    10. Control device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the energy-saving mode is arranged to be activated after a time delay as a result of evaluation, performed in the control and evaluation electronics (1), of the intensity of a received signal generated by reflection, at a reflector, of the transmitted signal emitted by the transmitter of the detection device in the normal operation mode, whilst the normal operation mode is arranged to be activated by another signal.
    11. Control device according to claim 10, characterised in that the transmitted signal emitted is an infra-red light signal, and the normal operation mode is arranged to be activated by detection of a sufficient infra-red light level by the receiver.
    12. Control device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the energy-saving mode or the normal operation mode, alternately, is arranged to be activated by the control and evaluation electronics (1) automatically as a result of evaluation of the infra-red light radiation in the environment of the detection unit (2).
    13. Control device according to claim 12, characterised in that evaluation of the infra-red light radiation in the environment of the detection unit (2) is carried out following comparison with software-specified intensity levels.
    14. Method for carrying out assembly and operation of the control device according to at least one of claims 1 to 8 in a sanitary fitting, characterised in that
      on final assembly of the sanitary fitting in the factory, the relevant batteries (3) for the supply of electrical energy are fitted in addition to the other modules and, after that, final testing of the product is carried out;
      then, if the product passes, first the energy-saving mode is activated in the control and evaluation electronics (1) and then the finished product is packed, after which the finished product is stored and/or transported and sold;
      after removal of the packaging and installation of the sanitary fitting on site, the energy-saving mode of the control and evaluation electronics (1) is deactivated and the normal operation mode is activated.
    EP96100724A 1995-01-25 1996-01-19 Control unit for a sanitary fitting Expired - Lifetime EP0724043B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    DE19502214A DE19502214A1 (en) 1995-01-25 1995-01-25 Control device for a sanitary fitting
    DE19502214 1995-01-25

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0724043A1 EP0724043A1 (en) 1996-07-31
    EP0724043B1 true EP0724043B1 (en) 2002-06-05

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    ID=7752275

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    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP96100724A Expired - Lifetime EP0724043B1 (en) 1995-01-25 1996-01-19 Control unit for a sanitary fitting

    Country Status (7)

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    US (1) US5743511A (en)
    EP (1) EP0724043B1 (en)
    JP (1) JPH08218459A (en)
    AT (1) ATE218656T1 (en)
    DE (2) DE19502214A1 (en)
    DK (1) DK0724043T3 (en)
    ES (1) ES2177685T3 (en)

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    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    DE19502214A1 (en) 1996-08-01
    DE59609270D1 (en) 2002-07-11
    JPH08218459A (en) 1996-08-27
    EP0724043A1 (en) 1996-07-31
    ATE218656T1 (en) 2002-06-15
    ES2177685T3 (en) 2002-12-16
    US5743511A (en) 1998-04-28
    DK0724043T3 (en) 2002-09-23

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