EP0940507B1 - Water fitting controller - Google Patents

Water fitting controller Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0940507B1
EP0940507B1 EP99103068A EP99103068A EP0940507B1 EP 0940507 B1 EP0940507 B1 EP 0940507B1 EP 99103068 A EP99103068 A EP 99103068A EP 99103068 A EP99103068 A EP 99103068A EP 0940507 B1 EP0940507 B1 EP 0940507B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mode
control
intensity level
user
water fitting
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.)
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Application number
EP99103068A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0940507A3 (en
EP0940507A2 (en
Inventor
Hans-Jürgen Ludewig
Hans-Peter Rudrich
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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    • 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 water valve control with one, at least one transmitter and one receiver containing detection device with which the presence of a user is detected, with evaluation electronics is provided with which an intensity selective Evaluation of that from the detection device generated detection signal takes place, of a certain intensity level to the controller of that Normal or working mode in which the water flow is controlled depending on the user, in a programming mode or special mode.
  • the invention is based, the setting to further simplify the water valve control.
  • the controller is provided with a timer which, at the determined intensity level after a period of time t, switches the controller from normal mode to a switchover mode or special mode, the required intensity level being determined such that it changes from one to the other Object placed near the detection device, such as a hand of the user, is reached.
  • the water outlet fitting 5 is with connected to one or more water supply pipes - not shown in the drawing - with the water leakage from one, preferably in the water outlet fitting integrated valve with an electronic Control and a detection device 1 determined becomes.
  • a detection device 1 determines whether the valve opens, one occurs Mouthpiece 50 a jet of water.
  • the detection device 1 is designed so that during detection of a body, e.g. a hand of the user with a distance just before the outlet mouthpiece 50 of the Water outflow of the water outlet fitting 5 activated becomes.
  • the detection device 1 has one Transmitter 2, which preferably emits infrared light, and a receiver 3 which is from a body or infrared light reflected from a user's hand picks up and generates a signal that is fed to the controller which, after an evaluation process, the required water flow is caused.
  • This switching distance for activating the valve corresponds a defined reception level of the receiver.
  • a near area 6 is provided, which is at a distance of approximately 5 cm to 10 cm from the detection device 1.
  • the controller is provided with a timer and designed so that when a user or an object, such as the hand of the user, is brought into close range 6 for more than 10 seconds, the controller switches to a special mode that after the minimum exceeding period of 10 seconds has elapsed, is indicated by a light signal from a light-emitting diode 4, preferably by a rapid flashing.
  • control signals this, preferably by a cyclically repeated sequence of 1 flashing pulse - PAUSE - 2 flashing pulses - PAUSE - 3 flashing pulses - 1 flashing pulse - PAUSE - 2 ...
  • Appropriate hierarchical nesting of adjustment modes (e.g. the three phases above are not used to change the run-on time, but to select another three setting modes), almost any number of special functions can be selected or system parameters can be set. Each special function can in turn contain further setting functions.
  • the user can be informed about a current hierarchy level and / or adjustment function by means of corresponding, characteristic signaling (interactive system parameterization).
  • a "virtual" push button switch can thus be implemented, by means of which different programs of the valve control can be activated via impulses (exceeding a certain intensity level for a defined period of time) or impulse groups (initially exceeding them and then falling below the certain intensity level).
  • control can also be achieved, for example, by correlating different time windows during which the specific intensity level must be present with different functions. If, for example, the determined intensity level is reached or exceeded for a period of time t 1 with t 1min ⁇ t 1 ⁇ t 1max , function 1 is activated after the switching level is undershot. If the changeover level is present for a period t 2 with t 1max ⁇ t 2 ⁇ t 2max , function 2 is then activated, etc. It is also advantageous here if the control, after it has been brought into the switchover mode by maintaining the switchover level for the minimum period of exceedance, is signaled to the user, e.g. B. flashing signals or acoustic signals that are repeated periodically at short intervals, a choice of several functions that can be assigned to the signals are offered, which the latter can then select by re-initiating the required intensity level during the corresponding signal.
  • B. flashing signals or acoustic signals that are repeated periodically at short intervals

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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)
  • Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
  • Sorption Type Refrigeration Machines (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)
  • Insulated Conductors (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Water By Ion Exchange (AREA)
  • Testing Or Calibration Of Command Recording Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The controller has a detection device (1) with at least one transmitter (2) and receiver (3), with which the presence of a user can be detected, whereby evaluation electronics perform intensity selective evaluation of the detection signal. The controller switches between a normal or operating mode, in which the water throughput is controlled depending on the user, and a programming or special mode, depending on the detected intensity level. The controller has a time switch which sets the controller from normal mode to changeover or special mode after a defined time at the defined intensity level. The required intensity level is fixed so that it is achieved when an object, e.g. the user's hand, is brought near (6) the detector.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Wasserarmaturensteuerung mit einer, wenigstens einen Sender und einen Empfänger enthaltenden Detektionseinrichtung, mit der die Anwesenheit eines Benutzers erfaßt wird, wobei eine Auswerteelektronik vorgesehen ist, mit der eine intensitätsselektive Bewertung des von der Detektionseinrichtung erzeugten Detektionssignals erfolgt, wobei von einem bestimmten Intensitätspegel an die Steuerung von dem Normal- oder Arbeitsmodus, in dem der Wasserdurchfluß benutzerabhängig gesteuert ist, in einen Programmiermodus oder Sondermodus umschaltet.The invention relates to a water valve control with one, at least one transmitter and one receiver containing detection device with which the presence of a user is detected, with evaluation electronics is provided with which an intensity selective Evaluation of that from the detection device generated detection signal takes place, of a certain intensity level to the controller of that Normal or working mode in which the water flow is controlled depending on the user, in a programming mode or special mode.

Eine derartige Wasserarmaturensteuerung ist aus der deutschen Offenlegungsschrift DE 44 20 335 A1 bekannt. Bei dieser Einrichtung ist es jedoch erforderlich, daß für die Einstellung der Steuerung eine besondere Reflektorkarte benutzt wird.Such a water valve control is from German patent application DE 44 20 335 A1 known. With this device, however, it is necessary that a special reflector card for setting the control is used.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, die Einstellung der Wasserarmaturensteuerung weiter zu vereinfachen. The invention is based, the setting to further simplify the water valve control.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß die Steuerung mit einem Zeitschalter versehen ist, der bei dem bestimmten Intensitätspegel nach einer Zeitdauer t die Steuerung von Normalmodus in einen Umschaltmodus oder Sondermodus versetzt, wobei der erforderliche Intensitätspegel derart festgelegt ist, daß er von einem in den Nahbereich der Detektionseinrichtung eingebrachten Gegenstand, wie eine Hand des Benutzers, erreicht wird.
Weitere Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den Ansprüchen 2 bis 7 angegeben.This object is achieved in that the controller is provided with a timer which, at the determined intensity level after a period of time t, switches the controller from normal mode to a switchover mode or special mode, the required intensity level being determined such that it changes from one to the other Object placed near the detection device, such as a hand of the user, is reached.
Further refinements of the invention are specified in claims 2 to 7.

Die mit der Erfindung erzielbaren Vorteile bestehen insbesondere darin, daß die Auswahl von besonderen Funktionen oder eine Änderung von Betriebsparametern der Steuerung ohne zusätzliche Hilfsmittel oder gar einem Öffnen bzw. einem Eingriff in die Wasserarmatur möglich ist. Außerdem kann auch die Steuerung vereinfacht werden, da besondere mechanische Schalter, Potentiometer oder Taster nicht mehr erforderlich sind, und diese Aufgaben von der Elektronik unmittelbar ausgeführt werden. Darüber hinaus unterliegt die vorgeschlagene Einstellmöglichkeit der Wasserarmaturensteuerung praktisch keinem Verschleiß, da sie berührungslos erfolgt und mechanische Schaltertaster oder eine besondere Reflektorkarte nicht benötigt wird.The advantages that can be achieved with the invention exist especially in that the selection of special Functions or a change in operating parameters control without additional aids or even one Opening or an intervention in the water fitting is possible. The control can also be simplified because there are special mechanical switches, potentiometers or buttons are no longer required, and these tasks are performed directly by the electronics become. In addition, the proposed one Adjustment possibility of the water valve control practically no wear, since it takes place without contact and mechanical switch buttons or a special one Reflector card is not required.

Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind in der Zeichnung dargestellt und werden im folgenden näher beschrieben. Es zeigt

Fig. 1
eine schematisch dargestellte Anordnung einer auf einem Waschtisch installierten Wasserauslaufarmatur in Seitenansicht;
Fig. 2
eine schematisch dargestellte Spüleinrichtung für ein Urinal in Seitenansicht.
Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are described in more detail below. It shows
Fig. 1
a schematically illustrated arrangement of a water outlet fitting installed on a washstand in side view;
Fig. 2
a schematically illustrated flushing device for a urinal in side view.

Bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 1 ist auf einem zum Teil dargestellten Waschtisch 7 eine Wasserauslaufarmatur 5 montiert. Die Wasserauslaufarmatur 5 ist mit einer oder mehreren Wasserzulaufleitungen verbunden - in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellt - , wobei der Wasseraustritt von einem, vorzugsweise in der Wasserauslaufarmatur integrierten Ventil mit einer elektronischen Steuerung und einer Detektionseinrichtung 1 bestimmt wird. Bei einer Öffnung des Ventils tritt an einem Mundstück 50 ein Wasserstrahl aus. Die Detektionseinrichtung 1 ist dabei so ausgelegt, daß bei einer Erfassung eines Körpers, z.B. eine Hand des Benutzers, mit einem Abstand knapp vor dem Auslaufmundstück 50 der Wasserausfluß der Wasserauslaufarmatur 5 aktiviert wird. Die Detektionseinrichtung 1 weist dabei einen Sender 2 auf, der vorzugsweise Infrarotlicht emittiert, und einen Empfänger 3, der das von einem Körper oder einer Hand des Benutzers reflektierte Infrarotlicht aufnimmt und ein Signal erzeugt, das der Steuerung zugeführt wird, von der nach einem Bewertungsvorgang der erforderliche Wasserdurchfluß veranlaßt wird. 1 is on one Washbasin 7 partially shown a water outlet fitting 5 mounted. The water outlet fitting 5 is with connected to one or more water supply pipes - not shown in the drawing - with the water leakage from one, preferably in the water outlet fitting integrated valve with an electronic Control and a detection device 1 determined becomes. When the valve opens, one occurs Mouthpiece 50 a jet of water. The detection device 1 is designed so that during detection of a body, e.g. a hand of the user with a distance just before the outlet mouthpiece 50 of the Water outflow of the water outlet fitting 5 activated becomes. The detection device 1 has one Transmitter 2, which preferably emits infrared light, and a receiver 3 which is from a body or infrared light reflected from a user's hand picks up and generates a signal that is fed to the controller which, after an evaluation process, the required water flow is caused.

Diesem Schaltabstand zur Aktivierung der Armatur entspricht ein definierter Empfangspegel des Empfängers.This switching distance for activating the valve corresponds a defined reception level of the receiver.

Nun ist es an sich bekannt, daß bei allen optischen Steuerungen nach einem sogenannten Abstandsintensitätsgesetz mit abnehmendem Reflektorabstand die Intensität des Reflexionssignals im Empfänger zunimmt, bzw. der Empfangspegel entsprechend erhöht wird. Dieser Effekt kann dazu verwendet werden, den Abstand eines Reflektors näherungsweise zu bestimmen. Wird nun beispielsweise eine Hand des Benutzers bewußt sehr nahe an die Detektionseinrichtung einer berühungslos gesteuerten Wasserarmatur geführt, so erhält man im Empfänger einen relativ hohen Empfangspegel als Reflexionssignal. Durch eine entsprechende Ablaufprogrammierung der Steuerung kann nun dieser hohe Intensitätspegel dazu verwendet werden, nach Ablauf einer bestimmten Mindestüberschreitungsdauer, während der dieser hohe Intensitätspegel detektiert wird, die Steuerung umzuschalten in einen Umschaltmodus bzw. Sondermodus.Now it is known per se that all optical Controls according to a so-called distance intensity law the intensity with decreasing reflector distance of the reflection signal in the receiver increases, or Reception level is increased accordingly. This effect can be used to adjust the distance of a reflector to determine approximately. Now, for example a user's hand deliberately very close to that Detection device of a non-contact controlled Water tap led, you get one in the receiver relatively high reception level as a reflection signal. By a corresponding sequence programming of the control this high intensity level can now be used after a certain minimum period of exceedance, during which this high intensity level is detected, the control switch to one Switching mode or special mode.

Bei der Wasserauslaufarmatur 5 ist hierbei ein Nahbereich 6 vorgesehen, der etwa einen Abstand von 5 cm bis 10 cm von der Detektionseinrichtung 1 aufweist. Die Steuerung ist hierbei mit einem Zeitschalter versehen und so ausgelegt, daß sie, wenn von einem Anwender oder Benutzer ein Gegenstand, beispielsweise die Hand des Benutzers, für mehr als 10 Sekunden in den Nahbereich 6 gebracht wird, die Steuerung in einen Sondermodus umschaltet, der nach Ablauf der Mindestüberschreitungsdauer von 10 Sekunden durch ein Lichtsignal einer Leuchtdiode 4, vorzugsweise durch ein schnelles Blinken, angezeigt wird. Entfernt der Anwender nun seine Hand aus dem Nahbereich 6, so signalisiert die Steuerung dieses, vorzugsweise durcheine zyklisch wiederholte Folge von
   1 Blinkimpuls - PAUSE - 2 Blinkimpulse - PAUSE - 3 Blinkimpulse - 1 Blinkimpuls - PAUSE - 2 ...In the case of the water outlet fitting 5, a near area 6 is provided, which is at a distance of approximately 5 cm to 10 cm from the detection device 1. The controller is provided with a timer and designed so that when a user or an object, such as the hand of the user, is brought into close range 6 for more than 10 seconds, the controller switches to a special mode that after the minimum exceeding period of 10 seconds has elapsed, is indicated by a light signal from a light-emitting diode 4, preferably by a rapid flashing. If the user now removes his hand from the near area 6, the control signals this, preferably by a cyclically repeated sequence of
1 flashing pulse - PAUSE - 2 flashing pulses - PAUSE - 3 flashing pulses - 1 flashing pulse - PAUSE - 2 ...

Bringt der Anwender in dieser Phase erneut seine Hand in den Nahbereich 6 der Detektionseinrichtung 1, so wird, je nachdem welche der drei Phasen (1 Blinkimpuls + PAUSE, 2 Blinkimpuls + PAUSE ...) gerade aktiv war, eine Nachlaufzeit von einer Sekunde, zwei Sekunden oder drei Sekunden eingestellt, in der der Wasserauslauf aus der Wasserauslaufarmatur 5 verlängert wird.In this phase, the user brings his hand again in the vicinity 6 of the detection device 1, see above depending on which of the three phases (1 flashing pulse + PAUSE, 2 flashes + PAUSE ...) was currently active, a lag time of one second, two seconds or three seconds in which the water spout turns off the water outlet fitting 5 is extended.

Durch eine entsprechende hierarchische Schachtelung von Verstellmodi (z. B. werden die o. a. drei Phasen nicht zur Änderung der Nachlaufzeit, sondern zur Auswahl von weiteren drei Einstellmodi verwendet) können nahezu beliebig viele Sonderfunktionen ausgewählt bzw. Systemparameter eingestellt werden. Jede Sonderfunktion kann ja ihrerseits wieder weitere Einstellfunktionen beinhalten. Der Anwender kann durch entsprechende, kennzeichnende Signalisierung über eine aktuelle Hierarchiestufe und/oder Verstellfunktion informiert werden (interaktive Systemparametriesierung).
Mittels der vorstehend beschriebenen Einrichtung läßt sich somit ein "virtueller" Tastschalter realisieren, mittels dem über Impulse (Überschreiten eines bestimmten Intensitätspegels für eine definierte Zeitdauer) oder Impulsgruppen (anfangs einem Überschreiten mit anschließendem Unterschreiten des bestimmten Intensitätspegels) unterschiedliche Programme der Armaturensteuerung aktiviert werden können.Appropriate hierarchical nesting of adjustment modes (e.g. the three phases above are not used to change the run-on time, but to select another three setting modes), almost any number of special functions can be selected or system parameters can be set. Each special function can in turn contain further setting functions. The user can be informed about a current hierarchy level and / or adjustment function by means of corresponding, characteristic signaling (interactive system parameterization).
By means of the device described above, a "virtual" push button switch can thus be implemented, by means of which different programs of the valve control can be activated via impulses (exceeding a certain intensity level for a defined period of time) or impulse groups (initially exceeding them and then falling below the certain intensity level).

Die eigentliche Auswahl von Sonderfunktionen und/oder Parameteränderungen der Steuerung kann auch beispielsweise dadurch erreicht werden, daß verschiedene Zeitfenster, während der der bestimmte Intensitätspegel vorliegen muß, mit unterschiedlichen Funktionen korreliert werden. Wird hierbei beispielsweise der bestimmte Intensitätspegel für einen Zeitraum t1 mit t1min < t1 < t1max erreicht oder überschritten, so wird nach Unterschreiten des Umschaltpegels die Funktion 1 aktiviert. Liegt der Umschaltpegel für einen Zeitraum t2 mit t1max< t2< t2max an, so wird anschließend Funktion 2 aktiviert usw.
Vorteilhaft ist hierbei ebenfalls, wenn die Steuerung, nachdem sie in den Umschaltmodus durch Aufrechterhalten des Umschaltpegels für die Mindestüberschreitungsdauer gebracht wurde, dem Anwender durch eine Signalisierung, z. B. Blinksignale oder Akustiksignale, die periodisch in zeitlich kurzem Abstand wiederholt wird, eine Auswahlmöglichkeit von mehreren Funktionen, die den Signalen zuordbar sind, angeboten werden, die dieser dann durch erneutes Initiieren des erforderlichen Intensitätspegels während des entsprechenden Signals auswählen kann. The actual selection of special functions and / or parameter changes of the control can also be achieved, for example, by correlating different time windows during which the specific intensity level must be present with different functions. If, for example, the determined intensity level is reached or exceeded for a period of time t 1 with t 1min <t 1 <t 1max , function 1 is activated after the switching level is undershot. If the changeover level is present for a period t 2 with t 1max <t 2 <t 2max , function 2 is then activated, etc.
It is also advantageous here if the control, after it has been brought into the switchover mode by maintaining the switchover level for the minimum period of exceedance, is signaled to the user, e.g. B. flashing signals or acoustic signals that are repeated periodically at short intervals, a choice of several functions that can be assigned to the signals are offered, which the latter can then select by re-initiating the required intensity level during the corresponding signal.

In der Fig. 2 der Zeichnung ist ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel angegeben, wobei eine Spüleinrichtung 15 für ein Urinal 17 schematisch dargestellt ist. Die Spüleinrichtung 15 ist mit einem Wasseranschluß 18 oberhalb eines zum Teil dargestellten Urinals 17 an einer Gebäudewand 8 angeordnet. Die Spüleinrichtung 15 ist dabei mit einem Spülrohr 19 mit dem Urinal 17 verbunden. An der Vorderseite der Spüleinrichtung 15 ist eine Detektionseinrichtung 10 ausgebildet, in der ein Sender 12 für Infrarotlicht und ein Empfänger 13 für das reflektierte Infrarotlicht angeordnet sind. Außerdem ist im Bereich der Detektionseinrichtung 10 eine Leuchtdiode 14 angeordnet.
Im Normalbetrieb wird von der Detektionseinrichtung ein Benutzer des Urinals 17 erfaßt und ein entsprechendes Signal an die Steuerung abgegeben, die nach einem Bewertungsvorgang eine erforderliche Spülung des Urinals 17 veranlaßt.
Wird nun vom Anwender ein Gegenstand oder die Hand des Anwenders zur Detektionseinrichtung 10 in einen Nahbereich 16 von etwa 5 cm bis 10 cm gebracht, so wird der erforderliche Intensitätspegel für die Umschaltung in den Sondermodus erreicht und die Leuchtdiode zeigt dieses durch ein dauerndes Leuchten an. Durch die nachfolgenden Schritte kann dann beispielsweise die Spülwassermenge über die Detektionseinrichtung 10 eingestellt werden.

  • 1. Hand 5 bis 10 cm vor die Sensorik halten. LED leuchtet dauernd.
  • 2. Nach ca. 10 sec beginnt die LED mit einem schnellen Blinken.
  • 3. Hand entfernen. LED zeigt nichts mehr an.
  • 4. Innerhalb der folgenden 20 sec Hand erneut 5 bis 10 cm vor die Sensorik halten.
  • 5. LED beginnt mit Blinkzeichen in einem Blink-Rhythmus:
    • Der Blink-Zeichen-Anzahl-Rhythmus läuft immer folgendermaßen:
      Zwei - Pause - Drei - Pause - ... - Sechs - Pause - Sieben - Pause - Zwei - Pause - Drei - Pause - ...
      Die Blink-Zeichen-Anzahl (BZA) ist einer Spülmenge proportional:
  • 6. Hand von der Sensorik entfernen, wenn BZA gewünschter Spülmenge entspricht. (siehe Tabelle)
  • 7. Es erfolgt eine Spülung mit einer relativen Spülmenge, die der zuletzt gezeigten BZA entspricht.
    • Während dieser Spülung wird über die LED mit der Blink-Zeichen-Anzahl die jetzt eingestellte relative Spülmenge signalisiert.
  • 8. Ist die erhaltene Spülmenge i.O., darf ca. 20 sec kein Objekt vor die Sensorik gebracht werden, wonach die Steuerung mit Speicherung der zuletzt erhaltenen Spülmenge als Nutzereinstellung in den Normalbetriebsmodus übergeht (ohne LED-Anzeigemodus, mit Sperrzeit, ...)
    • Ist jedoch die Spülmenge noch zu groß/zu klein, kann innerhalb von 20 sec nach Beginn der letzten Spülung erneut bei Punkt 4 begonnen werden.
    • Hand nun bei einer BZA entfernen, die kleiner /größer ist, als die zuletzt gezeigte.
    Blink-Zeichen-Zahl / Spülmenge Blink-Zeichen-Anzahl
    (BZA)     Spülmenge
    (+/- zur Werkseinstellung)     ca. l/min bei 3 bar
    (mit Drossel)         ** - 2 *** Werkseinstellung 3 **** + 4 ***** ++ 5 ****** +++ 6 ******* ++++ 7 ** - 2
    • A further exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 2 of the drawing, a flushing device 15 for a urinal 17 being shown schematically. The flushing device 15 is arranged on a building wall 8 with a water connection 18 above a urinal 17, which is shown in part. The flushing device 15 is connected to the flushing tube 19 with the urinal 17. A detection device 10 is formed on the front of the flushing device 15, in which a transmitter 12 for infrared light and a receiver 13 for the reflected infrared light are arranged. In addition, a light-emitting diode 14 is arranged in the area of the detection device 10.
    In normal operation, a user of the urinal 17 is detected by the detection device and a corresponding signal is sent to the control system which, after an evaluation process, causes the urinal 17 to be flushed.
    If the user brings an object or the hand of the user to the detection device 10 in a close range 16 of approximately 5 cm to 10 cm, the required intensity level for the switchover to the special mode is reached and the light-emitting diode indicates this by a constant glow. The following steps can then be used, for example, to set the flushing water quantity via the detection device 10.
  • 1. Hold your hand 5 to 10 cm in front of the sensor system. LED lights up continuously.
  • 2. After approx. 10 seconds the LED starts to flash rapidly.
  • 3. Remove hand. LED no longer indicates anything.
  • 4. Within the next 20 sec hand again hold 5 to 10 cm in front of the sensor system.
  • 5.LED starts with blinking in a blinking rhythm:
    • The blinking number rhythm always runs as follows:
      Two - break - three - break - ... - six - break - seven - break - two - break - three - break - ...
      The B link-Z oak N umber (BZA) is proportional to a flow volume:
  • 6. Remove the hand from the sensor system when the BZA corresponds to the desired flush volume. (see table)
  • 7. There is a flushing with a relative flushing amount that corresponds to the last shown BZA .
    • During this flushing is across the LED with the B link-Z oak N umber now set relative flush volume signaled.
  • 8. If the flush volume received is OK, no object may be brought in front of the sensor system for approx. 20 seconds, after which the control unit switches to normal operating mode when the last flush volume saved is saved (without LED display mode, with blocking time, ...)
    • However, if the flush volume is still too large / too small, you can start again at point 4 within 20 seconds after the start of the last flush.
    • Now remove the hand from a BZA that is smaller / larger than the one shown last.
    Flashing sign number / flush volume Blink-character number
    (BZA)     Flush volume
    (+/- to factory setting)     approx. l / min at 3 bar
    (with throttle)     ** - 2 *** Factory setting 3 **** + 4 ***** ++ 5 ****** +++ 6 ******* ++++ 7 ** - 2

    • Die vorstehend beschriebene Spüleinrichtung wird über eine Batterie mit elektrischer Energie versorgt. Die Inbetriebnahme oder ein Batteriewechsel der Spüleinrichtung kann hierbei in den nachfolgenden Schritten vorgenommen werden:
       Power-Up-Routine mit Anzeige einer Objekterfassung und Sofortspülung

  • 1) Aktiv: für ca. 3 min nach dem Einsetzen einer Batterie (mit ausreichender Spannung)
  • 2) Bei Eintritt in den voreingestellten Erfassungsbereich der Sensorik wird dieses durch die LED sofort angezeigt.
    • Anzeige LED mit Dauerleuchten solange ein Objekt (Körper) detektiert wird.
    • LED aus und Sofort-Spülung wenn kein Objekt mehr erfaßt wird.
    • Während der Spülung wird über die LED mit einer Blink-Zeichen-Anzahl (BZA) die relative Spülmenge signalisiert (Werkseinstellung = 3 Blinkzeichen).
    • The flushing device described above is supplied with electrical energy via a battery. The flushing device can be commissioned or the battery replaced in the following steps:
    Power-up routine with display of object detection and immediate flushing
  • 1) Active: for approx. 3 min after inserting a battery (with sufficient voltage)
  • 2) When entering the preset detection range of the sensor system, this is immediately indicated by the LED.
    • LED display with continuous lights as long as an object (body) is detected.
    • LED off and immediate rinsing when no object is detected.
    • During the purge is about the LED with a B link-Z oak N umber (BZA) the relative flow volume signals (default = 3 flashes).

    • Claims (7)

    1. Water fitting control having a detection device (1, 10), containing at least one transmitter (2,12) and a receiver (3, 13), with which the presence of a user is detected, evaluating electronics being provided with which an intensity-selective evaluation of the detection signal produced by the detection device (1, 10) is effected, wherein, from a specific intensity level onwards, the control switches over from the normal or working mode, in which the water throughput is controlled in dependence on the user, to the programming mode or special mode, characterised in that the control is provided with a time switch which, after a period t at the specific intensity level, switches the control from normal mode to a switch-over mode or special mode, the required intensity level being defined in such a way that it is achieved by an object, for example, the user's hand, brought into a local area (6, 16) of the detection device (1, 10).
    2. Water fitting control according to claim 1, characterised in that after a period t at the specific intensity level the time switch resets the control from switch-over mode or special mode to normal mode or working mode.
    3. Water fitting control according to claim 1, characterised in that the control is automatically switched over to normal mode or working mode after expiry of about 10 to 30 seconds, preferably 20 seconds, during which no object is detected in the local area (6, 16).
    4. Water fitting control according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the period t amounts to about 2 to 20 seconds, preferably 10 seconds, an indicator being provided in the control which indicates the switched-on special mode with a light signal and/or acoustic signal.
    5. Water fitting control according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the control comprises several time windows, during which different functions are selectable by producing the specific intensity level.
    6. Water fitting control according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the control in special mode offers the user, with corresponding indication by means of light signals and/or acoustic signals, which is repeated periodically at short intervals, the choice of several functions that are selectable during the indication signal by producing the specific intensity level.
    7. Water fitting control according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the local area (6, 16) amounts to about 5 to 10 cm from the detection device (1, 10).
    EP99103068A 1998-03-02 1999-02-17 Water fitting controller Expired - Lifetime EP0940507B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    DE19808459A DE19808459A1 (en) 1998-03-02 1998-03-02 Water valve control
    DE19808459 1998-03-02

    Publications (3)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0940507A2 EP0940507A2 (en) 1999-09-08
    EP0940507A3 EP0940507A3 (en) 1999-11-17
    EP0940507B1 true EP0940507B1 (en) 2003-10-01

    Family

    ID=7859198

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP99103068A Expired - Lifetime EP0940507B1 (en) 1998-03-02 1999-02-17 Water fitting controller

    Country Status (6)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP0940507B1 (en)
    AT (1) ATE251260T1 (en)
    DE (2) DE19808459A1 (en)
    DK (1) DK0940507T3 (en)
    ES (2) ES2209256T3 (en)
    PT (1) PT940507E (en)

    Families Citing this family (3)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    FR2828293B1 (en) * 2001-08-03 2003-12-12 Presto Robinets Sa METHOD FOR MODIFYING THE OPERATION OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE COMPRISING AN INFRARED DETECTION SYSTEM
    DE102004027948C5 (en) 2004-06-08 2010-01-28 Hansa Metallwerke Ag Sanitary fitting with a circuit arrangement
    DE102013020513A1 (en) * 2013-12-11 2015-06-11 Grohe Ag plumbing fixture

    Family Cites Families (4)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US4872485A (en) * 1987-12-23 1989-10-10 Coyne & Delany Co. Sensor operated water flow control
    DE4420335A1 (en) * 1994-06-10 1995-12-14 Grohe Armaturen Friedrich Water fitting controller
    IT1268853B1 (en) * 1994-11-08 1997-03-13 Ideal Standard SANITARY TAP FOR AUTOMATIC WATER DISPENSING
    DE19501014A1 (en) * 1995-01-14 1996-07-18 Grohe Armaturen Friedrich Automatic shower control

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    DK0940507T3 (en) 2004-02-09
    ES1042314Y (en) 2000-01-01
    ATE251260T1 (en) 2003-10-15
    EP0940507A3 (en) 1999-11-17
    DE19808459A1 (en) 1999-09-09
    EP0940507A2 (en) 1999-09-08
    ES2209256T3 (en) 2004-06-16
    ES1042314U (en) 1999-08-16
    DE59907141D1 (en) 2003-11-06
    PT940507E (en) 2004-02-27

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