EP1794378B1 - Sanitary fitting - Google Patents

Sanitary fitting Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1794378B1
EP1794378B1 EP05778904A EP05778904A EP1794378B1 EP 1794378 B1 EP1794378 B1 EP 1794378B1 EP 05778904 A EP05778904 A EP 05778904A EP 05778904 A EP05778904 A EP 05778904A EP 1794378 B1 EP1794378 B1 EP 1794378B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sanitary fitting
display device
sensor
fitting according
actuating element
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP05778904A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1794378A1 (en
Inventor
Horst Kunkel
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.)
Hansa Metallwerke AG
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Hansa Metallwerke AG
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Publication of EP1794378A1 publication Critical patent/EP1794378A1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
    • F21V33/0004—Personal or domestic articles
    • F21V33/004—Sanitary equipment, e.g. mirrors, showers, toilet seats or paper dispensers
    • 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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2105/00—Planar light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a sanitary fitting according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • Sanitary fittings are known as e.g. Taps operated by one or more controls with non-contact or touch-sensitive characteristics.
  • controls are used with sensors whose sensitivity is set so that they already respond to an approach by hand, so work without contact, or only when an actual touch the housing of the sanitary fitting respond, so work touch-sensitive.
  • sanitary fittings of the type mentioned go from the DE 38 12 736 A1 , of the WO 2004/011 142 A1 , of the US 2003/0 005 514 and the US 5,868,311 out.
  • This sanitary fittings in common is the fact that a successful operation of a control element of the sanitary fitting is mostly, but not always confirmed by an acknowledgment signal.
  • a user of the sanitary fitting is in some cases left in the dark about whether a desired operation has been detected or not. This could cause him to re-operate the sanitary fitting, which is superfluous at best, but may also lead to undesirable results.
  • the sanitary fitting has, as is known per se in the prior art, at least one operating element for operating the sanitary fitting, which contains a sensor with non-contact or touch-sensitive characteristic, which is arranged inside or below a transparent cover. Under the cover, a display device is provided, which is controlled by a control device. According to the invention, the control takes place in such a way that every approach of a user detected by the sensor is confirmed by an acknowledgment signal which results in a change in the display state consists of the control element.
  • the display device is a lighting device that changes its lighting state upon actuation of the control element. This allows safe operation even in low light conditions.
  • the display device contains an electroluminescent film.
  • electroluminescent films are durable, easy to maintain, space-saving and integrate into almost any structure. Further advantages of electroluminescent films are their low weight and low heat development. In addition, they are vibration and pressure insensitive and have a low power consumption. Electroluminescent films can be designed in virtually any shape. Separately guided supply lines can be used to independently operate different fields in a single foil.
  • the display device may also contain at least one light-emitting diode.
  • LEDs are durable, inexpensive and easy to control.
  • multicolored LEDs that can glow red or green, for example.
  • Such a multi-colored light-emitting diode can advantageously be driven in such a way that, in the unactuated state of the control element, it is in a color, e.g. Green, lit, thus intuitively signaling to the user that he can operate the control, and after a short time operation in a different color, e.g. Red, lights up, and thus signals the user that he has successfully operated the control element and now, for the time being, no renewed operation is necessary or even possible.
  • the operating element is designed as a capacitance sensor and comprises a conductive coating applied to the inside of the transparent cover.
  • the conductive coating may conveniently be electrically connected to the controller via an electrically conductive elastomeric member secured to the inside of the cover and a spring contact attached to a printed circuit board. This enables safe and aging-resistant contact even under harsh operating conditions in heavily used sanitary facilities.
  • control element is formed as an insert, which is embedded in the transparent cover. It is particularly well protected against corrosion due to moisture.
  • the display device is arranged on a printed circuit board, on the upper or lower side of which the control device is fastened and electrically connected to the display device via printed conductors located on the printed circuit board.
  • the use of printed circuit boards both as a support for control device and display device as well as their electrical interconnection allows easy and cost-effective production and proves to be very reliable.
  • FIG. 1a an operating element 10 is shown for a sanitary fitting.
  • a section A of FIG. 1a is in FIG. 1b shown enlarged.
  • a transparent cover 12 is attached on a base body 11 with a round profile, which is mounted as a head piece on the sanitary fitting.
  • a transparent cover 12 is attached on a base body 11 with a round profile, which is mounted as a head piece on the sanitary fitting.
  • a seal 16 Between cover 12 and main body 11 is a seal 16.
  • cover 12 is formed as an insert molded sensor 13 with non-contact characteristic.
  • Under the cover is a printed circuit board 17, on which a ring array of light-emitting diodes 14 and a microprocessor 15 are arranged.
  • the LEDs 14 are located at the edge of the cover 12 so that they are not obscured by the centrally located sensor 13.
  • the sensor 13 is connected via not shown, very thin and therefore virtually invisible contact wires with the circuit board 17. About arranged on the circuit board 17 traces sensor 13, microprocessor 15 and light emitting diodes 14 are electrically connected together.
  • the microprocessor 15 serves to control the sanitary fitting. If the sensor 13 detects an approach of, for example, a hand to the cover 12, the microprocessor opens an electrically actuated valve in the sanitary fitting and thus triggers a flow of water. In addition, the microprocessor 15 also controls the light emitting diodes 14 to light up in response to an approach to the cover 12 detected by the sensor 13, thereby signaling the user to successfully operate.
  • a two-color light-emitting diode for example, with red and green color can be used. This can be controlled so that it lights up in the ready state, for example, green and in response to an approach detected by the sensor 13 approach to the cover 12 as a signal for the successful operation of green to red.
  • FIG. 2a A second embodiment of a control panel 20 according to the invention for a sanitary fitting is in FIG. 2a shown.
  • a section B is in FIG. 2b shown enlarged.
  • Under a cover 22 made of glass is located as a display device an electroluminescent film 24.
  • a conductive coating 23 is applied, which serves as a capacitance sensor for detecting a contact of the cover 22.
  • Below the electroluminescent film 24 is a printed circuit board 27, which carries a microprocessor 25 on its underside.
  • the conductive coating 23 is connected to the printed circuit board 27 via a spring contact 29 mounted on the printed circuit board and an electrically conductive elastomeric part 28 fixed on the inside of the cover 22.
  • the conductive elastomer part 28 and the spring contact 29 provide a vibration-proof electrical contact.
  • the conductive coating 23 is either broken or self-transparent.
  • a capacitance sensor generally comprises two electrodes between which the capacitance is measured.
  • An approach to the electrodes changes the permeability in the vicinity of the electrodes and thus the capacitance of the sensor.
  • the two electrodes are formed by the conductive coating 23, which is divided into two fields for this purpose.
  • the microprocessor 25 evaluates a change in capacitance caused by touching the cover 22 between the two fields of the conductive coating 23 and controls a function of the sanitary device explained below. At the same time, the microprocessor 25 controls the electroluminescent film 24 in such a way that it changes its luminous state.
  • the electroluminescent foil 24 is a thin foil that is excited to glow by the application of a voltage.
  • the light source constructed as a flat capacitor is formed by a multiple coating.
  • the basic principle is a semiconductor phenomenon. Electrons are made by means of a AC voltage raised to a higher energy level and recombined in the visible range. Electroluminescent films are so-called Lambert radiators, ie they emit an approximately monochromatic light which is distributed uniformly over the entire surface.
  • the electroluminescent film 24 is operated with an alternating voltage between 125 V and 180 V at a frequency between 200 Hz and 1000 Hz.
  • the AC voltage is obtained with a small DC / AC converter (not shown) from an input voltage of 9-24 VDC.
  • FIG. 3a shows a third, in FIG. 3a Finally, shown embodiment is located under a cover 32 made of glass, a printed circuit board 37 with a light-emitting diode array 34 arranged thereon.
  • FIG. 3b shows an enlarged view of the section C.
  • a conductive coating 33 is again applied, which is connected via an attached on the inside of the cover 32, electrically conductive elastomer member 38 and attached to the circuit board spring contact 39 on the circuit board 37 is.
  • a diffusing screen 34 ' is additionally arranged.
  • the printed circuit board 35 On the underside of the printed circuit board 35 there is again a microprocessor which evaluates the capacitance of the electrodes formed by the conductive coating 34, controls a function of the sanitary fitting in the event of a change in capacitance and changes the luminous state of the LED array 34 as confirmation.
  • Figure 3c shows a plan view of the operating element 30.
  • the arranged on the printed circuit board 37 under the transparent cover 32 LED array 34 consists of 10 x 10 LEDs, which are provided by the microprocessor 35 individually controlled. This allows you to display different characters or numbers, as in Figure 3c By way of example, the number 1 can be represented.
  • the operating state of the sanitary fitting can thus also be represented with the light-emitting diode array 34. For example, with a scale from 0 to 9, the water quantity or the water temperature can be displayed and changed by +/- 1 with each operation.
  • the two panels 33a and 33b of the conductive coating 33 which serve as electrodes of the capacitance sensor.
  • the conductive coating is transparent so as not to obscure the LED array 34.
  • FIG. 4 Various sensor-controlled functions of a sanitary fitting are in FIG. 4 shown in a block diagram. Shown is a microprocessor 45, to the input side four sensors S1, S2, S3, S4 are connected with non-contact or touch-sensitive characteristics. At two outputs, the microprocessor 45 controls two electrically operated, analogously operating valves V1 and V2. Valve V1 serves as a hot water quantity valve and valve V2 as a cold water volume valve of a mixer in the sanitary fitting. Sensor S1 is for raising, sensor S2 for lowering the water temperature, sensor S3 for increasing and sensor S4 for decreasing the amount of water. The microprocessor 45 controls in small increments the flow of water through the two valves V1 and V2.
  • the microprocessor opens the hot water quantity valve V1 by an increment and at the same time closes the cold water quantity valve V2 by an increment.
  • the amount of water remains constant, but the water temperature of the mixed water jet is increased. Accordingly, a lowering of the water temperature on actuation of the sensor S2 works.
  • the sensors S3 and S4 both valves V1 and V2 are opened or closed by one increment, so as to increase or decrease the amount of water flowing out of the sanitary fitting.
  • sensors capacitance sensors can be used as in the embodiments.
  • other sensors such as e.g. Infrared sensors are used.
  • a plurality of sensors can be arranged under a cover.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Switches That Are Operated By Magnetic Or Electric Fields (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)
  • Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a sanitary fitting which comprises at least one actuating element ( 10, 20, 30 ) for actuating the sanitary fitting. Said actuating element comprises a contactless or contact-sensitive sensor ( 13, 23, 33 ) arranged inside or below a transparent cover ( 12, 22, 32 ). A display device ( 14, 24, 34 ) is mounted below said cover and is controlled by a control device ( 15, 25, 35 ) in such a manner that it changes its display status when the actuating element ( 10, 20, 30 ) is actuated, thereby confirming actuation.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Sanitärarmatur nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a sanitary fitting according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Bekannt sind Sanitärarmaturen wie z.B. Wasserhähne, die über ein oder mehrere Bedienelemente mit berührungsloser oder berührungssensitiver Charakteristik bedient werden. Bei solchen Sanitärarmaturen werden Bedienelemente mit Sensoren verwendet, deren Empfindlichkeit jeweils so eingestellt wird, dass sie bereits bei einer Annäherung mit der Hand ansprechen, also berührungslos arbeiten, oder aber erst bei einer tatsächlichen Berührung des Gehäuses der Sanitärarmatur ansprechen, also berührungssensitiv arbeiten.Sanitary fittings are known as e.g. Taps operated by one or more controls with non-contact or touch-sensitive characteristics. In such sanitary fittings controls are used with sensors whose sensitivity is set so that they already respond to an approach by hand, so work without contact, or only when an actual touch the housing of the sanitary fitting respond, so work touch-sensitive.

Je nach Art der Bedienung, wie z.B. An/Abstellen, Einstellen der Wassertemperatur oder Wassermenge etc., liegt zwischen Betätigung des Bedienelementes und der Auswirkung der Betätigung auf den Betriebszustand der Sanitärarmatur, also dem tatsächlichen An- oder Abstellen des Wasserausflusses oder einer Veränderung von Wassertemperatur oder Wassermenge, eine gewisse Zeitspanne, die länger als die Reaktionszeit des Benutzers sein kann. Dies kann den Benutzer dazu verleiten, das Bedienelement erneut zu betätigen. Eine solche Mehrfachbetätigung führt dann aber zu unerwünschten Resultaten.Depending on the type of operation, such. On / off, setting the water temperature or amount of water, etc., is between actuation of the control element and the effect of the operation on the operating state of the sanitary fitting, so the actual on or off of the water outflow or a change in water temperature or amount of water, a certain period of time can be longer than the user's reaction time. This may entice the user to re-operate the control. Such a multiple operation then leads to undesirable results.

Beispiele für Sanitärarmaturen der eingangs genannten Art gehen aus der DE 38 12 736 A1 , der WO 2004/011 142 A1 , der US 2003/0 005 514 und der US 5 868 311 hervor. Diesen Sanitärarmaturen gemeinsam ist der Umstand, dass eine erfolgreiche Betätigung eines Bedienelements der Sanitärarmatur zwar meistens, aber nicht immer durch ein Quittiersignal bestätigt wird. Dadurch wird ein Nutzer der Sanitärarmatur in manchen Fällen im Unklaren darüber gelassen, ob eine gewünschte Betätigung erkannt wurde oder nicht. Dies könnte ihn dazu veranlassen, die Sanitärarmatur erneut zu betätigen, was im besten Falle überflüssig ist, unter Umständen aber auch zu unerwünschten Resultaten führen kann.Examples of sanitary fittings of the type mentioned go from the DE 38 12 736 A1 , of the WO 2004/011 142 A1 , of the US 2003/0 005 514 and the US 5,868,311 out. This sanitary fittings in common is the fact that a successful operation of a control element of the sanitary fitting is mostly, but not always confirmed by an acknowledgment signal. As a result, a user of the sanitary fitting is in some cases left in the dark about whether a desired operation has been detected or not. This could cause him to re-operate the sanitary fitting, which is superfluous at best, but may also lead to undesirable results.

Natürlich sind auch Sanitärarmaturen bekannt, welche, wie die aus der US2004/0 032 749 bekannt gewordene, Annäherungsdetektion eines Benutzers nicht aufweisen.Of course, sanitary fittings are known, which, like those from the US2004 / 0 032 749 have become known, proximity detection of a user does not have.

Es ist daher eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine Sanitärarmatur der eingangs genannten Art derart weiterzubilden, dass bei ihr die Gefahr einer Mehrfachbetätigung durch einen Benutzer vermindert ist.It is therefore an object of the present invention to develop a sanitary fitting of the type mentioned in such a way that with her the risk of multiple operation is reduced by a user.

Die Aufgabe wird gelöst durch eine Sanitärarmatur mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen sind den abhängigen Ansprüchen zu entnehmen.The object is achieved by a sanitary fitting with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

Die Sanitärarmatur weist, wie dies im Stand der Technik an sich bekannt ist, mindestens ein Bedienelement zur Bedienung der Sanitärarmatur auf, das einen Sensor mit berührungsloser oder berührungssensitiver Charakteristik enthält, der innerhalb oder unterhalb einer transparenten Abdeckung angeordnet ist. Unter der Abdeckung ist eine Anzeigeeinrichtung vorgesehen, die von einer Steuereinrichtung angesteuert wird. Erfindungsgemäß erfolgt die Ansteuerung derart, dass jede vom Sensor detektierte Annäherung eines Benutzers durch ein Quittiersignal bestätigt wird, welches in einer Veränderung des Anzeigezustandes des Bedienelements besteht.The sanitary fitting has, as is known per se in the prior art, at least one operating element for operating the sanitary fitting, which contains a sensor with non-contact or touch-sensitive characteristic, which is arranged inside or below a transparent cover. Under the cover, a display device is provided, which is controlled by a control device. According to the invention, the control takes place in such a way that every approach of a user detected by the sensor is confirmed by an acknowledgment signal which results in a change in the display state consists of the control element.

Dadurch wird dem Benutzer jede erfolgreiche Betätigung des Bedienelementes optisch angezeigt. Er ist daher nicht mehr versucht, das Bedienelement mehrfach zu betätigen, wenn der gewünschte Erfolg eine gewisse Zeitspanne auf sich warten lässt. Indem das Bedienelement und die Anzeigeeinrichtung in räumlicher Nähe unter einer gemeinsamen transparenten Abdeckung angeordnet sind, wird eine Veränderung des Anzeigezustandes von einem Benutzer intuitiv sofort als Quittiersignal für die erfolgreiche Betätigung verstanden. Eine sichere Bedienung ist daher auch ungeübten Benutzern ohne weiteres möglich.As a result, the user is visually displayed each successful operation of the control element. He is therefore no longer tempted to operate the control element several times, if the desired success takes a certain amount of time. By placing the operating element and the display device in spatial proximity under a common transparent cover, a change of the display state by a user is intuitively understood immediately as an acknowledgment signal for the successful operation. Safe operation is therefore easily possible even for inexperienced users.

Vorzugsweise handelt es sich bei der Anzeigeeinrichtung um eine Leuchteinrichtung, die bei Betätigung des Bedienelementes ihren Leuchtzustand verändert. Dies ermöglicht eine sichere Bedienung auch bei schlechten Lichtverhältnissen.Preferably, the display device is a lighting device that changes its lighting state upon actuation of the control element. This allows safe operation even in low light conditions.

Vorteilhaft enthält die Anzeigeeinrichtung eine Elektrolumineszens-Folie. Solche Folien sind langlebig, wartungsfreundlich, Platz sparend und in nahezu jeden beliebigen Aufbau zu integrieren. Weitere Vorteile von Elektrolumineszens-Folien sind ihr geringes Gewicht und die geringe Wärmeentwicklung. Außerdem sind sie vibrations- und druckunempfindlich und weisen einen geringen Stromverbrauch auf. Elektrolumineszens-Folien können in praktisch beliebiger Form gestaltet werden. Über getrennt geführte Versorgungsleitungen können in einer Folie auch verschiedene Felder voneinander unabhängig betrieben werden.Advantageously, the display device contains an electroluminescent film. Such films are durable, easy to maintain, space-saving and integrate into almost any structure. Further advantages of electroluminescent films are their low weight and low heat development. In addition, they are vibration and pressure insensitive and have a low power consumption. Electroluminescent films can be designed in virtually any shape. Separately guided supply lines can be used to independently operate different fields in a single foil.

Alternativ kann die Anzeigeeinrichtung auch mindestens eine Leuchtdiode enthalten. Leuchtdioden sind langlebig, preiswert und einfach anzusteuern. Es gibt auch mehrfarbige Leuchtdioden, die beispielsweise rot oder grün leuchten können. Eine solche mehrfarbige Leuchtdiode kann vorteilhaft so angesteuert werde, dass sie im unbetätigten Zustand des Bedienelementes in einer Farbe, z.B. Grün, leuchtet, und so dem Benutzer intuitiv signalisiert, dass er das Bedienelement betätigen kann, und nach einer Betätigung für kurze Zeit in einer anderen Farbe, z.B. Rot, leuchtet, und so dem Benutzer signalisiert, dass er das Bedienelement erfolgreich betätigt hat und nun einstweilen keine erneute Betätigung nötig oder auch möglich ist.Alternatively, the display device may also contain at least one light-emitting diode. LEDs are durable, inexpensive and easy to control. There are also multicolored LEDs that can glow red or green, for example. Such a multi-colored light-emitting diode can advantageously be driven in such a way that, in the unactuated state of the control element, it is in a color, e.g. Green, lit, thus intuitively signaling to the user that he can operate the control, and after a short time operation in a different color, e.g. Red, lights up, and thus signals the user that he has successfully operated the control element and now, for the time being, no renewed operation is necessary or even possible.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung ist das Bedienelement als Kapazitätssensor ausgebildet und umfasst eine auf der Innenseite der transparenten Abdeckung aufgebrachte leitfähige Beschichtung. Dies ermöglicht einen besonders Platz sparenden Aufbau, erweist sich als sehr betriebssicher und gestattet eine kostengünstige und technisch wenig aufwendige Herstellung der Sanitärarmatur.In an advantageous embodiment, the operating element is designed as a capacitance sensor and comprises a conductive coating applied to the inside of the transparent cover. This allows a particularly space-saving design, proves to be very reliable and allows a cost-effective and technically inexpensive production of sanitary fitting.

Bei einer solchen Ausführung kann die leitfähige Beschichtung zweckmäßig über ein an der Innenseite der Abdeckung befestigtes, elektrisch leitendes Elastomerteil und einen an einer Leiterplatte angebrachten Federkontakt mit der Steuerungseinrichtung elektrisch verbunden werden. Dies ermöglicht einen sicheren und alterungsbeständigen Kontakt auch unter harten Einsatzbedingungen in viel genutzten Sanitäreinrichtungen.In such an embodiment, the conductive coating may conveniently be electrically connected to the controller via an electrically conductive elastomeric member secured to the inside of the cover and a spring contact attached to a printed circuit board. This enables safe and aging-resistant contact even under harsh operating conditions in heavily used sanitary facilities.

Vorteilhaft ist das Bedienelement als Einlegeteil ausgeformt, das in die transparente Abdeckung eingelassen ist. Es ist so besonders gut gegen Korrosion aufgrund Feuchtigkeitseinwirkung geschützt.Advantageously, the control element is formed as an insert, which is embedded in the transparent cover. It is particularly well protected against corrosion due to moisture.

Vorzugsweise ist die Anzeigeeinrichtung auf einer gedruckten Leiterplatte angeordnet, auf deren Ober- oder Unterseite auch die Steuerungseinrichtung befestigt und mit der Anzeigeeinrichtung über auf der Leiterplatte befindliche Leiterbahnen elektrisch verschaltet ist. Die Verwendung gedruckter Leiterplatten sowohl als Träger für Steuerungseinrichtung und Anzeigeeinrichtung als auch zu deren elektrischer Verschaltung ermöglicht eine einfache und kosteneffiziente Herstellung und erweist sich als sehr betriebssicher.Preferably, the display device is arranged on a printed circuit board, on the upper or lower side of which the control device is fastened and electrically connected to the display device via printed conductors located on the printed circuit board. The use of printed circuit boards both as a support for control device and display device as well as their electrical interconnection allows easy and cost-effective production and proves to be very reliable.

Im folgenden werden drei Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Figur 1a
ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Bedienele- mentes mit Anzeigeeinrichtung für eine Sanitär- armatur im Schnitt,
Figur 1b
eine Detailansicht des Ausschnitts A aus Figur 1a,
Figur 2a
ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines Bedienele- mentes mit Anzeigeeinrichtung für eine Sanitär- armatur im Schnitt,
Figur 2b
eine Detailansicht des Ausschnitts B aus Figur 2a,
Figur 3a
ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Bedienele- mentes mit Anzeigeeinrichtung für eine Sanitär- armatur im Schnitt,
Figur 3b
eine Detailansicht des Ausschnitts C aus Figur 3a,
Figur 3c
eine Draufsicht auf das Bedienelement aus Figur 3a, und
Figur 4
ein Beispiel einer Schaltungsanordnung für die Bedienung einer Sanitärarmatur über vier Bedien- elemente mit berührungsloser oder berührungs- sensitiver Charakteristik.
In the following three embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:
FIG. 1a
a first embodiment of an operating element with display device for a sanitary fitting in section,
FIG. 1b
a detailed view of the section A from FIG. 1a .
FIG. 2a
A second embodiment of an operating element with display device for a sanitary fitting in section,
FIG. 2b
a detailed view of the section B from FIG. 2a .
FIG. 3a
A third embodiment of an operating element with display device for a sanitary fitting in section,
FIG. 3b
a detailed view of the section C from FIG. 3a .
Figure 3c
a plan view of the control FIG. 3a , and
FIG. 4
an example of a circuit arrangement for the operation of a sanitary fitting via four control elements with non-contact or contact-sensitive characteristic.

In Figur 1a ist ein Bedienelement 10 für eine Sanitärarmatur gezeigt. Ein Ausschnitt A der Figur 1a ist in Figur 1b vergrößert dargestellt. Auf einem Grundkörper 11 mit rundem Profil, der als Kopfstück auf die Sanitärarmatur montiert wird, ist eine transparente Abdeckung 12 befestigt. Zwischen Abdeckung 12 und Grundkörper 11 befindet sich eine Dichtung 16. In die Abdeckung 12 ist ein als Einlegeteil ausgeformter Sensor 13 mit berührungsloser Charakteristik eingelassen. Unter der Abdeckung befindet sich eine gedruckte Leiterplatte 17, auf der ein Ringarray von Leuchtdioden 14 und ein Mikroprozessor 15 angeordnet sind. Die Leuchtdioden 14 befinden sich am Rand der Abdeckung 12, damit sie nicht von dem mittig angeordneten Sensor 13 verdeckt werden.In FIG. 1a an operating element 10 is shown for a sanitary fitting. A section A of FIG. 1a is in FIG. 1b shown enlarged. On a base body 11 with a round profile, which is mounted as a head piece on the sanitary fitting, a transparent cover 12 is attached. Between cover 12 and main body 11 is a seal 16. In the cover 12 is formed as an insert molded sensor 13 with non-contact characteristic. Under the cover is a printed circuit board 17, on which a ring array of light-emitting diodes 14 and a microprocessor 15 are arranged. The LEDs 14 are located at the edge of the cover 12 so that they are not obscured by the centrally located sensor 13.

Der Sensor 13 ist über nicht gezeigte, sehr dünne und daher praktisch unsichtbare Kontaktdrähte mit der Leiterplatte 17 verbunden. Über auf der Leiterplatte 17 angeordnete Leiterbahnen sind Sensor 13, Mikroprozessor 15 und Leuchtdioden 14 elektrisch miteinander verbunden.The sensor 13 is connected via not shown, very thin and therefore virtually invisible contact wires with the circuit board 17. About arranged on the circuit board 17 traces sensor 13, microprocessor 15 and light emitting diodes 14 are electrically connected together.

Der Mikroprozessor 15 dient zur Steuerung der Sanitärarmatur. Detektiert der Sensor 13 eine Annäherung beispielsweise einer Hand an die Abdeckung 12, so öffnet der Mikroprozessor ein elektrisch betätigtes Ventil in der Sanitärarmatur und löst so einen Wasserfluss aus. Daneben steuert der Mikroprozessor 15 auch die Leuchtdioden 14 derart an, dass sie als Reaktion auf eine vom Sensor 13 detektierte Annäherung an die Abdeckung 12 aufleuchten und dem Benutzer so die erfolgreiche Betätigung signalisieren.The microprocessor 15 serves to control the sanitary fitting. If the sensor 13 detects an approach of, for example, a hand to the cover 12, the microprocessor opens an electrically actuated valve in the sanitary fitting and thus triggers a flow of water. In addition, the microprocessor 15 also controls the light emitting diodes 14 to light up in response to an approach to the cover 12 detected by the sensor 13, thereby signaling the user to successfully operate.

Anstelle einer einfachen Leuchtdiode 14 kann auch eine zweifarbige Leuchtdiode, beispielsweise mit roter und grüner Farbe verwendet werden. Diese kann so angesteuert werden, dass sie im betriebsbereiten Zustand beispielsweise grün leuchtet und als Reaktion auf eine vom Sensor 13 detektierte Annäherung an die Abdeckung 12 als Signal für die erfolgreiche Betätigung von Grün auf Rot wechselt.Instead of a simple light-emitting diode 14, a two-color light-emitting diode, for example, with red and green color can be used. This can be controlled so that it lights up in the ready state, for example, green and in response to an approach detected by the sensor 13 approach to the cover 12 as a signal for the successful operation of green to red.

Ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Bedienteils 20 für eine Sanitärarmatur ist in Figur 2a gezeigt. Ein Ausschnitt B ist in Figur 2b vergrößert dargestellt. Unter einer Abdeckung 22 aus Glas befindet sich als Anzeigeeinrichtung eine Elektrolumineszens-Folie 24. An der Innenseite der Abdeckung 22 ist eine leitfähige Beschichtung 23 aufgebracht, die als Kapazitätssensor zum Detektieren einer Berührung der Abdeckung 22 dient. Unterhalb der Elektrolumineszens-Folie 24 befindet sich eine gedruckte Leiterplatte 27, die auf ihrer Unterseite einen Mikroprozessor 25 trägt. Über einen auf der Leiterplatte angebrachten Federkontakt 29 und ein auf der Innenseite der Abdeckung 22 befestigtes, elektrisch leitendes Elastomerteil 28 ist die leitfähige Beschichtung 23 mit der Leiterplatte 27 verbunden. Das leitende Elastomerteil 28 und der Federkontakt 29 sorgen für einen vibrationssicheren elektrischen Kontakt.A second embodiment of a control panel 20 according to the invention for a sanitary fitting is in FIG. 2a shown. A section B is in FIG. 2b shown enlarged. Under a cover 22 made of glass is located as a display device an electroluminescent film 24. On the inside of the cover 22, a conductive coating 23 is applied, which serves as a capacitance sensor for detecting a contact of the cover 22. Below the electroluminescent film 24 is a printed circuit board 27, which carries a microprocessor 25 on its underside. The conductive coating 23 is connected to the printed circuit board 27 via a spring contact 29 mounted on the printed circuit board and an electrically conductive elastomeric part 28 fixed on the inside of the cover 22. The conductive elastomer part 28 and the spring contact 29 provide a vibration-proof electrical contact.

Um die Elektrolumineszens-Folie 24 nicht zu verdecken, ist die leitfähige Beschichtung 23 entweder durchbrochen oder selbst transparent.In order not to obscure the electroluminescent film 24, the conductive coating 23 is either broken or self-transparent.

Ein Kapazitätssensor umfasst allgemein zwei Elektroden, zwischen denen die Kapazität gemessen wird. Eine Annäherung an die Elektroden ändert die Permeabilität in der Nähe der Elektroden und damit die Kapazität des Sensors. Im vorliegenden Fall werden die beiden Elektroden durch die leitfähige Beschichtung 23 gebildet, die zu diesem Zweck in zwei Felder eingeteilt ist. Der Mikroprozessor 25 wertet eine durch Berührung der Abdeckung 22 hervorgerufene Kapazitätsänderung zwischen den beiden Feldern der leitfähigen Beschichtung 23 aus und steuert eine weiter unten erläuterte Funktion der Sanitäreinrichtung. Gleichzeitig steuert der Mikroprozessor 25 die Elektrolumineszens-Folie 24 derart an, dass diese ihren Leuchtzustand verändert.A capacitance sensor generally comprises two electrodes between which the capacitance is measured. An approach to the electrodes changes the permeability in the vicinity of the electrodes and thus the capacitance of the sensor. In the present case, the two electrodes are formed by the conductive coating 23, which is divided into two fields for this purpose. The microprocessor 25 evaluates a change in capacitance caused by touching the cover 22 between the two fields of the conductive coating 23 and controls a function of the sanitary device explained below. At the same time, the microprocessor 25 controls the electroluminescent film 24 in such a way that it changes its luminous state.

Die Elektrolumineszens-Folie 24 ist eine dünne Folie, die durch das Anlegen einer Spannung zum Leuchten angeregt wird. Auf einer als Träger dienenden Polyesterfolie ist durch eine Mehrfachbeschichtung die als Flachkondensator aufgebaute Lichtquelle ausgebildet. Das Grundprinzip ist ein Halbleiterphänomen. Elektronen werden mittels einer Wechselspannung in ein höheres Energieniveau gehoben und rekombinieren im sichtbaren Bereich. Elektrolumineszens-Folien sind so genannte Lambertstrahler, d.h. sie geben ein annähern monochromatisches Licht ab, das über die gesamte Fläche völlig gleichmäßig verteilt ist.The electroluminescent foil 24 is a thin foil that is excited to glow by the application of a voltage. On a polyester film serving as a carrier, the light source constructed as a flat capacitor is formed by a multiple coating. The basic principle is a semiconductor phenomenon. Electrons are made by means of a AC voltage raised to a higher energy level and recombined in the visible range. Electroluminescent films are so-called Lambert radiators, ie they emit an approximately monochromatic light which is distributed uniformly over the entire surface.

Die Elektrolumineszens-Folie 24 wird mit einer Wechselspannung zwischen 125 V und 180 V bei einer Frequenz zwischen 200 Hz und 1000 Hz betrieben. Die Wechselspannung wird mit einem kleinen DC/AC-Converter (nicht gezeigt) aus einer Eingangsspannung von 9 - 24 VDC gewonnen.The electroluminescent film 24 is operated with an alternating voltage between 125 V and 180 V at a frequency between 200 Hz and 1000 Hz. The AC voltage is obtained with a small DC / AC converter (not shown) from an input voltage of 9-24 VDC.

Bei einem dritten, in Figur 3a gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel schließlich befindet sich unter einer Abdeckung 32 aus Glas eine gedruckte Leiterplatte 37 mit einem darauf angeordneten Leuchtdiodenfeld 34. Figur 3b zeigt eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Ausschnittes C. Auf der Innenseite der Glasabdeckung 32 ist wieder eine leitfähige Beschichtung 33 aufgebracht, die über ein auf der Innenseite der Abdeckung 32 befestigtes, elektrisch leitendes Elastomerteil 38 und einen mit der Leiterplatte angebrachten Federkontakt 39 auf der Leiterplatte 37 verbunden ist. Zwischen Leuchtdiodenfeld 34 und Abdeckung 32 ist zusätzlich noch eine Streuscheibe 34' angeordnet. An der Unterseite der Leiterplatte 35 befindet sich wieder ein Mikroprozessor, der die Kapazität der von der leitfähigen Beschichtung 34 gebildeten Elektroden auswertet, bei einer Veränderung der Kapazität eine Funktion der Sanitärarmatur steuert und als Bestätigung den Leuchtzustand des Leuchtdiodenfeld 34 ändert.At a third, in FIG. 3a Finally, shown embodiment is located under a cover 32 made of glass, a printed circuit board 37 with a light-emitting diode array 34 arranged thereon. FIG. 3b shows an enlarged view of the section C. On the inside of the glass cover 32, a conductive coating 33 is again applied, which is connected via an attached on the inside of the cover 32, electrically conductive elastomer member 38 and attached to the circuit board spring contact 39 on the circuit board 37 is. Between light-emitting diode array 34 and cover 32, a diffusing screen 34 'is additionally arranged. On the underside of the printed circuit board 35 there is again a microprocessor which evaluates the capacitance of the electrodes formed by the conductive coating 34, controls a function of the sanitary fitting in the event of a change in capacitance and changes the luminous state of the LED array 34 as confirmation.

Figur 3c zeigt eine Draufsicht auf das Bedienelement 30. Das auf der gedruckten Leiterplatte 37 unter der transparenten Abdeckung 32 angeordnete Leuchtdiodenfeld 34 besteht aus 10 x 10 Leuchtdioden, die von dem Mikroprozessor 35 einzeln angesteuert werden. Dadurch lassen sich verschiedene Zeichen oder Zahlen anzeigen, wie in Figur 3c beispielhaft dargestellt die Zahl 1. Mit dem Leuchtdiodenfeld 34 kann somit auch der Bedienzustand der Sanitärarmatur dargestellt werden. So kann beispielsweise mit einer Skala von 0 bis 9 die Wassermenge oder die Wassertemperatur angezeigt und bei jeder Bedienung um +/-1 verändert werden. In Figur 3c sind auch die beiden Felder 33a und 33b der leitfähigen Beschichtung 33 gezeigt, die als Elektroden des Kapazitätssensor dienen. Die leitfähige Beschichtung ist transparent, um das Leuchtdiodenfeld 34 nicht zu verdecken. Figure 3c shows a plan view of the operating element 30. The arranged on the printed circuit board 37 under the transparent cover 32 LED array 34 consists of 10 x 10 LEDs, which are provided by the microprocessor 35 individually controlled. This allows you to display different characters or numbers, as in Figure 3c By way of example, the number 1 can be represented. The operating state of the sanitary fitting can thus also be represented with the light-emitting diode array 34. For example, with a scale from 0 to 9, the water quantity or the water temperature can be displayed and changed by +/- 1 with each operation. In Figure 3c Also shown are the two panels 33a and 33b of the conductive coating 33 which serve as electrodes of the capacitance sensor. The conductive coating is transparent so as not to obscure the LED array 34.

Verschiedene sensorgesteuerte Funktionen einer Sanitärarmatur sind in Figur 4 in einem Blockschaltbild dargestellt. Gezeigt ist ein Mikroprozessor 45, an den eingangsseitig vier Sensoren S1, S2, S3, S4 mit berührungsloser oder berührungssensitiver Charakertistik angeschlossen sind. An zwei Ausgängen steuert der Mikroprozessor 45 zwei elektrisch betriebene, analog arbeitende Ventile V1 und V2 an. Ventil V1 dient als Warmwassermengenventil und Ventil V2 als Kaltwassermengenventil eines Mischers in der Sanitärarmatur. Sensor S1 dient zum Erhöhen, Sensor S2 zum Erniedrigen der Wassertemperatur, Sensor S3 zum Erhöhen und Sensor S4 zum Erniedrigen der Wassermenge. Der Mikroprozessor 45 steuert in kleinen Inkrementen den Wasserdurchfluss durch die beiden Ventile V1 und V2. Wird beispielsweise Sensor S1 betätigt, was einer Erhöhung der Wassertemperatur entspricht, so öffnet der Mikroprozessor das Warmwassermengenventil V1 um ein Inkrement und schließt gleichzeitig das Kaltwassermengenventil V2 um ein Inkrement. Dadurch bleibt die Wassermenge konstant, die Wassertemperatur des gemischten Wasserstrahls jedoch wird erhöht. Entsprechend funktioniert eine Erniedrigung der Wassertemperatur bei Betätigung des Sensors S2. Bei Betätigung der Sensoren S3 und S4 werden beide Ventile V1 und V2 um jeweils ein Inkrement geöffnet bzw. geschlossen, um so die aus der Sanitärarmatur ausfließende Wassermenge zu erhöhen bzw. zu erniedrigen.Various sensor-controlled functions of a sanitary fitting are in FIG. 4 shown in a block diagram. Shown is a microprocessor 45, to the input side four sensors S1, S2, S3, S4 are connected with non-contact or touch-sensitive characteristics. At two outputs, the microprocessor 45 controls two electrically operated, analogously operating valves V1 and V2. Valve V1 serves as a hot water quantity valve and valve V2 as a cold water volume valve of a mixer in the sanitary fitting. Sensor S1 is for raising, sensor S2 for lowering the water temperature, sensor S3 for increasing and sensor S4 for decreasing the amount of water. The microprocessor 45 controls in small increments the flow of water through the two valves V1 and V2. If, for example, sensor S1 is actuated, which corresponds to an increase in the water temperature, then the microprocessor opens the hot water quantity valve V1 by an increment and at the same time closes the cold water quantity valve V2 by an increment. As a result, the amount of water remains constant, but the water temperature of the mixed water jet is increased. Accordingly, a lowering of the water temperature on actuation of the sensor S2 works. When pressed the sensors S3 and S4 both valves V1 and V2 are opened or closed by one increment, so as to increase or decrease the amount of water flowing out of the sanitary fitting.

Als Sensoren können wie in den Ausführungsbeispielen Kapazitätssensoren eingesetzt werden. Alternativ können aber auch andere Sensoren wie z.B. Infrarotsensoren verwendet werden. Selbstverständlich können unter einer Abdeckung auch mehrere Sensoren angeordnet sein.As sensors capacitance sensors can be used as in the embodiments. Alternatively, however, other sensors such as e.g. Infrared sensors are used. Of course, a plurality of sensors can be arranged under a cover.

Claims (8)

  1. Sanitary fitting with at least one actuating element (10; 20; 30) for actuating the sanitary fitting, which element comprises a sensor (13; 23; 33) of a contactless or contact-sensitive nature,
    wherein
    the sensor (13; 23; 33) is arranged inside or below a transparent cover (12; 22; 32) and wherein
    below the transparent cover (12; 22; 32) a display device (14; 24; 34) is provided,
    which is controlled by a control device (15; 25; 35)
    characterized in that
    each successful actuation of the actuating element (10; 20; 30) is confirmed by a confirmation signal, which consists in a change of the display status of the actuating element (10; 20; 30).
  2. Sanitary fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that the display device (14; 24; 34) is an illuminated device, which on actuation of the actuating element (10; 20; 30) changes its illumination status.
  3. Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display device (24) has an electroluminescent film.
  4. Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display device (14; 34) comprises at least one preferably multicoloured light-emitting diode.
  5. Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (23; 33) is formed as a capacitance sensor and comprises a conductive coating applied to the inside of the transparent cover (22; 32).
  6. Sanitary fitting according to claim 5, characterized in that the conductive coating (23; 33) is connected electrically to the control device (15; 25; 35) via at least one electrically conductive elastomer part (28; 38) attached to the inside of the cover (22; 32) and a spring contact (29; 39) fitted on a circuit board (27; 37).
  7. Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (13) is formed as an inlaid part that is embedded in the transparent cover (12).
  8. Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display device (14; 24; 34) is arranged on a printed circuit board (17; 27; 37), to the upper or lower side of which the control device (15; 25; 35) is also attached and is electrically wired to the display device (14; 24; 34) via printed conductors situated on the circuit board (17; 27; 37).
EP05778904A 2004-09-20 2005-08-20 Sanitary fitting Not-in-force EP1794378B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102004045489A DE102004045489B4 (en) 2004-09-20 2004-09-20 plumbing fixture
PCT/EP2005/009014 WO2006032336A1 (en) 2004-09-20 2005-08-20 Sanitary fitting

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1794378A1 EP1794378A1 (en) 2007-06-13
EP1794378B1 true EP1794378B1 (en) 2009-07-22

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ID=35311396

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05778904A Not-in-force EP1794378B1 (en) 2004-09-20 2005-08-20 Sanitary fitting

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US (1) US20080283785A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1794378B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101023224A (en)
AT (1) ATE437272T1 (en)
DE (2) DE102004045489B4 (en)
WO (1) WO2006032336A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20080283785A1 (en) 2008-11-20
DE102004045489A1 (en) 2006-04-06
WO2006032336A1 (en) 2006-03-30
DE102004045489B4 (en) 2008-08-21
CN101023224A (en) 2007-08-22
EP1794378A1 (en) 2007-06-13
DE502005007755D1 (en) 2009-09-03
ATE437272T1 (en) 2009-08-15

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