EP2004919A2

EP2004919A2 - Fitting controller for wash basins

Info

Publication number: EP2004919A2
Application number: EP07727699A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Edo Lang; Roland Obrist
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-11
Filing date: 2007-04-03
Publication date: 2008-12-24
Also published as: WO2007118791A2; WO2007118791A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a controller (1) for wash basin fittings (2), comprising connections for cold water (4) and hot water (5) and at least one valve arrangement (6) providing a closed position for each of the cold and hot water connections (4,5) and at least one open position each. The controller (1) comprises at least two sensors (7,9), arranged behind corresponding markings (17) on a surface of the wash basin (3) on the reverse side of the wash basin material and which each generate a measuring field (10,12) passing through said wash basin material for detection of control movements of body parts (13) of an operator. Said controller (1) is characterised in being provided with at least three functional spaces (14, 15,16) all outside the region of the water stream flowing into the wash basin and connecting to the wash basin (3) at the point where markings (17) corresponding to said functional spaces (14,15, 16) are applied. at least two outer functional spaces (14,16) thus each delimit only a part of a single outer measuring space (10,12) of low volume, limited to a region outside that of the water flowing into the wash basin by means of a threshold. The controller (1) is designed such that entry into one of said functional spaces (14, 15,16), or an approach to or touching of said markings (17), by an operator with a body part (13) activates the controller (1) to bring the valve arrangement (6) into an open position for one of both of the cold and warm water connections (4,5).

Description

Valve control for sink

The invention relates according to the preamble of independent claim 1, a control for fittings of washbasins. Such basin fittings include connections for cold water and hot water and at least one valve arrangement, which provides for each of the cold and hot water connections a closing position and at least one open position. The controller comprises at least two sensors which are arranged behind corresponding markings arranged on a surface of the wash basin at the rear side of the sink material. These sensors each produce a measuring field penetrating this sink material for detecting control movements of body parts of an operator. The invention also relates to a washing device with a washbasin and a corresponding control and, according to the preamble of the independent claim 12, a method for controlling a washbasin fitting in which such a control is used.

The non-contact control of the water temperature and the water flow in the operation of an automated hand wash basin is known for example from the European patent EP 1 322 822 Bl. It has been found that the marking of virtual control elements makes dealing with such an external Automated washbasin especially greatly simplified when a person wants to make use of this sink for the first time. As at least partially virtual control elements touch-sensitive screens, so-called "touch screens" or membrane keypads from the prior art are known However, such controls are very expensive and can easily by mechanical action (eg vandalism in public areas) or chemical action (eg Detergent) are damaged.

From WO 94/00645 Al, the contactless control of the water flow in the operation of an automated hand washbasin is known. However, there the body of the user is used as a transmitter between an electrostatic transmitter and a corresponding receiver. This document also discloses electrostatic sensor fields whose contact allows a change in the water temperature.

From DE 43 24 512 Al a non-contact sanitary device is known, which includes based on the Doppler effect radar motion detector to control their operation. A disadvantage of this arrangement can be seen in that the relatively expensive radar movement detector or sensors must be arranged in a complex manner protected against the action of water.

The object of the present invention was to propose an alternative control for sink fittings, which is invisible to the consumer, whose operation requires no effort and is insensitive to mechanical and chemical influences.

This object is achieved by the present invention by proposing a controller having the features of independent claim 1 according to a first aspect. This control for faucets of washbasin of the type described above comprises at least two sensors behind the corresponding, arranged on a surface of the washbasin markings the back of the sink material are arranged. These sensors each generate a measuring field penetrating this basin material for detecting control movements of body parts of an operator. The control according to the invention is characterized in that it is assigned at least three functional spaces, all of which lie outside the area of the water jet flowing into the washbasin and connect there to the washbasin, where appropriate marks are applied to these functional spaces, at least two outer functional rooms each being made Finally, a part of a single external, bordered by a threshold on an area outside of the water jet flowing into the sink limited, small-scale measuring field include, and wherein the controller is designed so that an intrusion into one of these functional spaces, ie an approach or touch at least one of these marks, by an operator with one of their body parts, cause the control to bring the valve arrangement into an open position for one or both of the cold and hot water connections.

Preferred and inventive variants of this control result from the dependent claims 2 to 5. Preferred washing devices with a sink and such a control result from the dependent claims 6 to 11.

This object is achieved by the present invention by proposing a method for controlling a sink fitting with the features of independent claim 12 according to a second aspect. This method is based on the use of the aforementioned control and is characterized in that an operator with one of their body parts, by approaching or touching a mark, penetrates into one of the at least three functional spaces, which are assigned to the control and all outside the range of lie in the sink flowing jet of water and connect there to the sink, where appropriate function marks corresponding marks are arranged. At least two outer functional spaces each exclude only a part of a single outer, by one Threshold limited to an area outside of the water jet flowing into the sink limited, small-scale measuring field. In response to approaching or touching a mark, the controller places the valve assembly in an open position for one or both of the cold and hot water ports. Preferred and inventive variants of this process are evident from the dependent claims 13 to 18.

Advantages of the control according to the invention include:

• The presence of virtual controls that require a close approach or a light tap with a finger or other part of the body of a user or operator results in a reliable control of the water temperature without any effort.

• The arrangement and design of the basically immovable and absolutely virtual controls is individual.

• If the virtual control elements are applied before the last protective layer of the washbasin (eg before the glaze of a ceramic washbasin) or behind the washstand wall (eg on the back of a glass washbasin or DuPont Corian ^® ), they are insensitive to mechanical damage and chemical influences of all kinds.

• The detection of the control movements of body parts of an operator is carried out through the wall of the washbasin and is virtually radiation-free thanks to the small-area measuring fields.

In the following, the inventive sink fitting control will be described with reference to exemplary and not limiting the scope of the invention, schematic drawings. Showing:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a sink with a controller according to a first embodiment with two sensors and along a horizontal line on the inner surface of the washbasin arranged markings. - -

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a washbasin with a control according to a second embodiment with three sensors, and with markings arranged as in FIG. 1; FIG.

Figure 3 is a plan view of a washbasin with a control according to a first or second embodiment, wherein the markings along a horizontal line and in a group on the surface of the washbasin are arranged.

FIG. 4A shows an alternative plan view of a washbasin with a control according to a second embodiment, and with markings distributed on the surface of the washbasin; FIG.

4B an alternative plan view of a washbasin with a control according to a first or second embodiment, and with markings arranged on the upper surface of the washbasin in a group;

FIG. 5A shows a side view of a washbasin with a control and marking arrangement as in FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG.

Fig. 5B is an alternative side view of a washbasin with a controller according to a first or second embodiment, and arranged on the outer surface of the washbasin in a group markings.

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a washbasin 3 with a control 1 according to a first embodiment with two sensors 7, 9 and with markings 17 arranged along a horizontal line 21 on the inner surface 18 of the washbasin 3. The fitting 2 of this washbasin 3 comprises a connection for cold water 4 and a hot water connection 5. - -

In the context of the present invention, washbasin faucets include 2 outlets attached to the washbasin supporting wall 28 (see Figures 1 and 2); Outlets, which are placed on the sink 3 (see Figures 3 to 5); and spouts sunk into or flush with one of the sink surfaces.

In addition, this sink fitting 2 comprises at least one valve assembly 6, which each provides a closed position and at least one open position for the cold and hot water connections 4.5. This valve arrangement 6 comprises an individual valve for each individual water connection or a mixing valve for the cold and hot water connections 4,5. Suitable controllable valves for this valve arrangement 6 are known per se and are selected from a group comprising sliding bolt, proportional and lifting valves. These valves are e.g. moved by means of magnets, electric, pneumatic or hydraulic.

The controller 1 comprises at least two sensors 7, 9 which are arranged behind corresponding markings 17 arranged on the inner surface of the washbasin 3. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, these two sensors 7, 9 are arranged on the rear side of the wash basin. If the washbasin is designed as a ceramic niche (not shown), the sensors 7, 9 are arranged at a corresponding location and also invisible to the operator behind at least one of the ceramic plates. In any case, these sensors 7, 9 generate a measuring field 10, 12 penetrating this sink material for detecting control movements of body parts 13 of an operator.

According to the invention, the controller 1 is assigned at least three functional spaces 14, 15, 16, which connect there to the washbasin 3, where corresponding functional markings 17 are attached to these functional spaces 14, 15, 16. At least the two outer functional spaces 14, 16 each include only a part of a single external measuring field 10, 12 limited by a threshold, so that an intrusion into one of these functional areas 14,16, so approaching or touching at least one of the corresponding two markings 17, each detected only by a single sensor. The controller 1 is designed such that an intrusion into one of these at least three functional spaces 14, 15, 16, ie an approaching or touching of at least one of these at least three markings 17, by an operator with one of their body parts 13 causes the controller 1, the valve assembly 6 to bring into an open position for one or both of the cold and hot water connections 4,5.

In response to the approaching or touching of at least one of these at least three markings 17, by an operator with one of their body parts 13, an acoustic and / or visual confirmation can subsequently be made. This confirmation is triggered by the controller 1.

If the control system according to the invention comprises exactly three functional spaces arranged substantially along a straight line, it has not hitherto been defined what are present for measuring fields in the central functional space. In fact, according to the invention two possibilities are provided:

1. The middle functional space 15, which is arranged between the two outer functional spaces 14, 16, each includes a part of the two outer measuring fields 10, 12 of the sensors 7, 9. With the penetration into this middle functional space 15, a mixed signal of the two sensors 7,9 is thus generated, which is evaluated by the controller as an additional control signal. Thus, with the two sensors 7,9, three distinguishable control signals are detected (see Fig. 1).

2. The middle functional space 15, which is arranged between the two outer functional spaces 14, 16, likewise includes a part of a single measuring field, like this one. For this purpose, however, the controller 1 must comprise three sensors 7, 8, 9, so that the middle sensor 8 generates a central measuring field 11, which is enclosed exclusively by this central sensor 8 (see FIG. It is noteworthy that the markings 17 are identically arranged in both FIGS. 1 and 2, although the embodiment of the controller 2 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 requires two, but that in FIG. 2 requires three sensors for providing the three virtual or imaginary operating elements. Optionally, it can be provided that the extent of the measuring fields is somewhat reduced when three sensors are used (compare FIGS. 1 and 2).

In any case, it is preferred that the extent of these measuring fields 10, 11, 12 is so small that it is only a few centimeters (for example in a range of approximately 1 to 5 cm) in each direction of the space. Therefore, it is particularly preferable for the sensors 7, 8, 9 to be arranged in a compact, preferably linear array (see Figures 2, 3 and 5B). In addition, the measuring fields 10, 11, 12 are preferably arranged in an area outside the water jet flowing into the wash basin.

These sensors are preferably designed as capacitive transceivers which generate the corresponding measuring fields 10, 11, 12 in the form of electric fields. The penetration of an operator with one of their body parts 13 into one of the functional areas 14, 15, 16 causes a change in the corresponding electric fields. Such a change may be a weakening or amplification of these electric fields. In any case, the controller 1 is caused by such changes in these electric fields to bring the valve assembly 6 in an open position for one or both of the cold and hot water connections 4,5.

Alternatively, it is preferred that these sensors 7, 8, 9 are designed as optical sensors or high-frequency transmitter / receivers. These sensors preferably generate infrared or radar measuring fields 10, 11, 12. For example, intrusion of an operator with one of their body parts 13 into one of the functional spaces 14,15,16 causes reflection in the corresponding infrared or radar fields, thereby causing the controller 1 to move the valve assembly 6 into an open position for one or both of the cold and dry areas. and to bring hot water connections 4,5. The inventive functional spaces 14,15,16 thus represent virtual Bedie ^¬ tion elements, which are visible by the markings 17 for the user. Any marks 17 may be used. Practically, for example, the marks H for hot water and C for cold water; However, these virtual operating elements for hot water or cold water can also be marked with a red or blue dot, for example, or written in these colors. According to the function of the middle virtual control element, for example, an "ON / OFF" mark is preferred.

It is preferred to apply the markings 17 in front of the last protective layer of the wash basin or wash basin 3 (for example, before the glaze of a ceramic wash basin). Alternatively, these markings can be placed behind a clear vanity wall (eg on the back of a glass basin or made of DuPont Corian ^® ), so they are insensitive to mechanical and chemical agents.

The at least two sensors 7, 8, 9 are preferably arranged behind an inner surface 18, surface 19 or outer surface 20 of the washbasin 3. As a capacitive transmitter / receiver configured sensors generate an electrical ULTRASONIC field that materials such as ceramic, glass or Corian ^® penetrates; the same applies to high-frequency transmitters / receivers that generate a radar field. Thus, such capacitive and high frequency sensors can be mounted at virtually any locations on the back of washbasin liners so that the markings for the virtual controls can be made visible on the visible side of these washbasin liners.

For the use of optical sensors that produce, for example, an infrared field, are particularly suitable for transmissive materials for sinks, such as glass or Corian ^® , which are penetrated by the infrared fields. Further preferred optical sensors register a shadowing of the ambient light when approaching or touching at least one of these markings 17 by an operator with one of their body parts 13. A preferred washing device 22 comprises a washbasin 3 and a controller 1 according to the invention. Preferably, the at least two sensors 7, 8, 9 are arranged along a substantially horizontal line 21 (see Figures 1 and 2) and behind an inner surface 18 of the washbasin 3 arranged. In this case, this control 1 is preferably designed so that it causes the control 1 when the water level in the wash basin penetrates into these functional areas 14, 15, 16, that is to say when the water level approaches these markings 17 (see FIG. to bring the valve assembly 6 in the closed position for the cold water connection (4) and the hot water connection (5). Thus, the control 1 according to the invention provides an effective overflow protection, so that an overflow opening 29 (cf., FIG. 5B) on the sink can be dispensed with. This is on the one hand for cost reasons and because of the improved aesthetics, on the other hand, for reasons of easier cleaning such sink 3 advantageous.

A further preferred washing device 22 comprises a washbasin 3 with a drainage tap 23. This drainage tap 23 is equipped with a siphon 24 which forms an odor trap against the sewage system to which this drainage tap 23 of the washbasin 3 is connected. Preferably, the controller 1 comprises an additional sensor 25 arranged in the region of the odor trap of the siphon 24 (see FIG. 5A). This additional sensor 25 causes the controller 1 in the absence of water in this siphon 24 to bring the valve assembly 6 for the cold water connection 4 in an open position. Thus, cold water can flow into the siphon 24 until this additional sensor 25 reports that the siphon 24 is again filled with water. Thus, the inventive control provides an automatic siphon control and an automatically regenerated odor trap to ensure the water filling of the siphon.

As an alternative to the use of the additional sensor 25, the wash basin 3 of a further preferred washing device 22 also comprises a drain fitting 23 with a siphon 24. However, in this embodiment, the control 1 is designed so that at certain intervals it causes the Valve assembly 6 for a certain filling time in an open position for the cold - -

water connection 4 is brought. These time intervals and filling times are preferably variably selectable implemented in the controller.

Especially, especially for the medical sector, a washing device 22 is preferred, in which the controller 1 is designed such that it brings the valve arrangement 6 for the cold water connection 4 into an open position for a specific follow-up time following each hot water reference. Thus, the riser (not shown) is automatically filled with cold water and the sink fitting 2 of the washing device 22 is cooled. This rinsing with cold water successfully prevents unwanted proliferation of pathogens in the riser and washbasin faucet. This delay time is preferably variably selectable implemented in the controller.

The method according to the invention for controlling washbasin fittings 2 is preferably developed in that an operator repeatedly enters one of these two outer functional spaces 14, 16 with one of their body parts 13, by approaching or touching a marking 17 (see FIGS. 3, 4B and 5B). Thereby, the controller 1 is caused to bring the valve assembly 6 for one or both of the cold and hot water connections 4.5 in a changed open position or in its closed position. Thus, by means of "repeated operation" of the virtual control elements, the temperature of the flowing water can be changed.

Alternatively, the method according to the invention for controlling wash basin fittings 2 is preferably further developed in that an operator with one of their body parts 13, by approaching or touching a marking 17, enters one of these two outer functional spaces 14, 16 and stays there for a certain residence time whereby the controller 1 is caused to bring the valve assembly 6 for one or both of the cold and hot water connections 4,5 in a changed open position or in its closed position

(See Figures 1, 2, 3, 4B and 5B). Thus, the temperature of the flowing water can be changed by "permanent holding" of the virtual control elements. be changed. This dwell time is preferably variably selectable implemented in the controller.

Furthermore, the method according to the invention for controlling washbasin faucets 2 is preferably further developed in that an operator with one of their body parts 13, by approaching or touching a marking 17, enters the middle functional space 15, whereby the control 1 is caused, bring the valve assembly 6 in the closed position for the Kaltwasseran- connection 4 and the hot water connection 5 (see Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4B and 5B). This middle function space 15 thus provides a virtual control element for shutting off the water flows. According to this function of the middle virtual control element, for example, a mark 17 "ON / OFP is preferable.

In addition or as an alternative to deliberately shutting off the water inflows, the control 1 according to the invention provides a method in which the control 1 - after a certain consumption time has elapsed since the last intrusion of an operator with one of its body parts 13 into one of the functional spaces 14, 15, 16 - causes the valve arrangement 6 to be brought into the closed position for the cold water connection 4 and the hot water connection 5. Thus, this control 1 provides an automatic shutdown of the washbasin faucet 2. This consumption time is preferably variably selectable implemented in the controller.

The method for rinsing the valve 2 and the riser with cold water has already been explained above and in particular with regard to the medical field.

Moreover, the method according to the invention for controlling washbasin faucets 2 is preferably further developed in that an operator with one of their body parts 13, by approaching or touching a marking 17, enters one of the functional areas 14, 15, 16 and lingers there for a certain initiation time , As a result, the controller 1 is caused, the valve assembly. 6 for a certain cleaning time in the closed position for the cold water connection 4 and the hot water connection 5 to bring. This initiation time and this cleaning time are preferably variably selectable implemented in the controller. Thus, this control 1 provides a cleaning mode that allows thorough cleaning of the washbasin without inadvertently opening a water connection.

This cleaning mode can - as just described - be limited by a time limit; Alternatively, the cleaning person may approach one of their body parts 13 during a certain interruption time of a mark 17 or touch this mark 17. As a result, the cleaning mode is interrupted and the controller is returned to the initial state of the normal mode. This interruption time is preferably variably selectable implemented in the controller.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of a sink 3 with a controller 1 according to a first or second embodiment. The markings 17 are arranged along an at least substantially horizontal line 21 and in a group on the surface 19 of the washbasin 3. This arrangement is especially suitable for right-handed people. For persons who prefer to use their left hand to operate the virtual controls visible through the markers 17, an arrangement of the group on the left side of the spout of the armature 2 would be preferable (not shown).

FIG. 4A shows an alternative plan view of a washbasin 3 with a control 1 according to a second embodiment. The markings 17 are not arranged in a group here, but distributed virtually arbitrarily on the surface 19 of the washbasin 3. On the one hand, this arrangement results in the advantage that each virtual operating element can be arranged at an individual user site in the best place. Especially for people with physical disabilities, this can be of crucial importance. However, it is to be expected that this individual arrangement, It will be a bit more expensive to use the three sensors, which are not used in an assembly.

FIG. 4B shows a further alternative plan view of a washbasin 3 with a control 1 according to a first or second embodiment, and with markings 17 arranged in a group on the surface 19 of the washbasin 3. suitable for larger wheelchair users, who can recognize the markings 17 well.

FIG. 5A shows a side view of a washbasin 3 with a control 1 with an arrangement of the sensors 7, 8, 9 and the markings as in FIGS. 1 and 2. The siphon 24 with the additional sensor 25 and the water level 27 is easily recognizable. The water level 26 in the washbasin 3, which is entering at least one of the measuring fields 10, 11, 12, is also shown. This water level 26 in the washbasin can have been achieved by intentionally or accidentally closing the drainage opening of the drainage fitting 23. Also, a blockage of the siphon 24 (not shown) can cause the rise of the water level 26 while the water is running. This wash basin 3 is not equipped with an overflow opening 29, in contrast to that shown in Fig. 5B. Here, the controller 1 takes over the overflow protection of the sink. 3

The operator also penetrates here with his finger 13 in one of the measuring fields 10,11,12. The controller 1 can now be programmed so that this actuation of a virtual control element with detected maximum water level 26 does not allow water inflow or only a single or multiple short-term water inflow. These single or multiple short-term water flows are preferably variably selectable implemented in the control.

FIG. 5B shows an alternative side view of a washbasin 3 with a control 1 according to a first or second embodiment, and with a marking arranged on the outer surface 20 of the washbasin 3 in a group. ments 17. This embodiment is for example suitable for sitting in a wheelchair or even standing, children or small people.

The functional spaces 14, 15, 16 can be assigned to the sensors 7, 8, 9 as desired, wherein in each functional area one or two detectors register or touch at least one of these at least three markings 17, by an operator with one of their body parts 13 . to register. Thus, the marks 17 for hot water, cold water and ON / OFF can be arranged in any order.

Although these are not expressly described in all figures, the reference numerals in all figures correspond to the same, or at least corresponding elements. Any combination of the described or shown elements of the inventive devices and methods are within the scope of the present invention.

- -

Bezugszeicheπliste

1 controller

2 taps, washbasin taps 3 sinks

4 connection for cold water

5 connection for hot water

6 valve

7 outer sensor 8 middle sensor

9 outer sensor

10 outer measuring field

11 middle measuring field

12 external measuring field 13 body parts of an operator

14 external functional space

15 middle function room

16 external working space

17 marks 18 inner surface

19 surface

20 outer surface

21 horizontal line

22 Washing device 23 Drain fitting

24 siphon

25 additional sensor

26 water level in the sink

27 Water level in the siphon 28 Wall to which the washbasin is attached

29 overflow opening

Claims

claims

1. control (1) for faucets (2) of wash basins (3), these wash basin fittings (2) comprising connections for cold water (4) and hot water (5) and at least one valve arrangement (6) which is suitable for and hot water connections (4, 5) each provide a closed position and at least one open position, wherein the controller (1) comprises at least two sensors (7, 9) arranged behind corresponding markings (3) on a surface of the wash basin (3). 17) are arranged on the rear side of the sink material, and each generate a measuring field (10, 12) penetrating this sink material for detecting control movements of body parts (13) of an operator, characterized in that the control (1) has at least three functional spaces (14 , 15, 16), all outside the area of the in the

Sink flowing water jet and there on the sink (3) connect, where these functional spaces (14,15,16) corresponding markings (17) are mounted, at least two outer functional spaces (14,16) each exclusively a part of a single äusse ren , by a threshold on an area outside of in the

Sinks flowing water jet limited, small-scale measuring field (10, 12) include, and wherein the controller (1) is designed so that an intrusion into one of these functional spaces (14,15,16), ie an approaching or touching at least one of these markings ( 17), by an operator with one of their body parts (13) causes the controller (1) to bring the valve assembly (6) into an open position for one or both of the cold and hot water connections (4, 5).

2. Control (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a central functional space (15) between the two outer functional spaces

(14, 16) is arranged and each includes a part of the two outer measuring fields (10,12) of the sensors (7,9). - -

3. Control (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Control (1) comprises three sensors (7, 8, 9) each defining a measuring field (10, 11, 12) for detecting control movements of body parts (13) of an operator, each of these sensors (7, 8, 9) being one of these functional spaces (14,15, 16) is assigned and each of these functional spaces

(14,15,16) in each case exclusively a part of a single of these measuring fields (10,11,12) includes.

4. Control (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized marked, that the sensors (7,8,9) as a capacitive transmitter / receiver and the

Measuring fields (10,11,12) are formed as electric fields, wherein the penetration of an operator with one of their body parts (13) in one of the functional spaces (14,15,16) causes a change of the corresponding electric fields, whereby the control (1 ) is caused, the valve assembly (6) in an open position for one or both of the cold and

To bring hot water connections (4,5).

5. Control (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sensors (7,8,9) are designed as optical sensors or high-frequency transmitter / receiver, wherein the measuring fields (10,11,12) preferably are formed as infrared or radar fields, and wherein an intrusion of an operator with one of their body parts (13) in one of the functional spaces (14,15,16) causes a reflection or shading, whereby the control (1) is caused, the Valve assembly (6) in an open position for one or both of the cold and hot water connections

(4,5) to bring.

6. washing device (22) with a sink (3) and a controller (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two sensors (7,8,9) behind an inner surface

(18), surface (19) or outer surface (20) of the washbasin (3) are arranged.

7. washing device (22) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least two sensors (7,8,9) along a substantially horizontal line (21) and behind an inner surface (18) of the washbasin (3) are arranged, wherein the controller (1) is designed such that when the water level in the wash basin penetrates into these functional spaces (14, 15, 16), ie when the water level approaches these markings (17), the controller (1) causes the valve arrangement ( 6) into the closed position for the cold water connection (4) and the hot water connection (5).

8. Washing device (22) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least two sensors (7,8,9) are arranged in a compact array, wherein the extension of the measuring fields (10,11,12) in each Direction of the room is only a few centimeters.

9. Washing device (22) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the sink comprises a drain fitting (23) with a siphon (24), wherein the controller (1) an additional, in the region of the trap of the siphon arranged sensor (25), which controls the absence of water in this siphon (24)

(1) causes the valve assembly (6) for the cold water connection (4) to bring into an open position until the additional sensor (25) reports that the siphon is filled with water again.

10. Washing device (22) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the sink comprises a drain fitting (23) with a siphon (24), wherein the controller (1) is designed so that they at certain intervals causes the valve arrangement (6) to be brought into an open position for the cold water connection (4) for a certain filling time. - -

11. Washing device (22) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the controller (1) is designed so that they following each hot water reference, the valve assembly (6) for the KaIt- water connection (4) for brings a certain follow-up time into an open position.

12. A method for controlling a fitting (2) for sink (3), said sink fittings (2) connections for cold water (4) and hot water (5) and at least one valve assembly (6), which for the KaIt- and hot water connections ( 4.5) each provide a closed position and at least one open position, wherein a controller (1) is used which comprises at least two sensors (7,9), which behind corresponding, on a surface of the washbasin (3) arranged markings (17 ) are arranged on the rear side of the washbasin material and each generate a measuring field (10, 12) penetrating this washbasin material for detecting control movements of body parts (13) of an operator, characterized in that an operator with one of their body parts (13) , by approaching or touching a mark (17), penetrates into one of at least three functional spaces (14, 15, 16) associated with the control (1), and the like nd all outside the

Area of the flowing into the sink water jet and there on the sink (3) connect, where these functional spaces (14,15,16) corresponding markings (17) are arranged, wherein at least two outer functional spaces (14,16) each exclusively a part of a enclosing individual external measuring fields (10, 12) bounded by a threshold value on an area outside the water jet flowing into the washbasin, whereupon the controller (1) moves the valve arrangement (6) into an open position for one or both of Cold and hot water connections (4,5) brings.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that an operator with one of their body parts (13), by approaching or touching a mark (17) repeatedly penetrates into one of these two outer functional spaces (14,16), whereby the controller (1 ) is caused to bring the valve assembly (6) for one or both of the cold and hot water connections (4,5) in a changed open position or in its closed position.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that an operator with one of its body parts (13), by approaching or touching a mark (17), penetrates into one of these two outer functional spaces (14,16) and there for a specific Dwell time remains, whereby the controller (1) is caused to bring the valve assembly (6) for one or both of the cold and hot water connections (4,5) in a changed open position or in its closed position.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that an operator with one of their body parts (13), by approaching or touching a mark (17), penetrates into the central functional space (15), whereby the controller (1) is caused to bring the valve assembly (6) in the closed position for the cold water connection (4) and the hot water connection (5).

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that after a certain consumption time since the last intrusion of an operator with one of their body parts (13) in one of the functional spaces (14,15,16) causes the controller (1) to bring the valve assembly (6) into the closed position for the cold water connection (4) and the hot water connection (5).

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the control (1) brings the valve (6) of the connection for cold water (4) for a certain follow-up time in its open position, following each hot water reference.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that an operator with one of their body parts (13), by approaching or touching a mark (17), penetrates into one of the functional spaces (14,15,16) and there for a certain initiating time lingers, whereby the controller (1) is caused to bring the valve assembly (6) for a certain cleaning time in the closed position for the cold water connection (4) and the hot water connection (5).