EP2288762B1 - Multi-amount flushing system toilet - Google Patents

Multi-amount flushing system toilet Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2288762B1
EP2288762B1 EP09730170.9A EP09730170A EP2288762B1 EP 2288762 B1 EP2288762 B1 EP 2288762B1 EP 09730170 A EP09730170 A EP 09730170A EP 2288762 B1 EP2288762 B1 EP 2288762B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flushing
toilet
water
cpu
amount
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.)
Active
Application number
EP09730170.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2288762A1 (en
Inventor
Edo Lang
Roland Obrist
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.)
Oblamatik AG
Original Assignee
Oblamatik AG
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Oblamatik AG filed Critical Oblamatik AG
Publication of EP2288762A1 publication Critical patent/EP2288762A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2288762B1 publication Critical patent/EP2288762B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D5/00—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
    • E03D5/10—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated electrically, e.g. by a photo-cell; also combined with devices for opening or closing shutters in the bowl outlet and/or with devices for raising/or lowering seat and cover and/or for swiveling the bowl
    • E03D5/105—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated electrically, e.g. by a photo-cell; also combined with devices for opening or closing shutters in the bowl outlet and/or with devices for raising/or lowering seat and cover and/or for swiveling the bowl touchless, e.g. using sensors
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D1/00—Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
    • E03D1/02—High-level flushing systems
    • E03D1/14—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves

Definitions

  • the invention relates, according to the preamble of independent claim 1, to a multi-flush toilet.
  • This toilet comprises a toilet bowl with a at least partially filled with water catch basin, which is connected to a drain pipe or connectable.
  • the toilet also includes a flushing line connected to the toilet bowl, a user operation, and a flushing actuation coupled to the user's operation.
  • Dual-flush toilets and toilets in which feces and / or urine can be flushed away with two or more than two different flush volumes are called multi-flush systems toilets in the context of the present invention.
  • Toilets with dual flushing technology are widely used today in private households and public installations - especially in Central Europe.
  • the user can adjust the water consumption to the effective flushing requirement when triggering the flushing process by choosing a large or small flush volume.
  • a small one Flushing volume with low flushing results in a significantly lower water consumption, as in toilets with single-flushing, which are flushed in any case with the full (usually double) flushing.
  • the water savings in such dual-flush systems is directly dependent on the behavior of the user: If the user does not select the flush volume according to the current flushing needs, but for example always used the large flush volume, so there is no water savings.
  • Toilet flushing systems in which the flushing operation is not derived by a direct mechanically coupled movement from the user's operation are also known.
  • the actual flushing process (opening and closing a valve) is triggered by means of an electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or combined actuator.
  • the operation of the user is usually recorded by a switch or sensor and transmitted as an electrical signal to the flushing system.
  • the publication US 2005/0028260 A1 discloses the detection of a person present or using the toilet by means of an infrared measuring field. If the presence of a person extends to more than, for example, 10 seconds, an actual use is concluded and optionally a pre-purge is triggered. On the basis of the actual service life of, for example, more or Less than a minute is checked for the presence of stool or urine in the toilet bowl and a corresponding large or small flushing triggered.
  • JP 11 140 940 are also known water-saving flushing systems for toilets.
  • a partially filled with water catch basin is connected to a drain pipe.
  • a flushing line is connected via a flow control valve to the collecting bowl.
  • a pressure sensor detects the pattern of pressure changes that are based on changes in the water level in the catch basin.
  • the toilet also includes a control device for controlling the opening of the flow control valve depending on the pattern of pressure changes by changes in the water level in the catch basin as detected by the pressure sensor.
  • the control device has a decision device that decides according to the output signal of the pressure sensor on stool or urine.
  • the flow control valve is opened according to this decision and the toilet bowl is supplied with flushing water according to the amount of stool or urine.
  • Disclosed is a system without a flush trigger button or lever and also a system with a user operation and a flushing actuation coupled to this user operation.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose an alternative multi-flush toilet or a method for deciding the amount of flush water in a multi-flush toilet, which decides which user to choose which flush water amount to choose.
  • this object is achieved according to a second aspect with a method for deciding the amount of flushing water in a corresponding Mehrmengen Whysystem toilet with the features of independent claim 15.
  • the inventive method is characterized in that noises in the form of high-frequency pressure fluctuations in the water of the catch basin, which are caused by substances introduced into the toilet, detected with a arranged in the water of the collecting basin sound detection device and converted into pressure fluctuation signals, after which the the pressure detecting signals generated in the sound detector device in a central processing unit (CPU) are evaluated, and wherein the flushing operation triggered by the CPU is activated by the also operatively connected to the CPU user operation for triggering a flush, whereby a In this activated software, the CPU is able to release a selected flush volume in accordance with this evaluation.
  • CPU central processing unit
  • the invention it has been recognized that it is possible in dual-quantity or multi-flush systems, without direct mechanical coupling between the actuation of the user and the initiation of the flushing process to make the choice of the correct flushing amount due to other information than the user's input.
  • the required flushing amount is determined.
  • the user gives, for example, with his operation only the start signal for a subsequent flushing process. This ensures that the flushing volume in each case corresponds to the current flushing requirement and thus the maximum water savings.
  • the actual required flushing quantity depends primarily on the amount and density of the substances used in the use of the toilet, which should be removed with the flushing: The greater the amount of high-density substances, the greater the required flushing volume. Substances of different size and density, when hitting the surface of the water in the toilet bowl, cause different sounds in the form of high-frequency pressure fluctuations in the water. Even when immersed in the water in the toilet bowl, substances of different sizes and densities trigger different high-frequency pressure fluctuations.
  • the pressure fluctuations when hitting the surface of the water in the toilet bowl and when submerged in the water in the toilet bowl differ both in frequency, as well as in the course of the amplitude over time.
  • These noises in the form of high-frequency pressure fluctuations propagate in the water and can be detected anywhere in the water in the toilet bowl with a suitable sensor, a sound detector.
  • FIG. 1 shows a Mehrmengen Struktursystem toilet 1, which comprises a toilet bowl 2 with a at least partially filled with water 3 catch basin 4. According to the embodiment shown here, the catch basin 4 is connected to a drain pipe 6.
  • toilets eg the company NATIONAL, a subsidiary of MATSUSHITA
  • the catch basin 4 is configured connectable to a drain pipe 6 by this catch basin 4 after the entry of solids 22 and / or liquids 21st is tipped and only then connected to a siphon or with a drain pipe (not shown).
  • the inventive method is suitable for deciding the amount of flushing water.
  • the Mehrmengen Stammsystem toilet 1 shown here comprises a flushing line 8, which is connected to the toilet bowl 2.
  • this multi-flush toilet 1 preferably comprises a rinse water reservoir 7, which is connected to the toilet bowl 2 via the rinse line 8.
  • the multi-flush system toilet 1 shown here additionally comprises a user operation 9 and a flushing operation release 10 coupled to the user operation 9.
  • the multistage flushing system toilet 1 also comprises a sound detector device 11 arranged in the water 3 of the collecting basin 4 for detecting noise caused by substances introduced into the toilet in the form of high-frequency pressure fluctuations (typically with a frequency between 1 and 20,000 Hz). in the water 3 of this catch basin 4 and a central processing unit (CPU) 12, with which the user operation 9, flushing actuation 10 and sound detection device 11 are electronically operatively connected, with software activated therein enabling the CPU 12, from the sound detection device Evaluate 11 generated pressure fluctuation signals to activate according to this evaluation, the Spülvorgangausaims 10 to trigger a purge.
  • CPU central processing unit
  • the sump 4 of the inventive multi-flush system toilet 1 is formed as part of a siphon 5.
  • a siphon comprising a front water basin 4 'and a rear water basin 4 ", wherein it is particularly preferred that the siphon 5 comprises a diving device 13 superficially separating the front water basin 4' from the rear water basin 4" and the sound detectors -Voroplasty 11 outside a visible area 14 in the rear pool 4 "is arranged.
  • the dipping device 13 is designed as a baffle wall with a bottom edge 15 constantly covered with water 3.
  • a sound detector device 11 thus arranged can not be seen by users and therefore faces Vandal attacks relatively safe. Should the siphon 5 - deviating from those in the Fig. 1 toilet shown - have a tubular design, so that the rear water tank 4 "by a dive arc from the front water tank 4 'is superficially separated (not shown), it would preferably be correspondingly invisible to arrange the sound detector device 11.
  • the sound detector device 11 is arranged as far away from the bottom of the siphon, because this siphon floor is most prone to contamination. Therefore, a greater distancing from the siphon bottom reduces the risk of contamination of the sound detector device 11.
  • the inventive Mehrmengen Whythe invention-toilet 1 comprises a sound detector device 11 with a sound sensor 16, which is arranged in an opening 17 of the toilet bowl 2 and in direct contact with the water 3 of the collecting basin 4.
  • a multi-flush toilet 1 is preferred, the sound detection device 11 of which comprises a sound sensor 16 placed in a partially air-filled tube 19 which adjoins an opening 17 in the toilet bowl 2 and which is in indirect contact with the water 3 of the catch basin 4 is arranged.
  • the CPU 12 of the multi-flush system toilet 1 is preferably connected to an electrical power supply selected from a group including a grid, a battery, a rechargeable battery, a condenser, a generator powered by refilling the flushing water reservoir 7, and any combination thereof Includes elements.
  • the user operation 9 of the multi-flush system toilet 1 may be configured as a presence sensor with a detector panel, with the software activated in the CPU 12 enabling this user operation 9 to activate the flush trigger 10 to initiate a flush after the user leaves the detector panel.
  • This presence sensor can be designed as a capacitive sensor in the toilet (preferably in the sitting area or under the seat), in or on the rinse water reservoir 7, on the floor (preferably in front of the toilet) or on the wall next to or behind the toilet.
  • Alternative sensors include optical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic sensors which, depending on their particular suitability, may be attached to one or more of the aforementioned locations.
  • buttons or sensors that can be activated contactless, such as capacitive sensors or light barriers (eg with visible or infrared light).
  • a user operation 9 as a combination of a presence sensor and a probe is also preferably used.
  • FIG. 2 shows frontal views of the multi-flush system toilet 1 of Figure 1, wherein the FIG. 2A a placed according to a first embodiment and trained sound detector device 11 shows.
  • This sound detector device 11 is characterized in that it comprises a sound sensor 16 which is arranged in an opening 17 of the toilet bowl 2 and in direct contact with the water 3 of the catch basin 4.
  • This catch basin 4 is here designed as part of a siphon 5, which comprises a front water basin 4 'and a rear water basin 4 "(cf. Fig. 1 ).
  • This siphon 5 comprises a diving device 13, which delimits the front water basin 4 'superficially from the rear water basin 4 ", which is shown here as a baffle with a lower edge 15.
  • the sound detector device 11 is here outside a visible region 14 (cf. Fig. 1 ) in the rear pool 4 "arranged.
  • the sound sensor 16 of this sound detection device 11 is a vibration pickup of practically any design.
  • electrical vibration converters are particularly well suited.
  • Electrostatic, electrodynamic, electromagnetic, piezoelectric or piezoresistive transducers known per se can be used.
  • the measurement signal of such a sound sensor 16 can be forwarded to the CPU unprocessed, but it can also be provided to subject the measurement signals in the converter signal conditioning (eg amplification, filtering, smoothing, etc.) and only the processed signal of the sound sensor 16 to the Forward CPU.
  • the opening 17 in the toilet bowl is sealed with the insertion of the sound sensor 16, so that the functions of the multi-flush system toilet 1 are not impaired.
  • a Spülwasserreservoir 7 which via the purge line 8 (see. Fig. 1 ) at the Toilet bowl 2 is connected.
  • the sound sensor 16 is electrically connected to the CPU 12 and this with the Spülvorgangausates 10. These connections can be wired or wireless. Wireless links based on radio frequency technology are preferred as an alternative to cable links.
  • the Spülvorgangausaims 10 is electrically actuated and can be designed virtually arbitrary; in question are solenoid valves, motorized closure plug and the like, as they are known from the beach of the art.
  • the FIG. 2B 1 shows a sound detector device 11 placed and constructed in accordance with a second embodiment.
  • This sound detector device 11 is characterized in that it comprises a sound sensor 16 which is located in a pipe 19 partially filled with air 18 and connected to an opening 17 in the toilet bowl 2 adjoins, placed and arranged in indirect contact with the water 3 of the catch basin 4.
  • noises in the form of high-frequency pressure fluctuations typically with a frequency between 1 and 20,000 Hz
  • This trapped in the pipe 19 air column acts (because of the lower density) as an additional damping element, so that external interference can affect the measurement signal of the sound sensor 16 even less.
  • the opening 17 in the toilet bowl is sealed with the insertion of the pipe 19 and this pipe 19 is sealed with the insertion of the sound sensor 16 at its upper end, so that the functions of the multi-flush system toilet 1 are not impaired.
  • acoustic sensors are piezoelectric or piezoresistive membranes wherein a 40PC001B2A type sensor from Honeywell (Honeywell Inc. Freeport, Illinois 61032, USA) was used in a prototype.
  • the user operation 9 can optionally be designed as a presence sensor with a detector field, wherein the button is only used to trigger a final rinse.
  • the CPU 12 may additionally have an output for activating an action or device for improving the air and / or improving the well-being or ambience.
  • a device for example, a fan 20 (see arrow in FIG Fig. 1 ). This is particularly advantageous when the fan 20 is to be put into operation only when a discharge of solids (chair) in the Mehrmengen Whysystem-toilet 1 in order to dispose of the resulting odors.
  • a fan 20 Simultaneously with or as an alternative to a fan 20, for example, a special light, a special lighting and / or a music player can be activated.
  • the dispensing of fragrances with a corresponding device is a preferred supplement or alternative to activate a fan, because it also the air quality in the room in which the inventive Mehrmengen PattersonSystem toilet 1 is, can be improved.
  • the triggering of intermediate rinses with particularly intensive use of the multi-flushing system toilet 1 is also preferred.
  • the software activated in the CPU may activate the flush trigger 10 to trigger such an intermediate flush after each entry of solids.
  • the flushing volume for the intermediate flushes can be freely determined and is preferably 2 liters or less. This achieves the highest possible indoor air quality with as little water consumption as possible. Also in such cases, activation of fans or perfume dispensing devices is preferred.
  • such actions or devices can also be triggered by the detector device 11.
  • a corresponding sound detector device 11 is preferably equipped with its own processor for processing the information provided by the sound sensor 16. In such cases, the Room air or the ambience are automatically improved, this improvement according to the detected, discharged into the toilet substances. For this it would be sufficient to equip an otherwise conventional toilet with an inventive sound detector device 11 for determining the type of substances released into the toilet.
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a sound measurement, as they can be visualized by means of an oscilloscope, to which a sound sensor 16 is connected according to the invention. It is immediately apparent that a liquid 21 causes a signal sequence of low amplitude, and that a solid 22 triggers a single signal with much higher amplitude. Thus, the introduction of liquids 21 from the introduction of solids 22 into the catch basin 4 of a toilet bowl 2 can be clearly distinguished. This is also the case even if the respective total volume is identical.
  • the purge volume is automatically selected by the CPU 12 from a group that has a large, a middle and a small purge, preferably with a volume of 2 liters, 4 liters or 6 liters. If a user determines that a rinse is required, he or she may manually trigger this rinse, with the rinse volume being a large, medium or small rinse, preferably with a volume of 2 liters, 4 liters or 6 liters, is how it was already used for the main rinse. It can also be provided that the Nach Schwarzvolumen is always the same and is 2 liters, 4 liters or 6 liters. All volume indications are to be understood as examples and can be adapted to the current conditions as required.

Description

Diese Patentanmeldung beansprucht die Priorität der Schweizer Patentanmeldung Nr. CH 00556/08 vom 10. April 2008 und der US Provisional Application Nr. 61/043,782 vom 10. April 2008.This patent application claims the priority of Swiss patent application no. CH 00556/08 of April 10, 2008 and the US Provisional Application No. 61 / 043,782 from April 10, 2008.

Erfindung betrifft gemäss dem Oberbegriff des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1 eine Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette. Diese Toilette umfasst eine Toilettenschüssel mit einem zumindest teilweise mit Wasser gefüllten Auffangbecken, das mit einem Ablaufrohr verbunden oder verbindbar ist. Die Toilette umfasst zudem eine Spülleitung, die an der Toilettenschüssel angeschlossen ist, eine Benutzerbetätigung und eine mit der Benutzerbetätigung gekoppelte Spülvorgangauslösung.The invention relates, according to the preamble of independent claim 1, to a multi-flush toilet. This toilet comprises a toilet bowl with a at least partially filled with water catch basin, which is connected to a drain pipe or connectable. The toilet also includes a flushing line connected to the toilet bowl, a user operation, and a flushing actuation coupled to the user's operation.

Toiletten mit Zweimengen-Spültechnik und Toiletten, in welchen mit zwei oder mehr als zwei unterschiedlichen Spülvolumina Fäkalien und/oder Urin weggespült werden können, werden im Zusammenhang mit der vorliegenden Erfindung Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toiletten genannt. Toiletten mit Zweimengen-Spültechnik sind heute in Privathaushalten und öffentlichen Installationen - insbesondere in Zentraleuropa - weit verbreitet.Dual-flush toilets and toilets in which feces and / or urine can be flushed away with two or more than two different flush volumes are called multi-flush systems toilets in the context of the present invention. Toilets with dual flushing technology are widely used today in private households and public installations - especially in Central Europe.

Bei Toiletten mit Zweimengen-Spültechnik kann der Benützer beim Auslösen des Spülvorgangs durch die Wahl einer grossen oder kleinen Spülmenge den Wasserverbrauch dem effektiven Spülbedarf anpassen. Durch die Wahl einer kleinen Spülmenge bei geringem Spülbedarf resultiert ein erheblich geringerer Wasserverbrauch, als bei Toiletten mit Einmengen-Spültechnik, welche in jedem Fall mit der vollen (meist doppelten) Spülmenge gespült werden. Die Wasser-Einsparung bei solchen Zweimengen-Spülsystemen ist jedoch direkt vom Verhalten des Benützers abhängig: Wenn der Benützer die Spülmenge nicht entsprechend dem aktuellen Spülbedarf wählt, sondern zum Beispiel immer die grosse Spülmenge verwendet, so ergibt sich keinerlei Wasser-Einsparung.In toilets with dual-flushing technology, the user can adjust the water consumption to the effective flushing requirement when triggering the flushing process by choosing a large or small flush volume. By choosing a small one Flushing volume with low flushing results in a significantly lower water consumption, as in toilets with single-flushing, which are flushed in any case with the full (usually double) flushing. However, the water savings in such dual-flush systems is directly dependent on the behavior of the user: If the user does not select the flush volume according to the current flushing needs, but for example always used the large flush volume, so there is no water savings.

Toilettenspülsysteme, bei welchen der Spülvorgang nicht durch eine direkt mechanisch gekoppelt Bewegung von der Betätigung des Benutzers abgeleitet wird, sind ebenfalls bekannt. In diesen Systemen wird der eigentliche Spülvorgang (Öffnen und Schiiessen eines Ventils) mittels eines elektrischen, pneumatischen, hydraulischen oder kombinierten Stellers ausgelöst. Die Betätigung des Benutzers wird meist durch einen Schalter oder Sensor aufgenommen und als elektrisches Signal an das Spülsystem übermittelt.Toilet flushing systems in which the flushing operation is not derived by a direct mechanically coupled movement from the user's operation are also known. In these systems, the actual flushing process (opening and closing a valve) is triggered by means of an electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or combined actuator. The operation of the user is usually recorded by a switch or sensor and transmitted as an electrical signal to the flushing system.

Aus dem Stand der Technik sind zudem Wasser sparende Systeme bekannt, welche die Gebrauchsdauer der Toilette durch eine Person feststellen und automatisch eine dem Gebrauch entsprechende Menge an Spülwasser verwenden:

  • Die Publikation WO 2004/097123 A1 offenbart ein System, bei welchem ein Gebrauchssensor im Toilettendeckel montiert ist, der mittels Radiowellen oder Infrarotstrahlen das Öffnen des Toilettendeckels und damit die Anwesenheit einer Person detektiert. An Hand einer Gebrauchsdauer von beispielsweise mehr oder weniger als eine Minute schliesst das System auf das Vorliegen von Stuhl oder Urin in der Toilettenschüssel und löst entsprechend eine grosse oder kleine Spülung aus.
In addition, water-saving systems are known from the prior art, which determine the service life of the toilet by a person and automatically use an appropriate amount of flushing water for use:
  • The publication WO 2004/097123 A1 discloses a system in which a use sensor is mounted in the toilet lid, which detects by radio waves or infrared rays the opening of the toilet lid and thus the presence of a person. On the basis of a service life of, for example, more or less than one minute, the system concludes the presence of stool or urine in the toilet bowl and triggers a corresponding large or small conditioner.

Die Publikation US 2005/0028260 A1 offenbart das Feststellen einer anwesenden bzw. die Toilette benützenden Person mittels eines Infrarotmessfeldes. Erstreckt sich die Anwesenheit einer Person auf mehr als beispielsweise 10 Sekunden, wird auf eine tatsächliche Benützung geschlossen und optional eine Vorspülung ausgelöst. An Hand der tatsächlichen Gebrauchsdauer von beispielsweise mehr oder weniger als eine Minute wird auf das Vorliegen von Stuhl oder Urin in der Toilettenschüssel geschlossen und entsprechend eine grosse oder kleine Spülung ausgelöst.The publication US 2005/0028260 A1 discloses the detection of a person present or using the toilet by means of an infrared measuring field. If the presence of a person extends to more than, for example, 10 seconds, an actual use is concluded and optionally a pre-purge is triggered. On the basis of the actual service life of, for example, more or Less than a minute is checked for the presence of stool or urine in the toilet bowl and a corresponding large or small flushing triggered.

Aus der Patentanmeldung JP 11 140 940 sind ebenfalls Wasser sparende Spülsysteme für Toiletten bekannt. Bei solchen Toiletten ist ein teilweise mit Wasser gefülltes Auffangbecken mit einem Ablaufrohr verbunden. Eine Spülleitung ist über ein Fluss-Steuerventil an der Auffangschüssel angeschlossen. Ein Drucksensor detektiert das Muster von Druckänderungen, die auf Veränderungen des Wasserstandes im Auffangbecken basieren. Die Toilette umfasst zudem eine Kontrollvorrichtung zum Steuern der Öffnung des Fluss-Steuerventils in Abhängigkeit vom Muster der Druckänderungen durch Veränderungen des Wasserstandes im Auffangbecken, so wie diese durch den Drucksensor detektiert werden. Die Kontrollvorrichtung hat eine Entscheidungseinrichtung, die entsprechend dem Ausgangssignal des Drucksensors auf Stuhl oder Urin entscheidet. Das Fluss-Steuerventil wird gemäss dieser Entscheidung geöffnet und die Toilettenschüssel wird entsprechend der Menge Stuhl oder Urin mit Spülwasser versorgt. Es wird ein System ohne Spülauslöse-Knopf oder -Hebel und auch ein System mit einer Benutzerbetätigung sowie eine mit dieser Benutzerbetätigung gekoppelte Spülvorgangauslösung offenbart.From the patent application JP 11 140 940 are also known water-saving flushing systems for toilets. In such toilets, a partially filled with water catch basin is connected to a drain pipe. A flushing line is connected via a flow control valve to the collecting bowl. A pressure sensor detects the pattern of pressure changes that are based on changes in the water level in the catch basin. The toilet also includes a control device for controlling the opening of the flow control valve depending on the pattern of pressure changes by changes in the water level in the catch basin as detected by the pressure sensor. The control device has a decision device that decides according to the output signal of the pressure sensor on stool or urine. The flow control valve is opened according to this decision and the toilet bowl is supplied with flushing water according to the amount of stool or urine. Disclosed is a system without a flush trigger button or lever and also a system with a user operation and a flushing actuation coupled to this user operation.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, eine alternative Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette bzw. ein Verfahren zum Entscheiden der Spülwassermenge in einer Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette vorzuschlagen, die bzw. das dem Anwender die Entscheidung abnimmt, welche Spülwassermenge er wählen soll.The object of the present invention is to propose an alternative multi-flush toilet or a method for deciding the amount of flush water in a multi-flush toilet, which decides which user to choose which flush water amount to choose.

Erfindungsgemäss wird diese Aufgabe gemäss einem ersten Aspekt mit einer Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette mit den Merkmalen des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Diese Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette umfasst:

  1. (a) eine Toilettenschüssel mit einem zumindest teilweise mit Wasser gefüllten Auffangbecken, das mit einem Ablaufrohr verbunden oder verbindbar ist;
  2. (b) eine Spülleitung, die an der Toilettenschüssel angeschlossen ist;
  3. (c) eine Benutzerbetätigung; und
  4. (d) eine mit der Benutzerbetätigung gekoppelte Spülvorgangauslösung.
According to the invention, this object is achieved according to a first aspect with a multi-flush toilet with the features of independent claim 1. This multi-flush toilet includes:
  1. (A) a toilet bowl with a at least partially filled with water catch basin, which is connected to a drain pipe or connectable;
  2. (b) a flushing line connected to the toilet bowl;
  3. (c) a user operation; and
  4. (d) a flush actuation trigger coupled to the user operation.

Die erfindungsgemässe Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie zudem umfasst:

  • (e) eine im Wasser des Auffangbeckens angeordnete Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung zum Erfassen von hochfrequenten Geräuschen in der Form von Druckschwankungen im Wasser des Auffangbeckens, welche durch in die Toilette eingebrachte Stoffe verursacht werden; und
  • (f) eine zentrale Prozessoreinheit (CPU), mit welcher die Benutzerbetätigung, die Spülvorgangauslösung und die Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung elektronisch wirkverbunden sind, wobei eine in dieser aktivierte Software die CPU befähigt, von der Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung erzeugte Druckschwankungssignale auszuwerten, um entsprechend dieser Auswertung die Spülvorgangauslösung zum Auslösen einer Spülung zu aktivieren.
The multi-flush toilet according to the invention is characterized in that it additionally comprises:
  • (e) a sound detector device disposed in the water of the catch basin for detecting high frequency noise in the form of pressure fluctuations in the water of the catch basin caused by substances introduced into the toilet; and
  • (f) a central processing unit (CPU) to which the user operation, flushing actuation and sound detection device are electronically operatively connected, wherein software activated therein enables the CPU to evaluate pressure fluctuation signals generated by the sound detection device to determine the pressure fluctuation signal Activate flushing process triggering to trigger a flushing.

Erfindungsgemäss wird diese Aufgabe gemäss einem zweiten Aspekt mit einem Verfahren zum Entscheiden der Spülwassermenge in einer entsprechenden Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette mit den Merkmalen des unabhängigen Anspruchs 15 gelöst.According to the invention this object is achieved according to a second aspect with a method for deciding the amount of flushing water in a corresponding Mehrmengenspülsystem toilet with the features of independent claim 15.

Das erfindungsgemässe Verfahren ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Geräusche in der Form von hochfrequenten Druckschwankungen im Wasser des Auffangbeckens, die durch in die Toilette eingebrachte Stoffe verursacht werden, mit einer im Wasser des Auffangbeckens angeordneten Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung erfasst und in Druckschwankungssignale umgewandelt werden, wonach die von der Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung erzeugten Druckschwankungssignale in einer zentralen Prozessoreinheit (CPU) ausgewertet werden, und wobei die mit der CPU wirkverbundene Spülvorgangauslösung durch die ebenfalls mit der CPU wirkverbundene Benutzerbetätigung zum Auslösen einer Spülung aktiviert wird, wodurch eine in dieser aktivierte Software die CPU befähigt, ein entsprechend dieser Auswertung ausgewähltes Spülvolumen freizugeben. Weitere zusätzliche und erfinderische Merkmale ergeben sich aus den abhängigen Ansprüchen und deren Kombinationen.The inventive method is characterized in that noises in the form of high-frequency pressure fluctuations in the water of the catch basin, which are caused by substances introduced into the toilet, detected with a arranged in the water of the collecting basin sound detection device and converted into pressure fluctuation signals, after which the the pressure detecting signals generated in the sound detector device in a central processing unit (CPU) are evaluated, and wherein the flushing operation triggered by the CPU is activated by the also operatively connected to the CPU user operation for triggering a flush, whereby a In this activated software, the CPU is able to release a selected flush volume in accordance with this evaluation. Other additional and inventive features will be apparent from the dependent claims and their combinations.

Erfindungsgemäss wurde erkannt, dass es bei Zweimengen- oder Mehrmengen-Spülsystemen, ohne direkte mechanische Kopplung zwischen der Betätigung des Benützers und der Auslösung des Spülvorgangs möglich ist, die Wahl der richtigen Spülmenge auf Grund anderer Informationen als der Eingabe des Benützers zu treffen. Durch eine geeignete Detektion der vorgängigen Benützung wird die erforderliche Spülmenge festgelegt. Der Benützer gibt beispielsweise mit seiner Betätigung nur noch das Startsignal für einen nachfolgenden Spülvorgang. Somit ist gewährleistet, dass die Spülmenge in jedem Fall dem aktuellen Spülbedarf entspricht und dadurch die Wasser-Einsparung maximal ausfällt.According to the invention, it has been recognized that it is possible in dual-quantity or multi-flush systems, without direct mechanical coupling between the actuation of the user and the initiation of the flushing process to make the choice of the correct flushing amount due to other information than the user's input. By suitable detection of the previous use, the required flushing amount is determined. The user gives, for example, with his operation only the start signal for a subsequent flushing process. This ensures that the flushing volume in each case corresponds to the current flushing requirement and thus the maximum water savings.

Die tatsächlich erforderliche Spülmenge hängt in erster Linie von der Menge und der Dichte der bei der Benützung der Toilette angefallenen Stoffe ab, welche mit der Spülung entfernt werden sollen: Je grösser die Menge an Stoffen hoher Dichte, umso grösser ist die erforderliche Spülmenge. Stoffe unterschiedlicher Grösse und Dichte lösen beim Auftreffen auf der Oberfläche des Wassers in der Toilettenschüssel unterschiedliche Geräusche in der Form von hochfrequenten Druckschwankungen im Wasser aus. Auch beim Eintauchen in das Wasser in der Toilettenschüssel lösen Stoffe unterschiedlicher Grösse und Dichte unterschiedliche hochfrequente Druckschwankungen aus.The actual required flushing quantity depends primarily on the amount and density of the substances used in the use of the toilet, which should be removed with the flushing: The greater the amount of high-density substances, the greater the required flushing volume. Substances of different size and density, when hitting the surface of the water in the toilet bowl, cause different sounds in the form of high-frequency pressure fluctuations in the water. Even when immersed in the water in the toilet bowl, substances of different sizes and densities trigger different high-frequency pressure fluctuations.

Die Druckschwankungen beim Auftreffen auf der Oberfläche des Wassers in der Toilettenschüssel und beim Eintauchen im Wasser in der Toilettenschüssel unterscheiden sich sowohl in der Frequenz, als auch im Verlauf der Amplitude über der Zeit. Diese Geräusche in der Form von hochfrequenten Druckschwankungen pflanzen sich im Wasser fort und können an beliebiger Stelle innerhalb des Wassers in der Toilettenschüssel mit einem geeigneten Messaufnehmer, einem Schalldetektor erfasst werden.The pressure fluctuations when hitting the surface of the water in the toilet bowl and when submerged in the water in the toilet bowl differ both in frequency, as well as in the course of the amplitude over time. These noises in the form of high-frequency pressure fluctuations propagate in the water and can be detected anywhere in the water in the toilet bowl with a suitable sensor, a sound detector.

Vorteile der erfindungsgemässen Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette umfassen:

  • Die Messung der Geräusche in der Form von hochfrequenten Druckschwankungen im Wasser des Siphons ist sehr empfindlich und erlaubt das klare und unmittelbare Trennen bzw. Unterscheiden des Einbringens von Feststoffen 22, wie Stuhl und dergleichen oder Flüssigkeiten 21, wie Urin und dergleichen in die Toilette.
  • Jede Benützung einer erfindungsgemässen Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette wird sofort erkannt, sei die eingebrachte Menge auch noch so klein.
  • Die Messung der Geräusche in der Form von hochfrequenten Druckschwankungen ist extrem unempfindlich gegen äussere Störeinflüsse, wie Lärm, hochfrequente Strahlung, Infrarotstrahlung und elektromagnetische Felder.
  • Durch Störquellen, wie z.B. Niveauänderungen des Siphonpegels wegen eines plötzlichen Unterdrucks im Fallrohr (z.B. wegen eines Spülvorgangs in der unmittelbaren Nachbarschaft) oder eines momentanen Überdrucks im Raum (z.B. wegen eines Windstosses) hervorgerufene Signale können einfach von der zentralen Prozessoreinheit (CPU) mittels Bandpassfilterung unterdrückt werden.
  • Die bevorzugt unsichtbare Anordnung der Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung macht die Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette unattraktiv für Vandalen.
  • Die bevorzugt in einem Bereich des Siphons mit sehr geringer örtlicher Strömung angeordnete Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung ist wenig anfällig für Verschmutzung.
  • Beim Erkennen von Feststoffen (ev. auch in Abhängigkeit von deren Grösse) kann automatisch ein Ventilator aktiviert werden.
Advantages of the multi-flushing toilet according to the invention include:
  • The measurement of the noises in the form of high frequency pressure fluctuations in the water of the siphon is very sensitive and allows the clear and immediate separation of the introduction of solids 22, such as stool and the like or liquids 21, such as urine and the like into the toilet.
  • Any use of a multi-flush toilet according to the invention is recognized immediately, even if the amount introduced is so small.
  • The measurement of noise in the form of high-frequency pressure fluctuations is extremely insensitive to external disturbances, such as noise, high-frequency radiation, infrared radiation and electromagnetic fields.
  • By sources of interference, such as changes in the level of the siphon due to a sudden negative pressure in the downpipe (eg because of a flushing in the immediate vicinity) or a momentary overpressure in the room (eg due to a gust of wind) caused signals can be easily suppressed by the central processing unit (CPU) by means of bandpass filtering become.
  • The preferred invisible placement of the sonic detector device renders the multi-flush toilet unsuitable for vandals.
  • The preferably located in a region of the siphon with very low local flow sound detection device is not prone to contamination.
  • When solids are detected (possibly depending on their size), a fan can be activated automatically.

Die erfindungsgemässe Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette soll nun an Hand von beispielhaften, den Umfang der vorliegenden Erfindung nicht einschränkenden, schematischen Zeichnungen näher erläutert werden. Dabei zeigt:

Fig. 1
Einen Vertikalschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemässe Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette;
Fig. 2
Frontalansichten der Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette von Figur 1, wobei:
Fig. 2A eine gemäss einer ersten Ausführungsform platzierte und ausgebildete Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung zeigt; und
Fig. 2B eine gemäss einer zweiten Ausführungsform platzierte und ausgebildete Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung zeigt;
Fig.3
Eine schematische Darstellung einer Schallmessung.
The multi-flush toilet according to the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary schematic drawings, which do not limit the scope of the present invention. Showing:
Fig. 1
A vertical section through an inventive Mehrmengenspülsystem toilet;
Fig. 2
Frontal views of the multi-flush system toilet from FIG. 1 , in which:
Fig. 2A shows a sound detector device placed and constructed according to a first embodiment; and
Fig. 2B shows a sound detector device placed and constructed according to a second embodiment;
Figure 3
A schematic representation of a sound measurement.

Die Figur 1 zeigt eine Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1, die eine Toilettenschüssel 2 mit einem zumindest teilweise mit Wasser 3 gefüllten Auffangbecken 4 umfasst. Gemäss der hier gezeigten Ausführungsform ist das Auffangbecken 4 mit einem Ablaufrohr 6 verbunden.The FIG. 1 shows a Mehrmengenspülsystem toilet 1, which comprises a toilet bowl 2 with a at least partially filled with water 3 catch basin 4. According to the embodiment shown here, the catch basin 4 is connected to a drain pipe 6.

Abweichend von dieser Darstellung sind aber auch Toiletten (z.B. der Firma NATIONAL, einer Tochterfirma von MATSUSHITA) bekannt, bei denen das Auffangbecken 4 mit einem Ablaufrohr 6 verbindbar ausgestaltet ist, indem dieses Auffangbecken 4 nach dem erfolgten Eintrag von Feststoffen 22 und/oder Flüssigkeiten 21 abgekippt und erst dann mit einem Siphon oder mit einem Ablaufrohr verbunden wird (nicht gezeigt). Auch für solche Toiletten eignet sich das erfindungsgemässe Verfahren zum Entscheiden der Spülwassermenge.Deviating from this illustration but also toilets (eg the company NATIONAL, a subsidiary of MATSUSHITA) are known in which the catch basin 4 is configured connectable to a drain pipe 6 by this catch basin 4 after the entry of solids 22 and / or liquids 21st is tipped and only then connected to a siphon or with a drain pipe (not shown). Also for such toilets, the inventive method is suitable for deciding the amount of flushing water.

Die hier gezeigte Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 umfasst eine Spülleitung 8, die an der Toilettenschüssel 2 angeschlossen ist. Zusätzlich zu vor allem aus den USA bekannten Spültoiletten, die üblicherweise keinen Behälter zum Aufbewahren des Spülwassers aufweisen, umfasst diese Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 vorzugsweise ein Spülwasserreservoir 7, das über die Spülleitung 8 an der Toilettenschüssel 2 angeschlossen ist.The Mehrmengenspülsystem toilet 1 shown here comprises a flushing line 8, which is connected to the toilet bowl 2. In addition to flush toilets known from the USA, which usually do not have a container for storing the rinse water, this multi-flush toilet 1 preferably comprises a rinse water reservoir 7, which is connected to the toilet bowl 2 via the rinse line 8.

Die hier gezeigte Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 umfasst zudem eine Benutzerbetätigung 9 und eine mit der Benutzerbetätigung 9 gekoppelte Spülvorgangauslösung 10.The multi-flush system toilet 1 shown here additionally comprises a user operation 9 and a flushing operation release 10 coupled to the user operation 9.

Die erfindungsgemässe Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 umfasst zudem eine im Wasser 3 des Auffangbeckens 4 angeordnete Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 zum Erkennen von durch in die Toilette eingebrachte Stoffe verursachte Geräusche in der Form von hochfrequenten Druckschwankungen (typischerweise mit einer Frequenz zwischen 1 und 20'000 Hz) im Wasser 3 dieses Auffangbeckens 4 und eine zentrale Prozessoreinheit (CPU) 12, mit welcher die Benutzerbetätigung 9, die Spülvorgangauslösung 10 und die Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 elektronisch wirkverbunden sind, wobei eine in dieser aktivierte Software die CPU 12 befähigt, von der Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 erzeugte Druckschwankungssignale auszuwerten, um entsprechend dieser Auswertung die Spülvorgangauslösung 10 zum Auslösen einer Spülung zu aktivieren.The multistage flushing system toilet 1 according to the invention also comprises a sound detector device 11 arranged in the water 3 of the collecting basin 4 for detecting noise caused by substances introduced into the toilet in the form of high-frequency pressure fluctuations (typically with a frequency between 1 and 20,000 Hz). in the water 3 of this catch basin 4 and a central processing unit (CPU) 12, with which the user operation 9, flushing actuation 10 and sound detection device 11 are electronically operatively connected, with software activated therein enabling the CPU 12, from the sound detection device Evaluate 11 generated pressure fluctuation signals to activate according to this evaluation, the Spülvorgangauslösung 10 to trigger a purge.

Vorzugsweise ist das Auffangbecken 4 der erfindungsgemässen Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 als Teil eines Siphons 5 ausgebildet. Speziell bevorzugt wird dazu ein Siphon, der ein vorderes Wasserbecken 4' und ein hinteres Wasserbecken 4" umfasst, wobei besonders bevorzugt ist, dass der Siphon 5 eine das vordere Wasserbecken 4' von dem hinteren Wasserbecken 4" oberflächlich trennende Tauchvorrichtung 13 umfasst und die Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 ausserhalb eines einsehbaren Bereichs 14 im hinteren Wasserbecken 4" angeordnet ist.Preferably, the sump 4 of the inventive multi-flush system toilet 1 is formed as part of a siphon 5. Especially preferred is a siphon comprising a front water basin 4 'and a rear water basin 4 ", wherein it is particularly preferred that the siphon 5 comprises a diving device 13 superficially separating the front water basin 4' from the rear water basin 4" and the sound detectors -Vorrichtung 11 outside a visible area 14 in the rear pool 4 "is arranged.

Bei der hier dargestellten Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 ist die Tauchvorrichtung 13 als Tauchwand mit einer konstant mit Wasser 3 bedeckten Unterkante 15 ausgebildet. In einem solchen Fall wird ganz speziell bevorzugt, die Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 nahe dieser Unterkante 15, vorzugsweise knapp unterhalb dieser Unterkante 15, im hinteren Wasserbecken 4" anzuordnen. Eine derart angeordnete Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 kann von Benutzern nicht gesehen werden und ist deshalb gegenüber Vandalenangriffen relativ sicher. Sollte der Siphon 5 - abweichend von der in der Fig. 1 dargestellten Toilette - eine rohrförmige Ausbildung haben, so dass das hintere Wasserbecken 4" durch einen Tauchbogen vom vorderen Wasserbecken 4' oberflächlich getrennt ist (nicht gezeigt), wäre vorzugsweise die Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 entsprechend unsichtbar anzuordnen. Speziell bevorzugt wird in jedem Fall, das die Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 möglichst weit weg vom Boden des Siphons angeordnet ist, weil dieser Siphonboden am ehesten zu Verschmutzung neigt. Eine grössere Distanzierung vom Siphonboden verringert deshalb die Gefahr des Verschmutzens der Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11.In the multi-flushing toilet 1 shown here, the dipping device 13 is designed as a baffle wall with a bottom edge 15 constantly covered with water 3. In such a case, it is particularly preferred to place the sound detector device 11 near this lower edge 15, preferably just below this lower edge 15, in the rear water basin 4 ". A sound detector device 11 thus arranged can not be seen by users and therefore faces Vandal attacks relatively safe. Should the siphon 5 - deviating from those in the Fig. 1 toilet shown - have a tubular design, so that the rear water tank 4 "by a dive arc from the front water tank 4 'is superficially separated (not shown), it would preferably be correspondingly invisible to arrange the sound detector device 11. Specially preferred in each case, the the sound detector device 11 is arranged as far away from the bottom of the siphon, because this siphon floor is most prone to contamination. Therefore, a greater distancing from the siphon bottom reduces the risk of contamination of the sound detector device 11.

Vorzugsweise umfasst die erfindungsgemässe Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 eine Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 mit einem Schallsensor 16, der in einer Öffnung 17 der Toilettenschüssel 2 und in direktem Kontakt mit dem Wasser 3 des Auffangbeckens 4 angeordnet ist. Alternativ dazu wird eine Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 bevorzugt, deren Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 einen Schallsensor 16 umfasst, der in einem teilweise mit Luft 18 gefüllten Rohr 19, das an eine Öffnung 17 in der Toilettenschüssel 2 anschliesst, platziert ist und das in indirektem Kontakt mit dem Wasser 3 des Auffangbeckens 4 angeordnet ist.Preferably, the inventive Mehrmengenspülsystem-toilet 1 comprises a sound detector device 11 with a sound sensor 16, which is arranged in an opening 17 of the toilet bowl 2 and in direct contact with the water 3 of the collecting basin 4. Alternatively, a multi-flush toilet 1 is preferred, the sound detection device 11 of which comprises a sound sensor 16 placed in a partially air-filled tube 19 which adjoins an opening 17 in the toilet bowl 2 and which is in indirect contact with the water 3 of the catch basin 4 is arranged.

Die CPU 12 der Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 ist vorzugsweise an einer elektrischen Stromversorgung angeschlossen, die ausgewählt ist aus einer Gruppe, die ein Netz, eine Batterie, einen Akkumulator, einen Kondensator, einen durch das Nachfüllen des Spülwasserreservoirs 7 angetrieben Generator und eine beliebige Kombination dieser Elemente umfasst.The CPU 12 of the multi-flush system toilet 1 is preferably connected to an electrical power supply selected from a group including a grid, a battery, a rechargeable battery, a condenser, a generator powered by refilling the flushing water reservoir 7, and any combination thereof Includes elements.

Die Benutzerbetätigung 9 der Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 kann als Anwesenheitssensor mit einem Detektorfeld ausgebildet sein, wobei die in der CPU 12 aktivierte Software diese Benutzerbetätigung 9 befähigt, die Spülvorgangauslösung 10 zum Auslösen einer Spülung zu aktivieren, nachdem der Benutzer das Detektorfeld verlassen hat. Dieser Anwesenheitssensor kann als kapazitiver Sensor in der Toilette (bevorzugt in der Sitzgegend oder unter der Sitzbrille), in oder am Spülwasserreservoir 7, am Boden (vorzugsweise vor der Toilette) oder an der Wand neben oder hinter der Toilette ausgeführt sein. Alternative Sensoren umfassen optische, mechanische, pneumatische und hydraulische Sensoren, die entsprechend ihrer speziellen Eignung an einem oder mehreren der eben genannten Orte angebracht sein können. Speziell bevorzugt sind Taster bzw. Sensoren die berührungslos aktiviert werden können, wie z.B. kapazitive Sensoren oder Lichtschranken (z.B. mit sichtbarem oder Infrarotlicht). Eine Benutzerbetätigung 9 als Kombination eines Anwesenheitssensors und eines Tasters wird ebenfalls bevorzugt verwendet.The user operation 9 of the multi-flush system toilet 1 may be configured as a presence sensor with a detector panel, with the software activated in the CPU 12 enabling this user operation 9 to activate the flush trigger 10 to initiate a flush after the user leaves the detector panel. This presence sensor can be designed as a capacitive sensor in the toilet (preferably in the sitting area or under the seat), in or on the rinse water reservoir 7, on the floor (preferably in front of the toilet) or on the wall next to or behind the toilet. Alternative sensors include optical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic sensors which, depending on their particular suitability, may be attached to one or more of the aforementioned locations. Especially preferred are buttons or sensors that can be activated contactless, such as capacitive sensors or light barriers (eg with visible or infrared light). A user operation 9 as a combination of a presence sensor and a probe is also preferably used.

Die Figur 2 zeigt Frontalansichten der Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 von Figur 1, wobei die Figur 2A eine gemäss einer ersten Ausführungsform platzierte und ausgebildete Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 zeigt. Diese Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie einen Schallsensor 16 umfasst, der in einer Öffnung 17 der Toilettenschüssel 2 und in direktem Kontakt mit dem Wasser 3 des Auffangbeckens 4 angeordnet ist. Dieses Auffangbecken 4 ist hier als Teil eines Siphons 5 ausgebildet, welcher ein vorderes Wasserbecken 4' und ein hinteres Wasserbecken 4" umfasst (vgl. Fig. 1). Dieser Siphon 5 umfasst eine das vordere Wasserbecken 4' von dem hinteren Wasserbecken 4" oberflächlich trennende Tauchvorrichtung 13, die hier als Tauchwand mit einer Unterkante 15 eingezeichnet ist. Die Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 ist hier ausserhalb eines einsehbaren Bereichs 14 (vgl. Fig. 1) im hinteren Wasserbecken 4" angeordnet.The FIG. 2 shows frontal views of the multi-flush system toilet 1 of Figure 1, wherein the FIG. 2A a placed according to a first embodiment and trained sound detector device 11 shows. This sound detector device 11 is characterized in that it comprises a sound sensor 16 which is arranged in an opening 17 of the toilet bowl 2 and in direct contact with the water 3 of the catch basin 4. This catch basin 4 is here designed as part of a siphon 5, which comprises a front water basin 4 'and a rear water basin 4 "(cf. Fig. 1 ). This siphon 5 comprises a diving device 13, which delimits the front water basin 4 'superficially from the rear water basin 4 ", which is shown here as a baffle with a lower edge 15. The sound detector device 11 is here outside a visible region 14 (cf. Fig. 1 ) in the rear pool 4 "arranged.

Der Schallsensor 16 dieser Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 ist ein Schwingungsaufnehmer von praktisch beliebiger Ausführung. Für die beim Einbringen von Feststoffen 22 und/oder Flüssigkeiten 21 in ein Wasser enthaltendes Auffangbecken 4 einer Toilette 2 üblicherweise auftretenden Frequenzen und Amplituden sind elektrische Schwingungswandler besonders gut geeignet. Es können an sich bekannte elektrostatische, elektrodynamische, elektromagnetische, piezoelektrische oder piezoresistive Wandler eingesetzt werden. Das Messsignal eines solchen Schallsensors 16 kann unverarbeitet an die CPU weitergegeben werden, es kann aber auch vorgesehen sein, die Messsignale noch im Wandler einer Signalaufbereitung zu unterziehen (z.B. Verstärkung, Filterung, Glättung etc.) und erst das aufbereitete Signal des Schallsensors 16 an die CPU weiterzuleiten.The sound sensor 16 of this sound detection device 11 is a vibration pickup of practically any design. For the frequencies and amplitudes usually occurring when introducing solids 22 and / or liquids 21 into a water-containing catch basin 4 of a toilet 2, electrical vibration converters are particularly well suited. Electrostatic, electrodynamic, electromagnetic, piezoelectric or piezoresistive transducers known per se can be used. The measurement signal of such a sound sensor 16 can be forwarded to the CPU unprocessed, but it can also be provided to subject the measurement signals in the converter signal conditioning (eg amplification, filtering, smoothing, etc.) and only the processed signal of the sound sensor 16 to the Forward CPU.

Es versteht sich von selbst, dass die Öffnung 17 in der Toilettenschüssel mit dem Einsetzen des Schallsensors 16 abgedichtet wird, so dass die Funktionen der Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 nicht beeinträchtigt werden. Ebenfalls dargestellt ist ein Spülwasserreservoir 7, das über die Spülleitung 8 (vgl. Fig. 1) an der Toilettenschüssel 2 angeschlossen ist. Wie schematisch dargestellt, ist der Schallsensor 16 mit der CPU 12 und diese mit der Spülvorgangauslösung 10 elektrisch verbunden. Diese Verbindungen können verkabelt aber auch kabellos ausgestaltet sein. Kabellose Verbindungen, die auf der Radiofrequenztechnologie beruhen sind als Alternative zu Kabelverbindungen bevorzugt. Die Spülvorgangauslösung 10 ist elektrisch betätigbar und kann praktisch beliebig ausgebildet sein; in Frage kommen Elektromagnetventile, motorisch angehobene Verschlusstopfen und dergleichen, wie diese aus dem Strand der Technik bekannt sind.It goes without saying that the opening 17 in the toilet bowl is sealed with the insertion of the sound sensor 16, so that the functions of the multi-flush system toilet 1 are not impaired. Also shown is a Spülwasserreservoir 7, which via the purge line 8 (see. Fig. 1 ) at the Toilet bowl 2 is connected. As shown schematically, the sound sensor 16 is electrically connected to the CPU 12 and this with the Spülvorgangauslösung 10. These connections can be wired or wireless. Wireless links based on radio frequency technology are preferred as an alternative to cable links. The Spülvorgangauslösung 10 is electrically actuated and can be designed virtually arbitrary; in question are solenoid valves, motorized closure plug and the like, as they are known from the beach of the art.

Die Figur 2B zeigt eine gemäss einer zweiten Ausführungsform platzierte und ausgebildete Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11. Diese Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie einen Schallsensor 16 umfasst, der in einem teilweise mit Luft 18 gefüllten Rohr 19, das an eine Öffnung 17 in der Toilettenschüssel 2 anschliesst, platziert und in indirektem Kontakt mit dem Wasser 3 des Auffangbeckens 4 angeordnet ist. In diesem Fall werden Geräusche in der Form von hochfrequenten Druckschwankungen (typischerweise mit einer Frequenz zwischen 1 und 20'000 Hz) im Wasser 3 des Auffangbeckens 4 über die sich im Rohr 19 befindende, kommunizierende Wassersäule und die sich darüber befindende Luftsäule auf den Schallsensor 16 übertragen. Diese im Rohr 19 gefangene Luftsäule wirkt dabei (wegen der geringeren Dichte) als zusätzliches Dämpfungselement, so dass äussere Störeinflüsse das Messsignal des Schallsensors 16 noch weniger beeinträchtigen können.The FIG. 2B 1 shows a sound detector device 11 placed and constructed in accordance with a second embodiment. This sound detector device 11 is characterized in that it comprises a sound sensor 16 which is located in a pipe 19 partially filled with air 18 and connected to an opening 17 in the toilet bowl 2 adjoins, placed and arranged in indirect contact with the water 3 of the catch basin 4. In this case, noises in the form of high-frequency pressure fluctuations (typically with a frequency between 1 and 20,000 Hz) in the water 3 of the catch basin 4 via the communicating water column located in the pipe 19 and the air column above it to the sound sensor 16 transfer. This trapped in the pipe 19 air column acts (because of the lower density) as an additional damping element, so that external interference can affect the measurement signal of the sound sensor 16 even less.

Vorzugsweise wird die Öffnung 17 in der Toilettenschüssel mit dem Einsetzen des Rohrs 19 abgedichtet und dieses Rohr 19 wird mit dem Einsetzen des Schallsensors 16 an seinem oberen Ende abgedichtet, so dass die Funktionen der Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 nicht beeinträchtigt werden.Preferably, the opening 17 in the toilet bowl is sealed with the insertion of the pipe 19 and this pipe 19 is sealed with the insertion of the sound sensor 16 at its upper end, so that the functions of the multi-flush system toilet 1 are not impaired.

Die Ausführungen zum Spülwasserreservoir 7 und zu den Verbindungen zwischen der CPU mit dem Schallsensor und/oder der Spülvorgangauslösung 10 gelten auch hier. Speziell bevorzugte Schallsensoren sind piezoelektrische oder piezoresistive Membranen, wobei in einem Prototyp ein Sensor des Typs 40PC001B2A von Honeywell (Honeywell Inc. Freeport, Illinois 61032, USA) eingesetzt wurde. Die Benutzerbetätigung 9 kann wahlweise als Anwesenheitssensor mit einem Detektorfeld ausgebildet sein, wobei der Taster nur zum Auslösen einer Nachspülung verwendbar ist.The comments on Spülwasserreservoir 7 and the connections between the CPU with the sound sensor and / or the Spülvorgangauslösung 10 also apply here. Specially preferred acoustic sensors are piezoelectric or piezoresistive membranes wherein a 40PC001B2A type sensor from Honeywell (Honeywell Inc. Freeport, Illinois 61032, USA) was used in a prototype. The user operation 9 can optionally be designed as a presence sensor with a detector field, wherein the button is only used to trigger a final rinse.

Die CPU 12 kann zusätzlich einen Ausgang zum Aktivieren einer Aktion oder eines Geräts zur Luftverbesserung und/oder zur Verbesserung des Wohlbefindens bzw. der Ambiance aufweisen. Beispielsweise ist ein solches Gerät ein Ventilator 20 (vgl. Pfeil in Fig. 1). Dies ist insbesondere dann von Vorteil, wenn der Ventilator 20 nur bei einer Abgabe von Feststoffen (Stuhl) in die Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 in Betrieb genommen werden soll, um die dadurch entstehenden Gerüche zu entsorgen. Gleichzeitig mit oder alternativ zu einem Ventilator 20 kann beispielsweise auch ein spezielles Licht, eine spezielle Beleuchtung und/oder ein Musikabspielgerät aktiviert werden. Auch das Abgeben von Duftstoffen mit einem entsprechenden Gerät stellt eine bevorzugte Ergänzung oder Alternative zum Aktivieren eines Ventilators dar, weil damit ebenfalls die Luftqualität im Raum, in welchem sich die erfindungsgemässe Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 befindet, verbessert werden kann.The CPU 12 may additionally have an output for activating an action or device for improving the air and / or improving the well-being or ambiance. For example, such a device is a fan 20 (see arrow in FIG Fig. 1 ). This is particularly advantageous when the fan 20 is to be put into operation only when a discharge of solids (chair) in the Mehrmengenspülsystem-toilet 1 in order to dispose of the resulting odors. Simultaneously with or as an alternative to a fan 20, for example, a special light, a special lighting and / or a music player can be activated. Also, the dispensing of fragrances with a corresponding device is a preferred supplement or alternative to activate a fan, because it also the air quality in the room in which the inventive Mehrmengenspülsystem toilet 1 is, can be improved.

Insbesondere das Auslösen von Zwischenspülungen bei besonders intensivem Gebrauch der Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 wird ebenfalls bevorzugt. Zu diesem Zweck kann die in der CPU aktivierte Software die Spülvorgangauslösung 10 aktivieren, nach jedem Eintrag von Feststoffen eine solche Zwischenspülung auszulösen. Das Spülvolumen für die Zwischenspülungen kann frei bestimmt werden und beträgt vorzugsweise 2 Liter oder weniger. Damit wird mit möglichst wenig Wasserverbrauch eine möglichst hohe Raumluftqualität erreicht. Auch in solchen Fällen ist das Aktivieren von Ventilatoren oder Duftstoff abgebenden Vorrichtungen bevorzugt.In particular, the triggering of intermediate rinses with particularly intensive use of the multi-flushing system toilet 1 is also preferred. For this purpose, the software activated in the CPU may activate the flush trigger 10 to trigger such an intermediate flush after each entry of solids. The flushing volume for the intermediate flushes can be freely determined and is preferably 2 liters or less. This achieves the highest possible indoor air quality with as little water consumption as possible. Also in such cases, activation of fans or perfume dispensing devices is preferred.

Alternativ zum Aktivieren dieser Aktionen bzw. Geräte mit der CPU 12, können solche Aktionen bzw. Geräte auch von der Detektorvorrichtung 11 ausgelöst werden. Zu diesem Zweck ist eine entsprechende Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 vorzugsweise mit einem eigenen Prozessor zum Verarbeiten der vom Schallsensor 16 bereitgestellten Informationen ausgestattet. In solchen Fällen kann die Raumluft bzw. die Ambiance automatisch verbessert werden, wobei diese Verbesserung gemäss den festgestellten, in die Toilette abgegebenen Stoffen erfolgt. Dazu würde es genügen, eine ansonsten konventionelle Toilette mit einer erfindungsgemässen Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 11 zum Feststellen der Art der in die Toilette abgegeben Stoffe auszurüsten.As an alternative to activating these actions or devices with the CPU 12, such actions or devices can also be triggered by the detector device 11. For this purpose, a corresponding sound detector device 11 is preferably equipped with its own processor for processing the information provided by the sound sensor 16. In such cases, the Room air or the ambiance are automatically improved, this improvement according to the detected, discharged into the toilet substances. For this it would be sufficient to equip an otherwise conventional toilet with an inventive sound detector device 11 for determining the type of substances released into the toilet.

Die Figur 3 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer Schallmessung, wie sie mittels eines Oszilloskops, an welches ein Schallsensor 16 erfindungsgemäss angeschlossen ist, visualisiert werden kann. Es fällt sofort auf, dass eine Flüssigkeit 21 eine Signalfolge mit geringer Amplitude bewirkt, und dass ein Feststoff 22 ein Einzelsignal mit viel höherer Amplitude auslöst. Somit kann das Einbringen von Flüssigkeiten 21 vom Einbringen von Feststoffen 22 in das Auffangbecken 4 einer Toilettenschüssel 2 eindeutig unterschieden werden. Dies ist auch selbst dann der Fall, wenn das jeweilige Gesamtvolumen identisch ist.The FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a sound measurement, as they can be visualized by means of an oscilloscope, to which a sound sensor 16 is connected according to the invention. It is immediately apparent that a liquid 21 causes a signal sequence of low amplitude, and that a solid 22 triggers a single signal with much higher amplitude. Thus, the introduction of liquids 21 from the introduction of solids 22 into the catch basin 4 of a toilet bowl 2 can be clearly distinguished. This is also the case even if the respective total volume is identical.

Das erfindungsgemässe Verfahren zum Entscheiden der Spülwassermenge in einer Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 1 umfasst:

  • das Erfassen von Geräuschen in der Form von hochfrequenten Druckschwankungen im Wasser 3 des Auffangbeckens 4; welche durch in die Toilette eingebrachte Stoffe verursacht werden;
  • das Umwandeln der Druckschwankungssignale in Informationen, die von einer CPU ausgewertet werden können;
  • das Auswerten dieser Informationen in einer CPU, an Hand welcher entschieden wird, von welcher Art die in die Toilette eingebrachten Stoffe sind;
  • das Aktivieren der Spülvorgangauslösung 10 mit der mit der CPU 12 wirkverbundenen Benutzerbetätigung 9; und
  • das Auslösen einer Spülung, deren Volumen der festgestellten Art der in die Toilette eingebrachten Stoffe entspricht.
The inventive method for deciding the amount of flushing water in a multi-flushing toilet 1 includes:
  • the detection of noise in the form of high-frequency pressure fluctuations in the water 3 of the sump 4; which are caused by substances introduced into the toilet;
  • converting the pressure fluctuation signals into information that can be evaluated by a CPU;
  • evaluating this information in a CPU, by which it is decided what kind of substances are introduced into the toilet;
  • activating flushing actuation 10 with the user actuation 9 operatively connected to CPU 12; and
  • the triggering of a flush, the volume of which corresponds to the type of substance introduced into the toilet.

Diese Aktionen werden vorzugsweise von einer entsprechenden, in der CPU aktivierten Software gesteuert. Vorzugsweise wird das Spülvolumen von der CPU 12 automatisch ausgewählt aus einer Gruppe, die eine grosse, eine mittlere und eine kleine Spülung, vorzugsweise mit einem Volumen von 2 Litern, 4 Litern oder 6 Litern, umfasst. Falls ein(e) Benutzer(in) feststellt, dass eine Nachspülung erforderlich ist, so kann er (oder sie) diese Nachspülung manuell auslösen, wobei das Nachspülvolumen eine grosse, mittlere oder kleine Spülung, vorzugsweise mit einem Volumen von 2 Litern, 4 Litern oder 6 Litern, beträgt, wie diese bereits zur Hauptspülung verwendet wurde. Es kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass das Nachspülvolumen immer gleich ist und 2 Liter, 4 Liter oder 6 Liter beträgt. Alle Volumenangaben sind als Beispiele zu verstehen und können den aktuellen Verhältnissen nach Bedarf angepasst werden.These actions are preferably controlled by a corresponding software activated in the CPU. Preferably, the purge volume is automatically selected by the CPU 12 from a group that has a large, a middle and a small purge, preferably with a volume of 2 liters, 4 liters or 6 liters. If a user determines that a rinse is required, he or she may manually trigger this rinse, with the rinse volume being a large, medium or small rinse, preferably with a volume of 2 liters, 4 liters or 6 liters, is how it was already used for the main rinse. It can also be provided that the Nachspülvolumen is always the same and is 2 liters, 4 liters or 6 liters. All volume indications are to be understood as examples and can be adapted to the current conditions as required.

Beliebige Kombinationen der beschriebenen und in den Figuren gezeigten Merkmale gehören zum Umfang der vorliegenden Erfindung. Die Bezugszeichen in den Figuren nehmen Bezug auf die gleichen Merkmale, auch wenn diese nicht in jedem Fall ausführlich beschrieben sind. Bezugszeichen: 1 Mehrmengenspülsystem-Toilette 11 Schalldetektor-Vorrichtung 2 Toilettenschüssel 12 CPU 3 Wasser 13 Tauchvorrichtung 4 Auffangbecken 14 einsehbarer Bereich 4' vorderes Wasserbecken 15 Unterkante 4" hinteres Wasserbecken 16 Schallsensor 5 Siphon 17 Öffnung in der Toilettenschüssel 6 Ablaufrohr 18 Luft 7 Spülwasserreservoir 19 Rohr 8 Spülleitung 20 Ventilator 9 Benutzerbetätigung 21 Flüssigkeit 10 Spülvorgangauslösung 22 Feststoff Any combinations of the features described and shown in the figures are within the scope of the present invention. The reference numerals in the figures refer to the same features, though not in any way described in detail. Reference numerals: 1 Mehrmengenspülsystem toiletries 11 Sound detector device 2 toilet bowl 12 CPU 3 water 13 dipper 4 catch basin 14 visible area 4 ' front water basin 15 lower edge 4 ' rear water basin 16 sound sensor 5 siphon 17 Opening in the toilet bowl 6 drain pipe 18 air 7 Spülwasserreservoir 19 pipe 8th flushing line 20 fan 9 user operation 21 liquid 10 flush process 22 solid fuel

Claims (17)

  1. A multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) comprising:
    (a) a toilet bowl (2) having a collecting basin (4) which is at least partially filled with water (3) and can be connected to a drain pipe (6);
    (b) a flushing line (8), which is connected to the toilet bowl (2);
    (c) a user actuator (9); and
    (d) a flushing process trigger (10) coupled to the user actuator (9);
    characterized in that the multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) further comprises:
    (e) a sound detector device (11) arranged in the water (3) of the collecting basin (4) for detecting noises in the water (3) of the collecting basin (4) caused by substances introduced into the toilet; and
    (f) a central processing unit (CPU, 12) with which the user actuator (9), the flushing process trigger (10) and the sound detector device (11) are electronically operatively connected, wherein a software activated therein enables the central processing unit (CPU, 12) to evaluate pressure fluctuation signals generated by the sound detector device (11) in order to activate the flushing process trigger (10) for triggering a flush.
  2. A multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the collecting basin (4) is formed as part of a siphon (5).
  3. A multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the siphon (5) comprises a front water basin (4') and a rear water basin (4").
  4. A multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a flushing water reservoir (7) which is connected to the toilet bowl (2) via the flushing line (8).
  5. A multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) according to claim 3 or 4, when dependent on claim 3, characterized in that the siphon (5) comprises an immersion device (13) which separates the front water basin (4') from the rear water basin (4") at the surface, wherein the sound detector device (11) is arranged outside a visible region (14) in the rear water basin (4").
  6. A multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the immersion device (13) is designed as an immersion wall with a bottom edge (15) constantly covered by water (3), wherein the sound detector device (11) is arranged close to said bottom edge (15), preferably just below said bottom edge (15), in the rear water basin (4").
  7. A multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sound detector device (11) comprises a sound sensor (16) which is arranged in an opening (17) of the toilet bowl (2) and in direct contact with the water (3) of the collecting basin (4).
  8. A multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sound-detector device (11) comprises a sound sensor (16) which is positioned in a pipe (19) which is partially filled with air (18) and is adjacent to an opening (17) in the toilet bowl (2), and is arranged in indirect contact with the water (3) of the collecting basin (4).
  9. A multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central processing unit (CPU, 12) is connected to an electrical power supply, which is selected from a group which comprises a network, a battery, an accumulator, a capacitor, a generator driven by refilling the flushing water reservoir (7), and a random combination of said elements.
  10. A multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the user actuator (9) is formed as a presence sensor with a detector array, wherein the software activated in the central processing unit (CPU, 12) enables it to activate the flushing process trigger (10) for triggering a flush after the user has left the detector field.
  11. A multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the user actuator (9) is designed as a pushbutton, wherein the software activated in the central processor unit (CPU, 12) enables it to activate the flushing process trigger (10) for triggering a flush as soon as the user has pressed the pushbutton.
  12. A multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) according to one of the claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the user actuator (9) is designed as a presence sensor with a detector field and the pushbutton can only be used for triggering a post-flush.
  13. A multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central processing unit (CPU, 12) has an output for activating a fan (20).
  14. A multi-amount flushing system toilet (1) according to one of the claims 7, 8 or 9 to 13 with reference to one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the sound sensor (16) is an electrostatic, electrodynamic, electromagnetic, piezoelectric or piezoresistive vibration transducer.
  15. A method for deciding the amount of flushing water in a multi-amount flushing system toilet (1), comprising:
    (a) a toilet bowl (2) having a collecting basin (4) which is at least partially filled with water (3) and which is connected or connectable to a drain pipe (6);
    (b) a flushing line (8), which is connected to the toilet bowl (2);
    (c) a user actuator (9); and
    (d) a flushing process trigger (10) coupled to the user actuator (9);
    characterized in that noises in the water (3) of the collecting basin (4) caused by substances introduced into the toilet are detected with a sound detector device (11) arranged in the water (3) of the collecting basin (4) and converted into pressure fluctuating signals, whereupon the pressure fluctuating signals generated by the sound detector device (11) are evaluated in a central processing unit (CPU, 12), and wherein the flushing process trigger (10), which is operatively connected to the central processing unit (CPU, 12), is activated for triggering a flush by the user actuator (9), which is also operatively connected to the central processing unit (CPU, 12), by means of which a software activated therein enables the central processing unit (CPU, 12) to release a flushing volume selected according to said evaluation.
  16. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the flushing volume is automatically selected by the central processing unit (CPU, 12) from a group comprising a large, medium and small flushing volume, preferably with a volume of 2 litres, 4 litres or 6 litres.
  17. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that a post-flushing action is triggered manually, wherein the post-flushing volume is a large, medium or small flush, preferably with a volume of 2 litres, 4 litres or 6 litres.
EP09730170.9A 2008-04-10 2009-04-01 Multi-amount flushing system toilet Active EP2288762B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US4378208P 2008-04-10 2008-04-10
CH5562008 2008-04-10
PCT/EP2009/053868 WO2009124866A1 (en) 2008-04-10 2009-04-01 Multi-amount flushing system toilet

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2288762A1 EP2288762A1 (en) 2011-03-02
EP2288762B1 true EP2288762B1 (en) 2017-09-13

Family

ID=40002959

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09730170.9A Active EP2288762B1 (en) 2008-04-10 2009-04-01 Multi-amount flushing system toilet

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2288762B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2644508T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2009124866A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105256864B (en) 2012-11-02 2017-11-28 科勒公司 The contactless rinse-system of modified
CN103132578A (en) * 2013-03-25 2013-06-05 无锡市崇安区科技创业服务中心 Sound control closestool
EP3064664A1 (en) * 2015-03-06 2016-09-07 Oliveira & Irmao S.A. Automatic system and method for flushing a sanitary bowl
DE202017102237U1 (en) 2017-04-13 2018-07-16 Neoperl Gmbh Toilet cistern and corresponding use of an injector
DE102017108028A1 (en) * 2017-04-13 2018-10-18 Neoperl Gmbh Toilet cistern and corresponding use of an injector
DE102017003823A1 (en) * 2017-04-20 2018-10-25 GROHEDAL Sanitärsysteme GmbH Sanitary installation system with a modular functional system
CH714479A2 (en) 2017-12-20 2019-06-28 Oblamatik Ag More flush system.
CN109752079B (en) * 2018-05-18 2020-12-29 李文杰 Method for detecting flushing noise of floor type toilet by effective sensing noise level measuring method
CN109752083B (en) * 2018-05-18 2021-02-12 李文杰 Method for detecting flushing noise of toilet by sound power level parallelepiped measuring surface method
CN109752075B (en) * 2018-05-18 2021-02-12 李文杰 Method for detecting flushing noise of toilet by effective sensing noise level pulse measurement method
CN109764955B (en) * 2018-05-18 2021-02-12 李文杰 Method for detecting water inlet noise of toilet water tank by effective sensing noise level pulse measurement method
CN109752081B (en) * 2018-05-18 2020-12-29 李文杰 Method for detecting flushing noise of toilet by effective sensing noise level outdoor measuring method
CN109752084B (en) * 2018-05-18 2021-02-12 李文杰 Method for detecting flushing noise of wall-mounted ceramic toilet by sound energy level measurement method
CN109752080B (en) * 2018-05-18 2020-12-29 李文杰 Method for detecting water inlet noise of toilet water tank by effective sensing noise level outdoor measuring method
CN109752082B (en) * 2018-05-18 2020-12-29 李文杰 Method for detecting water inlet noise of toilet water tank by effective sensing noise level measuring method
CN109024804A (en) * 2018-07-19 2018-12-18 台州云门工业设计有限公司 It is a kind of to change the Intelligent toilet cover being rinsed based on brightness
CN109024802A (en) * 2018-07-19 2018-12-18 台州云门工业设计有限公司 A kind of Intelligent toilet cover using health

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11140940A (en) * 1997-11-12 1999-05-25 Omron Corp Flushing system for closet bowl
ATE287476T1 (en) * 1999-08-31 2005-02-15 Abu Plast Kunststoffbetr E Gmb ACTUATING DEVICE FOR A DRAIN FITTING OF A CIstern

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2644508T3 (en) 2017-11-29
EP2288762A1 (en) 2011-03-02
WO2009124866A1 (en) 2009-10-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2288762B1 (en) Multi-amount flushing system toilet
DE10210474B4 (en) Toilet with a sensor unit
EP1601841B1 (en) Method for controlling the water supply in a sanitary installation
US7877822B2 (en) Non-water lavatory flushing device with flushing pump
DE102007004831A1 (en) System for flushing a vacuum toilet in an aircraft
EP1378612B1 (en) Toilet system and method for operating the same
EP3456891A1 (en) Waste tank for a sanitary device
EP1019586A1 (en) Device for the automatic release of a flushing process in urinals or similar sanitary appliance
EP2075381B1 (en) Built-in flushing device for a toilet or urinal
EP1965494B1 (en) Method for detecting use of a WC and WC seat assembly
WO2019122038A1 (en) Multi-volume flushing system
EP0353183A1 (en) Radar sonde for the automatic individual control of sanitary fittings
DE102016002952A1 (en) Method for operating a device for receiving and removing body exudates and a corresponding device
DE10025348A1 (en) Combination lavatory/urinal has lavatory bowl adjusted in height by lifting device when lavatory seat is raised
EP1586713B1 (en) Device and method for automatic iniciation of flushing of a flushing device using a capacitive sensor
DE19901844A1 (en) Toilet arrangement adjustable for use as urinal
EP1445387B1 (en) Deodorizing apparatus and method for toilets
JP3401892B2 (en) Human waste crushing and pumping equipment
EP1100998B1 (en) Flushing device
WO2002046541A1 (en) Contactless rinsing device for a wc system and method for contactless rinsing of a wc system
EP1135561B1 (en) Method and device for separating and disposing of faeces and urine in urine separation toilets
DE102004014554B4 (en) Device for extracting odors from a toilet bowl
DE102019133021A1 (en) Device for flushing a sanitary basin and system for supplying water to a sanitary object with such a device
DE202017007227U1 (en) Hygiene station
DE10054863A1 (en) Sanitary device, particularly a urinal has a sensor placed beneath the urinal so that it is less easily detected and therefore less prone to damage by vandals

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20101110

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA RS

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: OBLAMATIK AG

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: OBRIST, ROLAND

Inventor name: LANG, EDO

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: E03D 1/14 20060101ALI20170308BHEP

Ipc: E03D 5/10 20060101AFI20170308BHEP

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20170509

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 928284

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20171015

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502009014364

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: OK PAT AG PATENTE MARKEN LIZENZEN, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20170913

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171213

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171213

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171214

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180113

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502009014364

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20180614

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20180430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180401

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180401

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 928284

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20180401

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180401

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20090401

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170913

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PFUS

Owner name: OBLAMATIK AG, CH

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: OBLAMATIK AG, CH

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20220310

Year of fee payment: 14

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230310

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230302

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20230510

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230307

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20230502

Year of fee payment: 15

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: EUG

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230402