EP2578758B1 - Method for setting parameters and device for carrying out said method - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a method for setting parameters on an actuating element for triggering a function on a sanitary device, such as for triggering a flush on a toilet or urinal according to the preamble of claim 1 and a device according to the preamble of claim 10.

STATE OF THE ART

Actuators for triggering flushes in toilets and urinals are known from the prior art. In the past, such actuators were usually designed mechanically, the user applying a force on an actuating button and thus actuates a valve.

Next actuators of the type mentioned are known, which allow an electronic Spülauslösung. For this purpose, the actuating plate comprises, for example, a proximity sensor, which detects the presence of a person in front of the plate or the hand of a rinsing triggering user and thus triggers the rinse.

Such an actuator is for example from the AT 009 069 known. The user can select from a variety of different function, the actuator indicates the user the corresponding function by specifying a signal in the form of a pictogram. Furthermore, a parameterization of different settings is allowed. A disadvantage of the AT 009 069 is the fact that the parameterization is extremely complicated and only for the expert, ie For example, the plumber, with the appropriate expertise is executable. In addition, the type of parameterization leaves no room for any modifications to the products, because these are based on fixed pictograms.

Next will be in the AT 009 069 the setting of the parameters achieved by the approach or lead away the hand to or from the vicinity of the sensor. Consequently, the user must always guide his hand over appropriate limits of the sensor's operating range. In this respect, the user must exceed other limits when setting various functions, which makes the setting complicated. In addition, this type of attitude is very susceptible to mistreatment.

Furthermore, from the application EP 2 034 097 A2 a generic flushing method and an actuating element used for this purpose, which allows to set at least one parameter of the flushing. For this purpose, the actuating element has a plurality of actuation sensors and display elements.

To set the parameter, one of the actuation sensors must be pressed for a longer time until the control changes from an operating mode to a setting mode in which the parameter can be changed.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

Based on this prior art, the invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and a method for setting parameters of an actuating element, the method should overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the user should be able to set a setting mode easier and it should be prevented incorrect manipulation. Next, the user should be able to set the parameters without having to make mechanical manipulations on the actuator plate. The change from the operating mode to the setting mode should be reliably displayed.

Such a problem is solved by the method according to claim 1 and the device according to claim 10.

Accordingly, a method for adjusting at least one parameter on an actuator to initiate a function on a sanitary device, such as triggering a flush of a toilet or urinal or the operation of a water valve valve, where the actuator exactly two actuation sensors for detecting an input a user and exactly two visual display elements. The method includes the step of displacing the actuator from an operating mode to a setting mode in which said parameters are adjustable by simultaneously activating the two actuating sensors for a predetermined period of time. Consequently, at the simultaneous activation of the two actuation sensors over a predetermined period of time, the actuator of an operating mode in a setting mode in which said parameters are adjustable offset.

By the joint operation of two actuation sensors, the user can select the adjustment mode in a simple and secure manner. A wrong operation can be excluded.

The method comprises the step of changing the color of at least one of the display elements as soon as the actuating element has been set to the setting mode. Thus, the user is shown the current state of the actuator.

The adjustment mode preferably comprises a plurality of menu items, wherein when the actuator is in the adjustment mode, a different menu item is selectable by a step of activating one of the at least two actuation sensors. By the step of activation of the other of the at least two actuation sensors, the parameters assigned to a menu item are adjustable. Thus, one actuation sensor serves to select the menu item, while the other actuation sensor serves to select a parameter assigned to the menu item.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of changing the display shape of at least one of the display elements when changing from one menu item to another menu item. Preferably, each of the menu items is assigned a unique display shape, such as a color, so that the user can easily recognize the corresponding menu item.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of changing the display shape of at least one of the display elements when changing from one parameter to another parameter. Preferably, each of the parameters is assigned a unique display shape, such as a color, so that the user can easily recognize the corresponding parameter.

Preferably, the menu item is displayed by one of the display elements while the parameter is displayed by the other of the display elements. As a result, the user can always recognize in which menu item the device is currently located.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of storing the selected parameter by activating at least two of the actuation sensors after adjustment of a parameter, wherein in an optional step after saving the set parameter the display shape of at least one of the display elements is changed, preferably for a short time.

Preferably, in the absence of activation of at least one of the actuation sensors for a predetermined period of time, the method further comprises the step of displacing the actuation device 1 from the adjustment mode to the operation mode.

The adjustable parameter is preferably selected from the group of setting the color of the display elements, setting the automatic flushing, setting of Spülwassermenge, and / or adjustment of display functions of the display elements.

Preferably, in a step of simultaneously activating at least two actuation sensors for a predetermined period of time, the actuator is switched from an operating mode to a cleaning mode and from the cleaning mode to the operating mode, wherein the period for selecting the cleaning mode is less than or greater than the time duration for the cleaning mode Choice of setting mode.

Preferably, after elapse of a predetermined cleaning period, the method further comprises the step of placing the actuator from the cleaning mode to the operating mode.

The exactly two actuation sensors and exactly two display elements are arranged such that in each case an actuation sensor is associated with a display element. Preferably, the display elements have a different size. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of deactivating the triggering of said function when the actuator has been placed in the adjustment mode or in the cleaning mode.

Further embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

An actuating element according to the invention serves to trigger a function, in particular a flush, on a sanitary device, wherein at least one parameter is adjustable on the actuating element, wherein the actuating element comprises exactly two actuation sensors for detecting a user input and exactly two visual display elements. The actuation element further comprises one Control device which is in communication with the actuation sensors. In the simultaneous activation of two actuation sensors for a predetermined period of time, the actuator is displaceable in a step of displacing the actuator from an operating mode to a setting mode, which is indicated by a color change of the display element.

Preferably, the actuating element comprises a plate and the actuating sensors and / or the display elements are arranged in the installed state behind the plate.

Preferably, the control device is further connected to the optical display elements in connection and / or with the sanitary fitting, in particular via a cable, is connectable, so that the said function is controllable.

Preferably, the actuation sensors and the optical display elements are arranged in pairs, wherein an actuation sensor in the installed state in each case lies above a display element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht eines Betätigungselementes einer Sanitäreinrichtung im Betriebsmodus;

Fig. 2

die schematische Ansicht des Betätigungselements nach der Figur 1 im Einstellmodus;

Fig. 3

die schematische Ansicht des Betätigungselements nach der Figur 1 im Reinigungsmodus;

Fig. 4

die einzelnen Verfahrensschritte gemäss einer ersten Ausführungsform; und

Fig. 5

die einzelnen Verfahrensschritte gemäss einer zweiten Ausführungsform.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a schematic view of an actuating element of a sanitary device in the operating mode;

Fig. 2

the schematic view of the actuating element according to the FIG. 1 in setting mode;

Fig. 3

the schematic view of the actuating element according to the FIG. 1 in cleaning mode;

Fig. 4

the individual method steps according to a first embodiment; and

Fig. 5

the individual process steps according to a second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the FIGS. 1 to 3 schematic views of an actuator 1 are shown. The actuating element 1 serves to trigger a function in a sanitary fitting. If the sanitary fitting is a toilet or urinal, the function is the flushing of the toilet or urinal. If the sanitary fitting has the shape of a washbasin fitting, the function is the opening of the valve of the washbasin fitting, so that water can flow through the fitting into the washstand.

The actuating element 1 comprises exactly two actuating sensors 2, 3 and exactly two optical display elements 4, 5. Operating sensors 2, 3 and optical display elements 4, 5 are connected to one another via a control device. The control device is further in contact with the sanitary fitting and thus controls the triggering of said function, such as the opening of a valve. Further, a power supply device is provided, which the operating sensors 2, 3, the optical display elements 4, 5 and the control device with electrical energy provided. With a storage device which is part of the control device, parameters to be set can be stored.

The actuation sensors 2, 3 serve to detect an input of a user and are arranged spatially close to the display elements 4, 5, wherein the display elements 4, 5 signal the user the location of actuation. In this case, always an actuation sensor and a display element form a corresponding pair. Here, the actuation sensor 2 is assigned to the display element 4 and the actuation sensor 3 to the display element 5. The display elements 4, 5 here have a different size, wherein the display element 4 is larger than the display element 5 is formed. The different size signals to the user that he can choose from two different functions. Such a different function would be, for example, the choice of two different amounts of flushing water. If, therefore, the actuating sensor 2 associated with the large display element 4 is actuated, a larger amount of flushing water is released than when the actuation sensor 3 associated with the small display element 5 is actuated.

The actuation sensors 2, 3 are, for example, infrared sensors, which are arranged behind a plate 6. The plate 6 is designed such that it is designed to be continuous for the infrared rays of the infrared sensors.

The display elements 4, 5 essentially comprise a lighting means and can be controlled accordingly by the control unit. The control of the lighting means is a parameter which is adjustable by the user. Preferably, the lighting means are controlled so that they turn on and thus become visible to the user as soon as it approaches the actuating element 1 or that the lighting means are always turned on. The light-emitting means is preferably one or more RGB light-emitting diodes. The use of other bulbs is also conceivable. The display elements 4, 5 are preferably arranged behind the plate 6, which has for the display elements 4, 5 for light continuous areas.

The actuating element 1 can after the FIGS. 1 to 3 essentially three states.

In the FIG. 1 the operating mode B is shown, in which case the user can trigger the corresponding function. The display element 4, 5 are as soon as a user enters the detection range of the sensors or permanently switched on, so that the user can recognize the position of the display elements 4, 5 and thus also the position of the actuation sensors. The operating mode is the standard mode.

In the FIG. 2 the setting mode E is shown, wherein here the display of the display element 4, 5 differs from that in the operating mode B. This will be indicated by a different color.

In the FIG. 3 the cleaning mode E is shown. Here, the display elements 4, 5 flash periodically and thus signal the cleaning mode. It would also be conceivable that the user of the cleaning mode is displayed in a different color.

With regard to the display elements 4, 5, it should be noted that the display is different for all states or modes, so that the user can recognize the state of the actuating element 1 on the basis of the display by the display elements 4, 5.

The inventive method is used to set at least one parameter on the actuator. For example, the adjustment of the colors of the display elements, the setting of the rinsing function, the adjustment of the dosage of Spülwassermenge and / or the adjustment of display functions of the display elements.

The method for setting at least one parameter on an actuator 1 to trigger a function on a sanitary device comprises the step of moving the actuator 1 from an operating mode B to a setting mode E when the exactly two actuation sensors 2, 3 are activated for a predetermined time T1 become. In setting mode E, the user can then make appropriate settings on different or even on a single parameter. To the actuator 1 in the setting mode E, the user, as in the FIG. 3 shown holding both hands in front of the actuation sensors 2, 3 and after reaching or exceeding the predetermined time period T1, the actuator 1 is set from the operating mode B to the setting mode E. This type of activation of the setting mode E has the advantage that the user can activate the setting mode E very easily. In particular, a multiple movement of the hands beyond the limits of the sensor is eliminated. A further advantage is the fact that no separate sensors or switches are to be provided for this activation or the setting of parameters, but instead the actuation sensors 2, 3 present for triggering the function on the sanitary device can be used directly.

The time period T1 is preferably selected in the range of 7 to 15 seconds.

Once the actuator 1 has been placed in the setting mode E, the display shape or the appearance of at least one of the display elements 4, 5 is changed. Thus, the user is signaled that the actuating element 1 is now in setting mode E. The signaling via a change in the display form of at least one of the display elements 4, 5 in turn has the advantage that no additional elements for the display of the state of the Betätigunselementes 1 are provided. The change in the display shape is done by changing the color of the display elements 4, 5.

With reference to the FIG. 4 Now, a possible method for setting individual parameters will be explained. The setting mode E includes a plurality of menu items M1, M2, M3. In the FIG. 4 can be well recognized that the menu items M1, M2, M3 can be selected in succession. When the actuating element 1 is in setting mode E, another menu item can be selected by activation of one of the at least two actuating sensors 2. In the FIG. 4 this activation is shown by the reference symbol W, wherein by actuation of the left operating sensor 2, a different menu item is selected. Preferably, immediately after the displacement of the actuating element 1 in the adjustment mode E, the first menu item M1 is displayed. By actuation of the left actuating sensor 2, the user can then select the menu item M2 and by pressing the menu item M3. By pressing the button again, the menu item M1 is displayed to the user. Consequently, the user can select the menu items M1, M2, M3 in an order and can navigate through the loop of the menu items M1, M2, M3.

Each menu item M1, M2, M3 is assigned a predetermined display form of the display element 4, 5. When changing from a menu item M1 to another menu item M2, the display shape of at least one of the display elements thus also changes, allowing the user to recognize which menu item is displayed.

By activating the other of the at least two actuation sensors 3, the user can set the parameter assigned to a menu item M1, M2, M3. In the FIG. 4 For this purpose, the user selects the right actuation sensor 3 for this purpose, as indicated by the reference symbol P. The user can then set 3 different parameters by multiple selection of the corresponding actuation sensor. Thus, the user can select the corresponding parameters analogously to the choice of the menu item. Each parameter of a menu item M1, M2, M3 is assigned a different display form, in particular a different color, wherein a different parameter can be displayed by multiple actuation of the actuation sensor 3. For example, if the parameter is the color to be displayed by the display elements 4, 5, the user can search the desired color indicated by the display elements 4, 5 by multiple operation of the operation sensor 3. Consequently, with each operation of the operation sensor 3, the display shape of the display elements 4, 5 changes, and the display form in the case of the color corresponds to the corresponding color.

For example, if the parameter is the dosage of the amount of flushing water, then a display form, preferably a color, is assigned a corresponding dosage. The same applies to all other parameters that can be set or set.

Preferably, the menu item M1, M2, M3 is indicated by one of the display elements, while the parameter P is indicated by the other of the display elements. As a result, the user can always recognize in which menu item the device is currently located and which parameter can be set.

If the user has found the desired parameter, it is stored by activating the actuation sensors 2, 3 after setting a parameter with a step of storing. This is in the FIG. 4 represented by the reference symbol S. The parameter is written to the memory device. After saving, a new menu item M1, M2, M3, or again the same menu item whose parameters have just been saved, is displayed. Alternatively, the device can also be placed in the operating mode after storage.

Thus, it can be said that the method further comprises the step of storing S the selected parameter by activating the actuation sensors 2, 3 after having set or selected a parameter.

In an optional step after storage S of the set parameter P, the display form of at least one of the display elements 4, 5 is changed, so that the user is acknowledged the storage. Here, a short-term change is preferred, such as, for example, a flashing of one or both of the display elements 4, 5.

As already explained above, the parameter to be set can be selected very varied. In particular, the parameter is preferably selected from the group of setting the color of the display elements, setting the automatic flushing, setting of Spülwassermenge, and / or setting display functions of the display elements. Each of these parameters then represents a corresponding menu item.

The automatic purging setting may include activating the automatic purging or disabling the automatic purging. Under the Automatic flushing is understood that as soon as the actuation sensors detect a person and their departure from the operating radius of the actuation sensors, the flushing is triggered.

When adjusting the amount of flushing water, the user can set different flush volumes.

The setting of the display functions is understood, for example, as different lighting modes, such as permanent lighting or automatic lighting, when a user enters the operating radius of the actuation sensors.

In the absence of activation of at least one of the operation sensors 2, 3 for a predetermined period of time T3, the actuator 1 is set from the setting mode E to the operating mode B. This has the advantage that the device is put back into the normal operating mode in the event of interruption of the setting work, without it being blocked accordingly. The time period T3 is preferably selected in a range of 10 to 30 seconds.

In the FIG. 5 is essentially the procedure according to the FIG. 4 shown. In addition, the cleaning mode R is shown here as well. The cleaning mode R can be activated via the step of the simultaneous activation of at least two actuation sensors 2, 3 over a predetermined period of time T2, the actuation element 1 being displaced from an operating mode B into a cleaning mode R. The period of time T2 for the selection of the cleaning mode R is less than or greater than the time period T1 for the selection of the setting mode E. During the cleaning mode, the triggering of said function is made impossible. The time period T2 is preferably in the range of 2 to 6.5 seconds or in the range of 15.5 to 20 seconds.

Preferably, at least one of the display elements 4, 5 is periodically activated and periodically deactivated when the actuator is in the cleaning mode R. Thus, the user is notified that the device is in cleaning mode located.

After elapse of a predetermined cleaning period, preferably in the range of 10 to 30 seconds, the method further includes the step of putting the operating apparatus 1 from the cleaning mode R into the operating mode B. Thus, the user does not have to actively change the mode after cleaning.

In summary, it can be said that the method according to the invention has the advantage that the user can set a parameter on an actuating device of a sanitary fitting in a simple and safe way.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

actuator

2

operation sensor

3

operation sensor

4

display element

5

display element

B

Operating mode E Setting mode

P

parameter

M1, M2, M3

menu items

S

to save

Claims (14)

1. A flushing method of a toilet, where a flushing is triggered by actuating an actuation element, wherein a parameter of the flushing can be set on the actuation element (1), characterized in that the actuation element (1) comprises exactly two actuation sensors (2, 3) for detecting an input of a user and exactly two optical display elements (4, 5), that the method comprises the step of transferring the actuation element (1) from an operating mode (B) into a setting mode (E), in which said parameter can be set, with the simultaneous activation of the two actuation sensors (2, 3) over a preset time interval (T1), that the method further comprises the step for changing the display configuration of at least one of the display elements (4, 5) as soon as the actuation element (1) has been transferred into the setting mode (E), and that in the step of changing the display configuration the color of the display elements changes.
2. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the setting mode (E) comprises a large number of menu items (M1, M2, M3), wherein, when the actuation element (1) is in the setting mode (E), another menu item (M2, M3, M1) can be selected by a step for the activation (W) of one of the two actuation sensors (2), and that the parameter (P) assigned to the menu item (M1, M2, M3) can be set as a result of the step for the activation of the other of the two actuation sensors (3).
3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the method further comprises the step for changing the display configuration of at least one of the display elements (4, 5) with the change from one menu item (M1, M2, M3) to another menu item (M2, M3, M1), and/or that the method further comprises the step for changing the display configuration of at least one of the display elements (4, 5) with the change from one parameter to another parameter.
4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises the step for the storage (S) of the selected parameter by activation of the two actuation sensors (2, 3) after the setting of the parameter (P) has taken place, wherein in an optional step after the storage (S) of the set parameter has taken place the display configuration of at least one of the display elements (4, 5) is changed, preferably briefly.
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the absence of activation of at least one of the actuation sensors (2, 3) over a preset time interval (T3), the method further comprises the step for transferring the actuation device (1) from the setting mode (E) into the operating mode (B).
6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the settable parameter is from the group comprising setting of the color of the display elements, setting of the automatic flushing, setting of flushing water quantity, and/or setting of display functions of the display elements.
7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a step for the simultaneous activation of two actuation sensors (2, 3) over a preset time interval (T2), the actuation element (1) is transferred from an operating mode (B) into a cleaning mode (R) or from the cleaning mode (R) into the operating mode (B), wherein the time interval (T2) for the selection of the cleaning mode (R) is less than or greater than the time interval (T1) for the selection of the setting mode (E), and/or that the display elements (4, 5) are periodically activated and periodically deactivated when the actuation element (1) is in the cleaning mode (R) and/or that, after the passage of a preset cleaning time, the method further comprises the step for transferring the actuation device (1) from the cleaning mode (E) into the operating mode (B).
8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the time interval (T1) for the activation of the setting mode (E) is in the range from 7 to 15 seconds and/or that the time interval (T2) for the activation of the cleaning mode (R) lies in the range from 2 to 6.5 seconds or in the range from 15.5 to 20 seconds and/or that the cleaning time interval lies in the range from 10 to 30 seconds.
9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises the step for deactivating the triggering of said function, when the actuation element (E) has been transferred into the setting mode (E) or into the cleaning mode (R).
10. A flushing device with an actuation element for triggering a flushing on a sanitary system in the form of a toilet flushing and for performing a method according to any one of the preceding claims,

    wherein at least one parameter can be set on the actuation element (1),

    characterized in that the actuation element comprises exactly two actuation sensors (2, 3) for detecting an input of a user and exactly two optical display elements (4, 5),

    wherein the actuation element further comprises a control device, which is in connection with the actuation sensors (2, 3),

    wherein, with the simultaneous activation of the two actuation sensors (2, 3) over a preset time interval (T1), the control device of the actuation element can be transferred from an operating mode (B) into a setting mode (E) in a step for transferring the control device of the actuation element (1), wherein the display configuration of at least one of the display elements (4, 5) is changed as soon as the actuation element (1) has been transferred into the setting mode (E), and wherein in the step of changing the display configuration the color of the display elements changes.
11. The flushing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the actuation element comprises a plate (6) and wherein the actuation sensors (2, 3) and/or the display elements (4, 5) are disposed behind the plate in the installed state.
12. The flushing device according to any one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that the control device is further in connection with the optical display elements (4, 5) and/or that the control device can be connected to the sanitary fitting, in particular via a cable, so that said function can be controlled.
13. The flushing device according to an one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the actuation sensors (2, 3) and the optical display elements (4, 5) are disposed in pairs, wherein an actuation sensor (2, 3) lies in each case above a display element (4, 5) in the installed state.
14. A sanitary system comprising a flushing device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the sanitary system further comprises a cistern with an outflow opening and a valve closing the outflow opening, wherein the valve can be actuated with the actuation element of the flushing device.

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