ES2813962T3 - Actuation device for a valve in a sanitary installation - Google Patents

Abstract

Actuating device (2) for a valve of a built-in cistern, the actuating device having at least two control elements (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) to activate a discharge process, the actuating device (2) being realized as drive plate (2a, 2b), characterized in that the drive device (2) is provided with luminescent pigments (6, 6 ', 6 "), which temporarily emit light in the dark after stimulation by artificial light or natural, the duration of the luminescence being, depending on the duration of the stimulation by artificial or natural light, at least 1 hour, preferably at least 2 hours, and the luminescent pigments (6, 6 ', 6 ") being distributed selectively on a surface, preferably a total surface, visible of the actuator (2).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Actuation device for a valve in a sanitary installation

The invention relates to an actuating device for a valve of a built-in cistern, with at least two control elements for activating a discharge process by means of a valve, the actuating device being realized as an actuating plate.

Actuating devices for valves in sanitary installations are known from the state of the art. Among these actuating devices there are in particular actuating plates for toilets and / or urinals for activating a flush flow and taps for adjusting a water temperature and a water flow.

Devices that have a light source connected to a current source are already known from the state of the art, this light source serving to illuminate the actuating device or the surroundings of the actuating device.

DE 20 2008 005 518 U1 discloses, for example, an actuator plate for sanitary installations, which has light exit openings in the actuator plate and in which at least one medium is arranged on the rear side of the plate. bright. Either a power source or a battery arranged on the rear side of the drive plate serves as the current source for this light medium.

Document DE 10042722 A1 discloses a sanitary tap, in particular a single-lever mixer tap for a washbasin, with a body and an adjusting element, light diodes being arranged on the adjusting element, which are connected to an arranged battery in the sanitary tap and that serve for example as lighting and / or as a signal transmitter.

From DE 20 2011 105 254 U1 an actuating device for a valve of a sanitary tap or a flush valve is known, which is equipped with light means in the form of several individual lamps, light-emitting diodes, LED chips or RGB LEDs. . The control of these light means is carried out by means of a microprocessor control or a microcontroller in such a way that the color and / or the shape of an indicator or an indicator surface can be changed.

The illumination of the above-mentioned actuator is respectively carried out by means of a current supply. In practice, this often creates difficulties, since there is generally no current supply near the flush plates and taps. In the case of using the variant also known from the state of the art, in which the current is supplied by means of a battery, the battery must be changed at certain intervals. To do this, the drive plate must be disassembled and reassembled after the battery change, which is associated with a corresponding effort.

Document EP 0 903 103 A describes emergency safety shower and washing devices, for example showers for eyes, hands, face and whole body, which are used in particular in areas or companies where corrosive chemicals are used or irritants. In this regard, it is preferable that some parts of the safety shower and wash device have luminescence, so that in the event of a power failure a user can use the safety shower and wash device without delay in time. It is also described that the control elements of the safety shower and washing device have a luminescence in particular, such as, for example, a drawbar and / or a pressure plate for activating the full-body or eye shower.

From EP 2484797 A1 a luminescent object is known, which is designed for example as a bathroom tap or as a control element, for example as a switch. This object has a phosphorescent substrate and at least one transparent cover layer, which is arranged directly or indirectly on at least a part of the outer surface of the substrate. The substrate contains phosphorescent pigments, which are bound in a support material. These pigments are, for example, alkaline earth aluminates endowed with rare earths, such as, for example, SrAl2¿ 4: Eu or Dy.

Document US 2006/0 196549 A1 discloses a liner mounting kit for a shower having a substantially non-metallic cover or a rosette for a shower faucet, in particular for a valve lever for adjusting the volumetric flow of water. , as well as the water temperature. The rosette and / or the valve lever can contain phosphorescent material and / or can be covered with such a material.

From DE 29 801 011 U1 door handles with a luminescence in the dark are known. For this, the door handles including the corresponding fittings are provided with fluorescent paints with afterglow or plastics with afterglow. Afterglow is achieved by adding luminous pigments. Luminous pigments can be stimulated as many times as desired by a light source that contains UV radiation and luminesces for several hours after the light source has been turned off.

On the basis of this, the present invention is based on the object of indicating an actuator of the type mentioned at the beginning, which can be seen well in the dark and which can be mounted without additional effort.

According to the invention, this objective is achieved because the actuator is provided with luminescent pigments, which temporarily emit light in the dark after stimulation by artificial or natural light, the duration of the luminescence being a function of the duration of stimulation by artificial or natural light for at least 2 hours, preferably at least 4 hours, and the luminescent pigments being selectively distributed over a visible surface, preferably a total surface, of the actuator.

The luminescent pigments of the actuator according to the invention are pigments or phosphorescent substances. Phosphorescence is a special form of luminescence. It differs from the similar phenomenon of fluorescence with respect to the duration of luminescence. While the fluorescence decreases rapidly after the irradiation is completed, generally within a fraction of a second, in the case of phosphorescence, residual luminescence can occur which can last from fractions of a second to hours, days, weeks or even months. For example, luminescent paints and luminescent varnishes can be purchased which, depending on the application of the paint or varnish and the surface coated, have a maximum luminescence duration of about 5,000 hours. The luminescent pigments of the actuator according to the invention are chosen in such a way that, depending on the duration of stimulation by artificial or natural light, they have a luminescence of at least 1 hour, preferably of at least 2 hours, of especially preferably at least 4 hours. The luminescent pigments of the actuator according to the invention are chosen, for example, in such a way that, depending on the duration of stimulation by artificial or natural light, they have a luminescence of at least 8 hours, preferably of at least 24 hours. .

The luminescent pigments of the actuator according to the invention have, for example, an inorganic base structure, which is provided with at least one activator and preferably with at least one or more coactivators. For this, for example sulfide-based pigments, such as zinc sulfide and / or calcium sulfide, as well as light pigments based on alkaline earth aluminates, for example strontium aluminate, are used. As an activator, for example europium can be used. ZnS pigments that emit green light are usually provided with copper.

Thanks to the solution according to the invention, it can be ensured simply and reliably that a user can clearly see the actuator, also in the dark. The actuator according to the invention does not require its own power socket or a battery. Therefore, it can be retrofitted or used without problems, in particular in bathrooms, where there is no current supply very close to the flush valve to be actuated.

The additional advantage of the actuator according to the invention is relevant, in particular, when a user wishes to use the flush of a toilet at night, without turning on the main lighting of the bathroom, which is generally annoying. Furthermore, by means of the drive device according to the invention, the current consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, the actuator according to the invention also offers the user the advantage of being able to see at least two control elements of the actuator still well in the event of a sudden power failure.

Unlike the above-mentioned actuators of the state of the art, which require their own power supply, the actuator according to the invention can be mounted anywhere in the bathroom without any additional effort. It is not necessary to provide switches and / or to mount electrical lines to be able to operate the actuator or supply it with current. In contrast to actuators configured with a battery, in the actuator according to the invention it is not necessary to carry out a battery change after a certain time interval.

The operational reliability of the actuator according to the invention is much higher compared to actuators of the state of the art which require their own current supply, since the light-emitting diodes, the corresponding electronic components and / or the Batteries are susceptible to breakdown or failure, so they must be repaired or replaced frequently.

According to the invention, the luminescent pigments are selectively distributed over a surface, preferably a total, visible surface of the actuator. If the luminescent pigments are distributed over a larger area, preferably over the entire visible area of the actuator, and are not arranged only in the area of the at least two control elements, a higher light intensity can be achieved. In this way, a better orientation for people in the dark is achieved in the space provided with the actuator. Therefore, it is even less often necessary to turn on the main light in the corresponding space.

According to a preferable configuration of the actuator according to the invention, the luminescent pigments are arranged in the form of a luminescent paint, at least one luminescent foil or a luminescent varnish on the actuator and / or in the material of the actuator. drive. Of this In this way, it can be relatively inexpensively ensured that the actuator continues to glow in the dark for a specified time. The actuator is preferably provided with luminescent paint and / or luminescent varnish, because these are supposed to generally give a higher quality impression than a luminescent sheet glued on top.

According to another preferable configuration, the material of the actuator contains the luminescent pigments. Therefore, the luminescent pigments are integrated at least in part or in sections in the material of the actuator, for example they are added to a material (a raw material) that hardens at least in part in a transparent way. Thanks to this configuration, the actuator can be provided with the luminescent pigments already in production. As a result, an assembly or machining step is generally omitted, since in this case the actuator generally does not have to be subsequently coated with luminescent paint, luminescent foils or luminescent varnish.

Another preferable configuration of the actuating device according to the invention is characterized in that the luminescent pigments mark the control elements or a partial area of the control elements. In this connection, the function or functions of the control elements can be indicated by the arrangement of the luminescent pigments. As a result, the detection of the control elements in the dark, as well as their operation, is considerably facilitated, so that a user is not obliged to turn on the main light switch in the dark in order to operate the actuator in accordance with the invention.

According to another configuration, the concentration of the luminescent pigments is preferably higher or lower in the area of the at least two control elements than the concentration of the luminescent pigments in the remaining visible area of the actuator. Thanks to this configuration, on the one hand, a sufficient light intensity can be guaranteed, on the other hand, the user being able to see the at least two control elements well, since these can be clearly distinguished from the remaining visible surface area by the higher or lower concentration. of luminescent pigments.

According to another configuration, the actuator is made of plastic, glass and / or metal. According to the invention, the actuating device is designed as a actuating plate for a valve of a concealed cistern. The reason is that it is advantageous for the user of a toilet and / or urinal to be able to see the flush plate of a toilet and / or urinal well even in the dark, without having to switch on the lighting in the room. Turning on the space light is frequently annoying for a user at night and it is quite often that a user uses a toilet or urinal at night.

It is also preferable that the control elements of the actuating device according to the invention are embodied as mechanical, touch-sensitive or approach-sensitive control elements. Thanks to this configuration, various design forms can be realized in the actuator.

The at least two control elements can be arranged remotely from one another or directly next to each other. The luminescent pigments mark the corresponding control element or at least a partial area of the corresponding control element.

The at least two control elements of the actuator according to the invention can be assigned different valve functions, for example a total flush and a partial flush from a flush valve of a toilet tank or urinal. The control element that activates a total discharge can be marked, for example, by a relatively large area of luminescent pigments, while the control element that activates a partial discharge is marked by a relatively small area of luminescent pigments. The difference in size of said surfaces is for example at least 10%, preferably at least 30%. Alternatively or additionally, the control element that activates a full discharge can be marked, for example, by a surface area exhibiting a relatively high density of luminescent pigments, while the control element that activates a partial discharge is marked by a surface area that has a lower density of luminescent pigments. The difference between the pigment density of said surface areas is in this case, for example, at least 10%, preferably at least 30%.

According to another preferred configuration of the invention, the luminescent segments cover at least 10%, preferably at least 20% of the visible front side in the assembled state of the actuator. As a result, it is ensured that the position of the at least two control elements of the actuator can be well detected in the dark or in almost dark light conditions in the corresponding space, for example in the bathroom.

Another advantageous configuration of the actuator according to the invention provides that it has areas provided with luminescent pigments that temporarily emit light in different colors in the dark.

In this regard, the functions of the control element can be indicated by the different colors of the controls. luminescent pigments. For example, a control element for increasing a flow of cold water from a tap can be marked by bluish luminescent pigments, while a control element for increasing a flow of hot water is marked by reddish luminescent pigments. In this way the operation of the actuator in the dark is further facilitated, so that a user is not obliged to turn on the switch for the space light in order to operate the actuator according to the invention in the dark.

The invention is explained in more detail below by means of a drawing representing various embodiments. They show schematically:

FIG. 1 an actuating device in the form of an actuating plate for a flush valve of a concealed cistern, in front view;

FIG. 2 a second embodiment of an actuating plate for a flush valve of a built-in cistern, in front view;

FIG. 3 an actuating plate for a sanitary installation, for example for an inlet tap having several valves for a bathtub or shower, in a perspective view; Y

FIG. 4 is a flush plate for a sanitary installation, for example for a mixer tap having several valves for a bathtub or shower, in a perspective view.

In the description set forth below of different embodiments of the actuating device according to the invention, the same components are provided with the same reference signs, although the components may present differences in terms of their dimension and / or shape in the different examples of realization.

Figure 1 shows a flush device 2 in the form of a flush plate 2a made of plastic or glass with two control elements 4.1,4.2 for a built-in toilet cistern (not shown). In this regard, one control element 4.1 is provided to activate a partial discharge quantity (partial discharge), while the other control element 4.2 is arranged to activate a total discharge quantity (total discharge). The control elements 4.1, 4.2 are designed, for example, as touch-sensitive control elements or as approach sensors and can be actuated respectively by touching the corresponding surface area 5.1 or 5.2 of the actuator plate 2a or by manual approaching the area of surface 5.1 or 5.2. The control elements 4.1, 4.2 are preferably arranged on the rear side of the actuating plate 2a. The surface area of the actuating plate 2a assigned to the corresponding control element 4.1, 4.2 is provided with luminescent pigments 6. The luminescent pigments 6 mark the position of the control elements 4.1, 4.2, whereby the zone of control is defined. contact to activate the corresponding discharge amount. The luminescent pigments 6 mark in particular the position of the corresponding control element 4.1, 4.2 with respect to the remaining visible surface of the actuating plate 2a, both when there is natural light and when the space light is on and in the dark. The luminescent pigments 6 can be applied for example in the form of a luminescent varnish on the drive plate 2a. The surface areas 5.1, 5.2 assigned to the different discharge quantities are made in different sizes. The surface area 5.2 assigned to the full discharge is clearly larger than the surface area 5.1 assigned to the partial discharge.

Figure 2 shows another embodiment of an actuating device 2 in the form of an actuating plate 2a for a discharge valve (not shown) of a sanitary cistern. The actuation plate 2a again has two control elements 4.1, 4.2, one control element 4.1 serving to activate a partial discharge, while the other control element 4.2 serves to activate a total discharge. The two control elements 4.1,4.2 are arranged at a distance from each other on the rear side of the actuator plate 2a, behind a substantially strip-shaped surface region 5 of the visible surface of the actuator plate 2a. The strip-shaped surface area 5 is defined by a plurality of lines running parallel to one another, each containing luminescent pigments 6 and having different widths. The luminescent pigments 6 are printed or applied for example in the form of a luminescent varnish or a luminescent foil on the drive plate 2a. The control elements 4.1, 4.2 that can be activated by contact or manual approach are marked by sections 5.3, 5.4 of the substantially strip-shaped surface area 5, in which the relatively wide lines of luminescent pigments are arranged and therefore therefore, higher concentrations of luminescent pigments 6. The sections 5.3, 5.4 assigned to the different discharge quantities of the strip-shaped surface area 5 are made with different sizes. The section 5.4 assigned to the total discharge is clearly larger than the section 5.3 assigned to the partial discharge.

In figure 3 an actuating device in the form of a actuating plate 2b is outlined, which could be used for actuating a sanitary installation (not shown) having several valves, for example an inlet tap for a shower or a washbasin . The actuating plate 2b has one or more control elements 4.1, 4.2 in the form of mechanical pushbuttons, for example rocker pushbuttons 12, 14 for adjusting the volumetric flow of water and the water temperature. Pushbuttons 12, 14 are provided with luminescent pigments 6, distinguished by their colors. While the button 12 is provided for example with luminescent pigments 6 which emit a blue light, the button 14 is provided for example with luminescent pigments 6 'which emit red light.

The luminescent pigments 6, 6 'are arranged on the visible surface of the corresponding pushbutton 12, 14, so that surface areas 5.5, 5.6 of different sizes result, which have luminescent pigments 6, 6', and / or the The corresponding pushbutton 12 or 14 has a surface area with a relatively high concentration of luminescent pigments 6, 6 'and a surface area with a relatively low concentration of luminescent pigments 6, 6'. These surface areas 5.5, 5.6 of different sizes or having a different concentration of luminescent pigments 6, 6 'can be arranged at a distance from one another or, as shown in FIG. 3, can be converted into one another without steps. .

In the exemplary embodiment outlined in FIG. 3, the button 12 has a surface area that increases in the upward direction and / or a concentration of luminescent pigments 6 that emits blue light that increases in the upward direction. In this way, the user of the actuator 2 is signaled that by pressing the upper surface area 5.5 of the button 12 you can increase the cold water inlet, while by pressing the lower surface area 5.6 of the button 12 you can reduce or stop the flow. cold water inlet. The other pushbutton 14 has a surface area that increases in the upward direction and / or a concentration of luminescent pigments 6 'emitting red light that increases in the upward direction. In this way, the user of the actuator 2 is signaled that by pressing the upper surface area 5.7 of the button 14 you can increase the hot water inlet and by pressing the lower surface area 5.8 of the button 14 you can reduce or stop the input of hot water. cold water.

In figure 4 a drive plate 2b is sketched which is provided for driving a sanitary tap in the form of a mixer tap (not shown). For adjusting the mixer tap, the actuator plate 2b preferably has touch-sensitive control elements 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4. In the area of the control elements 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, the actuating plate 2b is provided with luminescent pigments 6, 6 ', 6 ", which are applied for example in the form of letters or abbreviations, as well as symbols in flush plate 2 b, for example, are printed or glued on top. The symbols "+" and "-" next to the abbreviation "Temp." are assigned to the control elements 4.1, 4.2 which are used to set the temperature of water, while the symbols "+" next to the abbreviation "Vol." are assigned to the control elements 4.3, 4.4 which are used to adjust the volumetric flow of water. The luminescent pigments 6, 6 ', 6 " used for this they preferably emit light in different colors. Thus, the abbreviations "Temp." and "Vol.", as well as the "+" symbols next to the abbreviation "Vol." they can be formed for example by the application of luminescent pigments 6 "that emit white light, while the symbols" + "arranged next to the abbreviation" Temp. "are preferably formed by luminescent pigments 6,6 'that emit light. red or blue.

Claims (8)

1. Actuating device (2) for a valve of a built-in cistern, the actuating device having at least two control elements (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) to activate a discharge process, the actuating device ( 2) as actuator plate (2a, 2b), characterized in that the actuator (2) is provided with luminescent pigments (6, 6 ', 6 "), which temporarily emit light in the dark after stimulation by artificial or natural light, the duration of luminescence being, depending on the duration of stimulation by artificial or natural light, at least 1 hour, preferably at least 2 hours, and the luminescent pigments (6, 6 ', 6 ") selectively on a surface, preferably a total, visible surface of the actuator (2). Actuation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the luminescent pigments (6, 6 ', 6 ") are arranged in the form of a luminescent paint, at least one luminescent foil or a luminescent varnish in the actuator device. (2) and / or in the material of the actuator (2). Drive device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the material of the drive device (2) contains luminescent pigments (6, 6 ', 6 "). Drive device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the luminescent pigments (6, 6 ', 6 ") mark the control elements (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) or a partial area of the control elements (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4). Drive device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the concentration of the luminescent pigments (6, 6 ', 6 ") is higher or lower in the area of the control elements (4.1, 4.2 , 4.3, 4.4) than the concentration of the luminescent pigments (6, 6 ', 6 ") in the remaining area of the actuator (2). Drive device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it (2) is made of plastic, glass and / or metal. Drive device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control elements (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) are designed as touch-sensitive control elements (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) or sensitive to approximation. Drive device (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it has areas (12, 14) provided with luminescent pigments (6, 6 ', 6 "), which temporarily emit light in different colors in the dark