JPH01158128A - Mixer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To quickly and surely adjust the temperature of mixing water and add prescribed preparation thereto by controlling an electronic control unit by operation of input units and mixing hot water and cold water at a prescribed ratio. CONSTITUTION: Plus or minus keys 30, 31 of input units 18, 19 are operated so that a first electronic unit 16 of an electronic control unit 14 controls to mix hot water and cold water lead from feed pipes 4, 5 at a desired ratio in a mixing faucet 2 and to be discharged from a shower head 52. In this case, the mixing water temperature is detected by a temperature sensor 10 and displayed on a display unit 20. A, B keys 47, 48 of the input units 18, 19 are operated so that a second electronic unit 46 of the electronic control unit 14 controls to operate pumps 38, 39 and to add a necessary quantity of preparation etc., prepared in containers 36, 37 into the discharged water.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a mixing device, in particular for showers or baths, which device has a mixer tap equipped with a control element for adjusting the mixing ratio, to which hot and cold water can be supplied.

From DE 29 25 234 A1, a mixing device of the above type is known which provides mixed water whose temperature can be set in accordance with the adjusted mixing ratio of hot and cold water supplied. This mixing device includes an electric drive and a detector for detecting the outlet temperature of the mixed water, the detector being connected to a control unit. By means of the control unit, the mixing ratio and thus the mixing water temperature of the mixing water are regulated in accordance with the setpoint value. Adjustment of the target value of the mixing water temperature takes place directly at the mixing tap and remote control is not possible. In addition, the desired formulation or lotion is added to the mixed water.
Shampoos, shower additives, bath additives, etc. may not be added.

The object of the invention is to provide a mixing device as mentioned at the outset, in which the temperature of the mixing water can be adjusted and/or changed quickly and reliably. In some cases, the adjustment of the mixing water temperature should be possible outside the device, ie directly from the shower head, for example. The mixing water should also be provided with a formulation such as a lotion as needed, and should also be easy to handle and adjust.

The mixing device should require little space and its handling should be easy for the user.

Furthermore, the mixing device should be able to be easily installed in shower stalls, bathrooms, etc., and the desired formulation of the user can be introduced into the mixing device with little effort, so that said formulation can be delivered to the appropriate location when needed. It should be possible to supply it, in particular to the shower head, via conduits, hoses etc.

The above object is achieved by the features of the invention as set out in claim 1. Claims 2 to 1
Section 5 shows preferred configurations and modified examples of the present invention. Furthermore, important structural features and advantageous configurations will be explained in more detail on the basis of specific examples.

The device according to the invention is distinguished by its simple yet reliable construction, allowing rapid and reliable adjustment of the mixing water temperature.

Changing the temperature of the mixing water and/or the pressure of the supplied cold or hot water is controlled very quickly by an electronic control unit that operates the regulating unit. Adjusting and setting the temperature takes place by means of an input unit, which within the scope of the invention can be arranged at a distance from the mixer tap, in particular at the shower head. The mixer tap is preferably located in the gauging, the casing being provided with an indicator unit indicating the actual mixing temperature. Further arranged within the casing are an electronic control unit and a storage battery installed for power supply.

The mixing device and in particular the gauging device are equipped with a receiving device for the accumulator, which can be removed as required, charged and then reinserted. There is no need for a connection to a rectangular power line supplied by a storage battery and no intervening power transformer, so that the high safety required in wet areas for showers or baths can be guaranteed. Preferably, the mixing device of the invention also has an indicator for indicating the discharge status of the accumulator, so that recharging or replacement of the accumulator can be carried out in a timely manner.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the supply unit comprises at least one container for a preparation, in particular lotions, shampoos, bath additives, etc., in particular in said casing;
The release of the preparation is then effected by the control unit mentioned above. A control element with a pump operating element can preferably be arranged outside the gauging of the control unit, in particular in the shower head. A flexible hose for water supply is arranged as usual between the casing and the shower head, as well as conductors for transmitting electrical signals for operating the electronic control unit. The mixing device of the invention has a pump that can be operated by an electronic unit, by means of which the shower head can be supplied with mixing water and formulation via corresponding conduits.

Containers for preparations, which may be shampoos, shower preparations, bath preparations, etc., are arranged in the casing, in particular under the lid, in such a way that they can be opened with a flap or otherwise removed.

The present invention will be described in detail below based on specific examples shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional explanatory diagram of the device of the present invention. The illustrated device has a mixer tap 2, which has two water supply pipes 4.
．． Hot or cold water can be supplied via 6. Mixing faucet 2
has a regulating element therein, by means of which the mixing ratio of hot water and cold water can be changed, the mixed water adjusted to the desired temperature being able to flow out through the outlet conduit 8. A temperature sensor 10 is arranged in the mixed water conduit 8, preferably as close as possible to the mixing tap 2.
0 is connected to an electronic control unit 14 via a conductor 12.

The electronic control unit 14 includes a first electronic unit 16 for controlling the mixer tap 2. With the first electronic unit 16, not only the temperature sensor 10 but also the input unit 18 and the display unit 20 have conductors 22,23. connected via. The input unit 18 and the display unit 20 are the mixing faucet 2
can be placed in the same casing.

As explained below, an additional input unit 19 can also be arranged in the shower head outside the casing. This input unit 19, which is additionally provided according to the invention, is also connected to the first electronic unit 16 by a line 24, so that the input signals are then selectively applied to the electronic control unit 14 via the line 22 or the line 24. can be done. Finally, a control unit 26 is connected to the first electronic unit 16 via a line 25 . Within the scope of the invention, the regulating unit 26 is designed as a direct current motor, which via shafts, transmissions and other frictional couplings controls the regulating element of the mixer tap 2 on one or the other side in order to set the mixing temperature. It can be adjusted in the other direction. The mixer tap 2 also has an adjustment wheel 28, so that the mixing temperature can optionally also be adjusted manually. Such manual adjustment may be useful, for example, in the event of a power failure and/or for pre-conditioning. The input unit 18.19 has two keys 30.31 marked "10°--".

Thereby, the temperature can be increased, for example by pressing the "+"+"' key 30, the value of the mixing temperature detected by the temperature sensor 10 in the outflow conduit 8 being displayed on the display unit 20. The display unit 20 is preferably constructed as a digital indicator, which is provided with suitable pulses from the first electronic unit 16. The first electronic unit 16 is connected to the adjustment unit 26.
is controlled in such a way that the temperature measured by a temperature sensor 10 in the outlet conduit 8 corresponds to the desired water temperature, the mixing ratio of hot water and cold water being adjusted as required.

According to the present invention, the mixing faucet 2 further includes a safety bag W29 to prevent boiling water scalds. This device 29 is configured as a mechanical shut-off in the mixer tap 2 in order to block the regulating unit 26 and/or the regulating element at temperatures above the adjustable water temperature. The boiling water scald safety device 29 must be operated manually.

To power the electronic control unit 14, the indicator 20 and the regulation unit 26, a rechargeable battery 32 is installed. That is, there is no electrical connection with the power supply line, so that the safety standards applicable to wet areas are reliably met and the dangers that could arise when using power transformers are eliminated.

The device according to the invention also includes at least one supply or delivery unit 34, where in the device shown in FIG. 1 two separate containers 36, 37 as well as a pump 38.
39 have been installed. Containers 36,37 may contain desired formulations such as lotions, shampoos, shower preparations, etc. The pump 38.39 is connected via a line 40.41 to the second electronic unit 46 of the electronic control unit 14.
is connected to. Input units 18 and 19 also have conductors 42
-45 to a second electronic unit 46, and input unit 18.19, for example the letter "A"
and "B", respectively.

By pressing the keys 47, 48, pumps 38, 39, also illustrated for clarity with the letters "A" and "II B", can be controlled, thereby releasing the desired formulation from the containers 36-37. .Formulation is conduit 50.51
The water is selectively sent to the shower head 52 or to a faucet (not shown here) via the water heater, and is discharged into the bathtub, for example.

That is, the pumps are controlled by the second electronic unit 46, and the pumps 38 to 39 are operated by operating the "A" to "B" keys.Input unit 19
By arranging the shower head 52 in the shower head 52, a particularly easy and favorable operation is ensured within the scope of the invention.

The input unit 18.19 also includes at least one further key 54.55, which key 54.55 is connected to the conductor 57.
58 to a third electronic unit 56 . The third electronic unit 56 is connected via a line 59 to a solenoid valve 60.62 arranged in the water supply pipe 4.6. By operating the keys 54,55, the flow of cold and hot water can be shut off or released.

In a corresponding manner, the supply of mixed water and lotion can be switched between the shower head 52 and the faucet. For this purpose, three-way valves 64.65.66 are especially provided, which can be controlled via corresponding leads by a third electronic unit 56, thereby connecting the outflow conduit 8 and the pump. Conduit 50.51 is shower head 5
2 or a conduit reaching the faucet.

In the embodiment described above, the lotion is delivered by a pump. It is also possible to install other feeding devices within the scope of the invention. This can be realized in particular according to the jet pump principle. In that case, the conduit 50.51 is connected in a suitable manner with the outflow conduit 8, so that a negative pressure is generated in the conduit 50.51 as required by the flow pressure of the water in the outflow conduit 8.

Instead of the pumps 38.39, solenoid valves can then be installed, which open as required to allow the delivery of the lotion in the container 36.3. When the solenoid valve opens, the desired lotion is sucked out by and mixes with the flowing water in the outflow conduit 8 due to the negative pressure.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the entire apparatus of the present invention.

The illustrated device is placed as a pre-finished assembly on the side wall of the shower stall or on the wall above the bathtub. - A water supply pipe 4.6, shown in dot-dashed lines and located in the usual way in the wall below the tile, is connected in a suitable manner to the device according to the invention. The device has a casing 68 in which the components previously described with reference to FIG. 1 are arranged. A flexible hose 70 is coupled to the casing 68 and reaches the shower head 52. A flexible hose 70 connects the outflow conduit 8 with the showerhead 52. Moreover, flexible hose 70 is within the scope of the present invention, with cable 72 shown in dashed lines in this figure;
2 includes the conductor leading to the input unit 19 installed in the shower head 52 according to the invention. shower head 5
On the back side of 2 are the temperature setting keys 30 and 31 mentioned earlier.
and a key 47 for controlling the pump or lotion supply device.
．． 48 and a key 55 for water supply or water supply switching are arranged.

The casing 68 is provided with a receiving device 74, which
The above-mentioned accumulator can be mounted, for example, from below.

The storage capacity of the storage battery is monitored by the electronic control unit 14, and if the storage capacity becomes too small, this can be announced, for example, by blinking numbers on the digital display unit 20. The basic adjustment of the temperature is preferably carried out manually by means of the adjusting wheel 28, to which an optical scale 76 is connected. The user can raise or lower the temperature by actuating the keys 30 , 31 , the temperature of the mixed water in the outlet conduit 8 being informed to the user by means of the digital display unit 20 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mixer tap with transmission and electronic unit. A cold water supply pipe 102 and a hot water supply pipe 103 reach the mixing tap casing 101, and an outflow conduit 104 for the mixed water is also installed. Cold water and hot water are each controlled by separate valves 105 and 106, which are connected to one another via a transmission 107 according to the invention. In this case, it is important that when the cold water valve 105 is opened via the transmission 107, the hot water valve 106 is closed, and when the hot water valve 106 is opened, the cold water valve 105 is closed. has a mixing chamber 108 located downstream of valves 105 , 106 , into which the mixed water reaches and is controlled by a third valve 109 arranged upstream of the mixed water outflow conduit 104 .

The above-mentioned movements for cold water and hot water control and for mixed water delivery are respectively realized via a transmission 110 by an electric drive 111 configured as a motor, with an integrated electronic unit 112 Control is performed by Within the scope of the invention, it is also possible to realize the two types of movements mentioned above manually via two adjustment wheels (see FIG. 4). Thereby, even in the unlikely event that the power supply is cut off, the device of the present invention can still function by manual operation. The joints 114, 115 of the cold water supply pipes and hot water supply pipes can be connected in time for various distances that are limited from the side of the installation, as well as the distances prevailing in the installation location, by easy replacement of the flex connection pipes 116. designed to be realized. The actual temperature of the water in the mixing chamber 108 is measured by a temperature sensor 118.

FIG. 4 shows the entire mixing device. The illustrated device has a casing 80 which is mounted on the wall of a shower stall or bathroom and covers the mixer tap described in connection with FIG.

The mixer tap is located in the left-hand part of the casing 80, where the previously mentioned adjustment wheel 113 for manual operation is also shown in broken lines. The casing 80 has a removable lid 124 above the adjustment wheel 113, so that if necessary, the adjustment wheel 113 can be reached in order to manually operate the mixer tap. has storage battery 1
26 is also arranged to be replaceable. For this purpose, the casing 80 is equipped with M125, and when the M125 is removed, the storage battery 1
26 can be replaced. The setpoint value of the mixing temperature is set using the keys 119, 120 marked "+" to "par'". The display unit 117 shows the actual value measured in the mixing chamber by the temperature sensor in the stationary state. If the keys 119, 120 are actuated, the setpoint value is displayed on the same display unit 117 within the scope of the invention.

Adjustments are made automatically upon actuation of keys 119,120. At the same time, the assembly automatically switches to the working state. The mixing valves 105, 106 shown in FIG. 3 are then brought to a position corresponding to the regulated temperature via the electric drive 111 and the transmission 110. Furthermore, operating keys 121, 122 for mixing water are installed. When the mixed water “10”° key 121 is operated, the mixed water delivery valve 1
09 is opened by an electric drive 111 via a transmission 110. Also, the amount of water delivered is controlled by operating the '+' key 121 or the '-' key 122. The pre-adjusted water temperature is now continuously controlled by the electronic unit 112. Temperature sensor in the mixing chamber The actual value measured by 118 is compared with the setpoint value entered and a recontrol takes place automatically, in particular if the difference exceeds 1°C. It goes without saying that the preset temperature can be changed at any time, even while using the shower, by operating the keys 119, 120.

The mixing device further includes a safety device to ensure that the temperature of the mixing water does not exceed a predetermined maximum temperature. To this end, the electronic unit 112 is preferably approximately 38 mm in length during manufacturing.
It is regulated to a constant maximum temperature in °C. If a higher temperature is still desired, press the temperature “10°’ key 1.
By operating 19 in conjunction with safety key 123, the above electronic limitations can be removed. When the water is turned off, the invention automatically re-adjusts and returns to the base value preset during the manufacturing stage, which is in particular 38°C. Moreover, the device automatically switches to the off state after the shower is finished or if no keys are operated for a certain period of time, especially for 3 to 5 minutes. This automatic switching to the off state, which is an important feature of the invention, results in one delivery valve being closed and one mixing valve being brought into the "'cold" position - the target value for the mixing water is brought to the basic value. - the control section and the power section are turned off.

The above-mentioned automatic switching provides convenient operation and handling, and also saves considerable energy. The mixing device automatically switches off when:

1. When the lid 124 is opened for manual operation - Storage battery 1
26 - If M125 is opened for replacement - if the voltage, in particular the output voltage of accumulator 126, falls below a given value In each of the above cases, the basic state, i.e. the "cold" position, is assumed before the OFF state. , the zero display unit 117 is adjusted to the closed state as well as to a value equal to the setpoint base value, within the scope of the invention it signals that the voltage of the accumulator 126 has fallen below a given value; It is also used to allow users to replace batteries.

The device according to the invention also includes a supply unit, which unit is preferably located below the casing 80, separate from where the mixer tap etc. are located.

This supply or delivery unit is arranged in another part of the housing 80, namely in the right-hand part according to FIG. The casing 80 is provided with a lid 130, in particular of flap type, which can be opened forward from the plane of the drawing, behind which there is at least one container for lotions, shower preparations, shampoos, etc. In the embodiment illustrated here, there are two such containers, so that two different formulations can be received and delivered. A pump, which will be described in more detail below, is arranged and is controlled via an electronic unit by actuating keys 131, 132.

The outflow conduit of the mixed faucet casing is the shower hose 13
5 to a connecting pipe 134 for 5. The shower hose 135 has five parts: one water supply hose 133, two hoses 137 for conveying and discharging the preparation present in the container, a double plug and a connecting element, realizing the connection with the electronic unit. and a visibility jacket 139.

The assembly includes a connecting pipe 13 for the shower hose 135.
4, the shower head 136 is provided with a connecting pipe 141. At both ends of the shower hose 135 there is a multiple joint with a sleeve nut 142, where a suitable seal is achieved.

FIG. 5 shows one container 15 of the supply or delivery unit.
1 is shown. The container 151 is located in the casing 80 behind the M2B5 mentioned above. The container 151 is the guide part 15
2.153 and is arranged in such a way that it can be removed from the casing. The guides 152, 153 have a suitable groove into which the bolt 154 located on the side of the container 151 is inserted. As can be seen from the figure, container 1
51 can be moved downward by slightly lifting it and pulling it slightly toward you. This supply unit part further includes a pump 127, which is preferably designed as a hose pump and is driven by an electric motor 129 via a transmission 128. The pump 127 has a shower head 1
A hose 137 reaching 36 is connected. As already mentioned, the supply or delivery unit in this embodiment is
It has at least two parts configured as described above.

The operation is realized via the keys 131 and 132 with the letters "A" and "B" shown in FIG. 4, and in particular via the electronic unit already mentioned. A suction nozzle 155 protrudes from above into the container 151, and the preparation is inhaled by the nozzle 155 and sent through the hose 137. 6 Figures 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views and joint cross-sectional views of the multiple joints. be. A water supply hose 133 for the mixed water, two hoses 137 for the preparations, and an electric cable 138 are covered by the jacket 139 . Electrical cable 138 includes a plurality of core wires therein, and these core wires are electrically connected by suitable connection plugs 138a. There are multiple connections 140, one at each end of the hose, and these multiple connections 140 are connected to their associated connecting tubes by means of sleeve nuts 142. A water supply hose 133 through which water passes is watertightly connected by a packing 143.

This multiple connection provided by the present invention allows for hassle-free replacement of the entire shower head 136 and/or shower hose 135.

Showerhead 136 is schematically shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Shower head 136 has a casing 144 and a keyboard 145. Via the operating keyboard 145, the following functions can be realized directly on the shower head 136:

- Opening/closing the mixed water delivery valve (controlling the amount of water delivered) - Changing the water temperature - Taking out the preparation A or B As is clear from FIG. have,
By means of these keys 119-122, 131 and 132, the same functions can be realized as by the corresponding keys of the assembly housed in the casing 80, which is housed in the wall. According to the invention, a valve 146 with a nozzle 147 and an overflow safety device 148 is arranged in the shower head 136 . The valve 146 is arranged so that the formulation, whether it be a shower agent, lotion, etc., can flow out through the normal drain hole 149 in the drain surface 150. The spill safety device 148 ensures that the formulation can only flow out of the hose 137 if it is delivered under pressure by the pump of the supply unit.

The supply unit may operate binary within the scope of the invention.

(1) Supply the preparation when water is not gushing.

(2) The water that supplies the formulation when the water is spouting is whether it is installed in the assembly or casing 80 or installed in the shower head 136.
- It is stopped by pressing the key 122 marked with ". When the "A" key 131 or the "B" key 132 installed on the assembly 80 or the shower head 136 is operated, the corresponding formulation is delivered by the pump;
through associated hose 137 and nozzle 1 of valve 146
47 and reaches the shower head 136, from where it is discharged through the water outlet 149 of the water outlet surface 150. On the other hand, if water is gushing out, the 'A' key 131 or the 'B1' key, whether installed in the assembly 80 or the shower head 136, is pressed.
When the 1 key 132 is actuated, the formulation is mixed with the jet of water due to the special arrangement of the nozzles 147.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a functional explanatory diagram of the first specific example of the device of the present invention;
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded view showing the configuration of the mixer faucet with transmission and electronic unit; Figure 4 shows the showerhead, including the shower head, ), FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a supply unit having a pharmaceutical container, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a shower hose having multiple joints. , FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the joint shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the shower head, and FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of a valve equipped with a nozzle and an outflow safety device. 2...Mixing faucet, 14...Electronic control unit, 18.19...Input unit, 34.
..... Supply unit, 36.37 ..... Container, 38.39 ..... Pump.

Claims (15)

[Claims] (1) Mixing devices, especially for showers or baths, having a mixer tap into which hot and cold water can be supplied, the mixer tap being equipped with a control element for adjusting the mixing ratio and electronically controlled. A supply unit and an input unit are provided, a supply unit comprising at least one container for receiving a preparation is provided, and a supply device, preferably configured as a pump, is provided, by means of which the input device Mixing device, characterized in that during operation the preparation can be delivered from the supply unit through a suitable conduit, in particular a hose. (2) The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mixer faucet, the electronic control unit, and the storage battery installed to supply power to the electronic control unit are arranged in one casing. (3) The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a receiving unit to which a storage battery can be attached is installed, and when the storage battery is attached to this unit, electrical connection with the electronic control unit is realized. (4) The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a display unit that indicates the temperature of the mixed water detected by the temperature sensor is installed together with the electronic control unit. 5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the display unit is arranged in particular on the upper side of the casing and/or that the input unit for temperature adjustment is arranged especially on the upper side of the casing. (6) The supply unit has a supply device, in particular configured as a pump, which is arranged downstream of the pharmaceutical container and can be controlled via an electronic control unit, the electronic control unit being an input 6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it can be controlled by the unit to operate the supply unit. (7) that the input unit, the lotion container and the supply device are arranged in the casing and/or that the input unit is arranged separately from the casing, the electrical connection being effected by conductors; 7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. (8) The input unit is arranged in the shower head, and in addition to the mixing water hose, which is known per se, a cable for realizing the electrical connection between the input unit and the electronic control unit is arranged in the flexible hose. 8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that: (9) The mixing tap has a casing with a mixing chamber, preferably a temperature sensor is arranged in the mixing chamber.
The equipment described in section. (10) The valve installed for regulating the amount of hot water and the valve installed for regulating the amount of cold water are connected by a transmission, the two valves preferably each having one electric 10. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it can be operated separately via a drive. (11) According to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the mixer tap and the supply unit are constructed and arranged as separate functional elements and are effectively covered by one casing. The device described. (12) Claims 1 to 11 characterized in that the casing has a lid, in particular a flap type, which is removably connected to the casing, behind which at least one pharmaceutical container is arranged. The device according to any one of the above. (13) The preparation container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the preparation container is arranged in a guide and can be removed from this guide, preferably via a suitable groove or the like. Device. (14) A conduit provided with a suction nozzle protrudes within the formulation container, and this conduit is coupled to a pump;
Claim 1, characterized in that the preparation is thereby effectively conveyed via the hose to the shower head, the pump being preferably designed as a hose pump and/or can be driven by an electric motor via a transmission. 14. The device according to any one of 1 to 13. (15) The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the valve for hot and cold water and/or the valve for mixed water can be manually operated as required by means of a control wheel. .