Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
  • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
  • G05D23/00—Control of temperature
  • G05D23/01—Control of temperature without auxiliary power
  • G05D23/13—Control of temperature without auxiliary power by varying the mixing ratio of two fluids having different temperatures
  • G05D23/1393—Control of temperature without auxiliary power by varying the mixing ratio of two fluids having different temperatures characterised by the use of electric means

Definitions

• the invention relates to an electronic mixed water heater with an operating unit for specifying the setpoint and an electronic control unit, which acts as a function of a temperature sensor for actual value detection via a mechanical actuator on a controlled system for mixed water preparation, and a method in which a specifiable input via an operating unit Setpoint value acts via an electronic control unit as a function of an actual value detected by means of a temperature sensor on a control system for mixed water preparation by means of a mechanical actuator.
• Such electronic mixed water treatment is previously known from DE 40 26 110. It is a mixed water preparation system with cold and hot water inflows, as well as a mixed water drain and a control valve arranged in front of the mixing chamber, to which an electronic control device and a digitally operating control and computing unit is assigned.
• the control and computing unit works together with a program memory.
• the Mixed water treatment can take place either on the basis of the specifications entered via an operating unit or on the basis of a control program stored in the program memory.
• the invention is therefore based on the object of providing an apparatus and a method for electronic mixed water treatment which avoids the disadvantages existing in the prior art and is suitable for the home and household area.
• the object on which the invention is based is achieved by a device according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 8.
• the mechanical actuator are arranged in a single compact unit devices according to the main claim, both the electronic ⁇ cal directed purity than the entire electronic mixed water preparation system can be flush-mounted.
• the compact, closed design means that long and fault-prone cabling is not required.
• the electronic control unit is optimally matched to the mechanical actuator.
• Another surprising advantage can be achieved in that the complete control for mixed water treatment takes place exclusively with a single temperature sensor.
• the elimination of complex and diverse sensors eliminates sources of error and also reduces the costs otherwise required.
• the reduced sensor system can be compensated for by appropriately clever preparation of the measured values.
• a stepper motor is provided as an actuator of the controlled system, which acts on a two-way mixer valve via a gear.
• the electronic water mixer is vorteilhafterwei ⁇ se connected to an interface module for connection of diagnostic and / or programming devices.
• the interface module can either be used for fault diagnosis, parameterization or for storing the necessary control programs.
• the interface module can also enable remote control of the electronic mixed water preparation. The remote control can take place by means of a conductive connection or with an infrared or radio control.
• the system installed under plaster can also be supported via the interface module.
• this is a three-digit display, with each alphanumeric preferably being designed as a seven-segment display.
• This display is mainly used to display the target and / or actual temperature.
• control unit also has a menu key and two selection keys.
• the performance of the electronic mixed water maker allows a single device of this type to be supplied with a large number of water outlets with appropriately treated mixed water.
• the CPU of the mixed water heater can be used for targeted control of selected mixed water outlets.
• the problem is also solved by a process for the preparation of mixed water.
• the entire mixed water treatment can be carried out by means of a temperature sensor as the only sensor in that, in addition to the mere actual value detection of the temperature, a gradient evaluation of the determined temperature profile is carried out.
• the course of the temperature gradient makes it possible to determine whether there is a water flow.
• the method according to the invention thus permits flow detection without a corresponding flow sensor.
• the adjustment of the actuator is switched off as soon as and as long as the gradient of the temperature profile drops below a predefinable threshold value.
• This area can, for example, be equipped with a control accuracy of one tenth or half a degree.
• Such a control accuracy is not required outside the usual area of use.
• This area only has to be able to be detected since the external ambient conditions, in particular the ambient temperature, must be able to be determined. In order to move from this rough control area into the fine control area, however, it is not necessary to work with the utmost precision.
• This distinction between a rough and a fine control also provides a measure to increase the service life of the
• This feature can be further developed in that tracking of the actuator is also prevented outside of a defined temperature range. This is also a measure to avoid unnecessary wear and energy consumption.
• the method according to the invention for gradient evaluation of the temperature profile is used for overtemperature and / or cold water failure detection.
• the overtemperature detection is an important safety feature in the household sector to prevent scalding of the user.
• the same goal serves to recognize in good time whether the cold water supply is possibly interrupted.
• a cold water failure otherwise also leads to an overheated water outlet at first, which must be avoided for safety reasons.
• controller unit is designed to be self-parameterizing. At the first start-up, at least one limit of the control range is approached and during further operation a histogram is created based on successfully controlled temperatures, the actuator positions corresponding to the respective temperature specifications.
• the system is therefore self-adjusting and, above all, self-learning, since the histograms are continuously edited and updated during operation and, moreover, become more and more precise with increasing system operating time.
• the memory element assigned to the controller unit can also be used advantageously so that the already mentioned fine control range can be defined differently.
• a distinction can be made between individual user profiles. For example, for
• the temperature range to be used in small children is different from that for adults.
• the controller unit is connected to an operating data acquisition. hereby can be implemented more comfort features like a Radiotherapy ⁇ ler or the setting of water use times in the hotel or guest ⁇ workshop area.
• fixed control programs can also be programmed and called up, such as a program for thermal disinfection, in which an extremely high temperature range is started for a defined period of time.
• a program for thermal disinfection in which an extremely high temperature range is started for a defined period of time.
• Such a program is extremely valuable, for example, for thermal disinfection when fighting Legionella.
• Fig. 1 is a P ⁇ nzipdargna an electronic mixed water heater in the block diagram
• Fig. 2 shows a device unit for mixed water preparation
• Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the control unit with on and
• Fig. 5 is a flow chart for temperature control.
• the mixed water heater 1 essentially consists of a compact device unit 2, which can be completely installed under plaster.
• the device unit 2 stands with a Control unit 3 or a valve in a data connection.
• the unit 3 mostly has a functional connection with a water outlet which is operated via the outlet 4 of the unit 2.
• the device unit 2 is also connected to an interface module 5.
• the interface module 5 can either be spatially distant from the device unit 2 or integrated into the device unit 2.
• the interface module 5 m is mounted in each case so that diagnostic and / or programming devices can be connected to the interface from the outside.
• an RS 485 interface can be mounted on the plaster, which is in data connection with device unit 2.
• the device unit 2 essentially consists of an electronic controller unit 6 which, in addition to the actual electronic controller, contains a stepper motor which is connected via a gear 20 to the actual mixer unit 7 and the control valve arranged in the mixer unit 7.
• the mixer unit 7 operates purely mechanically and essentially consists of a mixer body 8 which has a warm and a cold water inlet 10 and 11. The supplied hot and cold water is mixed within the mixer body 8 in the ratio specified by the electronic control unit 6, and the control unit 3 thus ideally reaches the desired temperature.
• the flow control 12 which is not further discussed here, usually intervenes.
• a temperature sensor 13 for actual temperature detection, which reports the respective actual value back to the controller unit 6.
• the exact structure of the compact device unit 2 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2.
• a base plate 14 is screwed to an angle plate 15 within this device unit 2.
• the angle plate 15 also carries a holding plate 16 with a circuit board which is essentially equipped with the components for constructing the electronic control unit 6.
• the electronic control unit 6 acts on a stepping motor 17, which is used as an actuator, and which operates via the transmission
• the hot or cold water inlet 10 or 11 is opened to a greater or lesser extent and a water mixture corresponding to the respective position of the control body 21 is generated within the mixer body 8 and flows out via the outlet 4.
• the actuator body 21 is sealed off from the mixer body 8 by means of a stuffing box nut 22.
• the device unit 2 explained above can of course also be constructed in a different geometric arrangement with the same functionality. It is only essential that a controller unit 6 acts on a stepper motor 17 and this adjusts an actuator 21 in a defined manner via a gear 20. In contrast to the usual expansion elements or bimetallic solutions, the respective position of the transmission 20 represents a clearly defined and detectable quantity of the current actuator position and thus of the warm-cold-water mixture set.
• the setpoint value specifications to be conveyed to the actuator 21 via the controller unit 6 are determined by means of the
• Entered control unit 3 which is shown in Fig. 3 in more detail.
• the controller unit 6 arranged in the compact device unit 2 is shown in more detail in FIG. 4.
• the control unit 6 also includes a data memory 33.
• the control unit 6 is provided with a serial interface 34 for connecting the interface module 5.
• An interface driver 35 is assigned to the serial interface 34.
• the control unit 6 is also connected to a reset controller 36 and an operating data memory 37 m data connection.
• the control unit 6 has various digital inputs and outputs 40 for connecting the control unit 3 and the stepping motor 17.
• the temperature sensor 13 is connected to the controller unit 6 via different measuring amplifiers 41 and 42 and an analog / digital converter 40 integrated in the microcontroller 30.
• the different measuring amplifiers 41 and 42 are necessary in order to implement different control accuracies of different temperature ranges.
• a temperature range outside the usual reference temperature can be defined, which is only provided with a rough control. This usually larger temperature range can be achieved with a lower resolution measurement amplifier be provided, as the measured values have greater than those under ⁇ differences, as m the temperature range which is provided with a finer control.
• Program and data storage can be parameterized.
• the initial parameterization of the system takes place on the basis of a program stored by the manufacturer in the program memory 32 of the microcontroller 30.
• the entire control range is traversed before the first start-up until one end of the mechanical adjustment range of the control body 21, which is marked by one of two corresponding limit switches 44, is reached.
• the position corresponding to this one end point is saved in the data memory 33.
• the end point of the control range will usually be the supply of "only" cold water.
• the position of the actuator which is approached to implement a temperature specification or the setpoint value corresponding to this position is stored in the data memory 33 in the form of a constantly changing and refining histogram.
• the mixed water heater 1 thus represents a self-learning and self-adapting system.
• a common temperature control is shown in a flow chart according to FIG. 5.
• the controller 6 acts on the control valve via the stepper motor 17.
• a first subordinate control loop therefore consists in regulating the actual / target position of the stepping motor 17.
• the setpoint temperature setpoint initially acts on this control loop Control unit 3 on.
• This superimposed control loop for temperature control receives an actual value feedback via the temperature sensor 13 which, as mentioned, acts on the first measuring amplifier 41 or the second measuring amplifier 42 depending on the temperature range determined.
• the delayed measured value is given as an actual value to the controller unit 6 via a high or low pass in order to maintain the controller stability, an accompanying evaluation of the values transmitted by the temperature sensor 13 being used for flow detection, overtemperature detection or detection of a water failure.
• the controller is given a constant setpoint value which immediately moves the stepping motor 17 into a position which ends the water supply.

Landscapes

• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Control Of Temperature (AREA)
• External Artificial Organs (AREA)
• Accessories For Mixers (AREA)
• Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
• Control Of Non-Electrical Variables (AREA)
• Temperature-Responsive Valves (AREA)
• Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)
• Nozzles (AREA)
• Instantaneous Water Boilers, Portable Hot-Water Supply Apparatuses, And Control Of Portable Hot-Water Supply Apparatuses (AREA)
• Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
• Medicines Containing Plant Substances (AREA)
• Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)

Priority Applications (12)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Related Child Applications (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=7933224

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (17)

Cited By (4)

Families Citing this family (42)

Family Cites Families (26)

• 1999
  • 1999-12-18 DE DE19961183A patent/DE19961183A1/de not_active Withdrawn
• 2000
  • 2000-12-13 DK DK00990591T patent/DK1240564T3/da active
  • 2000-12-13 PT PT02027886T patent/PT1293855E/pt unknown
  • 2000-12-13 SI SI200030476T patent/SI1293855T1/xx unknown
  • 2000-12-13 EP EP00990591A patent/EP1240564B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2000-12-13 WO PCT/DE2000/004680 patent/WO2001044884A2/de not_active Ceased
  • 2000-12-13 DE DE50007522T patent/DE50007522D1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2000-12-13 DE DE50003588T patent/DE50003588D1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2000-12-13 TR TR2004/02244T patent/TR200402244T4/xx unknown
  • 2000-12-13 ES ES02027886T patent/ES2227382T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2000-12-13 DK DK02027886T patent/DK1293855T3/da active
  • 2000-12-13 AT AT02027886T patent/ATE274202T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2000-12-13 AU AU30021/01A patent/AU3002101A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2000-12-13 US US10/149,957 patent/US6688530B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2000-12-13 JP JP2001545912A patent/JP4819274B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2000-12-13 PL PL355674A patent/PL198219B1/pl unknown
  • 2000-12-13 KR KR1020027007792A patent/KR100743799B1/ko not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2000-12-13 EP EP02027886A patent/EP1293855B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2000-12-13 AT AT00990591T patent/ATE249067T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2000-12-13 ES ES00990591T patent/ES2206349T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2000-12-13 CN CNB008173508A patent/CN1259604C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2000-12-13 IL IL15007300A patent/IL150073A0/xx active IP Right Grant
  • 2000-12-13 SI SI200030212T patent/SI1240564T1/xx unknown
  • 2000-12-13 DE DE10083966T patent/DE10083966D2/de not_active Withdrawn - After Issue
• 2002
  • 2002-06-06 BG BG106781A patent/BG65392B1/bg unknown
  • 2002-06-06 IL IL150073A patent/IL150073A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2004
  • 2004-02-05 US US10/772,906 patent/US20040155116A1/en not_active Abandoned

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