WO2006072399A1

WO2006072399A1 - Sanitary fitting comprising an assembly of light-emitting elements

Info

Publication number: WO2006072399A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/013847
Authority: WO
Inventors: Horst Kunkel; Gunter Veigel
Original assignee: Hansa Metallwerke Ag
Priority date: 2005-01-05
Filing date: 2005-12-22
Publication date: 2006-07-13
Also published as: RU2007129920A; CN101099008A; DE102005001306A1; EP1834050A1; RU2416003C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a sanitary fitting containing an assembly of light-emitting elements (24a to 24d; 1241 to 1244) for illuminating water that flows out of or into said fitting. According to the invention, the assembly contains light-emitting elements (24a to 24c; 1241 to 1243), which generate light of three primary colours, and at least one light-emitting element (24d; 1244), which generates light of a mixed colour that differs from the primary colours. The invention permits a high-intensity light of an aesthetically pleasing cream or pastel colour to be generated.

Description

Sanitary fitting with an arrangement of light-emitting elements

The invention relates to a sanitary fitting with an arrangement of light-emitting elements for illuminating water, which enters or exits from the sanitary fitting.

Such a sanitary fitting is known from DE 203 17 375 Ul. The sanitary fitting described there has in the region of the water outlet or water inlet bulbs, which can be used to produce different colors. The color is adjusted depending on the water temperature. In one embodiment explained in more detail, the lighting means comprise three LEDs which generate light in the colors red, blue and white light.

The object of the invention is to further develop such a sanitary device in such a way that the lighting effect not only merely conveys information but can also stimulate pleasant emotions.

In a sanitary fitting of the aforementioned type, this object is achieved in that the arrangement light-emitting elements that produce at least approximately light in three Primärfarban, and at least one lichtemit- _ O _

contains animal element that generates light in a different color from the primary colors.

The term primary color refers to a set of colors which give white light in the case of additive light mixing. In principle, there are infinitely many sets of such primary colors. However, the primary colors red (R), green (G) and blue (B) are particularly common in practice, since the sensory cells on the human retina, which are decisive for color perception, respond to these three primary colors.

The inventors have now recognized that only with three light-emitting elements that produce three primary colors (or come very close to it), only the colors can be generated within a particular color space. If the primary colors are red, green and blue, the colors that can be displayed are limited to the RGB color space. By adding a further color, which results as a mixed color from the primary colors, according to the invention further colors with high saturation and intensity can be produced.

As particularly pleasant perceived colors, z. B. Pastel colors, such as mint green or soft pink, can then be produced when this additional color is yellow. Such a sanitary fitting is particularly well suited for use in the wellness and color therapy area. "" - O -

The light-emitting elements may, in principle, be any type of light source capable of producing colored light. The term "colored light" is understood to mean light whose spectral composition lies in the visible wavelength range (approximately 380 nm to 780 nm). Also, a combination of a white light source, z. B. a low-voltage halogen lamp, with a color filter is generally considered.

Particularly suitable as light-emitting elements, however, are the already mentioned LEDs. For the use of LEDs on the one hand speaks that these semiconductor devices have a very high light output. On the other hand, LEDs are so small that they can also be found inside the fitting housing in the immediate vicinity of the water inlet or water outlet. This eliminates the need to generate light from the light emitting elements via optical fibers, eg. B. optical fibers, to conduct into the area of the water inlet or water outlet opening.

Since even LEDs produce a - albeit relatively small - heat loss, it may be appropriate to provide a heat sink for the light-emitting elements, which is directly in contact with the water flowing through the sanitary fitting. Such a heat sink is of course very general, d. H . even in the case of less than "four light-emitting elements, advantageously usable. For many applications it is sufficient to provide one LED for each of the four colors. In addition, it is possible to combine the four light-emitting elements in a multi-color LED. It is a compact device in which four semiconductor radiation sources are combined on a chip.

It is also possible to arrange several multi-color LEDs in a matrix-like manner on a common carrier. Such a matrix-like arrangement permits high light densities and, moreover, allows the light-emitting elements to be already distributed on the carrier in such a way that the light emanating from the arrangement is mixed from the outset.

Since many light sources and in particular also LEDs have relatively large light emission angles, it may be expedient to at least approximately collimate the light emitted by the light-emitting elements by means of additional optical elements. One way of doing this is to place in front of a light exit surface of each element an optical component of positive refractive power which focuses the light generated by the element. If the light-emitting elements are a few LEDs, these optical components can be used as converging lenses with, if necessary, be formed aspherically shaped refractive surface. In the case of a matrix-type arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting elements, however, it may be more favorable to provide optical components for light bundling, which are called microlines. sen array, are designed as diffractive structures or a combination of the two.

Additionally or alternatively, a converging lens may be provided, which bundles (further) the light generated by the arrangement.

To set the desired color effect, the sanitary fitting may contain a control device for adjusting the light color, which is connected to the light-emitting elements.

In order to achieve a better mixing of the light generated by the light-emitting elements, a scattering device may be provided, which may be, for example, a diffuser having an irregularly shaped or deliberately structured surface, in which latter case the typical feature size is 1 mm and preferably 0 , 1 mm should not exceed. Instead of an additional lens, such a surface can also be used on already existing optical components, eg. B. on a surface of a condenser lens, be applied.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiment with reference to the drawings. Show: Figure 1 shows a discharge head of a sanitary fitting in a schematic axial section;

Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a light source and an optical unit, which are integrated in the outlet head shown in Figure 1;

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a light source and an optical unit in a representation similar to FIG. 2, in which the light source comprises a matrix-like arrangement

Contains multi-color LEDs;

4 shows a single multi-color LED of the light source shown in Figure 3 in plan view.

FIG. 1 shows, in a schematic axial section, a discharge head 10 of a sanitary fitting which can be permanently installed in the sanitary area or can also be part of a handpiece. The sanitary fitting may be z. B. to act a shower fitting, a washbasin faucet or a bathroom tap. The outlet head 10 has a housing 11 and a mixing water outlet 12 contained therein, which is connected in a manner known per se to a mixer tap (not shown in FIG. 1). The mixer tap is in turn connected to a hot water and a Kaltwasserzulauf ^. The mixed water outlet 12 W 2

- 7 -

goes into an annular channel 14, which is provided at the end with outlet openings 15.

In the space enclosed by the annular channel 14, a light source 16 and an optical unit 18 are accommodated, which are shown in perspective and enlarged in FIG. The light source 16 includes a mounted on a heat sink 20 board 22 which carries four LEDs 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d. The LEDs 24a to 24d are designed to generate red, green, blue and yellow light, respectively. The heat sink 20 is circumferentially provided with cooling fins 25 and installed in the outlet head 10, that the water flowing in the mixing water outlet 12 passes directly past the cooling fins 25. Since the heat sink 20 temperatures of approx. 70 °, it is ensured at the usual water temperatures in the sanitary area, that there is a temperature gradient between the heat sink 20 and the passing water. Due to the large heat capacity of water, a small temperature gradient is sufficient to achieve a good cooling effect.

The optical unit 18 comprises four collecting lenses 26a, 2βb, 26c and 26d, which are accommodated in a lens holder disk 28 and each have a planar inlet surface and an aspherically convex outlet surface. The collecting lenses 26a to 26d are each arranged so close to the exit windows of the LEIJs 24a to 24d that the light emitted by a single LED 24a, 24b, 24c or 24d practically completely impinges on the plane entrance surface of their each associated Sammellinse 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d.

The optical unit 18 further includes a plano-convex condensor lens 30 whose plane entrance surface carries a lens 32. The diffusing screen may be, for example, an etched, sanded or ground wheel. A stronger scattering is obtained with volume spreading discs, as they are eg. used as frosted glass panes. Instead of a separate lens 32, the plane entrance surface of the condenser lens 30 can also be directly by material removal, z. B. Etching, sanding, grinding or milling, matting or profiling to achieve a spreading effect.

Light exit side, the optical unit 18 is closed by a cover 34, which is removably attached to the housing 11 of the outlet head 10. The cover 34 is provided on the outside with a coating 35, which makes the addition of lime difficult. The cover 34 can be easily cleaned in this way by wet wiping.

The circuit board 22 of the light source 16 is connected via a power electronics 36 to a controller 38 of the outlet head 10. The controller 38 has the task of individually controlling the LEDs 24a to 244. In addition, the controller 38 acts on a built-in mixing water outlet 12 Solenoid valve 40, with which the exiting mixed water amount can be adjusted.

Further, the controller 38 is connected to a temperature sensor 42 and a flow switch 44 which generates a switching signal when mixed water from the mixed water outlet 12 flows into the annular channel 14. Via a photodetector 46, the controller 38 can determine the brightness in a room in which the outlet head 10 is located. About an operating unit 48, the function of the outlet head 10 is controlled and, if necessary. also be programmed. For power supply, the controller 38 is connected to a voltage source 50, in which it is z. B. can act around the domestic AC mains or an accumulator. The controller 38, in which the power electronics 36 may be integrated, the photodetector 46 and the operating unit 48 may be arranged spatially remote from the remaining parts of the outlet head 10, which is indicated by a dashed line 52. Such a spatial separation is useful, for example, when the outlet head 10 forms a shower head together with a handpiece.

The discharge head 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 functions as follows:

If a user sets a desired amount and temperature of water at the operating unit 48, then the solenoid valve 40 outputs the corresponding water level and temperature. Mixer with the desired temperature released amount of water released. The mixed water, which flows in the direction indicated by arrows 54 flow direction the solenoid valve 40, actuates the flow switch 44. The controller 38 receives the information that now water from the outlet openings 15 of the outlet head 10 will emerge.

In a first mode of operation that can be set on the operating unit 48, the controller 38 controls the LEDs 24a to 24d so that the light generated by the LEDs 24a to 24d has a color correlated to the water temperature. The actual water temperature is transmitted to the controller 38 of the temperature sensor 42. For example, the color may be selected to produce blue light in cold water, red light in hot water, and white light in lukewarm water. The light of the desired color is thereby generated by additive mixing of the light generated by the light-emitting diodes 24a to 24d.

With the aid of the photodetector 46, the controller 38 can determine how bright the ambient light is. The brighter the ambient light, the higher the intensity of the light generated by the LEDs 24a to 24d must be. Only then is it ensured that the light generated by the light source 16 is perceptible to the user. The LEDs 24a to 24d also generate light only when the flow switch 44 registers a water flow in the water outlet 12. In this way it is prevented that light is generated before water exits from the 5 outlet openings 15, thereby causing disturbing glare phenomena for the user.

The light beams generated by the individual LEDs 24a to 24d initially have an exit angle of approximately 0 130 ° immediately behind the exit windows of the LEDs 24a to 24d. to the largest possible part of the exiting

To be able to use light, the aspherical lenses 2βa to 26d collect a majority of the light generated by the LEDs 24a to 24d and direct it to the lens 32. The uschetreuscheibe 32 has the task of the individual 5 LEDs 24a to 24d generated Continue to mix the light beam. The light scattered in the diffusing screen 32 is further col- lected by the following condenser lens 30 and leaves the outflow head 10 via the cover disk 0 34 as a divergent, but largely homogeneous, beam bundle. The bundle of rays is cylindrically surrounded by the exiting mixed water and thus illuminates the mixed water from the inside. In FIG. 1, the optical effect of the condenser lens 26a, the diffusing lens 32 and the condenser lens 30 is indicated for a single light beam 56 represented by dashed lines, which emanates from the red light-generating LED 24a. The heat released by the LEDs 24a to 24d heat loss is passed through the board 22 to the heat sink 20, which is in direct thermal contact with the housing 11 of the outlet head 10. The heat loss can be delivered in this way via the heat sink 20 to the outlet head 10 flowing through mixed water.

In a second mode of operation, which may be set on the operating unit 48, the user may set a color independent of the water temperature for the light generated by the LEDs 24a through 24d. The choice of this color can be made according to different aspects. The color can be set directly on the operating unit 48 via corresponding operating elements, for example. It is further contemplated that the color is stored in a transponder card which can cooperate with a transceiver head in the control unit 48. The stored on the transponder card color z. B. be freely chosen by the user or specified by a light therapist. Additionally or alternatively, a dependence of the color on the time of day, the season or the weather comes into consideration.

Since the light source 16 contains not only three LEDs 24a, 24b, 24c for primary colors red, green and blue, but also the yellow light-generating LED 24d, it is also possible to use intense, ~. _x but still perceived as pleasant pastel and cream colors such as mint green or Delicate pink can be realized by additive color mixing. These colors, which are produced using a yellow component, do not change at all or only insignificantly along the propagation direction of the light, since small fluctuations in the color components, which inevitably result from demixing in the case of a divergent light bundle, have little effect on the mixed color.

FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the light source 16 and the optical unit 18 in a perspective illustration similar to FIG. Identical or corresponding parts are designated by reference numerals increased by 100.

On the circuit board 122, a plurality of multi-color LEDs 124 are arranged in a matrix-like honeycomb pattern. As shown in the enlarged plan view of a single multi-color LED 124 of FIG. 4, each multi-color LED 124 has a hexagonal basic shape and contains four individual light-emitting elements 1241 to 1244 which display the colors red (R), green (FIG. G), blue (B) or yellow (Y) can be generated and are arranged on a common chip. Immediately on the support 122, for each multi-color LED 124, there is applied a plano-convex plastic lens 126 which reduces the light emission angle of the light generated by the elements 1241 to 1244, respectively. In the second exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the converging lenses 126, a matrix-like arrangement of diffractive structures 126 'is provided, which in each case have the effect of an aspherical condenser lens. Instead of diffractive structures 126 ', it is also possible to use mixtures of refractive and diffractive structures. The light which passes through the diffractive structures 126 'also reaches a diffusing screen 132 in this exemplary embodiment and is bundled by a condenser lens 130 before it leaves the outlet head 10.

Compared with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the use of matrix-like multi-color LEDs 124 and diffractive structures 126 'arranged in a matrix has the advantage that overall a very small overall height is required for the light source 16 and the optical unit 18 to be able to integrate in the outlet head 10. This aspect is of particular importance when the outlet head 10 is part of a washbasin fitting. In such cases, the space in the outlet head is usually limited so that only very small light sources with high luminance can be used.

Claims

1. Sanitary fitting with an arrangement of light-emitting elements (24a to 24d; 1241 to 1244) for illuminating water that comes out of or enters the sanitary fitting,

characterized,

in that the arrangement comprises light emitting elements (24a to 24c; 1241 to 1243) which at least approximately generate light in three primary colors and at least one light emitting element (24d; 1244) which generates light in a mixed color different from the primary colors.

2. Sanitary fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that the primary colors are red, green and blue.

3. sanitary fitting according to claim 2, characterized in that the color red by light wavelengths between see 625 nm and 650 nm, the color green by wavelengths of light between 500 nm and 550 nm and the color blue by light wavelengths between 455 nm and 485 nm are fixed ,

4. sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims che, characterized in that the mixed color is yellow.

5. Sanitäarmatux according to claim 4, characterized in that the mixed color is determined by light wavelengths between 570 nm and 590 nm.

6. Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light-emitting elements are individual LEDs (24a to 24d, 124).

7. Sanitary fitting according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that four light-emitting

Elements (1241 to 1244), which produce different colors, are combined in a multi-color LED (124).

A sanitary fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly includes a plurality of sets of each of four light emitting elements (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d), the light emitting elements producing light in four different colors within a set.

9. Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in front of a light exit surface of a single light-emitting element (24a to 24d) or a sub-group (124) of light-emitting elements (1241 to 1244), an optical component (2βa to 2βd; 126, 126 ') is arranged with positive refractive power, welσaes that of the light-emitting EIe- ment or the subset of light-emitting elements generated light bundles.

10. Sanitary fitting according to claim 9, characterized in that the optical component (126, 126 ') contains both diffractive and refractive structures.

11. Sanitary fitting according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the optical component (26 a to 26 d; 126 ') has the effect of an aspherical converging lens.

12. Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a spreader

(32) which scatters the light generated by the light-emitting elements (24a to 24d; 1241 to 1244).

13. Sanitary fitting according to claim 12, characterized in that the scattering device (32) comprises a surface with structures whose dimensions are less than 1 mm.

14. Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a converging lens (30), which bundles light generated by all the light-emitting elements.

15. Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light generated by the light-emitting elements (24a to 24d; 1241 to 1244) propagates light guide-free in the sanitary fitting.

16. Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control device (38) connected to the light-emitting elements (24a to 24d; 1241 to 1244) for setting the light color.

17. Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a heat sink for the light-emitting elements (24a to 24d, 1241 to 1244), which is directly in contact with water flowing through the sanitary fitting.