Method for controlling the water supply in a sanitary installation

Abstract

A method and computer program product controls the water supply in a sanitary installation having a cold water supply line and a hot water supply line, a valve battery, which is connected to a power supply, and a sensor unit, connected to the power supply. At least one proximity sensor outputs an action signal to an electronic controller when a person at least partially penetrates into the detection area. A timeslot is assigned to every action signal and, after at least one further action signal, which is triggered within the timeslot through repeated penetration of a person into the detection area, the controller outputs a command which causes the valve battery to change the temperature and/or the flow value of the water supply to the sanitary installation in relation to the number of action signals triggered, and after expiration of the last timeslot, to release the water supply into the sanitary installation.

Description

The object of the present invention is a method for controlling the water supply in a sanitary installation according to the preamble of independent claim 1, and a corresponding computer program product.

According to DE 190 15 324, fittings are referred to as automatic fittings if the water supply of a washstand fitting is controlled via an external solenoid valve and the existing fitting is only still used for preselecting the mixing ratio and as a sensor.

DE 196 51 132 also discloses an automatic fitting, which is equipped with a sensor unit and a control unit as a proximity fitting. A valve unit and/or a valve battery is connected to the control unit, the control unit activating the valve unit to release water after registering a signal through the sensor unit. In this special case, the release of cold water or hot water is caused upon registering a signal detected by the infrared sensors from a specific side.

A further proximity fitting is known from WO 93/10311. A proximity sensor detects the hand of the user and releases the water supply. After the passage of a time interval, a soap portion is dispensed and the washing procedure is registered.

Another automatic fitting is known from DE 351 64 40. This arrangement having a panel of monitoring sensors allows the contactless regulation of the supply and/or the mixing ratio of hot and cold water. A fixed temperature and/or discharge quantity value is assigned to every monitoring sensor, which work hierarchically with one another.

A further automatic fitting is known from WO 02/29168. This is a device for controlling a medium supply having a sensor device for contactless determination of the presence and position of a hand of the user, the sensor device establishing an electrical charge transfer.

Most of these known automatic fittings and/or their controllers are constructed very simply and allow only the supply of a previously determined water temperature and/or of hot or cold water. Few of the known automatic fittings also allow the adjustment of the water temperature, and such fittings and/or their controllers usually have quite complicated constructions and are therefore costly. The operation of the controllers, which are often complex, is rather difficult to understand or cumbersome for a first-time user. Additional selection handles or even touch screens for setting water temperature and/or water flow may simplify the operation, but make the fitting more expensive.

The object of the present invention is to suggest an alternative method for controlling the water supply in a sanitary fitting having a cold water supply line and a hot water supply line, which allows high control comfort even with very simply constructed facilities.

This object is achieved according to a first aspect by a method having the features of independent claim 1. This object is achieved according to a second aspect by a computer program product having the features of independent claim 19. Further inventive features and refinements of the method and/or computer program product according to the present invention result from the dependent claims.

The method for controlling the water supply in a wash basin and/or in a sanitary installation has the advantage in relation to the proximity fitting known from DE 196 51 132 that the water temperature and/or the flow value may be changed even when the valve battery is open.

The present invention will be explained in greater detail on the basis of schematic, exemplary figures, without restricting its scope.

FIG. 1 shows a top view of an arrangement for performing the method according to the present invention according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows an illustration of signals of a proximity sensor according to the method according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of an arrangement for performing the method according to the present invention according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a frontal view of an arrangement for performing the method according to the present invention according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a sanitary installation 1 according to a first embodiment, having a cold water supply line 2 and a hot water supply line 3 and having a valve battery 5, which is connected to a power supply 4, for opening and/or mixing the water supply from these two water supply lines. In general, in connection with the present invention, the term “sanitary installation” is to be understood as representing and as a synonym of wash basins, bathtubs, showers, sinks, and the like. Accordingly, all statements which are made for wash basins also relate correspondingly to all other sanitary installations, such as bathtubs, showers, sinks, and the like. This sanitary installation and/or this wash basin is equipped with a sensor unit 6, which is connected to a—preferably central—power supply, for controlling the water supply therein. This power supply may alternately be implemented as an AC or DC network, a battery, and/or an accumulator. A DC bus network is especially preferred.

The sensor unit 6 comprises at least one proximity sensor 7 having a detection area 8. The sensor unit 6 may be constructed alternately on an optical, acoustic, capacitive, radar, or inductive functional principle. The functional principle referred to by this applicant as the “DDSA principle” is cited here as an especially preferred embodiment of a capacitive principle, in which a sensor device comprises a first capacitor (C2), having a first and second electrically conductive surface and a dielectric layer. Furthermore, the DDSA sensor device comprises a conductive absorption surface which is connected in a conductive way to the first surface of the first capacitor (C2), an AC voltage generator (G), for coupling an AC voltage signal (s1(t)) into the absorption surface and a sensor amplifier (A) for amplifying an output signal (s2(t)), which may be tapped at the second surface of the first capacitor (C2). In this case, the DDSA sensor device is designed so that the absorption surface forms an additional capacitor (C3) upon approach of an object, whose effective capacitance is changeable, and the output signal (s2(t)) experiences damping, which is detectable, due to this effective capacitance. The proximity sensor 7 of such a DDSA sensor device is preferably installed together with a water tap 14 in a wash basin 1, so that the water tap is used as the absorption surface.

Very generally, action signals 9, 9′, 9″, 10, 10′ are generated when the hands or other body parts penetrate into and remain in the detection area 8 or when the hands penetrate into the detection area 8 one or more times within a predefined time frame. The detection area also includes contacting the proximity sensor 7 and/or a surface 23 operatively linked to the sensor unit 6.

This action signal differs in potential and/or quality from a rest signal 12, which the proximity sensor 7 outputs, without action of a user on the detection area 8, to the controller 11, which is also connected to the power supply 4. To save energy, the rest signal may be pulsed, however, a permanent rest signal 12 which the sensor unit 6 outputs to the electronic controller 11 is preferred.

The method according to the present invention is distinguished in that the controller 11—by registering and processing a specific number of action signals 9, 9′, 10, 10′ triggered by a user—brings the valve battery 5 into a position corresponding to this number of action signals 9, 9′, 10, 10′, through which cold water, hot water, or mixed water of a predefined temperature and/or having a predefined flow value is introduced into the wash basin 1.

FIG. 2 shows an illustration of signals of a proximity sensor 7 according to the method according to the present invention. This is a schematic diagram in which the potential (p) of the output at the proximity sensor 7 is plotted as a function of the time (t) for the exemplary variations A-H. All action signals are represented here as potential changes and comprise—each starting from a rest potential 12—a rise and a fall of the potential. As an alternative to this representation, the potential change of the action signal may also be continued over a longer time (t₁), through the hands remaining in the detection area 8, the duration of this potential change being analyzed as the action signal. Very generally, an action signal may also be composed of a fall and a subsequent rise of the potential.

It is important that the potential change may be identified perfectly by the controller 11 and interpreted as an action signal. Fixing corresponding threshold values and/or using smoothing methods for the sensor signals are known per se.

An individual time slot 13, which is possibly assigned to each action signal 9, 9′, 9″, 10, 10′, is especially preferred. If a further action signal 9′, 10′ is triggered within such a time slot 13, this situation is converted by the controller, which comprises a computer 25, into a command which causes the valve battery 5 to change the temperature and/or the flow value of the water supply to the wash basin 1 in relation to the number of further action signals 9′, 10′. This change may be an increase or a reduction of water temperature and/or flow value.

A corresponding computer program for controlling the water supply is loadable in this computer 25, which is distinguished in that it allows the controller 11 to register a specific number of these action signals 9, 9′, 9″, 10, 10′, which are triggered by a user, or their duration, process them, and output corresponding control signals to the valve battery 5, which assumes a position corresponding to these control signals, through which cold water, hot water, or mixed water of a predefined temperature and/or having a predefined flow value is introduced into the wash basin 1.

A variable time interval 21 starts directly after the expiration of the last individual time window 13 with the opening 19 of the valve battery 5. After expiration of the variable time interval 21, which is determined by the action signals 10, 10′ and/or by a predefined time interval t₁, cold water rinsing may possibly subsequently be performed automatically within a predefined time interval, by only opening the cold water valve. This has the essential advantage that the bacteria production may be minimized in the riser line (not shown) between the valve battery 5 and the outlet of the water tap. This is especially advantageous for the medical field and also for the field of food processing.

If a person triggers a continuous signal of the sensor 7 which exceeds a predefined time threshold, a cleaning mode is activated (not shown in FIG. 2).

This controller 11 is specially designed for the use of wash basins 1 in sports stadiums and public toilets and in technical and medical laboratories, medical practices, and hospitals. It has been shown that the present invention is also usable in the area of private and public bathrooms (baths, showers) and in the kitchen area in general. As a result, the individual time slot 13 may vary between a few seconds and several minutes. Shorter time slots of less than a few seconds are also conceivable. The water temperature may be restricted to cold water or may comprise one or many hot water temperatures, which may be set in steps—e.g., in steps of +/−5° C. It is important in any case that no temperature which could result in injuries to the user may be set.

Selected operating examples are schematically illustrated in FIG. 2:

Case A

A user triggers a first action signal 9 by approaching or contacting the water tap 14, which functions as the surface 23 operatively linked to the sensor unit 6 in FIG. 1. Before and after the action signal 9, the proximity sensor 7 transmits a rest signal 12 to the controller. Since there is no further action signal within the individual time slot 13, the valve battery 5 is opened. Because this controller 11 has only received one action signal 9, the valve battery 5 is instructed to allow water having a first temperature and/or a first flow rate to flow into the wash basin (arrow 19 in FIG. 2). This first temperature may be cold water, hot water, or a specific mixed value of cold and hot water.

Because the user leaves the wash basin without triggering a further action signal, the controller 11 automatically interrupts the water supply at the end 22 of the variable time interval 21 through a closing command to the valve battery 5.

Case B

A person triggers a first action signal 9 by approaching or contacting the water tap 14, which functions as the surface 23 operatively linked to the sensor unit 6 in FIG. 1. Before and after the action signal 9, the proximity sensor 7 transmits a rest signal 12 to the controller. Within the individual time window 13 of the first action signal 9, this person triggers a further action signal 9′. Since no further action signal occurred within the last individual time slot 13, the valve battery 5 is opened (arrow 19 in FIG. 2). Because this controller 11 has received two action signals 9, 9′ in the first time interval, the valve battery 5 is instructed to allow water having a second temperature and/or a second flow rate to flow into the wash basin. This second temperature may be higher or lower than a first temperature by a specific value (compare Case A).

This person triggers a further action signal 10 within the variable time interval 21, upon which the controller 11 interrupts the water supply through a closing command to the valve battery 5 (arrow 20) and ends the time interval 21.

Case C

A person triggers a first action signal 9 by approaching or contacting the water tap 14, which functions as the surface 23 operatively linked to the sensor unit 6 in FIG. 1. Before and after the action signal 9, the proximity sensor 7 transmits a rest signal 12 to the controller. Within the individual time slot 13 of the first action signal 9, this person triggers a further action signal 9′. Within the individual time slot 13 of the second action signal 9′, this person triggers a further action signal 9′. Since no further action signal occurred within the last individual time slot 13, the valve battery 5 is opened (arrow 19 in FIG. 2).

Because this controller 11 has received three action signals 9, 9′ in the first time interval, the valve battery 5 is instructed to allow water having a third temperature and/or a third flow rate to flow into the wash basin. This third temperature may be higher or lower than a second temperature by the same value as in Case B. This is also true for a third flow value selected in the same way.

This person triggers a further action signal 10 within the variable time interval 21. This person triggers a further action signal 10′ while still within the individual time slot 13 of this further action signal 10. The controller 11 now gives the valve battery 5 the command to allow water having a fourth temperature and/or a fourth flow rate to flow into the wash basin. This fourth temperature may be higher or lower than a second temperature in relation to the first by the same value as in Case B. This is also true for a fourth flow value selected in the same way.

Because the user leaves the wash basin without triggering a further action signal, the controller 11 automatically interrupts the water supply at the end 22 of the variable time interval 21 through a closing command to the valve battery 5.

In this case, the water temperature and/or the flow value was changed by a user while the valve battery 5 was open.

Case D

This case corresponds largely to Case C, but with the difference that the user triggers a further action signal 10′ once in the variable time interval 21 while still within the first half of the individual time slot 13 of the preceding action signal 10. The controller 11 now outputs a closing command to the valve battery 5, upon which the controller 11 interrupts the water supply through a closing command to the valve battery 5 (arrow 20) and ends the time interval 21.

Case E

A person triggers an action signal 9, which is a function of t₁, by approaching or contacting a water tap 14, which functions as the surface 23 operatively linked to the sensor unit 6 in FIG. 1, the water temperature and/or the flow rate being set by the duration of t₁. The duration of t₁ may be displayed acoustically and/or visually during the penetration into the detection area 8 and may (as indicated) be of different lengths. The duration t₁ preferably corresponds to a single or a multiple of the duration of a selected time unit in this case. Correspondingly, the same effect is preferably caused by activation of the sensor 7 during t₁ as by a corresponding repeated triggering of action signals 9, 9′. In this case, the number of complete time units which approximately result in t₁ when added together is decisive in this case; a fractional time unit is not considered.

Because the user leaves the wash basin 1 without triggering a further action signal, the controller 11 interrupts the water supply automatically at the end 22 of the variable time interval 21 through a closing command to the valve battery 5.

FIG. 3 shows a wash basin 1 according to a second embodiment, which is largely identical to the first embodiment (corresponding parts are each identified using identical reference numbers).

The sensor unit 6 comprises at least one proximity sensor 7 having a detection area 8. The proximity sensor 7 is implemented here as a surface 23 operatively linked to the sensor unit 6 and is located on, in, or directly below the surface of the wash basin wall 15. The detection area covers precisely the area of the surface 23 active as the sensor. This area is preferably identified for the user. This may be performed through color marking or a special relief design (e.g., for the visually impaired). This wash stand 1 and/or the sensor unit 6 comprises display means 24 for displaying the action signals 9, 9′, 9″, 10, 10′. These display means may be implemented as illuminating color markings or as loudspeakers emitting beeps (e.g., for the seeing impaired), every action signal being perceived as a color change and/or a beep, for example.

FIG. 4 shows a wash basin and/or a sanitary installation 1 according to third embodiment, which is largely identical to the first and/or second embodiment (corresponding parts are each identified using identical reference numbers).

The sensor unit 6 comprises at least one proximity sensor 7 having a detection area 8. The proximity sensor 7 is implemented here as a surface 23 operatively linked to the sensor unit 6 and is located on or in the floor 17 below the wash basin 1. The detection area precisely covers the area of the surface 23 active as the sensor. This area is preferably identified for the user, e.g., a handicapped person in a wheelchair. This may be performed through color marking or a special relief design. This wash stand 1 and/or the sensor unit 6 comprises display means 24 for displaying the action signals 9, 9′, 9″, 10, 10′. These display means may be implemented using illuminating color markings or as a loudspeaker emitting beeps, every action signal being perceived as a color change and/or a beep, for example.

Claims

1-19. (canceled)

20. A method for controlling the water supply in a sanitary installation having a cold water supply line and a hot water supply line, a valve battery, which is connected to a power supply, for opening and/or mixing the water supply from these two water supply lines, and a sensor unit connected to the power supply, which comprises at least one proximity sensor having a detection area, the proximity sensor outputting an action signal to an electronic controller connected to the sensor unit and the valve battery when a person at least partially penetrates into the detection area, the action signal differing in potential and/or quality from a rest signal which the proximity sensor outputs to the controller, which is also connected to the power supply, without action of a person on the detection area, wherein an individual time slot is assigned to every action signal, and wherein the controller, after at least one further action signal which is triggered within such a time slot through repeated penetration of a person into the detection area, outputs a command which causes the valve battery to change the temperature and/or the flow value of the water supply to the sanitary installation in relation to the number of further action signals triggered by these multiple penetrations of the person into the detection area, and, after expiration of the last individual time slot, to release the supply of water of the selected temperature and/or the selected flow value into the sanitary installation.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the water supply to the sanitary installation is interrupted in that—at the end of a variable time interval, which begins with the opening of the valve battery—the valve battery is automatically closed by the controller.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the sanitary installation is selected from a group comprising wash basins, bathtubs, showers, and sinks.

23. The method according to claim 20, wherein the sensor unit outputs a permanent rest signal to the electronic controller.

24. The method according to claim 20, wherein the proximity sensor is positioned together with a water tap.

25. The method according to claim 20, wherein the proximity sensor is installed in a wall of the sanitary installation, in a wall behind or next to the sanitary installation, or in the floor below the sanitary installation.

26. The method according to claim 20, wherein the sensor unit is constructed on an optical, acoustic, capacitive, radar, or inductive functional principle.

27. The method according to claim 20, wherein the sensor unit is constructed on a capacitive DDSA principle, and the water tap is used as the absorption area.

28. The method according to claim 20, wherein a cleaning mode is initiated by an action signal of the proximity sensor of a sufficiently long time.

29. The method according to claim 20, wherein the water supply to the sanitary installation is interrupted by closing the valve battery, in that one or two action signals are triggered.

30. The method according to claim 21, wherein the water supply to the sanitary installation is interrupted and subsequently the cold water valve is turned on over a defined time interval and then turned off again.

31. The method according to claim 21, wherein the temperature and/or the flow value of the water flowing in the sanitary installation is changed by one step per further action signal with the triggering of at least one further action signal of the proximity sensor during the variable time interval and within the particular last individual time slot of an action signal.

32. The method according to claim 20, wherein the action signals are triggered by contacting a surface which is operatively linked to the sensor unit.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the water tap is the operatively linked surface.

34. The method according to claim 20, wherein the action signals are optically and/or acoustically communicated to the user via display means.

35. The method according to claim 20, wherein an AC or DC network, a battery, and/or an accumulator is used as the central power supply.

36. The method according to claim 20, wherein after the disconnection of the controller from the power supply and/or after the connection of the controller to this power supply, a third time interval starts, during which another control program may be selected.

37. A computer program product for controlling the water supply in a sanitary installation having a cold water supply line and a hot water supply line, a valve battery, which is connected to a power supply, for opening and/or mixing the water supply from these two water supply lines, and a sensor unit, which is connected to the power supply, which comprises at least one proximity sensor having a detection area, the proximity sensor outputting an action signal to the electronic controller, which is connected to the sensor unit and the valve battery, when a person at least partially penetrates into the detection area, this action signal differing in potential and/or quality from a rest signal which the proximity sensor outputs to the controller, which is also connected to the power supply, without action of a person on the detection area, the electronic controller, which is also connected to the power supply, comprising a computer, into which this computer program product is loadable, wherein this computer program product allows the controller to assign an individual time slot to every action signal and, after at least one further action signal, which is triggered within such a time slot through repeated penetration of a person into the detection area, to output a command which causes the valve battery to change the temperature and/or the flow value of the water supply to the sanitary installation in relation to the number of further action signals triggered by these multiple penetrations of the person into the detection area, and, after expiration of the last individual time slot, to release the supply of water of the selected temperature and/or the selected flow value into the sanitary installation.

38. The computer program according to claim 37, which allows the controller to interrupt the water supply to the sanitary installation, in that this controller—at the end of a variable time interval, which begins with the opening of the valve battery—automatically closes the valve battery.