EP4477810A1 - Sanitary fitting and method for dispensing a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

A sanitary fitting (1), comprising
an adjusting device (3, 3a) for adjusting the temperature for the liquid to be dispensed, in particular mixed water, and for adjusting a flow rate for the liquid to be dispensed, and
a dispensing device (4) for dispensing liquid by means of an outlet (5), wherein a first sensor (21) designed to detect gestures of a user, and
a second sensor (20) designed to detect objects,
is arranged and wherein the sensors (20, 21), the setting device (3, 3a) and the output device (4) can be connected to a control device (101) such that the output device can be controlled by means of the control device (101) such that the liquid is output by means of the output device on the basis of a recognized first gesture, and wherein
the liquid is dispensed via the dispensing device as long as an object is detected by the second sensor.

Description

The invention relates to a sanitary fitting, comprising an adjustment device for adjusting the temperature for a liquid to be dispensed, in particular mixed water, and for adjusting a flow rate for the liquid to be dispensed, and an dispensing device for dispensing liquid by means of an outlet.

The invention further relates to a method for dispensing a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting, wherein the sanitary fitting has an adjustment device for adjusting the temperature for a liquid to be dispensed, in particular mixed water, and for adjusting a flow rate for the liquid to be dispensed.

Although applicable to any sanitary fittings, the present invention is explained with reference to kitchen fittings.

Sanitary fittings have become known in a wide variety of ways. Known sanitary fittings, for example, have a fitting body with at least one actuator for adjusting at least one property of a fluid flow passed through the sanitary fitting. The property can be, for example, the flow rate of the fluid flow or the temperature of the fluid flow. In known sanitary fittings, the fluid flow is mixed from a separate cold water and hot water flow using a mixer tap and from there directed to an outlet.

To increase functionality, for example, the DE 10 2013 000 773 A1 or the DE 10 2013 002 236 A1 a sanitary fitting has become known with at least one first actuating element for setting the temperature and/or quantity of mixed water and with at least one second actuating element for setting the quantity of hot water. The disadvantage here is that several actuating elements have to be actuated to dispense water. In addition, if, for example, a pot is to be filled with water, the water dispensing must first be initiated, then the pot filled and then, after putting the pot aside, the water dispensing must be stopped again, so that on the one hand water is wasted as long as the pot is not under the water dispensing point and on the other hand water flows along the pot and pollutes it if it is removed from under the water dispensing point while the water is still dispensing. To solve the problem, DE 10 2016 113 832 A1 Furthermore, a fitting comprising a base, a hose shower and an arm held on the base has become known, wherein the arm comprises a hose shower holder on which the hose shower is detachably held in a rest position. The fitting further comprises a sensor for detecting the presence and/or movement of a hand of an operator in a detection area of the sensor, wherein the sensor is arranged on the arm.

The disadvantage is that the functionality is limited, as only the presence of a hand can be detected. In addition, the user-friendliness is also limited, as a hand movement must first be made below the expected water dispensing jet, then a container to be filled must be placed in the water dispensing jet, this must be removed from the water dispensing jet after filling, and then another hand movement must be made to stop the water dispensing.

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a sanitary fitting and a method for dispensing a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting, which enable easier operability, high flexibility and cost-effective implementation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative sanitary fitting and an alternative method for dispensing a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting.

• eine Einstelleinrichtung zum Einstellen der Temperatur für eine auszugebende Flüssigkeit, insbesondere Mischwasser, und zum Einstellen einer Durchflussrate für die auszugebende Flüssigkeit und
• eine Ausgabeeinrichtung zur Ausgabe von Flüssigkeit mittels eines Auslaufs, dadurch, dass
• ein erster Sensor, ausgebildet zur Erkennung von Gesten eines Nutzers, und ein zweiter Sensor, ausgebildet zur Erkennung von Objekten,
• angeordnet ist und wobei die Sensoren, die Einstelleinrichtung und die Ausgabeeinrichtung mit einer Steuereinrichtung verbindbar sind, derart, dass mittels der Steuereinrichtung die Ausgabeeinrichtung derart steuerbar ist, dass die Flüssigkeit bei einer erkannten ersten Geste mittels der Ausgabeeinrichtung ausgegeben wird, und dass die Flüssigkeit, solange ein Objekt mittels des zweiten Sensors erkannt wird, mittels der Ausgabeeinrichtung ausgegeben wird.

The present invention solves the problems in one embodiment in a sanitary fitting comprising

• an adjustment device for adjusting the temperature for a liquid to be dispensed, in particular mixed water, and for adjusting a flow rate for the liquid to be dispensed and
• a dispensing device for dispensing liquid by means of a spout, in that
• a first sensor designed to detect gestures of a user, and a second sensor designed to detect objects,
• is arranged and wherein the sensors, the setting device and the output device can be connected to a control device such that the output device can be controlled by means of the control device such that the liquid is output by means of the output device when a first gesture is recognized, and that the liquid is output by means of the output device as long as an object is recognized by means of the second sensor.

• eine Einstelleinrichtung zum Einstellen der Temperatur für eine auszugebende Flüssigkeit, insbesondere Mischwasser, und zum Einstellen einer Durchflussrate für die auszugebende Flüssigkeit und
• eine Ausgabeeinrichtung zur Ausgabe von Flüssigkeit mittels eines Auslaufs, aufweist, und einen ersten und einen zweiten Sensor, umfassend die Schritte:
  • Erkennen einer Geste eines Nutzers mittels des ersten Sensors, und im Fall einer erkannten Geste, Ausgeben der Flüssigkeit anhand der erkannten Geste mittels der Ausgabeeinrichtung, und
  • Erkennen eines Objekts mittels des zweiten Sensors, und solange ein Objekt erkannt wird, Ausgeben der Flüssigkeit mittels der Ausgabeeinrichtung.

The present invention solves the problems in one embodiment with a method for dispensing a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting, wherein the sanitary fitting

• an adjustment device for adjusting the temperature for a liquid to be dispensed, in particular mixed water, and for adjusting a flow rate for the liquid to be dispensed and
• a dispensing device for dispensing liquid by means of a spout, and a first and a second sensor, comprising the steps:
  • Detecting a gesture of a user by means of the first sensor, and in case of a detected gesture, dispensing the liquid based on the detected gesture by means of the dispensing device, and
  • Detecting an object by means of the second sensor, and as long as an object is detected, dispensing the liquid by means of the dispensing device.

The term "sanitary" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, in particular in the description, preferably in the claims, among other things, to any objects, arrangements, devices, equipment and the like in connection with bathrooms, kitchens, heating systems and the like.

The term "liquid" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, in particular in the description, preferably in the claims, among other things, to liquids in which gases, such as carbon dioxide and/or solids, such as minerals or the like, are completely or partially dissolved.

The term "contactless" in relation to a sensor device or sensor is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers in particular in the claims, preferably in the description, to a sensor device or sensor which monitors a specific area, region, area or volume and can be triggered when a change, for example the movement of a hand, occurs in the specific area, region, surface or volume, without the sensor device or the sensor having to be directly touched and/or a force acting directly or indirectly on the sensor device through the touch. A contactless triggering sensor device is, for example, a sensor device which is arranged on the back of a wooden board or the like and is triggered in particular when a change occurs on the front of the wooden board in the area monitored by the sensor device. A change is also detected in the area of the board itself, provided that this is in the area monitored by the sensor device. In particular, the sensor device is triggered by touching or stroking the surface of the front, in particular by a finger, hand, arm or the like, with the triggering occurring independently of the force or pressure generated by the touch.

The term "gesture" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers in particular in the claims, preferably in the description, to a movement of an object, for example a pot, a hand or a finger of a hand, in particular in a detection range of the sensor device or the sensor.

The wording "detecting an object" or "detecting a gesture" in connection with a sensor is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers in particular in the claims, preferably in the description, to the presence of an object and/or the entering and/or leaving of the sensor area or the detection area of the sensor by an object.

One of the advantages achieved is that no touching of the sanitary fitting is required to initiate the dispensing of liquid. Furthermore, objects such as pots, carafes, glasses and the like can be detected and recognized by the second sensor. As long as the respective object is recognized by the second sensor, liquid is dispensed. This makes handling much easier for a user and improves user satisfaction. Other advantages are easy operation, high flexibility and cost-effective implementation.

Further features, advantages and further embodiments of the invention are described below or will become apparent thereby.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the first sensor and/or the second sensor is designed as a contactless sensor, in particular the first sensor and/or the second sensor is designed as an infrared sensor or ToF sensor. One of the advantages achieved in this way is that reliable detection of objects and simple triggering of the liquid dispensing by means of a gesture is possible.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the output device has a manually operable output control element and/or the setting device has a manually operable setting control element. One of the advantages achieved in this way is reliable operation of the output and/or setting device for a user. The term "manual" is to be understood in particular in the claims, preferably in the description, to mean that the respective control element is operated by movement by a user. In particular, this does not mean that the respective device as a whole can be operated manually or only has manual components.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the control device is designed to control the output device independently of the position of the output control element. One of the advantages achieved in this way is improved hands-free operation.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the control device is designed to stop the dispensing of liquid by means of the dispensing device when the dispensing control element is moved in two different directions within a predeterminable period of time. The advantage of this is that an additional alternative for stopping the dispensing of liquid is provided, which increases flexibility in operation and user satisfaction.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the setting device and the dispensing device are designed in the form of a single-lever device, such that by means of one lever both the dispensing can be initiated and the Temperature can be adjusted. The advantage of this is that it is particularly easy to operate using a single lever.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, at least one of the sensors, in particular the first sensor, is arranged on a base body and at least the other of the sensors, in particular the second sensor, is arranged on a holding device and/or on the output device, in particular on the outlet. The advantage of this is that reliable actuation of the respective sensor is made possible.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the holding device comprises a holding arm which is arranged on the base body. One of the advantages achieved thereby is easier handling of the outlet of the sanitary fitting.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the control device is designed to dispense cold water by means of the dispensing device as long as an object is detected by the second sensor. The advantage of this is simplified operation of the sanitary fitting. If an object is in the detection range of the second sensor, cold water is dispensed, for example to fill a pot. It is conceivable to set the temperature of the water to be dispensed when the object is detected in advance, in particular separately from the water dispensed by means of the first sensor.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, a quantity specification device is arranged for specifying a quantity of liquid to be dispensed. The advantage of this is that a predetermined quantity of liquid to be dispensed can be set individually by the user.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the control device is designed to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid by means of the dispensing device after a gesture has been recognized by means of the first sensor. The advantage of this is that when a gesture is recognized by means of the first sensor, a predetermined amount of liquid, possibly user-specific, is dispensed.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the detection areas of the first and second sensors are oriented in different spatial directions, in particular with the spatial directions being oriented perpendicular to one another. This increases the reliability of the recognition of gestures and objects by means of the sensors and essentially avoids simultaneous recognition by both sensors.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, a display device is arranged to display at least one operating state of the sanitary fitting, in particular wherein the display device is arranged on the holding device. The advantage of this is a simple fault, operation and status display of the sanitary fitting for a user of the sanitary fitting.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, an energy supply device is arranged to supply the sanitary fitting with electrical energy. The advantage of this is reliable operation of the sanitary fitting.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the energy supply device has a housing with which the energy supply device can be detachably connected, in particular without tools, to a housing of the control device. The advantage of this is a simple and quick arrangement, for example of a battery or rechargeable battery box on the control device, which enables it to be easily replaced.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the dispensing of liquid by means of the dispensing device is terminated when a dispensing control element of the dispensing device is moved in two different directions by a user within a predeterminable period of time. The advantage of this is that the dispensing of liquid can be terminated regardless of the recognized gesture, the amount dispensed or a recognized object. This further increases the user-friendliness.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, a predetermined amount of liquid is dispensed by means of the dispensing device after a gesture has been recognized by means of the first sensor. The advantage of this is that when a gesture using the first sensor to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid, possibly individually for the user.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, cold water is dispensed by means of the dispensing device as long as an object is detected by means of the second sensor. The advantage of this is simplified operation of the sanitary fitting. If an object is in the detection range of the second sensor, cold water is dispensed, for example to fill a pot or a glass. It is conceivable to set the temperature of the water to be dispensed when the object is detected in advance, in particular separately from the water dispensed by means of the first sensor.

Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings, and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Preferred embodiments and embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components or elements.

Figur 1

Teile einer Sanitärarmatur in dreidimensionaler Ansicht gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 2

eine Sanitärarmatur gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung; sowie

Figur 3

Schritte eines Verfahrens gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

This shows

Figure 1

Parts of a sanitary fitting in three-dimensional view according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2

a sanitary fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 3

Steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows parts of a sanitary fitting in three-dimensional view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In Figure 1 a sanitary fitting 1 is shown. The sanitary fitting 1 has an upwardly extending, elongated, cylindrical base body 2, on the top of which a horizontally arranged holding arm 7 is arranged. A vertically extending infrared sensor 21 is arranged on the side of the base body 2 and a single-lever mixer 3 is arranged on the opposite side. By means of the single-lever mixer 3, a user can manually set the temperature of mixed water to be dispensed by rotating the lever 3a and by folding it sideways, water dispensing can be initiated or stopped. The single-lever mixer 3 is connected to sensors (not shown) which sense rotation or folding of the lever 3a and send corresponding signals to a control device 101 (see Figure 2 ) to control the mixed water temperature and output. In addition, in the closed position of the lever 3a, a temperature preset for the output of mixed water can be set when a user operates the infrared sensor 21. The infrared sensor 21 recognizes a gesture, for example when a palm is held in front of the infrared sensor 21. Mixed water is then dispensed until the palm is removed again. It is also possible that a first swiping movement by a user past the sensor 21 triggers a water output and, if necessary, a second swiping movement stops this again.

Starting from the base body 2, a flexible, curved shower hose 4 extends above the holding arm 7 and ends in an outlet 5. The outlet 5 can be detachably attached to the holding arm 7. A button 5a is also arranged on the outlet 5, with which a user can switch between different jet types for the output of the mixed water when the button 5a is pressed. An LED display 6 is arranged on the top of the holding arm 7, which indicates an operating, status or fault state of the sanitary fitting 1 by means of different colors and/or different frequencies of the LED lighting up. A so-called time-of-flight sensor 20, ToF sensor, is arranged on the underside of the holding arm 7, the detection range of which is essentially oriented in the direction of the water dispensing, i.e. vertically downwards. If an object is detected in the detection range, cold water is dispensed as long as the object is in the detection range of the sensor 20.

Figure 2 shows a sanitary fitting 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The sanitary fitting 1 is connected to a control box 101, which, in addition to electrical and electronic components such as a microprocessor or the like, also has control valves that output a predeterminable quantity and a predeterminable temperature of mixed water, initiated by one of the two sensors 20, 21 and/or the lever 3a of the single-lever mixer 3. For this purpose, water-carrying lines 104, 106 are arranged, which are connected on the one hand to a central water supply, for example a hot/cold water connection, and also to one or more electrical lines 105 that are connected to the single-lever mixer 3, the sensors 20, 21 and the button 5a. A battery box 102 and/or a power supply unit 103 can be connected to the control box 101 for the electrical energy supply. The battery box 102 can be fixed to the housing of the control box 101, for example by means of magnetic force.

Figure 3 shows steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In Figure 3 steps of a method for dispensing a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting 1 are shown. The sanitary fitting 1 comprises an adjustment device for adjusting the temperature for a liquid to be dispensed, in particular mixed water, and for adjusting a flow rate for the liquid to be dispensed, as well as an dispensing device for dispensing liquid by means of an outlet 5 and a first sensor 21 and a second sensor 20.

• Erkennen S1 einer Geste eines Nutzers mittels des ersten Sensors 21, und im Fall einer erkannten Geste, Ausgeben S2 der Flüssigkeit anhand der erkannten Geste mittels der Ausgabeeinrichtung,
• Erkennen S3 eines Objekts mittels des zweiten Sensors 20, und solange ein Objekt erkannt wird, Ausgeben S4 der Flüssigkeit mittels der Ausgabeeinrichtung.

The procedure includes the following steps:

• Detecting S1 a gesture of a user by means of the first sensor 21, and in case of a detected gesture, dispensing S2 the liquid based on the detected gesture by means of the dispensing device,
• Detecting S3 an object by means of the second sensor 20, and as long as an object is detected, dispensing S4 the liquid by means of the dispensing device.

• Abgabe der angeforderten Menge der Flüssigkeit je nach Sensor.
• Automatisches Stoppen nach der Abgabe.
• Hohe Flexibilität.
• Einfache Herstellung und Implementierung.
• Einfache Durchführung.
• Zuverlässige und flexible Abgabe.
• Einfache Handhabung und Bedienbarkeit.
• Verbesserte Nutzerzufriedenheit.
• Seitlicher Sensor (IR) mit Temperaturvoreinstellung.
• ToF-Sensor unter dem Haltearm erkennt die Objekte solange diese sich im Signalbereich befinden. Es fließt solange Wasser, wie sich das Objekt im Signalbereich befindet.
• Mit Hilfe von zusätzlichen Batterien kann die Sanitärarmatur ohne Netzstrom betrieben werden.

In summary, at least one of the embodiments of the invention may have at least one of the following advantages and/or at least one of the following features:

• Dispensing the requested amount of liquid depending on the sensor.
• Automatic stop after delivery.
• High flexibility.
• Easy to manufacture and implement.
• Easy to implement.
• Reliable and flexible delivery.
• Easy handling and usability.
• Improved user satisfaction.
• Side sensor (IR) with temperature preset.
• ToF sensor under the support arm detects the objects as long as they are in the signal range. Water flows as long as the object is in the signal range.
• With the help of additional batteries, the sanitary fitting can be operated without mains power.

Although the present invention has been described using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

list of reference symbols

1

sanitary fitting

2

base body

3

single-lever mixer

3a

lever

4

shower hose

5

outlet

5a

button

6

LED display

7

support arm

20

ToF sensor

21

IR sensor

101

control box

102

battery box

103

power supply

104

water pipe

105

Electrical line

106

water pipe

R, R1, R2

Direction

S1-S4

steps of a procedure

Claims (15)

Sanitary fitting (1), comprising an adjusting device (3, 3a) for adjusting the temperature for a liquid to be dispensed, in particular mixed water, and for adjusting a flow rate for the liquid to be dispensed, and a dispensing device for dispensing liquid by means of an outlet (5), characterized in that a first sensor (21) designed to detect gestures of a user, and a second sensor (20) designed to detect objects, is arranged and wherein the sensors (20, 21), the setting device (3) and the output device are connectable to a control device (101) such that the output device can be controlled by means of the control device (101) such that the liquid is output by means of the output device based on a recognized first gesture, and that the liquid is dispensed by means of the dispensing device as long as an object is detected by means of the second sensor (20). Sanitary fitting (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sensor (21) and/or the second sensor (20) is designed as a contactless sensor, in particular wherein the first sensor (21) and/or the second sensor (20) is designed as an infrared sensor or ToF sensor. Sanitary fitting (1) according to one of claims 1-2, characterized in that the dispensing device has a manually operable dispensing control element (3a, 5a) and/or the adjusting device (3) has a manually operable adjusting control element (3a), preferably wherein the control device (101) is designed to control the dispensing device independently of the position of the dispensing control element (3a, 5a). Sanitary fitting (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the control device (101) is designed to terminate the dispensing of liquid by means of the dispensing device when the dispensing control element (3a, 5a) is moved in two different directions (R) within a predeterminable period of time. Sanitary fitting (1) according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the setting device (3) and the dispensing device are designed in the form of a single-lever device, such that by means of one lever (3a) both the dispensing can be initiated and the temperature can be adjusted. Sanitary fitting (1) according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that at least one of the sensors (20, 21), in particular the first sensor (21), is arranged on a base body (2) and that at least the other of the sensors (20), in particular the second sensor, is arranged on a holding device and/or on the output device, in particular on the outlet (5), preferably wherein the holding device comprises a holding arm (7) which is arranged on the base body (2). Sanitary fitting (1) according to one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the control device (101) is designed to dispense cold water by means of the dispensing device as long as an object is detected by means of the second sensor (20). Sanitary fitting (1) according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that a quantity specification device is arranged for specifying a quantity of liquid to be dispensed. Sanitary fitting (1) according to one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the control device (101) is designed to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid by means of the dispensing device after a gesture has been recognized by means of the first sensor (21). Sanitary fitting (1) according to one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the detection areas of the first (21) and second (20) sensors are oriented in different spatial directions, in particular wherein the spatial directions are oriented perpendicular to each other. Sanitary fitting (1) according to one of claims 1-10, characterized in that a display device (6) for displaying at least one operating state the sanitary fitting (1), in particular wherein the display device (6) is arranged on the holding device (7). Sanitary fitting (1) according to one of claims 1-11, characterized in that a power supply device (102, 103) is arranged to supply the sanitary fitting with electrical energy, preferably wherein the power supply device (102, 103) has a housing with which the power supply device (102, 103) can be detachably connected, in particular without tools, to a housing of the control device (101). Method for dispensing a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting (1), wherein the sanitary fitting (1) has an adjusting device (3) for adjusting the temperature for a liquid to be dispensed, in particular mixed water, and for adjusting a flow rate for the liquid to be dispensed and
a dispensing device for dispensing liquid by means of an outlet (5), and a first (21) and a second (20) sensor, comprising the steps: - detecting (S1) a gesture of a user by means of the first sensor (21), and in the case of a detected gesture, dispensing (S2) the liquid based on the detected gesture by means of the dispensing device, - Detecting (S3) an object by means of the second sensor (20) and, as long as an object is detected, dispensing (S4) the liquid by means of the dispensing device. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the dispensing of liquid by means of the dispensing device is terminated when a dispensing control element of the dispensing device is moved by a user in two different directions within a predeterminable period of time. Method according to one of claims 13-14, characterized in that a predetermined amount of liquid is dispensed by means of the dispensing device after a gesture has been recognized by means of the first sensor (21) and/or that cold water is dispensed by means of the dispensing device as long as an object is recognized by means of the second sensor (20).

Images