Sanitary fitting and method for dispensing liquid by means of sanitary fitting

Abstract

The invention relates to a sanitary fitting, comprising: a regulating device for regulating the temperature of a liquid to be dispensed, in particular mixed water, and for regulating the flow rate of the liquid to be dispensed; a first sensor designed to recognize a gesture of a user and a second sensor designed to recognize an object are arranged, and the sensors, the adjusting device and the output device can be connected to a control device, the output device is controlled by means of the control device in such a way that the liquid is output by means of the output device in accordance with the recognized first gesture, and the liquid is output by means of the output device as soon as an object is recognized by means of the second sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sanitary fitting comprising a regulating device for regulating the temperature of a liquid to be discharged, in particular mixed water, and for regulating the flow rate of the liquid to be discharged, and a dispensing device for dispensing the liquid via an outlet.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for discharging a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting, wherein the sanitary fitting has a regulating device for regulating the temperature of the liquid to be discharged, in particular mixed water, and for regulating the flow rate of the liquid to be discharged. Background Art

[0003] Although applicable to any sanitary fitting, the invention will be explained with reference to a kitchen fitting.

[0004] Many types of sanitary fittings are known. Known sanitary fittings have, for example, a fitting body with at least one control element for adjusting at least one property of a fluid flow guided through the sanitary fitting. The property may 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, for example, from separate cold water and hot water flows by means of a mixing cell and guided from there to an outlet.

[0005] In order to improve functionality, for example, DE 10 2013 000 773 A1 or DE 10 2013 002 236 A1 discloses a sanitary fitting having at least one first operating element for regulating the temperature and / or quantity of mixed water and at least one second operating element for regulating the quantity of hot water. The disadvantage here is that multiple operating elements must be operated for dispensing water. In addition, when, for example, a basin is to be filled with water, the water dispensing is first started, the basin is then filled, and then the water dispensing is ended again after the basin is placed on both sides, so that on the one hand, as long as the basin is not under the water dispensing position and on the other hand, the water flows along the basin, the water dispensing is wasted, and when the basin is removed under the water dispensing position with continued water dispensing, the basin is contaminated. In order to solve this problem, DE 10 2016 113 832 A1 also discloses a fitting comprising a base, a hose nozzle and an arm held on the base, wherein the arm comprises a hose nozzle holder, on which the hose nozzle is detachably held in a stationary position. The accessory further comprises a sensor for detecting the presence and / or movement of an operator's hand in a detection area of ​​the sensor, wherein the sensor is arranged on the arm.

[0006] The disadvantage here is that the functionality is limited, since only the presence of the hand can be detected. Furthermore, the user-friendliness is also limited, since the hand movement must first be carried out under the intended water jet, then the container to be filled must be placed in the water jet, after filling it must be removed from the water jet again, and then a new hand movement must be carried out to end the water jet. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a sanitary fitting and a method for discharging a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting which allow simpler handling, a high degree of flexibility and a cost-effective realization.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide an alternative sanitary fitting and an alternative method for dispensing liquids by means of a sanitary fitting.

[0009] The invention achieves the object in one embodiment in a sanitary fitting, which comprises:

[0010] a regulating device for regulating the temperature of the liquid to be discharged, in particular mixed water, and for regulating the flow rate of the liquid to be discharged, and

[0011] an outlet device for discharging a liquid via an outlet,

[0012] in,

[0013] A first sensor is arranged, which is designed to recognize a gesture of a user, and

[0014] A second sensor is arranged which is designed to detect the object, and

[0015] The sensor, the regulating device and the output device can be connected to a control device so that the output device can be controlled by means of the control device in such a way that liquid is output by means of the output device when a first gesture is recognized and liquid is output by means of the output device as long as an object is recognized by means of the second sensor.

[0016] In one embodiment, the invention achieves this object with a method for discharging a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting, wherein the sanitary fitting comprises:

[0017] a regulating device for regulating the temperature of the liquid to be discharged, in particular mixed water, and for regulating the flow rate of the liquid to be discharged, and

[0018] an outlet device for discharging a liquid via an outlet,

[0019] and first and second sensors, the method comprising the steps of:

[0020] recognizing a gesture of the user by means of the first sensor and, if the gesture is recognized, outputting the liquid by means of the output device in accordance with the recognized gesture, and

[0021] The object is detected by means of the second sensor and, if the object is detected, the liquid is discharged by means of the discharge device.

[0022] The term "accessory" is to be understood in the broadest sense and, in particular in the description and preferably also in the claims, relates to any object, structure, device, apparatus or the like relating to a bathroom, a kitchen, a heater or the like.

[0023] The term “liquid” is to be understood in the broadest sense and, in particular in the description and preferably in the claims, also relates to liquids in which gases, such as carbon dioxide, and / or solids, such as minerals etc., are completely or partially dissolved.

[0024] The term "contactless" with respect to a sensor device or sensor is to be understood in the broadest sense and, in particular in the claims, preferably in the description, refers to a sensor device or sensor which is able to monitor and trigger a specific area, surface or volume if a change, for example a movement of a hand, occurs in the specific area, surface or volume, without direct contact with the sensor device or sensor and / or forces acting on the sensor device indirectly or directly via contact. A sensor device with contactless triggering is, for example, a sensor device which is arranged on the rear side of a wooden board or the like and is triggered, in particular, when a change occurs in the area monitored by the sensor device on the front side of the wooden board. In this case, changes are also detected in the area of ​​the board itself, as long as the board is in the area monitored by the sensor device. The sensor device is triggered, in particular, by a finger, hand, arm or the like touching or sweeping over the surface of the front side, wherein the triggering is independent of the force or pressure generated by the touching.

[0025] 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, such as a bowl, a hand or a finger of a hand, in particular in a sensor device or a detection area of ​​a sensor.

[0026] The expressions “recognize an object” or “recognize a gesture” in conjunction with a sensor are to be understood in the broadest sense and, in particular in the claims and preferably in the description, relate to the presence of an object and / or the entry and / or exit of an object from a sensor area or a detection area of ​​a sensor.

[0027] One of the advantages achieved thereby is that it is not necessary to touch the sanitary fittings in order to activate the liquid discharge. In addition, objects such as basins, beverage cans, glasses, etc. can be detected and recognized by the second sensor. As soon as the corresponding object is recognized by the second sensor, the liquid is discharged. Thus, the handling is significantly simplified for the user and the user satisfaction is improved. Other advantages are simple handling, high flexibility and low implementation costs.

[0028] Other features, advantages, and other embodiments of the invention are described below or will be apparent from the following description.

[0029] According to an advantageous improvement of the present invention, the first sensor and / or the second sensor are configured as contactless sensors, in particular, the first sensor and / or the second sensor are configured as infrared sensors or TOF sensors. One of the advantages achieved thereby is that reliable detection of objects and simple triggering of liquid output are achieved by means of gestures.

[0030] According to another advantageous development of the invention, the output device has a manually operable output operating element and / or the regulating device has a manually operable regulating operating element. One of the advantages achieved thereby is that the output and / or regulating device is reliably operated for the user. The term "manually" is to be understood, in particular in the claims and preferably in the description, as meaning that the corresponding operating element is operated by a movement of the user. In particular, this should not be understood to mean that the corresponding device can be operated manually as a whole or has only manual components.

[0031] According to another advantageous development of the invention, the control device is designed to control the output device independently of the position of the output operating element. One of the advantages achieved thereby is improved free-hand operation.

[0032] According to another advantageous improvement of the present invention, the control device is configured to terminate the liquid output by means of the output device when the output operating element is moved in two different directions within a predeterminable time period. Advantageously, an additional alternative for terminating the liquid output is provided, which increases flexibility and user satisfaction during operation.

[0033] According to another advantageous development of the invention, the regulating device and the output device are designed in the form of a single-lever device, so that both the output and the temperature can be activated by means of one lever. The advantage is that it is particularly simple to operate by means of a single lever.

[0034] According to another advantageous refinement of the invention, at least one of the sensors, in particular the first sensor, is arranged on the base body, and at least one other of the sensors, in particular the second sensor, is arranged on the holding device and / or on the output device, in particular the outlet. This has the advantage that reliable operation of the respective sensors can be achieved.

[0035] According to another 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 a simpler handling of the outlet of the sanitary fitting.

[0036] According to another advantageous development of the invention, the control device is designed to discharge cold water by means of the discharge device as soon as an object is detected by means of the second sensor. This advantageously simplifies the operation of the sanitary fitting. If an object is located in the detection range of the second sensor, cold water is discharged, for example, in order to fill a basin. It is conceivable here to adjust the temperature of the water to be discharged when an object is detected by means of the first sensor in advance, in particular separately from the water discharge.

[0037] According to another advantageous development of the invention, a pre-metering device is provided for defining or presetting the amount of liquid to be dispensed. This advantageously enables the user-adjustable amount of liquid to be dispensed to be individually adjustable.

[0038] According to another advantageous refinement of the invention, the control device is configured to output a predetermined amount of liquid by means of the output device after the gesture is recognized by means of the first sensor. The advantage of this is that, when the gesture is recognized by means of the first sensor, a predetermined amount of liquid is output, and if necessary, the predetermined amount of liquid is output specifically for the user.

[0039] According to another advantageous development of the invention, the detection areas of the first and second sensors are oriented in different spatial directions, in particular, the spatial directions are oriented perpendicular to one another. This increases the reliability of the recognition of gestures and objects by means of the sensors and substantially avoids simultaneous recognition by two sensors.

[0040] According to another advantageous refinement of the invention, a display device is arranged for displaying at least one operating state of the sanitary fitting, in particular, the display device is arranged at the holding device. This advantageously provides simple fault indications, operating indications and status indications of the sanitary fitting for the user of the sanitary fitting.

[0041] According to another advantageous development of the invention, a power supply device is provided for supplying electrical energy to the sanitary fitting, which advantageously enables the sanitary fitting to operate reliably.

[0042] According to another advantageous development of the invention, the energy supply device has a housing, with which the energy supply device can be connected to the housing of the control device in a detachable manner, in particular without tools. This advantageously allows for a simple and quick arrangement of, for example, a battery box or accumulator box on the control device, which enables its simple replaceability.

[0043] According to another advantageous improvement of the present invention, when the output operating element of the output device is moved by the user in two different directions within a predeterminable or preset time period, the output of the liquid by the output device is terminated. This has the advantage that the liquid output can be terminated independently of a detected gesture, a transferred amount or a detected object. This further improves the user-friendly operation.

[0044] According to another advantageous refinement of the invention, a predetermined amount of liquid is outputted by means of the output device after a gesture is recognized by means of the first sensor. This has the advantage that, when a gesture is recognized by means of the first sensor, a predetermined amount of liquid is outputted, optionally user-specifically.

[0045] According to another advantageous development of the invention, cold water is discharged by means of the discharge device as soon as an object is detected by means of the second sensor. This advantageously simplifies the operation of the sanitary fitting. If an object is located in the detection range of the second sensor, cold water is discharged, for example, in order to fill a basin or a glass. It is conceivable here to adjust the temperature of the water to be discharged when an object is detected beforehand, in particular separately from the water discharge by means of the first sensor.

[0046] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures with the aid of the drawings.

[0047] Of course, the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] 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 designate the same or similar or functionally identical components or elements.

[0049] Here:

[0050] Figure 1 A sanitary fitting according to one embodiment of the invention is shown in a three-dimensional view;

[0051] Figure 2 shows a sanitary fitting according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0052] Figure 3 The steps of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Figure 1 A section of a sanitary fitting according to one embodiment of the invention is shown in a three-dimensional view.

[0054] Figure 1 A sanitary fitting 1 is shown. The sanitary fitting 1 has an elongated cylindrical base 2 extending upward, and a horizontally arranged holding arm 7 is arranged on the upper side of the base 2. A vertically extending infrared sensor 21 is arranged on the side of the base 2, and a single-lever mixer 3 is arranged on the opposite side thereof. With the help of the single-lever mixer 3, the user can manually adjust the temperature of the mixed water to be output by rotating the rod 3a, and the water output can be started or stopped by turning the rod sideways. The single-lever mixer 3 is connected to a sensor (not shown), which senses the rotation or turning of the rod 3a, and transmits a corresponding signal to the controller 101 (see Figure 2 ) to control the mixed water temperature and output. In addition, in the closed position of the lever 3a, when the user manipulates the infrared sensor 21, the temperature setting or preset for outputting the mixed water can be adjusted. The infrared sensor 21 recognizes a gesture, for example, by holding the palm in front of the infrared sensor 21. The mixed water is then output until the palm is removed again. It is also possible that a first sweeping movement of the user passing by the sensor 21 triggers the water output and, if necessary, a second sweeping movement stops the water output again.

[0055] A flexible curved shower hose 4 extends from the base 2 above the holding arm 7, and the shower hose leads to the outlet 5. Here, the outlet 5 can be detachably fixed to the holding arm 7. In addition, a button 5a is provided on the outlet 5, and when the button 5a is pressed, the user can use the button 5a to switch between different jet types for outputting mixed water. An LED display 6 is arranged on the upper side of the holding arm 7, which indicates the operating state, status state or fault state of the sanitary fitting 1 by different colors and / or different frequencies of LED light. A so-called time-of-flight sensor 20, a ToF sensor, is arranged on the lower side of the holding arm 7, and its detection area is basically oriented in the direction of water output, that is, vertically downward. If an object in the detection area is detected, cold water is output as long as the object is located in the detection area of ​​the sensor 20.

[0056] Figure 2 A sanitary fitting 1 according to one embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0057] The sanitary fitting 1 is connected to a control box 101, which, in addition to electrical and electronic components such as a microprocessor, also has control valves that output mixed water in a predeterminable quantity and at a predeterminable temperature, which is activated by one of the two sensors 20, 21 and / or the lever 3a of the single-lever mixer 3. For this purpose, water-conducting lines 104, 106 are provided, which are connected on the one hand to a central water supply, such as a hot water connection / cold water connection, and on the other hand to one or more electrical lines 105, which are connected to the single-lever mixer 3, the sensors 20, 21 and the button 5a. In order to provide electrical energy, a battery box 102 and / or a power supply 103 can be connected to the control box 101. In this case, the battery box 102 can be fixed to the housing of the control box 101 by means of magnetic force, for example.

[0058] Figure 3 The steps of a method according to one specific embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0059] Figure 3 The steps of a method for discharging a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting 1 are shown. To this end, the sanitary fitting 1 comprises a regulating device for regulating the temperature of the liquid to be discharged, in particular mixed water, and a regulating device for regulating the flow rate of the liquid to be discharged, and a discharge device for discharging the liquid by means of an outlet 5, and also comprises a first sensor 21 and a second sensor 20.

[0060] The method comprises the following steps:

[0061] By means of the first sensor 21, a gesture of the user is recognized S1, and when the gesture is recognized, a liquid is outputted S2 according to the recognized gesture by means of an output device,

[0062] An object is detected S3 by means of the second sensor 20 and, if an object is detected, liquid is discharged S4 by means of the discharge device.

[0063] In summary, at least one embodiment of the present invention may have at least one of the following advantages and / or at least one of the following features:

[0064] Discharge the required amount of liquid according to the sensor.

[0065] It stops automatically after discharge.

[0066] High flexibility.

[0067] Simple manufacturing and implementation.

[0068] Simple implementation.

[0069] Reliable and flexible discharge.

[0070] Simple operation and maneuverability.

[0071] Improved user satisfaction.

[0072] Side sensor (IR) with temperature regulation or presetting mechanism.

[0073] The TOF sensor detects the object under the holding arm as long as the object is in the signal area. Water continues to flow as long as the object is in the signal area.

[0074] With the help of an additional battery, sanitary accessories can be operated without supply current.

[0075] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not restricted thereto but can be modified in many ways.

[0076] Reference numerals list

[0077] 1. Sanitary accessories

[0078] 2 Matrix

[0079] 3 Single-lever mixer

[0080] 3a Rod

[0081] 4 Shower hose

[0082] 5. Exit

[0083] 5a Button

[0084] 6 LED Display

[0085] 7 Holding arm

[0086] 20 ToF-Sensor

[0087] 21 IR-Sensor

[0088] 101 Control Box

[0089] 102 Battery Box

[0090] 103 Power supply components

[0091] 104 Water supply pipeline

[0092] 105 Electrical wire

[0093] 106 Water supply pipeline

[0094] R, R1, R2 Direction

[0095] S1-S4 Method Steps

Claims

1. A sanitary accessory (1), comprising: A regulating device (3, 3a) for regulating the temperature of the liquid to be discharged, in particular mixed water, and for regulating the flow rate of the liquid to be discharged, and an output device for outputting the liquid via an outlet (5), It is characterized in that A first sensor (21) is arranged, which is designed to recognize a gesture of a user, and A second sensor (20) is arranged which is designed to detect an object, wherein The sensors (20, 21), the regulating device (3) and the output device can be connected to a control device (101), so that the output device can be controlled by means of the control device (101) in such a way that the liquid is outputted by means of the output device according to a recognized first gesture, and As soon as an object is detected by means of the second sensor (20), the liquid is discharged by means of the discharge device.

2. The sanitary fitting (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first sensor (21) and / or the second sensor (20) are designed as contactless sensors, in particular, the first sensor (21) and / or the second sensor (20) are designed as infrared sensors or ToF sensors.

3. The sanitary fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The output device has a manually operable output operating element (3a, 5a) and / or the adjusting device (3) has a manually operable adjusting operating element (3a).

4. The sanitary fitting (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The control device (101) is designed to control the output device independently of the position of the output operating element (3a, 5a).

5. The sanitary fitting (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that The control device (101) is designed to terminate the liquid discharge by means of the discharge device when the discharge operating element (3a, 5a) is moved in two different directions (R) within a predeterminable time period.

6. The sanitary fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The regulating device (3) and the output device are designed in the form of a single-rod device, so that both the output and the temperature can be activated by means of one rod (3a).

7. The sanitary fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that At least one of the sensors (20, 21), in particular the first sensor (21), is arranged on the base body (2), and at least another one 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).

8. The sanitary fitting (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The holding device comprises a holding arm (7) which is arranged on the base body (2).

9. The sanitary fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The control device (101) is designed to output cold water by means of the output device as soon as an object is detected by means of the second sensor (20).

10. The sanitary fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that A pre-metering device is provided for pre-setting the amount of liquid to be dispensed.

11. The sanitary fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The control device (101) is designed to output a predetermined amount of liquid by means of the output device after a gesture has been detected by means of the first sensor (21).

12. The sanitary fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The detection areas of the first sensor (21) and the second sensor (20) are oriented in different spatial directions, in particular the spatial directions are oriented perpendicularly to one another.

13. The sanitary fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that A display device (6) is arranged for displaying at least one operating state of the sanitary fitting (1), in particular, the display device (6) is arranged on the holding device (7).

14. The sanitary fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that An energy supply device (102, 103) is provided for supplying electrical energy to the sanitary fittings.

15. The sanitary fitting (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that The energy supply device (102, 103) has a housing, with the housing of which the energy supply device (102, 103) can be connected to the housing of the control device (101) in a detachable manner, in particular without the need for tools.

16. A method for discharging a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting (1), wherein: The sanitary fitting (1) has a regulating device (3) for regulating the temperature of the liquid to be discharged, in particular mixed water, and for regulating the flow rate of the liquid to be discharged; and having an output device for outputting liquid via an outlet (5) and having a first sensor (21) and a second sensor (20), the method comprising the following steps: A gesture of a user is recognized (S1) by means of a first sensor (21), and when the gesture is recognized, a liquid is output (S2) according to the recognized gesture by means of an output device, The object is detected (S3) by means of the second sensor (20) and, if the object is detected, the liquid is discharged (S4) by means of the discharge device.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The dispensing of liquid by means of the dispensing device is terminated when the dispensing operating element of the dispensing device is moved by the user in two different directions within a predefinable period of time.

18. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 17, characterized in that After the gesture has been detected by means of the first sensor (21), a predetermined amount of liquid is output by means of an output device.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that As soon as an object is detected by means of the second sensor (20), cold water is discharged by means of the discharge device.

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