Sanitary assembly and procedure for its operation

Abstract

A sanitary arrangement (1) comprises a sanitary article (2), an actuating unit (3), a flushing unit (4) operatively connected to the actuating unit (3) for flushing the sanitary article (2), and a sensor unit (5) operatively connected to the actuating unit (3), wherein the sensor unit (5) has at least one detection sensor (6) for detecting a user (B) of the sanitary article (2), wherein the at least one detection sensor (6) is designed such that the user characteristics of a user (B) can be detected when using the sanitary article (2), and wherein the actuating unit (3) further comprises at least one actuating element (7, 7a, 7b) and at least one display element (8, 8a, 8b), the appearance of which changes depending on the detection of the user characteristics, such that a flushing recommendation corresponding to the user characteristics can be displayed to the user (B) by the at least one display element (8, 8a, 8b).According to which flushing recommendation the operating element (7, 7a, 7b) can be operated by the user.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitary arrangement according to claim 1 and an operating method for operating a sanitary arrangement according to claim 13. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Sanitary arrangements for flushing sanitary fixtures are known from the prior art. Typically, such sanitary arrangements comprise an actuating unit with an actuating element that triggers a flush. The flush can be either a full-flow or a partial-flow flush. In a full-flow flush, the entire cistern empties, while in a partial-flow flush, only a portion of the cistern's volume is emptied. The user is responsible for selecting the appropriate flush based on their own judgment. In case of doubt, the user usually chooses the full-flow flush. This has the disadvantage that the flush may be oversized for the type of use and deliver too much flushing water to the sanitary fixture.

[0003] A generic sanitary arrangement is disclosed in EP3064664A and AT506791A. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Based on the described prior art, the invention is based on the objective of providing a sanitary arrangement that exhibits improved properties with regard to water consumption. In particular, it is a preferred objective to provide a sanitary arrangement with which lower water consumption will be achievable.

[0005] This problem is solved by the device according to claim 1. Accordingly, a sanitary arrangement comprises a sanitary article, an actuating unit, a flushing unit operatively connected to the actuating unit for flushing the sanitary article, and a sensor unit operatively connected to the actuating unit. The sensor unit has at least one detection sensor for detecting a user of the sanitary article. The at least one detection sensor is designed such that the user characteristics of a user can be detected when using the sanitary article. The actuating unit further comprises at least one actuating element and at least one display element, the appearance of which changes depending on the detected user characteristics, such that a flushing recommendation corresponding to the user characteristics can be displayed to the user by the at least one display element. The user can then actuate the actuating element according to the flushing recommendation.

[0006] The flush recommendation provides the user with a decision-making aid for selecting the flushing method, while the user remains free to initiate the flush. This means the user can follow the flushing recommendation or ignore it and decide on the type of flush themselves. The flushing recommendation correlates with the recorded user characteristics, thus achieving optimal flushing results and reducing water consumption.

[0007] If the sensor detects a standing user who only uses the sanitary fixture briefly, it can be assumed that a partial flush is sufficient. Upon detecting this user pattern, the indicator light will alert the user to the partial flush, and the user can then activate the flushing mechanism accordingly.

[0008] If the sensor detects a seated user who uses the sanitary fixture for an extended period, it can be assumed that a full flush should be initiated. Upon detecting this user characteristic, the indicator light will alert the user to the activation of the full flush, and the user can then activate the flushing mechanism accordingly.

[0009] Another advantage is that if a user does not adhere to predefined movement patterns, the user can activate the flush automatically without following the flushing recommendation.

[0010] If a user uses a sanitary fixture for an extended period and only minor soiling results, the sanitary system will signal a flushing recommendation with a large volume of water due to the prolonged use. Despite this recommendation, the user can still initiate a flush with a smaller volume of water.

[0011] If a user uses the sanitary fixture for a short time and only a significant amount of soiling results, or if a lot of toilet paper or other items are placed in the fixture, the sanitary system will signal a flush recommendation with a small water volume due to the short usage time. In this case, the user can still trigger a flush with a large water volume despite the flush recommendation.

[0012] The sanitary arrangement offers further advantages in public or semi-public areas. In these areas, a full-flow flush is very often used in practice because reliable flushing is important. The proposed sanitary arrangement allows for a corresponding recommendation to be made to the user.

[0013] The term "functionally connected" means that the actuating unit is functionally connected to the flushing unit in such a way that a flush can be triggered when the actuating element is actuated, and that the sensor unit is functionally connected to the actuating unit in such a way that the detected user characteristic can be transmitted as a signal or data set from the actuating unit to control the at least one display element.

[0014] The sensor unit can be arranged separately from the actuator unit. The sensor unit can also be integrated integrally into the actuator unit.

[0015] The flushing unit is preferably a cistern with a flush valve, which is actuated by the activation of at least one actuator. The flush valve can be actuated mechanically, electrically, or pneumatically.

[0016] Preferably, the type of actuation of the at least one actuating element can be selected by the user independently of the display of the user characteristic on the display element.

[0017] The user can therefore either follow the displayed rinsing recommendation or ignore the displayed rinsing recommendation, i.e., make a decision himself.

[0018] Preferably, flushing occurs exclusively when at least one actuating element is activated. Therefore, flushing does not occur automatically, but only when the actuating element is activated.

[0019] Preferably, the flushing takes place exclusively when the at least one actuating element is activated, whereby, if the at least one actuating element is not activated for a predetermined period of time after the user has left the detection area of ​​the detection sensor, the flushing is automatically triggered in accordance with the flushing recommendation or in accordance with a full quantity flush.

[0020] Preferably, the predetermined time period after the failure to actuate is in the range of 3 to 60 seconds, particularly in the range of 5 to 45 seconds.

[0021] Preferably, two actuating elements and at least one indicator element are arranged, wherein one of the actuating elements is provided for a full quantity flush and wherein the other of the actuating elements is provided for a partial quantity flush.

[0022] Particularly preferably, exactly one display element is provided, wherein if the user characteristic requires a full flush, the display element shows the flushing recommendation for the actuating element of the full flush, and wherein if the user characteristic requires a partial flush, the display element shows the flushing recommendation for the actuating element of the partial flush.

[0023] Preferably, a display element is arranged for each actuating element, wherein if the user characteristic requires a full flush, the display element assigned to the actuating element for the full flush displays the flushing recommendation, and wherein if the user characteristic requires a partial flush, the display element assigned to the actuating element for the partial flush displays the flushing recommendation.

[0024] In one variant, the actuating element is a mechanical push button, which, when pressed, provides an actuating movement and / or an actuating force to the flushing unit. In another variant, the actuating element is an electronic actuating element, which, when pressed, provides a control signal to the flushing unit. The electronic actuating element can be, for example, an inductive or capacitive sensor. In yet another variant, the actuating element is a pneumatic push button, which provides a pneumatic pressure pulse to the flushing unit. The electronic actuating element can also include an infrared sensor, a radar sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0025] In another embodiment, the actuating element has the form of an actuating bar and the display element has the form of a display bar, wherein the display bar shows a flushing quantity corresponding to the user's characteristics and wherein the user triggers a flushing quantity corresponding to the location of the actuating bar.

[0026] Preferably, the user action is a swipe motion along the control bar to the specified location. Alternatively, the user action is a tap motion at the specified location.

[0027] The activation bar is symbolized by a narrow activation area. The activation bar and the indicator bar can be spaced apart or positioned one above the other.

[0028] Preferably, the actuating bar is provided by a series of electronic sensors distributed across it. These sensors can be, for example, capacitive or inductive sensors arranged in a sensor array that provides the actuating bar. These sensors can also be infrared, radar, or ultrasonic sensors. Alternatively, the actuating bar has a sensor configured to detect the position of the actuation within the bar. In this alternative, the sensor is preferably a radar sensor that detects the hand or finger position within the actuating bar. The radar sensor preferably has a high frequency band, particularly in the range of 50 to 70 GHz.

[0029] Preferably, the display element comprises a light source for the display, wherein the light source changes its display properties when displaying the flushing type, in particular, that the light source lights up, and / or that the light source flashes, and / or that the light source changes the color of the light, and / or that the light source changes the brightness.

[0030] Preferably, the display element is a display or a light-emitting diode arrangement, wherein the display or light-emitting diode arrangement can show a pictogram that indicates to the user the actuating element for the full quantity flush or the actuating element for the partial quantity flush.

[0031] A method for operating a sanitary arrangement according to the above description is characterized by the fact that in a process step the user characteristics of the user are recorded with the at least one detection sensor, and that in a subsequent process step the display element displays an appearance corresponding to the user characteristics.

[0032] An actuation unit can also be designed without the sensor unit. Such an actuation unit has an actuating element in the form of the actuating bar described above. Depending on the point of actuation on the actuating bar, the user can then trigger a flush volume corresponding to that location. Preferably, the user actuates the unit with a swiping motion along the actuating bar to the desired location. Alternatively, the user actuates the unit with a tapping motion at the desired location. The electronic actuating element can be provided, for example, by an inductive or capacitive sensor. The electronic actuating element can also include an infrared sensor, a radar sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0033] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted restrictively. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of the sanitary arrangement according to the invention with a user according to a first user characteristic; Fig. 2 a schematic view of the sanitary arrangement according to the invention with a user according to a second user characteristic; Figs. 3a-3c detailed views of a variant of an actuating unit for the sanitary arrangement according to one of the Figures 1 and 2 ; Fig. 4a-4c Detail views of another variant of an actuating unit for the sanitary arrangement according to one of the Figures 1 and 2 ; and Figs. 5a-5c Detail views of another variant of an actuating unit for the sanitary arrangement according to one of the Figures 1 and 2 . DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0035] In the Figures 1 and 2A sanitary arrangement according to the present invention is shown. The sanitary arrangement 2 comprises a sanitary article 2, an actuating unit 3, a flushing unit 4 and a sensor unit 5.

[0036] Sanitary article 2, as shown, has the shape of a toilet. However, sanitary article 2 can also be a urinal.

[0037] The actuating unit 3 is operatively connected to the flushing unit 4. This operative connection is designated by reference numeral 9. The user B can trigger a flush via the actuating unit 3, which activates the flushing unit 4, thus flushing the sanitary fixture 2. The flushing unit 4 preferably comprises a cistern and a flush valve, which is opened accordingly when actuated by the actuating unit 3. The flushing unit can also be designed as a pressure flush valve, in which case it has no cistern, but only a corresponding valve. Similarly, in the case of urinals, the flushing unit can be designed with or without a cistern.

[0038] The sensor unit 5 is operatively connected to the actuating unit 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor unit 5 is part of the actuating unit 3. The sensor unit 5 is designed to detect the movements of the user B when using the sanitary article 2.

[0039] The sensor unit 5 has at least one detection sensor 6 for detecting user B who uses the sanitary article 2. The at least one detection sensor 6 is designed such that the user characteristics of user B can be detected when using the sanitary article 2. For this purpose, the detection sensor 6 emits a sensor signal S, which can cover one or more detection areas. The Figure 1 The user characteristic shown for user B differs from that shown in the Figure 2 User characteristics shown. In the Figure 1 User B is shown sitting and in the Figure 2The user B is shown standing. The actuating unit 3 further comprises at least one actuating element 7 and at least one display element 8. The display element 8 is designed such that its appearance changes depending on the user's characteristics, so that a flushing recommendation corresponding to the user's characteristics can be displayed to the user B by the at least one display element 8. The user B can then actuate the actuating element 7 according to the flushing recommendation. The flushing recommendation provides the user with a decision-making aid, indicating the optimal flushing method, for example, a full flush or a partial flush. Thus, the flushing can be carried out with the most optimal, that is, preferably with the least possible, use of flushing water.

[0040] The user can ultimately influence the type of flush, as they can operate at least one actuating element 7 independently of the flushing recommendation. For example, if a partial flush is recommended, the user can still trigger a full flush, and vice versa.

[0041] Preferably, the actuating unit is designed such that flushing occurs exclusively when the at least one actuating element is actuated.

[0042] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the flushing occurs exclusively when the at least one actuating element 7 is activated, and that if the at least one actuating element 7 remains inactive for a predetermined period after the user B has left the detection range of the detection sensor 6, the flushing is automatically triggered according to the flushing recommendation. Preferably, the predetermined period is in the range of 3 to 60 seconds, particularly in the range of 5 to 45 seconds.

[0043] In the Figures 3a to 3b A first variant of an actuating unit 3 is shown. The actuating unit 3 comprises two actuating elements 7a, 7b and at least one display element 8. Here, two display elements 8a, 8b are arranged. In the Figure 3aThe initial situation is shown schematically. The pairing of actuating element 7a and display element 8a is larger than the pairing of actuating element 7b and display element 8b. If the user characteristic recommends triggering a full flush, the display element 8a changes its appearance and the user is instructed to actuate the actuating element 7a. In the Figure 3b One display element, 8a, is activated and, for example, lights up, as indicated by the gray shading. This situation is described in the Figure 3b As shown. If the user characteristics recommend triggering a partial flush, the indicator element 8b changes its appearance and the user is instructed to activate the actuator 7b. In the Figure 3b One display element, 8a, is activated and, for example, lights up, as indicated by the gray shading. This situation is described in the Figure 3cdepicted.

[0044] In the first variant, the actuating elements 7a, 7b are arranged separately from the two display elements 8a, 8b. The actuating elements 7a, 7b can be designed as mechanical actuating buttons, which, when actuated, provide an actuating movement and / or an actuating force to the flushing unit 4. The actuating elements 7a, 7b can also be designed as electronic actuating elements, which, when actuated, provide a control signal for the flushing unit 4.

[0045] In the Figures 4a to 4c A second variant is shown. Here, the actuating elements 7a, 7b are arranged behind or below the display elements 8a, 8b. The actuating elements 7a, 7b are electronic actuating elements. Figure 4a The second variant shows the starting position. Figure 4b represents the equivalent of Figure 3b and the Figure 4crepresents the equivalent of Figure 4c This is shown. In this regard, reference is made to the description of the Figures 3b and 3c described.

[0046] The electronic actuators mentioned herein can be provided, for example, by an inductive or capacitive sensor. It is also conceivable that the electronic actuators mentioned herein could be provided by infrared, radar, or ultrasonic sensors.

[0047] In the Figures 5a to 5c A third variant is shown. Here, the actuating element 7 is an actuating bar and the display element 8 is a display bar. The two bars have the shape of a rectangle and overlap perfectly in the illustrated embodiment. The display bar shows a flush volume corresponding to the user's characteristics. In the Figure 5a The indicator bar is shown in its initial position. In the Figure 5bThe bar indicates the flushing recommendation as a partial flush and in the Figure 5c The bar indicates the flush recommendation as a full flush. Depending on the point of activation on the actuator bar, the user can trigger a flush. This involves a tapping motion on the actuator bar or a sliding motion along the actuator bar, as shown in the... Figure 5b The arrow indicates this. If the user wishes to follow the flushing recommendation, they can tap the end of the display bar or run their finger along the actuation bar to the end of the display. Depending on where the user taps the actuation bar, a corresponding amount of flushing is triggered.

[0048] In one variant, the actuating bar is provided by a series of electronic sensors distributed along its length. These sensors are preferably positioned at regular intervals along the entire length of the actuating bar. These sensors can be, for example, capacitive or inductive sensors arranged in a sensor array that provides the actuating bar.

[0049] In another variant, the actuating bar has a sensor designed to detect the position of the actuation within the bar. A radar sensor, for example, can be used here.

[0050] The in the Figures 3a to 5c The dimensions of the actuating elements and display elements shown are purely exemplary and may be designed differently. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0051] 1 Sanitary arrangement 2 Sanitary articles 3 Actuating unit 4 Flushing unit 5 Sensor unit 6 Detection sensor 7, 7a, 7b Actuating element 8, 8a, 8b Display element 9 Functional connection B User

Claims

1. Sanitary arrangement (1) comprising a sanitary fixture (2), for example a toilet or a urinal, an actuating unit (3), a flushing unit (4) operatively connected to the actuating unit (3) for flushing the sanitary fixture (2), and a sensor unit (5) operatively connected to the actuating unit (3), wherein the sensor unit (5) comprises at least one detection sensor (6) for detecting a user (B) of the sanitary fixture (2), wherein the at least one detection sensor (6) is designed such that the user characteristics of a user (B) can be detected whilst using the sanitary fixture (2), for example a standing or seated user, and wherein the actuating unit (3) further comprises at least one actuating element (7, 7a, 7b) and at least one display element (8, 8a, 8b), characterised in that the appearance of the display element changes depending on the detection of the user characteristic, such that a flushing recommendation corresponding to the user characteristic can be displayed to the user (B) via the at least one display element (8, 8a, 8b), according to which flushing recommendation the actuating element (7, 7a, 7b) can be actuated by the user.

2. Sanitary arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the manner of actuating of the at least one actuating element (7, 7a, 7b) is selectable by the user independently of the display of the user characteristic on the display element (8, 8a, 8b).

3. Sanitary arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, during use, flushing takes place exclusively upon actuating of the at least one actuating element (7, 7a, 7b).

4. Sanitary arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, during use, flushing takes place exclusively upon actuating of the at least one actuating element (7, 7a, 7b) is actuated, and that if, in the absence of actuating of the at least one actuating element (7, 7a, 7b) for a predetermined period of time after the user (B) has left the detection range of the detection sensor (6), flushing is automatically triggered in accordance with the recommended flush or in accordance with a full-volume flush.

5. Sanitary arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that two of the aforementioned actuating elements (7, 7a, 7b) are provided, wherein one of the actuating elements (7, 7a, 7b) is intended for a full-volume flush and wherein the other of the actuating elements (7, 7a, 7b) is intended for a partial-volume flush.

6. Sanitary arrangement (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that exactly one display element (8, 8a, 8b) is provided, wherein, if the user characteristic requires a full-volume flush, the display element (8, 8a, 8b) indicates the flush recommendation for the actuating element (7, 7a, 7b) for the full-volume flush can be displayed, and wherein, when the user characteristic requires a partial-volume flush, the flush recommendation for the actuating element (7, 7a, 7b) for the partial-volume flush can be displayed via the display element (8, 8a, 8b).

7. Sanitary arrangement (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that one display element (8, 8a, 8b) is arranged for each actuating element (7, 7a, 7b), wherein, if the user characteristic requires a full-volume flush, the display element (8, 8a, 8b) associated with the actuating element (7, 7a, 7b) for the full-volume flush, and wherein, if the user characteristic requires a partial-volume flush, the flush recommendation can be displayed by the display element (8, 8a, 8b) associated with the actuating element (7, 7a, 7b) for the partial flush, the flush recommendation can be displayed.

8. Sanitary arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuating element (7, 7a, 7b) is a mechanical actuating button, by means of which an actuating movement and / or an actuating force can be applied to the flushing unit (4) upon actuating; or in that the actuating element (7, 7a, 7b) is an electronic actuating element, by means of which a control signal for the flushing unit (4) can be provided upon actuating; or that the actuating element (7, 7a, 7b) is a pneumatic actuating button, by means of which a pneumatic pressure surge can be applied to the flushing unit (4).

9. Sanitary arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the actuating element (7, 7a, 7b) has the form of an actuating bar and in that the display element (8, 8a, 8b) has the form of an indicator bar, wherein the indicator bar displays a flush volume corresponding to the user's characteristics and wherein the user can trigger a flush volume corresponding to the location, depending on the point of actuating on the actuator bar.

10. Sanitary arrangement (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the user's actuating can be provided by a swiping movement along the actuating bar up to the said location; or in that the user's actuating can be provided by a tapping movement at the said location.

11. Sanitary arrangement (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the activation bar is provided by a series of electronic sensors arranged across the activation bar; or in that the activation bar comprises a sensor configured to detect the position of the activation within the activation bar.

12. Sanitary arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the display element comprises a light source for the display, wherein the light source changes its display characteristic when displaying the flush type, in particular, that the light source illuminates, and / or that the light source flashes, and / or that the light source changes the colour of the light, and / or that the light source changes its brightness.

13. Sanitary arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the display element is a display or a light-emitting diode arrangement, wherein the display or the light-emitting diode arrangement is capable of displaying a pictogram which directs the user's attention to the actuating element for the full-volume flush or to the actuating element for the partial-volume flush.

14. A method for operating a sanitary arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in a method step, the user characteristic of the user (B) is detected by the at least one detection sensor (6), and that, in a subsequent method step, the display element displays an appearance corresponding to the user characteristic.

Images