Sensor arrangement for detecting a person in a use area of a sanitary facilities

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a sensor arrangement (1) for identifying a person (8) in a use region (2) of a sanitary installation (3), at least comprising the following steps: a) switching on a first sensor (4) of the sensor arrangement (1) if a second sensor (5) of the sensor arrangement (1) which differs from the first sensor (4) detects the presence of at least one person (8) in the surroundings of the sanitary installation (3), with the switch on comprising an establishment of a previously completely interrupted power supply to the first sensor (4) and with the first sensor (4) being a ToF sensor; b) acquiring at least one distance information item about the spatial distance between the person (8) and the sanitary installation (3) by means of the first sensor (4), with a time-of-flight measurement of a signal emitted by the first sensor (4) being carried out; c) switching off the first sensor (4) if the presence of at least one person (8) in the surroundings of the sanitary installation (3) is no longer detected, with the switch off comprising a complete interruption of the power supply to the first sensor (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a sensor arrangement for detecting a person in a usage area of ​​a sanitary facility, a sensor arrangement for detecting a person in a usage area of ​​a sanitary facility, and a sanitary facility with such a sensor arrangement.

[0002] An electrically operated sanitary fitting with a presence sensor is known. To monitor the presence of one or more people in the area of ​​use of the sanitary fitting as comprehensively as possible, presence sensors with a comparatively long range are typically used. However, this long range often comes at the expense of the accuracy of these sensors. In particular, to implement advantageous functions, such as automatic flushing when a person moves away from the fitting, increasingly precise measurements are required, which cannot always be achieved with long-range sensors. Therefore, at least short-range sensors are increasingly being installed in sanitary fittings.

[0003] Especially when a short-range sensor, such as a so-called ToF sensor (ToF = Time of Flight), is installed in a fitting, it is often desirable that it is not connected to the mains power supply but is powered by a battery or rechargeable battery. However, since these have a limited lifespan and need to be recharged after a certain period, it is desirable and advantageous to keep power consumption as low as possible to avoid frequent replacements of the sensor in the fitting.

[0004] However, ToF sensors in particular require too much energy for continuous measurements when used with batteries. Therefore, a strategy is needed to reduce energy consumption.

[0005] Sensor arrangements, including comprehensive switchable ToF sensors, have become known from US 2018 / 0112379 A1 and US 2014 / 0069951 A1.

[0006] Starting from this premise, the object of the invention is to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, it aims to provide a technically simple solution that enables the monitoring and / or operation of a sanitary installation in a highly energy-efficient and advantageously safe manner. These objectives are achieved with a method, a sensor arrangement, and a sanitary installation according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. The features listed in the claims can, if necessary, be further specified by features in the description. The description, particularly with reference to the figures, illustrates the invention and provides further exemplary embodiments.

[0007] This includes a method for operating a sensor arrangement for detecting a person in a usage area of ​​a sanitary facility, at least comprising the steps according to claim 1.

[0008] Steps a), b), and c) can be carried out, for example, at least once and / or repeatedly in the specified order, to perform the procedure. The procedure can be carried out, for example, using a sensor arrangement also described here. The procedure serves to detect a person in the usage area of ​​the sanitary facility. Furthermore, the procedure can contribute to or be carried out for the (electronic) control, in particular the triggering or activation (of a water dispensing), of the sanitary facility.

[0009] The sanitary fixture can be, for example, a water fitting such as a faucet, shower, bathtub, etc. It can also include, for example, a toilet, bidet, and / or urinal, or the fittings for these. The usage area refers specifically to a (predefined) area around the sanitary fixture, into which a person (e.g., a hand) enters, activating the sanitary fixture and / or activating water flow. The sensor arrangement, or the first and / or second sensor, is (or are) applied to or adjacent to the sanitary fixture in such a way that its detection field roughly coincides with, or at least partially overlaps with, the predefined usage area.

[0010] The sensor array can include the first and second sensors, for example, in the form of a hybrid sensor. In this context, the first and second sensors can constitute a hybrid sensor within the sensor array. The term "hybrid sensor" here means, in particular, that two different sensor technologies are used. Specifically, the first sensor is suitable for measuring distance. The second sensor, on the other hand, may only be suitable for detecting the presence of an object, such as a person, within the operating area. Specifically, the first and second sensors can operate according to physically different measurement principles.

[0011] The ToF (Time of Flight) sensor advantageously enables the non-contact detection of presence or the measurement of distance to physical objects and people. The ToF sensor can measure the distance to a target object by recording the time it takes photons to travel from the sensor to the object or person and back (time-of-flight measurement). The ToF sensor can be implemented using vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and / or arrays of single-photon avalanche photodiodes (SPADs). The ToF sensor can implement multiple distance modes, for example, three: near, medium, and short range modes.The ToF sensor can, for example, perform distance measurements with a resolution of 1 mm [millimeter] and, in particular, report the results to the control device via a digital I²C interface, which can also serve as the control connection for the sensors. For example, the ToF sensor could be a ToF laser sensor.

[0012] According to the invention, the ToF sensor and / or the sensor arrangement has a viewing window that can filter out light with certain wavelengths or wavelengths other than the laser beams.

[0013] In particular, the ToF sensor can also be used to perform several (sequentially performed) distance measurements for the purpose of tracking a person's movement within or out of the usage area, for example to trigger a flush when leaving a urinal or toilet.

[0014] This method advantageously ensures that a Time-of-Flight (ToF) measurement is only performed when an object is within the detection range. This allows for a significant reduction in the overall energy consumption of the sensor array. Detecting whether an object is within the detection range is achieved using a second sensor, which advantageously requires little energy. When not needed, the ToF sensor can be completely switched off (power-off) using suitable means. Specifically, a control device can use an additional sensor to check whether an object is within the detection range. Once an object is detected within the detection range, the ToF sensor can be switched on and a distance measurement performed. Once the control device detects that the detection range has been left, the ToF sensor can be switched off.Leaving the detection range can be detected with both the ToF sensor and the additional sensor.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the second sensor has lower electrical power consumption than the first sensor. Furthermore, the second sensor can have a greater range than the first sensor. In addition, the first sensor can have higher measurement accuracy than the second sensor. For example, the second sensor can be an ultrasonic or infrared sensor. Preferably, the second sensor is an infrared sensor. The second sensor can be arranged independently of the first sensor (ToF sensor). The first and second sensors can be arranged directly next to each other. The first and second sensors can be arranged in a common housing.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the first sensor for establishing the power supply be connected to an electrical energy storage device of the sanitary installation. The electrical energy storage device can, for example, comprise at least one electrical battery and / or at least one electrical accumulator.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that an electronic switch be actuated to establish or interrupt the power supply to the first sensor. The switch can be arranged and configured such that it can completely interrupt the power supply to the first sensor (withhold the supply voltage) and restore it as needed. The electronic switch can, for example, be implemented with at least one transistor. Furthermore, the electronic switch can be actuated, for example, by a control device of the sensor arrangement. The control device can actuate the electronic switch, for example, depending on a sensor output of the second sensor. The control device can, for example, be implemented as a control unit, such as a microcontroller.

[0018] Completely interrupting the power supply differs significantly from putting the sensor into a "standby" mode, in which it would still consume electrical energy or current. Furthermore, the first sensor is advantageously always activated via the switches or control unit. In any case, no direct software command is sent from the second sensor to the first. Specifically, the second sensor does not communicate with the first. When the sensor is switched on, a simple binary signal can advantageously activate the transistor and restore power to the first sensor.

[0019] According to another aspect, a sensor arrangement for detecting a person in a usage area of ​​a sanitary facility is proposed, comprising the features of claim 8.

[0020] Another aspect is the proposal for a sanitary facility with a sensor arrangement as described here.

[0021] The solution presented here, as well as its technical context, will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments shown.

[0022] They show schematically: Fig. 1: an exemplary sequence of a method presented here, Fig. 2: an exemplary sanitary installation with the sensor arrangement described here, and Fig. 3: an exemplary setup of a sensor arrangement presented here.

[0023] Fig. 1 Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary sequence of a procedure presented here. The procedure serves to operate a sensor arrangement 1 for the detection of a person 8 in a usage area 2 of a sanitary facility 3 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2 , 3). The sequence of steps a), b) and c) shown in blocks 110, 120 and 130 is exemplary and can be followed at least once in the sequence shown to carry out the procedure.

[0024] In block 110, according to step a), a first sensor 4 of the sensor arrangement 1 is switched on when a second sensor 5 of the sensor arrangement 1, which differs from the first sensor 4, detects the presence of at least one person 8 in the vicinity of the sanitary facility 3, wherein the switching on includes restoring a previously completely interrupted power supply to the first sensor 4 and wherein the first sensor 4 is a ToF sensor. In block 120, according to step b), at least one distance measurement regarding the spatial distance between the person 8 and the sanitary facility 3 is acquired by means of the first sensor 4, wherein a time-of-flight measurement of a signal emitted by the first sensor 4 is performed.In block 130, according to step c), the first sensor 4 is switched off when the presence of at least one person 8 in the vicinity of the sanitary facility 3 is no longer detected, the switching off comprising a complete interruption of the power supply to the first sensor 4.

[0025] Fig. 2 Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary sanitary installation 3 with the sensor arrangement 1 described here. The sanitary installation 3 is designed in the manner of a sanitary fitting, which can, for example, dispense water into a washbasin positioned in front of it.

[0026] Fig. 3Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary setup of a sensor arrangement 1 presented here for detecting a person 8 in a usage area 2 of a sanitary facility 3. The sensor arrangement 1 comprises a first sensor 4, which is a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor, for acquiring at least distance information about the spatial distance between a person 8 and the sanitary facility 3. The sensor arrangement 1 further comprises a second sensor 5, which differs from the first sensor 4, for detecting the presence of at least one person 8 in the vicinity of the sanitary facility 3. The sensor arrangement 1 further comprises an electronic switch 10 for establishing or interrupting a power supply from an electrical energy storage device 7 to the first sensor 4.The sensor arrangement 1 further comprises a control device 6 for actuating the electronic switch 10 depending on whether the presence of at least one person 8 in the vicinity of the sanitary facility 3 is detected by the second sensor 5. By way of example, the sensor arrangement 1 also includes a pane 9 or a viewing window behind which the sensors 4 and 5 are arranged.

[0027] For example, the second sensor 5 can have a lower electrical power consumption than the first sensor 4. Furthermore, the first sensor 4 can be connected to an electrical energy storage device 7 of the sanitary installation 3 to supply power. For example, the electronic switch 10 can be actuated to establish or interrupt the power supply to the first sensor 4. In this context, the electronic switch 10 can, for example, be a transistor. The electronic switch 10 can be actuated by the control device 6 of the sensor arrangement 1. The control device 6 can actuate the electronic switch 10 depending on a sensor output of the second sensor 5.

[0028] In particular, the sensor arrangement 1 can be configured as a hybrid sensor, in which a second sensor 5 represents an additional sensor to a first (ToF) sensor 4, requiring significantly less energy than the first sensor 4 (main sensor). The additional sensor serves primarily to activate the ToF sensor for measurement only when needed. During the remaining time, the ToF sensor remains deactivated (i.e., completely without power or in "power-off" mode). This allows for a significant reduction in the overall energy consumption of the sensor arrangement 1 or the hybrid sensor.

[0029] Consequently, a solution has been presented here that at least partially solves the problems described with reference to the state of the art. In particular, a technically simple solution has been presented that enables the monitoring and / or operation of a sanitary facility in the most energy-efficient and advantageously safe way possible. Reference symbol list

[0030] 1 Sensor arrangement 2 Area of ​​use 3 Sanitary facilities 4 First sensor 5 Second sensor 6 Control device 7 Energy storage 8 Person 9 Disc 10 Switch

Claims

1. A method for operating a sensor arrangement (1) for detecting a person (8) in a area of use (2) of a sanitary facility (3), comprising at least the following steps: a) activating a first sensor (4) of the sensor arrangement (1) when a second sensor (5) of the sensor arrangement (1), which differs from the first sensor (4), detects the presence of at least one person (8) in the vicinity of the sanitary facility (3), wherein the activation comprises establishing a previously completely interrupted power supply to the first sensor (4), wherein the first sensor (4) is a ToF sensor, and wherein the first and second sensors (4, 5) are arranged behind a viewing window (9) capable of filtering out light of certain wavelengths; b) detecting at least one piece of distance information about the spatial distance between the person (8) and the sanitary facility (3) by means of the first sensor (4), wherein a runtime measurement of a signal emitted by the first sensor (4) is performed; c) deactivating the first sensor (4) when the presence of at least one person (8) in the vicinity of the sanitary facility (3) is no longer detected, wherein the deactivation comprises a complete interruption of the power supply to the first sensor (4).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor (5) has a lower electrical power consumption than the first sensor (4).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sensor (4) is connected to an electrical energy storage device (7) of the sanitary facility (3) to establish the power supply.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an electronic switch (10) is actuated to establish or interrupt the power supply to the first sensor (4).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the electronic switch (10) is formed with at least one transistor.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the electronic switch (10) is actuated by a monitoring device (6) of the sensor arrangement (1).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the monitoring device (6) activates the electronic switch (10) depending on a sensor output of the second sensor (5).

8. A sensor arrangement (1) for detecting a person (8) in an area of use (2) of a sanitary facility (3), comprising at least: - a first sensor (4), which is a ToF sensor, for detecting at least one piece of distance information about a spatial distance between a person (8) and the sanitary facility (3); - a second sensor (5), which differs from the first sensor (4), for detecting the presence of at least one person (8) in the vicinity of the sanitary facility (3); - an electronic switch (10) for establishing or interrupting a power supply from an electrical energy storage device (7) to the first sensor (4); - a monitoring device (6) for actuating the electronic switch (10) depending on whether the presence of at least one person (8) in the vicinity of the sanitary facility (3) is detected by means of the second sensor (5); characterized by - a viewing window (9) which is capable of filtering out light of specific wavelengths and behind which the first and second sensors (4, 5) are arranged.

9. A sanitary facility (3) comprising a sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 8.

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