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

Abstract

A sanitary fitting (1) comprising an adjustment device (3, 3a) for adjusting the temperature of 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 a spout (5), wherein a first sensor (21), configured for detecting gestures of a user, and a second sensor (20), configured for detecting objects, are arranged, and wherein the sensors (20, 21), the adjustment device (3, 3a) and the dispensing device (4) are connectable to a control device (101) such that the dispensing device can be controlled by means of the control device (101) in such a way that the liquid is dispensed by means of the dispensing device on the basis of a detected first gesture, and wherein the liquid is dispensed by means of the dispensing device as long as an object is detected by means of the second sensor.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sanitary fitting, comprising an adjusting device for adjusting the temperature of 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.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for dispensing a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting, wherein the sanitary fitting has an adjusting 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.

[0003] Although applicable to any plumbing fixtures, the present invention will be explained with reference to kitchen fixtures.

[0004] Sanitary fittings have become known in a wide variety of forms. For example, known sanitary fittings comprise a fitting body with at least one actuator for adjusting at least one property of a fluid flow passing through the fitting. This 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, for example, is mixed from separate cold and hot water streams using a mixer tap and then directed to an outlet.

[0005] To increase functionality, a sanitary fitting has become known from DE 10 2013 000 773 A1 or DE 10 2013 002 236 A1, for example, with at least one first actuating element for adjusting the temperature and / or quantity of mixed water and with at least one second actuating element for adjusting the quantity of hot water. The disadvantage of this is that several actuating elements have to be actuated to dispense water. Furthermore, 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 the pot has been put aside, the water dispensing must be stopped again. This means that on the one hand water is wasted as long as the pot is not below the water dispensing point and on the other hand water flows along the pot and pollutes it if the pot is removed from under the water dispensing point while the water is still dispensing.To solve this problem, DE 10 2016 113 832 A1 further discloses a fitting comprising a base, a shower hose, and an arm mounted on the base. The arm includes a shower hose holder to which the shower hose is releasably held in a rest position. The fitting further includes a sensor for detecting the presence and / or movement of an operator's hand in a detection range of the sensor, the sensor being arranged on the arm.

[0006] The disadvantage is that functionality is limited, as only the presence of a hand can be detected. Furthermore, user-friendliness is also limited, as the user must first make a hand movement beneath the expected water dispensing stream, then place a container to be filled into the water dispensing stream, remove it from the water dispensing stream after filling, and then make another hand movement to stop the water dispensing.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] The present invention solves the problems in one embodiment of a sanitary fitting comprising a setting device for setting the temperature for a liquid to be dispensed, in particular mixed water, and for setting a flow rate for the liquid to be dispensed and a dispensing device for dispensing liquid by means of an outlet, characterized in that a first sensor, designed to recognize gestures of a user, and a second sensor, designed to recognize objects, are arranged and wherein the sensors, the setting device and the dispensing device can be connected to a control device in such a way that the dispensing device can be controlled by means of the control device in such a way that the liquid is dispensed by means of the dispensing device when a first gesture is recognized, and that the liquid is dispensed by means of the dispensing device as long as an object is recognized by means of the second sensor.

[0010] 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 a setting device for setting the temperature for a liquid to be dispensed, in particular mixed water, and for setting a flow rate for the liquid to be dispensed and a dispensing device for dispensing liquid by means of an outlet, and a first and a second sensor, comprising the steps of: detecting a gesture of a user by means of the first sensor, and in the 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.

[0011] The term "sanitary" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly in the description, preferably in the claims, among other things, to any objects, arrangements, devices, equipment and the like related to bathrooms, kitchens, heating systems and the like.

[0012] The term "liquid" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly 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 wholly or partially dissolved.

[0013] 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 that monitors a specific area, region, surface, 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 sensor having to be directly touched and / or a force acting directly or indirectly on the sensor device through the contact. A contactless triggering sensor device is, for example, a sensor device that is arranged on the back of a wooden panel or the like and is triggered, in particular, when a change occurs on the front of the wooden panel in the area monitored by the sensor device.A change is also detected in the area of ​​the plate itself, provided it lies within the area monitored by the sensor device. In particular, the sensor device is triggered by a touch or a sweep of the front surface, especially by a finger, hand, arm, or the like, whereby the triggering occurs regardless of the force or pressure generated by the touch.

[0014] 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.

[0015] The terms "detecting an object" or "detecting a gesture" in connection with a sensor are to be understood in the broadest sense and refer 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.

[0016] One of the advantages achieved is that no contact with the plumbing fixture is required to initiate liquid dispensing. 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 detected by the second sensor, liquid is dispensed. This significantly simplifies handling for the user and improves user satisfaction. Further advantages include ease of use, high flexibility, and cost-effective implementation.

[0017] Further features, advantages and further embodiments of the invention are described below or will become apparent thereby.

[0018] 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 is that reliable detection of objects and simple triggering of the liquid dispensing using a gesture are enabled.

[0019] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the dispensing device has a manually operable dispensing control element and / or the adjustment device has a manually operable adjustment control element. One of the advantages achieved thereby is reliable operation of the dispensing and / or adjustment device for a user. The term "manual" is to be understood, particularly in the claims, and preferably in the description, to mean that the respective control element is actuated by movement by a user. In particular, this does not mean that the respective device as a whole is manually operable or has only manual components.

[0020] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the control device is designed to control the dispensing device independently of the position of the dispensing control element. One of the advantages achieved is improved hands-free operation.

[0021] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the control device is designed to terminate the dispensing of liquid by the dispensing device if 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 terminating liquid dispensing is provided, which increases operational flexibility and user satisfaction.

[0022] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the adjustment device and the dispensing device are designed as a single-lever device, such that both the dispensing can be initiated and the temperature can be adjusted using one lever. The advantage of this is particularly simple operation using a single lever.

[0023] 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 dispensing device, in particular on the outlet. The advantage of this is that reliable actuation of the respective sensor is enabled.

[0024] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the holding device comprises a holding arm arranged on the base body. One of the advantages achieved is easier handling of the spout of the sanitary fitting.

[0025] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the control device is configured to dispense cold water via the dispensing device as long as an object is detected by the second sensor. This has the advantage of simplified operation of the sanitary fitting. If an object is within 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 upon object detection in advance, in particular separately from the water dispensed by the first sensor.

[0026] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, a quantity setting device is provided for specifying the amount of liquid to be dispensed. The advantage of this is that a predetermined and user-adjustable amount of liquid to be dispensed can be individually set.

[0027] 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 is recognized by the first sensor. The advantage of this is that, upon recognition of a gesture by the first sensor, a predetermined amount of liquid, optionally user-specific, is dispensed.

[0028] 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 oriented perpendicular to each other. This increases the reliability of the recognition of gestures and objects by the sensors and essentially avoids simultaneous recognition by both sensors.

[0029] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, a display device is provided for displaying 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, operating, and status display of the sanitary fitting for a user of the sanitary fitting.

[0030] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, a power supply device is provided to supply the sanitary fitting with electrical energy. The advantage of this is reliable operation of the sanitary fitting.

[0031] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the power supply device has a housing with which the power 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 accumulator box on the control device, which enables easy replacement of the same.

[0032] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the dispensing of liquid by 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 liquid dispensing can be terminated regardless of the recognized gesture, the dispensed amount, or a recognized object. This further increases user-friendliness.

[0033] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, a predetermined amount of liquid is dispensed by the dispensing device after a gesture is recognized by the first sensor. The advantage of this is that, when a gesture is recognized by the first sensor, a predetermined amount of liquid, optionally user-specific, is dispensed.

[0034] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, cold water is dispensed by the dispensing device as long as an object is detected by the second sensor. This has the advantage of simplified operation of the sanitary fitting. If an object is within the detection range of the second sensor, cold water is dispensed, for example, to fill a pot or glass. It is conceivable to set the temperature of the water to be dispensed upon object detection in advance, in particular separately from the water dispensed by the first sensor.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Preferred embodiments and embodiments of the invention are illustrated 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.

[0038] This shows Figure 1 shows parts of a sanitary fitting in a three-dimensional view according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a sanitary fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 shows steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 1shows parts of a sanitary fitting in three-dimensional view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] In Figure 1A 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 adjust the temperature of the 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) that sense a 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 dispensing. Furthermore, in the closed position of the lever 3a, a temperature preset for dispensing mixed water can be set when a user actuates the infrared sensor 21. The infrared sensor 21 detects a gesture, for example, when a palm of the hand is held in front of the infrared sensor 21. Mixed water is then dispensed until the palm of the hand is removed again. It is also possible for a user's first swipe past the sensor 21 to trigger water dispensing and, if necessary, a second swipe to stop it again.

[0041] Extending from the base body 2 above the support arm 7, a flexible, curved shower hose 4 terminates in an outlet 5. The outlet 5 can be releasably attached to the support arm 7. A button 5a is also arranged on the outlet 5, with which a user can switch between different jet types for dispensing the mixed water when the button 5a is pressed. An LED display 6 is arranged on the upper side of the support arm 7. This LED display 6 indicates the operating, status, or fault condition of the sanitary fitting 1 through different colors and / or different frequencies of the LED illumination. A so-called time-of-flight sensor 20 (ToF sensor) is arranged on the underside of the support arm 7, the detection range of which is oriented essentially in the direction of the water outlet, i.e., vertically downwards.If an object is detected in the detection area, cold water is dispensed as long as the object remains in the detection area of ​​the sensor 20.

[0042] Figure 2 shows a sanitary fitting 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] 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 dispense a predeterminable quantity and 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 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. A battery box 102 and / or a power supply unit 103 can be connected to the control box 101 for the electrical power supply. The battery box 102 can be secured to the housing of the control box 101, for example, by magnetic force.

[0044] Figure 3shows steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] In Figure 3 Steps of a method for dispensing a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting 1 are shown. For this purpose, the sanitary fitting 1 comprises an adjustment device for adjusting the temperature of 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.

[0046] The procedure includes the following 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.

[0047] 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: Dispenses the requested amount of fluid based on the sensor. Automatically stops after dispensing. High flexibility. Simple manufacturing and implementation. Easy to operate. Reliable and flexible dispensing. Easy handling and operation. Improved user satisfaction. Side-mounted sensor (IR) with temperature preset. A ToF sensor under the support arm detects objects as long as they are within the signal range. Water flows as long as the object is within the signal range. With the help of additional batteries, the sanitary fitting can be operated without mains power.

[0048] 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

[0049] 1Sanitary fitting 2Base body 3Single-lever mixer 3aLever 4Shower hose 5Spout 5aButton 6LED display 7Holding arm 20ToF sensor 21IR sensor 101Control box 102Battery box 103Power supply 104Water pipe 105Electrical pipe 106Water pipe R, R1, R2Direction S1-S4Steps of a process

Claims

1. Sanitary fitting (1), comprising an adjusting device (3, 3a) for adjusting the temperature of 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 (5), characterized in that a first sensor (21), designed to recognize gestures of a user, and a second sensor (20), designed to recognize objects, are arranged, and wherein the sensors (20, 21), the setting device (3) and the dispensing device are connectable to a control device (101) in such a way that the dispensing device can be controlled by means of the control device (101) in such a way that the liquid is dispensed by means of the dispensing device on the basis of a recognized first gesture, and that the liquid is dispensed by means of the dispensing device as long as an object is recognized by means of the second sensor (20).

2. 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.

3. 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 setting device (3) has a manually operable setting 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).

4. Sanitary fitting (1) according to claim 3, characterized in thatthe 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.

5. 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.

6. Sanitary fitting (1) according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in thatat 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).

7. 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).

8. 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.

9. Sanitary fitting (1) according to one of claims 1-8, characterized in thatthe 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).

10. 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 one another.

11. Sanitary fitting (1) according to one of claims 1-10, characterized in that a display device (6) for displaying at least one operating state of the sanitary fitting (1) is arranged, in particular wherein the display device (6) is arranged on the holding device (7).

12. Sanitary fitting (1) according to one of claims 1-11, characterized in thata power supply device (102, 103) is arranged for supplying 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).

13. Method for dispensing a liquid by means of a sanitary fitting (1), wherein the sanitary fitting (1) has an adjustment 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 an dispensing device for dispensing liquid by means of an outlet (5), and a first (21) and a second (20) sensor, comprising the steps of: - 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.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in thatthe 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.

15. Method according to one of claims 13-14, characterized in that by means of the dispensing device, a predetermined amount of liquid is dispensed 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).

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