Method for detecting the degree of calcification of a water boiler of a shower wc

Abstract

This method is used to detect the degree of limescale buildup in the water boiler (10) of a shower toilet. During the shower cycle, the water level in the water boiler (10) fluctuates between a maximum and a minimum level, causing two metal rods (1a; 1b) located inside the water boiler (10) to alternately be immersed in the water and then suspended above the water. The conductivity and / or resistance between the two metal rods (1a; 1b) is measured each time they are suspended above the water between shower cycles. The difference Δ between the measured values ​​is recorded either relative to a predetermined limit value or relative to a measurement obtained with the metal rods (1a, 1b) immersed in water. If a significant change in the difference Δ is detected during the shower cycles, the system prompts the user to descale the water boiler (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for detecting the degree of calcification of a water boiler of a shower toilet according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a device for detecting the degree of calcification of a shower toilet according to the preamble of patent claim 11.

[0002] Shower toilets with a hot water boiler build up limescale over time. For this reason, such devices are equipped with a descaling function. This function alerts the user to perform descaling. Currently, this prompt is performed by counting cycles, including heating cycles. A somewhat improved version takes into account adjustable water hardness. This method of determining when descaling is due can never be optimal, as too many uncertain factors are involved. This results in unnecessary costs and environmental pollution due to unnecessary descaling.

[0003] The invention aims to remedy this situation. The object of the invention is to create a method and a device that enables simple and reliable detection of the degree of limescale buildup in the water heater of a shower toilet.

[0004] The invention solves the stated problem with a method having the features according to claim 1 and a device having the features according to claim 11.

[0005] The advantages achieved by the invention are essentially that, thanks to the method and device according to the invention, the effective calcification of the boiler can be determined so that the optimal time for the descaling process can be determined.

[0006] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be commented as follows: A particular embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized by the following steps: a) Positioning a device with two metal rods in the water boiler filled with water up to a predetermined fill level, such that the metal rods are at least partially immersed in the water, wherein the metal rods are connected to a controller which measures the conductivity and / or resistance between the metal rods; b) Determining the electrical conductivity and / or the electrical resistance between the two metal rods by means of the controller; c) Lowering the water level in the water boiler by activating the shower toilet function of the shower toilet until the metal rods no longer protrude into the water in the water boiler; d) Determining the electrical conductivity and / or the electrical resistance between the two metal rods by means of the controller; e) Recording the difference Δ between the two measured values ​​determined in steps b) and d);f) Filling the water heater with water up to the specified level so that the metal rods are again submerged in the water; g) Repeating steps d) and e) for each shower-toilet cycle according to steps b) to f); h) Detecting a significant change in the difference Δ over the course of the subsequent shower-toilet cycles.

[0007] In a specific embodiment of the above method, an electrical signal is generated when the difference Δ is reduced by 10%, preferably by 30%.

[0008] Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized by the following steps: a) Positioning a device with two metal rods in the water boiler filled with water up to a predetermined fill level, such that the metal rods are at least partially immersed in the water, wherein the metal rods are connected to a control system which measures the conductivity and / or resistance between the metal rods; b) Lowering the water level in the water boiler by activating the shower toilet function of the shower toilet until the metal rods no longer protrude into the water in the water boiler; c) Determining the electrical conductivity and / or the electrical resistance between the two metal rods by means of the control system; d) Comparing the actual measured value determined in step c) with a predetermined limit value for this measured value; e) If the limit value is not undershot: Repeating process steps a) to d).

[0009] In a special embodiment of the above method, an electrical signal is generated when the predetermined limit value is undershot.

[0010] The electrical signal can trigger a visual or acoustic indication that requires descaling of the water boiler.

[0011] In a special embodiment, the conductance and / or resistance is determined by the attenuation of the electrical signal between the two metal rods.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the degree of calcification of the water boiler is detected by means of a calcific connection between the two metal rods caused by the calcification of the water in the water boiler, wherein the electrical conductivity and / or the electrical resistance of the calcific connection between the two metal rods is determined.

[0013] In a special embodiment, the lime-containing connection between the two metal rods caused by the calcification of the water in the water boiler is broken down by carrying out the descaling function of the shower toilet.

[0014] A further embodiment of the method comprises the following steps: (i) a square wave signal is applied to one metal rod via an RC network; (ii) the second metal rod is connected to GND potential; and (iii) a variable amplitude of the signal is measured via a further RC network on the active metal rod via a resulting attenuation by the measuring medium.

[0015] The measuring medium is - depending on the condition of the device - either air, water or a lime bridge.

[0016] The invention also encompasses a device for detecting the degree of limescale buildup in a shower toilet, wherein the shower toilet has a water boiler for the shower toilet function with a water inlet and a water outlet, so that the water level in the water boiler can fluctuate between a maximum and a minimum height depending on the activation of the shower toilet function. The device according to the invention comprises the following components: Two metal rods that extend into the water in the water heater at maximum water level and, once the water level is lowered by activating the shower-toilet function, rest outside the water; and a control unit connected to the metal rods, which includes a microcontroller and two RC networks. wherein the control is suitable for determining the attenuation of the voltage and thus the electrical conductivity and / or the electrical resistance between the two metal rods.

[0017] A particular embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized by the following features: (i) a square wave signal can be applied to one metal rod via the RC network; (ii) the second metal rod is connected to GND potential; and (iii) a variable amplitude of the signal can be measured via a further RC network on the active metal rod via a resulting attenuation by the measuring medium.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the control is suitable for comparing the determined electrical conductivity and / or the electrical resistance with a predetermined limit value.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the device, the metal rods run substantially parallel to one another.

[0020] In another embodiment of the device, the metal rods are arranged substantially perpendicular to the water level of the water present in the water boiler.

[0021] The shortest distance between the metal rods is preferably at least 5 mm, preferably at least 9 mm.

[0022] The shortest distance between the metal rods is preferably no more than 20 mm, preferably no more than 15 mm.

[0023] The device according to the invention is suitable for use in a shower toilet which has a descaling device with a descaling function.

[0024] In a special embodiment, the shortest distance between the metal rods can be optionally adjustable.

[0025] The invention and further developments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the partially schematic representation of an embodiment.

[0026] They show: Fig. 1 a simplified schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the control of the device according to the invention.

[0027] The principle of the method according to the invention or the device according to the invention can be explained using the schematic representation according to Fig. 1 explain. Fig. 1 shows a schematic of a water boiler 10 for the shower function of a shower toilet. The water boiler 10 can be filled with water up to the specified water volume via a water supply line (not shown). When the shower function of the shower toilet is activated, water is directed through a water outlet 5 to a shower device of the shower toilet, so that the water level in the water boiler 10 drops.

[0028] Furthermore, Fig. 1 two metal rods 1a; 1b spaced apart by a shortest distance of 12 mm, which protrude into the water in the water boiler 10, wherein the water boiler 10, as in Fig. 1 shown, until the specified water volume is filled with water. If the water is drained from the water boiler 10 when the shower function of the shower toilet is activated, the water level in the water boiler drops, so that the metal rods 1a; 1b no longer protrude into the water in the water boiler 10 until the water boiler 10 is filled with water again to the specified water volume.

[0029] As in Fig. 1 As shown schematically, the two metal rods 1a; 1b in the water boiler 10 of the shower toilet are arranged such that they are partially submerged in the water at the maximum water level (i.e., when the water boiler 10 is filled with water up to a predetermined fill level). The water boiler has a water inlet (not shown) and a water outlet 5, so that the water level in the water boiler 10 fluctuates between a maximum and a minimum level depending on the activation of the shower toilet function.

[0030] As in Fig. 2Schematically shown, the control unit 4 consists of a microcontroller 4.3 and two RC networks 4.1 and 4.2. A square-wave signal is applied to one metal rod 1a via the RC network 4.1. The second metal rod 1b is connected to GND potential. A variable amplitude of the signal can be measured at the active metal rod 1a via the additional RC network 4.2, resulting from the damping caused by the measuring medium (air, water, calcium bridge).

[0031] The generation of the square wave signal and the measurement of the resulting signal are carried out by the microcontroller 4.3., which, like the two RC networks 4.1. and 4.2., is implemented in the controller 4.

[0032] Over the service life of the shower toilet, primarily due to the heating cycles, the water boiler 10 becomes calcified. The lime content in the water in the water boiler 10 increases and limescale deposits form on the inner surface of the water boiler 10. Since the metal rods 1a; 1b in the water boiler 10 are located predominantly in the water-air interface of the water boiler 10, a mushroom-shaped or disc-shaped limescale buildup forms around the two metal rods. As the degree of calcification in the water boiler 10 increases, the volume of limescale deposits on the two metal rods 1a; 1b increases until the limescale deposits touch and form a limescale bridge between the two metal rods 1a; 1b. This limescale bridge consists of porous calcium carbonate, with the pores of the limescale bridge being interconnected and filled with water, so that such a bridge is electrically conductive.If the metal rods 1a; 1b, connected by the limescale bridge saturated with water from the water heater 10, are subsequently temporarily out of the water (during the activation of the shower function of the shower toilet), the presence of such a limescale bridge between the two metal rods 1a; 1b can be detected by an electronic circuit. Due to the limescale bridge, the resistance decreases, or the conductivity increases (compared to the free metal rods exposed to air).

[0033] To determine whether the predetermined degree of calcification of the water boiler has been reached or exceeded, the electrical conductivity and / or the electrical resistance between the two metal rods 1a; 1b located outside the water is determined. This is carried out by the controller 4 using the measured voltage and determining the signal attenuation. As the degree of calcification increases, the volume of the limescale bridge between the two metal rods 1a; 1b increases, whereby the electrical resistance decreases or the electrical conductivity increases. The increase in the electrical conductivity or the decrease in the electrical resistance is determined by measuring the conductivity between the two metal rods 1a, 1b. The determined values ​​are compared by the controller 4 with a predetermined limit value, and when the limit is reached or exceeded, an alarm is triggered.If the water level falls below the specified limit, an electrical signal is generated to indicate the need for descaling of the shower toilet. The signal can be provided visually with a light or via a suitable user app on a mobile phone.

[0034] By carrying out the descaling process, the limescale bridge between the two metal rods 1a; 1b, which was created by the calcification of the water in the water boiler 10, is removed.

[0035] Although various embodiments of the present invention are provided as described above, it should be understood that the various features may be used individually or in any combination.

[0036] This invention is therefore not simply limited to the above-mentioned, particularly preferred embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for detecting the degree of calcification of a water boiler (10) of a shower toilet, wherein the water level of the water boiler (10) fluctuates between a maximum and a minimum level during the shower cycle, so that two metal rods (1a; 1b) arranged in the water boiler (10) alternately dip into the water and come to rest in the air above the water at another time, characterized in that (i) the conductance and / or resistance between the two metal rods (1a; 1b) is determined when they are in the air between two shower cycles; and (ii) the difference Δ between the measured values determined in step (i) is recorded either at a predetermined limit value or at a measured value determined when the metal rods (1a, 1b) are immersed in the water; and (iii) a significant change in the difference Δ is detected during the course of the subsequent shower cycles.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized bythe following steps: a) positioning a device with two metal rods (1a; 1b) in the water boiler (10) filled with water up to a predetermined fill level, such that the metal rods (1a; 1b) are at least partially immersed in the water, wherein the metal rods (1a; 1b) are connected to a controller (4) which measures the conductivity and / or resistance between the metal rods (1a; 1b); b) determining the electrical conductivity and / or the electrical resistance between the two metal rods (1a; 1b) by means of the controller (4); c) lowering the water level in the water boiler (10) by activating the shower toilet function of the shower toilet until the metal rods (1a; 1b) no longer protrude into the water in the water boiler; d) determining the electrical conductivity and / or the electrical resistance between the two metal rods (1a; 1b) by means of the controller (4); (e) recording the difference Δ between the two measured values obtained in steps (b) and (d);f) filling the water boiler (10) with water up to the predetermined fill level so that the metal rods (1a; 1b) are again immersed in the water; g) repeating steps d) and e) for each shower-toilet cycle according to steps b) to f); h) detecting a significant change in the difference Δ over the course of the subsequent shower-toilet cycles; 3. Method according to claim 1, characterized bythe following steps: a) positioning a device with two metal rods (1a; 1b) in the water boiler (10) filled with water up to a predetermined fill level, such that the metal rods (1a; 1b) are at least partially immersed in the water, wherein the metal rods (1a; 1b) are connected to a controller (4) which measures the conductivity and / or resistance between the metal rods (1a; 1b); b) lowering the water level in the water boiler (10) by activating the shower toilet function of the shower toilet until the metal rods (1a; 1b) no longer protrude into the water in the water boiler; c) determining the electrical conductivity and / or the electrical resistance between the two metal rods (1a; 1b) by means of the controller (4); d) comparing the actual measured value determined in step c) with a predetermined limit value for this measured value; e) if the limit value is not exceeded: repeat steps a) to d).

4. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that when the difference Δ is reduced by 10%, preferably by 30%, an electrical signal is generated.

5. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that An electrical signal is generated when the predetermined limit is exceeded.

6. Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the electrical signal causes an optical or acoustic display which requests descaling of the water boiler (10).

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the conductance and / or the resistance is determined by the attenuation of the electrical signal between the two metal rods (1a; 1b).

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in thatthe detection of the degree of calcification of the water boiler (10) is carried out by means of a calcareous connection between the two metal rods (1a; 1b) created by the calcification of the water in the water boiler (10), wherein the electrical conductivity and / or the electrical resistance of the calcific connection between the two metal rods (1a; 1b) is determined.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the calcific connection between the two metal rods (1a; 1b) caused by the calcification of the water in the water boiler (10) is broken down by carrying out the descaling function of the shower toilet.

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that(i) a square-wave signal is applied to one metal rod (1a) via an RC network (4.1); (ii) the second metal rod (1b) is connected to GND potential; and (iii) a variable amplitude of the signal is measured via a further RC network (4.2) on the active metal rod (1a) via a resulting attenuation by the measuring medium.

11. Device for detecting the degree of calcification of a shower toilet, wherein the shower toilet has a water boiler (10) for the shower toilet function with a water inlet and a water outlet (5), so that the water level in the water boiler (10) can fluctuate between a maximum height and a minimum height depending on the operation of the shower toilet function; characterized in thatthe device comprises the following: - two metal rods (1a; 1b) which protrude into the water of the water boiler (10) at the maximum water level and come to rest outside the water after the water level has been lowered by activating the shower-toilet function; - a controller (4) connected to the metal rods (1a; 1b), which controller comprises a microcontroller (4.3.) and two RC networks (4.1 and 4.2); wherein the controller (4) is suitable for determining the attenuation of the voltage and thus the electrical conductivity and / or the electrical resistance between the two metal rods (1a; 1b).

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that (i) a square-wave signal can be applied to one metal rod (1a) via the RC network (4.1); (ii) the second metal rod (1b) is at GND potential; and (iii) a variable amplitude of the signal can be measured via a further RC network (4.2) on the active metal rod (1a) via a resulting attenuation by the measuring medium.

13. Device according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the controller (4) is suitable for comparing the determined electrical conductivity and / or the electrical resistance with a predetermined limit value.

14. Device according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the metal rods (1a; 1b) run essentially parallel to each other.

15. Use of a device according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the shower toilet has a descaling device with a descaling function.

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