Method for measuring the filling height of a hot water boiler and a device for carrying out the method

Abstract

Method for measuring the fill level of a hot water boiler (1) for the shower function of a shower toilet, characterized in that the pressure of the water column in the lower area of ​​the hot water boiler (1) is measured by means of a waterproof pressure sensor (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to methods for measuring the fill level of a hot water boiler for the shower function of a shower toilet according to the preamble of claim 1 and a device for measuring the fill level of a hot water boiler according to the preamble of claim 9.

[0002] Shower toilets with a hot water boiler that stores water for the cleaning function require a fill level measurement or detection system to control the water level. Simple float switches are commonly used for such level measurements. These have the disadvantage that the float's function can be impaired by dirt, limescale buildup, or other factors. Sensor electrodes that extend into the water boiler and are evaluated by external electronics are somewhat better. These measure the conductivity and / or capacitance of the water. However, different water qualities or chemical influences (e.g., descaling agents) can affect the measurement. Both of the aforementioned measurement methods using digital signals can only detect discrete fill levels. Using more than one sensor allows for the detection of at least one additional level.

[0003] Other well-known measuring methods are based on ultrasonic sensors. These have the disadvantage that elements inside the container (e.g., a heating coil) can interfere with the measurement. The ultrasonic sensor requires a clear measuring path to the water surface. If foam forms on the water surface (e.g., during the descaling process), the measurement result is no longer accurate.

[0004] This invention aims to remedy this problem. The invention is based on the objective of creating a method that enables the measurement of the fill level of a hot water boiler regardless of the water quality.

[0005] The invention solves the stated problem with a method which has the features according to claim 1, and a device which has the features according to claim 9.

[0006] The advantages achieved by the invention lie essentially in the fact that, thanks to the inventive method, the fill level of the water boiler is determined by means of the static pressure of the water column, which is proportional to the fill level. The inventive method makes it possible to determine the current fill level of the water in the hot water boiler at any time. The measurement of the fill level with the pressure sensor according to the inventive device is independent of the water quality. A further advantage is that different limit values ​​for the fill level of the hot water boiler can be determined using a single sensor.

[0007] The pressure of the water column is measured in the lower section of the hot water boiler, where "lower section" refers to the lowest measurable fill level. This means the sensor must be positioned as low (relative to the boiler's height) as the water level needs to be detected to ensure proper control of the inlet valve. Preferably, the pressure sensor is located in the lower tenth of the boiler's height.

[0008] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be commented on as follows: In a preferred embodiment, at least part of the sensor has a waterproof coating.

[0009] In a special embodiment, the waterproof coating contains an epoxy resin and / or a silicone gel and / or a fluorosilicone gel.

[0010] In an additional embodiment, the pressure is measured at least once every 100 milliseconds, preferably once every 10 milliseconds, and preferably once every 1 millisecond. Thus, the measurement is performed so quickly that changes in the amount of water in the hot water boiler can be tracked without any delay relevant to the control system.

[0011] In another embodiment, the pressure is measured in a range between two predetermined pressure limits P1 and P2, wherein the predetermined limit P1 corresponds to the minimum fill level of the water boiler and the predetermined limit P2 corresponds to the maximum fill level of the water boiler.

[0012] In a particular embodiment, an electrical signal is generated when the predetermined pressure is reached in the area between P1 and P2. In addition to an electrical signal, an "event" can also be generated. An "event" is understood to be information within the control system that can trigger a change in state, e.g., an "event" (heating limit exceeded) leads to a change in state (from "heating allowed" to "heating disabled").

[0013] In another embodiment, when the predetermined pressure in the area between P1 and P2 is exceeded, the water in the hot water boiler is heated, and when the predetermined pressure in the area between P1 and P2 is undershot, the heating of the water in the hot water boiler is interrupted.

[0014] In another embodiment, the hot water boiler is filled with water when the predetermined pressure limit P1 is reached.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, the predetermined limit value P2 is at most 4,000 Pa, preferably at most 3,000 Pa, and particularly preferably at most 2,500 Pa.

[0016] In a special embodiment, the predetermined limit value P1 is 0Pa.

[0017] The invention also includes a device for measuring the fill level of a hot water boiler for the shower function of a shower toilet, wherein the shower toilet has a hot water boiler which can be filled with water up to a predetermined fill level H2 via a water supply line, and wherein the hot water boiler has a water outlet for the shower toilet function, so that when the shower toilet function is activated, the amount of water in the hot water boiler drops to the predetermined fill level H1. The device according to the invention includes a waterproof pressure sensor which is arranged in the lower part of the hot water boiler.

[0018] Preferably, the pressure sensor is located in the lower tenth of the boiler.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the device includes a control unit that controls the filling of the hot water boiler.

[0020] In another embodiment, the control unit controls the blocking of the heating of the water in the hot water boiler.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the device, the hot water boiler has a maximum volume of 5 liters.

[0022] In another embodiment, the hot water boiler has a minimum volume of 1.5 liters.

[0023] In another embodiment, the pressure sensor can measure the pressure in a range between two predetermined pressure limits P1 and P2, wherein the predetermined limit P1 corresponds to the minimum fill level of the hot water boiler and the predetermined limit P2 corresponds to the maximum fill level of the hot water boiler.

[0024] In a special embodiment, the pressure sensor can measure the pressure in a range up to 4,000 Pa, preferably up to 3,000 Pa and preferably up to 2,500 Pa.

[0025] In a particular embodiment, an electrical signal is generated when a predetermined pressure is reached in the area between P1 and P2. In addition to an electrical signal, an event can also be generated.

[0026] In another embodiment, the hot water boiler is filled via the water supply line through a closable valve located in the water supply line to the hot water boiler. When the predetermined limit value P2 is reached, the control unit closes the valve for filling the hot water boiler. The data acquired by the pressure sensor, compared with predetermined limit values ​​in the control unit, detects when a predetermined fill level has been reached, thus locking the filling valve.

[0027] In another embodiment, the shower function of the shower toilet is stopped by the control unit when a predetermined pressure limit is reached. The data recorded by the pressure sensor, which is compared with predetermined limits in the control unit, detects when a predetermined fill level has been reached, thus stopping the shower function and preventing further use.

[0028] In a particular embodiment of the device, the pressure sensor is protected from dirt particles in the hot water boiler by means of a sieve. This embodiment protects the sensitive pressure sensor from dirt particles in the water.

[0029] In another embodiment, the pressure sensor is mounted directly on a circuit board. This ensures that the pressure sensor is held in the correct position and also allows for easy connection of the pressure sensor to the control system.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the pressure sensor is an amplified pressure sensor that includes an integrated circuit.

[0031] The invention and further developments of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the partially schematic representations of an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] They show: Fig. 1 a cross-section through an embodiment of a device according to the invention in a hot water boiler; Fig. 2 a cross-section through an embodiment of a device according to the invention Fig. 1 from a different angle; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to the invention;

[0033] The in the Fig. 1 and 2The illustrated embodiment shows partly a shower toilet and partly a hot water boiler 1 of the shower toilet. The hot water boiler 1 has an outer wall 9, which separates the water-fillable inner chamber of the hot water boiler 1 from the environment. The lower part of the outer wall 9 of the hot water boiler 1 has an opening 8 through which a waterproof pressure sensor 2 projects into the inner chamber of the hot water boiler 1. The pressure sensor projecting into the inner chamber of the hot water boiler has a measuring sensor element that is provided with a waterproof coating containing an epoxy resin. The pressure sensor 2 is connected to a power source (not shown) via a suitable voltage converter. A filter 5 is installed between the inner chamber of the hot water boiler 1 and the pressure sensor 2, which protects the pressure sensor 2 from dirt particles in the water of the hot water boiler 1. In the Figuren 1 and 2In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure sensor 2 is mounted directly on a circuit board 10. The circuit board 10 is attached to the shower toilet by means of two anchoring elements 11.

[0034] The principle of the inventive method or device can be explained by the schematic representation of the Fig. 3 explain. Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a hot water boiler 1 with a water inlet 7 and a water outlet 6 for the shower toilet function. The hot water boiler 1 can be filled with water via the water inlet 7, which contains a closable valve 4. By opening and closing the valve 4, the hot water boiler 1 can be filled to the desired amount of water. When the shower toilet function is activated, the water from the hot water boiler 1 is pumped through the water outlet 6 of the hot water boiler 1 to the shower head of the shower toilet (not shown), with the amount of water in the hot water boiler 1 decreasing continuously during activation of the shower toilet function.

[0035] A waterproof pressure sensor 2 is located in the lower section of the hot water boiler 1. The outer wall 9 of the hot water boiler 1 has an opening 8 in its lower section, through which the pressure sensor 2 partially protrudes into the interior of the hot water boiler 1. The pressure sensor 2 enables the detection of the pressure of the water column in the hot water boiler 1, which is proportional to the fill level of the hot water boiler 1.

[0036] Furthermore, the embodiment according to Fig. 3A control unit 3 manages the opening and closing of valve 4, thereby filling the hot water boiler 1. Pressure sensor 2 is connected to control unit 3, allowing control unit 3 to open and close valve 4, and thus fill the hot water boiler 1, based on the water pressure readings from pressure sensor 2, which are compared to predefined limits within the control unit. Control unit 3 also controls the heating of the water in the hot water boiler 1, again based on the water pressure readings from pressure sensor 2, which are compared to predefined limits within the control unit. When the shower toilet function is activated, the water level in the hot water boiler decreases, and the water pressure decreases. As a safety feature, the heating function is deactivated when a specific pressure or water level is reached.This can be illustrated by the following example.

[0037] Pressure sensor 2 detects the pressure of the water column in the hot water boiler 1 within the range between two predetermined pressure limits, P1 and P2. Limit value P2 corresponds to the maximum fill level of the hot water boiler 1, and limit value P1 to the minimum fill level. At limit value P2, the hot water boiler 1 is filled with water up to the maximum fill level, valve 4 is closed, and the heating element is not disabled. When the shower function of the shower toilet is activated, the water level in the hot water boiler 1, and thus the pressure of the water column, decreases until the pressure limit PH, which lies between P1 and P2, is reached. The pressure limit PH corresponds to the water level at which the heating limit is undershot and at which the heating element should be disabled (as a safety feature). When the pressure value is queried, it is compared with the limit values ​​in the control unit 3.If the measured pressure of the water column falls below the pH limit, the system detects that the heating limit has been reached, and the heating system is then locked out by control unit 3. After the shower function is interrupted (initiated by the user), which is detected by an additional sensor, a signal is sent to control unit 3, which then opens valve 4 to fill the hot water boiler 1. If the pressure measured by pressure sensor 2, compared with the predefined limits in control unit 3, detects that the pH limit has been exceeded, the system determines that the heating limit has been reached or exceeded, and the heating system is then unlocked by control unit 3.When the limit value P2 is reached, the reaching of the maximum fill level of the hot water boiler 1 is detected (by querying the data recorded by the pressure sensor 2 and comparing it with the predetermined limit values ​​in the controller 3), whereby the closing of the valve 4 is initiated by the controller 3.

[0038] A similar procedure is followed if the shower function is stopped not by the user, but by reaching the minimum fill level. When the shower function of the shower toilet is activated, the water level in the hot water boiler 1 decreases, and thus the pressure of the water column decreases, until the predetermined pressure limit P1, which corresponds to the minimum fill level of the hot water boiler 1, is reached. Upon detection of the limit P1, the control unit 3 activates the stopping of the shower function and the opening of valve 4 to refill the hot water boiler 1.

[0039] Although, as described above, there are various embodiments of the present invention, these are to be understood as meaning that the various features can be used both individually and in any combination.

[0040] This invention is therefore not simply limited to the particularly preferred embodiments mentioned above.

Claims

1. Method for measuring the filling level of a hot water boiler (1) for the shower function of a shower toilet, characterized in that the pressure of the water column in the lower area of ​​the hot water boiler (1) is measured by means of a waterproof pressure sensor (2).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure is measured at least once every 100 milliseconds, preferably once every 10 milliseconds and preferably once every 1 millisecond.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressure is measured in a range between two predetermined pressure limit values ​​P1 and P2, wherein the predetermined limit value P1 corresponds to the minimum filling level of the water boiler (1) and the predetermined limit value P2 corresponds to the maximum filling level of the water boiler (1).

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that When the predetermined pressure in the range between P1 and P2 is reached, an electrical signal is generated.

5. Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that when the predetermined pressure in the range between P1 and P2 is exceeded, the water in the hot water boiler (1) is heated or when the predetermined pressure in the range between P1 and P2 is undershot, the heating of the water in the hot water boiler (1) is interrupted.

6. Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that When the predetermined limit value of the pressure P1 is reached, the hot water boiler (1) is filled with water.

7. Method according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the predetermined limit value P2 is at most 4,000 Pa, preferably at most 3,000 Pa and particularly preferably at most 2,500 Pa.

8. Method according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the predetermined limit value P1 is 0 Pa.

9. Device for measuring the filling level of a hot water boiler (1) for the shower function of a shower toilet, wherein the shower toilet has a hot water boiler (1) which can be filled with water up to a predetermined filling level H2 through a water supply line (7), wherein the hot water boiler (1) has a water outlet (6) for the shower toilet function, so that when the shower toilet function is activated, the amount of water in the hot water boiler (1) drops to the predetermined filling level H1, characterized in that - the device comprises a waterproof pressure sensor (2) which is arranged in the lower area of ​​the hot water boiler (1) 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the hot water boiler (1) has a maximum volume of 5 liters.

11. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the hot water boiler (1) has a minimum volume of 1.5 liters.

12. Device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in thatthe pressure sensor (2) can measure the pressure in a range between two predetermined limit values ​​of the pressure P1 and P2, wherein the predetermined limit value P1 corresponds to the minimum filling level of the hot water boiler (1) and the predetermined limit value P2 corresponds to the maximum filling level of the hot water boiler (1).

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the pressure sensor (2) can measure the pressure in a range up to 4,000Pa, preferably up to 3,000Pa and preferably up to 2,500Pa.

14. Device according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the pressure sensor (2) is protected from dirt particles in the water of the hot water boiler (1) by means of a sieve (5).

15. Device according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the pressure sensor (2) is mounted directly on a circuit board (10).

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