Sanitary appliance with control device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sanitary installation (1) comprising a non-contact first release device (2) which is provided for actuating a release mechanism for a flushing valve (3) of the sanitary installation (1), a contact-based second release device (4) which is also provided for actuating the release mechanism for the flushing valve (3), and a control device (5) which is configured for communication with the non-contact first release device (2) and for communication with the contact-based second release device (4), wherein wireless communication (6) is provided between the contact-based second release device (4) and the control device (5), and wherein the contact-based second release device (4) is a push button.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitary installation comprising a non-contact first triggering device, a contact-based second triggering device, and a control device.

[0002] Sanitary facilities such as toilets, urinals, shower toilets, and the like are known from the prior art and include corresponding controls that allow for touchless and / or automatic flushing. Furthermore, accessible sanitary facilities are known from the prior art and include a wireless trigger device for toilet controls, usually located on the grab bar. These two types of sanitary facilities utilize different and mutually incompatible control units.

[0003] This means that if both of the aforementioned functionalities are desired, several different control units are necessary. If a toilet has a touchless and / or automatic flush, only a wired remote control can be added due to the existing technical limitations. Therefore, in an accessible toilet, either touchless and / or automatic toilet controls must be omitted, or a wireless remote control must be used, which requires an additional second control unit.

[0004] Providing inclusive sanitary facilities – meaning that the needs of the broadest possible user base are met – is therefore currently not possible. This results in an unnecessarily high number of toilets having to be maintained, namely toilets with touchless and / or automatic flushing, as well as toilets with wireless remote control.

[0005] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide a solution that avoids the aforementioned disadvantages and creates an improved sanitary facility.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a sanitary device comprising a contactless first triggering device, which is used to actuate a

[0007] A release mechanism for a flushing valve of the sanitary installation is provided, a contact-based second release device which is also provided for actuating the release mechanism for the flushing valve, and a control device which is set up for communication with the contactless first release device as well as for communication with the contact-based second release device, wherein wireless communication is provided between the contact-based second release device and the control device, and wherein the contact-based second release device is a push button.

[0008] In this way, the solution according to the invention makes it possible to communicate simultaneously with both the contactless first triggering device and the contact-based second triggering device by means of a central control unit. Therefore, the provision of two separate control units, one for contactless and / or automatic flushing and the other for remote triggering, is no longer necessary.

[0009] This reduces the overall complexity of a sanitary facility and, on the other hand, makes it possible to create an inclusive sanitary facility that eliminates the need to provide different types of toilet rooms.

[0010] Preferably, an electric actuator is provided in the sanitary installation to operate the release mechanism. This electric actuator can be controlled by the first, non-contact release device and by the second, contact-based release device. Electric actuators enable precise positioning and control of a flushing valve, which is used when a release mechanism is activated, and only consume energy when they are actually in operation. Furthermore, they are relatively easy to integrate and are robust and durable.

[0011] In a preferred configuration, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is used for wireless communication. BLE requires extremely low power consumption while still allowing for fast connection setup, data transmission, and a return to power-saving mode. Furthermore, BLE chipsets are comparatively inexpensive and less complex in terms of hardware than alternative wireless standards, while still providing robust security features such as encryption and authentication.

[0012] Advantageously, the control device includes a Bluetooth transceiver. This serves as both a transmitter and receiver for Bluetooth signals, thus enabling bidirectional communication. A Bluetooth transceiver allows for a simple and energy-efficient wireless connection.

[0013] Preferably, the control device is located outside the concealed cistern containing the sanitary fixture. This is advantageous because it allows for significantly improved radio reception and also considerably reduces the risk of damage from contact with moisture. This helps prevent, for example, corrosion of components, leakage currents, short circuits, and accelerated aging of electrical components. If the control device, which may include a Bluetooth transceiver, forms a single unit with the contactless primary release device, this unit can be located outside the concealed cistern. Alternatively, only the Bluetooth transceiver can be located outside the concealed cistern.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the control device is arranged between a protective plate and an actuator plate of the sanitary fixture. Such an arrangement allows for easier and faster access to the Bluetooth transceiver for maintenance and any necessary repairs. Specifically, a service technician only needs to remove the actuator plate and then has direct access to the Bluetooth transceiver. If the control device, which may include a Bluetooth transceiver, forms a unit with the contactless first actuation device, this unit can be arranged between the protective plate and the actuator plate of the sanitary fixture.It is also possible that only the Bluetooth transceiver is located between the protective plate of the sanitary fixture and an actuation plate of the sanitary fixture.

[0015] Advantageously, the control device is arranged in an area between the protective plate and the actuator plate, extending horizontally from the actuator plate to a maximum of 10 cm, preferably to a maximum of 5 cm, and particularly preferably to a maximum of 2.5 cm, towards the protective plate. In other words, the control device can be located in a space between the protective plate, which is positioned in an opening of the cistern, and the front of the actuator plate. This has the advantage that the Bluetooth transceiver is positioned relatively exposed in the installation, thus ensuring a more stable communication link to the contact-based secondary release device and, in some cases, to the contactless primary release device.If the control device, which may include a Bluetooth transceiver, forms a unit together with the contactless first triggering device, this unit may be arranged in an area between the protective plate and the actuating plate, extending horizontally from the actuating plate to a maximum of 10 cm, preferably to a maximum of 5 cm, and particularly preferably to a maximum of 2.5 cm, towards the protective plate. Alternatively, only the Bluetooth transceiver may be arranged in an area between the protective plate and the actuating plate, extending horizontally from the actuating plate to a maximum of 10 cm, preferably to a maximum of 5 cm, and particularly preferably to a maximum of 2.5 cm, towards the protective plate.

[0016] In particular, if the actuator plate is located on or against a tiled surface that negatively affects the radio connection, the connection proposed above ensures that the Bluetooth transceiver of the control device is still located within a recess in the wall and is therefore not shielded by the tiled surface.

[0017] Preferably, the control device is fixed to a protective plate of the sanitary fixture. This has the advantage that only the actuator plate needs to be removed, allowing direct access to the control device. If the control device, which may include a Bluetooth transceiver, forms a single unit with the contactless first actuation device, this unit can be fixed to the protective plate of the sanitary fixture. Alternatively, only the Bluetooth transceiver can be fixed to the protective plate of the sanitary fixture.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the control device is fixed or arranged on or in an actuator plate of the sanitary fixture. This alternative embodiment has the advantage of simplifying the installation of the Bluetooth transceiver, as it can be carried out independently of the installation location of the sanitary fixture. For example, this allows an actuator plate already equipped with the Bluetooth transceiver to simply be plugged into place at the installation location of the sanitary fixture, provided that the Bluetooth transceiver is first connected to the control device. If the control device, which may include a Bluetooth transceiver, forms a unit together with the contactless first actuation device, this unit can be fixed or arranged on or in the actuator plate of the sanitary fixture.It is also possible that only the Bluetooth transceiver is fixed or arranged on or in the actuator plate of the sanitary fixture.

[0019] Advantageously, the first contactless triggering device is a proximity sensor. Proximity sensors allow for the detection of movement or the presence of people in specific areas of a room and enable contactless and / or automatic control, for example, of a flush valve, thereby increasing overall comfort. The resulting elimination of the need for manual control is particularly advantageous in public restrooms, as it prevents the transmission of germs present on flush plates. Proximity sensors thus improve hygiene and comfort. The proximity sensor can be positioned in an area of ​​the flush plate that, when physically actuated by a user (e.g., by tilting), also activates the flushing mechanism of the sanitary fixture.

[0020] In this case, communication between the non-contact first triggering device and the control device can be wired, so that, for example, the distance sensor communicates with the control device via a cable connection. Alternatively, the connection between the non-contact first triggering device and the control device can also be wireless, for example, via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This allows for greater flexibility regarding the positioning of the control device. It is also possible for the non-contact first triggering device and the control device to form a single unit. In such a unit, communication between the non-contact first triggering device and the control device takes place via the conductor tracks of a shared circuit board.

[0021] Preferably, the distance sensor is designed as an infrared sensor, a high-frequency microwave sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. Infrared sensors detect heat changes and movements by measuring infrared radiation emitted by users and offer good energy efficiency combined with high detection sensitivity. High-frequency microwave sensors, which are based on the emission of electromagnetic waves and the measurement of changes in the reflected signal, are very sensitive, independent of lighting conditions, and, due to their ability to penetrate non-metallic materials, can also be installed in areas where the sensors are protected, for example, behind a flush plate. Ultrasonic sensors, which emit sound waves and measure the time until the reflected waves return, are very precise, also independent of lighting conditions, and additionally allow for a wider detection angle.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the control device, in particular the Bluetooth transceiver of the control device, is further equipped for communication with a mobile device. This has the advantage that the control device can be configured using the mobile device, for example to set or adjust operating parameters.

[0023] Advantageously, the control device is a microcontroller. Microcontrollers, due to the placement of the processor, memory, and peripherals on a single chip, allow for a compact design, are energy-efficient, easy to program, and reliable.

[0024] Furthermore, it may be stipulated that a predefined action must be triggered for the (initial) connection or pairing of the wireless button with the control unit, the so-called pairing. Such an action could, for example, involve an activity detected by the first non-contact triggering device (e.g., holding a hand in front of the distance sensor for a predefined period) in combination with, or simultaneously with, an activity detected by the second contact-based triggering device (e.g., pressing the button).

[0025] In contrast to the prior art, which requires pressing switches on a control device for pairing, this eliminates the need for disassembly to connect components. The combination or simultaneous nature of the two actions means that they must be performed within a definable timeframe, for example, within one minute. Pairing is therefore simplified and accelerated due to the elimination of component assembly.

[0026] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following exemplary embodiments.

[0027] This shows: Fig. 1 shows a schematic overview of a first embodiment of a sanitary device according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a sanitary device according to the invention, illustrating an arrangement of the Bluetooth transceiver; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the sanitary device according to the invention to further illustrate the arrangement of the Bluetooth transceiver; and Fig. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a further embodiment for pairing of the contact-based second triggering device supported by the sanitary device according to the invention.

[0028] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a first embodiment of a sanitary device 1 according to the invention. The sanitary device 1 comprises, in this case, a contactless first triggering device 2, which is designed to actuate a triggering mechanism for a flushing valve 3. The contactless first triggering device 2 can, for example, be a distance sensor configured as an infrared sensor, a high-frequency microwave sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. Such sensors enable the provision of a sanitary device 1 that includes contactless and / or automatic flushing activation.

[0029] Furthermore, the sanitary fixture 1 includes a second, touch-sensitive release device 4, which is also intended for actuating the release mechanism for the flushing valve 3. This second, touch-sensitive release device 4 is specifically designed to trigger a flushing process wirelessly. For this purpose, a push button is provided, which does not necessarily have to be located directly on the sanitary fixture 1, but can, for example, be attached to a grab bar.

[0030] The sanitary installation 1 further includes a control device 5, which is equipped for communication with both the non-contact first release device 2 and the contact-based second release device 4.

[0031] In this embodiment, wireless communication 6 takes place between the contact-based second triggering device 4 and the control device 5. This communication can be implemented, for example, using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The present embodiment is not limited to BLE, so wireless communication 6 can also be implemented using ZigBee, Z-Wave, or Thread. However, if communication is implemented using BLE, the control device 5 of the sanitary fixture 1 includes a corresponding Bluetooth transceiver 8. The control device 5, the Bluetooth transceiver 8, and the contactless first triggering device 2 can form a single unit. Such a unit is arranged, for example, on an actuator plate 12 of the sanitary fixture or on a mounting frame located on the back of the actuator plate 12, which is approximately at the height of a tile backsplash 15.

[0032] The non-contact first release device 2 and the control device 5 can use wired or wireless communication 9 for data exchange. This is because the non-contact first release device 2 is typically a component of the sanitary installation 1, located in close proximity to the control device 5. It is also possible for the first release device 2 and the control device 5 to form a single unit and be connected via a common circuit board.

[0033] Furthermore, an electric actuator 7 is provided as part of the sanitary installation 1 for actuating the release mechanism. This actuator 7 is communicatively connected to the control device 5 and receives instructions from it, either triggered by the contactless first release device 2 or triggered by the contact-based second release device 4, by means of which a flushing valve 3 of the sanitary installation 1 is actuated.

[0034] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a sanitary device 1 according to the invention, which illustrates an arrangement of the Bluetooth transceiver 8.

[0035] Specifically, the Bluetooth transceiver 8 may be arranged outside a concealed cistern 10 located behind a wall or partition wall 14 with a tiled backsplash 15, which is part of the sanitary installation 1. This means that the Bluetooth transceiver 8 is arranged within the area of ​​the sanitary installation 1 that includes the protective plate 11 and the actuator plate 12, i.e., generally in a higher position than the concealed cistern 10.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the control device 5, comprising a Bluetooth transceiver 8, is arranged between the protective plate 11 of the sanitary fixture 1 and an actuating plate 12 of the sanitary fixture 1. More precisely, the control device 5, comprising the Bluetooth transceiver 8, is arranged in a region 13 that extends horizontally from the actuating plate 12 a predefined distance (e.g., up to a maximum of 2.5 cm) to the protective plate 11. In other words, the rear side of the control device 5, comprising the Bluetooth transceiver 8, facing the protective plate 11, is a predefined distance from the rear side of the actuating plate 12.Compared to the prior art, this arrangement allows improved communication between control device 5 and the contact-based second triggering device 4, since wall 14 and tile backsplash 15 (unlike an arrangement in the area of ​​the cistern 10) do not have to be penetrated by the radio waves to be transmitted.

[0037] In this context, it may also be provided that the Bluetooth transceiver 8 is fixed to the protective plate 11 of the sanitary fitting 1. This may be achieved using a plug connection, a clamp connection, a screw connection, or an adhesive connection.

[0038] Alternatively, the Bluetooth transceiver 8 can also be fixed to the actuator plate 12 of the sanitary fitting 1 using at least one of the aforementioned connection types.

[0039] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows the second embodiment of the sanitary installation 1 according to the invention in a perspective view to further explain the arrangement of the Bluetooth transceiver 8.

[0040] Based on Fig. 3 It can again be seen that the Bluetooth transceiver 8 is located outside a concealed cistern 10, the concealed cistern 10 being part of the sanitary installation 1 and being located behind a wall 14 fitted with a tiled backsplash 15.

[0041] The following illustrates how the protective plate 11 is connected to a concealed cistern 10 behind it by attaching the protective plate 11 to the cistern with two clips. Reference numeral 5 in Fig. 3 It can be seen that the control device is located behind the actuating plate and in front of the protective plate 11, i.e. inside the wall 14.

[0042] A connection 16 is provided for connecting the control device 5 to a power supply, for example a 12V mains supply or a 3V battery supply, which allows for relatively free positioning of the control device 5 in the area 13 between the protective plate 11 and the actuating plate 12. Such a power supply for the control device 5 also serves to supply power to the Bluetooth transceiver 8 and the contactless first release device 2.

[0043] Furthermore, a second connection 17 is provided, through which a connection can be made to an electrical actuator 7, which serves to actuate the release mechanism. The sanitary fitting 1 also includes a non-contact first release device 2, which can be implemented, for example, by means of a distance sensor such as an infrared sensor, a high-frequency microwave sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. Such a non-contact first release device 2 can, for example, be integrated into the actuator plate 12. The specific positioning of the control device 5 or the Bluetooth transceiver 8 shown is not to be considered restrictive. Rather, the control device 5 and / or the Bluetooth transceiver 8 can be arranged at any position between the protective plate 11 and the actuator plate 12.

[0044] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a pairing of the contact-based second triggering device 4 supported by the sanitary installation 1 according to the invention.

[0045] The sanitary facility 1 is configured to detect an initial activity in step S10 using the contactless first triggering device 2. This activity could be, for example, holding a hand in front of the contactless triggering device 2 (e.g., in front of a distance sensor) for a predefined period of time, for example, 5 seconds. After this activity is detected, the detected sensor data is sent from the contactless first triggering device 2 to the control device 5 in step S20. The control device 5 starts a timer for a period of time 18, during which it waits for a further activation from the contact-based second triggering device 4.

[0046] If, as in the present case according to step S30, such further activity takes place using the contact-based second triggering device 4 (e.g. pressing the button) within the predefinable time period 18, the data recorded by the contact-based second triggering device 4 are sent to the control device in step S40.

[0047] Due to the temporal relationship of the data transmitted to it, the control device 5 is able to recognize a request for a coupling or pairing process, so that a pairing between the control device 5 and the contact-based second triggering device (e.g. a BLE radio button) can then be carried out in step S50.

[0048] The sequence of activities presented in the present embodiment is not to be regarded as restrictive, since in the same way an activity originating from the contact-based second triggering device 4 and subsequently an activity originating from the non-contact first triggering device 2 can initiate a pairing.

[0049] The figures described above and the embodiments explained in connection with them serve only to illustrate the invention and are not limiting to it. Bezuqszeichenliste:

[0050] 1 Sanitary fitting 2 Contactless first release device 3 Flush valve 4 Contact-based second release device 5 Control device 6 Communication (wireless) 7 Electric actuator 8 Bluetooth transceiver 9 Communication (wireless or wired) 10 Concealed cistern 11 Protective plate 12 Actuator plate 13 Area 14 Wall or pre-wall 15 Tile backsplash 16 Connection (power connection) 17 Connection (actuator) 18 Time span S10 - S50 Procedure step

Claims

1. Sanitary installation (1) comprising: - a non-contact first release device (2) which is provided for actuating a release mechanism for a flushing valve (3) of the sanitary installation (1), - a contact second release device (4) which is also provided for actuating the release mechanism for the flushing valve (3), and - a control device (5) which is provided for communication with the non-contact first release device (2) and for communication with the contact second release device (4), wherein wireless communication (6) is provided between the contact second release device (4) and the control device (5), and wherein the contact second release device (4) is a push button.

2. Sanitary installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein an electric actuator (7) is provided in the sanitary installation (1) for actuating the release mechanism.

3. Sanitary equipment (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein Bluetooth Low Energy, BLE, is provided as wireless communication.

4. Sanitary installation (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sanitary installation (1) comprises a concealed cistern (10) and the control device (5) is arranged outside the concealed cistern (10).

5. Sanitary installation (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device (5) is arranged between a protective plate (11) of the sanitary installation (1) and an actuating plate (12) of the sanitary installation (1).

6. Sanitary installation (1) according to claim 5, wherein the control device (5) is arranged in a region (13) between the protective plate (11) and the actuating plate (12).

7. Sanitary installation (1) according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the control device (5) is fixed to the protective plate (11) of the sanitary installation (1).

8. Sanitary installation (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the control device (5) is fixed on or in the actuating plate (12) of the sanitary installation (1).

9. Sanitary installation (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control device (5) comprises a Bluetooth transceiver (8).

10. Sanitary installation (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the non-contact first triggering device (2) is a distance sensor.

11. Sanitary installation (1) according to claim 10, wherein the distance sensor is designed as an infrared sensor, as a high-frequency microwave sensor or as an ultrasonic sensor.

12. Sanitary installation (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control device (5) is further equipped for communication with a mobile terminal device.

13. Sanitary installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the control device (5) is a microcontroller.

14. Sanitary installation (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein for the initial connection of the button (4) to the control device (5) the non-contact first release device (2) is configured to detect a first activity (S10); and the contact-based second release device (4) is configured to detect a second activity occurring within a predefinable time period (18) (S30).

15. Sanitary equipment (1) according to claim 14, wherein the first activity is holding a hand in front of a distance sensor of the non-contact first triggering device (2) and the second activity is pressing the button (4).

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