WO2013020545A1 - Electronically controlled water fitting - Google Patents
Electronically controlled water fitting Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2013020545A1 WO2013020545A1 PCT/DE2012/000792 DE2012000792W WO2013020545A1 WO 2013020545 A1 WO2013020545 A1 WO 2013020545A1 DE 2012000792 W DE2012000792 W DE 2012000792W WO 2013020545 A1 WO2013020545 A1 WO 2013020545A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- water
- control unit
- unit
- fitting according
- fitting
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/05—Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps
- E03C1/055—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D23/00—Control of temperature
- G05D23/01—Control of temperature without auxiliary power
- G05D23/13—Control of temperature without auxiliary power by varying the mixing ratio of two fluids having different temperatures
- G05D23/1393—Control of temperature without auxiliary power by varying the mixing ratio of two fluids having different temperatures characterised by the use of electric means
Definitions
- a water faucet is a device for regulating the inflow of water, especially for drinking water.
- Water fittings are used in particular in the kitchen and bathroom area, for example in the range of sinks or to regulate the inflow of shower and bath.
- thermostat which facilitates setting the desired temperature.
- each user has to remember what water temperature he would like to shower, for example, as the setting of the desired temperature must be done manually.
- the use of the thermostat has the additional disadvantage that the position of the valves of the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet is hardly changed, so that these valves can seize and
- the present invention seeks to provide an improved water fitting that allows the most accurate adjustment of the discharged water.
- the water fitting according to the invention has a fitting body with at least one water outlet and at least one water inlet.
- Each of the water inlets is equipped with a temperature sensor and a flow volume measuring unit.
- each of the water inlets is provided with a valve, by means of which the flow volume can be adjusted continuously.
- the water fitting according to the invention has an operating unit with which the desired amount of water and / or the desired water temperature can be entered manually.
- the inputs to the operating unit are processed in a control unit, wherein the valves of the water feeds are controlled by the control unit in response to the inputs to the control unit and the volume supplied by the temperature sensors and / or the measuring units for the flow rate measured values.
- a user of the water fitting according to the invention for example, enter the desired water temperature to the degree.
- the water flowing out of the water fitting has the right, desired temperature without delay, so that no unnecessary flow of water must be removed, whereby the Water consumption can be reduced.
- the Water consumption can be reduced.
- the dispensed volume of water may also be controlled by the user by entering and requesting a certain volume of water at the control unit. For example, in this way exactly one liter of water can be dispensed from the water fitting. Thus, especially in the kitchen sector, the use of additional measuring cups for volume determination becomes unnecessary.
- the control unit may be equipped in an advantageous embodiment with a memory.
- this memory for example, the quantities of water removed can be stored and read out as needed. In this way, a precise control of water consumption and thus the related costs is possible.
- a maximum consumption could be entered, which must not be exceeded within a certain time - for example, within a month.
- the operating unit may have keys via which the input of the desired water temperature and / or the desired water volume can take place. For example, there may be two buttons for selecting the water temperature and two buttons for selecting the volume of water, the buttons being used to adjust the value up or down.
- the display of the set values can be made via a display. Alternatively, the desired values can also be entered via numeric keys, for example.
- the operating unit may have at least one interactive display, in particular as a touch screen can be trained.
- the input of the desired values can be done in this case, for example by means of a finger or by means of a touch pen.
- the water temperature and volume of water could be adjusted, for example, by moving a virtual marker on the touchscreen.
- the control of additional functions integrated into the water fitting, such as integrated lighting, can also be carried out via the touchscreen, provided that a corresponding menu function is integrated into the operating unit.
- the interactive display can be done via a fingerprint recognition.
- a fingerprint recognition By placing a specific finger, the user is clearly identified by the control unit and the input of values is enabled. In this way, for example, a child safety can be realized by the children
- Removal of water at an elevated temperature is prevented, so that they can no longer scald on hot water. If the water fitting has a data memory that can store the quantities of water removed, a statistical analysis and breakdown of the amount of water taken is also possible depending on the user.
- different user profiles may be stored in the control unit, for example the desired water temperature for showering or hand washing. These stored user profiles can be called in a preferred embodiment of the operating unit, which can be done for example by selecting a corresponding file.
- the user profiles can be coupled to the fingerprint recognition, so that when identifying a particular user on the basis of his fingerprint directly the corresponding values are called. The user therefore only has to put his finger on the control unit, for example, to get water at the desired temperature when showering.
- a control of the operating unit for example, via a voice control. By means of various voice commands, the user of the water fitting in this way the amount of water and / or the water tempera ture setting.
- the control of various additional functions can be done via the speech recognition, such as the retrieval of preset data or operating a built-in water valve radios.
- the operating unit and the control unit can be connected to each other by means of a cable.
- the power supply of the control unit via this cable and thus could be done indirectly via the control unit.
- the operating unit and the control unit may be connected to each other in a preferred embodiment via a radio link.
- the operating unit would in this case have its own power supply, for example, the control unit could be powered by one or more batteries with energy.
- control unit and / or the operating unit can be supplied with energy by means of at least one solar unit.
- a solar unit can in particular in addition to a further energy supply, for example by means of a power plug or by means of a battery, be present in order to enable a permanent power supply regardless of external conditions.
- the temperature sensors, the measuring units, the valves and the control unit can be combined in one unit.
- existing water fittings can be retrofitted, for example, by the unit is connected to the existing water supply for the water fitting.
- This assembly of temperature sensor, measuring units, valves and control unit can also be arranged within the fitting body. This allows a particularly compact design, in which no components are visible from the outside, which would not belong to a normal fitting body. Such a water fitting would therefore not visually differ from existing water fittings.
- Such an installation within the fitting body would also be possible if not all the required components - temperature sensors, measuring units, valves, control unit - are combined in one unit.
- the operating unit can in particular be present in one piece with the fitting body.
- the control unit would not represent a separate device that would have to be placed in a specific place in the kitchen or bathroom so that it can not be removed or removed without permission. Rather, the control unit can be integrated in visually appealing manner in the fitting body.
- the water fittings according to the invention may be equipped with jet regulators, which add additional air to the water.
- jet regulators are already used in the prior art for reducing water consumption, since the added air gives the impression that more water would flow out of the water fitting than is actually the case.
- the fitting body of the water fitting may be rotatable and / or pivotable in a particularly preferred embodiment.
- the fitting body can be equipped in particular with a corresponding adapter, which allows a rotatable mounting of the fitting body on the example washstand.
- the water fitting according to the invention may be equipped with an integrated clock and / or with an integrated light and / or with an integrated presence sensor and / or with an integrated telecommunication device.
- this integrated telecommunications device may be, for example, a radio, a television or other player for data carriers.
- the water fitting according to the invention is equipped with a corresponding data interface, for example with Bluetooth, networking with further control electronics of the respective household can take place.
- a security camera for the entrance area can transfer their images to a monitor integrated in the water tap if the water tap is in operation and / or there are people in the surveillance camera area.
- Such a function may be particularly advantageous in shower fittings or fittings in a spa - for example, for a whirlpool.
- a control of the lighting of the apartment or the house could be possible.
- the water faucet could have Internet access.
- Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the water fitting according to the invention with two different control units and Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the water fitting according to the invention.
- the water fitting 10 has a fitting body 12 which is mounted on a worktop 14.
- the fitting body 12 has a water outlet pipe 16 with a water outlet 18 and a hot water inlet 20 and a cold water inlet 22.
- the flow volume of hot water and cold water can be regulated by means of two knobs 24, whereby corresponding valves not shown in the drawing open and can be closed.
- Valve body 12 are already known from the prior art.
- a temperature sensor 30 has been connected to the hot water inlet 20 and a temperature sensor 32 to the cold water inlet 22.
- the temperature sensors 30, 32 measure the exact temperature of the water passing through and report the measured values to a control unit 34 in real time.
- a measuring unit 36 for the flow volume is also connected to the hot water inlet 20 and a second measuring unit 38 for the flow volume is connected to the cold water inlet 22.
- the two measuring units 36, 38 determine the exact volume of the passing water and also report the measured values to the control unit 34 in a timely manner.
- the control unit 34 further receives data input to an operation unit 40.
- the control unit 40 is connected via a line 42 to the control unit 34 and is like the fitting body 12 on the countertop 14.
- the control unit 40 can be placed loose ⁇ ui the worktop 14, but it would also be possible, the control unit 40 on the countertop 14th to assemble. Via the line 42, the control unit is also supplied with energy.
- the operating unit 40 has an interactive display 44, which is designed as a touchscreen. Via this interactive display, a user of the water fitting 10 can enter the desired water temperature and the desired volume of water.
- the control unit 34 processes these data input at the operating unit 40 and controls two valves 46, 48, which continuously regulate the flow volume of water in the hot water inlet 20 and cold water inlet 22, respectively. After it is a retrofitted fitting body 12 in the present example, the two knobs 24 of the fitting body 12th
- control unit 34 takes place in the present example case via a power plug 50.
- control unit 34 could be powered by several solar cells with energy.
- An alternative operating unit 40.1 is connected to the control unit 34 not via a line 42 but rather via a radio link 52.
- the data entered on the operating unit 40.1 are thus transmitted via the radio link 52 to the control unit 34.
- the power supply of the operating unit 40.1 is carried out in the present example case via a battery 54.
- the control unit 40.1 could alternatively or additionally be supplied with energy via a plurality of solar cells.
- the operating unit 40.1 can be parked anywhere on the worktop 14, also an assembly of the control unit 40.1 on the worktop 14 would be possible.
- a second embodiment of the water fitting 10.2 according to the invention is shown in perspective.
- the temperature sensors 30, 32, the measuring units 36, 38, the valves 46, 48 and the control unit 34 have been integrated in the fitting body 12.2, so that they are not visible in the drawing.
- the fitting body 12.2 has in contrast to conventional fitting bodies no control such as levers or knobs to regulate the flow of water. Rather, an operating unit 40.2 is integrated in the fitting body 12.2.
- This control unit 40.2 has an interactive display 44 with touch screen and fingerprint recognition, via which the water flow is regulated.
- the water fitting 10.2 has a presence sensor 56.
- the presence sensor 56 registers the presence or absence of an object - for example, a hand - below the water outlet 18.2, so that the water flow can optionally be stopped or started. In this way, via the operating unit 40.2, for example, the water temperature for washing hands can be entered. Since this washing process can take a different amount of time, it may be more convenient for the user not to have to enter an exact water volume. Rather, only the water flow is started, which lasts until the presence sensor reports the absence of the hands below the water outlet 18.2. The water fitting 10.2 must therefore not be turned off manually, at the same time an accidental running of the water is not possible.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE112012003276.4T DE112012003276A5 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2012-08-06 | Electronically controlled water fitting |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE201120104132 DE202011104132U1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2011-08-08 | water fitting |
DE202011104132.1 | 2011-08-08 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2013020545A1 true WO2013020545A1 (en) | 2013-02-14 |
Family
ID=44925123
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/DE2012/000792 WO2013020545A1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2012-08-06 | Electronically controlled water fitting |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
DE (2) | DE202011104132U1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013020545A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9816257B2 (en) | 2013-08-07 | 2017-11-14 | Kohler Co. | Sensor assembly for faucet |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104060650A (en) * | 2013-11-14 | 2014-09-24 | 苏州天趣信息科技有限公司 | Hand washing table capable of automatically flushing water by infrared ray induction |
DE102014105219A1 (en) * | 2014-04-11 | 2015-10-15 | Plasma Electronic Gmbh | Analysis container and analysis system |
CN106641366B (en) * | 2015-11-02 | 2020-06-23 | 厦门松霖科技股份有限公司 | Water outlet device capable of quantitatively discharging water |
EP3385461A1 (en) * | 2017-04-06 | 2018-10-10 | WWB Sweden AB | Device for inputting and outputting information, system for adjusting at least two physical parameters, fluid output assembly, method for adjusting at least one physical parameter and computer program |
GB2570950B (en) * | 2018-04-18 | 2021-05-12 | David Conroy Patrick | Improvements to a fluid output controller |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0457486A2 (en) * | 1990-05-15 | 1991-11-21 | The Computer Shower Company Limited | Fluid flow and temperature control apparatus |
US20030080194A1 (en) * | 2001-10-25 | 2003-05-01 | O'hara Sean M. | Biometric water mixing valve |
US20060186215A1 (en) * | 2005-05-17 | 2006-08-24 | Logan James D | Personalized control of water faucet functions |
WO2007007093A2 (en) * | 2005-07-12 | 2007-01-18 | Alexander Terrell | Liquid flow control apparatus |
WO2011032507A1 (en) * | 2009-09-17 | 2011-03-24 | Global Dragon Industries Co., Ltd | Multi tap arrangement |
DE102009051789A1 (en) * | 2009-11-03 | 2011-05-05 | Prehkeytec Gmbh | Control unit particularly for shower or tile floor, comprises evaluation, connection, control electronics, operating surface and control-function characters that are integrated in operating surface |
-
2011
- 2011-08-08 DE DE201120104132 patent/DE202011104132U1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2012
- 2012-08-06 WO PCT/DE2012/000792 patent/WO2013020545A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-08-06 DE DE112012003276.4T patent/DE112012003276A5/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0457486A2 (en) * | 1990-05-15 | 1991-11-21 | The Computer Shower Company Limited | Fluid flow and temperature control apparatus |
US20030080194A1 (en) * | 2001-10-25 | 2003-05-01 | O'hara Sean M. | Biometric water mixing valve |
US20060186215A1 (en) * | 2005-05-17 | 2006-08-24 | Logan James D | Personalized control of water faucet functions |
WO2007007093A2 (en) * | 2005-07-12 | 2007-01-18 | Alexander Terrell | Liquid flow control apparatus |
WO2011032507A1 (en) * | 2009-09-17 | 2011-03-24 | Global Dragon Industries Co., Ltd | Multi tap arrangement |
DE102009051789A1 (en) * | 2009-11-03 | 2011-05-05 | Prehkeytec Gmbh | Control unit particularly for shower or tile floor, comprises evaluation, connection, control electronics, operating surface and control-function characters that are integrated in operating surface |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9816257B2 (en) | 2013-08-07 | 2017-11-14 | Kohler Co. | Sensor assembly for faucet |
US10648163B2 (en) | 2013-08-07 | 2020-05-12 | Kohler Co. | Sensor assembly for faucet |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE112012003276A5 (en) | 2014-05-22 |
DE202011104132U1 (en) | 2011-10-10 |
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