EP0501262A1 - Proximity controlled faucet - Google Patents

Proximity controlled faucet Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0501262A1
EP0501262A1 EP19920102578 EP92102578A EP0501262A1 EP 0501262 A1 EP0501262 A1 EP 0501262A1 EP 19920102578 EP19920102578 EP 19920102578 EP 92102578 A EP92102578 A EP 92102578A EP 0501262 A1 EP0501262 A1 EP 0501262A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sanitary fitting
switch
handle
electronic components
essentially
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP19920102578
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0501262B1 (en
Inventor
Horst Kunkel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hansa Metallwerke AG
Original Assignee
Hansa Metallwerke AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=6426235&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0501262(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Hansa Metallwerke AG filed Critical Hansa Metallwerke AG
Publication of EP0501262A1 publication Critical patent/EP0501262A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0501262B1 publication Critical patent/EP0501262B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • E03C1/057—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like touchless, i.e. using sensors
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/87571—Multiple inlet with single outlet
    • Y10T137/87676—With flow control
    • Y10T137/87684—Valve in each inlet
    • Y10T137/87692—With common valve operator

Definitions

  • a sanitary fitting according to the invention therefore presents itself to the user as he is familiar with hand-operated sanitary fittings, namely with a handle.
  • this handle no longer has the function of adjusting the amount and / or temperature of the outflowing water in the fitting according to the invention. Rather, this handle serves as an "operating mode switch", that is to say as an electrical switch which changes the internal functional sequences of the electronics in its different operating positions.
  • the switch designed in the manner of a handle according to the present invention is actuated only exceptionally when it is intended to switch from one operating mode to another.
  • the visual appearance of the sanitary fitting according to the invention largely corresponds to a conventional manually operated sanitary fitting, the type of integration of the operating mode switch into the sanitary fitting is easily accepted by the public.
  • the arrangement of such fittings under optically appropriately designed fittings of conventional construction in the same room is also easily achieved in the embodiment according to the invention.
  • a manually operated sanitary fitting is designed with a substantially horizontal pivot axis. This corresponds to the most common type of handles, such as those found in known sanitary fittings, which have to be turned to adjust the water flow.
  • the visual appearance of the fitting according to the invention is particularly successful when the switch is one of two handles symmetrically attached to the housing, in such a way that the visual appearance of a conventional two-handle fitting is given.
  • the handle of conventional sanitary fittings can be used for the purpose according to the invention, which is used there for quantity adjustment.
  • the opening and closing of the valve according to the invention is normally done by the electronics.
  • the essentially electronic components are combined as a structural unit in the housing of the switch.
  • the space available within the housing of the switch is additionally used, so that the electronic components do not have to be accommodated in the actual valve housing. This can therefore be made slim and appealing.
  • the connection paths between the switch and the electronic components are short; since the latter take part in the rotary movement of the switch, the electrical connecting lines are also not mechanically stressed.
  • the switch is pivoted about the horizontal pivot axis into the position in which the detection range of the sensor is directed obliquely downwards
  • two processes take place at the same time: the water begins first by electrical means, i.e. caused by the new switch position to flow without this flow requiring a sensor signal.
  • the electronic components are now reprogrammed in such a way that they emit a signal interrupting the flow of the water instead of initiating the flow of the water. The latter appears when the water level in the sink or the like has reached a certain height.
  • the sensor can monitor this because it has been brought into a position deviating from the normal position by pivoting the switch.
  • the essentially mechanical components can be combined as a structural unit on the second handle. Once again, the available space is used in this way, which is given in the handle. In addition, the maintenance of all mechanical components is simplified since they can be removed from the sanitary fitting together with the second handle.
  • the electronic components and in particular the sensor are integrated in the switch, they assume a position in the position in which the switch electrically performs the normal operating mode (contactless detection of a user) in which the detection range of the sensor is directed forward .
  • the second position of the switch prevents undesired triggering of the sanitary fitting, for example when cleaning it.
  • the third position of the switch enables water to flow out continuously without the hand of a user or any other object having to be in the detection range of the sensor during this time. In this way, for example, water can be let into a sink.
  • a timer is effective, which closes the electrically operated valve again after a certain opening time.
  • the timer is adapted to the liter performance of the sanitary fitting that overflowing the washbasin or the like is impossible.
  • the contactlessly controlled sanitary fitting shown can be divided into five main components: A swivel spout 3 is attached to a central main housing 1, to which a base part 2 is attached at the bottom. Inlet channels, not shown, for hot and cold water penetrate the base part 2.
  • Two handles 6 and 7 are attached to the main housing 1 symmetrically to a central plane.
  • the left handle 6 has a double function: on the one hand, it serves to hold the electronic components of the non-contact controlled sanitary fitting.
  • the optical entry and exit window 8 for the infrared light used to detect a user shown.
  • the window 8 is colored dark so that its function as an optical window and the transmitting diode 9 behind it and the receiving diode 10 cannot be seen from the outside.
  • FIG. 2 shows how the electronics 11 are accommodated in the interior of the handle 6, which is supplied with the supply voltage via a cable 12 and which is connected to a solenoid valve via a further cable 13 in a manner not of interest here which controls the water flow.
  • the cable 12 is made through an axially parallel bore in the main housing 1 or the base part 2 from the sanitary fitting.
  • the second function of the handle 6 is that of a rotary switch with which different operating modes of the sanitary fitting can be selected.
  • the handle 6 can be pivoted about a horizontal axis between three positions. This will be discussed in more detail below.
  • a bottom part 17 is screwed into the right-hand end of the cup-shaped housing 16 facing the main housing 1 in FIG.
  • An axis 18 passes through a bore 19 of the main housing 1.
  • the axis 18 is provided with a screw head 20 which bears against a step 22 of the bore 19 via a washer 21 such that the axis 18 is opposite the main housing 1 can be rotated, but is axially fixed.
  • the axle 18 is provided with a threaded section 23 which is screwed into a corresponding central bore 24 in the base part 17.
  • the arrangement is obviously such that the handle 6 is rotatably attached to the main housing 1 by the axis 18.
  • the handle 6 is additionally guided on the main housing 1 in that the right inner end of the cup-shaped housing 16 in FIG. 2 engages in corresponding grooves on the substantially flat end face 25 of the main housing 1 on the left in FIG.
  • the ease of twisting the handle can also be determined.
  • annular space 26 is formed on the side facing the main housing 1.
  • Two reed contacts 27, 28 are arranged in this.
  • the reed contacts 27, 28 are in electrical connection with the electronics 11 and influence them in a manner explained below.
  • the reed contacts 27, 28 cooperate with a magnet 29, which is accommodated in a corresponding opening on the left end face 25 of the main housing 1, as can be seen in FIG. 2.
  • Suitable catches and stops between the handle 6 and the main housing 1 ensure that one of the following three positions can be found by pivoting the handle 6 about the axis 18: In the first position shown in FIG. 1, the optical window 8 of the handle 6 points essentially horizontally forward. This is the usual operating position for the contactless detection of users before Sanitary fitting. In this pivoted position of the handle 6, the magnet 29 lies at an angle approximately in the middle between the two reed contacts 27, 28 and does not influence them. When the reed contacts 27, 28 are not actuated, the electronics 11 are in their normal operating mode, which corresponds to the position of the handle 6.
  • the handle 6 can be pivoted clockwise in the direction of the double arrow 30 of FIG. 3 such that the window 8 points obliquely upwards.
  • the reed contact 28 is brought angularly in front of the magnets 29 embedded in the side wall 25 of the main housing 1, that is to say aligned with the latter.
  • the reed contacts 28 are actuated. This has the consequence that the electronics 11 accommodated in the handle 6 are deactivated.
  • second pivoting position of the handle 6, contactless detection is therefore not possible. This position can be selected, for example, for cleaning the sanitary fitting or the wash basin to which the sanitary fitting is attached.
  • a third position of the handle 6 is reached if it is pivoted counterclockwise in the direction of the double arrow 3 in FIG.
  • the exit window 8 is then directed obliquely downwards.
  • the reed contacts 27 are now in angular alignment with the magnet 29 and are actuated in this way.
  • an operating mode of the electronics 11 is selected in which water constantly flows out of the swivel spout 3, regardless of whether a user is in front of the exit window 8 or not.
  • the valve can thus be opened by hand by pivoting the handle 6 from the middle position into the last-mentioned third position.
  • the water flow from the sanitary fitting can be stopped in any case by pivoting the handle 6 back into the middle or upper position.
  • an operating mode is conceivable in which the water flow through the swivel spout 3 stops after a predetermined time which is sufficient to fill a certain amount of water into the wash basin.
  • the embodiment of the sanitary fitting specifically shown in the drawing automatically shuts off the water flow when the water level in the sink has reached a certain height.
  • the transmitter diode 9 and the receiver 10 are used, which are normally intended for the detection of a user.
  • the handle 6 By pivoting the handle 6 into the third position, in which the radiation emitted by the transmitter diode 9 is directed obliquely downwards towards the rising water level, it is now possible to monitor the latter.
  • the light reflected on the water surface and collected by the receiver 10 reaches such an intensity that the electronics 11 bring the water flow through the swivel spout 3 to a halt. An unintentional overflow of the water over the wash basin is therefore not possible even when the handle 6 is in the "continuous operation" position.

Abstract

A proximity controlled faucet has an electrical, hand-actuated switch (6) constructed in the manner of a handle of a conventional, hand-actuated faucet. This switch (6) can be moved into various positions corresponding to various operating modes of the faucet. Included in these operating modes are, in particular, the normal detection of a user, the blocking of the proximity detection and opening of the faucet independently of electronic detection. In the manner illustrated, the electric switch (6) can be integrated visually into the outward form of the faucet in a manner acceptable to the public. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine berührungslos gesteuerte Sanitärarmatur mit

  • a) einem Gehäuse;
  • b) im wesentlichen elektronischen Bauelementen, insbesondere einem Sensor und einem elektronischen Schaltkreis, welche in einer Betriebsart berührungslos die Anwesenheit eines Benutzers in einem Erfassungsbereich feststellen und während der Dauer dieser Anwesenheit ein Ausgangssignal erzeugen;
  • c) im wesentlichen mechanischen Bauelementen, insbesondere einem elektrisch gesteuerten Ventil, welche in Abhängigkeit von dem Ausgangssignal der elektronischen Bauelemente und ggf. anderen Einflußgrößen den Fluß des Wassers steuern.
    Bekannte derartige berührungslos gesteuerte Sanitärarmaturen können nur in einer einzigen Betriebsart, nämlich der "normalen" Detektion eines vor der Armatur, beispielsweise am Waschtisch, stehenden Benutzers arbeiten. Für den Fall des Versagens der Elektronik sind ggf. zusätzlich mechanische Notfunktionen vorgesehen.
    Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, eine berührungslos gesteuerte Sanitärarmatur der eingangs genannten Art derart auszugestalten, daß sie in unterschiedlicher Weise betrieben werden kann, dabei aber gleichzeitig ein optisch gefälliges Äußeres bewahrt.
    Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß
  • d) ein elektrischer, handbetätigter Schalter vorgesehen ist, der nach Art eines Griffes einer herkömmlichen, handbetätigten Sanitärarmatur ausgebildet ist und der in eine bestimmte Anzahl vorwählbarer Stellungen gebracht werden kann, in denen die elektronischen Bauelemente jeweils in einer unterschiedlichen Betriebsart arbeiten.
The invention relates to a non-contact controlled sanitary fitting
  • a) a housing;
  • b) essentially electronic components, in particular a sensor and an electronic circuit, which determine the presence of a user in a detection area in a contactless mode and generate an output signal during the duration of this presence;
  • c) essentially mechanical components, in particular an electrically controlled valve, which control the flow of water as a function of the output signal of the electronic components and possibly other influencing variables.
    Known contactlessly controlled sanitary fittings of this type can only work in a single operating mode, namely the "normal" detection of a user standing in front of the fitting, for example at the washstand. If the electronics fail, additional mechanical emergency functions may be provided.
    The object of the present invention is to design a contactlessly controlled sanitary fitting of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that it can be operated in different ways, while at the same time maintaining an optically pleasing appearance.
    This object is achieved in that
  • d) an electrical, manually operated switch is provided, which is designed in the manner of a handle of a conventional, manually operated sanitary fitting and which can be brought into a certain number of preselectable positions in which the electronic components each work in a different operating mode.

Eine erfindungsgemäße Sanitärarmatur präsentiert sich daher dem Benutzer so, wie dieser an und für sich handbetätigte Sanitärarmaturen kennt, nämlich mit einem Griff. Dieser Griff hat aber bei der erfindungsgemäßen Armatur nicht mehr die Funktion, Menge und/oder Temperatur des ausfließenden Wassers einzustellen. Vielmehr dient dieser Griff als "Betriebsartenschalter", also als elektrischer Schalter, der in seinen unterschiedlichen Betriebspositionen die internen Funktionsabläufe der Elektronik verändert. Anders als der Griff einer herkömmlichen Sanitärarmatur wird der griffartig ausgestaltete Schalter nach der vorliegenden Erfindung nur ausnahmsweise betätigt, wenn von einer Betriebsart zur anderen übergegangen werden soll. Da, wie erwähnt, das optische Erscheinungsbild der erfindungsgemäßen Sanitärarmatur einer konventionellen handbetätigten Sanitärarmatur weitgehend entspricht, wird die Art der Integration des Betriebsartenschalters in die Sanitärarmatur vom Publikum leicht akzeptiert. Auch die Einreihung derartiger Armaturen unter optisch entsprechend gestaltete Armaturen herkömmlicher Bauweise im selben Raum gelingt bei der erfindungsgemäßen Ausgestaltung leicht.A sanitary fitting according to the invention therefore presents itself to the user as he is familiar with hand-operated sanitary fittings, namely with a handle. However, this handle no longer has the function of adjusting the amount and / or temperature of the outflowing water in the fitting according to the invention. Rather, this handle serves as an "operating mode switch", that is to say as an electrical switch which changes the internal functional sequences of the electronics in its different operating positions. In contrast to the handle of a conventional sanitary fitting, the switch designed in the manner of a handle according to the present invention is actuated only exceptionally when it is intended to switch from one operating mode to another. Since, as mentioned, the visual appearance of the sanitary fitting according to the invention largely corresponds to a conventional manually operated sanitary fitting, the type of integration of the operating mode switch into the sanitary fitting is easily accepted by the public. The arrangement of such fittings under optically appropriately designed fittings of conventional construction in the same room is also easily achieved in the embodiment according to the invention.

Am häufigsten wird diejenige Ausführungsform der Erfindung sein, bei welcher der Schalter nach Art eines Drehgriffes einer handbetätigten Sanitärarmatur mit im wesentlichen horizontaler Schwenkachse gestaltet ist. Dies entspricht der gebräuchlichsten Art von Griffen, wie sie bei bekannten Sanitärarmaturen anzutreffen sind, die zur Einstellung des Wasserstromes verdreht werden müssen.The most common will be the embodiment of the invention in which the switch is in the manner of a twist grip a manually operated sanitary fitting is designed with a substantially horizontal pivot axis. This corresponds to the most common type of handles, such as those found in known sanitary fittings, which have to be turned to adjust the water flow.

Besonders geglückt ist das optische Erscheinungsbild der erfindungsgemäßen Armatur, wenn der Schalter einer von zwei symmetrisch an das Gehäuse angefügten Griffen ist, derart, daß das optische Erscheinungsbild einer herkömmlichen Zweigriffarmatur gegeben ist. Insbesondere kann für den erfindungsgemäßen Zweck derjenige Griff herkömmlicher Sanitärarmaturen eingesetzt werden, der dort zur Mengeneinstellung benutzt wird. Das Öffnen und Schließen der erfindungsgemäßen Armatur wird ja normalerweise durch die Elektronik übernommen.The visual appearance of the fitting according to the invention is particularly successful when the switch is one of two handles symmetrically attached to the housing, in such a way that the visual appearance of a conventional two-handle fitting is given. In particular, the handle of conventional sanitary fittings can be used for the purpose according to the invention, which is used there for quantity adjustment. The opening and closing of the valve according to the invention is normally done by the electronics.

Nach einem weiteren Merkmal der Erfindung sind die im wesentlichen elektronischen Bauelemente als Baueinheit im Gehäuse des Schalters zusammengefaßt. Hierdurch wird der innerhalb des Gehäuses des Schalters verfügbare Raum zusätzlich genutzt, so daß die elektronischen Bauteile nicht im eigentlichen Armaturengehäuse untergebracht werden müssen. Dieses kann daher schlank und ansprechend gestaltet werden. Außerdem sind die Verbindungswege zwischen dem Schalter und den elektronischen Bauelementen kurz; da letztere die Drehbewegung des Schalters mitmachen, sind auch die elektrischen Verbindungsleitungen nicht mechanisch beansprucht.According to a further feature of the invention, the essentially electronic components are combined as a structural unit in the housing of the switch. As a result, the space available within the housing of the switch is additionally used, so that the electronic components do not have to be accommodated in the actual valve housing. This can therefore be made slim and appealing. In addition, the connection paths between the switch and the electronic components are short; since the latter take part in the rotary movement of the switch, the electrical connecting lines are also not mechanically stressed.

Die Unterbringung der elektronischen Bauelemente, insbesondere also auch des Sensors, in dem als Schalter verwendeten Griff ermöglicht eine besonders vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung, bei welcher

  • a) der Schalter eine Schwenkposition aufweist, bei welcher der Erfassungsbereich schräg nach unten gerichtet ist, und bei welcher in dieser Schwenkposition
  • b) das elektrisch betätigte Ventil ohne Ausgangssignal der im wesentlichen elektronischen Bauelemente geöffnet ist;
  • c) die elektronischen Bauelemente die Höhe des Wasserspiegels unterhalb des Sensors erfassen und ein Ausgangssignal zum Schließen des elektrisch betätigten Ventils erzeugen, wenn der Wasserspiegel eine bestimmte Höhe erreicht hat.
The accommodation of the electronic components, in particular also the sensor, in the handle used as a switch enables a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, in which
  • a) the switch has a swivel position in which the detection area is directed obliquely downwards and in which in this swivel position
  • b) the electrically operated valve is open without an output signal of the essentially electronic components;
  • c) the electronic components detect the height of the water level below the sensor and generate an output signal for closing the electrically operated valve when the water level has reached a certain height.

Wird bei dieser Ausführungsform der Erfindung der Schalter um die horizontale Schwenkachse in diejenige Stellung verschwenkt, in welcher der Erfassungsbereich des Sensors schräg nach unten gerichtet ist, so geschehen zwei Vorgänge gleichzeitig: Auf elektrischem Wege, also durch die neue Schalterstellung verursacht, beginnt zunächst das Wasser zu strömen, ohne daß diese Strömung eines Sensorsignales bedürfte. Die elektronischen Bauelemente sind jetzt so umprogrammiert, daß sie statt eines die Strömung des Wassers einleitenden ein die Strömung des Wassers unterbrechendes Signal abgeben. Letzteres erscheint dann, wenn der Wasserspiegel im Waschbecken oder dergleichen eine bestimmte Höhe erreicht hat. Dies kann der Sensor deshalb überwachen, weil er durch die Verschwenkung des Schalters in eine von der Normalposition abweichende Stellung gebracht wurde.If, in this embodiment of the invention, the switch is pivoted about the horizontal pivot axis into the position in which the detection range of the sensor is directed obliquely downwards, two processes take place at the same time: the water begins first by electrical means, i.e. caused by the new switch position to flow without this flow requiring a sensor signal. The electronic components are now reprogrammed in such a way that they emit a signal interrupting the flow of the water instead of initiating the flow of the water. The latter appears when the water level in the sink or the like has reached a certain height. The sensor can monitor this because it has been brought into a position deviating from the normal position by pivoting the switch.

Wird, wie oben bereits erwähnt, das optische Erscheinungsbild einer herkömmlichen Zeigriffarmatur angestrebt, so können am zweiten Griff die im wesentlichen mechanischen Bauelemente als Baueinheit zusammengefaßt sein. Erneut wird auf diese Weise von dem Platzangebot Gebrauch gemacht, welches in dem Griff gegeben ist. Zusätzlich ist die Wartung aller mechanischer Bauelemente vereinfacht, da sie gemeinsam mit dem zweiten Griff von der Sanitäramatur abgenommen werden können.If, as already mentioned above, the visual appearance of a conventional pointer handle fitting is sought, the essentially mechanical components can be combined as a structural unit on the second handle. Once again, the available space is used in this way, which is given in the handle. In addition, the maintenance of all mechanical components is simplified since they can be removed from the sanitary fitting together with the second handle.

In vielen Fällen wird sich eine Ausgestaltung der Erfindung empfehlen, bei welcher der Schalter in drei Stellungen gebracht werden kann, die den folgenden Betriebsarten entsprechen:

  • a) Normale berührungslose Erfassung eines Benutzers gemäß Merkmal a des Hauptanspruches;
  • b) Sperrung der berührungslosen Erfassung bei geschlossenem elektrisch betätigten Ventil;
  • c) Öffnen des elektrisch betätigten Ventils ohne Ausgangssignal der im wesentlichen elektronischen Bauelemente.
In many cases, an embodiment of the invention will be recommended in which the switch can be brought into three positions, which correspond to the following operating modes:
  • a) Normal contactless detection of a user according to feature a of the main claim;
  • b) blocking the non-contact detection when the electrically operated valve is closed;
  • c) Opening the electrically operated valve without an output signal of the essentially electronic components.

Sind die elektronischen Bauelemente und insbesondere der Sensor in den Schalter integriert, so nehmen diese in derjenigen Position, in welcher der Schalter elektrisch die normale Betriebsart (berührungslose Detektion eines Benutzers) ausführen, eine Stellung ein, in welcher der Erfassungsbereich des Sensors nach vorne gerichtet ist. Die zweite Stellung des Schalters unterbindet ein ungewünschtes Auslösen der Sanitärarmatur, beispielsweise bei deren Reinigung. Die dritte Position des Schalters schließlich ermöglicht ein dauerndes Ausströmen von Wasser, ohne daß während dieser Zeit die Hand eines Benutzers oder ein sonstiger Gegenstand im Erfassungsbereich des Sensors sein müßte. Auf diese Weise kann beispielsweise Wasser in ein Waschbecken eingelassen werden.If the electronic components and in particular the sensor are integrated in the switch, they assume a position in the position in which the switch electrically performs the normal operating mode (contactless detection of a user) in which the detection range of the sensor is directed forward . The second position of the switch prevents undesired triggering of the sanitary fitting, for example when cleaning it. Finally, the third position of the switch enables water to flow out continuously without the hand of a user or any other object having to be in the detection range of the sensor during this time. In this way, for example, water can be let into a sink.

Bei einer Variante dieser Ausgestaltung ist ein Zeitglied wirksam, welches nach einer bestimmten Öffnungszeit das elektrisch betätigte Ventil wieder schließt. Das Zeitglied ist so an die Literleistung der Sanitärarmatur angepaßt, daß ein Überlaufen des Waschtisches oder dergleichen unmöglich ist.In a variant of this embodiment, a timer is effective, which closes the electrically operated valve again after a certain opening time. The timer is adapted to the liter performance of the sanitary fitting that overflowing the washbasin or the like is impossible.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnung näher erläutert; es zeigen

Figur 1:
die Vorderansicht einer berührungslos gesteuerten Sanitärarmatur;
Figur 2:
die Draufsicht auf die Sanitärarmatur von Figur 1, teilweise geschnitten gemäß der Linie II-II;
Figur 3:
die Draufsicht auf die Innenseite eines abgenommenen Griffes der Sanitärarmatur von Figur 1.
An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the drawing; show it
Figure 1:
the front view of a non-contact controlled sanitary fitting;
Figure 2:
the top view of the sanitary fitting of Figure 1, partially cut along the line II-II;
Figure 3:
the top view of the inside of a removed handle of the sanitary fitting of Figure 1.

Wie der Figur 1 der Zeichnung zu entnehmen ist, läßt sich die dargestellte berührungslos gesteuerte Sanitärarmatur zwangslos in fünf Hauptkomponenten unterteilen:
Auf ein zentrales Hauptgehäuse 1, an welches unten ein Sockelteil 2 angesetzt, ist ein Schwenkauslauf 3 aufgesteckt. Nicht dargestellte Zulaufkanäle für Warm- und Kaltwasser durchsetzen das Sockelteil 2.As can be seen in FIG. 1 of the drawing, the contactlessly controlled sanitary fitting shown can be divided into five main components:
A swivel spout 3 is attached to a central main housing 1, to which a base part 2 is attached at the bottom. Inlet channels, not shown, for hot and cold water penetrate the base part 2.

Symmetrisch zu einer Mittelebene sind an das Hauptgehäuse 1 zwei Griffe 6 und 7 angefügt.Two handles 6 and 7 are attached to the main housing 1 symmetrically to a central plane.

Der linke Griff 6 hat eine doppelte Funktion: Zum einen dient er dazu, die elektronischen Baukomponenten der berührungslos gesteuerten Sanitärarmatur aufzunehmen. In den Figuren 1 und 2 ist das optischen Ein- und Austrittsfenster 8 für das zur Erfassung eines Benutzers verwendete Infrarotlicht dargestellt. Das Fenster 8 ist dunkel eingefärbt, so daß seine Funktion als optisches Fenster und die dahinter liegende Sendediode 9 sowie die Empfangsdiode 10 von außen nicht erkennbar sind. In Figur 2 ist zu erkennen, wie im Inneren des Griffes 6 die Elektronik 11 untergebracht ist, welcher zum einen über ein Kabel 12 die Versorgungsspannung zugeführt wird und die zum anderen über ein weiteres Kabel 13 in hier nicht näher interessierender Weise mit einem Magnetventil verbunden ist, welches den Wasserstrom steuert. Das Kabel 12 ist über eine achsparallele Bohrung im Hauptgehäuse 1 bzw. dem Sockelteil 2 aus der Sanitärarmatur ausgeführt.The left handle 6 has a double function: on the one hand, it serves to hold the electronic components of the non-contact controlled sanitary fitting. In Figures 1 and 2, the optical entry and exit window 8 for the infrared light used to detect a user shown. The window 8 is colored dark so that its function as an optical window and the transmitting diode 9 behind it and the receiving diode 10 cannot be seen from the outside. FIG. 2 shows how the electronics 11 are accommodated in the interior of the handle 6, which is supplied with the supply voltage via a cable 12 and which is connected to a solenoid valve via a further cable 13 in a manner not of interest here which controls the water flow. The cable 12 is made through an axially parallel bore in the main housing 1 or the base part 2 from the sanitary fitting.

Die Anordnung ist offensichtlich so, daß in dem Griff 6 all diejenigen Bauelemente zu einer Einheit zusammengefaßt sind, welche als "elektronisch" in dem Sinne bezeichnet werden können, daß sie der elektrischen Erfassung eines Benutzers vor der Sanitärarmatur und der Erzeugung von solchen Signalen dienen, mit denen ein Magnetventil angesteuert werden kann.The arrangement is obviously such that all those components which can be referred to as "electronic" in the sense that they serve for the electrical detection of a user in front of the sanitary fitting and the generation of such signals are combined in the handle 6 into one unit. with which a solenoid valve can be controlled.

Die zweite Funktion des Griffes 6 ist diejenige eines Drehschalters, mit welchem verschiedene Betriebsarten der Sanitärarmatur gewählt werden können. Hierzu ist der Griff 6 um eine horizontale Achse zwischen drei Stellungen verschwenkbar. Hierauf wird weiter unten genauer eingegangen.The second function of the handle 6 is that of a rotary switch with which different operating modes of the sanitary fitting can be selected. For this purpose, the handle 6 can be pivoted about a horizontal axis between three positions. This will be discussed in more detail below.

In das in Figur 2 rechte, dem Hauptgehäuse 1 zugewandte Ende des becherförmigen Gehäuses 16 ist ein Bodenteil 17 eingeschraubt. Eine Achse 18 durchsetzt eine Bohrung 19 des Hauptgehäuses 1. Am in Figur 2 rechten Ende ist die Achse 18 mit einem Schraubenkopf 20 versehen, der über eine Beilagescheibe 21 an einer Stufe 22 der Bohrung 19 so anliegt, daß die Achse 18 gegenüber dem Hauptgehäuse 1 verdreht werden kann, jedoch axial fixiert ist.A bottom part 17 is screwed into the right-hand end of the cup-shaped housing 16 facing the main housing 1 in FIG. An axis 18 passes through a bore 19 of the main housing 1. At the right end in FIG. 2, the axis 18 is provided with a screw head 20 which bears against a step 22 of the bore 19 via a washer 21 such that the axis 18 is opposite the main housing 1 can be rotated, but is axially fixed.

Am in Figur 2 linken Ende, das über das Hauptgehäuse 1 hinausragt, ist die Achse 18 mit einem Gewindeabschnitt 23 versehen, der in eine entsprechende Mittelbohrung 24 des Bodenteils 17 eingedreht ist. Die Anordnung ist offensichtlich so, daß durch die Achse 18 der Griff 6 verdrehbar am Hauptgehäuse 1 befestigt ist. Der Griff 6 wird zusätzlich am Hauptgehäuse 1 dadurch geführt, daß das in Figur 2 rechte, innere Ende des becherförmigen Gehäuses 16 in entsprechende Nuten an der in Figur 2 linken, im wesentlichen ebenen Stirnseite 25 des Hauptgehäuses 1 eingreift. Durch entsprechende Beilagescheiben zwischen dem Griff 6 und dem Hauptgehäuse 1 kann zusätzlich die Leichtigkeit der Verdrehung des Griffes festgestellt werden.At the left end in FIG. 2, which projects beyond the main housing 1, the axle 18 is provided with a threaded section 23 which is screwed into a corresponding central bore 24 in the base part 17. The arrangement is obviously such that the handle 6 is rotatably attached to the main housing 1 by the axis 18. The handle 6 is additionally guided on the main housing 1 in that the right inner end of the cup-shaped housing 16 in FIG. 2 engages in corresponding grooves on the substantially flat end face 25 of the main housing 1 on the left in FIG. By appropriate washers between the handle 6 and the main housing 1, the ease of twisting the handle can also be determined.

In das Bodenteil 17, welches das becherförmige Gehäuse 58 des Griffes 6 nach außen abschließt, ist auf der dem Hauptgehäuse 1 zugewandten Seite ein Ringraum 26 eingeformt. In diesem sind zweit Reed-Kontakte 27, 28 (vergl. auch Figur 3) angeordnet. Die Reed-Kontakte 27, 28 stehen in elektrischer Verbindung mit der Elektronik 11 und beeinflussen diese auf eine weiter unten erläuterte Weise.In the bottom part 17, which closes the cup-shaped housing 58 of the handle 6 to the outside, an annular space 26 is formed on the side facing the main housing 1. Two reed contacts 27, 28 (see also FIG. 3) are arranged in this. The reed contacts 27, 28 are in electrical connection with the electronics 11 and influence them in a manner explained below.

Die Reed-Kontakte 27, 28 wirken mit einem Magneten 29 zusammen, der in einer entsprechenden Öffnung an der linken Stirnseite 25 des Hauptgehäuses 1 untergebracht ist, wie dies der Figur 2 zu entnehmen ist. Geeignete Rasten und Anschläge zwischen dem Griff 6 und dem Hauptgehäuse 1 sorgen dafür, daß durch eine Verschwenkung des Griffes 6 um die Achse 18 wahlweise eine der folgenden drei Stellungen aufzufinden ist:
In der ersten, in Figur 1 dargestellten Position zeigt das optische Fenster 8 des Griffes 6 im wesentlichen horizontal nach vorn. Dies ist die übliche Betriebsposition bei der berührungslosen Detektion von Benutzern vor der Sanitärarmatur. In dieser Schwenkstellung des Griffes 6 liegt der Magnet 29 winkelmäßig etwa in der Mitte zwischen den beiden Reed-Kontakten 27, 28 und beeinflußt diese nicht. Bei nicht betätigten Reed-Kontakten 27, 28 befindet sich die Elektronik 11 in ihrem normalen Betriebsmodus, welcher der Stellung des Griffes 6 entspricht.The reed contacts 27, 28 cooperate with a magnet 29, which is accommodated in a corresponding opening on the left end face 25 of the main housing 1, as can be seen in FIG. 2. Suitable catches and stops between the handle 6 and the main housing 1 ensure that one of the following three positions can be found by pivoting the handle 6 about the axis 18:
In the first position shown in FIG. 1, the optical window 8 of the handle 6 points essentially horizontally forward. This is the usual operating position for the contactless detection of users before Sanitary fitting. In this pivoted position of the handle 6, the magnet 29 lies at an angle approximately in the middle between the two reed contacts 27, 28 and does not influence them. When the reed contacts 27, 28 are not actuated, the electronics 11 are in their normal operating mode, which corresponds to the position of the handle 6.

Aus der soeben beschriebenen Normalposition läßt sich der Griff 6 im Sinne des Doppelpfeiles 30 von Figur 3 im Uhrzeigersinn derart verschwenken, daß das Fenster 8 schräg nach oben zeigt. Durch diese Schwenkbewegung wird der Reed-Kontakte 28 winkelmäßig vor den in die Seitenwand 25 des Hauptgehäuses 1 eingelassenen Magneten 29 gebracht, also auf diesen ausgerichtet. Hierdurch wird der Reed-Kontakte 28 betätigt. Dies hat zur Folge, daß die im Griff 6 untergebrachte Elektronik 11 außer Funktion gesetzt wird. In der geschilderten, zweiten Schwenkstellung des Griffes 6 ist also eine berührungslose Detektion nicht möglich. Diese Position kann beispielsweise zum Säubern der Sanitärarmatur oder des Waschbeckens, an welchem die Sanitärarmatur angebracht ist, gewählt werden.From the normal position just described, the handle 6 can be pivoted clockwise in the direction of the double arrow 30 of FIG. 3 such that the window 8 points obliquely upwards. As a result of this swiveling movement, the reed contact 28 is brought angularly in front of the magnets 29 embedded in the side wall 25 of the main housing 1, that is to say aligned with the latter. As a result, the reed contacts 28 are actuated. This has the consequence that the electronics 11 accommodated in the handle 6 are deactivated. In the described, second pivoting position of the handle 6, contactless detection is therefore not possible. This position can be selected, for example, for cleaning the sanitary fitting or the wash basin to which the sanitary fitting is attached.

In eine dritte Stellung des Griffes 6 gelangt man, wenn man diesen im Sinne des Doppelpfeiles 3 von Figur 3 gegen den Uhrzeigersinn verschwenkt. Das Austrittsfenster 8 ist dann schräg nach unten gerichtet. Nunmehr befindet sich der Reed-Kontakte 27 in winkelmäßiger Ausrichtung mit dem Magneten 29 und wird so betätigt. Hierdurch wird ein Betriebsmodus der Elektronik 11 gewählt, bei dem aus dem Schwenkauslauf 3 ständig Wasser ausströmt, unabhängig davon, ob sich ein Benutzer vor dem Austrittsfenster 8 befindet oder nicht. Durch Verschwenken des Griffes 6 aus der mittleren Position in die zuletzt genannte, dritte Position kann die Armatur also von Hand geöffnet werden.A third position of the handle 6 is reached if it is pivoted counterclockwise in the direction of the double arrow 3 in FIG. The exit window 8 is then directed obliquely downwards. The reed contacts 27 are now in angular alignment with the magnet 29 and are actuated in this way. As a result, an operating mode of the electronics 11 is selected in which water constantly flows out of the swivel spout 3, regardless of whether a user is in front of the exit window 8 or not. The valve can thus be opened by hand by pivoting the handle 6 from the middle position into the last-mentioned third position.

Der Wasserstrom aus der Sanitärarmatur kann in jedem Fall durch Zurückschwenken des Griffes 6 in die mittlere oder obere Position beendet werden. Außerdem ist eine Betriebsart denkbar, bei welcher der Wasserstrom durch den Schwenkauslauf 3 nach einer vorbestimmten Zeit aufhört, die zur Einfüllung einer bestimmten Wassermenge in das Waschbecken ausreicht.The water flow from the sanitary fitting can be stopped in any case by pivoting the handle 6 back into the middle or upper position. In addition, an operating mode is conceivable in which the water flow through the swivel spout 3 stops after a predetermined time which is sufficient to fill a certain amount of water into the wash basin.

Die in der Zeichnung speziell dargestellte Ausführungsform der Sanitärarmatur stellt den Wasserstrom automatisch dann ab, wenn der Wasserspiegel im Waschbecken eine bestimmte Höhe erreicht hat. Hierzu werden die Sendediode 9 und der Empfänger 10 eingesetzt, die normalerweise für die Detektion eines Benutzers gedacht sind. Durch die Verschwenkung des Griffes 6 in die dritte Stellung, in welcher die von der Sendediode 9 ausgesandte Strahlung schräg nach unten auf den ansteigenden Wasserspiegel gerichtet ist, wird es nunmehr möglich, letzteren zu überwachen. Bei einer bestimmten, durch Einstellung der Elektronik 11 vorwählbaren Höhe erreicht das an der Wasseroberfläche reflektierte und vom Empfänger 10 aufgefangene Licht eine solche Intensität, daß die Elektronik 11 den Wasserfluß durch den Schwenkauslauf 3 zum Halten bringt. Ein unbeabsichtigtes Überlaufen des Wassers über den Waschtisch ist also auch bei in die Stellung "Dauerbetrieb" gebrachtem Griff 6 nicht möglich.The embodiment of the sanitary fitting specifically shown in the drawing automatically shuts off the water flow when the water level in the sink has reached a certain height. For this purpose, the transmitter diode 9 and the receiver 10 are used, which are normally intended for the detection of a user. By pivoting the handle 6 into the third position, in which the radiation emitted by the transmitter diode 9 is directed obliquely downwards towards the rising water level, it is now possible to monitor the latter. At a certain height, which can be preselected by adjusting the electronics 11, the light reflected on the water surface and collected by the receiver 10 reaches such an intensity that the electronics 11 bring the water flow through the swivel spout 3 to a halt. An unintentional overflow of the water over the wash basin is therefore not possible even when the handle 6 is in the "continuous operation" position.

Der Vollständigkeit halber sei noch erwähnt, daß in dem in den Figuren 1 und 2 rechten Griff 7 der Sanitärarmatur all diejenigen Bauelemente als Einheit untergebracht bzw. montiert sind, welche der Steuerung des Wasserstromes dienen und in diesem Sinne als "mechanisch" betrachtet werden können. Zu diesen mechanischen Bauelementen gehören insbesondere ein elektrisch betätigtes Ventil sowie ggf. ein Mischventil zur Einstellung der Temperatur des auslaufenden Wassers.For the sake of completeness, it should also be mentioned that in the handle 7 of the sanitary fitting on the right in FIGS. 1 and 2, all those components are housed or mounted as a unit which serve to control the water flow and can be regarded as "mechanical" in this sense. These mechanical components include, in particular, an electrically operated valve and possibly a mixing valve for adjusting the temperature of the escaping water.

Claims (8)

Berührungslos gesteuerte Sanitärarmatur mit a) einem Gehäuse; b) im wesentlichen elektronischen Bauelementen, insbesondere einem Sensor und einem elektronischen Schaltkreis, welche in einer Betriebsart berührungslos die Anwesenheit eines Benutzers in einen Erfassungsbereich feststellen und während der Dauer dieser Anwesenheit ein Ausgangssignal erzeugen; c) im wesentlichen mechanischen Bauelementen, insbesondere einem elektrisch gesteuerten Ventil, welche in Abhängigkeit von dem Ausgangssignal der elektronischen Bauelemente und ggf. anderen Einflußgrößen den Fluß des Wassers steuern, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß d) ein elektrischer, handbetätigter Schalter (6) vorgesehen ist, der nach Art eines Griffes einer herkömmlichen, handbetätigten Sanitärarmatur ausgebildet ist und der in eine bestimmte Anzahl vorwählbarer Stellungen gebracht werden kann, in denen die elektronischen Bauelemente (11) jeweils in einer unterschiedlichen Betriebsart arbeiten. Non-contact controlled sanitary fitting with a) a housing; b) essentially electronic components, in particular a sensor and an electronic circuit, which determine the presence of a user in a detection area in a contactless mode and generate an output signal during the duration of this presence; c) essentially mechanical components, in particular an electrically controlled valve, which control the flow of water as a function of the output signal of the electronic components and possibly other influencing variables, characterized in that d) an electrical, manually operated switch (6) is provided, which is designed in the manner of a handle of a conventional, manually operated sanitary fitting and which can be brought into a certain number of preselectable positions in which the electronic components (11) are each in a different operating mode work. Sanitärarmatur nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
   daß der Schalter (6) nach Art eines Drehgriffes einer handbetätigten Sanitärarmatur mit im wesentlichen horizontaler Schwenkachse gestaltet ist.Sanitary fitting according to claim 1, characterized in
that the switch (6) is designed in the manner of a twist grip of a manually operated sanitary fitting with a substantially horizontal pivot axis. Sanitärarmatur nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
   daß der Schalter (6) einer von zwei symmetrisch an das Gehäuse (1) angefügten Griffen ist, derart, daß das optische Erscheinungsbild einer herkömmlichen Zweigriffarmatur gegeben ist.Sanitary fitting according to claim 2, characterized in
that the switch (6) is one of two handles symmetrically attached to the housing (1), such that the visual appearance of a conventional two-handle fitting is given. Sanitärarmatur nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
   dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die im wesentlichen elektronischen Bauelemente (9, 10, 11) als Baueinheit im Gehäuse (16) des Schalters (6) zusammengefaßt sind.Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the essentially electronic components (9, 10, 11) are combined as a structural unit in the housing (16) of the switch (6). Sanitärarmatur nach Anspruch 4, bei Rückbeziehung
   auf Anspruch 2 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß a) der Schalter (6) eine Schwenkposition aufweist, bei welcher der Erfassungsbereich schräg nach unten gerichtet ist, und daß in dieser Schwenkposition b) das elektrisch betätigte Ventil ohne Ausgangssignal der im wesentlichen elektronischen Bauelemente (9, 10, 11) geöffnet ist; c) die elektronischen Bauelemente (9, 10, 11) die Höhe des Wasserspiegels unterhalb des Sensors (9, 10) erfassen und ein Ausgangssignal zum Schließen des elektrisch betätigten Ventils erzeugen, wenn der Wasserspiegel eine bestimmte Höhe erreicht hat. Sanitary fitting according to claim 4, in connection
to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a) the switch (6) has a pivot position, in which the detection area is directed obliquely downwards, and that in this pivot position b) the electrically operated valve is open without an output signal from the essentially electronic components (9, 10, 11); c) the electronic components (9, 10, 11) detect the height of the water level below the sensor (9, 10) and generate an output signal for closing the electrically operated valve when the water level has reached a certain height. Sanitärarmatur nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
   daß am zweiten Griff (7) die im wesentlichen mechanischen Bauelemente als Baueinheit zusammengefaßt sind.Sanitary fitting according to claim 3, characterized in
that the essentially mechanical components are combined as a structural unit on the second handle (7). Sanitärarmatur nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
   dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Schalter (6) in drei Stellungen gebracht werden kann, die den folgenden Betriebsarten entsprechen: a) Normale berührungslose Erfassung eines Benutzers gemäß Merkmal a des Hauptanspruches; b) Sperrung der berührungslosen Erfassung bei geschlossenem elektrisch betätigtem Ventil; c) Öffnen des elektrisch betätigten Ventils ohne Ausgangssignal der im wesentlichen elektronischen Bauelemente. Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the switch (6) in three Positions that correspond to the following operating modes: a) Normal contactless detection of a user according to feature a of the main claim; b) blocking the non-contact detection when the electrically operated valve is closed; c) Opening the electrically operated valve without an output signal of the essentially electronic components. Sanitärarmatur nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
   daß in der Betriebsart c ein Zeitglied wirksam ist, welches nach einer bestimmten Öffnungszeit das elektrisch betätigte Ventil wieder schließt.Sanitary fitting according to claim 7, characterized in
that a timer is active in mode c, which closes the electrically operated valve again after a certain opening time.
EP19920102578 1991-03-01 1992-02-16 Proximity controlled faucet Expired - Lifetime EP0501262B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19914106540 DE4106540C2 (en) 1991-03-01 1991-03-01 Sanitary fitting
DE4106540 1991-03-01

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0501262A1 true EP0501262A1 (en) 1992-09-02
EP0501262B1 EP0501262B1 (en) 1994-09-14

Family

ID=6426235

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19920102578 Expired - Lifetime EP0501262B1 (en) 1991-03-01 1992-02-16 Proximity controlled faucet

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5351347A (en)
EP (1) EP0501262B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH04333733A (en)
AT (1) ATE111546T1 (en)
DE (1) DE4106540C2 (en)
ES (1) ES2062836T3 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2713736A1 (en) * 1993-12-07 1995-06-16 Grohe Armaturen Friedrich Self-closing valve, the main valve of which is controlled by an auxiliary valve with delayed closing.
EP0724043A1 (en) * 1995-01-25 1996-07-31 Friedrich Grohe Aktiengesellschaft Control unit for a sanitary fitting
WO1996028618A1 (en) * 1995-03-10 1996-09-19 Harald Schrott Water outlet fitting
DE20209799U1 (en) * 2002-06-24 2003-11-13 Bolderheij Fok Cornelis Multifunction mixer
DE102004041786A1 (en) * 2004-08-30 2006-03-02 Hansa Metallwerke Ag plumbing fixture
WO2007073511A1 (en) * 2005-12-20 2007-06-28 Masco Corporation Tri-state control for an electronic faucet
DE102007011183A1 (en) * 2007-03-06 2008-09-11 Aquis Sanitär AG Electrically actuated Sanitäraramtur

Families Citing this family (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT412824B (en) * 1999-03-04 2005-07-25 Wimberger Herbert SAFETY DEVICE FOR MANIPULATING OR ACCESSING AN AUTOMATIC WATER EXHAUST CONTROL DEVICE
US6192530B1 (en) 1999-05-17 2001-02-27 Wen S. Dai Automatic faucet
DE10005946A1 (en) * 2000-02-09 2001-08-16 Grohe Armaturen Friedrich Water outlet valve arrangement
US7690395B2 (en) 2004-01-12 2010-04-06 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Multi-mode hands free automatic faucet
WO2006076149A1 (en) * 2005-01-13 2006-07-20 American Standard International Inc. Proximity faucet having selective automatic and manual modes
US9243392B2 (en) 2006-12-19 2016-01-26 Delta Faucet Company Resistive coupling for an automatic faucet
US7806141B2 (en) 2007-01-31 2010-10-05 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Mixing valve including a molded waterway assembly
WO2008094651A1 (en) 2007-01-31 2008-08-07 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Capacitive sensing apparatus and method for faucets
EP1964984B1 (en) * 2007-02-27 2009-05-06 Kwc Ag Tap with luminescent handle
CA2675417C (en) 2007-03-28 2015-10-13 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Improved capacitive touch sensor
WO2009039290A2 (en) 2007-09-20 2009-03-26 Bradley Fixtures Corporation Lavatory system
EP2235272A1 (en) 2007-12-11 2010-10-06 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Capacitive coupling arrangement for a faucet
WO2011044247A1 (en) 2009-10-07 2011-04-14 Bradley Fixtures Corporation Lavatory system with hand dryer
US8561626B2 (en) 2010-04-20 2013-10-22 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Capacitive sensing system and method for operating a faucet
US8776817B2 (en) 2010-04-20 2014-07-15 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Electronic faucet with a capacitive sensing system and a method therefor
US9170148B2 (en) 2011-04-18 2015-10-27 Bradley Fixtures Corporation Soap dispenser having fluid level sensor
US9267736B2 (en) 2011-04-18 2016-02-23 Bradley Fixtures Corporation Hand dryer with point of ingress dependent air delay and filter sensor
US9758953B2 (en) 2012-03-21 2017-09-12 Bradley Fixtures Corporation Basin and hand drying system
CN204199385U (en) 2012-03-07 2015-03-11 莫恩股份有限公司 E-health appliance fitments
US10100501B2 (en) 2012-08-24 2018-10-16 Bradley Fixtures Corporation Multi-purpose hand washing station
DE102013002236A1 (en) * 2013-02-11 2014-08-14 Grohe Ag Sanitary fitting has actuating element for temperature- and quantity presetting of mixed water, where arrangement is assigned for providing beverage from water offset with beverage concentrate
US9840832B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-12-12 As Ip Holdco, Llc Touchless, remotely activatable assembly for fluid flow regulation, related systems and methods
US11015329B2 (en) 2016-06-08 2021-05-25 Bradley Corporation Lavatory drain system
US10041236B2 (en) 2016-06-08 2018-08-07 Bradley Corporation Multi-function fixture for a lavatory system
CA3002824C (en) * 2017-04-26 2022-08-23 Delta Faucet Company User interface for a faucet

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2335767A1 (en) * 1976-09-13 1977-07-15 Geimer Josef Hot and cold water mixing tap - has proximity switches to control electromagnets which lift sprung valves off seats
US4741363A (en) * 1986-10-29 1988-05-03 Hydrotek Corporation Fluid faucet
US4762273A (en) * 1986-03-07 1988-08-09 Stephen O. Gregory Electronic faucet with spout position sensing means
GB2206397A (en) * 1987-07-01 1989-01-05 Chong Lih Electric Industry Co Photoelectrically-controlled faucet structure
EP0391765A1 (en) * 1989-04-07 1990-10-10 Les Robinets Presto Société Anonyme Remotely actuated tap

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE7837050U1 (en) * 1978-12-14 1983-01-20 Friedrich Grohe Armaturenfabrik Gmbh & Co, 5870 Hemer INLET DEVICE FOR BATHTUBS
DE3025603A1 (en) * 1980-07-05 1982-02-04 Hansa Metallwerke Ag, 7000 Stuttgart Electronically-controlled wash basin fitting - has housing with water spout, over which is inserted front plate, whose rear side carries electronic control components
DE8310348U1 (en) * 1983-04-08 1985-03-28 Groitl, Jürgen, 8000 München OPTOELECTRONIC ADDITIONAL DEVICE FOR RETROFITTING A MANUAL OPERATED HOLE BATTERY, ESPECIALLY A HOLE MIXER BATTERY
US4735357A (en) * 1986-03-07 1988-04-05 Stephen O. Gregory Modular water facuet with automatic water supply system
US4928732A (en) * 1986-10-29 1990-05-29 Hydrotek Corporation Fluid faucet
DE8902238U1 (en) * 1989-02-24 1989-05-24 Cosmos Entwicklungs- Und Forschungsanstalt, Vaduz, Li
DE4102135C2 (en) * 1991-01-25 1995-06-22 Hansa Metallwerke Ag Sanitary mixer tap
DE4102134C2 (en) * 1991-01-25 1995-09-07 Hansa Metallwerke Ag Non-contact controlled sanitary fitting

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2335767A1 (en) * 1976-09-13 1977-07-15 Geimer Josef Hot and cold water mixing tap - has proximity switches to control electromagnets which lift sprung valves off seats
US4762273A (en) * 1986-03-07 1988-08-09 Stephen O. Gregory Electronic faucet with spout position sensing means
US4741363A (en) * 1986-10-29 1988-05-03 Hydrotek Corporation Fluid faucet
GB2206397A (en) * 1987-07-01 1989-01-05 Chong Lih Electric Industry Co Photoelectrically-controlled faucet structure
EP0391765A1 (en) * 1989-04-07 1990-10-10 Les Robinets Presto Société Anonyme Remotely actuated tap

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2713736A1 (en) * 1993-12-07 1995-06-16 Grohe Armaturen Friedrich Self-closing valve, the main valve of which is controlled by an auxiliary valve with delayed closing.
EP0724043A1 (en) * 1995-01-25 1996-07-31 Friedrich Grohe Aktiengesellschaft Control unit for a sanitary fitting
US5743511A (en) * 1995-01-25 1998-04-28 Friedrich Grohe Ag Control device for a sanitary fixture
WO1996028618A1 (en) * 1995-03-10 1996-09-19 Harald Schrott Water outlet fitting
US5961095A (en) * 1995-03-10 1999-10-05 Schrott; Harald Electronically controlled water faucet
DE20209799U1 (en) * 2002-06-24 2003-11-13 Bolderheij Fok Cornelis Multifunction mixer
US7228874B2 (en) 2002-06-24 2007-06-12 Fok Cornelis Bolderheij Multifunctional faucet
DE102004041786A1 (en) * 2004-08-30 2006-03-02 Hansa Metallwerke Ag plumbing fixture
DE102004041786B4 (en) * 2004-08-30 2008-12-18 Hansa Metallwerke Ag plumbing fixture
WO2007073511A1 (en) * 2005-12-20 2007-06-28 Masco Corporation Tri-state control for an electronic faucet
DE102007011183A1 (en) * 2007-03-06 2008-09-11 Aquis Sanitär AG Electrically actuated Sanitäraramtur
DE102007011183B4 (en) * 2007-03-06 2014-04-17 Aquis Sanitär AG Electrically actuated Sanitäraramtur

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE4106540C2 (en) 1994-09-29
ATE111546T1 (en) 1994-09-15
EP0501262B1 (en) 1994-09-14
ES2062836T3 (en) 1994-12-16
US5351347A (en) 1994-10-04
DE4106540A1 (en) 1992-09-03
JPH04333733A (en) 1992-11-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0501262B1 (en) Proximity controlled faucet
EP0977923B1 (en) Sanitary proximity valving
EP0910712B1 (en) Water run-out fitting
EP0632290B1 (en) Apparatus and method for touch-free control of waterflow in a sanitary installation
DE3116452C2 (en) Automatic flushing device
EP1784542A1 (en) Plumbing fixture
DE3807484C1 (en)
EP3192930A1 (en) Fitting with extendible sprinkler
DE19719941A1 (en) Electric motor-driven tilt opening device for windows, doors or the like
DE3400962A1 (en) Shower cubicle
DE102007009038A1 (en) Plumbing fixture, has optoelectronic sensor arrangement producing control signal in form of pulse or clock rate based on temporary change of output signal of photosensitive element during reflection of rays emitted from emitter to element
EP0356599A1 (en) Casing attached to the plaster for flushing devices
DE4108458A1 (en) SANITARY FITTING
DE19510218C2 (en) Electrically operated sanitary valve
DE102017114462B4 (en) Actuating device in the form of an actuating plate for a drain valve of a toilet or urinal cistern
EP0940507B1 (en) Water fitting controller
DE3703273C1 (en) Device for controlling the air supply to nozzles and for switching on and off a pump of a bathtub whirlpool system
DE3641998A1 (en) Device for controlling a sanitation mixer tap for cold and hot water
DE102004027948C5 (en) Sanitary fitting with a circuit arrangement
EP0143802A1 (en) Water feed control device for a distribution station
DE102020213479B4 (en) System for retrofitting a door and door with such a system
DE2700583A1 (en) Optical switch for wash basins - has light source and detector connected via light guides to coupling windows
DE10330334B4 (en) toilet system
EP1205606A2 (en) Shower arrangement
DE19638788A1 (en) Sanitary fitting, e.g. for shower head valve

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT CH ES FR GB IT LI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19920722

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19921104

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT CH ES FR GB IT LI

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 111546

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19940915

Kind code of ref document: T

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: STUDIO JAUMANN

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2062836

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19941215

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20010228

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20020211

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20020214

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20020214

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20020215

Year of fee payment: 11

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20020216

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20020216

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20030216

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20030217

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20030228

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20030228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20031031

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20030217

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050216