Control device for a urinal or the like

The present invention relates to a control apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1.

Conventional, by a user by pressing a button or by pressing a lever to be purged urinals are particularly or the like for use in public facilities such as railway stations, restaurants. in terms of hygiene, ease of use and possible wanton destruction adversely and are increasingly replaced by contactless controlled devices.

In such known control devices - which are so far considered to be class-forming - the presence of a user is usually detected by a working infrared-based sensor, and the purging operation is based on the sensor signals then, after the user moves away, triggered. Such, working with an infrared motion detector devices require, however, that an optical unit - commonly a single lens or a lens arrangement - is directed at a suitable height on an approaching or receding user that a movement thereof are reliably detected can.

But this brings, have shown experience, adverse consequences especially regarding vandalism with it: All too easily or the like necessary for an infrared motion detection, visible from the outside lens by means of a chewing gum. disabled, or the like by a lighted cigarette are completely destroyed. The consequence would then not only to repair unusable urinal, but also a significantly increased repair and maintenance expenses.

Another problem associated with urinals, and automatically actuated in particular, occur, is the danger of flooding in clogging of the water outlet. lead in particular escaping objects easily lead to blockage of the drain.

In known devices this urinal additional problem was encountered characterized in that a further sensor is provided for detecting a potential overflow situation, the other then blocked in the overflow case, inflow of flush water.

If such an overflow protection is to be set in connection with an automatic operation of the urinal, this makes in known devices the use of at least two separate and each having a separate control electronics to be provided prospective sensors necessary, thereby, the technical expenditure is significantly increased.

Object of the present invention is therefore, or the like, a control device for a urinal. to provide sanitary device according to the preamble of claim 1, which ensures a largely protected against vandalism, trouble-free operation.

The object is solved by the control apparatus according to claim 1st

Advantageously this enables the provision of a motion sensor based on microwave technology that completely screened from view attaching the sensor unit or the like behind ceramic elements. the urinal, whereby the sensor before each - is protected external access - destructive. On the other hand penetrate the microwaves the ceramic body of the urinal and still reliably detect a movement of a user.

As "sensor" in this context in particular means responsive only to the passive reception of microwave detecting means are understood (in this case, the microwave transmission signal would be generated externally and transmitted); However, the normal case relates to a sensor which generates the radiated signals themselves.

Particularly suitable also the inventive sensor unit is mounted in the rear area of ​​a urinal, as well as commercial, conventional urinals easily with this way - can be retrofitted sensor - preferably flat, small volume.

Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

Thus, the sensor unit is particularly preferably arranged behind the actual urinal bowl cup at the level of a maximum liquid level in the shell so that a liquid level at the maximum level would cover the detection area of ​​the sensor completely. Which is devoted from this operating condition sensor signals are particularly preferred evaluated to the effect that that operation state is detected as an overflow risk and, accordingly, a further supply of rinsing water through the valve is prevented. could Preferred minimum liquid filling level in the context of the invention, a liquid level in the bowl are considered, in which at least a rinse appropriate amount of water still has space without the cup would overflow.

In order for a maximum filling level can also be specified by an operator, an adjustment for the sensor unit for moving in the vertical direction is provided in a preferred embodiment, with which for example a maximum level would accordingly be preselected or the sensor unit is also of independently adjustable.

firstly Good for a realization of the sensor unit of the invention is the use of working according to the Doppler principle the radar sensor, which allows relatively low output power (and correspondingly low energy consumption) a reliable and sufficiently accurate detection within the telecommunications law permitted frequency bands.

The frequencies between 1 and 15 GHz allow and in particular from 2.4 to 2.8 or from 5.7 to 5.9 GHz an easy penetration of thicker ceramic or plastic layers, while radar waves of wavelengths of water so strong be damped or absorbed, that a problem-realization and the further education according overflow protection is possible.

Thus, a reliable operation even when a plurality of the control device of the invention equipped with urinals is possible next to one another, should be separated from each respective detection ranges of the sensor units; this is concerning technical measures a transmitting and / or receiving function of the sensor unit or possible through antenna technical measures.

Alternatively, and particularly suitable for the realization of the sensor unit of the invention is to use a technique based on micro-impulse radar sensor, also referred to as a broadband impulse radar sensor. Such a time-gated radar sensor based on the principle of detection of the emission of preferably a plurality spectrally broadband pulses and detecting this reflected on the measurement object pulses within a predetermined staggered time gate. From predetermined by the time gate duration of detected pulses then a distance of the object or a range can be determined or set.

Such impulse technology has opposite the above Doppler technique as a further improvement in particular nor the advantages of constant range regardless of the material (eg from ceramic) before the sensor, due to the pure runtime measurement. In addition, such a sensor has a very low radiated power, is inexpensive and insensitive to any disturbance outside the predetermined by the time gate detection area in the production. In addition, since preferably, such a sensor extremely short pulse signals (in the ns range) with a comparatively long (eg 1000 times) radiates period, mutual interference of a plurality of such sensors is practically impossible.

A motion detection at a (broadband) impulse radar sensor can especially take place in that a plurality of pulses emitted periodically and --zeittorgesteuert - are changes of the reflected pulses, in particular the received number of pulses is detected. These changes then correspond to a movement of the object on which the respective pulses were reflected.

Particularly preferred for use is selected with one of the sensors described an a flat design enabling antenna, since in this way a compact, flat module of the sensor unit can be manufactured with an antenna, which allows for easy, flexible installation and retrofitting. In addition, it makes sense, such a prepared module or the like with a resin. shedding or water in other ways and pollution protected encapsulate.

While you could use (for example for an electromechanical valve) for its own power supply, the control device of the invention as in already existing supply lines, a cordless battery operation or an operation for solar modules would be an alternative or the like. possible since the sensor unit according to the invention, based on the microwave principle only has a correspondingly low electrical energy consumption.

From the above it can be seen that advantageously with a single sensor unit (and thus also with a comparatively simple electronic evaluation) various control and monitoring functions, such as the operation and monitoring to overflowing, are possible. According to an additional development of the microwave transmitter also could be used (as part of the sensor unit of the invention) to radiate in a fault or alarm corresponding additional transmission signals, which can then cause or initiate appropriate countermeasures.

Alternatively, it is according to a development of the invention possible to couple the control device with a radio module, which then appropriately - - preferably wireless - - Information could concerning post a current operating state of the control device of the invention, which then and from an external, appropriately equipped receiving can receive evaluation and possibly further processed. Such an arrangement is particularly suitable for the detection of faults or alarms, which in this manner preferably a plurality could be monitored from urinal controls invention.

In another, the invention further a decoder for the control device provided (or integrated into) with which special, unusual for a human motion movements detected and suitable of as instructions for a learning or programming mode, thus altering the operating parameters urinal control device, can be used. Specifically, it provides at about, with the inventive sensor unit to detect motion with a moving speed as such control commands, which are considerably faster than human movements, for example in the range 10¹ until 10⁵ Hz, and about suitable or the like through a speaker. could be generated. In particular, operating according to the pulse radar principle sensor unit should match the detection and such, with respect to a human motion quick motion detection have no problems.

Then, when a programming or learning mode is enabled by such a motion signal could then follow within a predetermined time period further parameter adjusting control commands of this kind.

Such inventive development has two advantages: firstly, it would not be necessary for parameter settings - such as detection distance, flushing period, using independent flushing interval - direct access to the sensor unit, possibly on the removal of the urinal would be necessary, and on the other is for this communication the unit uses the already existing motion sensor itself so that little additional hardware expenditure is necessary.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawing. This shows in<dl id="dl0001"><dt>Fig. 1:</dt><dd>a sectional side view of the inventive control device for a urinal in the installed state, according to a first preferred embodiment, and</dd><dt>Fig. 2:</dt><dd>a block diagram showing essential components of the inventive control device.</dd></dl>

A urinal bowl 10 is in a known manner - indicated by a fixing screw 12 - hanging fixed to a wall 14th

As can be seen from the sectional side view of FIG. 1, the iw of ceramic or pla ff existing urinals 10 a fillable via a water inlet 16 with water inner shell 18 and a the urinals front and bottom side defining the outer shell 20, wherein the inner shell 18 and the outer shell 20 a - to the wall 14 open - cavity 22 limit.

While the bottom side, the inner shell 18 is connected to a rearwardly extending through the wall 14 water outlet or drain pipe 24, of a downward to a rear wall 19 of the inner shell 18 nozzle or outlet opening having water inlet 16 through a water inlet 26 with (fresh) water supplies.

The water inlet 26 is connected to the water inlet 16 via a flush valve 28 which interrupts the water supply and is designed operated in the illustrated embodiment electromagnetically so that by means of an electric control pulse once the water supply and can be switched off. Particularly suitable purge valve 28 is called from. "Bistable type", ie a current consumption of the valve takes place only during the switching or switching operations, and the steady-state operating conditions "Pass" or "Block" are respectively energized.

In addition, a drain valve 30 is provided in the course of the drain pipe 24, which is also actuated by means of electrical signals and with appropriate controlling blocks or releases the flow.

A sensor unit 32 is mounted in the cavity 22 behind the rear wall 19, that - as a slot or microstrip line antenna formed flat and with the sensor unit 32 forming a closed body - antenna unit faces 34 of the rear (cavity-side) of the rear wall 19 and with its top end a (the reference numeral 36 indicated) maximum water level in the inner shell 18 defines.

Via a connection cable 38, the sensor unit to the electromagnetic flushing valve 28 is connected, and via a connection cable 40, an electrical connection between the sensor unit 32 and the Ablußventil 30 is prepared.

An adjusting rail 42 schematically shows the height adjustment of the sensor unit 32 (with the provided thereon antenna unit 34).

Electrical supply lines for the purge valve 28, the drain valve 30 and the sensor unit 32 are not shown in the illustrated embodiment and are - depending on the application - provide suitable. Batteries operated or seated in the water supply (not shown) turbine could pass flowing water to generate electricity and supply of - Selecting solenoid valves with low power consumption, the control device is in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, but also - in the units that may be present use the sensor device and of the valves.

The block diagram of FIG. 2 shows the main (functional) components of the inventive control device, wherein the dotted line encloses the 34 realized in the sensor unit 32 and the antenna unit functions.

The antenna 34 is connected to a high frequency unit 44 which is arranged to generate by the antenna 34 or radiated transmission signals for processing by the antenna 34 and reception of received reflection signals. The radio frequency unit 44 in the illustrated embodiment, generated on the basis of the reception signals, a two-channel traveling direction signal, the waveform of a first channel of a movement of an object in the direction of the sensor unit 32 and the antenna unit 34 toward corresponds (in the direction of arrow A in Fig. 1), and the signal on the second channel an opposite movement direction (along arrow B) represents.

The two-channel motion signal is received by an evaluation and control unit 46 and implemented in the drain valve 30 in appropriate control signals for the purge valve 28 respectively, and additionally, by the evaluation and control unit 46 a -. External and in Figure 1 is not shown in detail - signal or alarm device 48 is driven.

The sensor unit 32 in the illustrated embodiment generates high-frequency or microwave signals of a frequency higher about 1 GHz, and preferably in the ranges between about 2.4 and 2.48 GHz, and between about 5.7 and 5.9 GHz. In these frequency ranges, the high frequency waves have particularly favorable properties with regard to a penetration of the ceramic walls of the urinal according to the invention; in addition, in these frequency ranges with low RF transmission powers a satisfactory sensor range achievable.

During the microwave sensor according to the described embodiment of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 according to the Doppler principle works, ie a movement of a body causes a frequency shift between the emitted signal and the reflected received signal in the detection range of the sensor and this frequency shift or the movement .-speed detecting is evaluated is alternatively also easily a working on a pulse basis (broadband) radar sensor can be used which is detected by a predetermined (corresponding to a detection distance) time gate a plurality of reflecting pulses, and from the reception frequency (integration) Re concludes to a movement of an object. The sum is from Hinlauf- and return time of a standing in the distance detection object within the time gate and defines the extent of the distance. In this way not only an exact reach adjustment is possible (by selecting the time gate), but also a possible mutual influence of sensors adjacent urinals is virtually eliminated by this principle: a very small ratio of pulse duration to pulse period is the probability of (Doors controlled) receive minimal by an adjacent sensor.

The two-channel motion directional output of the radio frequency unit 44 is generated when Doppler motion sensor 32 according to the illustrated embodiment, by means of an auxiliary phase and an associated second demodulation mixer so that optimum input information is available for noise-proof and correct sequence control available (although would - by correspondingly expensive signal analysis - a urinal control with only a single-channel (ie no movement directional) sensor signal possible, however, thereby growing the additional risk of malfunctions at untypical usage procedures).

The signal processing then takes place in the evaluating and control unit 46 according to predetermined sequences or patterns on the basis of the movement information by the radio frequency unit 44 instead of, typical flow parameters --etwa duration of an actuation of the flush valve 28 for flushing; Spülbeginn after a user has removed itself so --geeignet in a storage device within the evaluation and control unit 46 are predetermined and stored and, if necessary, can be changed by setting and / or programming.

According to an alternative embodiment, an agent working on impulse based wideband radar sensor having a plurality of discrete scanned and the evaluable distance zones, in which case an evaluation of the various zone signals and their temporal sequence a specific direction of movement of a user - according to the embodiment of FIG . 1 and Fig. 2 shown, moving directional two-channel Doppler -Lets.

According to the illustrated embodiment, an arrangement is an antenna 34 used, which is flat in itself and the assembly together with the (remaining) sensor unit 32 allowed in a flat housing behind the rear wall of the urinal basin in the cavity is easily attachable and - to retrofitting purposes - is also currently commercially available, conventional urinals. Advantageously, makes such an attachment, the provision of openings, holes or the like. superfluous in the wall, so that a retrofit destructive and fast - can be done - even by untrained personnel.

Ideally, the antenna unit 34 or the like having on a circuit board by etching. Microstrip lines or slits formed realized, which, in addition to a low for the intended use directivity also a simple, suitable for mass production.

As shown in Fig. 1 by means of the position indicated by the dashed line 50 antenna characteristic, this describes a radiation lobe of a 3dB-width of about 90 ° in the vertical plane and about 70 ° in the horizontal. Due to the favorable penetration properties of the microwaves used by the ceramic finds inner or outer shell 18, 20 takes virtually no relevant attenuation of the sensor signal, as long as the urinals is no thicker layer of water. By suitable dimensioning of antenna and output power of the transmission part (in the high frequency unit 44), the maximum range of the sensor unit is set to a detection range of about 1 meter, so that movement within this range, generates a sensor signal.

(Or similar power increase of the transmitter, the input sensitivity of the receiver, change the directivity of the antennas, reflectors, damping walls) by appropriate means - as needed - the coverage in terms of distance and detection angle adjustable. For example, arranged with a view to influencing free as possible control of a number of side by side, each bearing the control system according to the invention urinals it makes sense to, however, to restrict a lateral coverage to interference free intervals.

It is easier to design the setting of the detection area with the use of the on pulse-based radar sensor: There corresponds to the coverage of the signal propagation time between radiation from the transmitting element and receiving the reflected pulse on the object of the duration of a dead or delay time is started with the transmission of the pulse, and is detected by the end of the reflected pulse. The result consists - at an assumed spherical propagation in space - cupped and clearly defined by the sensor in its distance detection areas, which are marked in Figure 1 symbolically by the numeral 52 and -. Pulse width due - have a shell thickness d. It is also possible to influence through the use of a directional antenna the detection area.

By compared with the pulse duration (in the single digits ns range) comparatively low pulse repetition frequency (eg 1 to 3 MHz) also covered the time gates adjacent pulse radar sensors apart, so that mutual interference even when assembly of a radar sensor in the detection range of a second advantageous not happened.

According to a development of the impulse radar technology, it is also possible to specify a plurality of spatial coverage areas by generating a second or further (different) time gates for the same transmission pulse, which could then cause a usable signal respectively when penetrating the person to be detected. In this way, a movement direction detection would be feasible for a pulse radar sensor detection that can be achieved in a Doppler radar, for example by quadrature demodulation.

. The arrangement shown in Figure 1, the sensor unit 32 below the maximum fill line 36 also allows a particularly advantageous manner, the utilization of an essential characteristic of the microwaves used for motion detection: While the light radiated from the antenna 32 high-frequency signal nearly losslessly the ceramic (alternatively: Plastic -) material of the inner shell 18 penetrates, takes account of the high dielectric constant (ε = 83) of water a strong diffraction of microwaves as it passes through a layer of water held (the absorption coefficient in the range of frequencies available ranges from about 0.1 / cm to about 20 / cm). This means that at a water level of the top liquid level 36 of the sensor unit 32 and the antenna 34 emitted microwaves are attenuated so much that a significant (and erfaß- or evaluable) reflection on a moving front of the urinal body no longer takes place.

This effect is now inventively exploited by the present control device so that the detection of a liquid level completely blocked to the line 36 a water supply through the water inlet 16 by means of the purge valve 28; It is therefore impossible that 32 pre-selected at a --by corresponding height positioning of the sensor unit - maximum water level 36 additionally rinse water is introduced so that (even abusive) overflowing the urinal can be reliably prevented.

Rather, such a detected by the sensor 32 operating state for an open drain valve 30, the --falls there is no clogging provides - the emptying of the inner shell 18 allows.

As shown by experimental measurements, can be reliably prevented by appropriate positioning of the sensor below a maximum waterline and appropriate evaluation of the filler signal that with the tank additional rinse water flows; on the other hand in again gesunkenem water level immediately the full functionality of the sensor is effected (ie response to the movement of a person).

Measurements have also shown that an active use of the urinal by a person - as they consist of special reflection properties of this film to a characteristic sensor signal - thus producing a liquid film along the rear wall 19 and the area of ​​the inner shell in front of the sensor unit 32nd According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, therefore, the control unit of the invention can be further developed so that this signal can use to draw conclusions on the amount of urine and corresponding to a required amount of water to flush through detection or evaluation. This amount of water is then adjusted, for example by controlling the opening time of the purge valve 28th

Proper function of the urinal control of the invention is also possible without a separate drain valve 30; in such a case, the urinal would always emptied itself.

An essential inventive solution idea - the simultaneous benefit of a radar sensor for (hidden, ie against damage protected) motion and presence detection and for level detection (or as overflow protection) - is in a similar manner to other sanitary installations such as sinks, baths or toilets transferable. Due to the compact --and preferably moisture-proof cast - state of the sensor and antenna unit 32, 34 also the direct use of the unit shown in the cited further sanitation appear easily feasible; only the control operations and for controlling other organs or valves would then be adapted or modified in a corresponding manner.

The present invention is not limited to the slot or stripline antennas described in the example shown; Rather is easy to use any antenna structures - even simple wire antennas, for example, along the pool edge - possible the antenna select and adapt according to the desired directional characteristic and the intended detection range.

In use, a user enters at the urinals 10 zoom (movement direction of the arrow A in Fig. 1) and is in the detection range of the sensor unit 32. The user's presence is detected by evaluating a corresponding motion signal on the first channel of the radio frequency unit.

By detecting the reflected sensor signal in response to a wetting of the rear wall 19 with liquid duration and extent of use of the urinal is preferably additionally detected.

The user then moves away in the direction of arrow B from the urinal basin, this operation is detected by evaluating a corresponding movement signal on the second channel of the radio frequency unit, and a predetermined time after the removal operates the evaluation and control unit 46, the purge valve 28 to purge the Urinals. Preferably, the purge amount (or the purge time the purge valve 28) in response to a detected, submitted by the user urine output is controlled.

In the event of a blockage of the water outlet 24 and a corresponding rise of the liquid level in the inner shell 18 of the sensor detects based on the received reflection values, that the liquid level has reached the maximum filling level 36, and then deactivates the purge valve 28. A further entry of rinsing water in the inner shell 18 of the urinal basin 10 is then as long not possible until the liquid level drops and the sensor unit 32 is exposed again to the motion detection.

According to advantageous embodiments of the invention described above, which will apply in any way and also concretely described Merkmalskominationen addition as disclosed, it makes sense to the one to provide the sensor with an external radio transmitter and / or receiver module for remote control and alarm sensors , In this way, about a wireless parameter setting is then can be done, or it could be an external alarm can be triggered through malfunctions.

According to a further development of the invention it is also possible to use the movement sensor itself as a signal receiver for a learning and / or programming control signal; For this it is only necessary that this control signal is different from a human (as a useful signal to be interpreted) motion signal, so it can be much faster, for example. Such detected fast control signal would then place the sensor in a programming mode, and more, such signals could then - without access to the sensor unit itself and without the need for dismantling - Allow any settings of the sensor.