EP2778301B1 - Water fitting system - Google Patents

Water fitting system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2778301B1
EP2778301B1 EP14158125.6A EP14158125A EP2778301B1 EP 2778301 B1 EP2778301 B1 EP 2778301B1 EP 14158125 A EP14158125 A EP 14158125A EP 2778301 B1 EP2778301 B1 EP 2778301B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
valve
outlet valve
fitting system
control unit
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.)
Active
Application number
EP14158125.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2778301A3 (en
EP2778301A2 (en
Inventor
Schmermund Andreas
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.)
Aloys F Dornbracht GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Aloys F Dornbracht GmbH and Co KG
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
Application filed by Aloys F Dornbracht GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Aloys F Dornbracht GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP2778301A2 publication Critical patent/EP2778301A2/en
Publication of EP2778301A3 publication Critical patent/EP2778301A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2778301B1 publication Critical patent/EP2778301B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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
    • 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
    • E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
    • E03C1/24—Overflow devices for basins or baths
    • E03C1/242—Overflow devices for basins or baths automatically actuating supply or draining valves
    • 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
    • E03C1/04—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths
    • E03C1/048—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths supplying water through two or more openings around or along one side of the water-basin

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a water fitting system with the features of the preamble of claim 1, a method for calibrating a water fitting system with the features of claim 12, a method for controlling a water fitting system with the features of claim 14 and a computer program with the features of claim 15.
  • Known water faucet systems are used in the sanitary area to enable a bathing experience that is as pleasant and pleasant as possible.
  • Bathing can refer to the entire body of the bather, such as in a full bath, or to individual body parts to be bathed, such as in a foot bath.
  • a water tank is filled with water when bathing and the bathing person is completely or partially immersed in the water.
  • the bathing experience can be made particularly appealing by various measures, such as varying or adjusting the temperature or the water flow or generating artificial water movements.
  • the object of the invention is to further develop a water fitting system known from the prior art in such a way that both economical and precise regulation of both the water temperature and the water level in the water tank is made possible. This opens up a wide range of options for designing the bathing experience for both footbaths and large bathtubs, and entire water choreographies can be realized.
  • a sensor could also be attached to the water tank, which indicates when a certain fill level has been reached.
  • the water outlet valve flows out, the mere restriction to such a level alarm sensor can only lead to completely stopping the fresh water supply when this level is reached until a correspondingly lower level is reached.
  • the fresh water inflow must never be completely switched off in the solution according to the invention. Rather, the inflow can simply be set to a continuous value known according to the calibration information. This not only makes it possible to dispense with the use of such sensors, that is to say additional components, but also makes the inflow and outflow behavior more pleasant for bathing.
  • the fresh water valve and / or the water outlet valve can be controlled manually by the user, the electrical control unit taking over the proposed control of the fresh water valve or water outlet valve which is not manually controlled in each case.
  • the user can manually control the fresh water valve and the water outlet valve as desired, without the fill level changing.
  • the preferred embodiment according to subclaim 3 describes a calibration routine as the initial calibration process, the water inlet quantity flowing for the desired fill level first being measured and then the run-out time being determined after the water outlet valve has been opened. This is a particularly simple way to determine all the desired parameters.
  • the outlet behavior through the water outlet valve can depend on the current fill level in the water tank.
  • the preferred embodiment takes this fact into account in various ways, for example by - possibly repeated - measurements or by an analytical projection depending on the geometry of the water tank.
  • the preferred embodiments of subclaims 7 and 8 relate to particularly suitable mechanical arrangements of the water fitting system.
  • Fig. 1 is a proposed water fitting system with a water tank 1, in this case a foot bath 1a, an electrical control unit 2, an operating unit 3, a fresh water valve 4, which is an electrical valve 4a, also referred to as an "e-valve" and three water inlet openings 5 ac of the water container 1 can be seen.
  • a water tank 1 in this case a foot bath 1a
  • an electrical control unit 2 an operating unit 3
  • a fresh water valve 4 which is an electrical valve 4a, also referred to as an "e-valve”
  • three water inlet openings 5 ac of the water container 1 can be seen.
  • the present control unit 3 consists of a simple button. However, it can also be any other type of human-machine interface. These include, in particular, touch devices with several buttons or touch pads and other electronic input devices.
  • the water fitting system also has a water outlet valve 6 of the water tank 1, which in the present case is an eccentric 6a.
  • This eccentric 6a here comprises a stopper 6b and an actuator 6c for moving the stopper 6b.
  • the control unit 3 is coupled in terms of signal technology to the electrical control unit 2 and that the electrical control unit 2 is coupled in terms of control technology to the fresh water valve 4 on the one hand and to the water outlet valve 6 on the other hand.
  • signals can be exchanged between the control unit 3 and the electrical control unit 2 and the electrical control unit 2 can control both the fresh water valve 4 and the water outlet valve 6 and can also receive data from them.
  • the fresh water valve 4 is connected to at least one of the water inlet openings 5a-c via at least one feed pipe 7a-b. Is preferred, as in the Fig. 1 shown that the fresh water valve 4 is connected to each of the water inlet openings 5a-c via at least one feed pipe 7a-b.
  • the proposed water fitting system is now characterized in that the electrical control unit 2 has a data memory 8 for calibration information.
  • This calibration information relates a flow behavior of the fresh water valve 4 to a flow behavior of the water outlet valve 6.
  • This "relate” can be done on the one hand in such a way that for each position - in the sense of a degree of opening or closing - of the fresh water valve 4 the flow rate of fresh water corresponding to this position is known, and at the same time the exact outflow through the water outlet valve 6 in the open position of the water outlet valve 6 is also known.
  • An exemplary order of magnitude for such a flow rate of an open fresh water valve is approximately 40 liters per minute.
  • the "mentioned in relation" of the flow behavior of the fresh water valve 4 to the outflow behavior of the water outlet valve 6 can also be realized in that only a ratio between the amount of water flowing in with an open fresh water valve 4 to the amount of water flowing out with an open water outlet valve 6 is known.
  • this calibration information can be any information that puts these two quantities in a certain ratio, which can also be done, as described, by naming the two quantities exactly. Variations in time or differentiations depending on the binary or continuous or in any intermediate setting of the water outlet valve 6 or the fresh water valve 4 can also be taken into account.
  • the proposed water fitting system is further characterized in that the electrical control unit 2 is set up to control the fresh water valve 4 and the water outlet valve 6 based on the calibration information in such a way that a fill level 9 of the water container 1 is set to a predetermined course.
  • a basic possibility for such a predetermined course consists in a constant course of the fill level, that is, a constant fill level 9 of the water tank 1. Accordingly, it is preferred that the electrical control unit 2 is set up to control the fresh water valve 4 and the water outlet valve 6 based on the calibration information to be controlled such that a current flow rate of the fresh water valve 4 essentially corresponds to a current flow rate of the water outlet valve 6 in order to keep a fill level 9 of the water container 1 essentially constant.
  • the flow rate of the fresh water valve 4 it is not necessary for the flow rate of the fresh water valve 4 to essentially correspond to the flow rate of the water outlet valve 6 at any arbitrarily selected time interval, but this can be seen for a period of observation of, for example, several seconds, in particular 2 seconds that the result is achieved that the fill level 9 of the water container 1 is kept essentially constant and, for example in a foot bath 1a, does not fluctuate by more than a few millimeters or preferably by at most one millimeter.
  • the fill level could change with a predetermined period, which could be 30 seconds, for example, with a certain amplitude and approximately sinusoidally, such that the maximum level does not exceed said fill level 9.
  • a predetermined period which could be 30 seconds, for example, with a certain amplitude and approximately sinusoidally, such that the maximum level does not exceed said fill level 9.
  • a kind of tidal choreography can be created be realized in the water tank.
  • Other variants are also conceivable.
  • the fresh water valve 4 and / or the water outlet valve 6 can be controlled manually by the user, the electrical control unit 2 being set up to control the fresh water valve 4 or water outlet valve 6, which is not manually controlled in each case, based on the calibration information, as explained above, such that a Fill level 9 of the water tank 1 is set to a predetermined course, preferably that a current flow rate of the fresh water valve 4 essentially corresponds to a current flow rate of the water outlet valve 6 in order to keep a fill level 9 of the water tank 1 essentially constant. As a result, the user no longer has to worry about maintaining the fill level 9 when manually controlling the fresh water valve 4 or the water outlet valve 6.
  • the electrical control unit 2 is set up to execute a calibration routine in which the calibration information is generated, based on a measurement of a water inlet quantity flowing through the fresh water valve 4 in a filling routine and based on a measurement an expiry time from the water tank 1 after opening the water outlet valve 6 in an emptying routine.
  • a filling routine is first carried out and the water inlet quantity that has flowed through the fresh water valve 4 is measured, and in a subsequent emptying routine the run-out time from the water container 1 after opening the water outlet valve 6 is also measured.
  • the measurement of the water inlet quantity is a function of the fresh water valve 4, whereas here the run-down time is measured by the electrical control unit 2.
  • the average current drainage amount of the water outlet valve 6 can thus be determined from the ratio of the amount of water inlet and the run-out time.
  • This calibration routine is used in conjunction with the Fig. 3 are discussed in more detail below. At this point, however, reference is made to a preferred embodiment of the water fitting system, in which the measurement of the water inlet quantity is based on the reception of a fill level signal generated by the control unit 3.
  • This fill level signal can be a simple binary signal, which is generated by the user in the fill routine, for example, by touching the operating unit 3 when the desired fill level is reached or otherwise actuated. In this way, a desired level of the fill level that can be set by the user can be selected automatically.
  • the fill level signal includes information about a level of the fill level in the water tank 1.
  • the operator can, for example, use the control unit 3 to enter a water level read on the edge of the water tank 1, which control unit 3 then transmits this information to the electrical control unit 2.
  • the measurement of the run-down time is preferably based on the receipt of a vacancy signal generated by the operating unit 3.
  • the emptying routine can be ended exactly when the operator actuates the operating unit 3 by simply pressing after all the water has flowed out of the water tank 1. Accordingly, this vacancy signal can be the signal for the electrical control unit 2 to provide the expiry time as ended.
  • the water outlet valve 6 can then be opened a little longer than the measured run-off time for the purpose of completely emptying the water container, in order to ensure complete emptying.
  • a 10% longer opening time compared to the measured run-down time would be suitable.
  • the leakage behavior can be determined even more precisely, for example in a preferred embodiment of the water fitting system, in which the calibration information comprises discharge coefficients, each discharge coefficient characterizing a discharge rate from the water outlet valve 6 and being assigned to a level in the water tank 1. It has already been pointed out that when the water outlet valve 6 is open, the level in the water tank 1 does not generally decrease linearly, but rather the water runs out faster at a higher level than at a low level.
  • the assignment of the said discharge coefficients to different levels is one possibility is to take this into account.
  • the outflow coefficient can directly indicate the outflow rate determined for the respective level, represent a correction value in the sense of the determined deviation from the linear outflow rate, or represent other information with which the non-linear course can be simulated as a result.
  • Such outflow coefficients can preferably be determined based on the levels in the water tank 1 measured in the emptying routine after the water outlet valve 6 has been opened. It is therefore possible to measure the current level in the water tank 1 at various times after opening the water outlet valve 6 in the emptying routine, and in this way this non-linear behavior can be reconstructed. This measurement can be carried out on the one hand by sensors or on the other hand by user input, for example by means of the operating unit 3 during the emptying routine.
  • the outflow rate essentially depends on the geometry of the water tank 1 as a function of the level in the water tank 1, it can also be determined by knowing the geometry of the water tank 1. It is therefore also preferred that the runoff coefficients are determined based on a geometry of the water tank 1. If the electrical control unit 2 receives information about the geometry of the water container 1, which can be done either by coding in the data memory 8, by reading from an external memory or by input using the control unit 3, it can do so based on this information select a set of runoff coefficients associated with this geometry, preferably several such sets of runoff coefficients being stored in the data memory 8. These runoff coefficients can in turn have been determined analytically, that is to say by calculations. As an alternative or in addition, corresponding laboratory measurements can be carried out on these geometries, which are preferably also included in the determination of the runoff coefficients.
  • a device which is particularly pleasant for the foot 10 of the user is obtained if, as preferred, the water inlet openings 5a-c have one or more floor inlet nozzles 12a-b arranged on a bottom surface 11 of the water container 1.
  • the bottom inlet nozzles 12a-b can either focus the water more in the inlet direction than for the bottom inlet nozzle 12a in the Fig. 1 shown, or at a further angle, as for the bottom inlet nozzle 12b in the Fig. 1 shown, let into the water tank 1.
  • substantially vertical arrangement of these floor inlet nozzles 12a-b the foot 10 of the user can be washed directly by the water on its underside.
  • the water inlet openings 5a-c have one or more wall inlet nozzles 14 arranged on a wall surface 13 of the water container 1. These wall inlet nozzles 14 are preferably arranged essentially horizontally. The possibility of water inlet from different directions makes it possible to implement variable choreographies by which the foot 10 of the user is washed up from different directions.
  • a footrest surface 15 with flow openings 16 is arranged above the bottom surface 11 of the water container 1, the flow openings 16 being arranged in this way are that at least one floor inlet nozzle 12 is aligned with one flow opening 16 each. In this way, the user can place or support his foot 10 as desired and the foot 10 is still at a suitable distance from the floor inlet nozzles 12 a-b.
  • the fresh water valve 4 is set up to supply fresh water to each of the water inlet openings 5 a, b, c independently of one another, controlled by the electrical control unit 2. In this way, fresh water of different temperatures can emerge at each water inlet opening 5 ac, so that in the exemplary embodiment of FIG Fig. 1 the foot 10 of the user is washed with warmer water from below, while colder water hits him from above or vice versa.
  • the water outlet valve 6 is connected to a drain pipe 17.
  • the water outlet valve 6 is set up to assume only a closed state and an open state.
  • the water outlet valve 6 thus only knows the states closed and open and no state in between.
  • it is also preferred that the water outlet valve 6 is set up to assume a closed state, a fully open state and at least one intermediate opening state. In this case, in addition to the two states of perfect closing and full opening, it is possible to either assume several defined intermediate opening states or to continuously set an intermediate opening state. In this way, the amount of water currently flowing out can be finer adjusted by the water outlet valve 6.
  • FIG. 2 an alternative embodiment of the proposed water fitting system is now shown.
  • This water fitting system also has a water tank 1, which is a bathtub 1 b.
  • an electrical control unit 2 with the data memory 8, which is coupled in terms of signal technology to an operating unit 3, which, however, has more control panels than the operating unit from the initial example from FIG Fig. 1 .
  • the electrical control unit 2 is control-wise with a fresh water valve 4, which is also an electrical valve 4a, also referred to as an "e-valve", and with a water outlet valve 6, which is also an eccentric 6a a plug 6b is about an actuator 6c.
  • the fresh water valve 4 is connected to the water inlet opening 5d via the supply pipe 7c.
  • the Fig. 3 now shows in greater detail the proposed method for calibrating a proposed water fitting system.
  • the method steps in the upper area correspond to 20 method steps that are carried out by the user.
  • the method steps in the middle area 21 are method steps that are carried out by the electrical control 2 or by software running on an electrical control 2 and the process steps in the lower area 22 correspond to physical processes.
  • This proposed method is now characterized in that a filling routine is carried out, in which at least the following method steps are carried out: opening 23 of the fresh water valve 4, measuring 24 a water inlet quantity flowing through the fresh water valve 4, receiving 25 a level signal and closing 26 the Fresh water valve 4.
  • an emptying routine is also carried out, in which at least the following process steps are carried out: opening the water outlet valve 6, receiving 28 a vacancy signal and measuring 29 an expiry time after opening 27 of the water outlet valve 6 to for receiving 28 the vacancy signal and finally generating 30 the calibration information based on the water inlet quantity and the run-out time.
  • the fill level signal can be a simple binary signal from the user, entered by touching the control unit 3, or a more detailed fill level indication of the fill level 9 of the water tank 1.
  • the vacancy signal can be generated by touching the control unit 3 or by another type of sensor.
  • the proposed method for calibrating the water fitting system can be further developed in that it comprises the determination of outflow coefficients, each outflow coefficient characterizing an outflow rate from the water outlet valve 6 and being assigned to a level in the water tank 1.
  • the type of runoff coefficients and preferred methods for their determination have already been considered with regard to the exemplary embodiment of FIG Fig. 1 described.
  • Fig. 3 shows further process steps, wherein each individual process step shown here can be added as a preferred embodiment to the proposed method for calibrating the water fitting system. These process steps are described below with reference to Fig. 3 and described in more detail starting chronologically.
  • the calibration is started 31 by the user, for example by actuating the operating unit 3.
  • the water outlet valve 6 can then be closed 32, as a precaution if this should not yet be closed, which leads to the corresponding closing movement 33 of the water outlet valve.
  • a water influence 34 begins.
  • the measurement 24 of the water inlet quantity flowing through the fresh water valve 4 is ended by a stop actuation 35 of the operator, again, for example, by the control unit 3.
  • the closing 26 of the fresh water valve 4 carried out by the electrical control 2, in turn leads to the actual closing process 36 of the fresh water valve 4.
  • a fill level query 37 by the electrical control unit 2 to which either a sensor or the user makes a fill level input 38.
  • the opening of the water outlet valve 6 by the electrical control 2 is followed by the opening movement 39 of the water outlet valve 6, which is followed by a runout process 40 which continues until the operator enters the empty signal 41.
  • a level measurement in the water tank 1 can take place during the run-out process 40 to determine the runoff coefficients.
  • a proposed method for regulating a proposed water fitting system is characterized in that the fresh water valve 4 and the water outlet valve 6 are controlled based on the calibration information in such a way that a fill level 9 of the water container 1 is set to a predetermined course, preferably a current flow rate of the fresh water valve 4 essentially corresponds to a current discharge quantity of the water outlet valve 6 in order to keep a fill level 9 of the water container 1 essentially constant.
  • a computer program according to the proposal has program codes for carrying out all the method steps of a method according to the proposal for calibrating a water fitting system or a proposed method for regulating a water fitting system when the computer program is executed in a computer.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Non-Electrical Variables (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Wasserarmatursystem mit dem Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs von Anspruch 1, ein Verfahren zur Kalibrierung eines Wasserarmatursystems mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 12, ein Verfahren zur Regelung eines Wasserarmatursystems mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 14 sowie ein Computerprogramm mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 15.The invention relates to a water fitting system with the features of the preamble of claim 1, a method for calibrating a water fitting system with the features of claim 12, a method for controlling a water fitting system with the features of claim 14 and a computer program with the features of claim 15.

Bekannte Wasserarmatursysteme werden im Sanitärbereich dazu verwendet, ein möglichst angenehmes und wohltuendes Badeerlebnis zu ermöglichen. Dabei kann sich das Baden auf den gesamten Körper des Badenden, wie etwa in einem Vollbad, oder auf einzelne zu badende Körperteile, wie etwa in einem Fußbad, beziehen. Grundsätzlich wird beim Baden ein Wasserbehälter mit Wasser befüllt und die badende Person taucht ganz oder teilweise in das Wasser ein. Durch verschiedene Maßnahmen, wie etwa eine Variation oder Einstellung der Temperatur oder des Wasserflusses oder dem Erzeugen von künstlichen Wasserbewegungen kann das Badeerlebnis besonders reizvoll gestaltet werden.Known water faucet systems are used in the sanitary area to enable a bathing experience that is as pleasant and pleasant as possible. Bathing can refer to the entire body of the bather, such as in a full bath, or to individual body parts to be bathed, such as in a foot bath. Basically, a water tank is filled with water when bathing and the bathing person is completely or partially immersed in the water. The bathing experience can be made particularly appealing by various measures, such as varying or adjusting the temperature or the water flow or generating artificial water movements.

In der Regel wird beim Baden ein konstanter Pegelstand im Wasserbehälter gewünscht. Dies kann dadurch sichergestellt werden, dass das wie auch immer temperierte oder bewegte Wasser einfach aus dem bereits im Wasserbehälter befindlichen Wasser verwendet wird. So regt ein Whirlpool etwa das Wasser in der Badewanne an, welches sich schon in ihr befindet, ohne regelmäßig frisches Wasser hinzuzuführen oder einen Teil des Wassers abzulassen. Dies hat allerdings den Nachteil, dass Temperaturveränderungen im Wasserbehälter nicht leicht zu verwirklichen sind. Solche Temperaturveränderungen erfordern eine Zirkulation des Wassers aus dem Wasserbehälter durch entsprechende Vorrichtungen zum Heizen oder Kühlen, wobei eine solche Zirkulation immer mit dem Risiko einer Verschmutzung der entsprechenden Teile über längere Zeit einhergeht.As a rule, a constant water level is required when bathing. This can be ensured in that the water, however tempered or moved, is simply used from the water already in the water tank. For example, a whirlpool stimulates the water in the bathtub that is already in it without regularly adding fresh water or draining some of the water. However, this has the disadvantage that temperature changes in the water tank are not easy to implement. Such temperature changes require the water from the water tank to be circulated through appropriate heating or cooling devices, such circulation always being associated with the risk of contamination of the corresponding parts over a long period of time.

Wenn nun zur Temperaturvariierung die kontrollierte Zufuhr von entweder kaltem oder warmem Frischwasser verwendet werden soll, so stellt die Regelung des Wasserpegels im Wasserbehälter unter gleichzeitiger Regelung der Wassertemperatur eine besondere Herausforderung dar. Das Dokument DE 3925590 A1 stellt eine solche Regelung dar, wobei für die Regelung Drucksensoren Verwendung finden.If the controlled supply of either cold or warm fresh water is now to be used for temperature variation, the regulation of the water level in the water tank with simultaneous regulation of the water temperature represents a particular challenge. The document DE 3925590 A1 represents such a regulation, pressure sensors being used for the regulation.

Die Aufgabe der Erfindung besteht darin, ein aus dem Stand der Technik bekanntes Wasserarmatursystem derart weiterzuentwickeln, dass eine sowohl ökonomische als auch genaue Regelung sowohl der Wassertemperatur als auch des Wasserstands im Wasserbehälter ermöglicht wird. Damit werden weite Möglichkeiten zur Gestaltung des Badeerlebnisses sowohl bei Fußbädern, als auch bei großen Badewannen ermöglicht und ganze Wasserchoreographien können verwirklicht werden.The object of the invention is to further develop a water fitting system known from the prior art in such a way that both economical and precise regulation of both the water temperature and the water level in the water tank is made possible. This opens up a wide range of options for designing the bathing experience for both footbaths and large bathtubs, and entire water choreographies can be realized.

Diese Aufgabe wird bezogen auf ein Wasserarmatursystem gemäß dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1 durch die Merkmale des kennzeichnenden Teils von Anspruch 1 gelöst. Bezogen auf ein Verfahren zur Kalibrierung eines solchen Wasserarmatursystems wird die Aufgabe durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 12 und bezogen auf ein Verfahren zur Regelung eines solchen Wasserarmatursystems durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 14 gelöst. Bezogen auf ein Computerprogramm schließlich wird diese Aufgabe durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 15 gelöst.This object is achieved with respect to a water fitting system according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. In relation to a method for calibrating such a water fitting system, the object is achieved by the features of claim 12 and, based on a method for regulating such a water fitting system, by the features of claim 14. Finally, in relation to a computer program, this object is achieved by the features of claim 15.

Wesentlich ist die Erkenntnis, dass durch eine Kalibrierung des Wasserarmatursystems ein bestimmtes Verhältnis des Frischwasserzuflussverhaltens zu dem Wasserablaufverhalten ermittelt werden kann, welches dann im Betrieb des Wasserarmatursystems dazu verwendet werden kann, einen Füllstand im Wasserbehälter kontrolliert verändern zu können, ohne bei der Einstellung des Temperaturverhaltens Abstriche machen zu müssen. Durch diese Kalibrierung wird es nämlich einer elektrischen Steuereinheit des Wasserarmatursystems ermöglicht, genau zu ermitteln, wie viel Wasser aus dem Wasserbehälter bei einem geöffneten Wasserauslassventil heraus fließt und entsprechend auch genau soviel Frischwasser in der gewünschten Temperatur, welche durch eine geeignete Mischung von frischem Kalt- und Warmwasser eingestellt wird, zuzuführen. Auf diese Weise kann ermittelt werden, wie genau der Füllstand sich in Abhängigkeit der Stellung des Wasserauslassventils und der Menge an eingelassenem Frischwasser verändert und eine dementsprechende Regelung vorgenommen werden.What is essential is the knowledge that a specific ratio of the fresh water inflow behavior to the water outflow behavior can be determined by calibrating the water fitting system, which can then be used in the operation of the water fitting system to be able to change a level in the water tank in a controlled manner without compromising on the setting of the temperature behavior to have to do. This calibration enables an electrical control unit of the water fitting system to determine exactly how much water flows out of the water tank when the water outlet valve is open and, accordingly, also exactly as much fresh water at the desired temperature, which can be achieved by a suitable mixture of fresh cold and Hot water is set to supply. In this way it can be determined how exactly the fill level changes depending on the position of the water outlet valve and the amount of fresh water taken in, and a corresponding regulation is carried out.

Grundsätzlich könnte, um etwa einen bestimmten Füllstand konstant zu halten, auch ein Sensor am Wasserbehälter angebracht werden, der bei Erreichen eines bestimmten Füllstandes dieses Erreichen anzeigt. Solange aber nicht durch die hier wesentliche Kalibrierinformation bekannt ist, wie viel Wasser bei einem geöffneten Wasserauslassventil heraus fließt, kann die bloße Beschränkung auf einen solchen Füllstandsalarmsensor nur dazu führen, die Frischwasserzufuhr bei Erreichen dieses Füllstands ganz einzustellen, bis ein entsprechend niedrigerer Füllstand erreicht ist. Im Gegensatz hierzu muss bei der erfindungsgemäßen Lösung der Frischwasserzufluss zu keiner Zeit vollständig abgeschaltet werden. Vielmehr kann der Zufluss einfach auf einen kontinuierlichen, gemäß der Kalibrierinformation bekannten Wert eingestellt werden. Damit wird nicht nur der Verzicht auf die Verwendung solcher Sensoren, also zusätzlicher Komponenten ermöglicht, sondern auch ein für den Baden angenehmeres Zu- und Abflussverhalten erreicht.In principle, in order to keep a certain fill level constant, a sensor could also be attached to the water tank, which indicates when a certain fill level has been reached. However, as long as it is not known from the essential calibration information here how much water is open when it is open If the water outlet valve flows out, the mere restriction to such a level alarm sensor can only lead to completely stopping the fresh water supply when this level is reached until a correspondingly lower level is reached. In contrast to this, the fresh water inflow must never be completely switched off in the solution according to the invention. Rather, the inflow can simply be set to a continuous value known according to the calibration information. This not only makes it possible to dispense with the use of such sensors, that is to say additional components, but also makes the inflow and outflow behavior more pleasant for bathing.

Mit der vorschlagsgemäßen Lösung kann auch der Benutzungskomfort bei einem benutzerseitigen, manuellen Eingriff in die Steuerung erhöht werden. Bei der bevorzugten Ausgestaltung gemäß Anspruch 2 ist das Frischwasserventil und/oder das Wasserauslassventil benutzerseitig manuell ansteuerbar, wobei die elektrische Steuereinheit die vorschlagsgemäße Ansteuerung des jeweils nicht manuell angesteuerten Frischwasserventils bzw. Wasserauslassventils übernimmt. Beispielsweise kann es vorgesehen sein, dass der Benutzer das Frischwasserventil und das Wasserauslassventil beliebig manuell ansteuert kann, ohne dass sich der Füllstand ändert.With the proposed solution, the user comfort can also be increased in the case of a manual intervention by the user in the control. In the preferred embodiment according to claim 2, the fresh water valve and / or the water outlet valve can be controlled manually by the user, the electrical control unit taking over the proposed control of the fresh water valve or water outlet valve which is not manually controlled in each case. For example, it can be provided that the user can manually control the fresh water valve and the water outlet valve as desired, without the fill level changing.

Die bevorzugte Ausgestaltung gemäß dem Unteranspruch 3 beschreibt als initialen Kalibriervorgang eine Kalibrierroutine, wobei zunächst die für den gewünschten Füllstand geflossene Wassereinlassmenge gemessen wird und anschließend die Auslaufzeit nach dem Öffnen des Wasserauslassventils festgestellt wird. Dies ist eine besonders einfache Möglichkeit, alle gewünschten Parameter zu ermitteln.The preferred embodiment according to subclaim 3 describes a calibration routine as the initial calibration process, the water inlet quantity flowing for the desired fill level first being measured and then the run-out time being determined after the water outlet valve has been opened. This is a particularly simple way to determine all the desired parameters.

Noch weitere Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten ergeben sich, wenn, wie im Unteranspruch 4 vorgeschlagen, auch die Höhe des Wasserpegels im Wasserbehälter nach dem Einfluss der Wassereinlassmenge gemessen und registriert wird.There are still further design options if, as suggested in subclaim 4, the level of the water level in the water tank is also measured and registered according to the influence of the water inlet quantity.

Das Auslassverhalten durch das Wasserauslassventil kann von dem aktuellen Füllstand im Wasserbehälter abhängig sein. Diesen Umstand trägt die bevorzugte Ausgestaltung gemäß dem Unteranspruch 6 auf verschiedene Weise Rechnung, etwa durch - ggf. wiederholte - Messungen oder durch eine analytische Projektion in Abhängigkeit der Geometrie des Wasserbehälters. Die bevorzugten Ausgestaltungen der Unteransprüche 7 und 8 betreffen besonders geeignete mechanische Anordnungen des Wasserarmatursystems.The outlet behavior through the water outlet valve can depend on the current fill level in the water tank. The preferred embodiment takes this fact into account in various ways, for example by - possibly repeated - measurements or by an analytical projection depending on the geometry of the water tank. The preferred embodiments of subclaims 7 and 8 relate to particularly suitable mechanical arrangements of the water fitting system.

In der lediglich Ausführungsbeispiele wieder gebenden Zeichnung zeigt

Fig. 1
ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines vorschlagsgemäßen Wasserarmatursystems für ein Fußbad.
Fig. 2
ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines vorschlagsgemäßen Wasserarmatursystems für eine Badewanne und
Fig. 3
einen beispielhaften Ablauf für ein vorschlagsgemäßes Verfahren zur Kalibrierung eines Wasserarmatursystems.
In the drawing, which only shows exemplary embodiments, shows
Fig. 1
a first embodiment of a proposed water fitting system for a foot bath.
Fig. 2
a second embodiment of a proposed water fitting system for a bathtub and
Fig. 3
an exemplary sequence for a proposed method for the calibration of a water fitting system.

In der Fig. 1 ist ein vorschlagsgemäßes Wasserarmatursystem mit einem Wasserbehälter 1, in diesem Falle einer Fußbadewanne 1a, einer elektrischen Steuereinheit 2, einer Bedieneinheit 3, einem Frischwasserventil 4, bei welchem es sich hier um ein elektrisches Ventil 4a, auch als "e-valve" bezeichnet, handelt und drei Wassereinlassöffnungen 5 a-c des Wasserbehälters 1 zu erkennen.In the Fig. 1 is a proposed water fitting system with a water tank 1, in this case a foot bath 1a, an electrical control unit 2, an operating unit 3, a fresh water valve 4, which is an electrical valve 4a, also referred to as an "e-valve" and three water inlet openings 5 ac of the water container 1 can be seen.

Die vorliegende Bedieneinheit 3 besteht aus einem einfachen Taster. Es kann sich aber auch um jede beliebige andere Art von Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle handeln. Hierzu zählen insbesondere Tastvorrichtungen mit mehreren Knöpfen oder auch Touch-Pads und andere elektronische Eingabevorrichtungen. Das Wasserarmatursystem weist ferner ein Wasserauslassventil 6 des Wasserbehälters 1 auf, bei welchem es sich vorliegend um einen Exzenter 6a handelt. Dieser Exzenter 6a umfasst hier einen Stopfen 6b sowie einen Aktor 6c zur Bewegung des Stopfens 6b.The present control unit 3 consists of a simple button. However, it can also be any other type of human-machine interface. These include, in particular, touch devices with several buttons or touch pads and other electronic input devices. The water fitting system also has a water outlet valve 6 of the water tank 1, which in the present case is an eccentric 6a. This eccentric 6a here comprises a stopper 6b and an actuator 6c for moving the stopper 6b.

Bei diesem vorschlagsgemäßen Wasserarmatursystem ist ebenso vorschlagsgemäß zu erkennen, dass die Bedieneinheit 3 mit der elektrischen Steuereinheit 2 signaltechnisch gekoppelt ist und dass die elektrische Steuereinheit 2 mit dem Frischwasserventil 4 einerseits und mit dem Wasserauslassventil 6 andererseits steuerungstechnisch gekoppelt ist. Mit anderen Worten, können Signale zwischen der Bedieneinheit 3 und der elektrischen Steuereinheit 2 ausgetauscht werden und die elektrische Steuereinheit 2 kann sowohl das Frischwasserventil 4 als auch das Wasserauslassventil 6 ansteuern und von diesen auch Daten empfangen. Vorschlagsgemäß und ebenfalls aus der Fig. 1 ersichtlich ist, dass das Frischwasserventil 4 über mindestens ein Zuführrohr 7a-b mit mindestens einer der Wassereinlassöffnungen 5a-c verbunden ist. Bevorzugt ist, wie in der Fig. 1 dargestellt, dass das Frischwasserventil 4 über mindestens ein Zuführrohr 7a-b mit jeder der Wassereinlassöffnungen 5a-c verbunden ist.In this proposed water fitting system, it can also be seen, according to the proposal, that the control unit 3 is coupled in terms of signal technology to the electrical control unit 2 and that the electrical control unit 2 is coupled in terms of control technology to the fresh water valve 4 on the one hand and to the water outlet valve 6 on the other hand. In other words, signals can be exchanged between the control unit 3 and the electrical control unit 2 and the electrical control unit 2 can control both the fresh water valve 4 and the water outlet valve 6 and can also receive data from them. According to the proposal and also from the Fig. 1 it can be seen that the fresh water valve 4 is connected to at least one of the water inlet openings 5a-c via at least one feed pipe 7a-b. Is preferred, as in the Fig. 1 shown that the fresh water valve 4 is connected to each of the water inlet openings 5a-c via at least one feed pipe 7a-b.

Das vorschlagsgemäße Wasserarmatursystem ist nun dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die elektrische Steuereinheit 2 einen Datenspeicher 8 für eine Kalibrierinformation aufweist. Diese Kalibrierinformation setzt ein Durchflussverhalten des Frischwasserventils 4 zu einem Ausflussverhalten des Wasserauslassventils 6 in Beziehung. Dieses "in Beziehung setzen" kann einerseits dergestalt erfolgen, dass zu jeder Stellung - im Sinne eines Öffnungs- oder Schließgrades - des Frischwasserventils 4 die dieser Stellung entsprechende Durchflussmenge an Frischwasser bekannt ist, und dass gleichzeitig die genaue Ausflussmenge durch das Wasserauslassventil 6 in geöffneter Stellung des Wasserauslassventils 6 ebenfalls bekannt ist. Eine beispielhafte Größenordnung für eine solche Durchflussmenge eines geöffneten Frischwasserventils liegt etwa bei 40 Litern pro Minute.The proposed water fitting system is now characterized in that the electrical control unit 2 has a data memory 8 for calibration information. This calibration information relates a flow behavior of the fresh water valve 4 to a flow behavior of the water outlet valve 6. This "relate" can be done on the one hand in such a way that for each position - in the sense of a degree of opening or closing - of the fresh water valve 4 the flow rate of fresh water corresponding to this position is known, and at the same time the exact outflow through the water outlet valve 6 in the open position of the water outlet valve 6 is also known. An exemplary order of magnitude for such a flow rate of an open fresh water valve is approximately 40 liters per minute.

Das "genannte in Beziehung setzen" des Durchflussverhaltens des Frischwasserventils 4 zu dem Ausflussverhalten des Wasserauslassventils 6 kann aber auch dadurch verwirklicht sein, dass nur ein Verhältnis zwischen der Menge des einfließenden Wassers bei einem geöffneten Frischwasserventil 4 zu der Menge des herausfließenden Wassers bei einem geöffneten Wasserauslassventil 6 bekannt ist. So etwa in der Art, dass bei einem geöffneten Frischwasserventil 4 75 % der bei einem geöffneten Wasserauslassventil 6 heraus fließenden Wassermenge durch das Frischwasserventil 4 fließt. Grundsätzlich kann es sich also bei dieser Kalibrierinformation um jedwede Information handeln, welche diese beiden Größen in ein bestimmtes Verhältnis setzt, was wie beschrieben auch dadurch geschehen kann, dass die beiden Größen genau benannt werden. Hierbei können auch zeitliche Variationen oder auch Differenzierungen je nach binärer oder kontinuierlicher oder in jedweden Zwischenstufen erfolgender Einstellung des Wasserauslassventils 6 oder des Frischwasserventils 4 berücksichtigt werden.The "mentioned in relation" of the flow behavior of the fresh water valve 4 to the outflow behavior of the water outlet valve 6 can also be realized in that only a ratio between the amount of water flowing in with an open fresh water valve 4 to the amount of water flowing out with an open water outlet valve 6 is known. For example, in such a way that, with an open fresh water valve 4, 75% of the amount of water flowing out with an open water outlet valve 6 flows through the fresh water valve 4. Basically, this calibration information can be any information that puts these two quantities in a certain ratio, which can also be done, as described, by naming the two quantities exactly. Variations in time or differentiations depending on the binary or continuous or in any intermediate setting of the water outlet valve 6 or the fresh water valve 4 can also be taken into account.

Das vorschlagsgemäße Wasserarmatursystem ist ferner dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die elektrische Steuereinheit 2 dazu eingerichtet ist, das Frischwasserventil 4 und das Wasserauslassventil 6 basierend auf der Kalibrierinformation so anzusteuern, dass ein Füllstand 9 des Wasserbehälters 1 auf einen vorbestimmten Verlauf eingestellt wird.The proposed water fitting system is further characterized in that the electrical control unit 2 is set up to control the fresh water valve 4 and the water outlet valve 6 based on the calibration information in such a way that a fill level 9 of the water container 1 is set to a predetermined course.

Eine grundlegende Möglichkeit für einen derartigen vorbestimmten Verlauf besteht in einem gleichbleibenden Verlauf des Füllstands, also einem konstanten Füllstand 9 des Wasserbehälters 1. Dementsprechend ist es bevorzugt, dass die elektrische Steuereinheit 2 dazu eingerichtet ist, das Frischwasserventil 4 und das Wasserauslassventil 6 basierend auf der Kalibrierinformation so anzusteuern, dass eine aktuelle Durchflussmenge des Frischwasserventils 4 im Wesentlichen einer aktuellen Abflussmenge des Wasserauslassventils 6 entspricht, um einen Füllstand 9 des Wasserbehälters 1 im Wesentlichen konstant zu halten.A basic possibility for such a predetermined course consists in a constant course of the fill level, that is, a constant fill level 9 of the water tank 1. Accordingly, it is preferred that the electrical control unit 2 is set up to control the fresh water valve 4 and the water outlet valve 6 based on the calibration information to be controlled such that a current flow rate of the fresh water valve 4 essentially corresponds to a current flow rate of the water outlet valve 6 in order to keep a fill level 9 of the water container 1 essentially constant.

In einem solchen Fall ist es nicht notwendig, dass zu jedem beliebig klein gewählten Zeitintervall die Durchflussmenge des Frischwasserventils 4 im Wesentlichen der Abflussmenge des Wasserauslassventils 6 entspricht, sondern dies ist für einen Betrachtungszeitraum von beispielsweise mehreren Sekunden, insbesondere von 2 Sekunden, zu sehen, so dass das Ergebnis erreicht wird, dass der Füllstand 9 des Wasserbehälters 1 im Wesentlichen konstant gehalten wird und etwa bei einer Fußbadewanne 1a nicht mehr als um wenige Millimeter oder vorzugsweise um höchstens einen Millimeter schwankt.In such a case, it is not necessary for the flow rate of the fresh water valve 4 to essentially correspond to the flow rate of the water outlet valve 6 at any arbitrarily selected time interval, but this can be seen for a period of observation of, for example, several seconds, in particular 2 seconds that the result is achieved that the fill level 9 of the water container 1 is kept essentially constant and, for example in a foot bath 1a, does not fluctuate by more than a few millimeters or preferably by at most one millimeter.

Wie in der Fig. 1 dargestellt, kann folglich eine Person ihren Fuß 10 in die Fußbadwanne 1a halten und das vorschlagsgemäße Wasserarmatursystem sorgt durch die elektrische Steuereinheit 2 für einen im Wesentlichen konstanten Füllstand 9 obwohl gleichzeitig Frischwasser zugeführt wird und Wasser aus der Fußbadewanne 1 abfließt.Like in the Fig. 1 shown, consequently a person can hold their foot 10 in the foot bath tub 1a and the proposed water fitting system ensures an essentially constant fill level 9 through the electrical control unit 2 although fresh water is simultaneously supplied and water flows out of the foot bath tub 1.

Alternativ kann aber auch vorgesehen sein, einen variablen Füllstand 9 des Wasserbehälters 1 durch die Ansteuerung des Frischwasserventils 4 und des Wasserauslassventils 6 zu erreichen. Dabei könnte sich beispielsweise der Füllstand mit einer vorgegebenen Periode, welche z.B. 30 Sekunden betragen könnte, mit einer gewissen Amplitude und etwa sinusförmig so verändern, dass der maximale Pegel den besagten Füllstand 9 nicht übersteigt. Auf diese Weise kann eine Art Gezeitenchoreographie im Wasserbehälter verwirklicht werden. Weitere Varianten sind ebenfalls denkbar.Alternatively, however, provision can also be made to achieve a variable fill level 9 of the water container 1 by activating the fresh water valve 4 and the water outlet valve 6. In this case, for example, the fill level could change with a predetermined period, which could be 30 seconds, for example, with a certain amplitude and approximately sinusoidally, such that the maximum level does not exceed said fill level 9. In this way, a kind of tidal choreography can be created be realized in the water tank. Other variants are also conceivable.

In besonders bevorzugter Ausgestaltung ist das Frischwasserventil 4 und/oder das Wasserauslassventil 6 benutzerseitig manuell ansteuerbar, wobei die elektrische Steuereinheit 2 dazu eingerichtet ist, das jeweils nicht manuell angesteuerte Frischwasserventil 4 bzw. Wasserauslassventil 6 basierend auf der Kalibrierinformation wie oben erläutert so anzusteuern, dass ein Füllstand 9 des Wasserbehälters 1 auf einen vorbestimmten Verlauf eingestellt wird, vorzugsweise, dass eine aktuelle Durchflussmenge des Frischwasserventils 4 im Wesentlichen einer aktuellen Abflussmenge des Wasserauslassventils 6 entspricht um einen Füllstand 9 des Wasserbehälters 1 im Wesentlichen konstant zu halten. Dadurch muss sich der Benutzer bei seiner manuellen Ansteuerung von Frischwasserventil 4 bzw. Wasserauslassventil 6 nicht mehr um die Einhaltung des Füllstands 9 kümmern.In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fresh water valve 4 and / or the water outlet valve 6 can be controlled manually by the user, the electrical control unit 2 being set up to control the fresh water valve 4 or water outlet valve 6, which is not manually controlled in each case, based on the calibration information, as explained above, such that a Fill level 9 of the water tank 1 is set to a predetermined course, preferably that a current flow rate of the fresh water valve 4 essentially corresponds to a current flow rate of the water outlet valve 6 in order to keep a fill level 9 of the water tank 1 essentially constant. As a result, the user no longer has to worry about maintaining the fill level 9 when manually controlling the fresh water valve 4 or the water outlet valve 6.

Zur Erzeugung der genannten Kalibrierinformation ist es nun besonders bevorzugt, dass die elektrische Steuereinheit 2 dazu eingerichtet ist, eine Kalibrierroutine auszuführen, bei welcher die Kalibrierinformation erzeugt wird, basierend auf einer Messung einer durch das Frischwasserventil 4 geflossenen Wassereinlassmenge in einer Füllroutine und basierend auf einer Messung einer Auslaufzeit aus dem Wasserbehälter 1 nach einem Öffnen des Wasserauslassventils 6 in einer Entleerroutine. Es wird also zunächst eine Füllroutine ausgeführt und die dabei durch das Frischwasserventil 4 geflossene Wassereinlassmenge gemessen, und in einer anschließenden Entleerroutine die Auslaufzeit aus dem Wasserbehälter 1 nach einem Öffnen des Wasserauslassventils 6 ebenfalls gemessen. Die Messung der Wassereinlassmenge ist eine Funktion des Frischwasserventils 4, wohingegen hier die Auslaufzeit durch die elektrische Steuereinheit 2 gemessen wird.To generate the aforementioned calibration information, it is now particularly preferred that the electrical control unit 2 is set up to execute a calibration routine in which the calibration information is generated, based on a measurement of a water inlet quantity flowing through the fresh water valve 4 in a filling routine and based on a measurement an expiry time from the water tank 1 after opening the water outlet valve 6 in an emptying routine. Thus, a filling routine is first carried out and the water inlet quantity that has flowed through the fresh water valve 4 is measured, and in a subsequent emptying routine the run-out time from the water container 1 after opening the water outlet valve 6 is also measured. The measurement of the water inlet quantity is a function of the fresh water valve 4, whereas here the run-down time is measured by the electrical control unit 2.

Da die Menge des eingelassenen Wassers der Menge des ausgelassenen Wassers entspricht, lässt sich also aus dem Verhältnis von Wassereinlassmenge und Auslaufzeit die durchschnittliche aktuelle Abflussmenge des Wasserauslassventils 6 bestimmen. Auf diese Kalibrierroutine wird im Zusammenhang mit der Fig. 3 untenstehend noch genauer eingegangen werden. An dieser Stelle wird aber bereits auf eine bevorzugte Ausführung des Wasserarmatursystems hingewiesen, bei welcher die Messung der Wassereinlassmenge auf den Empfang eines von der Bedieneinheit 3 erzeugten Füllstandsignals basiert. Bei diesem Füllstandsignal kann es sich um ein einfaches binäres Signal handeln, welches etwa von dem Benutzer in der Füllroutine dadurch erzeugt wird, dass die Bedieneinheit 3 bei Erreichen des gewünschten Füllstands berührt oder sonst wie betätigt wird. Auf diese Weise ist automatisch eine vom Benutzer einstellbare gewünschte Höhe des Füllstands wählbar. Als weitere Ausgestaltung ist auch bevorzugt, dass das Füllstandsignal eine Information zu einer Höhe des Füllstands im Wasserbehälter 1 umfasst. In so einem Fall kann beispielsweise der Bediener eine gemäß einer Kennlinie am Rand des Wasserbehälters 1 abgelesene Wasserhöhe mit der Bedieneinheit 3 eingeben, welche Bedieneinheit 3 diese Information dann an die elektrische Steuereinheit 2 überträgt.Since the amount of the let-in water corresponds to the amount of the let-out water, the average current drainage amount of the water outlet valve 6 can thus be determined from the ratio of the amount of water inlet and the run-out time. This calibration routine is used in conjunction with the Fig. 3 are discussed in more detail below. At this point, however, reference is made to a preferred embodiment of the water fitting system, in which the measurement of the water inlet quantity is based on the reception of a fill level signal generated by the control unit 3. This fill level signal can be a simple binary signal, which is generated by the user in the fill routine, for example, by touching the operating unit 3 when the desired fill level is reached or otherwise actuated. In this way, a desired level of the fill level that can be set by the user can be selected automatically. As a further embodiment, it is also preferred that the fill level signal includes information about a level of the fill level in the water tank 1. In such a case, the operator can, for example, use the control unit 3 to enter a water level read on the edge of the water tank 1, which control unit 3 then transmits this information to the electrical control unit 2.

Vorzugsweise basiert die Messung der Auslaufzeit auf dem Empfang eines von der Bedieneinheit 3 erzeugten Leerstandsignals. Es kann also etwa die Entleerroutine genau dann beendet werden, wenn der Bediener nach Ausfluss des gesamten Wassers aus dem Wasserbehälter 1 die Bedieneinheit 3 durch einen einfachen Druck betätigt. Entsprechend kann dieses Leerstandsignal das Signal für die elektrische Steuereinheit 2 sein, die Auslaufzeit als beendet vorzusehen.The measurement of the run-down time is preferably based on the receipt of a vacancy signal generated by the operating unit 3. For example, the emptying routine can be ended exactly when the operator actuates the operating unit 3 by simply pressing after all the water has flowed out of the water tank 1. Accordingly, this vacancy signal can be the signal for the electrical control unit 2 to provide the expiry time as ended.

Im tatsächlichen Betrieb des Wasserarmatursystems kann dann zum Zwecke der vollständigen Entleerung des Wasserbehälters das Wasserauslassventil 6 etwas länger als die gemessene Auslaufzeit geöffnet werden, um eine vollständige Entleerung sicherzustellen. Geeignet wäre etwa eine um 10 % längere Öffnungszeit gegenüber der gemessenen Auslaufzeit.In the actual operation of the water fitting system, the water outlet valve 6 can then be opened a little longer than the measured run-off time for the purpose of completely emptying the water container, in order to ensure complete emptying. A 10% longer opening time compared to the measured run-down time would be suitable.

Das Auslaufverhalten kann noch genauer festgestellt werden, so etwa bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des Wasserarmatursystems, bei welcher die Kalibrierinformation Abflusskoeffizienten umfasst, wobei jeder Abflusskoeffizient eine Abflussrate aus dem Wasserauslassventil 6 kennzeichnet und einem Pegel im Wasserbehälter 1 zugeordnet ist. Es wurde bereits darauf hingewiesen, dass bei einem geöffneten Wasserauslassventil 6 der Pegel im Wasserbehälter 1 in der Regel nicht linear sinkt, sondern vielmehr bei einem höheren Pegel das Wasser schneller ausläuft, als bei einem niedrigen Pegel. Die Zuordnung der besagten Abflusskoeffizienten zu verschiedenen Pegeln, entweder als Zuordnung zu diskreten Pegelwerten oder aber als kontinuierliche Funktion, stellt eine Möglichkeit dar, dies zu berücksichtigen. Dabei kann der Abflusskoeffizient die für den jeweiligen Pegel ermittelte Abflussrate direkt angeben, einen Korrekturwert im Sinne der ermittelten Abweichung von der linearen Abflussrate darstellen oder eine sonstige Information darstellen, mit welcher im Ergebnis der nicht-lineare Verlauf nachgebildet werden kann.The leakage behavior can be determined even more precisely, for example in a preferred embodiment of the water fitting system, in which the calibration information comprises discharge coefficients, each discharge coefficient characterizing a discharge rate from the water outlet valve 6 and being assigned to a level in the water tank 1. It has already been pointed out that when the water outlet valve 6 is open, the level in the water tank 1 does not generally decrease linearly, but rather the water runs out faster at a higher level than at a low level. The assignment of the said discharge coefficients to different levels, either as an assignment to discrete level values or as a continuous function, is one possibility is to take this into account. The outflow coefficient can directly indicate the outflow rate determined for the respective level, represent a correction value in the sense of the determined deviation from the linear outflow rate, or represent other information with which the non-linear course can be simulated as a result.

Vorzugsweise können solche Abflusskoeffizienten basierend auf in der Entleerroutine gemessene Pegel im Wasserbehälter 1 nach dem Öffnen des Wasserauslassventils 6 ermittelt werden. Es kann also zu verschiedenen Zeitpunkten nach dem Öffnen des Wasserauslassventils 6 in der Entleerroutine der jeweils aktuelle Pegel im Wasserbehälter 1 gemessen und auf diese Weise dieses nicht lineare Verhalten rekonstruiert werden. Diese Messung kann einerseits durch Sensoren oder aber andererseits durch eine Eingabe des Benutzers etwa mittels der Bedieneinheit 3 während der Entleerroutine erfolgen.Such outflow coefficients can preferably be determined based on the levels in the water tank 1 measured in the emptying routine after the water outlet valve 6 has been opened. It is therefore possible to measure the current level in the water tank 1 at various times after opening the water outlet valve 6 in the emptying routine, and in this way this non-linear behavior can be reconstructed. This measurement can be carried out on the one hand by sensors or on the other hand by user input, for example by means of the operating unit 3 during the emptying routine.

Da die Abflussrate in Abhängigkeit des Pegels im Wasserbehälter 1 im Wesentlichen von der Geometrie des Wasserbehälters 1 abhängt, lässt sie sich auch durch eine Kenntnis der Geometrie des Wasserbehälters 1 bestimmen. Es ist also ebenso bevorzugt, dass die Abflusskoeffizienten basierend auf einer Geometrie des Wasserbehälters 1 ermittelt sind. Wenn die elektrische Steuereinheit 2 eine Information über die Geometrie des Wasserbehälters 1 empfängt, was entweder durch eine Codierung im Datenspeicher 8, durch ein Auslesen aus einem externen Speicher oder aber durch eine Eingabe mittels der Bedieneinheit 3 geschehen kann, so kann sie basierend auf dieser Information einen dieser Geometrie zugeordneten Satz an Abflusskoeffizienten auswählen, wobei vorzugsweise mehrere solcher Sätze an Abflusskoeffizienten in dem Datenspeicher 8 abgelegt sind. Diese Abflusskoeffizienten können wiederum analytisch, also durch Berechnungen, ermittelt worden sein. Alternativ oder zusätzlich können entsprechende Labormessungen an diesen Geometrien vorgenommen worden sein, welche vorzugsweise ebenfalls in das Ermitteln der Abflusskoeffizienten eingeflossen sind.Since the outflow rate essentially depends on the geometry of the water tank 1 as a function of the level in the water tank 1, it can also be determined by knowing the geometry of the water tank 1. It is therefore also preferred that the runoff coefficients are determined based on a geometry of the water tank 1. If the electrical control unit 2 receives information about the geometry of the water container 1, which can be done either by coding in the data memory 8, by reading from an external memory or by input using the control unit 3, it can do so based on this information select a set of runoff coefficients associated with this geometry, preferably several such sets of runoff coefficients being stored in the data memory 8. These runoff coefficients can in turn have been determined analytically, that is to say by calculations. As an alternative or in addition, corresponding laboratory measurements can be carried out on these geometries, which are preferably also included in the determination of the runoff coefficients.

Eine für den Fuß 10 des Benutzers besonders angenehme Einrichtung ergibt sich, wenn wie bevorzugt, die Wassereinlassöffnungen 5a-c ein oder mehrere an einer Bodenfläche 11 des Wasserbehälters 1 angeordnete Bodeneinlassdüsen 12a-b aufweisen. Die Bodeneinlassdüsen 12a-b können entweder das Wasser stärker fokussiert in der Einlassrichtung, wie für die Bodeneinlassdüse 12a in der Fig. 1 dargestellt, oder aber in einem weiteren Winkel, wie für die Bodeneinlassdüse 12b in der Fig. 1 dargestellt, in den Wasserbehälter 1 einlassen. Insbesondere bei der bevorzugten, im Wesentlichen senkrechten Anordnung dieser Bodeneinlassdüsen 12a-b, kann der Fuß 10 des Benutzers unmittelbar an seiner Unterseite von dem Wasser angespült werden. Bevorzugt ist alternativ oder zusätzlich vorgesehen, dass die Wassereinlassöffnungen 5a-c ein oder mehrere an einer Wandfläche 13 des Wasserbehälters 1 angeordnete Wandeinlassdüsen 14 aufweisen. Bevorzugt sind diese Wandeinlassdüsen 14 im Wesentlichen horizontal angeordnet. Durch die Möglichkeit des Wassereinlasses aus verschiedenen Richtungen können variable Choreographien verwirklicht werden, durch die der Fuß 10 des Benutzers aus unterschiedlichen Richtungen angespült wird.A device which is particularly pleasant for the foot 10 of the user is obtained if, as preferred, the water inlet openings 5a-c have one or more floor inlet nozzles 12a-b arranged on a bottom surface 11 of the water container 1. The bottom inlet nozzles 12a-b can either focus the water more in the inlet direction than for the bottom inlet nozzle 12a in the Fig. 1 shown, or at a further angle, as for the bottom inlet nozzle 12b in the Fig. 1 shown, let into the water tank 1. In particular in the preferred, substantially vertical arrangement of these floor inlet nozzles 12a-b, the foot 10 of the user can be washed directly by the water on its underside. As an alternative or in addition, it is preferably provided that the water inlet openings 5a-c have one or more wall inlet nozzles 14 arranged on a wall surface 13 of the water container 1. These wall inlet nozzles 14 are preferably arranged essentially horizontally. The possibility of water inlet from different directions makes it possible to implement variable choreographies by which the foot 10 of the user is washed up from different directions.

Um zu vermeiden, dass der Fuß 10 des Benutzers Wassereinlassöffnungen 5a-c, insbesondere die Bodeneinlassdüsen 12a-b blockiert, ist besonders bevorzugt, dass über der Bodenfläche 11 des Wasserbehälters 1 eine Fußablagefläche 15 mit Strömungsöffnungen 16 angeordnet ist, wobei die Strömungsöffnungen 16 so angeordnet sind, dass mindestens eine Bodeneinlassdüse 12 a-b mit jeweils einer Strömungsöffnung 16 fluchtet. Auf diese Weise kann der Benutzer seinen Fuß 10 beliebig ablegen oder abstützen und der Fuß 10 weist immer noch einen geeigneten Abstand zu den Bodeneinlassdüsen 12 a-b auf.In order to prevent the foot 10 of the user from blocking water inlet openings 5a-c, in particular the floor inlet nozzles 12a-b, it is particularly preferred that a footrest surface 15 with flow openings 16 is arranged above the bottom surface 11 of the water container 1, the flow openings 16 being arranged in this way are that at least one floor inlet nozzle 12 is aligned with one flow opening 16 each. In this way, the user can place or support his foot 10 as desired and the foot 10 is still at a suitable distance from the floor inlet nozzles 12 a-b.

Weiter ist es besonders bevorzugt, wie auch in der Fig. 1 dargestellt ist, dass das Frischwasserventil 4 dazu eingerichtet ist, gesteuert von der elektrischen Steuereinheit 2 jeder der Wassereinlassöffnungen 5 a, b, c jeweils unabhängig voneinander Frischwasser zuzuführen. Auf diese Weise kann Frischwasser jeweils unterschiedlicher Temperatur an jeder Wassereinlassöffnung 5 a-c austreten, so dass etwa in dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 1 der Fuß 10 des Benutzers mit wärmeren Wasser von unten umspült wird, während kälteres Wasser von oben auf ihn trifft oder aber umgekehrt. Hier ist es besonders bevorzugt, wie ebenfalls in der Fig. 1 dargestellt, dass allen Wassereinlassöffnungen 5 a-c ausschließlich Frischwasser zugeführt wird. Dementsprechend ist das Wasserauslassventil 6 an ein Abflussrohr 17 angeschlossen.Furthermore, it is particularly preferred, as in the Fig. 1 It is shown that the fresh water valve 4 is set up to supply fresh water to each of the water inlet openings 5 a, b, c independently of one another, controlled by the electrical control unit 2. In this way, fresh water of different temperatures can emerge at each water inlet opening 5 ac, so that in the exemplary embodiment of FIG Fig. 1 the foot 10 of the user is washed with warmer water from below, while colder water hits him from above or vice versa. Here it is particularly preferred, as in the Fig. 1 shown that all water inlet openings 5 ac only fresh water is supplied. Accordingly, the water outlet valve 6 is connected to a drain pipe 17.

Zur Einstellung einer gewünschten Temperatur durch das Frischwasserventil 6 bietet sich die bevorzugte Ausgestaltung an, in welcher das Frischwasserventil 6 an eine Kaltfrischwasserleitung 18 und eine Warmfrischwasserleitung 19 angeschlossen ist.The preferred embodiment, in which the fresh water valve 6 is used, lends itself to setting a desired temperature by means of the fresh water valve 6 is connected to a cold fresh water line 18 and a warm fresh water line 19.

Bevorzugt kann vorgesehen sein, dass das Wasserauslassventil 6 dazu eingerichtet ist, nur einen Schließzustand und einen Öffnungszustand einzunehmen. Das Wasserauslassventil 6 kennt also nur die Zustände geschlossen und offen und keinen Zustand dazwischen. Alternativ hierzu ist es allerdings auch bevorzugt, dass das Wasserauslassventil 6 dazu eingerichtet ist, einen Schließzustand, einen vollständigen Öffnungszustand sowie mindestens einen Zwischenöffnungszustand einzunehmen. In diesem Fall ist also neben den beiden genannten Zuständen der vollkommenen Schließung und der vollständigen Öffnung es möglich, entweder mehrere definierte Zwischenöffnungszustände einzunehmen oder aber kontinuierlich einen Zwischenöffnungszustand einzustellen. Auf diese Weise lässt sich die aktuell ausfließende Menge des Wassers durch das Wasserauslassventil 6 feiner justieren.It can preferably be provided that the water outlet valve 6 is set up to assume only a closed state and an open state. The water outlet valve 6 thus only knows the states closed and open and no state in between. As an alternative to this, however, it is also preferred that the water outlet valve 6 is set up to assume a closed state, a fully open state and at least one intermediate opening state. In this case, in addition to the two states of perfect closing and full opening, it is possible to either assume several defined intermediate opening states or to continuously set an intermediate opening state. In this way, the amount of water currently flowing out can be finer adjusted by the water outlet valve 6.

In der Fig. 2 ist nun eine alternative Ausführungsform des vorschlagsgemäßen Wasserarmatursystems dargestellt. Auch dieses Wasserarmatursystem weist einen Wasserbehälter 1 auf, bei dem es sich hier um eine Badewanne 1 b handelt. Wie im Ausgangsbeispiel der Fig. 1 vorgesehen, gibt es hier eine elektrische Steuereinheit 2 mit dem Datenspeicher 8, die signaltechnisch mit einer Bedieneinheit 3 gekoppelt ist, welche allerdings mehr Bedienfelder aufweist, als die Bedieneinheit aus dem Ausgangsbeispiel aus der Fig. 1. Auch hier ist die elektrische Steuereinheit 2 steuerungstechnisch mit einem Frischwasserventil 4, bei dem es sich ebenfalls um ein elektrisches Ventil 4a, auch als "e-valve" bezeichnet, handelt und mit einem Wasserauslassventil 6, bei dem es sich ebenfalls um einen Excenter 6a mit einem Stopfen 6b von einem Aktor 6c handelt, verbunden. Das Frischwasserventil 4 ist über das Zufuhrrohr 7c mit der Wassereinlassöffnung 5d verbunden.In the Fig. 2 an alternative embodiment of the proposed water fitting system is now shown. This water fitting system also has a water tank 1, which is a bathtub 1 b. As in the initial example of the Fig. 1 provided, there is an electrical control unit 2 with the data memory 8, which is coupled in terms of signal technology to an operating unit 3, which, however, has more control panels than the operating unit from the initial example from FIG Fig. 1 . Here too, the electrical control unit 2 is control-wise with a fresh water valve 4, which is also an electrical valve 4a, also referred to as an "e-valve", and with a water outlet valve 6, which is also an eccentric 6a a plug 6b is about an actuator 6c. The fresh water valve 4 is connected to the water inlet opening 5d via the supply pipe 7c.

Die Fig. 3 stellt nun in größeren Einzelheiten das vorschlagsgemäße Verfahren zur Kalibrierung eines vorschlagsgemäßen Wasserarmatursystems dar. Dabei entsprechen die Verfahrensschritte im oberen Bereich 20 Verfahrensschritten, die vom Benutzer ausgeführt werden. Die Verfahrensschritte im mittleren Bereich 21 sind Verfahrensschritte, die von der elektrischen Steuerung 2, bzw. von einer auf einer elektrischen Steuerung 2 ablaufenden Software ausgeführt werden und die Verfahrensschritte im unteren Bereich 22 entsprechen physikalischen Vorgängen. Dieses vorschlagsgemäße Verfahren ist nun dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Füllroutine ausgeführt wird, in welcher mindestens folgende Verfahrensschritte durchlaufen werden: das Offnen 23 des Frischwasserventils 4, das Messen 24 einer durch das Frischwasserventil 4 fließenden Wassereinlassmenge, das Empfangen 25 eines Füllstandsignals und das Schließen 26 des Frischwasserventils 4. Gemäß dem vorschlagsgemäßen Verfahren zur Kalibrierung des Wasserarmatursystems wird ferner eine Entleerroutine ausgeführt, in welcher mindestens folgende Verfahrensschritte durchlaufen werden: das Öffnen des Wasserauslassventils 6, das Empfangen 28 eines Leerstandsignals und das Messen 29 einer Auslaufzeit nach dem Öffnen 27 des Wasserlauslassventils 6 bis zum Empfangen 28 des Leerstandsignals sowie schließlich das Erzeugen 30 der Kalibrierinformation, basierend auf der Wassereinlassmenge und der Auslaufzeit.The Fig. 3 now shows in greater detail the proposed method for calibrating a proposed water fitting system. The method steps in the upper area correspond to 20 method steps that are carried out by the user. The method steps in the middle area 21 are method steps that are carried out by the electrical control 2 or by software running on an electrical control 2 and the process steps in the lower area 22 correspond to physical processes. This proposed method is now characterized in that a filling routine is carried out, in which at least the following method steps are carried out: opening 23 of the fresh water valve 4, measuring 24 a water inlet quantity flowing through the fresh water valve 4, receiving 25 a level signal and closing 26 the Fresh water valve 4. According to the proposed method for calibrating the water fitting system, an emptying routine is also carried out, in which at least the following process steps are carried out: opening the water outlet valve 6, receiving 28 a vacancy signal and measuring 29 an expiry time after opening 27 of the water outlet valve 6 to for receiving 28 the vacancy signal and finally generating 30 the calibration information based on the water inlet quantity and the run-out time.

Bei dem Füllstandsignal kann es sich, wie bereits erwähnt, um ein einfaches binäres Signal des Benutzers, eingegeben durch ein Berühren der Bedieneinheit 3, oder aber um eine detailliertere Füllstandsangabe des Füllstands 9 des Wasserbehälters 1 handeln. Ebenso kann das Leerstandsignal durch ein Berühren der Bedieneinheit 3 oder auch durch andere Art von einem Sensor erzeugt werden.As already mentioned, the fill level signal can be a simple binary signal from the user, entered by touching the control unit 3, or a more detailed fill level indication of the fill level 9 of the water tank 1. Likewise, the vacancy signal can be generated by touching the control unit 3 or by another type of sensor.

Das vorschlagsgemäße Verfahren zur Kalibrierung des Wasserarmatursystems kann dadurch weiter ausgestaltet werden, dass es die Bestimmung von Abflusskoeffizienten umfasst, wobei jeder Abflusskoeffizient eine Abflussrate aus dem Wasserauslassventil 6 kennzeichnet und einem Pegel im Wasserbehälter 1 zugeordnet ist. Die Art der Abflusskoeffizienten sowie bevorzugte Methoden zu ihrer Ermittlung wurden bereits im Hinblick auf das Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 1 beschrieben.The proposed method for calibrating the water fitting system can be further developed in that it comprises the determination of outflow coefficients, each outflow coefficient characterizing an outflow rate from the water outlet valve 6 and being assigned to a level in the water tank 1. The type of runoff coefficients and preferred methods for their determination have already been considered with regard to the exemplary embodiment of FIG Fig. 1 described.

Die Fig. 3 zeigt weitere Verfahrensschritte, wobei jeder einzelne hier gezeigte Verfahrensschritt als bevorzugte Ausgestaltung zu dem vorschlagsgemäßen Verfahren zur Kalibrierung des Wasserarmatursystems mit hinzugefügt werden kann. Diese Verfahrensschritte werden nachfolgend im Bezug auf Fig. 3 und chronologisch beginnend detaillierter beschrieben.The Fig. 3 shows further process steps, wherein each individual process step shown here can be added as a preferred embodiment to the proposed method for calibrating the water fitting system. These process steps are described below with reference to Fig. 3 and described in more detail starting chronologically.

Das Starten 31 der Kalibrierung geschieht durch den Benutzer, etwa durch eine Betätigen der Bedieneinheit 3. Darauf kann ein Schließen 32 des Wasserauslassventils 6, vorsorglich falls dieses noch nicht geschlossen sein sollte, veranlasst werden, was zu der entsprechenden Schließbewegung 33 des Wasserauslassventils führt. Nach dem bereits beschriebenen, daraufhin erfolgenden Öffnen 23 des Frischwasserventils 4 beginnt ein Wassereinfluss 34. Das Messen 24 der durch das Frischwasserventil 4 fließenden Wassereinlassmenge wird durch eine Stoppbetätigung 35 des Bedieners, wiederum etwa durch die Bedieneinheit 3, beendet. Das Schließen 26 des Frischwasserventils 4, ausgeführt durch die elektrische Steuerung 2, wiederum führt zum tatsächlichen Schließvorgang 36 des Frischwasserventils 4.The calibration is started 31 by the user, for example by actuating the operating unit 3. The water outlet valve 6 can then be closed 32, as a precaution if this should not yet be closed, which leads to the corresponding closing movement 33 of the water outlet valve. After the opening 23 of the fresh water valve 4 has already been described, a water influence 34 begins. The measurement 24 of the water inlet quantity flowing through the fresh water valve 4 is ended by a stop actuation 35 of the operator, again, for example, by the control unit 3. The closing 26 of the fresh water valve 4, carried out by the electrical control 2, in turn leads to the actual closing process 36 of the fresh water valve 4.

Im Anschluss daran kann eine Füllstandsabfrage 37 durch die elektrische Steuereinheit 2 erfolgen, auf die entweder ein Sensor oder der Benutzer eine Füllstandseingabe 38 vornimmt. Auf das Veranlassen des Öffnens 27 des Wasserauslassventils 6 durch die elektrische Steuerung 2 folgt die Öffnungsbewegung 39 des Wasserauslassventils 6, woraufhin ein Auslaufprozess 40 folgt, welcher bis zur Leerstandsignaleingabe 41 des Bedieners andauert. Wie bereits beschrieben, kann während des Auslaufprozesses 40 eine Pegelmessung im Wasserbehälter 1 zur Ermittlung der Abflusskoeffizienten erfolgen.This can be followed by a fill level query 37 by the electrical control unit 2, to which either a sensor or the user makes a fill level input 38. The opening of the water outlet valve 6 by the electrical control 2 is followed by the opening movement 39 of the water outlet valve 6, which is followed by a runout process 40 which continues until the operator enters the empty signal 41. As already described, a level measurement in the water tank 1 can take place during the run-out process 40 to determine the runoff coefficients.

Ein vorschlagsgemäßes Verfahren zur Regelung eines vorschlagsgemäßen Wasserarmatursystems ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Frischwasserventil 4 und das Wasserauslassventil 6 basierend auf der Kalibrierinformation so angesteuert werden, dass ein Füllstand 9 des Wasserbehälters 1 auf einen vorbestimmten Verlauf eingestelt wird, wobei vorzugsweise eine aktuelle Durchflussmenge des Frischwasserventils 4 im Wesentlichen einer aktuellen Abflussmenge des Wasserauslassventils 6 entspricht, um einen Füllstand 9 des Wasserbehälters 1 im Wesentlichen konstant zu halten.A proposed method for regulating a proposed water fitting system is characterized in that the fresh water valve 4 and the water outlet valve 6 are controlled based on the calibration information in such a way that a fill level 9 of the water container 1 is set to a predetermined course, preferably a current flow rate of the fresh water valve 4 essentially corresponds to a current discharge quantity of the water outlet valve 6 in order to keep a fill level 9 of the water container 1 essentially constant.

Ein vorschlagsgemäßes Computerprogramm weist Programmcodes zur Durchführung aller Verfahrensschritte eines vorschlagsgemäßen Verfahrens zur Kalibrierung eines Wasserarmatursystems oder eines vorschlagsgemäßen Verfahrens zur Regelung eines Wasserarmatursystems auf, wenn das Computerprogramm in einem Computer ausgeführt wird.A computer program according to the proposal has program codes for carrying out all the method steps of a method according to the proposal for calibrating a water fitting system or a proposed method for regulating a water fitting system when the computer program is executed in a computer.

Claims (15)

  1. Water fitting system comprising a water tank (1), an electrical control unit (2), an operator control unit (3), a fresh water valve (4), preferably an electrical valve (4a), one or more water inlet openings (5a-d) of the water tank (1), a water outlet valve (6), preferably an eccentric (6a), of the water tank (1), wherein the operator control unit (3) is coupled for signalling purposes to the electrical control unit (2), wherein the electrical control unit (2) is coupled for control purposes firstly to the fresh water valve (4) and secondly to the water outlet valve (6), and wherein the fresh water valve (4) is connected to at least one of the water inlet openings (5a-d), preferably to each of the water inlet openings (5a-d), via at least one supply pipe (7a-c),
    characterized
    in that the electrical control unit (2) has a data memory (8) for calibration information which relates a throughflow behaviour of the fresh water valve (4) to an outflow behaviour of the water outlet valve (6), and in that the electrical control unit (2) is designed to actuate the fresh water valve (4) and/or the water outlet valve (6) based on the calibration information such that a filling level (9) of the water tank (1) is set to a predetermined profile, preferably that a current throughflow rate of the fresh water valve (4) substantially corresponds to a current discharge rate of the water outlet valve (6) in order to keep a filling level (9) of the water tank (1) substantially constant.
  2. Water fitting system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fresh water valve (4) and/or the water outlet valve (6) can be manually actuated by a user, and in that the electrical control unit (2) is designed to actuate the respectively non-manually actuated fresh water valve (4) or water outlet valve (6) based on the calibration information such that a filling level (9) of the water tank (1) is set to a predetermined profile, preferably that a current throughflow rate of the fresh water valve (4) substantially corresponds to a current discharge rate of the water outlet valve (6) in order to keep a filling level (9) of the water tank (1) substantially constant.
  3. Water fitting system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrical control unit (2) is designed to execute a calibration routine in which the calibration information is produced based on a measurement of a water inlet quantity, which has flowed through the fresh water valve (4), in a filling routine and based on a measurement of a draining time out of the water tank (1) after the opening of the water outlet valve (6) in an emptying routine.
  4. Water fitting system according to Claim 3, characterized in that the measurement of the water inlet quantity is based on the reception of a filling level signal which is generated by the operator control unit (3), preferably wherein the filling level signal comprises information relating to a magnitude of the filling level (9) in the water tank (1).
  5. Water fitting system according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, characterized in that the measurement of the draining time is based on the reception of an empty state signal which is generated by the operator control unit (3).
  6. Water fitting system according to either of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the calibration information comprises discharge coefficients, wherein each discharge coefficient indicates a discharge rate out of the water outlet valve (6) and is associated with a level in the water tank (1), preferably wherein the discharge coefficients are ascertained based on levels in the water tank (1), which are measured in the emptying routine, after the opening of the water outlet valve (6) and/or are ascertained based on a geometry of the water tank (1).
  7. Water fitting system according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the water inlet openings (5a-d) have one or more floor inlet nozzles (12a-b) which are arranged, preferably substantially vertically, on a floor surface (11) of the water tank (1), and/or in that the water inlet openings (5a-d) have one or more water inlet nozzles (14) which are arranged, preferably substantially horizontally, on a wall surface (13) of the water tank (1).
  8. Water fitting system according to Claim 7, characterized in that a foot rest surface (15) with flow openings (16) is arranged above the floor surface (11) of the water tank (1), wherein the flow openings (16) are arranged such that at least one floor inlet nozzle (12a,b) is in alignment with one flow opening (16) in each case.
  9. Water fitting system according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the fresh water valve (4) is designed to supply fresh water to each of the water inlet openings (5a-c), in each case independently of one another, in a manner controlled by the electrical control unit (2), preferably such that only fresh water is supplied to all of the water inlet openings (5a-d), in particular wherein the water outlet valve (6) is connected to a discharge pipe (17).
  10. Water fitting system according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the fresh water valve (6) is connected to a cold fresh water line (18) and to a hot fresh water line (19).
  11. Water fitting system according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the water outlet valve is designed to assume only a closed state and an open state.
  12. Method for calibrating a water fitting system according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a filling routine is executed, in which at least the following method steps are run through:
    - opening (23) of the fresh water valve (4);
    - measurement (24) of a water inlet quantity flowing through the fresh water valve (4);
    - reception (25) of a filling level signal and
    - closing (26) of the fresh water valve (4);
    and wherein an emptying routine is executed, in which at least the following method steps are run through:
    - opening (27) of the water outlet valve (6);
    - reception (28) of an empty state signal;
    - measurement (29) of a draining time after the opening (27) of the water outlet valve (6) until the reception (28) of the empty state signal and
    - generation (30) of the calibration information based on the water inlet quantity and the draining time.
  13. Method according to Claim 12 for calibrating a water fitting system, characterized in that the said method comprises the determination of discharge coefficients, wherein each discharge coefficient indicates a discharge rate out of the water outlet valve (6) and is associated with a level in the water tank (1).
  14. Method for controlling a water fitting system according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the fresh water valve (4) and/or the water outlet valve (6) to be actuated based on the calibration information such that a filling level (9) of the water tank (1) is set to a predetermined profile, preferably that a current throughflow rate of the fresh water valve (4) substantially corresponds to a current discharge rate of the water outlet valve (6) in order to keep a filling level (9) of the water tank (1) substantially constant.
  15. Computer program with program code for carrying out all of the method steps according to one of Claims 12 to 14 when the computer program is run on a computer.
EP14158125.6A 2013-03-11 2014-03-06 Water fitting system Active EP2778301B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102013004092.2A DE102013004092A1 (en) 2013-03-11 2013-03-11 Water fitting system

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2778301A2 EP2778301A2 (en) 2014-09-17
EP2778301A3 EP2778301A3 (en) 2017-04-05
EP2778301B1 true EP2778301B1 (en) 2020-04-08

Family

ID=50236010

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14158125.6A Active EP2778301B1 (en) 2013-03-11 2014-03-06 Water fitting system

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2778301B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102013004092A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4042984A (en) * 1975-12-31 1977-08-23 American Bath And Shower Corporation Automatic bathtub water level control system
US4563780A (en) * 1983-06-29 1986-01-14 Pollack Simcha Z Automated bathroom
GB2174219B (en) * 1985-02-22 1988-09-21 James Iain Mcgregor Gilfillan A bath for bathing
DE3925590A1 (en) * 1989-08-02 1991-02-07 Preh Elektro Feinmechanik Automatic filling of domestic bath - has programmable controller responding to level and temperature sensors to control valves
DE10033479B4 (en) * 2000-07-10 2006-08-03 Hartmut Bergelt Water saving device with pump for sanitary showers

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2778301A3 (en) 2017-04-05
DE102013004092A1 (en) 2014-09-25
EP2778301A2 (en) 2014-09-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2649246B2 (en) Sanitary system with a central mixing facility
EP0844547A1 (en) Method and device for repeated dosing of fluids
EP2403643B1 (en) Water softening system and method for operating a water softening system comprising target value control through multiple water removal stations
DE2529021C2 (en) Dishwasher with adjustable rinsing liquor flow for at least two spray devices
DE202008006405U1 (en) Electronically controlled valve
DE102007042076A1 (en) Dishwasher i.e. commercial dishwasher, for washing dish e.g. cutlery, has control device adjusting speed of circulation pump for rinsing process depending on measurement results of temperature sensors and other sensors
DE3430176A1 (en) Device for mixing hot and cold water
EP0461722B1 (en) Inlet quantity control for dish washers and washing machines
DE3925590A1 (en) Automatic filling of domestic bath - has programmable controller responding to level and temperature sensors to control valves
EP3415055B1 (en) Drink preparation device with remaining time display and method for its operation
EP2778301B1 (en) Water fitting system
DE10029568A1 (en) Swimming pool water quality regulation system has touch screen microprocessor control system
EP4239133A1 (en) Device for providing a fluid and sanitary fitting system
EP2047834B1 (en) Electronic bathtub or wellness tub
DE102015001208A1 (en) plumbing fixture
DE102008031249A1 (en) Pressure sensor calibrating method for washing machine, involves changing liquid level in container over pre-determined time period, and measuring value marginally between phases, where value is equated with highest liquid level below drum
EP2047835B1 (en) Device comprising a device for controlling a functional component of a bathtub or whirlpool tub
EP1002582A1 (en) Method of operating a ion exchanger
DE102018001313B4 (en) Water supply device for supplying water at an adjustable temperature, system for water supply and method for operating a water supply device
DE102009042866A1 (en) Dishwasher, particularly commercial dishwasher, has rinsing device, which has two releasing elements for releasing fluid medium on dishes to be cleaned, where releasing elements are connected with feeding device for feeding fluid medium
DE20313450U1 (en) Heater for shower bath has heating control console with inputs for at least two heating programs
DE102013112328B4 (en) Water delivery system
EP4091991A1 (en) Device for the control of the components of a swimming pool
DE102022130742A1 (en) Sanitary fitting and method for operating a sanitary fitting
DE102007061683A1 (en) Dosing device for dosing e.g. care product utilized for hair cure in hotel, has three care product containers connected with water supply or mixing tap over controllable valve, where electronic controller is provided for controlling valve

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20140306

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

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

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: E03C 1/048 20060101ALN20170224BHEP

Ipc: E03C 1/05 20060101AFI20170224BHEP

Ipc: F16K 21/16 20060101ALI20170224BHEP

Ipc: G05D 23/13 20060101ALI20170224BHEP

Ipc: E03C 1/242 20060101ALI20170224BHEP

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

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

R17P Request for examination filed (corrected)

Effective date: 20171005

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

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

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20191104

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1254559

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200415

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502014013920

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20200408

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

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

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200808

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200708

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200817

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200709

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

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

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200708

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

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

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502014013920

Country of ref document: DE

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

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

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

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

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20210112

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

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

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

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

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

Effective date: 20210306

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20210331

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: 20210331

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20210306

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20210306

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20210306

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

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20210331

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

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20140306

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

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

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

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20230401

Year of fee payment: 10

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

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20240321

Year of fee payment: 11

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

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200408

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240325

Year of fee payment: 11