ES2367910T3 - DEVICE THAT INCLUDES A DEVICE FOR THE CONTROL OF A FUNCTIONAL ELEMENT OF A BATHTUB OR HYDROMASSAGE BATHTUB. - Google Patents

Abstract

The device comprises a functional part (9,17,18,19), an input unit (1.1,1.2) for input of function or program values, and a memory for storing of inputted function or program values. A display (4.1,4.2) is provided for displaying inputted or stored function or program values. An electronic control unit (5) for controlling the functional part corresponding to the inputted or stored function or program values.

Description

The invention relates to a device comprising a device for controlling at least one functional element of a bathtub or hot tub.

Bathtubs are available in multiple embodiments. Conventional bathtubs have a sealed drain hole at the bottom of the bathtub and an overflow hole at the top of the bathtub wall. The bathtubs are usually filled by a tub inlet fitting arranged next to the bathtub, the inlet opening also being integrated in the bathtub wall, being able to be arranged especially next to the overflow hole. The temperature of the bath water is regulated by the bathtub taps, normally the user keeps his hand inside the bath water to feel if the temperature of the water is pleasant. If the temperature of the bath water is unpleasantly cold or unpleasantly hot, cold or hot water is added, often, however, consuming more water than is actually necessary. Occasionally, a part of the newly added bath water is let out even through the drain or overflow of the bathtub so that the bath can be filled with hot or cold water in order to regulate a pleasant bath water temperature. A regulation of the temperature, that allows the saving of water and is more comfortable, is possible by means of bathtub taps that have a thermostatic mixing valve. However, the use of thermostatic mixing valves also often produces a higher unwanted consumption of water, for example, if a bathtub with this equipment is used by people with different temperature preferences and one of the users becomes aware too late of that the thermostatic mixing valve is regulated at a water temperature that is not individually desired.

The well-known hydromassage bathtubs are equipped with a control panel for the activation separately or together of several water nozzles or pumps, as well as, if necessary, for the regulation of the water temperature. If this type of hydromassage baths is used by people with different preferences of massage and / or water temperature, unnecessary consumption of energy often also occurs if one of the people realizes too late that the power of the pump or the last regulated heating power does not correspond to the water jet stream or the water temperature desired individually.

From US 6, 770, 043 B1 a hydrotherapy system for a bathtub or hydromassage bath arrangement is also known, which is comprised of a seating device with an arrangement of nozzles installed here which is located in a full hot tub. of water. The user can regulate the arrangement of the nozzles by means of a computerized control. The computerized control presents, among others, a memory, in which program sequences that can be requested by the user are stored. The selection of the program is carried out by means of an input device, the user being previously authorized by fingerprint or voice identification. In addition, the user can be entertained during program development with a monitor system or can work with a personal computer.

Document DE 201 04 810 U1 discloses an identification system for the activation of equipment and devices in bathrooms by means of biometric identification data (for example, fingerprints). The use of the control device and, therefore, the use of drive programs are possible here only when the system has identified the authorized user. After successfully authorizing, the user can carry out the desired program settings indicated on a screen using a keyboard. As the system also comprises an electronic database, stored program sequences preferred by the user can also be automatically initiated.

The mentioned documents US-B1-6 770 043 and DE 201 04 810 U1 disclose a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Other devices for controlling at least one functional element of a bathtub or hot tub are known from EP-A-0 626 164, EP-A-1 588 685 and FR-A-2 290 185.

However, these known devices have the disadvantage that they do not have an electronically controlled cleaning function.

Document DE 102 53 840 A1 discloses a shower arrangement that can be used for different purposes and comprises an installation unit that defines a longitudinal direction, has several showers on an essentially flat side, can be fixed in the area of its end and is pivotally arranged at least 30 degrees around an axis that runs transversely to the longitudinal direction. When pivoting, the installation unit can be adapted to a greater number of shower possibilities. In a completely vertical arrangement of the installation unit, a user can shower in the same way as in a conventional shower installation unit. If the installation unit is then pivoted from the vertical position at 45 degrees, a user can shower, for example, sitting in a bathtub with a seat. A motor drive can be provided to pivot the installation unit.

The present invention has the objective of providing a device that allows a comfortable and energy-saving control of a functional element of a bathtub or hot tub.

This objective is achieved according to the invention by means of a device with the characteristics of claim 1.

The device according to the invention essentially comprises at least one functional element of a bathtub or hydromassage bathtub, an input device for the input of function and / or program values, a memory for storing the entered values of function and / or program, a screen for displaying the values entered and / or stored of function and / or program, an electronic control unit for the control of the at least one functional element in correspondence with the values entered and / or stored of function and / or program, the memory being designed for storage, based on the user, of function and / or program values, and the input equipment being provided with a device for the identification of persons and / or for the detection of an identification of user, as well as a hand shower that is provided with a drive, so that when not used it can be inserted into a notch of the bathtub body or an enclosed wall module and for use is removed from the notch towards the position of use by activating the electronic control unit, activating the drive by means of the electronic control unit and automatically removing the hand shower from the bathtub body or of a wall-mounted module for cleaning the bathtub, and by activating the electronic control unit, the hand shower extracted by means of an electrically operated water valve, deactivating it after a predefined period of time and then automatically moving it backwards to the initial position.

Through the input device, a user can enter the desired function and / or program values, for example, water temperature, amount of water, dosage of sparkling bath products and aromatic substances, bath time or pump power of a hydromassage pump, and store the values entered in the memory with its name, a code, a user ID or similar.

By means of the device for the identification of people and / or for the detection of a user identification, a comfortable, fast and energy-saving control of one or several functional elements of a bathtub is obtained

or whirlpool bath, which is especially advantageous if the bathtub is used by people with different preferences regarding water temperature, the amount of water, the dosage of sparkling bath products and aromatic substances and / or a whirlpool.

In relation to the cleaning of the bathtub or hot tub, the device according to the invention comprises an electronically controlled cleaning function. For this purpose, the electronic control unit has a function that can be activated preferably with a magnetic card, a magnetic key or the like and causes a temporary interruption of the other programs and functions. During this temporary stop the bathtub can be cleaned if necessary, as well as all the water-conducting components of the device according to the invention. In this regard, by means of a corresponding activation of the bath drain valve and an existing adjustment drive preferably, according to a preferred configuration, which serves to operate a cover or sphere of a two-way closure of the drain fitting, it is guaranteed that the water and / or the liquid cleaning product used for cleaning can escape freely without further operation of the device.

The device according to the invention further comprises a hand shower which is provided with an actuation, for example, a linear adjustment drive, so that when not used it can be inserted into a notch of the bathtub body or of an enclosed wall module and for use it is removed from the notch towards the position of use by activating the electronic control unit. The hand shower can be removed by means of the input device, as well as by the device for the identification of persons and / or the detection of a user identification. The hand shower is used according to the invention for cleaning the bathtub or its components. In this regard, the extraction of the hand shower is activated with the electronically controlled cleaning function, mentioned above, by using a magnetic card, a magnetic key or the like.

In relation to the cleaning of the bathtub, it is provided according to the invention that the hand shower is provided with a drive that is activated by the electronic control unit and automatically removes the hand shower from the bathtub body or from an enclosed wall module for cleaning the bathtub, by activating the electronic control unit, the hand shower extracted by means of an electrically operated water valve, deactivating it after a predefined period of time and then automatically moving it back to the initial position (position no. use). According to an advantageous configuration, the device according to the invention has at least one biometric sensor, preferably at least one sensor for the detection of structures of people's finger lines. This configuration allows the user the particularly comfortable control of one

or several functional elements of the bathtub or hydromassage bathtub, without the need to enter a PIN code or similar as user identification. People, who have to memorize a plurality of user IDs and have ever forgotten one or another user ID, know how to value this user-friendly configuration.

To fill the bathtub or whirlpool in a very precise and specific manner according to the user, the device according to the invention has, according to another advantageous configuration of the invention, at least one electronically controlled filling valve, following the one arranged in the direction a step volume measuring device. The filling valve is preferably configured here as a mixing valve for mixing cold and hot water.

Another advantageous configuration of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the electronic control unit is operatively connected with a heating device for heating bath water, at least one temperature sensor for temperature detection being connected to the control unit of the water. In this regard, the heating device is preferably provided with a pump for the circulation of bath water. This configuration allows the temperature of the bath water to be kept constant.

According to another preferred configuration of the device according to the invention, its electronic control unit or its input equipment has at least one interface for connection to a data bus system or a heating installation, especially to building systems engineering . This configuration allows a remote operation of an installation for heating premises, for example, the heating of the bathroom, without the user of a bathtub equipped with the device according to the invention having to leave the bathtub. In this case, a temperature sensor for the detection of the ambient temperature is preferably connected to the control unit.

The interface configured for connection to a data bus system or to the systems engineering of the building also allows the control of one or several functional elements of the respective bathtub or whirlpool from any place located inside, as well as outside the building in issue, without having to access the room for this, in which the bathtub is mounted.

According to another configuration of the device according to the invention, the input equipment, the electronic control unit and / or at least one water level sensor connected to the electronic control unit are operated by battery or solar cells. By means of this configuration with energy autarchy of the aforementioned components, high operational safety can be obtained. The electronic filling valve of the device according to the invention is a filling valve that operates according to the closed circuit principle, that is, the filling valve closes automatically when the voltage supply is missing.

Other preferred and advantageous configurations of the device according to the invention appear in the dependent claims.

The invention is explained in detail below by means of a drawing containing several embodiments. The only figure shows in perspective view a bathtub represented in vertical longitudinal section with components, schematically represented, of a device according to the invention.

The device according to the invention serves to control at least one functional element of a bathtub or hot tub and comprises at least one input device 1.1, 1.2 for the input of function and / or program values.

In the drawing, an electronic input device 1.1 is integrated in the bathtub body 2, namely in the bathtub edge. Additionally, an external input device 1.2 is provided that can be fixedly or detachably mounted, for example, on a wall in the room, regardless of the bathtub. For the detachable mounting of the input equipment 1.2, suction cups or other detachable fixing means have been placed on its rear side.

The electronic input device 1.1, 1.2 has operating keys 3.1, 3.2 and a screen 4.1, 4.2. Screen 4.1,

4.2 is preferably made as a screen with readable text and composed, for example, of an LCD screen. Screen 4.1, 4.2 can be configured especially as a so-called "touch-screen", that is, as a touch screen. The operating keys are integrated in this case on the screen. By touching certain fields on screen 4.1, 4.2, functions and parameters can be adjusted or selected.

The device according to the invention further comprises a memory (not shown), in which function and / or program values entered via the input device 1.1, 1.2 can be stored. The memory is designed for a user-based storage of function and / or program values and is integrated in the input device 1.1, 1.2 or in the electronic control unit 5. The input device 1.1, 1.2 is connected , for example, via a signal line 6, to the electronic control unit 5.

The input device 1.1, 1.2 is provided according to the invention with a device for the identification of persons and / or for the detection of a user identification. A user identification can be entered using the operating keys 3.1, 3.2 of the input device 1.1, 1.2. The device for the identification of persons is, on the contrary, preferably composed of a 7.1, 7.2 or other biometric sensor.

The device for the detection of a user identification or identification of persons enables an automated activation of stored values of function and / or programs based on the user.

In addition to the automated activation of the stored values of function or programs, the device according to the invention also allows a manual activation of at least one functional element of the bathtub or the manual setting and activation of parameters, as well as programs.

The electronic control unit 5 can be operated with a low safety voltage (called safty extra low voltage) which is an especially low voltage. The connection for the voltage supply is identified by reference number 8.

Various functional elements of the bathtub are controlled by the control unit 5. Especially among the functional elements is an electronic filling valve 9. The filling valve 9 is configured as a mixing valve and has a water connection 10 for hot water and a water connection 11 for cold water. The filling valve 9 (mixing valve) is combined with a device 12 for measuring the volume of passage which is located next to it in the direction of passage. The filling valve 9 and the device for measuring the passage volume 12 are preferably grouped in a construction unit. From the step volume measuring device 12, an inlet duct 13 starts towards a bathtub inlet tap 14. The bathtub inlet fitting 14 can be configured as a combined inlet and overflow fitting. The tub inlet faucet 14 or the combined inlet and overflow fitting has at least one filling tubing leading to the bathtub 2.

At the bottom of the bathtub 2 a drain hole 15 is configured, in which a drain fitting 16 is installed which has a drain valve. The drain valve is coupled to a motor drive 17 integrated in the drain fitting 16 and activatable by the control unit 5.

The drain fitting 16 comprises a deflection 16.1 that acts as a siphon and can be connected to a drain conduit by means of a tubular part 16.2 rotating relatively thereto and provided with a union nut. The drain fitting 16 also has a pipe connection 16.3 between the drain 16.1 and the drain valve that serves as a branch. Under this branch another pipe joint (not shown) may be formed for connection to an overflow conduit. In the device according to the invention, however, a conventional overflow hole disposed in the upper area of the bath wall with an overflow conduit connected here can be dispensed with, as explained below.

A heating device 18 for heating the bath water is connected to the tube connection 16.3, as well as a pump 19 for transporting the bath water in a closed circuit. The heating device 18 and the pump 19 are grouped in a construction unit. The water continuously heated by the heating device 18 arrives through a conduit 20 to an inlet pipe which flows into the bathtub 2. The inlet pipe is preferably integrated with the filling pipe connected to the filling valve in the taps bathtub entrance 14.

In the drain fitting 16, between the pipe joint 16.3 that branches to the heating device 18 and the deflection 16.1 serving as a siphon, a lid or sphere is integrated that is part of a two-way closure. The two-way closure and the drain valve are coupled to an electric adjustment drive 17 which is activated by the control unit 5.

According to a preferred configuration of the device according to the invention, the electronic control unit 5 is also operatively connected with a metering device or pump (not shown) for an addition of sparkling bath products and / or aromatic substances to the bathtub 2. The device The dispenser used here is provided, if necessary, with an electronic shut-off valve or electronic pipe switch in order to guarantee a non-return safety.

A temperature sensor 21 for measuring the temperature of the bath water is also connected to the control unit 5, as well as at least one water level sensor 22. The temperature sensor 21 is preferably arranged in the drain fitting 16, near the drain valve.

The input equipment 1.1, 1.2 assigned to the bath 2, the functional elements of the bath (for example, the filling valve 9, the drain valve, the adjustment drive 17, the heating device 18 and the pump 19), as well as the sensors (the temperature sensor 21, the water level sensor 22) are connected via control lines or signal lines 6, 23-27 to the control unit 5. However, the input equipment 1.1, 1.2, the functional elements 9, 12, 17 18, 19 and the sensors 21, 22 can also be connected alternatively and preferably wirelessly to the control unit 5 via radio communication, as outlined in the drawing by antenna symbols .

In the electronic control unit 5, an interface 28 is also provided for the connection of the device according to the invention to a data bus system. The interface 28 enables the integration of the device according to the invention into a building systems engineering and, therefore, a remote operation of the device from anywhere in the building in question. Other functions can also be set using the data bus system, for example, the room temperature in the bathroom.

Therefore, by means of the entrance equipment 1.1, 1.2 in the bathroom as a mounting location for bathtub 2

or outside the bathroom by means of a control and display device connected to the data bus system, a user can enter function and / or program values, store the values entered based on the user and

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activate the functions of bathtub 2 and / or bath programs, especially savings programs. Thus, for example, you can adjust and activate the amount of bath water, the water temperature, an initial water temperature, a desired water temperature at a later time, the ambient temperature in the bathroom, the dosage of products of sparkling bath or aromatic substances with respect to the amount of water (filling volume), the entry of air into the bath water, the activation of certain nozzles or hydromassage pumps, the duration of the bath and the time and duration of a whirlpool

The user can especially create a bath program in correspondence with his preferences and store the program in the input device 1.1, 1.2 or in the control unit 5. The activation of the program is preferably carried out by means of the aforementioned device, for the identification of persons or the detection of a user identification. The stored bath parameters are then adjusted automatically, so that the user does not have to make any other adjustments.

The desired temperature of the incoming water is automatically regulated by means of the electronic mixing valve 9. The quantity of water supplied is detected here by the step volume measuring device 12. The temperature of the water supplied as a real value is simultaneously detected by means of a temperature sensor and compared by the electronic control unit 5 with the predefined temperature of water as nominal value. If the measured actual value differs by a predictable value from the actual value, the electronic mixing valve 9 is activated correspondingly, so that more hot water or more cold water is added and, therefore, the actual value is equal to the value nominal.

The temperature sensor 21 is preferably arranged in the bottom drain or in the bottom inlet of the bath 2 in the drain fitting 16. When the desired water temperature is obtained, the bath drain is automatically closed when the unit is activated. control electronics 5 the adjustment drive 17 that drives the drain valve. However, within the framework of the invention it is also provided that the electronic control unit 5 closes the bottom drain already before starting the water supply for the respective bath in order to minimize water consumption. Since the water in the hot water pipe loses heat energy, when the filling valve 9 (mixing valve) is opened, generally, relatively cold water comes from the hot water line 10 to the bathtub before circulating next hotter water from the hot water boiler of the building heating installation. A configuration of the invention provides in this sense that the electronic control unit 5 regulates the mixing ratio of hot water and cold water after a predefined or predefined time has elapsed after opening the mixing valve 9 depending on the temperature of the water bath detected by the temperature sensor 21. In this way, initial differences in regulation can be avoided by regulating the desired water temperature. For filling the bath 2 by means of a combined bottom inlet and drain, the device according to the invention is provided with an electronic shut-off valve or electronic pipe switch. This guarantees a non-return security.

When the bath 2 is full, the temperature sensor 21 continuously or discontinuously detects the temperature of the bath water. If the bath water temperature is below the predefined value or selected by the user, the electronic control unit 5 connects the heating device 18 and the assigned pump 19 to continue heating the bath water. If the bath water, transported in the closed circuit by means of the pump 19, reaches a certain temperature value again, the control unit 5 again disconnects the heating device 18 and the pump 19. In this way, the water temperature of Bath can be kept essentially constant.

The device according to the invention also provides an electronic overflow protection, as well as an electronic filling level regulation. For this purpose, it has at least one filling level sensor 22 connected to the control unit 5 via a signal line 23 or preferably wirelessly via radio communication. The filling level sensor 22 is preferably configured as a two-stage sensor powered by battery or solar cells. When a certain maximum filling level is exceeded, the filling level sensor 22 sends a corresponding signal to the control unit 5 which then automatically opens the drain valve of the bathtub 2 by activating the electric adjustment actuator

17. The drain of bathtub 2 also opens automatically if the level of bathtub filling exceeds a certain maximum level of filling due to the use of a hand shower. When a certain level of filling is not reached, the drain valve closes automatically if the duration of the bath introduced by the input device 1.1, 1.2 has not yet elapsed.

The proper function of the filling level sensor 22 is monitored by the electronic control unit 5. If the control unit 5 detects an erroneous function of the filling level sensor system, it interrupts the filling of the bathtub 2. Activation of the Filling valve 9 does not occur until the filling level sensor system works properly again.

The embodiment of the device according to the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above with reference to the drawing. Rather, numerous variants are possible. Thus, for example, the device according to the invention can also be used in a bathtub with hydromassage technique.

Alternatively to the water inlet tap 14, the device according to the invention may also have a combined inlet and drain fitting. In this case, the bathtub is filled by a bottom entrance.

In addition to the input device 1.1 integrated in the bathtub body 2 or to the external input equipment 1.2 that can be fixedly mounted, the device according to the invention can also be operated by means of an optional hand transmitter or a corresponding mobile and wireless remote control .

The present invention guarantees maximum comfort, a great ease of handling in the control of different functions of a bathtub or hydromassage bathtub, as well as an economical filling with respect to energy efficiency and water saving. The temperature of the bath water can be adjusted freely and continuously with the device according to the invention. An accurate supply of the amount of water is obtained through the filling valve 9 (mixing valve), electronically controlled, of the device. The invention guarantees safe protection

10 especially against overflowing over the edge of the bathtub when the bathtub 2 is filled. In addition, it guarantees protection against the cooling of the bath water by the subsequent heated heating at a previously selectable water temperature.

Claims (14)

one.

Device comprising a device for controlling at least one functional element of a bathtub or hot tub, the at least one functional element (9, 17, 18, 19) of the bathtub or hot tub (2), a device input (1.1, 1.2) for the input of function and / or program values, a memory for storing the entered function and / or program values, a screen (4.1, 4.2) for displaying the entered values and / or stored of function and / or program and an electronic control unit (5) for the control of at least one functional element (9, 17, 18, 19) in correspondence with the values entered and / or stored of function and / or program, the memory being designed for storage, based on the user, of function and / or program values, and the input equipment (1.1, 1.2) being provided with a device for the identification of persons and / or for the detection of a user identification, characterized or by a hand shower that is provided with a drive, so that when not used it can be inserted into a notch of the bathtub body or a wall module attached and for use it is extracted from the notch to the position of use by activating the electronic control unit (5), activating the drive by means of the electronic control unit (5) and automatically removing the hand shower from the bathtub body (2) or from the enclosed wall module for cleaning the the bathtub, and activating the electronic control unit (5), the hand shower extracted by means of an electrically operated water valve, deactivating it after a predefined period of time and then automatically moving it back to the initial position.

2.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device for the identification of people has at least one biometric sensor, preferably a sensor for the detection of structures of the fingerprints of people.

3.

Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electronic control unit (5) is operatively connected with a filling valve (9) as a functional element for a water inlet in the bathtub or hot tub (2), being configured the filling valve (9) preferably as a mixing valve for mixing cold and hot water.

Four.

Device according to claim 3, characterized in that, following the filling valve (9), a device (12) for measuring the passage volume is arranged in the direction of passage.

5.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the electronic control unit (5) is operatively connected with a heating device (18) as a functional element for heating bath water, the heating device (18) being preferably provided of a pump (19) as a functional element for the circulation of bath water.

6.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one temperature sensor (21) for the detection of the water temperature and / or the ambient temperature is connected to the electronic control unit (5).

7.

Device according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the heating device (18) is made so that it heats the bath water to a predictable temperature of the bath water if the bath water does not reach a minimum predictable temperature.

8.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the electronic control unit (5) is operatively connected to a drain valve as a functional element for a drain of the water of the bathtub or hot tub (2).

9.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the electronic control unit (5) is operatively connected with a metering device or pump as a functional element for the addition of sparkling bath products and / or aromatic substances to the bathtub or bathtub whirlpool (2).

10.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the electronic control unit (5) has at least one interface (28) for connection to a data bus system or a heating installation.

eleven.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the electronic control unit (5) is operatively connected via a wireless connection with the input equipment (1.1, 1.2) and / or the at least one functional element (9, 12 , 17, 18, 19).

12.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the input equipment (1.1, 1.2) and / or the electronic control unit (5) is operated by battery or solar cells.

13.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the electronic control unit

(5)

at least one filling level sensor (22) is connected, the filling level sensor being connected

(22)

preferably wirelessly to the electronic control unit (5).

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the at least one filling level sensor (22) is operated by battery or solar cells.