U.S. patent application number 10/772906 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-12 for electronic mixed water preparation device and method for preparing mixed water.
This patent application is currently assigned to Innotech Electronic GmbH. Invention is credited to Petzold, Heiko, Wack, Volker.
Application Number | 20040155116 10/772906 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7933224 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040155116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wack, Volker ; et
al. |
August 12, 2004 |
Electronic mixed water preparation device and method for preparing
mixed water
Abstract
An electronic mixed water preparation device comprises a compact
flush-mounted unit for electronically controlling mixed water in
private households. Previously, such methods could only be
implemented in an industrial environment or in combination with
additional devices. The compact unit comprises an electronic
controller and a step motor which acts upon a mechanical actuator.
The preparation of mixed water can be exclusively carried out in
conjunction with a temperature sensor whose measuring values are
used to detect throughflow and excess temperature, in addition to
actual temperature values.
Inventors: |
Wack, Volker; (Bruchsal,
DE) ; Petzold, Heiko; (Waghausel, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM COLLARD
COLLARD & ROE, P.C.
1077 NORTHERN BOULEVARD
ROSLYN
NY
11576
US
|
Assignee: |
Innotech Electronic GmbH
|
Family ID: |
7933224 |
Appl. No.: |
10/772906 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10772906 |
Feb 5, 2004 |
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10149957 |
Jun 17, 2002 |
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6688530 |
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10149957 |
Jun 17, 2002 |
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PCT/DE00/04680 |
Dec 13, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
236/12.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05D 23/1393
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
236/012.12 |
International
Class: |
G05D 023/13 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 18, 1999 |
DE |
199 61 183.1 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An electronic mixed water preparation device (1) comprising: an
operating unit (3) for presetting a nominal value; an electronic
controller unit (6) acting on a control line for preparing mixed
water via a mechanical setting element (17) depending on a
temperature sensor (13) for detecting an actual value, the
electronic controller unit (6) and the mechanical setting element
(17) being arranged in one single compact device unit (2) suited
for mounting under plaster, wherein the setting element (17) acts
on one single rotatably supported setting body (21), so that a
mixture of hot and cold water corresponding with its rotational
position and admittable through a hot water inlet (10) and a cold
water inlet (11) can be produced.
2. The electronic mixed water preparation device according to claim
1, wherein the control line for detecting the actual value is
exclusively in data transmission connection with a temperature
sensor (13).
3. The electronic mixed water preparation device according to claim
1, wherein the setting element is a stepping motor actively
connected via a transmission (20) with a two-way mixing valve (21)
in a mixer body (8), said mixer body (8) comprising one cold water
and one hot water connection (10 and 11).
4. The electronic mixed water preparation device according to claim
1, wherein the controller unit (6) comprises a micro-controller
(30) having its own computer unit (31), as well as a data memory
and a program memory (32, 33), wherein the controller unit (6) is
connected to an interface module (5) for connecting diagnostic
and/or programming devices.
5. The electronic mixed water preparation device according to claim
1, wherein the operating unit (3) comprises an indicator (26),and
an input unit (23, 24, 25).
6. The electronic mixed water preparation device according to claim
5, wherein the indicator is a display comprising at least three
alpha-numerical symbols, each with a seven-segment display; and
wherein the input unit is a keyboard with a menu key and at least
two selector keys (24 and 25).
7. The electronic mixed water preparation device according to claim
1, wherein one or more water-feeding systems can be connected to
the electronic mixed water preparation device (1); and wherein
individual water-supplying systems can be selected and controlled
via the operating unit (3).
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/149,957, filed on Jun. 17, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,530,
issued on Feb. 10, 2004, the disclosure of which is herein
incorporated by reference. This application also claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. 365 of International Application No.
PCT/DE00/04680. The international application was not published in
English. Applicants also claim priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 of
German Application No. 199 61 183.1 filed Dec. 18, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a mixed water preparation device
comprising an operating unit for inputting a nominal value, and an
electronic controller unit that acts via a mechanical adjusting
element on a control line for preparing mixed water depending on a
temperature sensor for detecting the actual value. The invention,
furthermore, relates to a method, in connection with which a
nominal value, which can be input and preset via an operating unit,
is acting upon a control line by means of a mechanical adjusting
element for preparing mixed water via an electronic controller unit
depending on an actual value detected with the help of a
temperature sensor.
[0004] 2. The Prior Art
[0005] Such an electronic preparation of mixed water is known from
DE 40 26 110. This known device is a system for preparing mixed
water that comprises cold and hot water inlets, as well as a mixed
water drain, and a control valve that is arranged upstream of the
mixing chamber. An electronic controller and a digitally operating
controller and computer unit are associated with the control valve.
The controller and computer unit cooperates with a program memory.
The mixed water can be prepared either with the help of the preset
values input via an operating unit, or based on the values
specified in a control program filed in the program memory.
[0006] This development is particularly based on the problem of
fitting existing mixed water batteries with an electronic
controller at a later time. The drawback of this construction set
for equipping an existing system at some later time is that this is
an additional external device. This device can be used only in rare
cases within the sphere of private applications because the space
conditions in the area of bathrooms are confined.
[0007] Furthermore, such a high-quality mixed water preparation
system is associated with optical restrictions due to an additional
device that can be mounted only on plaster, which is usually
perceived as being not very visually attractive. Mounting the
additional device on the plaster is mandatory because the idea and
purpose of the known device is to be able to replace the program
memory associated with the control valve when so required. The
device must be freely accessible for such an exchange.
[0008] A comparable electronic mixed water preparation system has
become known also from GB-A 2 056 627. A motor acts there via a
transmission mechanism on a piston rod that can be displaced
transversally in the direction of its longitudinally axis. On its
free end, this piston rod has a hollow-cylindrical valve element
for selectively closing a hot and cold water inlet. For actuating
the valve, the valve element can be moved via the piston rod that
can be transversally moved back and forth by the motor. This valve
construction requires great expenditure. The construction volume
needed for a defined amount of through-flow is comparatively large.
Only limited reaction or switching times can be achieved with such
proportional valves. Sealing of the piston rod against the valve
housing requires much expenditure, and an increased amount of wear
occurs conditioned by the comparatively large transverse
stroke.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a
device and a method for the electronic preparation of mixed water
that avoids the drawbacks existing in the prior art and is suitable
in the sphere of the private home and household.
[0010] Because the setting element acts on a rotationally supported
setting body, so that a mixture of the hot and cold water that can
be admitted through a hot water inlet and is corresponding with its
rotational position, can be produced within the mixer body, it is
possible to create an electronic mixed water preparation device
that is suitable for installation under plaster because of its
minimal construction volume, whereby it is possible to achieve
particularly rapid reaction or switching times as well as favorable
conditions for sealing and wear.
[0011] According to the invention, both the electronic controller
and the mechanical setting element are arranged in one single,
compact unit of the device, It is therefore possible to install the
entire electronic device for preparing mixed water under the
plaster. In addition, the compact and closed type of construction
of the device permits dispensing with long cable installations that
are susceptible to trouble. Furthermore, the electronic controller
is optimally coordinated with the mechanical setting element.
[0012] A further surprising advantage can be achieved in that the
preparation of the mixed water is completely controlled exclusively
by means of one single temperature sensor. The omission of a
diverse sensor system requiring considerable expenditure eliminates
error sources and, furthermore, reduces costs required otherwise.
This reduced sensor system can be compensated by ingeniously
processing the measured values.
[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, there is a
stepping motor serving as the setting element. This stepping motor
acts on a two-way mixing valve. Such an arrangement offers the
benefit that the pre-specified control value is translated directly
and clearly by means of the described setting element. This
constitutes a distinct improvement vis-a-vis the elements
comprising an expanding substance or bimetallic disks of the type
usually employed for the preparation of mixed water. The setting
elements mentioned last operate depending on the temperature, so
that the behavior of the controller may change depending on the
adjusted temperature.
[0014] A highly accurate temperature control would therefore always
require the setting element to be monitored accordingly. This,
however, is feasible only with substantial expenditure because of
the behavior of the setting elements of the type specified above,
which is highly dependent on the material employed for such
elements and on the temperature.
[0015] The electronic device for preparing mixed water is
advantageously connected with an interface module for connecting to
it diagnostic and/or programming devices. The interface module may
be used either for error diagnosis and purposes of
parameterization, or for storing the required control programs.
Furthermore, the interface module may permit a remote control of
the electronic preparation of mixed water by means of a conductive
connection or with the help of an infrared or radio control system.
The device installed under the plaster may be supported via the
interface module as well.
[0016] By providing a display unit serving as the operating unit,
which comprises a display monitor in addition to an input unit, it
is possible to take into account the fact that the electronic
preparation of mixed water offers a whole series of additional
possibilities and increased operating comfort.
[0017] In its simplest form, the display is a three-digit display,
whereby each alphanumerical is preferentially designed in the form
of a seven-segment display. This display is substantially used for
displaying the nominal and/or the actual temperatures.
[0018] Furthermore, in its simplest form, the operating unit
comprises a menu key as well as two selector keys.
[0019] The capacity of the electronic device for preparing mixed
water readily permits supplying one single device of this type with
a great number of water outlets for mixed water prepared
accordingly. The CPU of the device for preparing mixed water can be
used in this connection for controlling the selected mixed water
outlet in a targeted manner.
[0020] The invention also comprises a method for preparing mixed
water. The entire process for the preparation of mixed water can be
carried out in this connection by means of only one single
temperature sensor by conducting a gradient evaluation of the
determined temperature curve in addition to a detection of only the
actual temperature value. The curve of the temperature gradient
makes it possible to determine whether through-flow of water is
taking place or not.
[0021] The method as defined by the invention thus permits an
acquisition of the through-flow without employing for this purpose
a suitable through-flow sensor.
[0022] In an advantageous, further development implementation of
the method as defined by the invention, tracking of the setting
element is switched off as soon and as long as the gradient of the
temperature curve drops and is falling short of a threshold value
that can be preset. In the concrete realization of the method, this
means that the temperature is controlled only when through-flow of
water is in fact taking place.
[0023] By switching off the setting element, which preferably is a
stepping motor, any unnecessary consumption of water as well as any
premature wear of the components installed under the plaster are
avoided. The mechanically driven components of the control valve
would otherwise be constantly moved even when no water is flowing
through.
[0024] Finally, in connection with the method as defined by the
invention, it is possible to distinguish between at least two
temperature control ranges with different control accuracy. This
makes it possible to provide for fine control within the normally
useful range. This range can be provided with a controlling
accuracy of, for example down to one tenth or half a degree. Such
controlling accuracy is not required outside of the normal useful
range. This range has to be detected only because the external
ambient conditions have to be determined, in particular the ambient
temperature. However, in order to change from this rough control
range to the fine control range, it is not necessary to operate the
system with final accuracy. Furthermore, this distinction between
rough and fine control prolongs the useful life of the system
because unnecessary movements of the setting element can be avoided
in this way.
[0025] This feature can be developed further by preventing the
setting element from tracking outside of a defined temperature
range as well. This, too represents a measure that is implemented
for avoiding unnecessary wear and consumption of energy.
[0026] In another, further developed embodiment, the method as
defined by the invention is used for evaluating the gradient of the
temperature curve for the purpose of detecting excess temperatures
and/or failure of the cold water feed. The detection of any excess
temperature represents an important safety feature in the sphere of
the private household in order to prevent scalding of the user. The
same aim is served if it is detected in due time whether the feed
of cold water possibly may be interrupted. Any failure of the feed
of cold water will otherwise in the first instant lead to a
discharge of overheated water as well, which absolutely needs to be
prevented for safety reasons.
[0027] A further feature of the efficiency of the method as defined
by the invention lies in the fact that the controller unit is
conceived as a controller equipped with the feature of
self-parameterization. When the system is started up for the first
time, at least one limit of the control range is reached, and a
histogram is recorded during the further operation with the help of
successfully controlled temperatures. The system is accordingly
self-adjusting and, most of all, self-learning because the
histograms are continuously processed and up-dated as the system is
in operation, and, moreover, become increasingly more accurate as
the operating duration of the system is increasing.
[0028] Furthermore, the storage element associated with the
controller can be advantageously used in such a way that the
aforementioned range of fine control can be defined without
problems in different ways. For example, a distinction can be made
between individual user profiles. For example, the temperature
range to be used for small children is different from the one set
for adults.
[0029] This can be taken into account by filing corresponding user
profiles in the above-mentioned memory element.
[0030] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the
controller is connected to an operating data acquisition device. It
is possible in this way to realize additional features pertaining
to comfort, like an operating hour counter or presetting time
periods for the use of water in the hotel and restaurant
trades.
[0031] Finally, fixed control programs can be programmed and called
off as well, such as, or example a program for thermal
disinfection, by which an extremely high temperature is controlled
for a defined length of time. Such a program is very valuable, for
example for thermal disinfection for killing legionellae.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] Other objects and features of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description considered
in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be
understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an
illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the
invention.
[0033] In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote
similar elements throughout the several views:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a basic representation of an electronic device for
preparing mixed water shown by a block diagram.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a cross section through a unit of the device for
preparing mixed water.
[0036] FIG. 3 shows an operating unit of the device for preparing
mixed water.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the controller unit with inputs
and outputs; and
[0038] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram for controlling the
temperature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0039] FIG. 1 shows an electronic mixed water preparation device 1.
The device 1 for preparing mixed water is substantially comprised
of a compact device unit 2 that can be completely mounted under
plaster. The unit 2 of the device is connected for data
communication with an operating unit 3 or fitting for operating the
device. The unit 3 is functionally communicating most of the time
with a water outlet that is operated via the drain 4 of the device
unit 2. Furthermore, the unit 2 of the device is connected to an
interface module 5. The interface module 5 may be installed either
spatially removed from the device unit 2, or it may be integrated
in the device unit 2. In this connection, the interface module 5 is
in any case installed in such a way that diagnostic and/or
programming devices can be connected to the interface module 5 from
the outside. For example, an RS 405 interface may be mounted on the
plaster and be in data communication connection with the device
unit 2. The device unit 2 is substantially comprised of an
electronic controller 6 that contains a stepping motor in addition
to the actual electronic controller. This stepping motor is
connected via a transmission 20 with the actual mixer unit 7 and
the control valve installed in the mixing unit 7. The mixer unit 7
is operating in a purely mechanical way and is substantially
comprised of a mixer body 8 comprising a hot water inlet and a cold
water inlet 10 and 11, respectively. The supplied hot and cold
water is mixed within the mixer body 8 at the ratio preset by the
electronic controller 6, and the nominal temperature preset via the
operating unit 3 is ideally adjusted in this way.
[0040] The through-flow control 12, which needs no detailed
explanation here, usually engages within the zone of the water
outlet 4. Furthermore, a temperature sensor 13 for detecting the
actual temperature, which reports the given actual value back to
the controller unit 6, is arranged within the area of the
through-flow control 12.
[0041] The exact structure of the compact device unit 2 is shown in
greater detail in FIG. 2. Within this device unit 2, a base plate
14 is screwed to an angled metal sheet 15. The angled metal sheet
15 furthermore supports a holding metal sheet 16 with a small plate
that is substantially fitted with the components for building up
the electronic controller unit 6. The electronic controller unit 6
is acting on a stepping motor 17 serving as the setting element.
Via the transmission 20, the stepping motor is acting on a
rotationally supported setting body 20. The hot or cold water 10 or
11, respectively, is opened to a greater or lesser extent depending
on the rotational position of the setting body 21, and a water
mixture corresponding with the given position of the setting body
21 is produced within the mixer body 8. The water mixture is
flowing out via the outlet 4. The setting body 21 is sealed off
versus the mixer body 8 by means of a gland nut 22.
[0042] The device unit 2 explained above, of course, also can be
structured with some other geometric arrangement without changing
its functionality. Important is only that a controller unit 6 is
acting on a stepping motor 17, and that the latter is adjusting a
setting body 21 via a transmission 20 in a defined manner. As
opposed to the solutions comprising expanding substance elements or
bimetallic elements conventionally employed, the given position of
the transmission 20 represents a clearly defined and detectable
quantity of the instantaneous position of the setting element and
thus of the adjusted hot-and-cold-water mixture.
[0043] The nominal values specified and to be transmitted to the
setting element 21 via the controller unit 6 are input by means of
the operating unit 3, which is shown in greater detail in FIG.
3.
[0044] In a particularly simple and advantageous embodiment, the
operating unit 3 is comprised of a menu key 23 and the two selector
keys 24 and 25, as well as of a three-digit alphanumerical display
26. This display is shown in the form of a three-digit display in
the present case, whereby each individual alphanumerical symbol is
realized in the form of a conventional seven-segment display.
[0045] The controller unit 6, which is arranged in the compact
device unit 2, is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4. In addition to
a micro-controller 30 with an integrated program memory 32, the
controller unit 6 also comprises a data memory 33. Furthermore, the
controller unit 6 is provided with a serial interface 34 for
connecting the interface module 5. An interface driver 35 is
associated with the serial interface 34. Furthermore, the
controller unit 6 is connected for data communication with a reset
controller 36 as well as an operating data memory 37. Finally, the
controller unit 6 comprises the various digital inputs and outputs
40 for connecting the operating unit 3 and the stepping motor 17.
The temperature sensor 13 is connected with the controller unit 6
via the different measuring amplifiers 41 and 42 and via an
analog/digital converter 40, which is integrated in the
micro-controller 30.
[0046] The different measuring amplifiers 41 and 42 are required in
order to realize different control degrees of accuracy of
distinguishable temperature ranges. For example, a temperature
range outside of the usual temperature can be defined that is
provided only with rough control. This temperature range, which is
usually wider, can be provided with a measuring amplifier with
lower resolution because the measured values as such exhibit
greater differences there than in the temperature range provided
with fine control.
[0047] Both programs and the data memory can be parameterized via
the serial interface 34. The initial parameterization of the device
takes place in this connection with the help of a program filed by
the manufacturer in the program memory 32 of the micro-controller
30. According to this program, the entire control range is run
through prior to the first start-up until the one end of the
mechanical adjustment range of the setting body 21 that is marked
by one of two corresponding limit switches, has been reached. The
position corresponding with this one limit switch is secured in the
data memory 33. The targeted end point of the control range will be
the reference of "cold water only" in most cases.
[0048] In addition, while the device is in operation, each position
of the setting element that the latter has reached for realizing a
preset temperature, or the preset nominal values corresponding with
that position, are filed in the data memory 33 in the form of a
histogram that is continually changing and becoming more
detailed.
[0049] The device 1 for preparing mixed water thus represents a
self-learning and self-adapting system.
[0050] A conventional temperature control is shown in a flow
diagram according to FIG. 5. There, the controller 6 is acting on
the control valve via the stepping motor 17. A first secondary
control circuit therefore consists in controlling the
actual/nominal position of the stepping motor 17. The preset
nominal temperature of the operating unit 3 is acting on this
control circuit first. This superimposed control circuit receives
an acknowledge message reporting the actual value via the
temperature sensor 13 which, as stated earlier, acts on the first
measuring amplifier 41 or the second measuring amplifier 42
depending on the determined temperature range. Depending on the
quantity, the delayed measured value is supplied as the actual
value to the controller unit 6 via a high- or low-pass filter for
preserving the registration stability, whereby an attendant
evaluation of the values transmitted by the temperature sensor 13
is used for detecting the through-flow, the excess temperature, or
any water failure. In the event the gradient evaluation determines
that one of these events has occurred, the controller is supplied
with a constant nominal value, which drives the stepping motor 17
immediately into a position terminating the water supply.
[0051] Thus the above describes a method and a device for the
electronic preparation of mixed water that permits preparing mixed
water by means of a compact device unit 2 in association with an
operating comfort not reached heretofore. High controlling speed
combined with extremely low expenditure in terms of sensor
equipment at the same time, is achieved by virtue of optimal
coordination between the electronic control and the mechanical
adjusting elements. The entire preparation of mixed water
substantially can take place by means of only one single
temperature sensor.
[0052] Accordingly, while only a few embodiments of the present
invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many
changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *