Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
1
A movement mechanlSm for moving a Closure element for the
purposes of sealing a waste outlet opening
The present invention relates to a movement mechanism for moving
a closure element for the purposes of sealing a waste outlet
opening, in particular a waste outlet opening of a sink or a
washstand.
Known sinks are provided with a mechanical movement mechanism
for moving a closure element for the purposes of sealing a waste
outlet opening of the sink wherein the mechanism comprises a
rotary operating knob that is provided on the upper surface of
the sink and causes a movement of the closure element from an
open position into a closed position or in the reverse direction
when it is rotated by a user of the sink. Hereby, the rotary
motion of the rotary operating knob is converted into a linear
motion of the closure element by means of a cable-pull
connection for example.
However, such a cable-pull connection has the disadvantage that
twisting of the cable due to an adverse mounting position can
make the operation of the rotary operating knob considerably
more difficult. Furthermore, the cable-pull connection limits
the possibilities in regard to the design of the pipe-work
connections to the sink. Moreover, a rotary operating knob
projecting above the upper surface of the sink presents an
obstruction to the cleaning of the sink and enable: lime, dirt
and bacteria to accumulate. In some circumstances, the rotary
operating knob projecting above the upper surface of the sink
may also have an adverse effect upon the overall aesthetic
appearance of the sink.
Consequently, the object of the present invention .is to provide
a movement mechanism for moving a closure element for the
purposes of sealing a waste outlet opening of a sink or a
washstand. which is operable in a simple and reliable manner and
which permits of a large degree of flexibility in regard to the
design of the sink and the connections to the sink or the
washstand..
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
2
In accordance with the invention, this object is achieved in the
case of a. movement mechanism incorporating the features
indicated. in the preamble of Claim 1 in that the movement
mechanism. comprises an electrically operated drive element.
Due to th.e fact that the movement of the closure element from
the open position into the closed position or in the reverse
direction is effected by means of an electrically operated drive
element, the result obtained thereby is that the power required
to move the closure element no longer has to be applied by the
user through the operation of an actuating element,, a rotary
operating knob for example, but rather this driving power is
produced independently of the user by the electrically operated
drive element. This permits a more ergonomic, simple and safe
operation. of the movement mechanism, in particular,, even if the
user has wet hands.
Since, in the case of the movement mechanism in accordance with
the invention, a mechanical drive train no longer has to be
extended from a rotary operating knob to the closure element,
the movement mechanism is easier to install and is more flexible
in regard to the design of the disposition, alignment and
construction of its components.
when the closure element reaches one of its end positions, the
movement mechanism can be switched off by means of a limit
switch.
In particular, provision may be made for the movement mechanism
to comprise an electric motor.
Preferably, provision is made for the movement mechanism to
comprise an electrically operated servomotor.
The electric motor can be provided with a reduction gear, and in
particular with a spur gear in order to obtain a relatively slow
movement of the closure element as is generally preferred by
users of the sink or the washstand.
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3
As an alternative or in addition thereto, provision may be made
for the movement mechanism to comprise an electromagnet.
In particular, provision may be made for the electromagnet to
comprise a moveable element which is moveable from a first end
position that is associated with the open position of the
closure element into a second end position that is associated
with the closed position of the closure element.
Furthermore, provision may be made for the movement mechanism to
comprise a coupling device by means of which a linear movement
of an element of the electromagnet is convertible into a rotary
movement.
In particular, provision may be made for such a coupling device
to comprise a Bowden cable.
Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the movement mechanism
in accordance with the invention, provision is made for the
movement mechanism to comprise a control device for controlling
the drive element.
An especially high degree of flexibility in regard to the
possibilities for operating and controlling the movement
mechanism is obtained, if the control device comprises a
programmable controller, and in particular, a micro-controller.
Furthermore, provision is preferably made for the movement
mechanism to comprise at least one actuating element for
initiating a movement of the closure element.
Such an actuating element may comprise a switch for example, and
in particular a push-button switch.
As an alternative or in addition thereto, such an actuating
element can comprise a capacitive sensor for example.
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4
In a preferred embodiment of such an actuating element,
provision is made for the actuating element to comprise a cover
for the sensor, preferably on the viewing side.
In order to ensure that a change of capacitance in the region
above the cover is detectable by the sensor, provision is
advantageously made for the cover to be formed from a dielectric
material.
As an alternative to or in addition to a capacitive sensor,
provision. may also be made for the actuating element to
comprise a pressure-sensitive sensor.
In particular, provision may be made for the actuating element
to comprise a piezoelectric sensor.
In order to prevent false triggering of a pressure--sensitive
sensor due to pressure being applied to the sink outside the
detection. region of the sensor, provision may be made for the
actuating element to comprise a cover which is moveable relative
to the sink or the washstand. The application of pressure to
the cover' then causes the pressure-sensitive sensor to respond,
whereas the cover which is moveable relative to the sink or the
washstand is decoupled from the sink or the washstand in such a
way that false triggering due to pressure being applied to
another part of the sink or the washstand is not possible.
In order to prevent false triggering of the actuating element
due to large objects being placed on the sink or the washstand
and/or du.e to water standing on the upper surface of the sink or
the washstand, provision is made in a preferred embodiment of
the movement mechanism for the actuating element to comprise at
least two sensors which have detection regions that differ from
one another, wherein a movement of the closure element is then
initiated. if one of the sensors responds and the respective
other sensor does not respond.
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Furthermc>re, in order to prevent false triggering of the
actuating element, it is of advantage, if the actuating element
comprises at least one sensor of adjustable sensitivity.
The sensitivity can be adjusted either at the sensor itself or
by means of the control device for the movement mechanism.
In order to protect a sensor from humidity and dirt, provision
may be made for the movement mechanism to comprise a sensor
arranged in a housing.
In preferred embodiments of the movement mechanism in accordance
with the invention, provision is made for the actuating element
to be arranged on the sink or the washstand and formed in such a
way that it does not project upwardly above the upper surface of
the region of the sink or the washstand surrounding the
actuating element. This thus prevents the actuating element
forming a.n elevated area on the sink or the washstand which
would make cleaning the surface of the sink or the washstand
more difficult and permit the build up of an accumulation of
lime, dirt and/or bacteria.
It is particularly expedient in this regard, if the actuating
element is arranged on the lower surface of the sink or the
washstand where it is particularly well protected :From
contamination and water splashes.
In order to indicate the position of the actuating element to
the user of the sink or the washstand in this case, a marking,
for example a coloured marking, a local elevation of the surface
of the sink or the washstand or a stamped impression, is
preferably provided at that position on the upper surface of the
sink or the washstand which is located above the actuating
element so as to indicate the position of the actuating element
to the user.
If the sink or the washstand has several waste outlet openings,
then provision is advantageously made for the movement mechanism
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to comprise several drive elements for moving a respective
closure element of a waste outlet opening.
In particular, provision may be made for a drive train to be
provided for each closure element, wherein the drive trains are
selectively connectable to a drive motor by a clutch mechanism.
As an alternative thereto, provision may also be made for a
separate drive motor to be provided for each drive train.
In order to enable the drive elements for the closure elements
of the different waste outlet openings to be operated
independently of each other, provision may be made hereby for
the movement mechanism to comprise several actuating elements,
wherein each actuating element is adapted to initiate the
movement of a respective closure element associated with this
said actuating element.
As an alternative or in addition thereto, provision may also be
made for the movement mechanism to comprise at least one
actuating element with the aid of which the movement of one of
at least two closure elements is adapted to be selectively
initiated. The number of actuating elements that have to be
provided can be reduced in this way.
In this case, provision can be made for example for the
actuating element to be actuatable in at least two mutually
differing manners, wherein each manner of actuation initiates a
movement of a closure element that is associated with the manner
of actuation concerned.
Thus, for' example, provision can be made for at least two of the
manners of actuation of the actuating element to differ in
regard to the duration of the effect produced by a user on the
actuating element.
In particular, provision could be made for the one closure
element to be moved in the event of a long duration of actuation
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7
of the actuating element and for another closure element to be
moved in the event of a short duration of actuation.
As an alternative or in addition thereto, provision may also be
made for at least two of the manners of actuation to differ from
one another in regard to the number of successive times that an
effect is produced by the user on the actuating element within a
given time interval.
Thus, prevision could be made for a single actuating action by
the user to initiate a movement of the one closure element,
whereas two actuating actions by the user following each other
within a given time interval would initiate the mo~;rement of
another closure element.
The movement mechanism in accordance with the invention
advantageously exhibits an additional overflow protective
function, if the movement mechanism comprises at least one
sensor which initiates a movement of the closure e:Lement
associated with the basin concerned into the open position when
a given level is reached in this basin of the sink or the
washstand.
A capacit.ive sensor is preferably used as such an overflow
sensor, this then initiating an actuating signal due to the
change of capacitance occurring in the proximity o:E the sensor
as a result of the water rising into the detection region of the
overflow protection sensor.
In particular, provision may be made for the drive element to be
controlled in such a way that it moves the closure element into
an open position if the level in the basin exceeds a first
threshold value, and for the drive element to move the closure
element into a closed position if the level in the basin falls
below a second threshold value, wherein the second threshold
value is lower than the first threshold value. Because the
first and the second threshold values are different from each
other, a switching hysteresis effect is thereby obtained which
results i.n a stable switching behaviour of the automatic control
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loop comprising the overflow sensor, the drive element and a
control device for the drive element.
For this purpose furthermore, it is expedient if the overflow
sensor produces a signal from which it is apparent as to whether
the level in the basin lies above the first threshold value or
below the second threshold value.
As an alternative or in addition thereto, provision may be made
for at least two overflow sensors to be arranged on the basin,
wherein a. first overflow sensor produces a signal from which it
is apparent as to whether the level lies above the first
threshold value, and a second overflow sensor produces a signal
from which it is apparent as to whether the level .Lies below the
second threshold value.
Furthermore, provision may be made in a special embodiment of
the invention for the drive element to be controlled in such a
way that it moves the closure element into a first open position
if the level in the basin exceeds a first threshold value, and
for the drive element to move the closure element .into a second
open position if the level in the basin exceeds a second
threshold value, wherein the second threshold value lies above
the first threshold value and the waste outlet opening is opened
to a further extent in the second open position than it is in
the first open position.
A waste outlet opening is to be considered as being "opened to a
further extent", even if the size of the opened waste outlet
opening does not change between the two open posit=ions, but the
closure element is further away from the waste out_Let opening in
the second open position than it is in the first open position
so that the out-flowing water has easier access to the waste
outlet opening and thus the water can flow away more rapidly.
In this embodiment of the invention, the level in t=he basin can
be adjusted particularly finely and the basin volume used to a
better extent.
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Hereby in particular, provision may be made for the overflow
sensor tc> produce a signal from which it is apparent as to
whether the level in the basin lies above the first threshold
value or above the second threshold value.
As an alternative or in addition thereto, provision may also be
made for at least two overflow sensors to be arranged on the
basin, wherein a first overflow sensor produces a signal from
which it is apparent as to whether the level lies above the
first threshold value, and a second overflow sensor produces a
signal from which it is apparent as to whether the level lies
above the second threshold value.
Furthermore, provision may be made in a special embodiment of
the invention for the drive element to be controlled in such a
way that it moves the closure element into an open position and
leaves it. in the open position for a given minimum period of
opening i.f the level in the basin exceeds a threshold value. In
this way, a stable switching behaviour of the movement mechanism
can be obtained even if use is made of a digital o~~erflow sensor
which merely indicates the presence of water within the
detection region of the overflow sensor although an indication
as to the height of the level is not derivable from the sensor
signal.
In this case furthermore, provision is advantageously made for
the drive element to be controlled in such a way that it moves
the closure element into a closed position at the expiration of
the minimum period of opening if the level in the basin falls
below the threshold value at the expiration of the minimum
period of: opening.
In order to prevent an overflow sensor from effecting an
unnecessary opening of the waste outlet opening due to a sensor
signal which was initiated by splashes of water and/or a brief
high-sloshing of the water, provision may be made :for at least
two overflow sensors to be arranged on the basin, wherein a
movement of the closure element is initiated by the drive
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
element only if at least two of these overflow sensors indicate
that the level in the basin has increased.
It is particularly expedient in this case, if the at least two
overflow sensors are arranged on mutually differing side walls
of the basin.
In order to keep a user of the sink or the washstand informed as
to the operative state of the movement mechanism, .it is
expedient if the movement mechanism comprises a signalling
device incorporating a signal generator which produces a signal
perceptible to a user when the closure element is moved by means
of the drive element.
It is particularly expedient, if the signalling device produces
a signal that is perceptible by a user when the closure element
is moved as a result of a signal from an overflow sensor, i.e.
without the user being the cause for the movement of the closure
element due to his own actuation of an actuating device.
Such a signalling device can comprise, in particular, an optical
signal generator.
As an alternative or in addition thereto, provision may be made
for the signalling device to comprise an acoustic signal
generator' .
In order to protect the signal generator from contamination and
the penetration of moisture, provision is preferably made for
the signal generator to be arranged on the lower surface of a
sink or a. washstand.
In order to inform the user in as much detail as possible as to
the operative state of the movement mechanism at any particular
time, it is expedient if the signal generator produces at least
two, preferably at least three, different signals which are
associated with different operative states of the movement
mechanism.
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11
Furthermore, in a special embodiment of the movement mechanism
in accordance with the invention, provision may be made for the
movement mechanism to comprise at least one actuating element
for initiating a movement of the closure element and a control
device which is connected to the actuating element and is
adapted to be switched into a "Teach" mode in which a manner of
actuating the actuating element that is preferred by a user can
be set.
If the "'teach" mode is switched on, the user of the sink or the
washstand can himself record the particular manner in which he
actuates the actuating element, i.e. in the "Teach" mode, the
control device "learns" whether, for example, the user prefers a
short or a long period of contact with the actuating element in
order to initiate an actuation of the movement mechanism.
To this end with the "Teach" mode switched on, the user
successively repeats his preferred manner of actuating the
actuating element several times, whereby the control device
registers the length of the duration of the actuation in each
case.
After switching from the "Teach" mode into the normal working
mode of the control device, the control device then only reacts
to an actuation of the actuating element if the duration of the
actuation. agrees to within a given tolerance with t=he duration
of the actuation that was "learned" during the "Teach" mode.
For example, apart from a preferred duration of the actuation, a
preferred number of actuating pulses that succeed one another
within a given time interval can also be "learned" by the
control device in the "Teach" mode.
Claim 44 is directed towards a sink or a washstand which
comprises at least one waste outlet opening and a closure
element for sealing the at least one waste outlet opening as
well as a movement mechanism in accordance with the invention
for moving the closure element for the purposes of sealing the
waste outlet opening.
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Further features and advantages of the invention form the
subject matter of the following description and the graphic
illustration of exemplary embodiments.
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a movement mechanism
for moving a closure element for the purposes of sealing
the waste outlet opening of a sink, which comprises a
control device, an actuating device, a mains connector
and a drive device for the closure element;
Fig. 2 a schematic perspective illustration of a sink
incorporating a movement mechanism for moving the
closure element for the purposes of sealing the waste
outlet opening;
Fig. 3 a schematic plan view from below of the sink depicted in
Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 a schematic view from the rear of the sink depicted in
Figs. 2 and 3;
Fig. 5 a schematic side view from the left of the sink depicted
in Figs. 2 to 4;
Fig. 6 a schematic side view from the right of the sink
depicted in Figs. 2 to 5;
Fig. 7 a schematic section through the sink depicted in Figs. 2
to 6 in the vicinity of an actuating device in the
movement mechanism of the sink;
Fig. 8 an enlarged illustration of the region I depicted in
Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 a schematic plan view of a two-zone sensor field;
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13
Fig. 10 a schematic section through a pressure-sensitive
actuating device;
Fig. 11 a schematic side view of a waste outlet valve
arrangement which comprises a waste outlet opening with
a closure element and a servomotor for moving the
closure element, wherein the closure element is in a
closed position;
Fig. 12 a schematic section through the waste outlet valve
arrangement depicted in Fig. 11, wherein the closure
element is in a closed position;
Fig. 13 an illustration corresponding to Fig. 11, wherein the
closure element is in an open position;
Fig. 14 an illustration corresponding to Fig. 12, wherein the
closure element is in an open position;
Fig. 15 a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a
movement mechanism for moving a closure element for the
purposes of sealing the waste outlet opening of a sink,
wherein the movement mechanism comprises an
electromagnet as the drive element;
Fig. 16 a schematic perspective illustration of a sink
incorporating the second embodiment of a movement
mechanism;
Fig. 17 a further perspective illustration of a sulk
incorporating the second embodiment of a movement
mechanism;
Fig. 18 a plan view from below of the sink depicted in Figs. 16
and 17;
Fig. 19 a schematic view from the rear of the sink depicted in
Figs. 16 to 18;
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14
Fig. 20 a schematic side view from the left of the sink depicted
in Figs. 16 to 19;
Fig. 21 a schematic side view from the right of the sink
depicted in Figs. 16 to 20;
Fig. 22 a schematic section through a basin of a sink
incorporating a third embodiment of a movement mechanism
with an overflow sensor;
Fig. 23 a schematic section through a basin of a sink
incorporating a fourth embodiment of a movement
mechanism with two overflow sensors arranged one above
the other;
Fig. 24 a schematic section through a basin of a sink
incorporating a fifth embodiment of a movement mechanism
with two overflow sensors arranged at the same height;
and
Fig. 25 a schematic section through a basin of a sink
incorporating a sixth embodiment of a movement mechanism
with two overflow sensors and a signal generator.
Similar or functionally equivalent elements are designated by
the same reference symbols in each of the Figures.
A sink which is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 14 and bears the
general reference 100 comprises a substantially horizontal sink
surface 102 in which a main basin 104 and a smaller and less
deep auxiliary basin 106 are arranged and above which there
rises a tap-fittings bank 107 that is arranged behind the
auxiliary basin 106.
The bottom of the auxiliary basin 106 is provided with a waste
outlet opening 108.
The bottom of the main basin 104 is provided with a waste outlet
opening 110.
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As can best be seen from Figs. 12 and 14, the waste outlet
opening 110 of the main basin 104 is arranged at the bottom 126
of a waste outlet opening recess 112 which is bent out
downwardly from the bottom 114 of a closure element seating
recess 116.
For its part, the closure element seating recess 1:16 is bent out
downwardly from the bottom 118 of the main basin 104.
The waste outlet opening 110 is adapted to be sealed by means of
a closure element 120 which is substantially rotationally
symmetrical about a vertical axis 122 of the closure element.
The closure element 120 comprises a substantially cylindrical
closure element base body 124 which penetrates through a central
through hole in the bottom 126 of the waste outlet opening
recess 112.
The central through hole in the bottom 126 of the waste outlet
opening recess 112 is surrounded by several further through
holes 128 through which water can emerge downwardly from the
waste outlet opening recess 112 into an angled piece of waste
outlet pipe 130.
The upper' section of the base body 124 of the closure element is
surrounded in collar-like manner by a strainer basltet element
132. The strainer basket element 132 is provided along its
periphery with equidistantly distributed filter passage openings
134.
Below the strainer basket element 132, there is arranged a cup
seal 136 which likewise surrounds the base body 124 of the
closure element in collar-like manner, and extending from the
outer edge thereof there is a flexible sealing lip 138 which
surrounds the cup seal 136 in ring-like manner.
As can be seen from Fig. 12, this sealing lip 138 .rests on the
inner edge of the bottom 114 of the closure element seating
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16
recess 116 in the closed position of the closure element 120 and
thus prevents water escaping from the closure element seating
recess 116 into the waste outlet opening recess 11'? in the
closed position.
The closure element 120, the closure element seating recess 116
and the waste outlet opening recess 112 together form a waste
outlet valve assembly 139.
Below the bottom 126 of the waste outlet opening recess 112, the
base body 124 of the closure element is guided in a hollow,
cylindrical retaining sleeve 140 such as to be displaceable
along the axis 122 of the closure element.
A lever 144, which is connected in mutually non-rotatable manner
to a rotary shaft 148 that is rotatable about the axis of
rotation 146 thereof, engages the lower end 142 of the base body
124 of the closure element.
The rotary shaft 148 is adapted to be driven by means of an
electric servomotor 150 (see Figs. 11 and 13) into rotary motion
about the axis of rotation 146.
The electric servomotor 150 forms a drive unit 152 for the
closure element 120 which is connected to a control device 158
(see Fig. 1) by means of current supply lines 154, 156.
The control device 158 comprises a programmable micro-controller
arranged in a housing 160.
The control device 158 is connected by signal lines 162, 164 to
an actuating device 165 which comprises an actuating element 166
that is arranged on the lower surface of the tap-fittings bank
107 for example.
The actuating element 166 comprises a sensor 168 which may be in
the form of a capacitive sensor 168a or a piezoelectric sensor
168b for example.
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As is illustrated in Fig. 1, provision may be made for the
actuating element 166 to comprise a housing 170 which is
inserted into a matching recess 172 in the lower surface of the
sink 100 and within which the sensor 168 is arranged on a sensor
circuit board 169.
This recess 172 can, in particular, be an additional tap hole
boring which is in any case usually present in the sink 100.
The housing 170 may, for example, be in the form of a
substantially cylindrical plastic housing which is a tight
press-fit in the recess 172.
Alternatively or in addition to being fixed by means of such a
press-fit, provision may also be made for the housing 170 to be
glued to the lower surface of the sink 100.
Furthermore, provision may be made for the housing 170 to be
fixed to the lower surface of the sink 100 by means of screws
and/or rivets which engage in mounting holes provided in the
lower surface of the sink 100.
If the sink 100 is a sink moulded from a plastic material or a
composite material, then provision may be made for an additional
holding lug to be cast on to the lower surface of the sink 100
to which the housing 170 can be fixed by a suitable mounting
means, for example, a screw or a fixing pin.
A capacitive sensor 168a is particularly suitable for use on a
sink 100 made from a plastic material or from a composite
material. Such a capacitive sensor can discern a change of
capacitance which results from a user of the sink :L00 moving a
part of their body, a finger for example, into the detection
region of the sensor 168.
In order for the capacitive sensor to be able to detect the
change of capacitance caused by the finger of the user, it is
necessary for a dielectric medium, which is not electrically
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
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conductive, to be arranged between the sensor 168a and the
detection. region.
A plastic material or a composite material fulfils this
condition, so that the capacitive sensor 168a can simply be
arranged on the lower surface of a sink 100 made from such a
material without the need for further precautions.
In the case of a sink 100 which is made of an electrically
conductive material, in particular, of a chrome nickel high-
grade steel, the sink 100 must be provided with a passage
opening into which there is inserted a dielectric material, a
disk of a glass ceramic for example, in order to protect the
sensor 168a arranged under the dielectric material from
environmental effects, in particular, from water splashes, and
at the same time enable the detection of a change of capacitance
within the detection region 174 of the sensor to be effected.
In this case, the sensor 168 or a housing 170 in which the
sensor 168 is arranged, can be fixed to the disk made from the
dielectric material, for example, it can be glued or screwed to
this disk.
In order to prevent the capacitive sensor 168 being triggered by
water splashes occurring in the detection region 1'74, the
sensitivity of the sensor 168 is adjusted in such a way that it
will only produce an actuating signal that is transmitted to the
control device 158 if it detects a change of capacitance within
the detection region 174 that exceeds a minimum trigger level
such as is produced when a finger of a user comes into contact
with the top of the sink 100 within the detection region 174.
In order to prevent an actuating signal being produced
unintentionally by the sensor 168 due to larger objects, for
example pots, cleaning cloths etc. being placed on the sink, or
due to a layer of water on the top of the sink, the capacitive
sensor 168a can be in the form of a two-zone sensor comprising
an inner sensor which detects a change of capacitance within a
central, circular detection region 174a, and an outer sensor
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which detects a change of capacitance within an outer detection
region 174b surrounding the inner detection region 174a in ring-
like manner.
If only the inner detection region 174a is touched by a user,
then only the inner sensor produces an actuating signal which is
conveyed over the signal lines 162, 164 to the micro-controller
in the control device 158.
If both detection regions 174a and 174b are touched by a larger
article or by water present on the top of the sink, then both
the inner and the outer sensor produce a respective actuating
signal which is transmitted to the micro-controller. In this
case, the micro-controller ignores the actuating signals since
they are not attributable to a normal actuation of the actuating
element 166.
In like manner, the micro-controller ignores each actuating
signal which is produced only by the outer sensor due to a
contact being made with the outer detection region 174b.
If the sink 100 consists of a metallic conductive material, of a
chromium-nickel steel for example, then use is preferably made
of a piezoelectric crystal sensor 168b which is arranged on the
lower surface of the sink 100 and reacts to pressure which is
transferred through the (relatively thin) material of the sink
100.
An electric current thereby ensues due to the mutual
displacement of the lattice planes in the piezoelectric crystal,
said current being transmitted in the form of an e:Lectrical
signal over the signal lines 162, 164 to the micro-controller in
the control device 158.
In the case of a sink 100 of relatively thin material, the
latter will deflect over a large surface area in response to the
application of a point-like pressure for which reason a
piezoelectric crystal sensor might possibly be activated by such
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
a point-like pressure even if it is applied in a region of the
sink 100 lying outside the sensor field.
In order to exclude this source of error, provision may be made
- as is illustrated in Fig. 10 - for the actuating element 166
to comprise a moveable platelet 176, made of metal for example,
which is inserted into an appropriately shaped cut-out in the
sink 100 and is moveable relative to the sink 100 (substantially
perpendicularly relative to the upper surface of the sink) so
that the platelet 176 receives a compressive force represented
by the double arrow 178, but does not pass it on to the sink
100.
The piezoelectric crystal sensor 168b is arranged on the lower
surface of the platelet 176 and detects the application of
pressure to the platelet 176.
Since, irA this embodiment of the actuating element 166, the
platelet 176 with the sensor 168b is decoupled from the
remainder' of the upper surface of the sink 100, false triggering
of the sensor 168 due to the application of pressure to the sink
100 outside the platelet 176 is not possible.
In each case, i.e. when making use of a capacitive or a
piezoelectric crystal sensor 168, the micro-contro_Ller of the
control device 158 receives a signal over the signal lines 162,
164 when the sensor 168 responds, the micro-contro_Ller then
controlling the servomotor 150 in dependence on sa=id signal.
The reaction of the micro-controller to the signal coming from
the sensor 168 is dependent on the software installed in each
case in the micro-controller.
The micro-controller can be set-up in such a way that the
sensitivity of the sensor 168 can be affected.
In particular, it can be set-up in regard to the minimum period
of time for which the sensor 168 must respond before an
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
21
actuation of the servomotor 150 is controlled by the micro-
controller.
The micro-controller, the electric servomotor 150 and the
actuating element 166 are supplied with the necessary electrical
power by means of a power pack 180 which is connectible to the
public electricity mains and is connected by a mains cable 182
to the control device 158.
The drive unit 152, the control device 158, the actuating device
165 and the power pack 180 together form a movement mechanism
183 for moving the closure element 120 of the waste outlet valve
assembly 139.
In a variant of the movement mechanism, provision may also be
made for the micro-controller and the sensor 168 not to be
accommodated in different housings, but rather, in a common
housing.
The micro-controller of the control device 158 can exhibit a so-
called "'Peach" mode which is adapted to be switched on and off
by means of a switch arranged on the micro-controller for
example.
If the "Teach" mode is switched on, the users of the sink 100
can indicate the manner in which they themselves actuate the
actuating element 166, i.e. the micro-controller "learns" in
"the Teach" mode as to whether the user prefers a :short or a
long period of contact with the sensor field in order to
initiate the operation of the movement mechanism.
To this end with the "Teach" mode switched on, the user repeats
his preferred manner of actuating the actuating element 166
several times in succession, whereby the micro-controller
registers the length of the duration of the actuation in each
case.
After switching the "Teach" mode off, the micro-controller then
only reacts to an actuation of the actuating element 156, if the
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
22
duration of the actuation agrees to within a given tolerance
with the duration of the actuation "learned" during the "Teach"
mode.
If the micro-controller of the control device 158 receives an
actuating signal from the actuating element 166 which is
recognized as a regular actuating signal based upon the
conditions specified in the control program of the micro-
controller, then, due to this actuating signal, the micro-
controller controls a movement of the closure element 120 by
means of the electric servomotor 150 by closing the electric
circuit containing the current supply lines 154, 156 for the
servomotor 150.
Hereby, the polarity of the servomotor current supply circuit is
set by th.e micro-controller in such a way that following the
closure of the electric circuit, the rotary shaft 148 rotates
about the axis of rotation 146 in that direction which moves the
closure element 120 from its current position (for example the
closed position illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12) into the other
respective position thereof (for example the open position
illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14).
The electric servomotor 150 is set-up in such a manner that it
rotates the rotary shaft 148 comparatively slowly, for example,
at a rotational speed of approximately 5 revolutions per minute.
This slow rotation of the rotary shaft 148 is achieved due to
the fact that a transmission having a very low transmission
ratio of 1000:1 for example is switched between the servomotor
150 and the rotary shaft 148. The comparatively slow rotation
and therefore slow movement of the closure element 120 is
generally felt to be more pleasant by the users of the sink 100
than a rapid opening or closing process.
The angular distance between the positions of the rotary shaft
148 and the lever 144 in the closed position on the one hand and
the open position on the other amounts to approximately 40° for
example.
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
23
The lever' 144 strikes a respective lower or upper :stop member in
the closed position and in the open position of the closure
element 120.
The electric servomotor 150 draws a larger current due to the
blocking of the rotary shaft 148 upon reaching the upper or the
lower stop member. This current increase is registered by the
micro-controller of the control device 158, whereupon the micro-
controller switches the electric servomotor 150 off by opening
the current supply circuit.
The reaction of the micro-controller to the increase in current
takes place within a very short time, within just a few
milliseconds for example, thereby ensuring that the electric
servomotor 150 is not loaded unnecessarily.
Alternatively or in addition to a disconnection of the
servomotor 150 due to an increase of the current, provision may
also be made for the servomotor 150 to be switched off by means
of limit switches, in particular, limiter push-button switches
which are operated upon reaching the closed position or the open
position.
After opening the electric circuit, the micro-controller of the
control device 158 commutates the polarity of the current supply
circuit of the servomotor 150 so that the servomotor 150 will
rotate in the respective other direction upon the next actuation
of the actuating element 166 (thus, after a closing process by
the closure element 120 back into the open position and after an
opening ~~rocess by the closure element 120 back into the closed
position).
The electric servomotor used may, for example, be a direct
current small gear motor such as is sold under the type number
1.61.065.428 by the company Buhler Motor GmbH in 90212 Nurnberg,
Germany. This motor is provided with a spur gear.
In a variant of the previously described embodiment of a moving
device for the closure element 120 of a sink 100, provision
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
24
could also be made for the waste outlet opening 108 of the
auxiliary basin 106 of the sink 100 to likewise be provided with
a closure element which is movable from the closed position into
the open position or from the open position into the closed
position by means of an additional drive unit which is likewise
controlled by the control device 158.
In order to enable the drive units of the closure elements for
the waste outlet opening 110 of the main basin 104 and for the
waste outlet opening 108 of the auxiliary basin 10E~ to be
operated independently of one another, provision may hereby be
made for the actuating device 165 of the movement mechanism 183
to comprise two sensors 168 which are respectively associated
with one of the closure elements 120 so that the actuation of
the one sensor initiates a movement of the closure element 120
for the waste outlet opening 110 of the main basin 104 and the
actuation. of the other sensor initiates a movement of the
closure element for the waste outlet opening 108 of the
auxiliary basin 106.
As an alternative thereto, provision may be made for only one
sensor 168 to be provided for the actuation of both closure
elements 120, whereby differentiating between which of the
closure elements 120 is to be moved is effected on the basis of
the manner in which the sensor 168 is actuated (so-called
"intelligent control").
In particular, provision could be made for the one closure
element t.o be moved in the event of a long duration of actuation
of the sensor 168 and for the other closure element to be moved
when the duration of the actuation is short.
As an alternative thereto, provision could also be made for the
micro-controller of the control device 158 to recognize which of
the closure elements 120 is to be moved on the basis of the
number of successive actuating actions occurring within a short
period of time. Thus, provision could be made for a single
actuating action to initiate a movement of the closure element
120 for the waste outlet opening 110 of the main basin 104,
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
whereas t.wo actuating actions following each other within a
given time span would initiate a movement of the c:Losure element
for the waste outlet opening 108 of the auxiliary basin 106.
Furthermore, in addition to the actuating process by means of
the actuating element 166, the movement mechanism :183 for the
closure element or the closure elements 120 of the sink 100
could be triggered by an automatic actuating process upon the
attainment of a predefined water level in the respectively
associated basin 104 or 106 of the sink 100.
To this end, a (not illustrated) additional sensor is mounted on
the relevant basin 104 or 106 in place of the conventional
overflow valve.
This sensor is in the form of a capacitive sensor and thus
serves as a water alarm unit which produces an electrical signal
that is passed on to the micro-controller of the control device
158 in response to a change in the capacitance thereof when the
water level rises up into the proximity of the sen;~or.
If this signal exceeds a given minimum period and thus indicates
that the water in the particular basin 104 or 106 .is continually
at the height of the additional sensor, then the m:icro-
controller of the control device 158 controls the electric
servomotor 150 of the relevant drive unit 152 in such a way that
the closure element 120 concerned is moved into the open
position by rotating the rotary shaft 148.
In this way, the waste outlet opening of the basin concerned is
opened so that the water can run off from this basin and
overflowing of the water is prevented.
A second embodiment of a movement mechanism 183 for the sink 100
which is illustrated in Figs. 15 to 21 differs from the
previously described first embodiment only in that, instead of
an electric servomotor 150, the drive unit 152 for effecting the
movement of the closure element 120 comprises an e:Lectromagnet
184 which. includes a (not illustrated) moveable armature that is
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
26
moved - in dependence on the polarity of the current supply
circuit for the electromagnet 184 that was set by r_he micro-
controller - into one of two end positions of which a first is
associated with the closed position of the closure element 120
and a second with the open position of the closure element 120
when the electromagnet 184 is switched-on by means of the micro-
controller of the control device 158.
The moveable armature of the electromagnet 184 is connected by
means of a Bowden cable 186 to the rotary shaft 148, wherein the
rotary shaft end of the wire core of the Bowden cable 186
engages the periphery of the rotary shaft 148 in the
circumferential direction so that a linear movement of the wire
core of the Bowden cable 186 results in a rotation of the rotary
shaft 148 about the axis of rotation 146.
Thus, in the second embodiment, the closure element 120 is moved
by means of the electromagnet 184 and the Bowden cable 186 from
the open position into the closed position or from the closed
position back into the open position when the actuating element
166 is operated in a suitable manner or if an overflow
protection sensor 104, 106 arranged on one of the basins is
triggered in like manner to that in which it was moved by means
of the servomotor 150 in the first embodiment.
In this embodiment too, the polarity of the current supply
circuit for the electromagnet 184 is reversed by the micro-
controller of the control device 158 after each movement of the
closure element 120 in order to change the direction of motion
of the closure element 120 for the next movement thereof.
In all other respects, the second embodiment of a movement
mechanism 183 for the closure element 120 of the waste outlet
opening 110 of the sink 100 conforms in regard to i~he
construction and functioning thereof with the first embodiment
so that insofar as they are concerned reference should be made
to the previous description.
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
27
A third embodiment of a movement mechanism 183 for the closure
element 1.20 of the waste outlet opening 110 of the basin 104 of
the sink 100 that is illustrated in Fig. 22 differs from the two
previously described embodiments in that the movement mechanism
183 comprises, as an alternative or in addition to an actuating
element 1.66 actuated by a user of the sink, an overflow sensor
188 which is arranged in the upper region of a side wall 190 of
the main basin 104 of the sink 100.
The overflow sensor 188 is in the form of a capacitive sensor
which is connected by means of a (not illustrated) signal line
to the control device 158 of the movement mechanism 182 and
sends a sensor signal to the control device 158 if the level 192
of the water in the basin 104 rises into the detection region of
the overflow sensor 188.
As an alternative or in addition thereto, the overflow sensor
188 could also be in the form of a resistance measuring sensor
that comprises two electrodes which are set into one side wall
or into two side walls of the basin at the desired height and to
which different electrical potentials are applied so that a
current will flow as soon as the water in the basin 104 has
risen up to the height at which the electrodes are arranged.
The overflow sensor 188 can, in particular, be in the form of an
analogue sensor whose sensor signal varies in dependence on the
level 192 of the water in the basin 104 so that a certain level
192 can ~>e associated with the magnitude of the sensor signal in
each case.
If the level 192 (and thus the magnitude of the sensor signal)
exceeds a first threshold value, then the control device 158
controls the drive unit 152 of the actuating device 165 in such
a way that the closure element 120 is moved from the closed
position into an open position in which the water can flow out
from the basin 104 through the waste outlet opening 110.
If, due to the drainage of the water from the basin 104, the
level 192 sinks below a second threshold value which is lower
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
28
than the first threshold value, then the control device 158
controls the drive unit 152 in such a way that the closure
element 120 is moved back from the open position into the closed
position in which the closure element 120 seals the waste outlet
opening 110 in such a way that no more water can flow out from
the basin. 104.
Due to th.e fact that the first and the second threshold values
are different from one another, a switching hysteresis effect is
obtained which results in a stable switching behaviour of the
automatic control loop comprising the overflow sensor 188, the
control device 158 and the drive unit 152.
As an alternative or in addition thereto, provision may also be
made for a switching hysteresis effect to be produced by the
provision. of a dead time (by means of a delay element in the
evaluating circuit of the sensor or in the control device 158).
As an alternative thereto, provision may also be made for the
overflow sensor 188 to be in the form of a digital sensor which
sends a sensor signal of constant magnitude to the control
device 158 as long as the level 192 is in the detection region
of the overflow sensor 188.
As soon as such a digital overflow sensor 188 signals to the
control device 158 that the level 192 in the basin 104 has risen
into the detection region of the overflow sensor 188, the
control device 158 controls the drive unit 152 in :such a way
that the closure element 120 is moved into the open position and
remains in the open position for a minimum period of opening.
If, at th.e expiration of the minimum period of opening, the
overflow sensor 188 is still signalling that the water is in its
detection. region, then the closure element 120 remains in the
open position for a further given length of time, at the
expiration of which the signal from the overflow sensor 188 is
queried again. If, after the expiration of the given minimum
period of opening or at the expiration of a further given length
of time, the overflow sensor 188 is no longer signalling the
presence of water in its detection region, then the control
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
29
device 158 controls the drive unit 152 in such a way that the
closure element 120 is moved back into the closed position.
A stable switching behaviour of the movement mechanism 183 is
obtained in this way.
The process of controlling the drive unit 152 by the control
device 158 can be effected in both cases, thus, when using an
analogue or a digital overflow sensor 188, with or without a
time delay.
If a sink. 100 comprises several basins, an auxiliary basin 106
in addition to the main basin 104 for example, then each of
these basins can be provided with a respective overflow sensor
188 which. initiates a movement of the closure element 120 of the
basin concerned into an open position in the event of a
threshold value for the level 192 in the basin concerned being
exceeded.
An overflow of the water from the basin of the sink 100 that is
being monitored with the help of a particular overflow sensor
188 is reliably prevented with the help of the overflow sensor
188. The otherwise usual overflow opening can therefore be
dispensed with in the case of basins being monitored with the
help of a.n overflow sensor 188.
A fourth embodiment of the movement mechanism 183 that is
illustrated in Fig. 23 differs from the previously described
third embodiment in that two overflow sensors 188 and 194 are
arranged on a monitored basin 104 of the sink 100, said sensors
being arranged at different heights on one of the side walls 190
of the basin 104. As an alternative thereto, the t=wo overflow
sensors 188, 194 could also be arranged on different side walls
of the basin 104.
Both overflow sensors 188, 194 may be comprised by an analogue
or a digital sensor.
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
If the lower overflow sensor 194 signals to the control device
that the level 192 has risen into its detection region, then the
control device 158 controls the drive unit 152 in such a way
that the closure element 120 is moved into a first open position
in which the waste outlet opening 110 is partially opened for
the drainage of water from the basin 104.
If, nevertheless, the level 192 continues to rise so that the
upper overflow sensor 188 signals that the level 192 has reached
its detection region, then the control device 158 controls the
drive unit 152 in such a way that the closure element 120 is
moved into a second open position in which the waste outlet
opening 110 is completely opened for the drainage of water from
the basin 104.
If, thereupon, the level 192 has dropped to such an extent that
neither of the overflow sensors 188, 194 is signalling any
longer the presence of water in its detection region, then the
control device 158 controls the drive unit 152 in such a way
that the closure element 120 is moved back into the closed
position.
This embodiment has the advantage that the level 192 in the
basin 104 can be regulated more finely and the basin volume can
be better' utilised.
Furthermore, the movement of the closure element 120 into the
first open position serves as a preliminary warning to the user
of the sink, this thereby drawing the user's attention to the
excessive rise of theq level 192.
Such a fine regulation of the level 192 can also be realized
with just a single analogue overflow sensor 188, if, in
dependence on the sensor signal, the control device 158
initiates a movement of the closure element 120 into the first
open position when a first threshold value is reached and
initiates a movement of the closure element 120 into the second
open position when a second threshold value lying above the
first threshold value is reached.
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
31
A fifth embodiment of the movement mechanism 183 that is
illustrated in Fig. 24 differs from the third embodiment
illustrated in Fig. 22 in that a second overflow sensor 196 is
provided on the supervised basin 104 in addition to the first
overflow sensor 188, said second sensor being arranged at the
same height as the first overflow sensor 188 on a further side
wall 198 of the basin 104 opposite the side wall 190.
In this embodiment, the closure element 120 is only moved into
the open position if both the overflow sensor 188 and the
overflow sensor 196 signal the presence of water within their
respective detection regions. The sensor signals from the two
overflow sensors 188, 196 are thus logically AND-ed by the
control device 158.
In this way, an individual overflow sensor 188 or =196 is
prevented from causing an unnecessary opening of the waste
outlet opening 110 due to a sensor signal which was triggered by
splashes of water and/or a brief high-sloshing of the water.
In a corresponding manner in the case of the fourth embodiment
illustrated in Fig. 23, a further overflow sensor arranged at
the same height on another side wall of the basin :104 could also
be provided for each of the two overflow sensors 188, 194,
whereby the sensor signal from one of the overflow sensors 188
or 194 will only then be taken into consideration by the control
device 158 if it is confirmed by the respective second sensor
that is associated with the overflow sensor 188 or 194
concerned.
A sixth embodiment of the movement mechanism 183 that is
illustrated in Fig. 25 differs from the fifth embodiment
illustrated in Fig. 2 in that the movement mechanism 183
additionally comprises a signal generator 200 whic'.h informs a
user of t:he sink by means of a signal that is perceptible to the
user of t:he fact that the closure element 120 is being moved by
means of the drive unit 152.
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
32
The signal generator 200 can be an optical signal generator
which produces a light signal (for example, by means of an LED).
In order to protect the signal generator 200 from water
splashes, provision is preferably made for the signal generator
200 to be arranged on the lower surface of the sink: 100. Then,
in the case of an optical signal generator 200, the thickness of
the material in the region of the sink 100 located above the
signal generator 200 is preferably made sufficiently thin as to
let the light from the signal generator 200 penetrate through
the sink 100.
As an alternative or in addition thereto, the signal generator
200 could also be in the form of an acoustic signal generator.
Preferably, the signal generator 200 is formed in such a way
that it can produce different signals in dependence on the
respective operative state of the movement mechanism 183.
For example, provision may be made for an acoustic signal
generator 200 to produce the following signals in dependence on
the respective operative state of the movement mechanism 183:
- soft beep, whilst the closure element is being moved into
the open position or into the closed position due to an
actuation of the actuating device 165 by the user of the
sink 100;
- loud beep as a preliminary warning for the user if the
level 192 in the basin 104 has reached a lower threshold
value;
- loud double beep, when the level 192 in the basin 104 has
reached an upper threshold value and/or if the closure
element 120 is moved into the open position or into the
closed position automatically by the drive unit 152 due to
a signal from one of the overflow sensors 188, 196, i.e.
without actuation of the actuating device 165 by the user.
CA 02532843 2006-O1-10
33
In the case of an optical signal generator 200, the latter is
preferably arranged on the sink 100 in the proximity of the
actuating element 166 of the actuating device 165, because the
user pays special attention to this region of the sink.
