CA1304336C - Electrically controlled plumbing fixture of a hot and cold water dispenser - Google Patents
Electrically controlled plumbing fixture of a hot and cold water dispenserInfo
- Publication number
- CA1304336C CA1304336C CA000577972A CA577972A CA1304336C CA 1304336 C CA1304336 C CA 1304336C CA 000577972 A CA000577972 A CA 000577972A CA 577972 A CA577972 A CA 577972A CA 1304336 C CA1304336 C CA 1304336C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- hot
- cold water
- water
- electrically controlled
- fixture
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 92
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 8
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000005338 heat storage Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010583 slow cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/6416—With heating or cooling of the system
- Y10T137/6606—With electric heating element
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/9464—Faucets and spouts
Abstract
INVENTOR: ERNST BL?TTLER
INVENTION: ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED PLUMBING FIXTURE OF A HOT
AND COLD WATER DISPENSER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Two heat exchangers are arranged in a fixture body of a water dispenser. A Peltier arrangement is provided between the two heat exchangers. Valves arranged downstream of the two heat exchangers with respect to the direction of water flow control the flow of hot and cold water through the water dispenser. The Peltier arrangement senses and responds to the temperature difference prevailing between the two heat exchangers through which respectively flows hot water and cold water. This Peltier arrangement converts the sensed temperature difference into an electrical potential or voltage which is used to power an electronic control. This electronic control, among other things, influences opening and closing of the valves.
WWK:sm:sncd7
INVENTION: ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED PLUMBING FIXTURE OF A HOT
AND COLD WATER DISPENSER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Two heat exchangers are arranged in a fixture body of a water dispenser. A Peltier arrangement is provided between the two heat exchangers. Valves arranged downstream of the two heat exchangers with respect to the direction of water flow control the flow of hot and cold water through the water dispenser. The Peltier arrangement senses and responds to the temperature difference prevailing between the two heat exchangers through which respectively flows hot water and cold water. This Peltier arrangement converts the sensed temperature difference into an electrical potential or voltage which is used to power an electronic control. This electronic control, among other things, influences opening and closing of the valves.
WWK:sm:sncd7
Description
~Q9~336 BACKGROU~D OF T~E INVE~TION
The present invention broadly relates to hot and cold water mi~ing devices and, more specifically, pertains to a new and improved construction of an electrically controlled fixture, typically a plumbing fixture, for hot and cold water.
~' .
Generally speaking, the electrically controlled fixture, sometimes also referred to in the art as a fitting, for hot and cold water as contemplated by the present development is of the type comprising a source of potential or voltage which comprises a Peltier arrangement. One side of this Peltier arrangement is thermally coupled with the hot water and the other side thereof is thermally coupled with the cold water.
- Such general type of fixture is known to the art from the European Published Patent Application No. 0,158,930, published October 23, 1985. This prior art fixture comprises two partial chambers or spaces for hot and cold water, which are arranged in a common housing. At a common partition or separation wall of the partial chambers or spaces there is arranged a Peltier arrangement serving as a power source for the control of the fixture. When the fixture is not in use the hot water cools to ambient temperature and-the Peltier arrangement therefore cannot deliver any power for the renewed opening of the valves. To overcome this problem there has been proposed, among other things, upon re-contmencing operation of the fixture to initially allow water to flow unhindered therethrough until there has again been attained a sufficiently high temperature and the Peltier arrangement can supply power for the actuation of the valves.
Such fixtures may be suitable for use in installations with closed water circuits, such as for instance, hot water heating installations. However, in the case of plumbing fixtures, such as, for instance, used for water dispensers or hot and cold water mixing devices or valves, the heretofore known fixture would apparently need to have a manually-operated tap or the like upstream or downstream thereof in order to positively ensure for the proper renewed operation for the fixture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore with the foregoing in mind it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved construction of an electrically controlled fixture for hot and cold water which does not suffer from the aforementioned drawbacks and shortcomings of the prior art.
3 ~ 6 Another and more specific o~ject of the present invention aims at providing a new and improved construction of an electrically controlled fixture or the li~e for a hot and cold water dispenser wherein there is ensured in an extremely simple manner the positive renewed operation of the fixture of the hot and cold water dispenser even after longer intervals of non-use or interruption in the operation of the fixture.
. . .
Yet a further significant object of the present invention is directed to providing a new and improved construction of an electrically controlled plumbing fixture for hot and cold water, which is relatively simple in construction and design, quite economical to manufacture, extremely reliable in operation even after relatively longer intervals of non-use, and not readily subject to breakdown and malfunction.
Now in order to implement these and still further objects of the invention, which will become more readily apparent as the description proceeds, the electrically controlled fixture for hot and cold water, among other things, is manifested by the features that at the region of the thermal coupling of the Peltier arrangement at one side thereof with the hot water and at the other side thereof with the cold water, there is provided a respective heat exchanger. One of these heat exchangers, the one thermally coupled with the hot water, has hot water flowing therethrough and the other heat exchanger, in that case the heat e~changer thermally coupled with the cold water, has cold water flowing therethrough. Both of the heat exchangers are separated from one another, and the heat exchanger through which there flows the hot water is heat-retaining, in other words, possesses heat storage or retention capacity or capability.
.1 ; By virtue of the fact that at the region of the thermal coupling between the hot and cold water and the Peltier arrangement there is provided a respective heat exchanger, there is realized the beneficial result that a larger quantity of water is stored and there is heated up the mass of the heat exchanger through which flows the hot water.
As a result, there is advantageously attained a slower cooling of the Peltier arrangement after shutting-off or periods of non-use of the fixture. Moreover, due to the use of heat exchangers which are mutually separated from one another there is ensured that these heat exchangers are thermally insulated with respect to one another and that there cannot occur any cooling of the heat exchanger throuyh which flows the hot water by heat conduction at those regions externally of the contact surface with the Peltier arrangement. These measures ensure that the elevated 3~
temperature at the hot or warm side of the Peltier arrangement is desirably retained over a longer period of time, and thus, over longer periods of time power or energy can be furnished for controlling the fixture.
'.
According to a particularly preferred space-saving 1, and simple construction of the fixture the heat exchangers sandwich therebetween the Peltier arrangement.
Additionally, the heat exchanger through which flows the hot water can be structured to possess an increased or relatively large mass in order to increase the heat storage capacity or capability. This appreciably retards cooling down of the Peltier arrangement.
According to a preferred construction the control or control device for controlling the fixture comprises an electrical storage element, preferably an accumulator or capacitor which can be charged by the Peltier arrangement.
Due to the relatively slow cooling of the heat exchanger through which flows the hot water this storage element can be charged to a maximum extent or degree. Moreover, due to the relatively long charging time the charging of the electrical storage element, such as the aforementioned accumulator or capacitor, can be accomPlished with small currents. This, in ~ 3~336 turn, increases the service life or longevity of the electric storage elements, especially the accumulators.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
.
. The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein throughout the various figures of the drawings, there have been generally used the same reference characters to denote the same or analogous components and wherein:
~ igure 1 illustrates in front view, partially in section, a water dispenser containing a plumbing fixture and constructed according to the present invention; and Figure 2 illustrates in side view, also partly in section, the water dispenser depicted in Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EM~ODIMENTS
Describing now the drawings, it is to be understood that to simplify the showing thereof, only enough of the 13~?4336 structure of the electrically controlled fixture of a water dispenser for hot and cold water and designed according to the teachings of the present invention has been illustrated therein as is needed to enable one skilled in the art to readily understand the underlying principles and concepts of this invention. Turning now specifically to the drawings of I Figures 1 and 2, there will be recognized a water dispenser or water mixing device 12 comprising an electrically controlled fixture lOa, typically what is sometimes referred to in this art as a plumbing fixture, containing a fixture : body or body member 10 at which there is formed or provided an attachment flange or flange member 14 possessing threads or threading 16. This attachment $1ange 14 piercingly extends through a throughpass or open-ended hole or opening 18 provided in a plate or plate member 20, for instance constituted by part of a sink or washing basin. A nut member 22 or e~uivalent fixation element serves to threadably secure the threaded attachment flange member 14 at the plate or plate member 20. A washer or underlay disc 24 or the like, is disposed between the plate member and the nut member 22.
The fixture body 10 has a hollow shape or construction defining therein a space or internal region, generally indicated by reference character lOb, above the location of the attachment flange member 14 and is covered by a substantially U-shaped cover or hood member 26. By means 13-~4336 of a suitable adjusting or control element, for instance a threaded screw 28 it is possible to appropriately conventionally preselect the temperature of the mixed or comingled hot and cold water which ~lows out of the water dispenser or fixing device 12.
Internally of the fixture body lO there are arranged two heat exchangers 30 and 32 each of which are in flow communication or flow connected with a fixture connection conduit or line 34 and 36, respectively, which piercingly extend through the attachment or connection flange 14 as particularly well seen by referring to Figure l.
Externally of the fixture body 10 these fixture connection conduits or lines 34 and 36 are connected in any suitable but generally known fashion with a hot water and a cold water supply conduit or line system. In the arrangement shown, it has been assumed that the heat exchanger 30 has hot water, generally indicated by reference character 30a, flowing therethrough and the other heat exchanger 32 has cold water, generally indicated by reference character 32a, flowing therethrough.
Each of the heat exchangers 30 and 32 comprises a substantially block-shaped, such as a parallelepiped-shaped hollow body 30b and 32b, respectively. The larger side -surfaces 56 and 58 of the heat exchangers 3G and 32, ~3Q~ 6 respectively, are arranged in somewhat spaced and parallel confronting relationship with respect to one another. Each heat exchanger 30 and 32 is connected by means of a conduit or pipe section 38 and 40 with a respective inlet 42 and 44 of an electrically actuatable or electrically operated valve or valve member 46 and 48, respectively. These valves or valve members 46 and 48 are in flow connection at the outlet sides thereof by means of further conduit or pipe sections 50 and 52, respectively, with a nozzle or jet body 54 or equivalent structure through which flows the admixed hot and cold water.
As will be particularly evident by referring again to Figure 1, a Peltier arrangement 60, is arranged between the neighboring side surfaces 56 and 58 of the heat exchangers 30 and 32, respectively. The mutually confronting or oppositely situated large outer surfaces or regions 60a and 60b of the Peltier arrangement 60 contact the side surfaces 56 and 58 of the heat exchangers 30 and 32, respectively. ~s is generally known, the Peltier arrangement 60 comprises a plurality of Peltier elements, also referred to as thermocouples, which are electrically connected in series to form a thermopile and are thermally coupled in parallel. The- hot side of the Peltier arrangement 60 is in good thermal coupling or contact with the side surface 56 of the heat exchanger 30 and the cold side thereof is in good ~13~t~336 thermal coupling or contact with the side surface 58 of the other heat exchanger 32. The connection lines or conductors 62 of the Peltier arrangement 60 are electrically connected by means of terminals 64 or equivalent structure with further connection lines or conductors 66 which lead to a suitable and therefore here only schema~ically depicted electronic control or control device 68. This electronic control device 68 is electrically connected by further not here particularly shown control lines with both of the valves or valve members 46 and 48 and with a suitable proximity sensor 70, for instance an ultrasonic or infrared sensor, arranged at the head end 12a of the water dispenser or mixing device 12.
A further description of the electronic control 68 is unnecessary for understanding the teachings of the present invention, beyond stating that such electronic control 68 contains a suitable electric storage element 68a, preferably an accumulator or capacitor, which can be charged by means of the power, here the electric potential or voitage developed by the Peltier arrangement 60 as such will be explained more fully hereinafter.
Having now having the benefit of the foresoing description of the construction of the electrically controlled fixture 10 there will now be considered the 13~3~
operation of the water dispenser or mixing device 12 for hot and cold water and which functions as follows:
; As soon as, for instance, the hands of a user are located at the region of the proximity sensor 70 such furnishes an electrical signal to the electronic control or control device 68. This electronic control device 68 then evaluates the signal, amplifies the same and delivers an opening command to the valves 46 and 48, with the result that the hot water 30a and the cold water 32a each flow in the direction of the arrow A shown at the bottom of Figure 2 through the associated heat exchanger 30 and 32, the conduit or line sections 38 and 40, the valves 46 and 48 and the further conduit or line sections 50 and 52 to the nozzle or jet body 54.
In the nozzle or jet body 54 the hot water 30a and cold water 32a are admixed and the admixed or commingled water then departs at that location from the water dispenser or mixing device 12 and flows into contact with the hands of the user which are to be washed. The heat exchanger 30 through which flows the hot water 30a heats up ~ery rapidly and the other heat exchanger 32, through which flows the cold water 32a, accommodates its temperature to that of the cold water. Conse~uently, the Peltier arrangement 60 is exposed to a relatively large-temperature difference or differential.
131~43~3~
This temperature difference produces an electric potential or voltage which is applied by means of the connection conductors or lines 62 and 66 at the electronic control or control device 68. As a result, the storage element 68a thereof, here the accumulator or capacitor, is charged and by virtue of such energy the valves 46 and 48 can be appropriately opened and also there are powered the entire electronic components within the electronic control 68.
However, as soon as the hands of the user are removed from the operating or response region of the proximity sensor 70 such again delivers an appropriate signal to the electronic control or control device 68 by means of which there are controlled further commands serving for closing of the previously opened valves 46 and 48. In order to prolong the charging time of the storage element 68a, here the accumulator or capacitor, the heat exchanger 30 through which flows the hot water 30a is structured to have an increased mass or storage mass which thus increases its heat storage capacity. In this way, the temperature difference between both of the heat exchangers 30 and 32 lasts over a longer time span.
Further electrically controlled fittings which can be constructed in accordance with the teachings and principles of the present invention, are, for instance, 13~3;~ i fittings having electrical or electronic displays as well as optical or acoustical warning devices in respect of the temperature, the pressure, the throughflow quantity and so forth of the fluent or flowable medium.
While there are shown and described present preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.
ACCORDINGLY,
The present invention broadly relates to hot and cold water mi~ing devices and, more specifically, pertains to a new and improved construction of an electrically controlled fixture, typically a plumbing fixture, for hot and cold water.
~' .
Generally speaking, the electrically controlled fixture, sometimes also referred to in the art as a fitting, for hot and cold water as contemplated by the present development is of the type comprising a source of potential or voltage which comprises a Peltier arrangement. One side of this Peltier arrangement is thermally coupled with the hot water and the other side thereof is thermally coupled with the cold water.
- Such general type of fixture is known to the art from the European Published Patent Application No. 0,158,930, published October 23, 1985. This prior art fixture comprises two partial chambers or spaces for hot and cold water, which are arranged in a common housing. At a common partition or separation wall of the partial chambers or spaces there is arranged a Peltier arrangement serving as a power source for the control of the fixture. When the fixture is not in use the hot water cools to ambient temperature and-the Peltier arrangement therefore cannot deliver any power for the renewed opening of the valves. To overcome this problem there has been proposed, among other things, upon re-contmencing operation of the fixture to initially allow water to flow unhindered therethrough until there has again been attained a sufficiently high temperature and the Peltier arrangement can supply power for the actuation of the valves.
Such fixtures may be suitable for use in installations with closed water circuits, such as for instance, hot water heating installations. However, in the case of plumbing fixtures, such as, for instance, used for water dispensers or hot and cold water mixing devices or valves, the heretofore known fixture would apparently need to have a manually-operated tap or the like upstream or downstream thereof in order to positively ensure for the proper renewed operation for the fixture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore with the foregoing in mind it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved construction of an electrically controlled fixture for hot and cold water which does not suffer from the aforementioned drawbacks and shortcomings of the prior art.
3 ~ 6 Another and more specific o~ject of the present invention aims at providing a new and improved construction of an electrically controlled fixture or the li~e for a hot and cold water dispenser wherein there is ensured in an extremely simple manner the positive renewed operation of the fixture of the hot and cold water dispenser even after longer intervals of non-use or interruption in the operation of the fixture.
. . .
Yet a further significant object of the present invention is directed to providing a new and improved construction of an electrically controlled plumbing fixture for hot and cold water, which is relatively simple in construction and design, quite economical to manufacture, extremely reliable in operation even after relatively longer intervals of non-use, and not readily subject to breakdown and malfunction.
Now in order to implement these and still further objects of the invention, which will become more readily apparent as the description proceeds, the electrically controlled fixture for hot and cold water, among other things, is manifested by the features that at the region of the thermal coupling of the Peltier arrangement at one side thereof with the hot water and at the other side thereof with the cold water, there is provided a respective heat exchanger. One of these heat exchangers, the one thermally coupled with the hot water, has hot water flowing therethrough and the other heat exchanger, in that case the heat e~changer thermally coupled with the cold water, has cold water flowing therethrough. Both of the heat exchangers are separated from one another, and the heat exchanger through which there flows the hot water is heat-retaining, in other words, possesses heat storage or retention capacity or capability.
.1 ; By virtue of the fact that at the region of the thermal coupling between the hot and cold water and the Peltier arrangement there is provided a respective heat exchanger, there is realized the beneficial result that a larger quantity of water is stored and there is heated up the mass of the heat exchanger through which flows the hot water.
As a result, there is advantageously attained a slower cooling of the Peltier arrangement after shutting-off or periods of non-use of the fixture. Moreover, due to the use of heat exchangers which are mutually separated from one another there is ensured that these heat exchangers are thermally insulated with respect to one another and that there cannot occur any cooling of the heat exchanger throuyh which flows the hot water by heat conduction at those regions externally of the contact surface with the Peltier arrangement. These measures ensure that the elevated 3~
temperature at the hot or warm side of the Peltier arrangement is desirably retained over a longer period of time, and thus, over longer periods of time power or energy can be furnished for controlling the fixture.
'.
According to a particularly preferred space-saving 1, and simple construction of the fixture the heat exchangers sandwich therebetween the Peltier arrangement.
Additionally, the heat exchanger through which flows the hot water can be structured to possess an increased or relatively large mass in order to increase the heat storage capacity or capability. This appreciably retards cooling down of the Peltier arrangement.
According to a preferred construction the control or control device for controlling the fixture comprises an electrical storage element, preferably an accumulator or capacitor which can be charged by the Peltier arrangement.
Due to the relatively slow cooling of the heat exchanger through which flows the hot water this storage element can be charged to a maximum extent or degree. Moreover, due to the relatively long charging time the charging of the electrical storage element, such as the aforementioned accumulator or capacitor, can be accomPlished with small currents. This, in ~ 3~336 turn, increases the service life or longevity of the electric storage elements, especially the accumulators.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
.
. The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein throughout the various figures of the drawings, there have been generally used the same reference characters to denote the same or analogous components and wherein:
~ igure 1 illustrates in front view, partially in section, a water dispenser containing a plumbing fixture and constructed according to the present invention; and Figure 2 illustrates in side view, also partly in section, the water dispenser depicted in Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EM~ODIMENTS
Describing now the drawings, it is to be understood that to simplify the showing thereof, only enough of the 13~?4336 structure of the electrically controlled fixture of a water dispenser for hot and cold water and designed according to the teachings of the present invention has been illustrated therein as is needed to enable one skilled in the art to readily understand the underlying principles and concepts of this invention. Turning now specifically to the drawings of I Figures 1 and 2, there will be recognized a water dispenser or water mixing device 12 comprising an electrically controlled fixture lOa, typically what is sometimes referred to in this art as a plumbing fixture, containing a fixture : body or body member 10 at which there is formed or provided an attachment flange or flange member 14 possessing threads or threading 16. This attachment $1ange 14 piercingly extends through a throughpass or open-ended hole or opening 18 provided in a plate or plate member 20, for instance constituted by part of a sink or washing basin. A nut member 22 or e~uivalent fixation element serves to threadably secure the threaded attachment flange member 14 at the plate or plate member 20. A washer or underlay disc 24 or the like, is disposed between the plate member and the nut member 22.
The fixture body 10 has a hollow shape or construction defining therein a space or internal region, generally indicated by reference character lOb, above the location of the attachment flange member 14 and is covered by a substantially U-shaped cover or hood member 26. By means 13-~4336 of a suitable adjusting or control element, for instance a threaded screw 28 it is possible to appropriately conventionally preselect the temperature of the mixed or comingled hot and cold water which ~lows out of the water dispenser or fixing device 12.
Internally of the fixture body lO there are arranged two heat exchangers 30 and 32 each of which are in flow communication or flow connected with a fixture connection conduit or line 34 and 36, respectively, which piercingly extend through the attachment or connection flange 14 as particularly well seen by referring to Figure l.
Externally of the fixture body 10 these fixture connection conduits or lines 34 and 36 are connected in any suitable but generally known fashion with a hot water and a cold water supply conduit or line system. In the arrangement shown, it has been assumed that the heat exchanger 30 has hot water, generally indicated by reference character 30a, flowing therethrough and the other heat exchanger 32 has cold water, generally indicated by reference character 32a, flowing therethrough.
Each of the heat exchangers 30 and 32 comprises a substantially block-shaped, such as a parallelepiped-shaped hollow body 30b and 32b, respectively. The larger side -surfaces 56 and 58 of the heat exchangers 3G and 32, ~3Q~ 6 respectively, are arranged in somewhat spaced and parallel confronting relationship with respect to one another. Each heat exchanger 30 and 32 is connected by means of a conduit or pipe section 38 and 40 with a respective inlet 42 and 44 of an electrically actuatable or electrically operated valve or valve member 46 and 48, respectively. These valves or valve members 46 and 48 are in flow connection at the outlet sides thereof by means of further conduit or pipe sections 50 and 52, respectively, with a nozzle or jet body 54 or equivalent structure through which flows the admixed hot and cold water.
As will be particularly evident by referring again to Figure 1, a Peltier arrangement 60, is arranged between the neighboring side surfaces 56 and 58 of the heat exchangers 30 and 32, respectively. The mutually confronting or oppositely situated large outer surfaces or regions 60a and 60b of the Peltier arrangement 60 contact the side surfaces 56 and 58 of the heat exchangers 30 and 32, respectively. ~s is generally known, the Peltier arrangement 60 comprises a plurality of Peltier elements, also referred to as thermocouples, which are electrically connected in series to form a thermopile and are thermally coupled in parallel. The- hot side of the Peltier arrangement 60 is in good thermal coupling or contact with the side surface 56 of the heat exchanger 30 and the cold side thereof is in good ~13~t~336 thermal coupling or contact with the side surface 58 of the other heat exchanger 32. The connection lines or conductors 62 of the Peltier arrangement 60 are electrically connected by means of terminals 64 or equivalent structure with further connection lines or conductors 66 which lead to a suitable and therefore here only schema~ically depicted electronic control or control device 68. This electronic control device 68 is electrically connected by further not here particularly shown control lines with both of the valves or valve members 46 and 48 and with a suitable proximity sensor 70, for instance an ultrasonic or infrared sensor, arranged at the head end 12a of the water dispenser or mixing device 12.
A further description of the electronic control 68 is unnecessary for understanding the teachings of the present invention, beyond stating that such electronic control 68 contains a suitable electric storage element 68a, preferably an accumulator or capacitor, which can be charged by means of the power, here the electric potential or voitage developed by the Peltier arrangement 60 as such will be explained more fully hereinafter.
Having now having the benefit of the foresoing description of the construction of the electrically controlled fixture 10 there will now be considered the 13~3~
operation of the water dispenser or mixing device 12 for hot and cold water and which functions as follows:
; As soon as, for instance, the hands of a user are located at the region of the proximity sensor 70 such furnishes an electrical signal to the electronic control or control device 68. This electronic control device 68 then evaluates the signal, amplifies the same and delivers an opening command to the valves 46 and 48, with the result that the hot water 30a and the cold water 32a each flow in the direction of the arrow A shown at the bottom of Figure 2 through the associated heat exchanger 30 and 32, the conduit or line sections 38 and 40, the valves 46 and 48 and the further conduit or line sections 50 and 52 to the nozzle or jet body 54.
In the nozzle or jet body 54 the hot water 30a and cold water 32a are admixed and the admixed or commingled water then departs at that location from the water dispenser or mixing device 12 and flows into contact with the hands of the user which are to be washed. The heat exchanger 30 through which flows the hot water 30a heats up ~ery rapidly and the other heat exchanger 32, through which flows the cold water 32a, accommodates its temperature to that of the cold water. Conse~uently, the Peltier arrangement 60 is exposed to a relatively large-temperature difference or differential.
131~43~3~
This temperature difference produces an electric potential or voltage which is applied by means of the connection conductors or lines 62 and 66 at the electronic control or control device 68. As a result, the storage element 68a thereof, here the accumulator or capacitor, is charged and by virtue of such energy the valves 46 and 48 can be appropriately opened and also there are powered the entire electronic components within the electronic control 68.
However, as soon as the hands of the user are removed from the operating or response region of the proximity sensor 70 such again delivers an appropriate signal to the electronic control or control device 68 by means of which there are controlled further commands serving for closing of the previously opened valves 46 and 48. In order to prolong the charging time of the storage element 68a, here the accumulator or capacitor, the heat exchanger 30 through which flows the hot water 30a is structured to have an increased mass or storage mass which thus increases its heat storage capacity. In this way, the temperature difference between both of the heat exchangers 30 and 32 lasts over a longer time span.
Further electrically controlled fittings which can be constructed in accordance with the teachings and principles of the present invention, are, for instance, 13~3;~ i fittings having electrical or electronic displays as well as optical or acoustical warning devices in respect of the temperature, the pressure, the throughflow quantity and so forth of the fluent or flowable medium.
While there are shown and described present preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.
ACCORDINGLY,
Claims (11)
1. An electrically controlled fixture for hot and cold water, comprising:
a power source containing a Peltier arrangement;
said Peltier arrangement comprising opposite sides defining a first side and a second side;
means for thermally coupling the first side of the Peltier arrangement with the hot water;
means for thermally coupling the second side of the Peltier arrangement with the cold water;
said means for thermally coupling the first side of the Peltier arrangement with the hot water comprises a heat exchanger through which flows the hot water;
said means for thermally coupling the second side of the Peltier arrangement with the cold water comprises a heat exchanger through which flows the cold water;
both of said heat exchangers being separated from one another; and said heat exchanger through which flows the hot water possessing heat storage capacity.
a power source containing a Peltier arrangement;
said Peltier arrangement comprising opposite sides defining a first side and a second side;
means for thermally coupling the first side of the Peltier arrangement with the hot water;
means for thermally coupling the second side of the Peltier arrangement with the cold water;
said means for thermally coupling the first side of the Peltier arrangement with the hot water comprises a heat exchanger through which flows the hot water;
said means for thermally coupling the second side of the Peltier arrangement with the cold water comprises a heat exchanger through which flows the cold water;
both of said heat exchangers being separated from one another; and said heat exchanger through which flows the hot water possessing heat storage capacity.
2. The electrically controlled fixture for hot and cold water as defined in claim 1, wherein:
each of said heat exchangers comprise a substantially block-shaped hollow body.
each of said heat exchangers comprise a substantially block-shaped hollow body.
3. The electrically controlled fixture for hot and cold water as defined in claim 2, wherein:
said Peltier arrangement is sandwiched between said heat exchangers.
said Peltier arrangement is sandwiched between said heat exchangers.
4. The electrically controlled fixture for hot and cold water as defined in claim 1, wherein:
said Peltier arrangement is sandwiched between said heat exchangers.
said Peltier arrangement is sandwiched between said heat exchangers.
5. The electrically controlled fixture for hot and cold water as defined in claim 1, wherein:
said heat exchanger through which flows the hot water is structured to possess a storage mass for increasing the heat storage capacity.
said heat exchanger through which flows the hot water is structured to possess a storage mass for increasing the heat storage capacity.
6. The electrically controlled fixture for hot and cold water as defined in claim 1, further including:
control means operatively connected with said Peltier arrangement;
said control means being powered by said Peltier arrangement; and said control means comprising an electrical storage element which can be electrically charged by said Peltier arrangement.
control means operatively connected with said Peltier arrangement;
said control means being powered by said Peltier arrangement; and said control means comprising an electrical storage element which can be electrically charged by said Peltier arrangement.
7. The electrically controlled fixture for hot and cold water as defined in claim 6, wherein:
said electrical storage element comprises an accumulator.
said electrical storage element comprises an accumulator.
8. The electrically controlled fixture for hot and cold water as defined in claim 6, wherein:
said electrical storage element comprises a capacitor.
said electrical storage element comprises a capacitor.
9. The electrically controlled fixture for hot and cold water as defined in claim 6, wherein:
said fixture defines a water dispenser for dispensing an admixture of the hot and cold water; and said water dispenser being provided with electrically operated valve means.
said fixture defines a water dispenser for dispensing an admixture of the hot and cold water; and said water dispenser being provided with electrically operated valve means.
10. The electrically controlled fixture for hot and cold water as defined in claim 9, further including:
a proximity sensor connected with said control means.
a proximity sensor connected with said control means.
11. An electrically controlled plumbing fixture for hot and cold water, comprising:
a power source containing thermocouple means;
said thermocouple means possessing predetermined regions defining a first region and a second region;
means for thermally coupling the first region of the thermocouple means with the hot water;
means for thermally coupling the second region of the thermocouple means with the cold water;
said means for thermally coupling the first region of the thermocouple means with the hot water comprises a heat exchanger through which flows the hot water;
said means for thermally coupling the second region of the thermocouple means with the cold water comprises a heat exchanger through which flows the cold water; and both of said heat exchangers being separated from one another.
a power source containing thermocouple means;
said thermocouple means possessing predetermined regions defining a first region and a second region;
means for thermally coupling the first region of the thermocouple means with the hot water;
means for thermally coupling the second region of the thermocouple means with the cold water;
said means for thermally coupling the first region of the thermocouple means with the hot water comprises a heat exchanger through which flows the hot water;
said means for thermally coupling the second region of the thermocouple means with the cold water comprises a heat exchanger through which flows the cold water; and both of said heat exchangers being separated from one another.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH365887 | 1987-09-22 | ||
| CH03658/87-3 | 1987-09-22 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1304336C true CA1304336C (en) | 1992-06-30 |
Family
ID=4260741
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000577972A Expired - Lifetime CA1304336C (en) | 1987-09-22 | 1988-09-21 | Electrically controlled plumbing fixture of a hot and cold water dispenser |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4873830A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0312737B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2724473B2 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE77457T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1304336C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3872156D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (18)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002320394A (en) * | 2001-04-19 | 2002-10-31 | Inax Corp | Double-piping power generator |
| US20060180221A1 (en) * | 2005-02-14 | 2006-08-17 | Chung Cheng Faucet Co., Ltd. | Water outlet tubing structure for faucets |
| US7458520B2 (en) | 2005-04-19 | 2008-12-02 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Electronic proportioning valve |
| US7448553B2 (en) | 2005-04-19 | 2008-11-11 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Fluid mixer |
| US7475827B2 (en) | 2005-04-19 | 2009-01-13 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Fluid mixer |
| US7584898B2 (en) | 2005-07-01 | 2009-09-08 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Manual override for electronic proportioning valve |
| WO2007005885A2 (en) * | 2005-07-05 | 2007-01-11 | David Nance | Energy recovery within a fluid distribution network using geographical information |
| ES2302611B1 (en) * | 2006-04-03 | 2009-05-20 | Griferias Grober, S.L. | BATTERY RECHARGE SYSTEM FOR FAUCET. |
| NL1035475C2 (en) * | 2008-05-27 | 2009-11-30 | Jurgen Verwoert | Electrically operated sanitary faucet, has processor controlled by control panel to process data from temperature sensor, where processor regulates state of ceramic plates of thermal generator by using stepping motors |
| WO2010136979A2 (en) * | 2009-05-26 | 2010-12-02 | Leviathan Energy Hydroelectric Ltd. | Hydroelectric in-pipe turbine uses |
| WO2011017438A2 (en) * | 2009-08-04 | 2011-02-10 | Cline William A | Dual functional temperature control system applicator system |
| DE102013100078A1 (en) | 2012-02-24 | 2013-08-29 | WIMTEC Elektronische Steuerungs- und Meßgeräte GmbH | Sanitary fitting for e.g. washstand, has two generators that are designed as thermal generator, solar cell, photo diode, turbine, piezoelectric energy harvester, radio frequency energy harvester or sound energy harvester |
| US9260842B2 (en) | 2012-06-22 | 2016-02-16 | Kohler Mira Limited | Valve with heating element |
| DE102013017176A1 (en) * | 2013-10-16 | 2015-04-16 | Grohe Ag | Sanitary fitting with Peltier element |
| CN110870195B (en) * | 2017-06-01 | 2022-11-22 | M.I.S.电子股份有限公司 | Liquid dispensing system |
| GB2568271B (en) | 2017-11-09 | 2020-04-22 | Kohler Mira Ltd | A plumbing component for controlling the mixture of two supplies of water |
| GB2602346A (en) * | 2020-12-23 | 2022-06-29 | James Wyllie Nicholas | Combined thermal heater cooler sensor tap and valve |
| DE102022104572A1 (en) | 2022-02-25 | 2023-08-31 | Grohe Ag | Shower for a sanitary fitting |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3083543A (en) * | 1961-03-28 | 1963-04-02 | Varo | Devices and systems for cooling or heating fluids |
| US3225549A (en) * | 1962-04-18 | 1965-12-28 | Thore M Elfving | Thermoelectric cooling device |
| US3502080A (en) * | 1965-06-28 | 1970-03-24 | Max L Hirschhorn | Thermoelectrically cooled surgical instrument |
| US3618590A (en) * | 1969-06-27 | 1971-11-09 | Hoffmann La Roche | Thermal electric dental pulp tester |
| US4308013A (en) * | 1980-06-19 | 1981-12-29 | Emery Major | Thermoelectric diagnostic instrument |
| US4520305A (en) * | 1983-08-17 | 1985-05-28 | Cauchy Charles J | Thermoelectric generating system |
| US4520516A (en) * | 1983-09-23 | 1985-06-04 | Parsons Natan E | Ultrasonic flow-control system |
| DE3414481A1 (en) * | 1984-04-17 | 1985-10-24 | Hans Grohe Gmbh & Co Kg, 7622 Schiltach | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE FLOW OF A LIQUID |
| EP0193702B1 (en) * | 1985-03-04 | 1988-11-23 | Ideal-Standard Gmbh | Mixing valve, in particular with a single lever |
| US4735357A (en) * | 1986-03-07 | 1988-04-05 | Stephen O. Gregory | Modular water facuet with automatic water supply system |
-
1988
- 1988-08-25 EP EP88113822A patent/EP0312737B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-08-25 DE DE8888113822T patent/DE3872156D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-08-25 AT AT88113822T patent/ATE77457T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1988-09-16 US US07/245,287 patent/US4873830A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-09-21 CA CA000577972A patent/CA1304336C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-09-21 JP JP63237493A patent/JP2724473B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH01102133A (en) | 1989-04-19 |
| DE3872156D1 (en) | 1992-07-23 |
| US4873830A (en) | 1989-10-17 |
| JP2724473B2 (en) | 1998-03-09 |
| ATE77457T1 (en) | 1992-07-15 |
| EP0312737A1 (en) | 1989-04-26 |
| EP0312737B1 (en) | 1992-06-17 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |