New ultrasonic sensor in public toilets

SNT Sensortechnik AG: The self-cleaning automatic toilet is a contemporary and hygienic high-tech solution for the realization of public toilets. It combines design and functionality in an elegant way. Toilet cabin and equipment meet the requirements for buildings suitable for disabled. The robust, rust-free and service-friendly design ensure optimum service life and low cost.

The manufacturer offers the toilets in different versions, but always with the latest automation and security technology. After visiting the toilet the cabin floor is lowered and each time cleaned with water and compressed air. The emptying and cleaning of the toilet bowl is also fully automatic. The stainless steel wall behind the bowl moves forward and releases the cleaning unit. It consists of rotating water and compressed air nozzles. After cleaning the built-in ultrasonic sensor type UPR-A checks whether the bowl is completely empty.

The ultrasonic sensor was chosen because it works best in this harsh environment. The available space in the cleaning unit is very confined. The nozzles protrude close to the sensor beam. Thanks to the adjustable beam size of the new sensor an ideal setting could be found where the
sensor is still sufficiently sensitive but able to look through the narrow channel.

The compact ultrasonic sensors of the UPR-A series are characterized by a wide range of max. 1.5m. Furthermore they are configurable by the user. Thanks to three different sized detection lobes, the sensor can be adapted locally to the application. The sensor is available as a pure proximity switch as well as a distance sensor with analog output. Suitable applications include object detection as well as distance and level measurement.

The switching and analogue outputs can be teached by the user (rising/falling or NC/NO or window). The binary type is also programmable as a reflective barrier. This is useful when badly detectable objects stay in front of a background. The analogue sensor automatically detects the connected load, and exits accordingly mA or V. Programming is done using a single teach input. Optionally a teach-in box is available. Thanks to the new transducer sealing made of Viton® the UPRA sensors are very robust against many environmental influences. In particular, they are oil resistant, unlike many other ultrasonic sensors.