Neat Dispensing with LÜTZE

A rail topic that is more of a low-priority issue, until it no longer works – hand hygiene in train restrooms. Soaping your hands without a hitch requires perfectly coordinated, functioning components. LÜTZE is on board to assist you.

With the Mireo, Siemens Mobility has introduced a first-class platform solution. The concept impresses with its many features, providing operators with a high degree of added value. LÜTZE contributes a not insignificant part to the Mireo Lausitz trains, with three components installed by the supplier RCS (Rail Components and Systems).

The Saxon company works for various train manufacturers, and with 180 employees it manufactures driver cabs, front masks and interior panels, amongst other things. In addition to their GRP expertise, they also develop the corresponding electronic and electrical systems. RCS supplies a range of systems, including complete sanitary modules. The latest practical example involves automatic dispensers for soap and hand sanitizer. At first glance, not a big deal – but a closer look reveals a project that has grown.

A time relay controls how long soap or hand sanitizer flows out. But for that to happen, a DC/DC converter must provide a supply voltage of 12V to the dispensing pumps. A compact product with lower power consumption was needed for the hat rail mounting, since only a low load is connected. But it had to be rail-compatible, with all approvals, and adjustable to 12V. "This is where LÜTZE Transportation came in: We chose their time relays because we were looking for a flexible and programmable solution," reports Mathias Wacke, Product Manager for cab control panels and lavatories at RCS. At the beginning of the project, the ideal output times were not yet exactly known, which is why they had to be variable. "This was also the case because different rail companies might use substances of varying viscosity," explains Mathias Wacke. "The operator can then run an update of the parameter set by themselves via free software and a programming cable."

In the initial practical applications, it became apparent that two more programmable time modules would have to be added: namely, a temporary restart lock, and a lock for the simultaneous dispensing of soap and hand sanitizer.

RCS developed the system together with its customer, Siemens Mobility. It first went into operation in the Mireo network of Lausitz, which is operated by DB Regio AG. In addition to the dispensers, the hygiene package of these Mireo trains, spoils customers with touch-free faucets and warm-air hand dryers.

The retroactive integration of relays and converters in an existing platform is similar to a modernization project. "Therefore, testing according to EMC 06 was required, which LÜTZE Transportation obtained as requested. We have had a long-standing partnership in general," says Product Manager Wacke. RCS already installs LÜTZE DC/DC converters in driver control panels or their USB charging stations, and sound generators in its own projects.

Why can't the central Toilet Control Unit handle this small task? A standalone solution was required by Siemens; otherwise, the Toilet Control Unit would no longer be useable as a common part across multiple projects. In terms of hand washing, the different rail operators who use the Mireo platform want either manual or automatic dispensers, with or without dryers. And the toilet control should remain unaffected by this.
 

RCS decided on the programmable time relays because they wanted to bypass a compact controller. Firstly, because these three components are more affordable than rail-compatible compact controllers. The issue of software effort also played a role. So the solution with less effort and cost for all was preferred.

Another criterion was the switching distance: there is only 130mm of space under the panel of the sink. In addition to the Lütze components, RCS used special sensors that were made rail-compatible. These trigger the faucet via solenoid valve and now also activate the soap and hand sanitizer dispensers. Even the background color on the sink – bright or rather dark – covers the sensor thanks to its adjustability.
Along stations such as Frankfurt (Oder), Cottbus or Leipzig, the Mireo passengers in the Lausitz region are unaware of the effort. They are just happy that everything works smoothly in the restroom.

Author: Andreas Schindler, Product Manager Interface, Lütze Transportation GmbH