CN103842597A - Automatic faucets - Google Patents

Abstract

An automatic faucet includes a housing forming partially an internal barrel and a faucet head and being constructed to include at least one water inlet conduit extending into said barrel and a water outlet for delivering water from a spout. The automatic faucet also includes a faucet head having a removable faucet crown and the spout, wherein the faucet crown is removably mounted to the faucet head. The automatic faucet also includes a valve module, a sensor module, a battery module, a turbine module, and a control module.

Description

Automatic faucet

The PCT that the application requires the name of submission on March 15th, 2012 to be called " Automatic Faucets " applies for that the name of submitting in PCT/US2012/000150 and on July 31st, 2011 is called the U.S. Provisional Application 61/574 of " Automatic Faucets ", the priority of No. 345 and be their part continuation application, these two applications are incorporated to way of reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to automatic faucet and for operating and control the method for this water tap.

Background technology

In communal facility or large-scale private facility, using now several dissimilar automatic faucets.Also there is metering water tap, manually open this metering water tap by pushing down faucet head to fetch boiling water, and make lasting water outlet in the setting-up time section after this head declines when this metering water tap is carried out to hydraulic ga(u)ge.Some in these water taps have the independent head allowing the independent control of hot and cold water.Other metering water tap mixes the hot and cold current of coming in, and in the time opening, transmits gentle output stream.

It is also known that manually opened metering water tap, with electronics mode control its turn-on time.Other known water tap is opened in electronics mode below user is positioned at hand in water tap time.Auto moisture match system provides many merits, comprises and improves health, water saving and minimizing maintenance cost.Because a lot of communicate illness are propagated by contacting, therefore public health care mechanism encourages the public and order food worker to carry out suitable health training, comprises effectively and washing one's hands.Make effectively to wash one's hands by automatic faucet easier.Automatic faucet typically comprises the object sensor of the existence that detects object and the signal based on from sensor and opens and closes the automatic valve of water.If the water temperature of automatic faucet is not in optimum range, people trend towards shortening their washing one's hands the time.In order to obtain optimum water temperature, must realize the proper mixture ratio of hot and cold water and suitable water and activate.Automatic faucet uses default valve, the mixed current of this default valve control conventionally.

When hydraulic ga(u)ge, the shortcoming of water tap is: because main pressure changes and cause the impurity of negative effect in the hydraulic control in water tap of water tap inner accumulated, be difficult to control exactly the turn-on time of this water tap after therefore long-term.In addition, some water taps can not be distinguished all the time hand, other material of user and may approach the object (for example, soap on the reflecting object, being oppositely arranged with the infrared transceiver of water tap, the proximity transducer that is built up in water tap etc.) of water tap.As a result, those existing water taps may by mistake be opened and/or lasting long time and cause the waste of water.

Still need reliable automatic faucet, it is not wasted water and has effectively energy-conservation operation.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates generally to the method for sensor-based automatic faucet and this water tap of operation.

According to an aspect, a kind of automatic faucet comprises housing, its forming section inner cylinder and faucet head, and be configured to comprise that at least one extends to water inlet pipeline in cylinder and for delivery of the delivery port of water that comes from spout.This water tap also comprises the water tap apical cap being arranged on removedly in faucet head.This automatic faucet also comprises the valve module, sensor assembly and the control module that are positioned at cylinder inner side.Valve module comprises for controlling the electromagnetic actuators from the current of delivery port.This sensor assembly is configured to provide the sensing data that is subject to user's impact.Control module is configured to receive the sensing data from sensor assembly.Inner cylinder and faucet head are constructed and arranged to releasably seal and keep valve module, sensor assembly and control module.

Preferred embodiment comprises one or more in following feature:

Control module is positioned on the circuit board that is arranged on removedly faucet head inner side.This circuit board can remove after removing water tap apical cap from faucet head.

This automatic faucet comprises the turbine module that is configured to produce electric power.This turbine module is positioned at faucet head inner side, and removable to maintain.Turbine module is configured to produce electric power, is positioned at faucet head inner side, and can after removing water tap apical cap from faucet head, removes.

Valve module comprises housing, and this housing comprises and the mixing valve module of closing spool and combine setting.This is closed spool and is designed in the time of the actuator casing that removes actuator and be associated rotation (turn) and closes.Automatic faucet can comprise mixing handle, to control this mixing valve module.Valve module comprises housing, and this housing comprises and the mixing valve module of closing spool and combine setting, and turbine module is configured to receive the current that come from this and close spool.

According to another aspect, a kind of automatic faucet comprises housing and valve module, this casing structure becomes receive at least one water inlet pipeline and have the spout for delivery of water, and this valve module comprises and is subject to the valve of electromagnetic actuators control so that the current that come from spout are controlled.Automatic faucet also comprises sensor assembly and control module, and sensor assembly is configured to provide the sensing data that is subject to user's impact, and control module is configured to by provide signal to carry out the opening and closing of by-pass valve control to electromagnetic actuators.Control module is configured to from sensor assembly receiving sensor data and carries out sensing algorithm, and this sensing algorithm is followed the trail of noise signal level and dynamically adjusted signal threshold value, and this sensing algorithm trace signals trend is to determine existing of user.

Preferred embodiment can comprise one or more in following feature:

Control module is constructed and is programmed for and carries out sensing algorithm, and this sensing algorithm utilizes each autoregressive parameter of different electrical power.Can have one or more sensor assemblies, and sensor assembly can comprise capacitance type sensor.Capacitance type sensor comprises touch mode capacitive sensor, or capacitance type sensor comprises and approaches capacitance type sensor.Alternatively, sensor assembly comprises active infra-red (IR) sensor or passive infrared sensor, and active infra-red sensor comprises infrared transmitter and detector, and passive infrared sensor comprises infrared detector.Alternatively, sensor assembly comprises that ultrasonic sensor detects approaching, exist or leaving of user.

Valve module, sensor assembly and control module are positioned at the housing of water tap.Alternatively, valve module and control module are positioned at control system unit, and control system unit is positioned at below the top surface of tank.Control system unit can comprise the quick connection fittings for connecting water inlet pipeline.Control system unit comprises the water filter being associated with actuator.

Use wallboard by control system cellular installation on wall.Valve module is designed to automatically close after removing actuator.

Automatic faucet comprises the hydroturbine module for electric power is provided to electronic control circuit.Hydroturbine and control module are designed for the water velocity of measuring water tap.Hydroturbine and control module are designed for the malfunction that detects water tap.Control module is configured to carry out electrical management algorithm.

Automatic faucet comprises the photovoltaic cell for electric power is provided to electronic control circuit.Automatic faucet comprises for the indicator to user's indicating status.Indicator comprises LED diode, sound indicator or display.

According to another aspect, a kind of automatic faucet comprises housing, and casing structure becomes receive at least one water inlet pipeline and have the spout for delivery of water.Automatic faucet comprises valve module, sensor assembly, battery module, turbine module and control module.Valve module comprises the valve that is subject to electromagnetic actuators control, for the current that come from spout are controlled.Sensor assembly is configured to provide the sensing data that is subject to user's impact.Control module is configured to by providing signal and the opening and closing of by-pass valve control to electromagnetic actuators.Control module is also configured to from sensor assembly receiving sensor data and carries out sensing algorithm.Control module is also configured to carry out electrical management algorithm, and electrical management algorithm is for managing being produced by hydroturbine and providing to battery or from the electric power of battery.

Preferred embodiment can comprise one or more in following feature:

Control module (control system unit) can comprise the valve module that comprises electromagnetic actuators (solenoid actuator) and optional strainer.Actuator casing is constructed to be permeable to automatically close (being rotary closing) by revolving actuator housing, therefore the in the situation that of maintenance, replacing valve or cleaning filtration without closing water.

The combination of the rotary closing that is attached to the strainer of removable valve module (being spool) and be associated with electromagnetic actuators allows checking and cleaning and filtering without instrument and needn't close water supply in the situation that.

According to another aspect, sensor-based water tap comprises the hydroturbine that is arranged in the current that flow out from water tap.Hydroturbine comprises the rotor, magnet, stator and the electric coil that are coupled to rotor blade, and rotor blade is positioned at the water passage with predetermined flow velocity, and electric power is constructed and be arranged to produce to electric coil.

Preferably, water tap comprises hydroturbine and the rechargeable battery for electric power is provided to electronic control circuit.Hydroturbine and electronic control circuit are designed for the water velocity of measuring water tap.Water tap can comprise hydroturbine, photoelectric cell unit and rechargeable battery, and microcontroller can comprise the input and output for controlling electric power and the electric power management system to battery charging.

Preferably, comprise that the water tap of hydroturbine also constructs and be arranged to detect the minor amount of water of leaving water tap.Comprise that the water tap of hydroturbine also constructs and be arranged to the flow velocity of the water that detects leaving water tap.Water tap is activated and is constructed and arranged to the element fault of the signal detection water tap based on from hydroturbine by automated sensor.

Advantageously, control system Unit Design for example, for ease of easily carrying out the installation and removal of waterpipe (, water tube hose) with connecting design fast.Installation need to simply draw/push away pipeline to be fixed to control system unit and/or to water tap.After closing water supply, connecting hose accessory allows, at mounted valve housing (manifold), flexible pipe is installed before fast.Be combined with special wall mounting bracket, manifold can easily be installed and remove to keep in repair without instrument.The design use special die nut or for by the lid of control module with respect to other the fastening key of bracket screw being arranged on below tank.

Control module (control manifold) is designed to cooperate with wall mounting bracket.Manifold can easily be mounted on wall bracket and remove.Manifold is attached to wallboard via simple twisting action and is fixed in the time that manifold cap is placed on manifold.

By simple screw fastening to wallboard and fix rigidly and fully control system unit.Once lid screw is fixed, and can not remove manifold from wall mounting bracket (wallboard).

Control system unit also comprises battery module, and this battery module connects the battery of battery case inner side, and does not consider the orientation of the relative clamper of shell (holder).Battery case only in two ways (180 degree are symmetrical) is installed, and therefore prevents wrong polarity installation.Battery case allows " blind " to install, and, if setter can not be seen the position below tank, but still battery can be installed that is.Simply battery bezel ring, is rotated to 1/4 and can make battery skid off, to easily change.If battery case ring does not pin battery (battery is unfixing), battery case can not be installed on manifold, and this gives setter with warning.Battery case is via seal with O ring with blocks moisture, and battery case is fixed in manifold via buckle.

Control module manifold also comprises hydroturbine.Turbine reduces power consumption and allows accurate measurement by reading AC signal frequency, AC signal frequency and flow velocity are proportional, and be optimized for different in flow rate by inserting flow nozzle, and be integrated in manifold and for example, for fault detect (seepage and obstruction)., turbine rotates or stops because of obstruction because of seepage.

The water tap of this novelty can use a screw easily to install and remove apical cap assembly.Advantageously, apical cap Design and Features can easily change, for example, increase photoelectric cell unit, display screen (for example, LCD display) and user interface.

Electromagnetic actuators can be coupled to an only valve, and this valve inserts in a pipeline carrying premixed hot water and cold water.Electromagnetic actuators can be coupled to the valve of another kind of type to control flowing of hot water and cold water in two independent tubes, as described in PCT application PCT/US01/43277.Alternatively, control signal can be delivered to two electromechanical actuators, this two actuator configurations and be arranged to control independently two valves, and therefore control and there are the current that are delivered in the hot water of water tap and two independent tubes of cold water independently.

According to another aspect, water tap can be by the battery-operated electronic tap carrying, its can between battery altering, operate exceed 2 years, 3 years or more for many years.Water tap has the moving-member of minimum number, and can be very easy to accessing all parts to safeguard.Can and safeguard this water tap with low cost fabrication relatively.

According to another aspect, be provided for calibration or the novel interface to sensor-based water tap programming.This interface is mutual via the object sensor and the user that are coupled to the microprocessor of current in control water tap.Sensor-based water tap comprises: insert in pipeline and be subject to the valve of electromagnetic actuators control; And sensor, it is for producing sensor output signal to electronic control circuit, and the control signal of valve is constructed and be arranged to be provided for opening and closing to electronic control circuit.In the different problems of sensing (for example, the low state of battery, electrical issues or mechanical problem in one of water tap element) time, control circuit can instruct valve the water boundling (burst) of predetermined quantity is provided at the different step place of various algorithms or glistens to link up with user.

According to another aspect, water tap has hot water and cooling water inlet and outlet.The sensor output signal providing to electronic control circuit is provided sensor, and this electronic control circuit is constructed and is arranged to control signal to provide to electromechanical actuator.Control circuit also provides signal to optics, acoustics or other indicator, and indicator sends signal in the time that actuator is opened valve first.Control circuit provides signal to indicator, and this indicator sends continuously signal and continues predetermined amount of time, does not also expire with the official hour interval that needs that shows to user to clean according to effective hand.In the time that interval time is full, guarantee that to user he has met relevant duration regulation thus.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows the front perspective view that is arranged on the water tap on tank, and wherein control system unit is positioned under this tank.

Figure 1A is the front perspective view of water tap, and wherein control system unit illustrates with exploded view.

Fig. 2 and Fig. 2 A are the phantom drawings that shows two embodiment of the water tap of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is the phantom drawing of the water tap of Fig. 1, and wherein water tap apical cap is removed.

Fig. 3 A is the perspective exploded view that there is no the water tap of water tap apical cap.

Fig. 3 B and Fig. 3 C are respectively the perspective exploded view of water tap apical cap and circuit board module, and wherein circuit board module has the annex for the water tap shown in Fig. 3 that is designed for capacitance type sensor and IR sensor.

Fig. 4 is the perspective exploded view that is positioned at the control system unit under the tank of the device shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B are the perspective exploded view of the control system unit shown in Fig. 4, wherein illustrate in greater detail modules.

Fig. 4 C and Fig. 4 D are the perspective side elevation view of removing the control system unit shown in the Fig. 4 covering, wherein show the valve module of rotary closing in the time removing.

Fig. 4 E illustrates the quick connection of the waterpipe of the control system unit that is connected to Fig. 4.

Fig. 5 is the phantom drawing for the wall accessory plate of the control system unit shown in attached Fig. 1 and Figure 1A.

Fig. 6 and Fig. 6 A are respectively perspective plan view and the perspective bottom view that there is no the base portion retainer of the control system unit shown in Fig. 4 A to Fig. 4 D of modules.

Fig. 7, Fig. 7-I, Fig. 7 A and Fig. 7 A-I are the overlooking and cross-sectional view of control system unit that is attached with modules.

Fig. 8 has shown the lid of control system unit in each visual angle and detailed drawing, and these figure also show each the attached element for lid being attached to base portion.

Fig. 8 A is the decomposition diagram of the battery module shown in Fig. 4 A.

Fig. 8 B is the decomposition diagram of the actuator module shown in Fig. 4 A.

Fig. 9 is the front perspective view that shows another embodiment that is installed on the water tap on tank.

Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 B are respectively elevation and the lateral views of the water tap shown in Fig. 9.

Figure 10 is the cross-sectional side view of the water tap shown in Fig. 9.

Figure 10 A is cross section, the detailed side view of the faucet head of the water tap shown in Figure 10.

Figure 10 B is the cross-sectional side view of the water tap shown in Figure 10, has shown that faucet head is to illustrate better in exploded view.

Figure 11 and Figure 11 A are top view and the cross-sectional views that is arranged in the turbine module of the faucet head shown in Figure 10 A and 10B.

Figure 11 B is the perspective exploded view that is positioned at the element of faucet head inside, comprises turbine module, circuit board module and ventilator.

Figure 12, Figure 12 A, Figure 12 B, Figure 12 C and Figure 12 D are the diagrams that comprises the turbine of the water surface that is all positioned at turbine module inside.

Figure 13 has shown the decomposition diagram of the control system of the water tap inside being positioned at shown in Figure 10, has wherein removed water tap enclosure.

Figure 13 A, Figure 13 B, Figure 13 C, Figure 13 D and Figure 13 E show the mixing of the water tap inside being positioned at shown in Figure 10 and several diagrams of valve-off.

Figure 14 is water tap element and the block diagram for the control circuit of the operation of the water tap shown in control chart 1 or Fig. 9.

Figure 15 is water tap element and the block diagram for another embodiment of the control circuit of the operation of the water tap shown in control chart 1 or Fig. 9.

Figure 16 A to Figure 16 G is the circuit diagram of the water tap element shown in the block diagram of Figure 15.

Figure 17 illustrates main operation and the control of the water tap shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 9.

Figure 18 is the flow chart that the electrical management of the turbine module for being realized by controller is shown.

Figure 19, Figure 19 A, Figure 19 B, Figure 19 C and Figure 19 D show another flow chart, and it illustrates the electrical management of the water tap of being realized by controller.

Figure 20 illustrates the flow chart that is used to control circuit that the battery Contact Algorithm of electric power is provided.

Figure 21 comprises Figure 21 A, Figure 21 B and Figure 21 C, the flow chart of the algorithm of the target occurring at the water tap nozzle shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 9 for sensing shown in it.

Figure 22 is the flow chart that the object sensing for fetching boiling water at the flow chart of Figure 21 is shown.

Figure 22 A is the flow chart illustrating for close the object sensing of water at the flow chart of Figure 21.

Detailed description of the invention

With reference to Fig. 1, water tap 10 is shown as and is mounted to tank 14, and wherein water tap base portion 18 contacts with top water rooved face 15.Water tap comprises housing or packaging body 17 and water tap apical cap 16.Use electronic circuit 11 that water tap 10 is electrically coupled to and controls manifold (control system unit) 100 and receive water via water line 12.Figure 1A illustrates water tap 10, and wherein control centre unit 100 illustrates with exploded view.Water line 12 is used Quick Connect Kit (being shown in Fig. 4 E) to be coupled to control system unit 100 and mixing hot/cold water is provided., there is the cold mixed cell of heat (Fig. 1 and Figure 1A are not shown) being arranged under tank 14.

Control system unit 100 comprises plastic manifold 12 and lid 105, and this plastic manifold 12 is designed for the base portion that holds modules.

Fig. 2 and Fig. 2 A have shown two different the install embodiments of the water tap 10 shown in Fig. 1 to tank 14.These are installed embodiment and are equally applicable to the water tap 10A shown in Fig. 9.Can use the quick connection assembly that comprises bar 24 and couple element 25A and 25B to realize this installation.Coupled components can comprise pad 22 or for make water tap and metal tank electric insulation compared with heavy insulation element.This insulation is important for the proper operation of the capacitance sensor being installed together with metal sink (described below).Fig. 2 A has shown another installation embodiment of water tap 10, the assembly that it uses bar 28A and 28B and couples element 27A, 27B, 29A and 29B.

In fact tap shell is made up of shell-like structure, and this shell-like structure forms the top of erectting body and comprising water tap apical cap, and water tap apical cap has the spout that extends out to ventilator 38 from body.Ventilator 38 comprises removable ventilator main body 38A and spanner 38B.Water tap apical cap (being shown as water tap apical cap 34 in Fig. 2 and Fig. 2 A) comprises the removable cover plate that is fixed to body.Cover plate can be replaced to link up or provide the message about amusement or advertisement to user with user by the display of LCD display or another kind of type.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 3 A illustrate the water tap of removing water tap apical cap 34.Water tap 10 comprises the flexible water conduit road 12 with quick connection 12A, connects fast 12A and can be attached to the water tap apical cap insert 36 that water is provided to ventilator 38.Fig. 3 B is the perspective exploded view of water tap apical cap 34A, comprises circuit board and the cover plate of the capacitive sensing that is designed for user's hand.Fig. 3 C is the perspective exploded view of water tap apical cap 34B, comprises circuit board and the cover plate of the IR sensing (or alternatively designing not only for capacitive sensing but also for IR sensing) that is designed for user's hand.

Fig. 4 is the perspective exploded view that is positioned at the control system unit 100 under tank.Fig. 4 A is the perspective exploded view of removing the control system manifold (control system unit) 100 that covers 105.

Control system unit 100 is designed to be shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 with wall mounting bracket 106() cooperate to be attached to the washing locular wall below tank.

With reference to Fig. 4, Fig. 4 A, Fig. 4 B, Fig. 4 C and Fig. 4 D, control system unit 100 comprises that valve module 150, battery module 200, turbine module 250 and electronic control module 400(are as shown in figure 14).Valve module 150 comprises valve housing 160, lower valve body 156, upper valve body 152, strainer 158(or coarse filter 158) and actuator 153.Actuator casing 152 comprises alignment mark 154A, valve housing 160 comprises alignment mark 154B, alignment mark is closed (be rotary closing be operating as bayonet socket connect) for being rotated by revolving actuator housing, thereby without closing current when maintenance, replacing valve or the cleaning filtration.This is that rotary closing spool 170(by being positioned at rotary closing base structure 180 inner sides and be encapsulated in rotary closing housing 160 is as shown in Figure 13 C and 13D) combination realize.

Valve module 150 provides and uses actuator 153 control to the valve of the current of water tap 10 and provide valve-off to easily safeguard.In the time that valve module 150 removes from rotary closing housing 160, do not have current to pass through control system unit 100.Also with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 7 A, actuator module 150 is inserted into and is oriented in the valve housing all mating with arrow 154A on two elements and 154B, as shown in Figure 4 D.When actuator module 150 for example rotate as shown in Figure 4 C 45 while spending, in the situation that actuator is opened, water can flow through valve module.About 45 degree (from the position shown in Fig. 4 C to the position shown in Fig. 4 D) valve-offs of revolving actuator module 150 are to safeguard.Actuator module 150 comprises electromechanical actuator described below (solenoid actuator).Fig. 8 B is the decomposition diagram of actuator module and the valve that comprises water filter, is also shown in Fig. 4 A.Solenoid actuator control is delivered to user's current from ventilator 38.Whole faucet system comprises many O shapes circle and water seal, to prevent that water from revealing and improving current, as one of ordinary skill in the known.

With reference to Fig. 4 A and 4B, hydroturbine module 250 comprise rotor assembly 260(as Figure 12 C in detail as shown in) and stator module 270(as shown in Figure 12 D is detailed).Rotor assembly 260 comprises: ceramagnet 262(or other anticorrosive magnets) and with the fixing vane 264 of plastics pin.Stator module 270 comprises coil 271, and they are between two stator pieces 272 and 273 of being made up of nonmagnetic substance.

Hydroturbine module 250 is arranged in aquaporin, and wherein said rotor utilizes rotating shaft to couple turbo blade 264 and rotor magnet 262 is overall fixing.Rotor magnet and magnetic pole of the stator elements relative.Provide stator coil interconnected with the magnetic flux by magnetic pole of the stator.In the time that hydroturbine passes through to receive water flow rotary, magnet 262 rotates with respect to described magnetic pole of the stator.The mobile of magnetic flux that flows to rotor and magnetic pole of the stator changes.Therefore, the induced-current in stator coil flows in the direction of mobile variation that prevents magnetic flux.Stator-rotor arrangement preferably has 12 magnetic poles (but also can have the magnetic pole of smaller or greater quantity to export with optimization energy).Generator is also used as tachometer, is used for effectively measuring the flow velocity through water tap.This arrangement also makes it possible to carry out malfunction monitoring and circuit stops up or the detection of plugged filter.After to current commutates, use following power management algorithm to be for example stored in rechargeable battery.Corresponding signal is provided for microcontroller, as shown in FIG. 14 and 15.

Still, with reference to Fig. 4 B and Figure 12 A, 12B, hydroturbine module 250 has the single fluid path that is designed to allow certain flow rate scope.Turbine rotor 260 for having specially designed concentrated entrance 284, and is optionally positioned at the nozzle 283 of concentrated entrance 284 with turbine wheel base 282 collaborative designs.Per minute for 0.7GPM(gallon) the above flow velocity to 1.8GPM, provide the flow passage of larger cross section to reduce inner flow resistance (, pressure loss).On the other hand, for the low flow velocity that is low to moderate 0.35GPM, concentrate entrance 284 to comprise the nozzle 283 of the power stage that can improve turbine generator.Nozzle can fix in place by small lugs and the groove being molded on described nozzle.This design needs the space of relatively small amount.

As shown in Figure 4 B, rotary closing spool 170 comprises that an outlet port 74(is separately shown in Figure 13 C and 13D), it receives the current that come from valve, these current are subject to the constraint of rotary closing spool 170, flow out from port one 74, and tool flows into the laminar flow of concentrating entrance 284 between rotary closing base portion 180 and housing 160.Advantageously, valve housing 160 and turbine shroud 280 are to be made up of single member, to improve the laminar flow of water.Hydroturbine module has reduced power consumption, and also allows the frequency by reading AC signal to carry out accurate water metering, and the frequency of this AC signal is proportional to flow velocity and can be with inserting or permanent flow nozzle 283 is optimized for different flow velocitys.

As mentioned above, magnetic flux flow is crossed between generator amature and magnetic pole of the stator.In the time that hydroturbine rotates by the power of flowing water, magnetic flux exists as a kind of resistance.,, in the starting and rotary course of hydroturbine, the magnetic flux producing between rotor and magnetic pole of the stator is braked the operation of hydroturbine as detent torque.Turbine module of the present invention is designed to start and detects a small amount of current to detect leaking of water tap.Turbine module can be replaced by another kind of rechargable power supplies module (such as one or more photovoltaic cells).Photovoltaic cell can be arranged on the top of apical cap assembly.

Battery module 200 comprises four batteries that direct current 1.5V is respectively provided.Fig. 8 A is the decomposition diagram of battery module.The battery container that is arranged in control system unit is designed to receive described battery module 200, and no matter battery case 204 with respect to the orientation of retainer in manifold 210.That is to say, battery case 204 can only be held attached folder 208 and be arranged on the attached element 212 of retainer 210 with both direction (180 degree are symmetrical).This wrong polarity that can prevent battery is installed.In other words, battery case 204 allows " blind " to install, and battery still can be installed in the time of position below setter can not be seen tank.In installation process, simply battery bezel ring, is rotated to 1/4 and will make battery skid off to easily change.If battery case ring does not pin battery (being that battery is unfixing), battery case can not be installed on retainer 210.Battery module 200 is via seal with O ring with blocks moisture, and battery case is fixed in manifold via buckle.

Control system module 100 comprises plastic manifold 120, and it is attached to wallboard 106.Fig. 5 shows wall attachment plate 106, and it has the attached element 113,114 and 115 of collaborative design, and attached element is positioned in plastic manifold 120 and collaborative design coupling for fastening, mechanical robust.Specifically, plastic manifold 120 comprises opening 122 and the cylinder 123 that is designed to the element 115 with plate 106.These cooperation surfaces provide coupling and making a mark so that control system unit 100 easily keeps in repair of mechanical robust.Whole control system Unit Design Cheng Yubi mounting bracket 106 cooperates to easily install and be attached to wall bracket and remove from wall bracket.

Manifold is attached to wallboard 106 via simple twisting action, and is fixed in the time that vinyl cover 105 is positioned in plastic manifold 120.This unit be rigidity and carry out screw fastening and be completely fixed by simple use screw 118.Once lid screw (Fig. 8) is fixed, manifold can not remove from wall mounting bracket (wallboard) 106.The design uses hexagon wrench special (Allen wrench) (or other key) for the screw of the lid 105 of fixing control module.Modules in water tap 10 and control system unit 100 are removable and easily change so that rapid-maintenance.

Fig. 6 and Fig. 6 A are perspective plan view and the perspective bottom view of the plastic manifold (base portion retainer) 120 for control system unit 100.Fig. 7, Fig. 7-I, Fig. 7 A and Fig. 7 A-I are the cross-sectional views of control system manifold 100.Figure 10 has shown manifold cap 105 in several visual angles and detailed drawing.

The synergism of valve module and actuator module can realize automatically and closing, and therefore safeguarding, valve change or cleaning filtration in the situation that without closing water.Being attached to the strainer of removable valve sleeve and the combination of automatically closing associated with solenoid actuator allows checking and cleaning and filtering without instrument and needn't close water in the situation that.

Actuator module comprises solenoid actuator (solenoid-operated device).Solenoid actuator comprises the solenoid being wound around around armature housing, and armature housing is constructed and is arranged to receive armature, and armature comprises the plunger of being sealed by film part.Armature provides fluid passage, so that the displacement between the distal portions of armature and proximal part of armature fluid, thereby can realize effectively mobile fast between open position and fastening position of armature.Film is fixed about armature housing, and is arranged to be sealed in the armature fluid in bag-shaped of the armature with fixed volume, and wherein the displacement of plunger (, distal portions or armature) makes film be subjected to displacement about valve passage, opens or closes thus this passage.This can realize the long-time operation of low-yield battery.

Preferably, actuator can be locking actuator (comprising the permanent magnet for keeping armature) or non-locking actuator.The distal portions of armature and dissimilar barrier film arrange collaboratively, and diaphragm design becomes to act on valve seat in the time that armature is placed in the armature position of its extension.Solenoid actuator is connected to control circuit, and control circuit is configured to, in response to the output from optional armature sensor, described coil is applied to described coil drive.Armature sensor can sensing arrives the armature of end position (opening or closing position).Control circuit can directly apply coil drive signal to coil along the first driving direction, and in response to meeting the output from sensor of being scheduled to the first electric current termination criteria to start or to stop, along the first driving direction, coil is applied to coil drive.Control circuit can instruct or stop coil applying coil drive signal in response to the output from sensor that meets preassigned.

For example can control water tap by solenoid actuator, wherein this actuator configurations be arranged to discharge pressure in guide's chamber and start thus piston, film or frame assembly from valve-off position to the movement of opening valve location.Actuator can comprise that locking actuator is (as US Patent No. 6,293, described in 516, it is incorporated to by reference), non-locking actuator is (as US Patent No. 6,305, described in 662, it is incorporated to by reference) or isolated operation device (described in PCT application PCT/US/01/51098, it is incorporated to by reference).Valve module can also manually be controlled and give actuator drive (instead of sensor send signal) by the signal of telecommunication, or by US Patent No. 6,874,535(is incorporated to by reference) described in manually discharge the pressure in guide's chamber and control.

With reference to Fig. 4 E, control system Unit Design becomes to easily install and use quick connection to remove the waterpipe that water is provided to water tap 10.Install and need simple push-and-pull for example, to arrive opening 128 fixed-pipings (, flexible pipe) with respect to mixing valve or with respect to water tap.After placing water pipe, slide plate 124 is placed on to slot component 132(Fig. 4 A) in.In conjunction with special wall mounting bracket 106, control system unit 100 can substantially easily be installed and remove to repair in the situation that there is no instrument.

Fig. 9 shows the front perspective view that is installed on having on tank and is positioned at another embodiment of the water tap of the control system unit of faucet body inside.Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 B are respectively front view and the lateral views of water tap shown in Fig. 9.Figure 10 is the side sectional view of water tap shown in Fig. 9.Figure 10 A is the detailed side sectional view of the faucet head of water tap shown in Figure 10.Figure 10 B there is shown faucet head so that the side sectional view of water tap shown in better Figure 10 presenting in decomposition.

Figure 13 shows the decomposition diagram of the inside of water tap 10A.In this embodiment, control system unit is set to different from Fig. 4-Fig. 4 D, but provides similar advantage and modularized design for all modules that are positioned at as shown in figure 10 now water tap inside.With reference to Figure 13, control system unit comprises valve module 150A, battery module 200A and turbine module 250A.Valve module 150A comprises water mixing handle 20, its be enclosed in mixing valve module 180A(in rotary closing housing 160A as shown in Figure 13 A, 13B and 13E) and rotary closing spool 170A(as shown in Figure 13 C and 13D) collaborative design.

Valve module 150A comprises lower valve body 156A, upper valve body 152A, strainer 158A(or coarse filter 158A) and actuator 153A, actuator 153 is positioned at valve body 152A.Actuator casing 152 can also comprise with valve housing 160A on the alignment mark of alignment mark collaborative design, for carrying out rotary closing as the revolving actuator housing that passes through as described in conjunction with Fig. 4 C and Fig. 4 D.Flow into turbine module 250A from the water of valve module 150A output, as shown in Figure 11 to Figure 12 B is detailed.

Figure 11 and Figure 11 A are top view and the sectional views that is positioned at the turbine module 250A of the faucet head shown in Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B, and Figure 11 B is the decomposition diagram that is positioned at the element of faucet head 16A inside.Turbine module 250A comprises that collaborative design is rotor 260 and the stator 270 being fitted in turbine wheel base 275A, and this turbine wheel base 275A is fitted in hydraulic pressure apical cap assembly 280A.Turbine module 250A comprises that rotor assembly 260(is shown specifically as Figure 12 C) and stator module 270(be shown specifically as Figure 12 D).Rotor assembly 260 comprises that rotor magnet 262(is made up of pottery or other anticorrosive magnets) and by the fixing vane 264 of plastics pin.Stator module 270 comprises coil 271, and they are between two stator pieces 272 and 273 of being made up of nonmagnetic substance.

Faucet head 16A comprises the circuit board that is positioned at hydraulic pressure apical cap assembly 280A top.This circuit board comprises the electronic device in conjunction with Figure 14 and Figure 15 description.

Similar with the description of above-mentioned combination water tap 10, hydroturbine module 250A has from water seal 252A and extends to and concentrate entrance 276A and leave the single fluid passage of turbine at port 277A.Turbine module 250A is designed to allow certain flow rates.Turbine rotor 260 for having specially designed concentrated entrance 276A, and is optionally positioned at the nozzle of concentrated entrance 276A with turbine wheel base 282 collaborative designs.

Figure 14 is the block diagram of the control electronic device 400 of the operation for controlling water tap 10.Control electronic device and preferably use capacitance sensor 50, or alternatively use active IR sensor or passive type IR sensor.Active IR sensor comprises IR transmitter 420 for launching IR light beam and the IR receiver 424 for detection of the IR light of reflection.Passive type IR sensor uses as applies at PCT the passive optical detector of the existence for detection of user described in PCT/CN03/38730 and PCT/US03/41303, and these two applications are incorporated to by reference.

With reference to Figure 14, control electronic device 400 and comprise the controller 402 that electric power is provided by battery 200.Controller 402 preferably by the microcontroller MC9S08GT16A manufacturing.Microcontroller is carried out the various detections that are preferably downloaded and Processing Algorithm.But controller and algorithm can also be realized with the form of dedicated logic circuit, ASIC etc.Control electronic device 400 and comprise power switch 405, DC-DC converter 406, solenoid driver 408.Solenoid driver 408 is driving signal to offer the solenoid 150 of being monitored by solenoid feedback amplifier 412 and signal conditioner 414.Controller 402 with for example drive visual diode 436(, blue diode or red diode) indicator driver 434 communicate by letter, visual diode 436 is for linking up with user.

As shown in figure 14, active optical sensor comprises to IR transmitter 420 provides the IR diode (led) driver 422 of electric power and receives the IR sensor amplifier 426 of signal from IR receiver 424.Whole operation is controlled by controller 402.

IR diode (led) driver 422 can be designed to little by little increase or reduce luminous power output according to target and ambient conditions.This is same being suitable for for the IR receiver of use IR sensor amplifier 426.Conventionally, because a kind of mode is enough to realize this object, so the one in only making in two ways.Below the example of condition: if the too many IR of environment is bright, system strengthens optical emission signals.If target is too approaching, such as in personal room, this system reduces IR signal to save electric power.If target is not enough to cause IR reflection, system strengthens from IR transmitter 520 or for the IR signal of IR sensor amplifier 526.

System 402 is used the optional VODER 440 that is connected to loudspeaker 442 so that user to be provided interface.The optional flow transmitter adjuster 444 that is connected to flow transmitter 446 is for detection of by the current of water tap.Alternatively, sensor can overflowing and providing signal to cut out automatic faucet to controller 402 for detection of the water in tank.

This system can comprise the optional RF transceiver 450 that is connected to antenna 452, to carry out radio communication with central processing unit or the network of long range positioning.The design can dispose together with the network of the lavatory of wireless connections water tap and sanitary appliance.The network of long range positioning can be realized and turning off the tap and monitoring and the collection of the information of apparatus.Communication between water tap and apparatus is preferably used low frequency RF signals, and preferably uses high-frequency RF signal with the communicating by letter of network node of long range positioning.

Conventionally, carry out transmission information with wired or wireless data communication, because this information is relevant with the duty of lavatory water tap and sanitary appliance.The information (together with device id) transmitting can comprise that cell voltage, washing time, this unit are in running status (can not close), anhydrous state (can not open) etc.Use RF transceiver 450 and antenna 452, this system can receive information, such as the order from long-range other local startup.Fastening devices can communicate with one another under network mode.Fastening devices can be communicated by letter with near-end central location, and this unit can be sent to the more network of wide area (as internet) data (wired or wireless).In a preferred embodiment, user is by asking each permanent position to open and close subsequently to start wide location (location wide) diagnostic task.Conversely, report successfully/unsuccessful operation of each fastening devices.Fastening devices can also be reported other variable, as cell voltage, washing time etc.User's Information Monitoring subsequently and arranging according to result schedule maintenance.This before event occurs, go to monitor the duty of fastening devices for the current staff of group of maintenance personnel in mechanism's (such as conference centre, baseball field etc.) and situation about manually keeping a record in especially useful.

Another embodiment that controls electronic device describes in the open WO2005/056938 of PCT and WO2004/061343, and the two is incorporated to herein by reference.

According to another embodiment, to control electronic device and comprise microprocessor, this microprocessor is the microcontroller of 8 CMOS microcontroller TMP86P807M of Toshiba manufacture.This microcontroller has the program storage of 8K byte and the data storage of 256 bytes.Use has the Toshiba adapter socket of universal PROM programmer and realizes programming.Microcontroller is operated in three frequency (f _c=16MHz, f _c=8MHz and f _s=332.768kHz) under, wherein first and second clock frequencies are for normal mode, and the 3rd frequency is for low-power mode (, sleep pattern).Microcontroller is operated under the sleep pattern between exercises.In order to save battery electric power, microcontroller for input signal cycle optical pickocff is sampled, and trigger subsequently power consumption control device.Power consumption control device is to signal conditioner and the energising of other element.Differently, optical pickocff unit, voltage regulator (or booster) thereby and signal conditioner be not energized and save battery electric power.During operation, microcontroller also offers indicator designation data, for example, and visual diode or loudspeaker.Control electronic device and can receive signal from above-mentioned passive optical sensor or active optical sensor.Low battery detection unit can be the low battery detector that the model that can obtain from Microchip Technology is TC54VN4202EMB.Voltage regulator can be equally can be from Microchip Technology(http: the voltage regulator that the model number //www.microchip.com) obtaining is TC55RP3502EMB.Microcontroller is alternately that the dash number that can obtain from National Semiconductor is the microcontroller of MCU COP8SAB728M9.

One or several photoelectric cell unit that water tap can comprise individually or be combined with hydroturbine, to produce and the proportional voltage of light quantity receiving.In the time that system 500 is switched on and is started to operate, this voltage of this system registry and continue subsequently monitoring voltage.While energising first, if photoelectric cell unit does not have output voltage, this means dark surrounds and therefore this unit mark time in the inside counting of scheduled volume time.If time long enough as a few hours and several days, and does not detect target in same time section, faucet system is energized, but nobody is using lavatory (that is, lamp is closed), and therefore this system is carried out energy-saving mode.In this pattern, system with much lower frequency scanning target with save battery electric power.This system can also stop or slowing down other function, as scanning override button, cell voltage etc.The use of photoelectric cell unit is described in the PCT application PCT/US2008/008242 submitting on July 3rd, 2008, and this application is incorporated to by reference.

Figure 15 is the block diagram for another embodiment of the control circuit of the operation of the water tap shown in control chart 1.

Figure 16 A to Figure 16 G is the circuit diagram of the control circuit shown in the block diagram of Figure 15.

Figure 17 uses state Figure 200 that water tap operation is shown.Processor is execution algorithm by first carrying out all initialization, makes to interrupt being set to energising (state 501).Next, under all power check states, check the electric power (state 506) of all power supplys.If exist battery A/D mistake or microcontroller to exhaust external power, algorithm again get the hang of 501(change 504).Additionally, and if do not exist solenoid to start for normal electricity level, algorithm (by changing 512) enters large capacitor charging control (state 518).

At state 506, and if if exist normal electricity level to exist solenoid to start, algorithm enters (508) solenoid and opens timer control (state 510).After no longer target being detected or after the chosen in advance time period (520), algorithm enters closed solenoid state (state 524).Thereafter, algorithm (through changing 526) is converted to large capacitor charging control (state 518).Since large capacitor charging control (state 518), algorithm (through changing 528) is converted to capacitance sensor control (state 530).

In capacitance sensor control (state 530), system performance objective detects, and in the time not detecting that target and solenoid start, (state 550) controlled in system transition (changing 534) to red LED flicker.Alternatively, in the time target being detected (Figure 22 and Figure 22 A), system transition (changing 536) to opening solenoid state (state 540), wherein open by solenoid.Alternatively, when target is in the time that helix tube is opened outside surveyed area time, system transition (changing 532) is got back to closed solenoid state (state 524), and wherein solenoid is closed.Additionally, in the time not having sensing movable, and when thering is no LED flicker and not needing the second battery to check, system from state 530(through changing 538) be converted to sleep state (state 570).

Since red LED flicker state of a control (state 550), after having LED flicker and needing the second battery inspection, system transition (changing 552) is to sleep state (state 570).But if mark is set to the second battery inspection, system transition (changing 556) to the second battery checks state of a control (state 560).In addition, open solenoid state (state 540) afterwards, needing the second battery inspection, system transition (changing 546) to the second battery checks state of a control (state 560), and afterwards,, after battery has checked, system transition (changing 554) is to sleep state (state 570).

After waking up, system changes (changing 574) to all power check states (state 506) from sleep state (state 570) at every turn.If there is no turbine electric power or there is no battery electric power (or low battery electric power is less than 3.7V10 minute) or there is no solar energy, system transition (changing 572) is got back to sleep state (state 570).

Figure 18 is the flow chart that the electrical management of control circuit is shown.System cycle ground checks battery electric power, from the electric power of turbine and the electric power that optionally provided by photoelectric cell unit.Figure 19, Figure 19 A, Figure 19 B, Figure 19 C and Figure 19 D illustrate the electrical management of control circuit.

Figure 20 illustrates the flow chart that is used to control circuit that the battery touch controls of electric power is provided.

Figure 21 is the flow chart that the algorithm of the target occurring at the water tap nozzle shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 9 for sensing is shown.

In order to control water tap operation, system is carried out capacitive sense operation.From the reset of energising or any type, first system carries out self calibration and initialization, then as state machine.After its sleep awakening, system scan capacitance sensor, to obtain current initial data, upgrades baseline, and afterwards, system is carried out inter-related task based on its current state.After completing current task, processor will enter sleep again.

Calibration process comprises several processes: " standardization initial data ", " environmental test " and " determining water effect ".Standardization initial data regulates initial data in dynamic range (approaching 11500 scope).Environmental test determines that noise level is in preset range, if not, system makes LED flicker and keeps monitoring noise level until it drops in preset range.If system remains on this stage, expression system is unsuitable for this environment, as shown in Figure 21 A.Determine that water effect fetches boiling water to determine water effect and judge whether this is 1.5/0.5GPM spout/pressure head.It is only initial value, and system will automatically be upgraded this during its normal operations.In the time that calibration completes, system fetches boiling water to represent that system is ready to use for the second time.

System is used 8 state: TARGETCLEAR, INVERIFY, TOUCHED, TARGETSET, OUTVERIFY, PROHIBITION, PAUSE and CLEAN altogether.System is at any given time by state in these states and only under a state.

Under TARGETCLEAR state, echo signal is always eliminated.System update signal threshold value, monitors noise level and definite signal threshold value and will verify the quantity as the signal of target.If the difference of current data and baseline is greater than signal threshold value, and data increase continuously and exceed certain value, and system enters INVERFY state and accelerated scan.Under INVERIFY state, if data verification is next by Offered target signal in this state.When system needs Offered target signal if being judged.If signal data exceedes signal threshold value and continues the scheduled time, system is opened echo signal and is entered TARGETSET state, and stores current initial data as the part reference for judging when target is removed.If this internal trigger in 30 seconds 5 times, system enters PAUSE state.

Under TOUCHED state, after 5 seconds, remove this echo signal in contact target.System is determined removing echo signal and in the situation that contact target exceedes 5 seconds, is removed echo signal.System is judged from contact to not contacting what does.If contact exceedes 5 seconds, system enters CLEAN state.If contact is less than 5 seconds, system is back to TARGETSET state.

Under TARGETSET state, always Offered target signal.System was calibrated water effect during 2 seconds first, and definite water effect value, and parameter is below set afterwards:

The signal threshold value of water discharging time; And

The reference value of water outlet, it will be used for judging whether target is removed.System determines whether and need to enter OUTVERIFY state.

If in situation, any occurs below, system enters OUTVERIFY state:

Finish running time

Initial data does not change on preset range

Signal data is less than signal threshold value

Initial data is lower than just predetermined reference before fetching boiling water.

Under OUTVERIFY state, if signal verify; will remove echo signal.And if the system tracks water running time water running time finishes to remove echo signal, system enters PAUSE state.Whether system decision data is stable and remove echo signal in the time that data continue 1.5 seconds in preset range, and PROHIBITION afterwards gets the hang of.Whether system decision data drops under reference value, in the time that data continue 1.5 seconds in preset range, removes echo signal, and PROHIBITION afterwards gets the hang of.Whether system decision data under signal threshold value, removes echo signal in the time that data continue 1 second in preset range, and PROHIBITION afterwards gets the hang of.

Under PROHIBITION state, always remove echo signal.System is judged this state of when walking out.If system has continued the predetermined minimum shut-in time under this state, system will enter TARGETCLEARED state.

Under PAUSE state, always remove echo signal.System is judged this state that when exits.If system continues the scheduled time under this state, system will enter TARGETCLEARED state.Under CLEAN state, always remove echo signal.System is judged this state that when exits.If system continues the scheduled time under this state, system will enter TARGETCLEARED state.

With reference to Figure 14, capacitance detector processor 465 uses HeartBeep pulse from high to low to communicate by letter with microcontroller processor 402 for every 5 seconds, in shape to show it.At down state, when port 2.5 system when low stops scanning to save electric power.In the time of request LED electric power, it is low to show that it needs electric power to open LED that system arranges port one .5.

Figure 22 is the flow chart that the object sensing for fetching boiling water is shown, and Figure 22 A is the flow chart illustrating for close the object sensing of water at the flow chart of Figure 21 C.For for example approaching, with touch mode capacitive sensor (being manufactured by Cypress Semiconductor), this algorithm is described.But this algorithm is also applicable to use the active IR sensor of light source and detects the photodetector from user's reflected signal.Algorithm of target detection (and any algorithm described herein) can embed in design chips or can be downloaded to respective processor.

With reference to Figure 22, start from target for the algorithm of target detection of " fetching boiling water " and remove state (water is closed).

With 8Hz scanning sensor with pickup data

Signal=current initial data-baseline

If signal > threshold value, proceeds to proofing state

Under proofing state, threshold value increases by 5

Under proofing state, threshold value increases by 5

If signal > threshold value exceedes " checking " number of times continuously, fetch boiling water

Threshold value and " checking " number of times dynamically upgrade as follows:

For the past 5 seconds:

Noise level=maximum initial data-minimum initial data

If noise level is low

Threshold value=high sensitivity level

Checking=3

If during noise level is

Threshold value=medium sensitivity level

Checking=4

If noise level is high

Threshold value=muting sensitivity level

Checking=5

Under " checking " < verification threshold, scanning sensor is with pickup data.

With reference to Figure 22 A and Figure 22 A-I, after opening, water starts for the algorithm of target detection of " closing water ".

Once water is opened, will stay open at least one second, even if target is left at once.

Targets threshold will be set to:

Echo signal+water effect-15 when threshold value=triggering

Determine that with three counters target leaves.

Counter 1 will be counted the number of the signal that is less than threshold value

Counter 2 is counted the number to unchanged signal

Counter 3 is counted the number that signal is reduced

If current demand signal is less than threshold value, counter 1 increases by 1, otherwise counter 2 is reset to 0.

Stable reference is initialized as first signal data.If the difference between current demand signal and stable reference is less than preset range, counter 2 increases by 1, otherwise counter 2 is reset to 0, and stable reference is reset to current demand signal.

If current demand signal is less than first front signal, counter 3 increases by 1, and the value reducing is increased to the resultant signal reducing, otherwise counter 3 is reset to 0, and reduces total amount and be reset to 0.

If counter 1 is greater than 8, or counter 2 is greater than 16, or counter 3 is greater than 8, and the resultant signal reducing is greater than 45, or counter 3 is greater than 12.Close water, as shown in Figure 22 A-I.

After water is closed, threshold value is reset to 15.

Above-mentioned sensing algorithm has overcome the several problems relevant to capacitive proximity sensing.In capacitance signal, sensing region is uncertain, particularly in the time that water is just flowing and staff is only capacitive source a part of.Signal/noise ratio is enough large, and the noise detection that can make the mistake.For example, for different supplies of electric power source (, battery or power adapter) change in signal strength.In order to overcome these problems, sensing algorithm is based on true applied environment automatic calibration baseline.Sensing algorithm maintenance tracking noise signal level and therefore application signal threshold value.Sensing algorithm trace signals trend (being not only intensity) is to determine the appearance of staff.In addition, sensing algorithm uses independently parameter for different supplies of electric power source.

Water tap can use alternative optical transceiver, and this transceiver is in US Patent No. 5,979, and 500 or US Patent No. 5,984,262 describe, and the U. S. application 10/012 of pending trial at the same time, in 252 and 10/012,226, describe, all these applications are incorporated to by reference.Microcontroller COP8SAB and COP8SAC that microcontroller is manufactured by National Semiconductor, or the microcontroller TMP86c807M being manufactured by Toshiba.In order to save electric power and significantly to extend battery-operatedly, wake-up period is than sleep cycle much shorter.Depend on the pattern of controller, can be 100 milliseconds, 300 milliseconds or 1 second the length of one's sleep.

Novel " the burst interface " that provides signal to user by the form of the water boundling to send from water tap, also communicates by letter electronic tap with user.Alternatively, electronic tap can comprise novel optics or acoustic interface.Electronic tap is designed to the water of avoiding waste in the time that for example object is permanently positioned in tank.

Claims (47)

1. an automatic faucet, comprising:

Housing, its part forms inner cylinder and faucet head, and is configured to comprise that at least one extends to water inlet pipeline in described cylinder and for delivery of the delivery port of water that comes from spout;

Water tap apical cap, it is arranged in described faucet head removedly;

Valve module, it comprises for controlling the electromagnetic actuators from the current of delivery port;

Sensor assembly, it is configured to provide the sensing data that is subject to user's impact;

Control module, it is configured to receive the described sensing data from described sensor assembly, wherein

Described inner cylinder and described faucet head are constructed and arranged to releasably seal and keep described valve module, described sensor assembly and described control module.

2. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control module is positioned on the circuit board that is arranged on removedly described faucet head inner side.

3. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 2, wherein said circuit board can be removed after described faucet head removes water tap apical cap.

4. the automatic faucet as described in claim 1,2 or 3, comprises the turbine module that is configured to produce electric power.

5. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 4, wherein said turbine module is positioned at described faucet head inner side, and removable to maintain.

6. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 3, comprise turbine module, described turbine module is configured to produce electric power, and described turbine module is positioned at described faucet head inner side, and can after removing described water tap apical cap from described faucet head, be removed.

7. the automatic faucet as described in claim 1,2 or 3, wherein said valve module comprises housing, this housing comprises and the mixing valve module of closing spool and combine setting.

8. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 7, the wherein said spool of closing is designed to rotary closing in the time of the actuator casing that removes described actuator and be associated.

9. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 7, comprises mixing handle, and described mixing handle is used for controlling described mixing valve module.

10. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 4, wherein said valve module comprises housing, this housing comprises and the mixing valve module of closing spool and combine setting, and wherein said turbine module is configured to receive the current of closing spool described in coming from.

11. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 4, wherein said turbine module and described control module are designed for the water velocity of measuring described water tap.

12. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 10, wherein said turbine module and described control module are designed for the malfunction that detects described water tap.

13. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 10, wherein said control module is configured to carry out electrical management algorithm.

14. automatic faucets as described in claim 1,2,3 or 4, wherein said sensor assembly comprises capacitance type sensor.

15. 1 kinds of automatic faucets, comprising:

Housing, its part forms inner cylinder and faucet head, and is configured to comprise that at least one extends to water inlet pipeline in described cylinder and for delivery of the delivery port of water that comes from spout;

Water tap apical cap, it is arranged in described faucet head removedly;

Valve module, it comprises for controlling the electromagnetic actuators from the current of delivery port;

Turbine module, it is configured to produce electric power;

Battery module, it is configured to provide electric power; With

Control module, it is configured to by signal being provided to described electromagnetic actuators to control the opening and closing of described valve, described control module is configured to carry out electrical management algorithm, and electrical management algorithm is for managing being produced by hydroturbine and providing to battery or to the electric power from described battery.

16. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 15, comprise sensor assembly, and described sensor assembly is configured to provide the sensing data that is subject to user's impact, and is positioned at described faucet head.

17. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 16, wherein said control module is configured to from described sensor assembly receiving sensor data and carries out sensing algorithm, described sensing algorithm is followed the trail of noise signal level and is dynamically adjusted signal threshold value, and described sensing algorithm trace signals trend is to determine existing of user.

18. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 17, wherein said control module is constructed and is programmed for and carries out described sensing algorithm, and described sensing algorithm utilizes different electrical power parameter separately.

19. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 16, described sensor assembly comprises capacitance type sensor.

20. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 19, wherein said capacitance type sensor comprises touch mode capacitive sensor.

21. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 19, wherein said capacitance type sensor comprises and approaches capacitance type sensor.

22. automatic faucets as described in claim 1 or 16, wherein said sensor assembly comprises active infra-red sensor, described active infra-red sensor comprises infrared transmitter and detector.

23. automatic faucets as described in claim 1 or 16, comprise the quick connection fittings for connecting and disconnect described water inlet pipeline.

24. automatic faucets as described in claim 1 or 15, comprise the water filter being associated with described valve module.

25. automatic faucets as described in claim 1 or 15, comprise for the indicator to user's indicating status.

26. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 24, wherein said indicator comprises LED diode.

27. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 15, wherein said hydroturbine and described control module are designed for the water velocity of measuring described water tap.

28. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 15, wherein said hydroturbine and described control module are designed for the malfunction that detects described water tap.

29. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 28, comprise the indicator that is used to indicate the state being associated with described malfunction.

30. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 15, wherein said valve module comprises housing, described housing comprises and the mixing valve module of closing spool and combine setting.

31. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 30, the wherein said spool of closing is designed to rotary closing in the time of the actuator casing that removes described actuator and be associated.

32. automatic faucets as described in claim 1 or 15, wherein said water tap apical cap comprises display.

33. 1 kinds of automatic faucets, comprising: housing, and its part forms inner cylinder and faucet head, and described faucet head comprises removable water tap apical cap and spout; Hydroturbine module, described hydroturbine is arranged in the current that described faucet head is discharged from described water tap, and described hydroturbine module comprises and is coupled to the rotor of rotor blade, the magnet that is coupled to described rotor, stator and electric coil, described rotor blade is positioned at the water passage with predetermined flow velocity, and electric power is constructed and be arranged to produce to described electric coil.

34. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 33, wherein said hydroturbine module can be removed from described faucet head after removing described water tap apical cap.

35. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 33, wherein said hydroturbine module structure and be arranged to detect the small water yield of leaving water tap.

36. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 33, wherein said hydroturbine module structure and be arranged to the flow velocity of the water that detects leaving water tap.

37. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 33, wherein said water tap is activated and is constructed and arranged to the fault of each element in the signal detection water tap based on from described hydroturbine module by automated sensor.

38. 1 kinds of automatic faucets, comprising:

Housing, its part forms inner cylinder and faucet head, and is configured to comprise that at least one extends to water inlet pipeline in described cylinder and for delivery of the delivery port of water that comes from spout;

Valve module, it comprises the valve that is subject to electromagnetic actuators control, for the current that come from described spout are controlled;

Turbine module, it is configured to produce electric power;

Battery module, it is configured to provide electric power; And

Sensor assembly, it is configured to provide the sensing data that is subject to user's impact;

Control module, opening and closing by providing signal to control described valve to described electromagnetic actuators are provided for it, and described control module is configured to reception from the sensing data of described sensor assembly and carries out sensing algorithm to determine existing of user.

39. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 38, wherein said sensor assembly comprises capacitance type sensor.

40. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 38, wherein said sensor assembly comprises active infra-red sensor, described active infra-red sensor comprises infrared transmitter and detector.

41. automatic faucets as claimed in claim 38, wherein said sensor assembly comprises passive infrared sensor.

Control the method for the current in automatic faucet, comprising for 42. 1 kinds:

Water tap according to claim 1 is provided;

Carry out sensing algorithm, described sensing algorithm is followed the trail of noise signal level and is dynamically adjusted signal threshold value, and described sensing algorithm trace signals trend is to determine existing of user; And

By providing signal to control the opening and closing of described valve to described electromagnetic actuators.

43. 1 kinds are maintained the method for automatic faucet, comprising:

Water tap according to claim 7 is provided;

Remove described water tap apical cap;

Thereby remove described actuator and close water at the described spool place that closes; With

Install and replace element.

The method of 44. maintenance automatic faucets as claimed in claim 43, the described replacement element of wherein said installation comprises installation water filter.

The method of 45. maintenance automatic faucets as claimed in claim 43, the described replacement element of wherein said installation comprises installing replaces actuator.

The method of 46. maintenance automatic faucets as claimed in claim 43, the described replacement element of wherein said installation comprises installing replaces turbine module.

The method of 47. maintenance automatic faucets as claimed in claim 43, the described replacement element of wherein said installation comprises installing replaces ventilator.

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