CA2866629A1 - Electronic tap with operating system at the end of the spout - Google Patents
Electronic tap with operating system at the end of the spout Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2866629A1 CA2866629A1 CA2866629A CA2866629A CA2866629A1 CA 2866629 A1 CA2866629 A1 CA 2866629A1 CA 2866629 A CA2866629 A CA 2866629A CA 2866629 A CA2866629 A CA 2866629A CA 2866629 A1 CA2866629 A1 CA 2866629A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- spout
- electronic
- electronic tap
- emergency
- head
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/05—Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps
- E03C1/055—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like
- E03C1/057—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like touchless, i.e. using sensors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/04—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)
- Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
- Photometry And Measurement Of Optical Pulse Characteristics (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to an electronic faucet with a head (15) that incorporates the operative system for controlling dispensiong of the water. The head is mounted at the end of the spout (4). Furthermore, the tap is equipped with a by-pass system for manual operation in an emergency when the operative system has a malfunction.
Description
DESCRIPTION
ELECTRONIC TAP WITH OPERATING SYSTEM AT THE END OF THE SPOUT
The present invention relates to an electronic faucet with head that incorporates the operative system for the water outlet and the relative emergency system.
Electronic faucets equipped with photocells, proximity sensors, etc. are well-known in the art and allow the water jet to be dispensed only when the presence of a user or means (for example, a glass) is detected.
The advantage of these faucets is that they facilitate the water outlet when, for example, hands are dirty, providing not only hygiene and cleanliness but water savings.
Traditional electronic faucets as known in the art (Patent No. US20090094740, Patent No. FR2761446) comprise systems dispensing the water jet by employing automatic vertical and/or frontal sensors, powered by batteries and with manual emergency function. Nevertheless, these faucets have highly complex components that make installation, battery replacement and spout rotation difficult. In fact, many components are located below the sink deck making installation and maintenance very complex and can only be performed by a skilled technician.
Given the above, it is evident there is a need for a solution that allows "electronic" faucets to comprise suitable equipment for dispensing the water jet in an optimum manner that overcomes the disadvantages of the known art.
The solution provided for with this invention falls within this context, as it can be adapted to various types of sinks.
Therefore, the scope of the present invention is the construction of an electronic faucet with a head that incorporates the operative system for the water outlet, allowing the limits of known technology to be overcome and obtaining an improvement in the technical results described previously.
In addition, a further scope of the present invention is the construction of a system requiring shorter times and lower costs of installation as well as limited management costs.
Yet another aim of the invention is the construction of an electronic faucet that is substantially simple, safe and reliable.
The present invention will now be described with preferred, but not-limiting, embodiments, with specific reference to the figures in the attached drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 shows a prospective view, chosen as for purely illustrative purposes, with no limitation to the scope of the invention for this shape of faucet, in which the faucet has a vertical sensor (1) and a front sensor (2);
Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the construction of the faucet with all its components and their relative optimum placement;
- Figures 3.1 and 3.2 illustrate two perspective views of the upper part of the head where the batteries are located, two sensors (frontal (2) and vertical (1)), and the LED (14) that signals operation and low battery power;
- Figures 4 and 5 respectively show a perspective view of the insides of the faucet and a cross-section of the spout showing the by-pass (17) constructed as per this invention;
- Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the head support body (20) for inserting the front sensor and/or vertical sensor, constructed according to this invention.
This is a preferable but not exhaustive example of construction; it can be seen that the head consists of a glass disc with natural or colored background (15), where a cut (23) is made using a laser or grinder, that therefore becomes transparent in the cut area. This disk can be the same color as the spout.
A LED holder (22), for the sensors, is applied to the head (15). The sensor (21) with the electronic control circuit is then in turn inserted in the LED holder (22).
This entire unit is then fixed in place and kept together by the head support body (20), which also holds the batteries (7), facilitating replacement. The infrared sensors (21) can therefore function perfectly through the cut (23) obtaining the "on-off" function for the faucet.
This results in a head with an invisible optical sensor that, above all, is not subject to problems due to scratches and consequent malfunction as the glass is highly resistant compared to the other traditional =
sensors available on the market.
A very important point about the head is that it has a very pleasant appearance, as the colored glass (15) can be made in the exact same color tone as the water delivery spout.
In Figure 3.1 the LED (14), for example red, can be seen which serves to signal the detection of the hand or object and the dispensing of the water, or to indicate that the batteries (7) are low in power.
This LED can also be replaced with a back-lit system (see Figure 3.1 and 3.2, and Reference 16) which makes the head with the front sensor even more pleasing and attractive. In this case, the LED holder (22) in Figure 6 houses multiple LEDs (14) which, turning on. together, create a soft, graphic, very modern effect.
The head can function with 1.5 volt alkaline batteries, which are the most economic and common around the world.
They are incorporated inside the spout, located in the area next to the sensors, therefore in an easy, accessible position for replacement. , By placing all of the electronics inside the head and the head inside the spout (4), the spout (4) can freely rotate 3600 around itself, compared to known faucets to the current state of the art. Therefore, inserting the head that incorporates the operative system for the water flow completely within the faucet spout represents a true innovation, making installation, maintenance, and battery replacement not only quick and problem-free but extremely simple.
Therefore, inside the faucet there are no wires that can twist and break, as occurs in certain existing faucets that function with a classic power transformer.
The ease and simplicity of installation can be understood from Figure 2 and is complete with the details of the hoses (10), check valves (11) and stopcocks (12) with filters that can be inspected for impurities in the water.
The usefulness of this solution is immediately evident.
Further innovation in this invention is the possibility, when the head cannot operate because the batteries are exhausted, to discharge the water manually and for temporary emergencies using a by-pass system. Figures 4 and 5 show the screw (17) that turns a half-turn with a screw driver (19) or a coin and acts as a by-pass for the water, functioning in parallel with the solenoid valve (9). In fact, it is sufficient to turn the spout (4) and turn the screw (17) located behind the spout and not 5 under the sink deck, as known in the art, making the operation very simple and accessible for everyone.
The screw (17) acts as a by-pass in place of the magnetic coil (8) that cannot function due to the lack of energy when the batteries are exhausted. The membrane inside the solenoid valve (9) is lifted and at this point the water flows out continuously.
Figure 2 illustrates an example, with no limitation of scope, of the invention, in which all the components are shown in their proper positions which allow for the construction of the electronic faucet described thus far.
This invention has been described for illustrative purposes with no limitation of scope in the preferred shape of construction; the present invention includes any alterations and further modifications of the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the invention which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates, as described in the attached claims.
ELECTRONIC TAP WITH OPERATING SYSTEM AT THE END OF THE SPOUT
The present invention relates to an electronic faucet with head that incorporates the operative system for the water outlet and the relative emergency system.
Electronic faucets equipped with photocells, proximity sensors, etc. are well-known in the art and allow the water jet to be dispensed only when the presence of a user or means (for example, a glass) is detected.
The advantage of these faucets is that they facilitate the water outlet when, for example, hands are dirty, providing not only hygiene and cleanliness but water savings.
Traditional electronic faucets as known in the art (Patent No. US20090094740, Patent No. FR2761446) comprise systems dispensing the water jet by employing automatic vertical and/or frontal sensors, powered by batteries and with manual emergency function. Nevertheless, these faucets have highly complex components that make installation, battery replacement and spout rotation difficult. In fact, many components are located below the sink deck making installation and maintenance very complex and can only be performed by a skilled technician.
Given the above, it is evident there is a need for a solution that allows "electronic" faucets to comprise suitable equipment for dispensing the water jet in an optimum manner that overcomes the disadvantages of the known art.
The solution provided for with this invention falls within this context, as it can be adapted to various types of sinks.
Therefore, the scope of the present invention is the construction of an electronic faucet with a head that incorporates the operative system for the water outlet, allowing the limits of known technology to be overcome and obtaining an improvement in the technical results described previously.
In addition, a further scope of the present invention is the construction of a system requiring shorter times and lower costs of installation as well as limited management costs.
Yet another aim of the invention is the construction of an electronic faucet that is substantially simple, safe and reliable.
The present invention will now be described with preferred, but not-limiting, embodiments, with specific reference to the figures in the attached drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 shows a prospective view, chosen as for purely illustrative purposes, with no limitation to the scope of the invention for this shape of faucet, in which the faucet has a vertical sensor (1) and a front sensor (2);
Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the construction of the faucet with all its components and their relative optimum placement;
- Figures 3.1 and 3.2 illustrate two perspective views of the upper part of the head where the batteries are located, two sensors (frontal (2) and vertical (1)), and the LED (14) that signals operation and low battery power;
- Figures 4 and 5 respectively show a perspective view of the insides of the faucet and a cross-section of the spout showing the by-pass (17) constructed as per this invention;
- Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the head support body (20) for inserting the front sensor and/or vertical sensor, constructed according to this invention.
This is a preferable but not exhaustive example of construction; it can be seen that the head consists of a glass disc with natural or colored background (15), where a cut (23) is made using a laser or grinder, that therefore becomes transparent in the cut area. This disk can be the same color as the spout.
A LED holder (22), for the sensors, is applied to the head (15). The sensor (21) with the electronic control circuit is then in turn inserted in the LED holder (22).
This entire unit is then fixed in place and kept together by the head support body (20), which also holds the batteries (7), facilitating replacement. The infrared sensors (21) can therefore function perfectly through the cut (23) obtaining the "on-off" function for the faucet.
This results in a head with an invisible optical sensor that, above all, is not subject to problems due to scratches and consequent malfunction as the glass is highly resistant compared to the other traditional =
sensors available on the market.
A very important point about the head is that it has a very pleasant appearance, as the colored glass (15) can be made in the exact same color tone as the water delivery spout.
In Figure 3.1 the LED (14), for example red, can be seen which serves to signal the detection of the hand or object and the dispensing of the water, or to indicate that the batteries (7) are low in power.
This LED can also be replaced with a back-lit system (see Figure 3.1 and 3.2, and Reference 16) which makes the head with the front sensor even more pleasing and attractive. In this case, the LED holder (22) in Figure 6 houses multiple LEDs (14) which, turning on. together, create a soft, graphic, very modern effect.
The head can function with 1.5 volt alkaline batteries, which are the most economic and common around the world.
They are incorporated inside the spout, located in the area next to the sensors, therefore in an easy, accessible position for replacement. , By placing all of the electronics inside the head and the head inside the spout (4), the spout (4) can freely rotate 3600 around itself, compared to known faucets to the current state of the art. Therefore, inserting the head that incorporates the operative system for the water flow completely within the faucet spout represents a true innovation, making installation, maintenance, and battery replacement not only quick and problem-free but extremely simple.
Therefore, inside the faucet there are no wires that can twist and break, as occurs in certain existing faucets that function with a classic power transformer.
The ease and simplicity of installation can be understood from Figure 2 and is complete with the details of the hoses (10), check valves (11) and stopcocks (12) with filters that can be inspected for impurities in the water.
The usefulness of this solution is immediately evident.
Further innovation in this invention is the possibility, when the head cannot operate because the batteries are exhausted, to discharge the water manually and for temporary emergencies using a by-pass system. Figures 4 and 5 show the screw (17) that turns a half-turn with a screw driver (19) or a coin and acts as a by-pass for the water, functioning in parallel with the solenoid valve (9). In fact, it is sufficient to turn the spout (4) and turn the screw (17) located behind the spout and not 5 under the sink deck, as known in the art, making the operation very simple and accessible for everyone.
The screw (17) acts as a by-pass in place of the magnetic coil (8) that cannot function due to the lack of energy when the batteries are exhausted. The membrane inside the solenoid valve (9) is lifted and at this point the water flows out continuously.
Figure 2 illustrates an example, with no limitation of scope, of the invention, in which all the components are shown in their proper positions which allow for the construction of the electronic faucet described thus far.
This invention has been described for illustrative purposes with no limitation of scope in the preferred shape of construction; the present invention includes any alterations and further modifications of the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the invention which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates, as described in the attached claims.
Claims (5)
THE WATER FLOW AND THE REFERRED SYSTEM OF EMERGENCY
1) Electronic tap with the upper part of the spout incorporating an operative system for the automatic fluid delivery and with an emergency mechanism that operates in a manually manner when the automatically fluid delivery system is not functioning wherein the tap comprises:
A glass disk;
A led holder;
An emergency system;
A glass disk;
A led holder;
An emergency system;
2) Electronic tap according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper part of the spout (15) consists of a glass disk with natural or colored background, on which a cut (23) is made using a laser or with a grinder;
3) Electronic tap according to claim 2, characterized in that the cut (23) allows the sensors (21) to detect objects and consequently activate/stop the water flow;
4) Electronic tap according to claim 1, characterized in that a LED holder (22) is applied under the upper part of the spout (15), in which the sensors (21), LED (14), and electronic circuit (13) are applied;
5) Electronic tap according to claim 1, wherein the emergency system (17) that operates when the automatically fluid delivery system is not functioning , in the absence of battery power, in which a half-turn of the screw (17) activates the by-pass mechanism that replaces the magnetic coil (8), lifting the membrane inside the solenoid valve (9), that, by lifting, allows the water to flow out.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT000002A ITPE20120002A1 (en) | 2012-03-21 | 2012-03-21 | ELECTRONIC TAP WITH INFRARED SENSOR |
| ITPE2012A000002 | 2012-03-21 | ||
| PCT/IB2013/000428 WO2013140228A1 (en) | 2012-03-21 | 2013-03-19 | Electronic tap with operating system at the end of the spout |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2866629A1 true CA2866629A1 (en) | 2013-09-26 |
Family
ID=46466724
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2866629A Abandoned CA2866629A1 (en) | 2012-03-21 | 2013-03-19 | Electronic tap with operating system at the end of the spout |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20150033469A1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN104204369A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2866629A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE112013001617T5 (en) |
| HK (1) | HK1205216A1 (en) |
| IT (1) | ITPE20120002A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2013140228A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2969339C (en) * | 2016-06-03 | 2020-03-24 | Maax Bath Inc. | Electronic faucet |
| CN108561603B (en) | 2018-03-29 | 2020-02-21 | 上海科勒电子科技有限公司 | Multifunctional water outlet faucet and control method thereof |
| USD885526S1 (en) * | 2019-03-15 | 2020-05-26 | Hokwang Industries Co., Ltd. | Faucet |
| USD885525S1 (en) * | 2019-03-15 | 2020-05-26 | Hokwang Industries Co., Ltd. | Faucet |
| US11602032B2 (en) | 2019-12-20 | 2023-03-07 | Kohler Co. | Systems and methods for lighted showering |
| JP6888710B1 (en) * | 2020-04-14 | 2021-06-16 | 横浜ゴム株式会社 | Automatic faucet device |
| US11603987B2 (en) | 2020-08-31 | 2023-03-14 | Kraus Usa Plumbing Llc | Lighting system for fixtures and appliances |
| TWM607531U (en) * | 2020-09-30 | 2021-02-11 | 和之合股份有限公司 | Near-end sensing electronic faucet |
| TWD220451S (en) * | 2021-04-08 | 2022-08-11 | 德商漢斯葛洛公司 德國 | Faucet |
| ES1281156Y (en) * | 2021-10-05 | 2022-01-31 | Caspro Sa | WALL-MOUNTED TAP |
| USD1015492S1 (en) * | 2021-10-05 | 2024-02-20 | Hansgrohe Se | Faucet |
Family Cites Families (21)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH485076A (en) * | 1969-01-10 | 1970-01-31 | Lins Albert | Optical control device on a water pipe fitting, in particular a wash basin fitting |
| AT299821B (en) * | 1969-03-11 | 1972-07-10 | Metaalfab Venlo Nv | Electromagnetic fluid valve |
| CH646766A5 (en) * | 1980-04-30 | 1984-12-14 | Oederlin Cie Ag | Controllable water-outflow apparatus |
| US4604764A (en) * | 1984-10-03 | 1986-08-12 | Fava Enzo | Tap for the delivery of liquids for the conversion from automatic to manual |
| JPS61218881A (en) * | 1985-03-25 | 1986-09-29 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Automatic faucet device |
| JPH0721981Y2 (en) * | 1989-01-13 | 1995-05-17 | 東陶機器株式会社 | Drive unit structure in automatic faucet |
| US5611517A (en) * | 1995-04-20 | 1997-03-18 | Zurn Industries, Inc. | Control unit for automatic faucet |
| US5555912A (en) * | 1995-04-20 | 1996-09-17 | Zurn Industries, Inc. | Spout assembly for automatic faucets |
| CA2162802A1 (en) * | 1995-11-13 | 1997-05-14 | Peter Zosimadis | Wireless temperature monitoring system |
| FR2761446B1 (en) * | 1997-03-28 | 1999-06-04 | Celec Conception Electronique | AUTOMATIC NON-CONTACT WATER TAP |
| DE29709074U1 (en) * | 1997-05-23 | 1997-07-31 | Tsai, Tung-Po, Wu Feng, Taichung | Faucet controlled by infrared radiation |
| DE19803817C5 (en) * | 1998-01-31 | 2005-11-03 | Meloh Armaturen Ruppel & Meloh Gmbh | Fitting, in particular water fitting |
| US5979500A (en) * | 1999-01-19 | 1999-11-09 | Arichel Technologies, Inc. | Duration-indicating automatic faucet |
| US20040227815A1 (en) * | 2003-05-14 | 2004-11-18 | Chun-Tien Chen | Mechanism for installing video capture device |
| US7434960B2 (en) * | 2003-07-17 | 2008-10-14 | Stuhlmacher Ii Glen | Plumbing and lighting fixture |
| CN1942705A (en) * | 2004-04-13 | 2007-04-04 | 萨夫配件有限责任公司 | Colored water flow producing method for use in hot water fitting |
| CN2765948Y (en) * | 2005-01-12 | 2006-03-22 | 和成欣业股份有限公司 | Washbowl possessing induced tap |
| US7631372B2 (en) * | 2005-03-14 | 2009-12-15 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Method and apparatus for providing strain relief of a cable |
| US7867172B1 (en) * | 2006-11-09 | 2011-01-11 | Dingane Baruti | Combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system |
| KR100840867B1 (en) * | 2007-10-12 | 2008-06-23 | 지성만 | Automatic screw tap with built-in eletronic valve and control valve of cold and warm water quantity |
| CN201474007U (en) * | 2009-04-27 | 2010-05-19 | 厦门市易洁卫浴有限公司 | E-intelligent touch control water faucet |
-
2012
- 2012-03-21 IT IT000002A patent/ITPE20120002A1/en unknown
-
2013
- 2013-03-19 CA CA2866629A patent/CA2866629A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-03-19 CN CN201380015084.XA patent/CN104204369A/en active Pending
- 2013-03-19 WO PCT/IB2013/000428 patent/WO2013140228A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-03-19 US US14/387,078 patent/US20150033469A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-03-19 DE DE112013001617.6T patent/DE112013001617T5/en not_active Ceased
-
2015
- 2015-06-08 HK HK15105437.3A patent/HK1205216A1/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2013140228A4 (en) | 2013-11-21 |
| ITPE20120002A1 (en) | 2013-09-22 |
| HK1205216A1 (en) | 2015-12-11 |
| US20150033469A1 (en) | 2015-02-05 |
| CN104204369A (en) | 2014-12-10 |
| DE112013001617T5 (en) | 2014-12-11 |
| WO2013140228A1 (en) | 2013-09-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20180305 |
|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20210309 |
|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20210309 |