WO2022265598A1 - System enabling a mechanically controlled faucet to be controlled in a touchless manner - Google Patents

System enabling a mechanically controlled faucet to be controlled in a touchless manner Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022265598A1
WO2022265598A1 PCT/TR2022/050426 TR2022050426W WO2022265598A1 WO 2022265598 A1 WO2022265598 A1 WO 2022265598A1 TR 2022050426 W TR2022050426 W TR 2022050426W WO 2022265598 A1 WO2022265598 A1 WO 2022265598A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
control unit
water
touchless
faucet
valve
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/TR2022/050426
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Engin OZTURK
Fatih Gerenli
Bertug BINGOL
Original Assignee
Eczacibasi Yapi Gerecleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from TR2021/009771 external-priority patent/TR2021009771Y/en
Application filed by Eczacibasi Yapi Gerecleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi filed Critical Eczacibasi Yapi Gerecleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi
Publication of WO2022265598A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022265598A1/en

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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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system, which enables a mechanically controlled faucet to be controlled in a touchless manner.
  • faucets which enable the water to be supplied for use in a controlled manner, more specifically, enable the water flow to be started and stopped and the flow rate to be controlled.
  • the control members that enable the temperature of the water mixture to be adjusted or only the control members that enable the flow rate of the water to be adjusted may be located on the faucet and it is most of the time not possible to control both the temperature and the flow rate of the water via the faucets with touchless control.
  • the users currently having a mechanically controlled faucet need a faucet able to be controlled in a touchless manner, they are required to replace their existing faucet with a faucet able to be controlled in a touchless manner.
  • the requirement for the power connection due to the power requirement of the faucets able to be controlled in a touchless manner is one of the biggest obstacles before the users who wish to switch to the faucets able to be controlled in a touchless manner.
  • a system wherein the members permitting or preventing the water flow are disposed before the water inlet of the faucet and thus the faucet components are not exposed to pressure in the case where the water flow is prevented, and wherein, as a result of said members being disposed before the inlet of the faucet, it becomes possible to reduce the dimensions of the member enabling the water flow to be triggered in a touchless manner and thus a mechanically controlled faucet is enabled to be controlled also in a touchless manner without impairing the aesthetic appearance.
  • An object of the invention is to develop a system, which enables the mechanically controlled faucets to be controlled in a touchless manner.
  • Another object of the invention is to develop a system wherein the member enabling the water flow to be started and stopped is located before the water inlet of the faucet and thus the faucet components are not exposed to reverse pressure.
  • Another object of the invention is to develop a system wherein the member enabling the water flow to be started and stopped is located before the water inlet of the faucet and thus it becomes possible to minimize the size of the member enabling the faucet to be controlled in a touchless manner.
  • Another object of the invention is to develop a system wherein the member enabling the faucet to be controlled in a touchless manner may be positioned at the water outlet of the faucet.
  • Another object of the invention is to develop a system able to be controlled in a touchless manner, wherein it is possible to adjust both the temperature of the water mixture and the flow rate of the water.
  • Figure 1 An overall view of the system according to the invention
  • Figure 2 An exploded view of the touchless control unit
  • Figure 3 A sectional view of the touchless control unit
  • Figure 4 An exploded view of the water control unit
  • Faucet 11 Water line extending from the water installation
  • Valve 211 Valve water inlet
  • the invention relates to a system, which enables a mechanically controlled faucet (1) to be controlled in a touchless manner. More specifically, the invention relates to a system, wherein the members permitting or preventing the water flow are disposed before the water inlet of the faucet (1) and thus the faucet (1) components are not exposed to pressure at the position where the water flow is prevented, and wherein, as a result of said members being disposed before the water inlet of the faucet (1), it becomes possible to reduce the dimensions of the member enabling the water output to be controlled in a touchless manner and thus a mechanically controlled faucet (1) is enabled to be controlled also in a touchless manner without impairing the aesthetic appearance.
  • the system according to the invention enabling a mechanically controlled faucet (1) to be controlled in a touchless manner, comprises in its most basic form at least one water control unit (2), which is disposed at a position between the water installation and the faucet (1), more particularly, at a position before the water inlet of the faucet (1), and which permits and/or prevents the transmission of water from the water installation to the faucet (1), and at least one touchless control unit (3), which is able to perform wireless communication with the water control unit (2) and which is able to be triggered in a touchless manner.
  • the water control unit (2) permitting and/or preventing the transmission of water to the faucet (1) comprises at least one valve (21), which has at least one valve water inlet (211) and at least one valve water outlet (212) and which permits or prevents the passage of water from the water installation to the faucet (1), i.e. from the valve water inlet (211) to the valve water outlet (212), in an electronically controlled manner.
  • the water control unit (2) has two valves (21), namely a valve (21) enabling to control the water coming from the hot water line and a valve (21) enabling to control the water coming from the cold water line.
  • the valve (21) is a diaphragm valve (21).
  • the valve is a diaphragmless valve (21).
  • the valve (21) is a solenoid valve (21).
  • a preferred embodiment of the invention has at least one water control unit body (24), in which the valve (21) is positioned, and the valves (21) are disposed inside said water control unit body (24).
  • a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises at least one main control unit (22), which is able to establish wireless communication with the touchless control unit (3) and which controls the valves (21) according to the triggering information coming from the touchless control unit (3).
  • the main control unit (22) has at least one wireless communication unit enabling said unit to wirelessly communicate with the touchless control unit (3).
  • a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises at least one power storage unit (23), which enables to supply the electrical energy required by the main control unit (22) and/or the valves (21) to be able to permit or prevent the water flow.
  • the electrical energy required by the main control unit (22) and/or the valves (21) is supplied directly from the mains.
  • the electrical energy required by the main control unit (22) and/or the valves (21) is supplied from the mains and/or from at least one power storage unit (23).
  • the touchless control unit (3) has at least one sensor (34), which enables to detect the user motions and/or the presence of a nearby object.
  • Said sensor (34) is preferably a sensor (34) capable of detecting the proximity and/or motion.
  • the sensor (34) is positioned on the touchless control unit body (31), preferably into the sensor housing (35) present on the touchless control unit body (31), in such a way that it will be able to detect the user motions or the proximity.
  • the touchless control unit (3) has at least one control unit (37), which enables the data coming from the sensor (34) to be transmitted to the main control unit (22) and which is able to wirelessly communicate with the main control unit (22).
  • the sensor (34) is preferably positioned on the control unit (37) and the control unit (37) is positioned into the sensor housing (35) along with the sensor (34).
  • the control unit (37) has at least one wireless communication unit enabling said unit to wirelessly communicate with the main control unit (22).
  • a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises at least one power storage unit (23), which enables to supply the electrical energy required by the sensor (34) and/or the control unit (37).
  • the touchless control unit body (31) has at least one power storage unit housing (36), in which the power storage unit (23) may be positioned, and the power storage unit (23) is disposed inside said power storage unit housing (36).
  • the triggering information which is transmitted by the sensor (34) to the control unit (37) upon said sensor (34) being triggered by a user, is transmitted by the control unit (37) to the main control unit (22).
  • the main control unit (22) enables at least one valve (21) to permit the water flow or prevent the water flow.
  • the water which is conveyed via the water line extending from the water installation (11) and which enters the valve (21) via the valve water inlet (211), is enabled to exit from the valve water outlet (212), enter the faucet (1) via the water line extending to the faucet (12) and through the water inlet of the faucet (1) and to be supplied for use via the water outlet of the faucet (1).
  • the water entering the valve (21) via the valve water inlet (211) is prevented from exiting from the valve water outlet (212) and as a result, the water flow does not take place from the water outlet of the faucet (1).
  • the mechanical controller located on the faucet (1) should be at the position where it permits the water flow. More specifically, in order to be able to start the water flow in a touchless manner, the mechanical controller of the faucet (1) should be at the open position. The desired water flow rate and the water mixture temperature are adjusted for once via said controller, and subsequently, the water is enabled to flow from the water outlet of the faucet (1) at the same flow rate and temperature every time the water flow is started in a touchless manner.
  • the valves (21) are the valves (21) enabling to adjust the amount of water, the passage of which is to be permitted from the valve water inlet (211) to the valve water outlet (212). In this way, the flow rate of the water desired to flow from the water outlet of the faucet (1) may be adjusted also as a result of the valves (21) being controlled by the main control unit (22).
  • the temperature of the water mixture may also be controlled by the main control unit (22) as a result of the adjustment of the amounts of water, the passage of which is to be permitted from the valve water inlets (211) to the valve water outlets (212) of the valves (21). In this way, both the water mixture temperature and the water flow rate may be controlled in a touchless manner.
  • the flow rate and the temperature may be controlled depending on the triggering of the sensor (34) in different ways and/or via a mobile application.
  • the water flow is started upon the sensor (34) being triggered and the water flow is stopped when the sensor (34) is subsequently triggered a second time.
  • the water flow is started upon the sensor (34) being triggered and the water flow is automatically stopped after a predefined duration.
  • the start and the stop of the flow are controlled by the water control unit (2), more specifically by the main control unit (22).
  • the touchless control unit (3) comprises at least one visual and/or audible indicator enabling the user to be informed about the system.
  • the touchless control unit (3) comprises at least one indicator enabling the user to be informed about the currently available capacity of the power storage unit (23) located on the water control unit (2) and/or located on the touchless control unit (3) and/or enabling to inform the user that the capacity of the power storage unit (23) has dropped below a predefined level and/or that the system is active and/or that a failure has occurred in the system.
  • said indicator is a luminescent light source.
  • the touchless control unit (3) has at least one button and/or touch surface enabling to realize the matching between the touchless control unit (3) and the water control unit (2), more specifically, the matching between the control unit (37) located on the touchless control unit (3) and the main control unit (22) located on the water control unit (2).
  • the touchless control unit (3) is enabled to match with the water control unit (2) as a result of pressing said button and/or touching said touch surface.
  • the touchless control unit (3) is located at a position where the user would be able to easily trigger the same while using the faucet (1).
  • the touchless control unit (3) is positioned at the water outlet of the faucet (1).
  • the touchless control unit body (31) has at least one water passage space (33), which enables the water exiting the water outlet of the faucet (1) to be supplied for use by passing through said space.
  • the touchless control unit (3) has at least one faucet connection component (32), which enables the touchless control unit body (31) to be fixed to the water outlet of the faucet (1).
  • the faucet connection component (32) is fixed on the touchless control unit body (31) to enable the touchless control unit body (31) to be fixed to the water outlet of the faucet (1).
  • the part of the faucet connection component (32) that is fixed to the faucet (1) has a toothed structure and is fixed owing to these teeth to the toothed structure, which is located at the water outlet of the faucet (1) and is formed for the fixation of the flow regulator (38).
  • the touchless control unit body (31) has at least one flow regulator housing (331) on which the flow regulator (38) may be fitted. In this way, the water passing through the water passage space (33) is supplied for use via the flow regulator (38).
  • the touchless control unit (3) is a touchless control unit (3), which is independent from the faucet (1) and which is able to be fixed at the desired position according to the preferences and the needs of the user.
  • the touchless control unit (3) may be positioned at any point of the faucet (1) and/or another member and enables, as a result of being triggered, the water flow to be controlled.
  • said system allows all kinds of faucets (1) to be controlled in a touchless manner independently of the type of the faucet (1) and of the water outlet of the faucet (1). This system is preferable further in cases where it is not desired to fit any extra member on the faucet (1).
  • the power storage unit (23) is a battery.
  • valves (21) located on the water control unit (2) may also be brought into the permanently open or permanently closed position, irrespective of the data coming from the touchless control unit (3). Upon bringing the valves (21) into the permanently open position, it becomes possible to control the faucet (1) as desired via the mechanical controls. In this way, in case the touchless control unit
  • the faucet (1) may be controlled mechanically and no problem is suffered in use.
  • the valves (21) Upon bringing the valves (21) into the permanently closed position, the start of the water flow from the faucet (1) via the mechanical arm as well as in the touchless manner is prevented. In this way, the undesirable triggering actions are precluded during the cleaning and the accidents such as water overflow, etc. are prevented by using said feature as an extra measure of safety in cases where no one is present in the environment accommodating the faucet (1).
  • the faucet (1) automatically switches into the permanently closed position in cases where the faucet (1) is not used for a predefined duration.

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  • 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)

Abstract

The invention relates to a system, which enables a mechanically controlled faucet (1) to be controlled in a touchless manner. More specifically, the invention relates to a system, wherein the members permitting or preventing the water flow are disposed before the water inlet of the faucet (1) and thus the faucet (1) components are not exposed to pressure at the position where the water flow is prevented, and wherein, as a result of said members being disposed before the water inlet of the faucet (1), it becomes possible to reduce the dimensions of the member enabling the water output to be controlled in a touchless manner and thus a mechanically controlled faucet (1) is enabled to be controlled also in a touchless manner without impairing the aesthetic appearance.

Description

SYSTEM ENABLING A MECHANICALLY CONTROLLED FAUCET TO BE CONTROLLED IN A
TOUCHLESS MANNER
Subject of the Invention
The invention relates to a system, which enables a mechanically controlled faucet to be controlled in a touchless manner.
State of the Art
In every space we need water, such as bathrooms, toilet rooms and kitchens, we use the faucets, which enable the water to be supplied for use in a controlled manner, more specifically, enable the water flow to be started and stopped and the flow rate to be controlled.
With the advancing technology, the use of the faucets able to be controlled in a touchless manner has currently become widespread. Most of the time, a sensor is present on the faucet body and the water flow is started or stopped as a result of said sensor being triggered. The electronic components said faucets include lead to certain design limitations, and therefore, the electronically controlled faucets are unable to enjoy a design range as diverse as that in the mechanically controlled faucets. Consequently, it is possible that some users still prefer the mechanically controlled faucets.
Similarly, due to the electronic components being disposed inside the faucet body and due to the certain design limitations, only the control members that enable the temperature of the water mixture to be adjusted or only the control members that enable the flow rate of the water to be adjusted may be located on the faucet and it is most of the time not possible to control both the temperature and the flow rate of the water via the faucets with touchless control. When the users currently having a mechanically controlled faucet need a faucet able to be controlled in a touchless manner, they are required to replace their existing faucet with a faucet able to be controlled in a touchless manner. The requirement for the power connection due to the power requirement of the faucets able to be controlled in a touchless manner is one of the biggest obstacles before the users who wish to switch to the faucets able to be controlled in a touchless manner.
Various solutions are available in the state of the art, which are intended to eliminate these problems and render the existing mechanically controlled faucets capable of being controlled in a touchless manner. Among these, the most frequently preferred solution is the apparatus, which enable the water flow to be controlled in a touchless manner by being fitted to the water outlet of the existing faucets. In these apparatus, the valve either permitting or preventing the water flow as well as the sensor detecting the triggering performed by the user and the battery supplying the power required by these components are disposed inside the same body. Consequently, the body fitted to the water outlet of the faucet becomes quite bulky and impairs the aesthetic appearance. Besides, the water flow is stopped by the apparatus fitted to the end of the faucet in said embodiment, and thus, a reverse pressure develops and the water mixer present on the faucet becomes exposed to this pressure and becomes deformed in the course of time. Another problem is that the faucet becomes unusable in case the battery of said apparatus runs down.
With the invention, a system is developed, wherein the members permitting or preventing the water flow are disposed before the water inlet of the faucet and thus the faucet components are not exposed to pressure in the case where the water flow is prevented, and wherein, as a result of said members being disposed before the inlet of the faucet, it becomes possible to reduce the dimensions of the member enabling the water flow to be triggered in a touchless manner and thus a mechanically controlled faucet is enabled to be controlled also in a touchless manner without impairing the aesthetic appearance. Object of the Invention
An object of the invention is to develop a system, which enables the mechanically controlled faucets to be controlled in a touchless manner.
Another object of the invention is to develop a system wherein the member enabling the water flow to be started and stopped is located before the water inlet of the faucet and thus the faucet components are not exposed to reverse pressure.
Another object of the invention is to develop a system wherein the member enabling the water flow to be started and stopped is located before the water inlet of the faucet and thus it becomes possible to minimize the size of the member enabling the faucet to be controlled in a touchless manner.
Another object of the invention is to develop a system wherein the member enabling the faucet to be controlled in a touchless manner may be positioned at the water outlet of the faucet.
Another object of the invention is to develop a system able to be controlled in a touchless manner, wherein it is possible to adjust both the temperature of the water mixture and the flow rate of the water.
Description of the Figures
Figure 1: An overall view of the system according to the invention Figure 2: An exploded view of the touchless control unit Figure 3: A sectional view of the touchless control unit Figure 4: An exploded view of the water control unit
Reference Numerals
1 : Faucet 11 : Water line extending from the water installation
12 : Water line extending to the faucet
2 : Water control unit
21 : Valve 211 : Valve water inlet
212 : Valve water outlet
22 : Main control unit
23 : Power storage unit
24 : Water control unit body 3 : Touchless control unit
31 : Touchless control unit body
32 : Faucet connection component
33 : Water passage space 331 : Flow regulator housing 34 : Sensor
35 : Sensor housing
36 : Power storage unit housing
37 : Control unit
38 : Flow regulator
Detailed Description of the Invention
The invention relates to a system, which enables a mechanically controlled faucet (1) to be controlled in a touchless manner. More specifically, the invention relates to a system, wherein the members permitting or preventing the water flow are disposed before the water inlet of the faucet (1) and thus the faucet (1) components are not exposed to pressure at the position where the water flow is prevented, and wherein, as a result of said members being disposed before the water inlet of the faucet (1), it becomes possible to reduce the dimensions of the member enabling the water output to be controlled in a touchless manner and thus a mechanically controlled faucet (1) is enabled to be controlled also in a touchless manner without impairing the aesthetic appearance. The system according to the invention, enabling a mechanically controlled faucet (1) to be controlled in a touchless manner, comprises in its most basic form at least one water control unit (2), which is disposed at a position between the water installation and the faucet (1), more particularly, at a position before the water inlet of the faucet (1), and which permits and/or prevents the transmission of water from the water installation to the faucet (1), and at least one touchless control unit (3), which is able to perform wireless communication with the water control unit (2) and which is able to be triggered in a touchless manner.
The water control unit (2) permitting and/or preventing the transmission of water to the faucet (1) comprises at least one valve (21), which has at least one valve water inlet (211) and at least one valve water outlet (212) and which permits or prevents the passage of water from the water installation to the faucet (1), i.e. from the valve water inlet (211) to the valve water outlet (212), in an electronically controlled manner. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the water control unit (2) has two valves (21), namely a valve (21) enabling to control the water coming from the hot water line and a valve (21) enabling to control the water coming from the cold water line. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve (21) is a diaphragm valve (21). In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve is a diaphragmless valve (21). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve (21) is a solenoid valve (21).
A preferred embodiment of the invention has at least one water control unit body (24), in which the valve (21) is positioned, and the valves (21) are disposed inside said water control unit body (24).
A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises at least one main control unit (22), which is able to establish wireless communication with the touchless control unit (3) and which controls the valves (21) according to the triggering information coming from the touchless control unit (3). The main control unit (22) has at least one wireless communication unit enabling said unit to wirelessly communicate with the touchless control unit (3). A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises at least one power storage unit (23), which enables to supply the electrical energy required by the main control unit (22) and/or the valves (21) to be able to permit or prevent the water flow. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrical energy required by the main control unit (22) and/or the valves (21) is supplied directly from the mains. In another embodiment, the electrical energy required by the main control unit (22) and/or the valves (21) is supplied from the mains and/or from at least one power storage unit (23).
The touchless control unit (3) has at least one sensor (34), which enables to detect the user motions and/or the presence of a nearby object. Said sensor (34) is preferably a sensor (34) capable of detecting the proximity and/or motion. The sensor (34) is positioned on the touchless control unit body (31), preferably into the sensor housing (35) present on the touchless control unit body (31), in such a way that it will be able to detect the user motions or the proximity.
The touchless control unit (3) has at least one control unit (37), which enables the data coming from the sensor (34) to be transmitted to the main control unit (22) and which is able to wirelessly communicate with the main control unit (22). The sensor (34) is preferably positioned on the control unit (37) and the control unit (37) is positioned into the sensor housing (35) along with the sensor (34). The control unit (37) has at least one wireless communication unit enabling said unit to wirelessly communicate with the main control unit (22).
A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises at least one power storage unit (23), which enables to supply the electrical energy required by the sensor (34) and/or the control unit (37). In a preferred embodiment, the touchless control unit body (31) has at least one power storage unit housing (36), in which the power storage unit (23) may be positioned, and the power storage unit (23) is disposed inside said power storage unit housing (36).
In the system according to the invention, the triggering information, which is transmitted by the sensor (34) to the control unit (37) upon said sensor (34) being triggered by a user, is transmitted by the control unit (37) to the main control unit (22). According to the triggering information coming from the control unit (37), the main control unit (22) enables at least one valve (21) to permit the water flow or prevent the water flow. In this way, the water, which is conveyed via the water line extending from the water installation (11) and which enters the valve (21) via the valve water inlet (211), is enabled to exit from the valve water outlet (212), enter the faucet (1) via the water line extending to the faucet (12) and through the water inlet of the faucet (1) and to be supplied for use via the water outlet of the faucet (1). Or, the water entering the valve (21) via the valve water inlet (211) is prevented from exiting from the valve water outlet (212) and as a result, the water flow does not take place from the water outlet of the faucet (1). Owing to the water flow being stopped at the water control unit (2) before reaching the faucet (1) in cases where it is desired to prevent the water flow, i.e. in cases where the water flow is not needed, it is ensured that the components of the faucet (1) are not exposed to the reverse pressure.
In order to be able to control the water flow from the faucet (1) in a touchless manner, the mechanical controller located on the faucet (1) should be at the position where it permits the water flow. More specifically, in order to be able to start the water flow in a touchless manner, the mechanical controller of the faucet (1) should be at the open position. The desired water flow rate and the water mixture temperature are adjusted for once via said controller, and subsequently, the water is enabled to flow from the water outlet of the faucet (1) at the same flow rate and temperature every time the water flow is started in a touchless manner.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valves (21) are the valves (21) enabling to adjust the amount of water, the passage of which is to be permitted from the valve water inlet (211) to the valve water outlet (212). In this way, the flow rate of the water desired to flow from the water outlet of the faucet (1) may be adjusted also as a result of the valves (21) being controlled by the main control unit (22).
In an embodiment of the invention comprising a valve (21) for the control of the water coming from the hot water line and a valve (21) for the control of the water coming from the cold water line, the temperature of the water mixture may also be controlled by the main control unit (22) as a result of the adjustment of the amounts of water, the passage of which is to be permitted from the valve water inlets (211) to the valve water outlets (212) of the valves (21). In this way, both the water mixture temperature and the water flow rate may be controlled in a touchless manner.
In the embodiment where the water flow rate and/or the water mixture temperature is/are adjusted through the control provided by the valves (21), the flow rate and the temperature may be controlled depending on the triggering of the sensor (34) in different ways and/or via a mobile application.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the water flow is started upon the sensor (34) being triggered and the water flow is stopped when the sensor (34) is subsequently triggered a second time. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the water flow is started upon the sensor (34) being triggered and the water flow is automatically stopped after a predefined duration. In both embodiments, the start and the stop of the flow are controlled by the water control unit (2), more specifically by the main control unit (22).
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the touchless control unit (3) comprises at least one visual and/or audible indicator enabling the user to be informed about the system. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the touchless control unit (3) comprises at least one indicator enabling the user to be informed about the currently available capacity of the power storage unit (23) located on the water control unit (2) and/or located on the touchless control unit (3) and/or enabling to inform the user that the capacity of the power storage unit (23) has dropped below a predefined level and/or that the system is active and/or that a failure has occurred in the system. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said indicator is a luminescent light source.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the touchless control unit (3) has at least one button and/or touch surface enabling to realize the matching between the touchless control unit (3) and the water control unit (2), more specifically, the matching between the control unit (37) located on the touchless control unit (3) and the main control unit (22) located on the water control unit (2). The touchless control unit (3) is enabled to match with the water control unit (2) as a result of pressing said button and/or touching said touch surface.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the touchless control unit (3) is located at a position where the user would be able to easily trigger the same while using the faucet (1).
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the touchless control unit (3) is positioned at the water outlet of the faucet (1). In this embodiment, the touchless control unit body (31) has at least one water passage space (33), which enables the water exiting the water outlet of the faucet (1) to be supplied for use by passing through said space. The touchless control unit (3) has at least one faucet connection component (32), which enables the touchless control unit body (31) to be fixed to the water outlet of the faucet (1). The faucet connection component (32) is fixed on the touchless control unit body (31) to enable the touchless control unit body (31) to be fixed to the water outlet of the faucet (1). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the part of the faucet connection component (32) that is fixed to the faucet (1) has a toothed structure and is fixed owing to these teeth to the toothed structure, which is located at the water outlet of the faucet (1) and is formed for the fixation of the flow regulator (38). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the touchless control unit body (31) has at least one flow regulator housing (331) on which the flow regulator (38) may be fitted. In this way, the water passing through the water passage space (33) is supplied for use via the flow regulator (38).
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the touchless control unit (3) is a touchless control unit (3), which is independent from the faucet (1) and which is able to be fixed at the desired position according to the preferences and the needs of the user. In this embodiment of the invention, the touchless control unit (3) may be positioned at any point of the faucet (1) and/or another member and enables, as a result of being triggered, the water flow to be controlled. By this means, said system allows all kinds of faucets (1) to be controlled in a touchless manner independently of the type of the faucet (1) and of the water outlet of the faucet (1). This system is preferable further in cases where it is not desired to fit any extra member on the faucet (1).
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the power storage unit (23) is a battery.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valves (21) located on the water control unit (2) may also be brought into the permanently open or permanently closed position, irrespective of the data coming from the touchless control unit (3). Upon bringing the valves (21) into the permanently open position, it becomes possible to control the faucet (1) as desired via the mechanical controls. In this way, in case the touchless control unit
(3) fails, in case a power outage occurs or in case the touchless control unit (3) becomes unserviceable for any reason, the faucet (1) may be controlled mechanically and no problem is suffered in use. Upon bringing the valves (21) into the permanently closed position, the start of the water flow from the faucet (1) via the mechanical arm as well as in the touchless manner is prevented. In this way, the undesirable triggering actions are precluded during the cleaning and the accidents such as water overflow, etc. are prevented by using said feature as an extra measure of safety in cases where no one is present in the environment accommodating the faucet (1). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the faucet (1) automatically switches into the permanently closed position in cases where the faucet (1) is not used for a predefined duration.

Claims

1. A system enabling a mechanically controlled faucet (1) to be controlled in a touchless manner characterized in that the system comprises
• at least one water control unit (2), which is disposed at a position between the water installation and the faucet (1), and which permits and/or prevents the transmission of water from the water installation to the faucet (1), and
• at least one touchless control unit (3), which is able to perform wireless communication with the water control unit (2) and which is able to be triggered in a touchless manner.
2. A system according to Claim 1 characterized in that the water control unit (2) is disposed at a position before the water inlet of the faucet (1).
3. A system according to Claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the water control unit (2) comprises at least one valve (21), which permits or prevents the passage of water from the water installation to the faucet (1) in an electronically controlled manner.
4. A system according to Claim 3 characterized in that the valve (21) is a valve (21), which has at least one valve water inlet (211) and at least one valve water outlet (212) and via which the passage of water from the valve water inlet (211) to the valve water outlet (212) may be controlled electronically.
5. A system according to Claim 3 or 4 characterized in that the water control unit (2) comprises two valves (21), namely a valve (21) enabling to control the water coming from the hot water line and a valve (21) enabling to control the water coming from the cold water line.
6. A system according to any one of Claims 3-5 characterized in that the system has at least one water control unit body (24), in which the valve (21) is positioned.
7. A system according to any one of Claims 3-6 characterized in that the system comprises at least one main control unit (22), which is able to establish wireless communication with the touchless control unit (3), and which controls the valves (21) according to the triggering information coming from the touchless control unit (3).
8. A system according to Claim 7 characterized in that the main control unit (22) has at least one wireless communication unit enabling the said unit to wirelessly communicate with the touchless control unit (3).
9. A system according to any one of Claims 3-8 characterized in that the system comprises at least one power storage unit (23), which enables to supply the electrical energy required by the main control unit (22) and/or the valves (21).
10. A system according to any one of Claims 3-8 characterized in that the electrical energy required by the main control unit (22) and/or the valves (21) is supplied directly from the mains.
11. A system according to Claim 9 or 10 characterized in that the electrical energy required by the main control unit (22) and/or the valves (21) is supplied from the mains and/or from at least one power storage unit (23).
12. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the touchless control unit (3) has at least one sensor (34), which enables to detect the user motions and/or the presence of a nearby object.
13. A system according to Claim 12 characterized in that the sensor (34) is a sensor (34) capable of detecting the proximity and/or motion.
14. A system according to Claim 13 characterized in that the touchless control unit (3) has at least one touchless control unit body (31), on which the sensor (34) is positioned, and the sensor (34) is positioned on the touchless control unit body (31).
15. A system according to Claim 14 characterized in that the touchless control unit body (31) has at least one sensor housing (35) and the sensor (34) is positioned into the sensor housing (35).
16. A system according to Claim 7 or 8 or 12 characterized in that the touchless control unit (3) has at least one control unit (37), which enables the data coming from the sensor (34) to be transmitted to the main control unit (22) and which is able to wirelessly communicate with the main control unit (22).
17. A system according to any one of Claims 12-16 characterized in that the sensor (34) is positioned on the control unit (37).
18. A system according to Claim 15 or 17 characterized in that the control unit (37) is positioned into the sensor housing (35) along with the sensor (34).
19. A system according to Claim 16 characterized in that the control unit (37) has at least one wireless communication unit enabling the said unit to wirelessly communicate with the main control unit (22).
20. A system according to Claim 16 characterized in that the system comprises at least one power storage unit (23), which enables to supply the electrical energy required by the sensor (34) and/or the control unit (37).
21. A system according to Claim 14 or 20 characterized in that the touchless control unit body (31) has at least one power storage unit housing (36), in which the power storage unit (23) may be positioned.
22. A system according to Claim 16 characterized in that the control unit (37) is a control unit (37) enabling to transmit to the main control unit (22) the triggering information, which is transmitted by the sensor (34) to the said control unit (37) upon said sensor (34) being triggered by the user.
23. A system according to Claim 22 characterized in that the main control unit (22) is a main control unit (22), which enables at least one valve (21) to permit the water flow or prevent the water flow according to the triggering information coming from the control unit (37).
24. A system according to Claim 3 or 4 characterized in that the valve (21) is a valve (21), via which it is possible to adjust the amount of water that is to be permitted to pass from the valve water inlet (211) to the valve water outlet (212).
25. A system according to Claim 7 or 24 characterized in that the main control unit (22) is a main control unit (22), which enables to adjust the amount of water that is to be permitted by the valve (21) to pass from the valve water inlet (211) to the valve water outlet (212).
26. A system according to Claim 5 or 25 characterized in that in the embodiment where the main control unit (22) comprises a valve (21) for the control of the water coming from the hot water line and a valve (21) for the control of the water coming from the cold water line, the said main control unit (22) is a main control unit (22), which enables to adjust the water mixture temperature depending on the adjustment of the amounts of water to be permitted to pass from the valve water inlets (211) to the valve water outlets (212) of the valves (21).
27. A system according to Claim 12 or 25 or 26 characterized in that the flow rate and temperature control is realized via a mobile application and/or depending on the triggering of the sensor (34) in different ways.
28. A system according to Claim 7 or 12 characterized in that the main control unit (22) is a main control unit (22), which starts the water flow upon the sensor (34) being triggered and stops the water flow upon a subsequent second triggering action.
29. A system according to Claim 7 or 12 characterized in that the main control unit (22) is a main control unit (22), which starts the water flow upon the sensor (34) being triggered and automatically stops the water flow after a predefined duration.
30. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the touchless control unit (3) comprises at least one visual and/or audible indicator enabling the user to be informed about the system.
31. A system according to Claim 30 characterized in that the indicator is an indicator, which enables the user to be informed about the currently available capacity of the power storage unit (23) located on the water control unit (2) and/or on the touchless control unit (3) and/or enables to inform the user that the capacity of the power storage unit (23) has dropped below a predefined level and/or that the system is active and/or that a failure has occurred in the system.
32. A system according to Claim 30 or 31 characterized in that the indicator is a light source.
33. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the touchless control unit (3) has at least one button and/or touch surface enabling to realize the matching between the touchless control unit (3) and the water control unit (2).
34. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the touchless control unit (3) is positioned at the water outlet of the faucet (1).
35. A system according to Claim 14 or 34 characterized in that the touchless control unit body (31) has at least one water passage space (33), which enables the water exiting the water outlet of the faucet (1) to be supplied for use by passing through the said space.
36. A system according to Claim 35 characterized in that the touchless control unit (3) has at least one faucet connection component (32), which enables the touchless control unit body (31) to be fixed to the water outlet of the faucet (1).
37. A system according to Claim 36 characterized in that the part of the faucet connection component (32) that is fixed to the faucet (1) has a toothed section enabling said part to be fixed to the toothed section, which is located at the water outlet of the faucet (1) and is formed for positioning the flow regulator (38).
38. A system according to Claim 14 characterized in that the touchless control unit body (31) has at least one flow regulator housing (331) on which the flow regulator (38) may be fitted.
39. A system according to any one of Claims 1-33 characterized in that the touchless control unit (3) is a touchless control unit (3), which is independent from the faucet (1) and which is able to be fixed at the desired position according to the preferences and the needs of the user.
40. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the power storage unit (23) is a battery.
41. A system according to Claim 7 characterized in that the main control unit (22) is a main control unit (22), which enables the valves (21) to be brought into the permanently open or permanently closed position irrespective of the data coming from the touchless control unit (3).
42. A system according to Claim 41 characterized in that the main control unit (22) is a main control unit (22), which enables the valves (21) to automatically switch into the permanently closed position in cases where the faucet (1) is not used for a predefined duration.
PCT/TR2022/050426 2021-06-15 2022-05-17 System enabling a mechanically controlled faucet to be controlled in a touchless manner WO2022265598A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR2021009771 2021-06-15
TR2021/009771 TR2021009771Y (en) 2021-06-15 A SYSTEM THAT ENABLES A MECHANICALLY CONTROLLED BATTERY TO BE CONTROLLED WITHOUT CONTACT

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022265598A1 true WO2022265598A1 (en) 2022-12-22

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES1042433U (en) * 1999-02-22 1999-09-01 Balle De Dou Juan Carlos De Device for actuation utomatización existing taps. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
CN101858451A (en) * 2010-07-16 2010-10-13 厦门市易洁卫浴有限公司 Timed touch tap and control method thereof
WO2011096961A1 (en) * 2010-02-02 2011-08-11 Chung-Chia Chen Touch free automatic faucet
US20160076232A1 (en) * 2014-09-12 2016-03-17 Tien Ho CHUNG Touch free automatic type water supply device and method
US20180216325A1 (en) * 2017-01-31 2018-08-02 Chung-Chia Chen Touch free control of faucet

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES1042433U (en) * 1999-02-22 1999-09-01 Balle De Dou Juan Carlos De Device for actuation utomatización existing taps. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
WO2011096961A1 (en) * 2010-02-02 2011-08-11 Chung-Chia Chen Touch free automatic faucet
CN101858451A (en) * 2010-07-16 2010-10-13 厦门市易洁卫浴有限公司 Timed touch tap and control method thereof
US20160076232A1 (en) * 2014-09-12 2016-03-17 Tien Ho CHUNG Touch free automatic type water supply device and method
US20180216325A1 (en) * 2017-01-31 2018-08-02 Chung-Chia Chen Touch free control of faucet

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