MIXING SYSTEM AND FAUCET SENSOR SYSTEM FOR A TOUCH FREE AUTOMATIC FAUCET
A water flow and temperature mixing system for touch free automatic faucets comprises motorized actuator mechanisms coupled to a water flow mechanism. The water flow mechanism comprises a housing, hot and cold water inlets, a solenoid valve, and a water outlet. The water is mixed in the water flow mechanism, and exits through the solenoid valve and the water outlet. A faucet sensor system for a touch free automatic faucet comprises a sensor housing, a plurality of sensor assemblies coupled to a sensor holding element and a securing nut to secure the plurality of sensor assemblies within the sensor housing, and a faucet stationary base. The plurality of sensor assemblies comprise a primary sensor assembly, a secondary sensor assembly, and a tertiary sensor assembly. The secondary sensor assembly and the tertiary sensor assembly can be interchangeably placed on either side of the sensor housing to control water flow and temperature.
This application is related to copending application Ser. No. 12/714,443, filed Feb. 27, 2010, which is herein incorporated by reference, and claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 61/300,781 filed on Feb. 2, 2010.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to the field of automatic faucets. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mixing system and a faucet housing for a touch free automatic faucet.
2. Description of the Related Art
Automatic faucets have become popular for water saving. Because of personal hygiene concerns, touch free automatic faucets are ideal for public locations, and commercial and residential applications.
The conventional automatic faucet is controlled with a single electronic sensor to toggle water on and off with a preset water temperature. However, most applications such as kitchens, lavatories and commercial facilities require adjustments on water flow, temperature and continuous water flow services.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with the present invention, structures and associated methods are disclosed which address these needs and overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.
In one aspect, a water flow and temperature control mixing system is provided for a touch free automatic faucet. The mixing system includes a cold water motorized actuator mechanism, a hot water motorized actuator mechanism, and a water flow mechanism. The water flow mechanism comprises a hot water inlet connector and a cold water inlet connector to supply hot water and cold water, a solenoid valve, and a water outlet connector. The water is mixed in the water flow mechanism to obtain the desired temperature, and then directed through the solenoid valve and out of the water outlet connector. An electronic logic processor is connected to the mixing system.
In a further aspect, a faucet sensor system for a touch free automatic faucet is provided. The faucet sensor system includes a sensor housing, a plurality of sensor assemblies coupled to a sensor holding element and a securing nut within the sensor housing, and a faucet stationary base. In this embodiment, the plurality of sensor assemblies comprise a primary sensor assembly, a secondary sensor assembly, and a tertiary sensor assembly. The secondary sensor assembly and the tertiary sensor assembly can be interchangeably placed on either side of the sensor housing. The interaction of the plurality of sensor assemblies allows the user of the touch free automatic faucet to control water temperature and flow rate.
The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification, as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. The description may disclose several preferred embodiments for a water flow and temperature mixing system for touch free automatic faucets, as well as operation and/or component parts thereof. While the following description will be described in terms of automatic touch free faucets for clarity and placing the invention in context, it should be kept in mind that the teachings herein may have broad application to all types of systems, devices and applications.
In
The mixing system 10 defines an axis “A,” a distal end 20, a proximal end 22, a hot water side 24 and a cold water side 26. In the preferred embodiment, the hot water and cold water inlet connectors 508 and 507, and the outlet connector 509 are generally parallel to the axis A.
The hot water motorized actuator mechanism 503 is preferably located side-by-side to the cold water motorized actuator mechanism 502 adjacent to the distal end 20, and both motorized actuator mechanisms 502 and 503 are coupled to the water flow mechanism 501. The cold water inlet connector 507 is coaxial to the first tubular portion 517 and the cold water motorized actuator mechanism 502. The hot water inlet connector 508 is coaxial to the second tubular portion 518 and the hot water motorized actuator mechanism 503. The solenoid valve housing 504 is placed coaxial to axis A, in front of and in between the hot water and cold water motorized actuator mechanisms 503 and 502. Alternatively stated, the solenoid valve housing 504 in the preferred embodiment is centrally located in that it is positioned medially between the hot water side 24 and the cold water side 26, as well as in between the distal end 20 and the proximal end 22. The solenoid valve housing 504 includes a water outlet connector 509, coaxially placed along the axis A and in parallel to the hot water inlet connector 508 and the cold water inlet 507.
The temperature of the water output is controlled by determining the respective amount of cold water and hot water going into the water mixing chamber 510. A rotating cold water cartridge 505 (see
As signals are received from a logical processor such as a printed circuit board (PCB), the cold water motorized actuator mechanism 502 turns the actuator connector 589C that is connected to the motor actuator adapter 585C and rotating cold water cartridge 505 such that the opening 543 aligns with the opening of the cold water conduit 532 within the water flow housing 500 to allow cold water to flow into the mixing chamber 510. (See
In
The various embodiments of the invention provide a touch-free automatic faucet with three or more sensors to control water flow and temperature for commercial and residential applications for easy and convenient operation, water conservation, and personal hygiene protection.
Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments. The various appearances of “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “some embodiments” are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may,” “might,” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.
While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A water flow and temperature control mixing system for a touch free automatic faucet, comprising:
- a water flow mechanism, comprising: a water flow housing; a hot water inlet connector; a cold water inlet connector; to a water mixing chamber; a solenoid valve housing; and a water outlet connector
- a first motorized actuator mechanism coupled to the water flow mechanism, the first motorized actuator mechanism configured to receive hot water and comprising: a stem portion; and a hot water flow valve; and
- a second motorized actuator mechanism coupled to the water flow mechanism, the second motorized actuator mechanism configured to receive cold water and comprising: a stem portion; and a cold water flow valve.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the water flow housing comprises a first tubular portion to house the stem portion of the first motorized actuator mechanism and a second tubular portion to house the stem portion of the second motorized actuator mechanism, and the two tubular portions are parallel and adjacent to each other.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the water flow housing comprises a bracket portion disposed at the distal end of the first tubular portion and a bracket portion disposed at the distal end of the second tubular portion.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a water temperature sensor disposed within the water flow housing.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the hot water inlet connector and the cold water inlet connector each comprises an inlet water filter and a check valve.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the hot water valve and the cold water valve comprise a rotating hot water cartridge with a first opening and a cold water cartridge with a second opening respectively.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein:
- the first motorized actuator mechanism comprises a rotating hot water cartridge, a gasket, a cartridge locking nut, a motor actuator adapter, and a motorized actuator; and
- the second motorized actuator mechanism comprises a rotating cold water cartridge, a gasket, a cartridge locking nut, a motor actuator adapter, and a motorized actuator.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the hot and cold water flow are mixed in the water mixing chamber, and the mixed water is directed through the solenoid valve housing and out of the water outlet connector.
9. A water flow and temperature control mixing system for a touch free automatic faucet, comprising:
- a water flow mechanism, comprising: a water flow housing; a hot water inlet connector; a cold water inlet connector; a water mixing chamber; a solenoid valve housing; and a water outlet connector
- a first motorized actuator mechanism coupled to the water flow mechanism, the first motorized actuator mechanism configured to receive hot water and comprising: a stem portion; and a hot water flow valve;
- a second motorized actuator mechanism coupled to the water flow mechanism, the second motorized actuator mechanism configured to receive cold water and comprising: a stem portion; and a cold water flow valve;
- wherein the first motorized actuator mechanism and the second motorized actuator mechanism are parallel to each other on the distal end of the water flow mechanism, the hot water inlet connector is coaxial to the first motorized actuator mechanism, and the cold water inlet connector which is coaxial to the second motorized actuator mechanism.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the solenoid valve housing is positioned medially between the first motorized actuator mechanism and the second motorized gear mechanism, and medially between the distal end and the proximal end of the water flow mechanism.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the water flow housing of claim comprises a first tubular portion to house the stem portion of the first motorized actuator mechanism and a second tubular portion to house the stem portion of the second motorized actuator mechanism, and the two tubular portions are parallel and adjacent to each other.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the water flow housing comprises a bracket portion disposed at the distal end of the first tubular portion and a bracket portion disposed at the distal end of the second tubular portion.
13. The system of claim 9, further comprising a water temperature sensor disposed in a water temperature sensor housing coupled to the water mixing chamber.
14. The system of claim 9, wherein the hot and cold water flow are mixed in the water mixing chamber, and the mixed water is directed through the solenoid valve housing and out of the water outlet connector.
15. A water flow and temperature control mixing system for a touch free automatic faucet, comprising:
- a water flow mechanism, comprising: a water flow housing; a hot water inlet connector; a cold water inlet connector; a water mixing chamber; a solenoid valve housing; and a water outlet connector
- a first motorized actuator mechanism coupled to the water flow mechanism, the first motorized actuator mechanism configured to receive hot water and comprising: a rotating hot water cartridge; an actuator;
- a second motorized actuator mechanism coupled to the water flow mechanism, the second motorized actuator mechanism configured to receive cold water and comprising: a rotating cold water cartridge; an actuator;
- wherein the first motorized actuator mechanism and the second motorized actuator mechanism are parallel to each other on the distal end of the water flow mechanism, the hot water inlet connector is coaxial to the first motorized actuator mechanism, and the cold water inlet connector which is coaxial to the second motorized actuator mechanism.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the solenoid valve housing is positioned medially between the first motorized actuator mechanism and the second motorized actuator mechanism, and medially between the distal end and the proximal end of the water flow mechanism.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the solenoid valve housing is coaxial to the water outlet connector, and the water outlet connector is parallel to the cold water inlet connector and the hot water inlet connector.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the water flow housing comprises a first tubular portion to house the stem portion of the first motorized actuator mechanism and a second tubular portion to house the stem portion of the second motorized actuator mechanism, wherein the first and second tubular portions are parallel and adjacent to each other.
19. The system of claim 15, further comprising a water temperature sensor disposed within a water temperature sensor housing coupled to the water mixing chamber.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the hot and cold water flow are mixed in the water mixing chamber, and the mixed water is directed through the solenoid valve housing and out of the water outlet connector.
21. The system of claim 15, wherein the cold water inlet connector is coaxial to the cold water flow valve to collectively form a cold water passage way, and the hot water inlet connector is coaxial to the hot water flow valve to collectively form a hot water passage way.
22. A faucet sensor system, comprising:
- a faucet spout;
- a sensor housing coupled to the faucet spout;
- a plurality of sensor assemblies disposed within the sensor housing;
- a sensor holding element coupled to the plurality of sensor assemblies disposed within the sensor housing;
- a securing nut coupled to the sensor holding element disposed within the sensor housing; and
- a faucet stationary base.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the plurality of sensor assemblies comprises a primary sensor assembled on a first printed circuit board and placed inside a sensor cover to form a primary sensor assembly, a plurality of secondary sensors assembled on a second printed circuit board and placed inside a sensor cover to form a secondary sensor assembly, and a plurality of tertiary sensors assembled on a third printed circuit board and placed inside a sensor cover to form a tertiary sensor assembly.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the sensor housing comprises a window configured to align with the primary sensor assembly, a window configured to align with the secondary sensor assembly, and a window configured to align with the tertiary sensor assembly.
25. The system of claim 22, further comprising a water outlet spray head, and wherein the primary sensor assembly is configured in the same direction as the water outlet spray head.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 12, 2011
Publication Date: Aug 4, 2011
Inventor: Chung-Chia Chen (La Habra Heights, CA)
Application Number: 13/005,457
International Classification: F16K 11/22 (20060101); F16K 21/00 (20060101);