ELECTRONIC PLUMBING SYSTEM INCLUDING WAND WITH WIRED COMMUNICATION THROUGH WAND HOSE

Info

Publication number: 20230366182
Type: Application
Filed: May 11, 2023
Publication Date: Nov 16, 2023
Inventors: Georg Scheffer (Berea, OH), Harshil Parikh (Fremont, CA)
Application Number: 18/316,076

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic plumbing system including a wand with at least one transmission line extending through a wand hose. The transmission lines extend directly through a flow path of the wand hose to provide power and/or electronic signals to the electronic components of the wand. The electronic components may operably control the operation of the plumbing system via the transmission lines.

Description

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/340,662, filed on May 11, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/340,666, filed on May 11, 2022, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference as though recited herein in their entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to an electronic plumbing system including a wand with wired communication through a wand hose and, more particularly, to an electronic plumbing system including a wand with a transmission line extending through a wand hose that connects the wand to a water supply.

BACKGROUND

Faucets with wands that can be pulled away from a body of the faucet are known. Providing power and electronic communication to the wands, such as for use with electronic components, can be complex, expensive, difficult to manufacture, and difficult to assemble. For example, some wands with electronic components use batteries in the wand to provide power to the electronic components. However, the limited power capabilities of the batteries limit the electronic components which may be used with the wand and do not provide electronic control to upstream devices. Additionally, the power stored in the batteries depletes over time and replacement of the batteries can be cumbersome and costly.

Other faucet systems may include electrical lines around the wand hose to connect the wand hose to an upstream location, such as a water supply or receptor for the wand. However, these systems may cause wear and strain on the electrical lines during use, such as when the wand is pulled away from the body of the faucet and manipulated by a user. These systems may also be difficult to manufacture and assemble. Further, such systems increase the complexity of the faucet system and decrease the operability and maneuverability of the pullout wand.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides an electronic plumbing system including a wand with transmission lines extending through a wand hose to provide power and/or electronic communication to the wand.

In an exemplary embodiment, a plumbing system is provided. The plumbing system includes a body operable to be mounted on a mounting surface and a wand with a discharge outlet operable to deliver water. The wand is operable to pull away from the body. The plumbing system also includes an electronic valve operable to control a flow of water to the wand and a wand hose with a flow path operable to carry water from the electronic valve to the wand. The flow path extends through the body. The plumbing system also includes an activation sensor/display assembly disposed on the wand, a control module in electronic communication with the activation sensor/display assembly and the electronic valve, and a transmission line coupled with the activation sensor/display assembly. The transmission line extends through the flow path of the wand hose. The activation sensor/display assembly is operable to generate an output based upon a user input. The control module is operable to receive the output of the activation sensor/display assembly and generate an output command to control the electronic valve. The electronic valve adjusts the flow of water delivered to the wand based upon the output generated by the control module.

In an exemplary embodiment, a plumbing system is provided. The plumbing system includes a body operable to be mounted on a mounting surface, a wand including a discharge outlet operable to deliver water and an activation sensor/display assembly operable to generate an output signal based upon a user input, a control module being operable to receive the signal from the activation sensor/display assembly and generate an output command to control an operation of the plumbing system based upon the received signal from the activation sensor/display assembly, and a wand hose fluidly coupled with the discharge outlet of the wand. The wand hose includes a flow path operable to deliver water to the discharge outlet. The plumbing system also includes a transmission line extending through the flow path of the wand hose and coupled with the activation sensor/display assembly, an inlet fitting operable to enable the transmission line to enter the flow path of the wand hose, and an outlet fitting operable to enable the transmission line to exit the flow path of the wand hose. The wand is operable to be mounted in a downstream end of the body and to be pulled away from the body.

In an exemplary embodiment, a plumbing system is provided. The plumbing system includes a body operable to be mounted on a mounting surface, a wand including a discharge outlet operable to deliver water and an activation sensor/display assembly operable to generate a user-detectable output, a control module being operable to generate an output command to the activation sensor/display assembly based upon an operation of the plumbing system, and a wand hose fluidly coupled with the discharge outlet of the wand. The wand hose includes a flow path operable to deliver water to the discharge outlet. The plumbing system also includes a transmission line extending through the flow path of the wand hose and coupled with the activation sensor/display assembly, an inlet fitting operable to enable the transmission line to enter the flow path of the wand hose, and an outlet fitting operable to enable the transmission line to exit the flow path of the wand hose. The wand is operable to be mounted in a downstream end of the body and to be pulled away from the body. The activation sensor/display assembly is operable to generate a user-detectable output based upon the output command of the control module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of fluidic components of an electronic plumbing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2a and 2b are schematic illustrations of electrical/electronic components of electronic plumbing systems according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention—FIG. 2a includes a manual input device(s) and a parameter/position sensor, and FIG. 2b does not include a manual input device(s) or a parameter/position sensor; and

FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3 are illustrations of electronic plumbing systems, including electronic faucets, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention—FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 include activation sensor/display assemblies, a handle, and a parameter/position sensor, and FIGS. 3b-1-3b-3 include the activation sensor/display assemblies, but do not include a handle or a parameter/position sensor;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary wand transmission system for use with any of the electronic plumbing systems of FIGS. 1 through 3b-3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of another exemplary wand transmission system for use with any of the electronic plumbing systems of FIGS. 1 through 3b-3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a connection of transmission lines to an activation sensor/display assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a connection of transmission lines to an activation sensor/display assembly according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a control box of the wand transmission systems of FIGS. 4-5 according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a functional blow flow diagram of a wand including a shutoff mechanism and a diverter mechanism;

FIG. 10 is a plan layout of an electronic plumbing system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a wand transmission system of the electronic plumbing system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12a is a perspective view of a control box of the wand transmission system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12b is a cross-sectional view of the control box of FIG. 12a taken along line A-A;

FIG. 12c is a cross-sectional view of the control box of FIG. 12a taken along line B-B;

FIG. 13a is a perspective view of an inlet fitting of the control box of FIGS. 12a-12c;

FIG. 13b is a left-side view of the inlet fitting of FIG. 13a;

FIG. 13c is a right-side view of the inlet fitting of FIG. 13a;

FIG. 13d is a top view of the inlet fitting of FIG. 13a;

FIG. 13e is a bottom view of the inlet fitting of FIG. 13a;

FIGS. 14a and 14b are front and rear perspective views of a connection fitting for use with the control box of FIG. 12a;

FIG. 15a is a side view of a wand hose of the wand transmission system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15b is a perspective view of an upstream end of the wand hose of FIG. 15a;

FIG. 15c is a perspective view of a downstream end of the wand hose of FIG. 15b;

FIG. 16a is a cross-sectional view of the control box of FIG. 12a taken along line A-A coupled with the upstream end of wand hose of FIG. 15a and including transmission lines therethrough;

FIG. 16b is a cross-sectional view of the control box of FIG. 12a taken along line B-B coupled with the upstream end of the wand hose of FIG. 15a and including transmission lines therethrough;

FIG. 17a is a perspective view of an outlet fitting of the wand transmission system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 17b is a cross-sectional view of the outlet fitting of FIG. 17a taken along line A-A;

FIGS. 17c-17d are perspective views of the outlet fitting of FIG. 17a;

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration showing transmission lines extending through the outlet fitting of FIG. 17a and connecting to an activation display of the wand according to one embodiment;

FIG. 19a is a cross-sectional view of the outlet fitting of FIG. 17a coupled with a coupler;

FIG. 19b is a cross-sectional view of the outlet fitting of FIG. 17a coupled with the coupler of FIG. 19a and the wand hose of FIG. 15a;

FIG. 19c is a cross-sectional view of the wand hose of FIG. 15a coupled with the wand of FIG. 11;

FIG. 20a is a perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 19a;

FIG. 20b is a cross-sectional view of the coupler of FIG. 20a taken along line A-A;

FIG. 21a is a perspective view of an upstream coupler portion of the coupler of FIG. 20a;

FIG. 21b is a cross-sectional view of the upstream coupler portion of FIG. 20a taken along line A-A;

FIG. 20a;

FIG. 22a is a perspective view of a downstream coupler portion of the coupler of FIG. 22b is a perspective view of an activation display for use with the downstream coupler portion of FIG. 22a;

FIG. 22c is a side view of the downstream coupler portion of FIG. 22a;

FIG. 22d is a front view of the downstream coupler portion of FIG. 22a;

FIG. 22e is a cross-sectional view of the downstream coupler portion of FIG. 22a taken along line B-B;

FIG. 23a is a perspective view of a hose coupler of the wand hose of FIG. 15a;

FIG. 23b is a side view of the hose coupler of FIG. 23a;

FIG. 24 is a plan layout of an electronic plumbing system according to another embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a side view of a wand transmission system of the electronic plumbing system of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26a is a cross-sectional view of a wand hose of the wand transmission system of FIG. 25;

FIG. 26b is a cross-sectional perspective view of an upstream end of the wand hose of FIG. 26a;

FIG. 26c is a cross-sectional perspective view of a downstream end of the wand hose of FIG. 26a;

FIG. 26d is a cross-sectional side view of the upstream end of the wand hose of FIG. 26b;

FIG. 26e is a cross-sectional side view of the downstream end of the wand hose of FIG. 26c;

FIG. 26f is a perspective view of a spacer of the wand hose of FIG. 26a;

FIG. 26g is a perspective view of a hose coupler of the wand hose of FIG. 26a;

FIG. 27a is a perspective of a control box of the wand transmission system of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27b is a cross-sectional view of the control box of FIG. 27a taken along line B-B;

FIG. 28a is a cross-sectional perspective view of a downstream end of the wand hose of FIG. 26a coupled with a coupler of a wand;

FIG. 28b is a cross-sectional side view of FIG. 28a; and

FIG. 28c is a cross-sectional side view of the downstream end of the wand hose of FIG. 26a coupled with a wand of the wand transmission system of FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides an electronic plumbing system with a wand transmission system operable to provide power and/or electronic communication through a wand hose to a wand. In exemplary embodiments, the wand includes one or more electrical/electronic components which receive power and/or electronic communication via one or more transmission lines. The electrical/electronic components may be operable to control the operation and/or generate an output indicative of the operation of the electronic plumbing system.

The following includes definitions of exemplary terms that may be used through the disclosure. Both singular rand plural forms of all terms fall within each meaning.

“Component,” as used herein can be defined as a combination of hardware, software, or a portion thereof. A component may be associated with a device. It is appreciated that components may include at least a processor and a memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute one or more instructions stored in the memory.

“Computer” or “processor,” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more programmed or programmable electronic device or coordinated devices that can store, retrieve, or process data and may be any processing unit, distributed processing configuration, or processor systems. Examples of processor include microprocessors, microcontrollers, central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), tensor processing unit (TPU), floating point units (FPUs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc., in any combination. One or more cores of a single microprocessor and/or multiple microprocessor each having one or more cores can be used to perform the operation as being executed by a processor herein. The processor can also be a processor dedicated to the training of neural networks and other artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The processor may be associated with various other circuits that support operation in the processor, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), clocks, decoders, memory controllers, or interrupt controllers, etc. These support circuits may be internal or external to the processor or its associated electronic packaging. The support circuits are in operative communication with the processor. The support circuits are not necessarily shown separate from the processor in block diagrams or drawings.

“Network interface,” synonymous with “data interface,” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, any interface or protocol for transmitting and receiving data between electronic devices. The network or data interface can refer to a connection to a computer via a local network or through the internet and can also refer to a connection to a portable device—e.g., a mobile device or a USB thumb drive—via a wired or wireless connection. A network interface can be used to form networks of computers to facilitate distributed and/or remote computing (i.e., cloud-based computing). “Cloud-based computing” means computing that is implemented on a network of computing devices that are remotely connected to the device via a network interface.

“Signal,” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more electric signals, including analog or digital signals, one or more computer instructions, a bit or bit stream, or the like.

“Logic,” synonymous with “circuit,” as used herein includes but is not limited to hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or action(s). For example, based on a desired application or needs, logic may include a software-controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmed logic device and/or controller. Logic may also be fully embodied as software. The logic flow of an embodiment of the invention could be embodied in logic.

“Software,” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more computer readable and/or executable instructions that cause a computer, processor, logic, and/or other electronic device to perform functions, actions, and/or behave in a desired manner. The instruments may be embodied in various forms such as routines, algorithms, modules, or programs including separate applications or code from dynamically linked sources or libraries (DLLs). Software may also be implemented in various forms such as a stand-alone program, a web-based program, a function call, a subroutine, a servlet, an application, an app, an applet (e.g., a Java applet), a plug-in, instructions stored in a memory, part of an operating system, or other type of executable instructions or interpreted instructions from which executable instructions are created. The logic flow of an embodiment of the invention could be embodied in software.

“Module” or “engine” as used herein will be appreciated as comprising various configurations of computer hardware and/or software implemented to perform operations. In some embodiments, modules or engines as described herein may be represented as instructions operable to be executed by a processor in a processor or memory. In other embodiments, modules or engines as described herein may be represented as instructions read or executed from readable media. A module or engine may operate in either hardware or software according to application specific parameters or user settings. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that such configurations of hardware and software may vary, but remain operable in substantially similar ways. The logic flow of an embodiment of the invention could be embodied in a module or engine.

“Data storage device,” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, a device or devices for non-transitory storage of code or data, e.g., a device with a non-transitory computer readable medium. As used herein, “non-transitory computer readable medium” mean any suitable non-transitory computer readable medium for storing code or data, such as a magnetic medium, e.g., fixed disks in external hard drives, fixed disks in internal hard drives, and flexible disks; an optical medium, e.g., CD disk, DVD disk; and other media, e.g., ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash PROM, external memory drives, etc. The memory of an embodiment of the invention could be embodied in a data storage device.

While the above exemplary definitions have been provided, it is intended that the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with this specification be used for these and other terms. Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure will be understood more fully from the detailed description given above and from the accompanying drawings of the various aspects and implementations of the disclosure. This should not be taken to limit the disclosure to the specific aspects or implementations, but is for explanation and understanding only.

Exemplary embodiments of electronic plumbing systems 10 are schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2a-2b. FIG. 1 primarily shows the fluidic components and connections of the electronic plumbing systems 10, and FIGS. 2a-2b primarily show the electrical/electronic components and connections of the electronic plumbing systems 10. Exemplary embodiments of electronic plumbing systems 10 including electronic faucets 12 are illustrated in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3. FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3 show the fluidic and electrical/electronic components of the electronic plumbing systems 10 including electronic faucets 12.

In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3, the electronic faucet 12 includes a hub 14, a spout 16, a wand hose 18, a wand 20, and a handle 22. An upstream end of the hub 14 is connected to a mounting surface M (such as a counter or sink). An upstream end of the spout 16 is connected to a downstream end of the hub 14. The spout 16 is operable to rotate relative to the hub 14. The wand hose 18 extends through the hub 14 and the spout 16 and is operable to move within the hub 14 and the spout 16. An upstream end of the wand 20 is mounted in a downstream end of the spout 16 and is connected to a downstream end of the wand hose 18. A downstream end of the wand 20 includes a discharge outlet 24. The discharge outlet 24 is operable to deliver water from the electronic faucet 12. The wand 20 is operable to pull away from the spout 16. Pull-out and pull-down wands are well-known in the art and, thus, the operation thereof will not be described in greater detail. The handle 22 is connected to a side of the hub 14 and is operable to move relative to the hub 14. Although the electronic faucet 12 has been described as having a rotatable spout 16 and a handle 22 mounted on the hub 14, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, in certain embodiments, the spout 16 could be fixed relative to the hub 14, the handle 22 could be mounted on other locations on the electronic faucet 12 or remote from the electronic faucet 12, the electronic faucet 12 could include more than one handle 22, the handle 22 could be any mechanical actuation device or user interface, and/or the electronic faucet 12 may not include the handle 22. The embodiments in which the electronic faucet 12 does not include the handle 22 are shown in FIGS. 3b-1-3b-3. In the illustrated embodiments, the hub 14 and the spout 16 together form a body. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the body may not include each of these components and/or could include additional components.

Additionally, in the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 3a-1-3a-3, and 3b-1-3b-3, the electronic plumbing system 10 includes a hot water line 26, a cold water line 28, a mixed water line 30, and an electronic valve 32. The electronic valve 32 is operable to permit flow of water through the discharge outlet 24 when the electronic valve 32 is activated and to not permit flow of water through the discharge outlet 24 when the electronic valve 32 is deactivated. In the illustrated embodiments, the electronic valve 32 is an electronic mixing valve that includes a hot water electronic valve 32h and a cold water electronic valve 32c.

An upstream end of the hot water line 26 connects to a hot water supply 34, and an upstream end of the cold water line 28 connects to a cold water supply 36. A downstream end of the hot water line 26 connects to the electronic valve 32, and a downstream end of the cold water line 28 connects to the electronic valve 32. More particularly, a downstream end of the hot water line 26 connects to the hot water electronic valve 32h, and a downstream end of the cold water line 28 connects to the cold water electronic valve 32c.

An upstream end of the mixed water line 30 connects to the electronic valve 32. More particularly, an upstream end of the mixed water line 30 connects to the hot water electronic valve 32h and the cold water electronic valve 32c. A downstream end of the mixed water line 30 connects to the discharge outlet 24. In the illustrated embodiments, at least a portion of the mixed water line 30 is the wand hose 18. As stated above, the downstream end of the wand hose 18 connects to the upstream end of the wand 20, and the downstream end of the wand 20 includes the discharge outlet 24 through which water is delivered from the electronic faucet 12.

In the illustrated embodiments, each portion of the hot water line 26, the cold water line 28, and the mixed water line 30 is shown as including at least one hose, pipe, or passage. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each portion of the hot water line 26, the cold water line 28, and the mixed water line 30 could include more than one hose, pipe, or passage. Similarly, each portion of the hot water line 26, the cold water line 28, and the mixed water line 30 could include a combination of hose(s), pipe(s), and/or passage(s). In exemplary embodiments, the hoses are flexible hoses. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other types of hoses could be used. If a portion of the hot water line 26, the cold water line 28, or the mixed water line 30 includes more than one hose, pipe, and/or passage, the hose(s), pipe(s), and/or passage(s) are connected via connectors. In exemplary embodiments for the flexible hoses, the connectors are push-fit connectors. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other types of connectors could be used.

When reference is made to one component of the electronic plumbing system 10 connecting to another component of the electronic plumbing system 10, the connection may be direct or indirect. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional components may be needed if the connection is indirect.

In the illustrated embodiments, the electronic plumbing system 10 includes the electronic valve 32 and, more particularly, the hot water electronic valve 32h and the cold water electronic valve 32c. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the electronic plumbing system 10 could include one or more electronic valves. Additionally, the electronic plumbing system 10 could include one or more mechanical valves, either in parallel or in series with the electronic valve(s). Further, although the electronic plumbing system 10 has been described as including the electronic valve 32 that is an electronic mixing valve, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the electronic plumbing system 10 could include just the hot water electronic valve 32h or just the cold water electronic valve 32c.

In exemplary embodiments, the hot water electronic valve 32h and the cold water electronic valve 32c are proportional valves and, more specifically, stepper motor actuated valves. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hot water electronic valve 32h and the cold water electronic valve 32c could be any type of electronic valves, including, but not limited to, solenoid valves and electronic throttle valves.

Further, in the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 3a-1-3a-3, and 3b-1-3b-3, the electronic plumbing system 10 includes an activation sensor/display assembly 38. In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3, the electronic faucet 12 includes the activation sensor/display assembly 38. In exemplary embodiments, the activation sensor/display assembly 38 is operable to be mounted on the electronic plumbing system 10, such as the electronic faucet 12. In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3, the activation sensor/display assembly 38 is mounted on the spout 16 and/or on the wand 20 of the electronic faucet 12. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3, the activation sensor/display assembly 38 is mounted on an apex of the spout 16, on a front of the spout 16, and on the wand 20. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the activation sensor/display assembly 38 could be mounted in any one or more of these and/or other locations on and/or around the electronic plumbing system 10.

In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3, the activation sensor/display assembly 38 includes an activation sensor 38a (e.g., FIGS. 4-7, 11, 24-25). In exemplary embodiments, the activation sensor 38a is a gesture sensor. In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3, the electronic faucet 12 includes the activation sensor 38a. In exemplary embodiments, the activation sensor 38a is operable to be mounted on the electronic plumbing system 10, such as the electronic faucet 12. In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3, the activation sensor 38a is mounted on the spout 16 and/or on the wand 20 of the electronic faucet 12. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3, the activation sensor 38a is mounted on the apex of the spout 16, on the front of the spout 16, and on the wand 20. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the activation sensor 38a could be mounted in any one or more of these and/or other locations on and/or around the electronic plumbing system 10.

The activation sensor 38a is operable to define an activation zone. In exemplary embodiments, the activation sensor 38a is operable to activate, deactivate, and control the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32, based on a gesture(s) of an object in the activation zone. As used herein, an “object” can be any portion of a user's body or any item used by the user to trigger the activation sensor 38a. In exemplary embodiments, the activation zone extends generally outwardly from the activation sensor 38a. In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3, the activation zone extends generally outwardly from the spout 16 and/or from the wand 20 of the electronic faucet 12. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3, the activation zone extends generally outwardly from the apex of the spout 16, from the front of the spout 16, and from the wand 20.

In exemplary embodiments, the activation sensor/display assembly 38 includes a single activation sensor 38a. In exemplary embodiments, the activation sensor/display assembly 38 includes a plurality of activation sensors 38a. In exemplary embodiments including the plurality of activation sensors 38a, the activation sensors 38a are in a single location. In exemplary embodiments including the plurality of activation sensors 38a, the activations sensor 38a are in a plurality of locations. Exemplary locations for the activation sensor(s) 38a are illustrated in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3.

In exemplary embodiments, the activation sensor 38a includes an emitter and a plurality of detectors. In exemplary embodiments, the activation sensor 38a includes a plurality of emitters and a plurality of detectors. Each emitter is operable to emit energy (e.g., light or sound). Each detector is operable to detect the emitted energy. In exemplary embodiments, the activation sensor 38a is a proximity sensor. Proximity sensors are sensors that detect the presence of an object without any physical contact. In exemplary embodiments, the activation sensor 38a is an infrared (IR) sensor. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the activation sensor 38a could be any type of electronic sensor. Other exemplary sensors include, but are not limited to, radio frequency (RF) sensors, lidar sensors, radar sensors, time of flight (TOF) sensors, optical sensors, camera sensors, and capacitive sensors. In exemplary embodiments, the activation sensor 38a is a PAJ7620U2 integrated gesture recognition sensor, sold by PixArt Imaging Inc., as described in the PAJ7620U2 General Datasheet, version 1.0, dated Mar. 29, 2016, document number 41002AEN, and available for download at https://www.pixart.com/products-detail/37/PAJ7620U2.

In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3, the activation sensor/display assembly 38 includes an activation display 38b (e.g., FIGS. 4-7, 11, 19a-22e, 24-25). In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3, the electronic faucet 12 includes the activation display 38b. In exemplary embodiments, the activation display 38b is operable to be mounted on the electronic plumbing system 10, such as the electronic faucet 12. In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3, the activation display 38b is mounted on the spout 16 and/or on the wand 20 of the electronic faucet 12. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3, the activation display 38b is mounted on the apex of the spout 16, on the front of the spout 16, and on the wand 20. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the activation display 38b could be mounted in any one or more of these and/or other locations on and/or around the electronic plumbing system 10.

In exemplary embodiments, the activation display 38b is operable to convey to the user information regarding the activation, deactivation, and control of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32. In exemplary embodiments, the activation display 38b is operable to convey to the user other information (e.g., information regarding other devices in the vicinity of the electronic faucet 12, the time of day, or the weather).

In exemplary embodiments, the activation sensor/display assembly 38 includes a single activation display 38b. In exemplary embodiments, the activation sensor/display assembly 38 includes a plurality of activation displays 38b. In exemplary embodiments including the plurality of activation displays 38b, the activation displays 38b are in a single location. In exemplary embodiments including the plurality of activation displays 38b, the activation displays 38b are in a plurality of locations. Exemplary locations for the activation display(s) 38b are illustrated in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3.

In exemplary embodiments, the activation display 38b is operable to provide visual feedback. In exemplary embodiments, the activation display 38b includes a light emitting diode (“LED”). In exemplary embodiments, the LED displays different colors and/or different flashing patterns. In exemplary embodiments, a short flashing pattern is in the range of approximately 0.1 second to 0.5 second, and a long flashing pattern is greater than approximately 0.5 second. For example, the LED of the activation display 38b could display a short flashing pattern when the system is activated and a long or no flashing pattern when the system state is deactivated. In exemplary embodiments, the activation display 38b includes a screen. In exemplary embodiments, the screen displays at least one of symbols, numbers, and characters.

In exemplary embodiments, the activation display 38b is operable to provide audible feedback. In exemplary embodiments, the activation display 38b includes a voice. In exemplary embodiments, the activation display 38b includes a beep or a tone. For example, the activation display 38b could make a beep or a tone when a desired temperature is reached. Similarly, the activation display 38b could make a beep or a tone when the system is activated or deactivated. In exemplary embodiments, the activation display 38b is operable to provide haptic feedback.

Although the activation sensor/display assembly 38 has been described as including both the activation sensor 38a and the activation display 38b, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the activation sensor/display assembly 38 could include just the activation sensor 38a or just the activation display 38b. Additionally, the activation sensor/display assembly 38 could include any number of the activation sensors 38a and any number of the activation displays 38b. Further, in exemplary embodiments, the activation sensor/display assembly 38, including the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b, may be combined in a single assembly or separated into a plurality of assemblies. In exemplary embodiments where the activation sensor/display assembly 38 is separated into a plurality of assemblies, each separate assembly could include the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b. For example, the activation sensor/display assembly 38 could include a first activation sensor 38a on the apex of the spout 16, a second activation sensor 38a on the front of the spout 16, and an activation display 38b on the wand 20. Alternatively, the activation sensor/display assembly 38 could include a first activation sensor 38a on a front of the hub 14, a second activation sensor 38a on the apex of the spout 16, and an activation display 38b on the front of the spout 16.

In the illustrated embodiments, the handle 22 operates as it would with a standard faucet. In other words, the handle 22 can be moved between various positions to indicate a desired temperature, flow rate, and/or volume of water discharged from the electronic faucet 12.

In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3, although the handle 22 does not control a mechanical valve, the handle 22 operates as it would with a standard faucet. In other words, the handle 22 can be moved between various positions to indicate a desired temperature, flow rate, and/or volume of water discharged from the electronic faucet 12.

More specifically, with regard to the temperature of water, the handle 22 can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of a side opening in the hub 14. At one extent of a range of rotation, the position of the handle 22 indicates all hot water (a full hot position). At the other extent of the range of rotation, the position of the handle 22 indicates all cold water (a full cold position). In between the extents of the range of rotation, the position of the handle 22 indicates a mix of hot and cold water (mixed temperature positions) with hotter temperature water as the position nears the full hot extent of the range of rotation and colder temperature water as the position nears the full cold extent of the range of rotation.

With regard to the flow rate/volume of water, the handle 22 can be moved toward and away from the side opening in the hub 14. At one extent of a range of movement, the position of the handle 22 indicates no flow rate/volume of water (a full closed position). At the other extent of the range of movement, the position of the handle 22 indicates full flow rate/volume of water (a fully open position). In between the extents of the range of movement, the position of the handle 22 indicates an intermediate flow rate/volume of water (less than fully open positions) with reduced flow rate/volume of water as the position nears the full closed extent of the range of movement and increased flow rate/volume of water as the position nears the fully open extent of the range of movement.

In exemplary embodiments, the electronic faucet 12 is operable to detect movement of the handle 22 and to provide information to set at least one parameter for water flowing through the hot water electronic valve 32h and the cold water electronic valve 32c based on the movement of the handle 22. The electronic faucet 12 is operable to detect movement of the handle 22 either directly or indirectly. In exemplary embodiments, based on the movement of the handle 22, the electronic faucet 12 provides information to set a temperature, flow rate, and/or volume of water flowing through the hot water electronic valve 32h and the cold water electronic valve 32c.

Additionally, in the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a and 3a-1-3a-3, the electronic plumbing system 10 includes a parameter or position sensor 40. In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3, the electronic faucet 12 includes the parameter or position sensor 40. In exemplary embodiments, the parameter or position sensor 40 is operable to detect a state of the handle 22 (such as a position or a movement of the handle 22) and to provide information to set at least one parameter for water flowing through the hot water electronic valve 32h and the cold water electronic valve 32c based on the state of the handle 22 (such as the position or the movement of the handle 22). The parameter or position sensor 40 is operable to detect the state of the handle 22 (such as the position or the movement of the handle 22), ranging from the full hot position through the full cold position and from the full closed position through the fully open position. The parameter or position sensor 40 is operable to detect the state of the handle 22 (such as the position or the movement of the handle 22) either directly or indirectly. In exemplary embodiments, based on the state of the handle 22 (such as the position or the movement of the handle 22), the parameter or position sensor 40 provides information to set a temperature, flow rate, and/or volume of water flowing through the hot water electronic valve 32h and the cold water electronic valve 32c.

An electronic plumbing system and, more particularly, an electronic faucet, including a parameter or position sensor that is operable to detect movement of a handle and to provide information to set at least one parameter (such as a temperature and/or a volume) of water flowing through a hot water electronic valve and a cold water electronic valve based on movement of the handle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,212,473, assigned to Fortune Brands Water Innovations LLC, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Further, in the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 3a-1-3a-3, and 3b-1-3b-3, the electronic plumbing system 10 includes a control module 42, a user input/output module 44, and a power module 46.

The flow components of the control module 42 include a number of inlets and outlets and a number of flow passages. These inlets/outlets and flow passages enable the easy management of the flow between the incoming flows (i.e., the hot water line 26 and the cold water line 28) and the outgoing flow (i.e., the mixed water line 30 or the wand hose 18).

In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3 and 3b-1-3b-3, the control module 42 is operable to mount behind the mounting surface M (such as below the counter or sink). In exemplary embodiments, the control module 42 is operable to mount on a mounting shank of the electronic faucet 12. In the illustrated embodiments, the electronic valve 32 is located inside the control module 42. In the illustrated embodiments, the control module 42 includes a top or first side and a bottom or second side. The first side is opposite the second side. In the illustrated embodiments, the second side includes openings for hoses and flow passages. Although the control module 42 has been described as being mounted behind the mounting surface M and the electronic valve 32 has been described as being located inside the control module 42, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, in certain embodiments, the control module 42 could be mounted in other locations and the electronic valve 32 may not be located inside the control module 42.

In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, the control module 42 further includes a number of electronic components. These components control the operation of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32. More specifically, these components enable the activation, deactivation, and control of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32, based upon user input. In the illustrated embodiments, the control module 42 includes the electronic valve 32 and a printed circuit board (“PCB”) 48. In the illustrated embodiments, a number of electronic components are mounted on the PCB 48, including, but not limited to, a processor 50, a memory 52, a wireless communication chip or module 54, and a power port 56. The processor 50 is operable to receive signals from the electronic plumbing system 10, such as components of the electronic plumbing system 10, and to generate output commands which cause the electronic plumbing system 10 to control the operation of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32. For example, the processor 50 is operable to receive signals from sensors, the user input/output module 44, and other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (described above and to be described in greater detail below) and generate output commands to the electronic valve 32, the user input/output module 44, and other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 to activate, deactivate, and control the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32. The memory 52 stores instructions that are executed by the processor 50 to control the operation of the electronic plumbing system 10. The memory 52 is also operable to save or otherwise store information received from the components of the electronic plumbing system 10, such as preset or historical operating conditions, preset or historical temperature values, preset or historical flow rates, and preset or historical volumes of water to be discharged. The processor 50 and/or the memory 52 may additionally be coupled with a data storage device for long term storage of operational configurations, historical data, environmental conditions, inputs, outputs, commands, etc.

Additionally, in the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, the electronic plumbing system 10 includes a system provider cloud server 58 and a third party cloud server 60. The system provider cloud server 58 could be hosted by a system provider (such as an electronic plumbing system manufacturer), and the third party cloud server 60 could be hosted by a third party (such as Amazon, Google, HomeKit, and IFTTT). In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, each of the system provider cloud server 58 and the third party cloud server 60 includes a processor 58a, 60a and memory 58b, 60b. The signals received from and sent to the components of the electronic plumbing system 10 to control the operation of the electronic plumbing system 10 can be received from and sent to the processor 58a in the system provider cloud server 58 and/or the processor 60a in the third party cloud server 60 in addition to or alternatively to the processor 50 in the control module 42. Similarly, the information received from the components of the electronic plumbing system 10 can be saved in the memory 58b in the system provider cloud server 58 and/or the memory 60b in the third party cloud server 60 in addition to or alternatively to the memory 52 in the control module 42. Further, the information received from the components of the electronic plumbing system 10 can be saved in the user input/output module 44 (where the user input/output module 44 includes memory, such as an Apple iPhone and a Google Android phone).

As used herein, unless stated otherwise, “processor” includes any one or more of the processor 50 in the control module 42, the processor 58a in the system provider cloud server 58, and the processor 60a in the third party cloud server 60. Similarly, as used herein, unless stated otherwise, “memory” includes any one or more of the memory 52 in the control module 42, the memory 58b in the system provider cloud server 58, the memory 60b in the third party cloud server 60, and the memory in the user input/output module 44.

In exemplary embodiments, the user input/output module 44 is operable to receive input (e.g., information and/or instructions) from the user, provide the input to the components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor), receive output (e.g., information and/or notifications) from the components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor), and generate an output indicative of the state of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., display the output to the user, such as via a user interface). In exemplary embodiments, the user input/output module 44 is operable to receive input from the user and send signals to the processor to control the operation of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32. For example, the user input/output module 44 is operable to receive input from the user and send signals to the processor 50 to generate one or more output commands to activate, deactivate, and control the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32. Additionally, the user input/output module 44 is operable to receive as input signals from the processor and generate an output indicative of the state of the electronic plumbing system 10, such as displaying output to the user via the user interface. The user input/output module 44 can send signals to and receive signals from the processor directly and/or indirectly (e.g., through other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 and/or through other components outside of the electronic plumbing system 10).

The user input/output module 44 can include any device that enables input from the user and/or output to the user. The user input/output module 44 includes electronic input/output device(s) 62 and manual input device(s) 64. Exemplary electronic input/output devices 62 include activation sensor/display assemblies (including activation sensors and activation displays), mobile devices, voice controlled devices, touch screen devices, and push button devices. Exemplary manual input/output devices 64 include handles and joysticks.

In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 3a-1-3a-3, the user input/output module 44 includes three electronic input/output devices 62 and one manual input device 64, i.e., the activation sensor/display assembly 38 (including the activation sensor 38a and the activation display 38b) on the electronic faucet 12, a mobile device 66 that can be held and/or moved by the user, a voice controlled device 68 located on the mounting surface M that can be held and/or moved by the user, and the handle 22 connected to the hub 14 of the electronic faucet 12 located on the mounting surface M. In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 3b-1-3b-3, the user input/output module 44 includes three electronic input/output devices 62, i.e., the activation sensor/display assembly 38 (including the activation sensor 38a and the activation display 38b) on the electronic faucet 12, the mobile device 66 that can be held and/or moved by the user, and the voice controlled device 68 located on the mounting surface M that can be held and/or moved by the user. In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 3b-1-3b-3, the user input/output module 44 does not include any manual input device 64, i.e., the handle 22.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the user input/output module 44 could include any number of devices, and each device of the user input/output module 44 could include any number of components. Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each device of the user input/output module 44 could be in any location where it can, at some point in time, send signals to and/or receive signals from other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor), or each device of the user input/output module 44 could be integrally formed with or physically connected to other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the control module 42). For example, the voice controlled device 68 could be integrated into the electronic faucet 12.

In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 3a-1-3a-3, and 3b-1-3b-3, the power module 46 is operable to provide power to the electrical/electronic components of the electronic plumbing system 10. In the illustrated embodiments, the power module 46 is operable to mount behind the mounting surface M (such as below the counter or sink). The power module 46 may be batteries, battery packs, power banks, electronic generators, or power outlets or sources, or any combination thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the power module 46 includes battery power. In exemplary embodiments, the power module 46 includes AC power. Although the power module 46 has been described as being mounted behind the mounting surface M, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, in certain embodiments, the power module 46 could be mounted in other locations.

Further, in the illustrated embodiments, the electronic plumbing system 10 includes sensors. In the illustrated embodiments, the sensors include the activation sensor 38a, the parameter or position sensor 40, a temperature sensor 74, a flow sensor 76, a pressure sensor 78, and a valve sensor 80. The activation sensor 38a and the parameter or position sensor 40 were described above. The temperature sensor 74 is operable to detect and generate one or more outputs indicative of a temperature of water in the hot water line 26, the cold water line 28, the electronic valve 32, and/or the mixed water line 30 or wand hose 18. The flow sensor 76 is operable to detect and generate one or more outputs indicative of a flow rate of water in the hot water line 26, the cold water line 28, the electronic valve 32, and/or the mixed water line 30 or wand hose 18. The pressure sensor 78 is operable to detect and generate one or more outputs indicative of a pressure of water in the hot water line 26, the cold water line 28, the electronic valve 32, and/or the mixed water line 30 or wand hose 18. The valve sensor 80 is operable to detect and generate one or more outputs indicative of a position of the electronic valve 32 and/or a motor driving the electronic valve 32. The sensors 38a, 40, 74, 76, 78, 80 are operable to send the generated outputs to the processor as input.

The information detected by the sensors is used to control the operation of the electronic plumbing system 10. For example, the information detected by the activation sensor 38a can be used to activate and deactivate the electronic plumbing system 10 and/or to determine a temperature, flow rate, volume, and/or other parameter(s) for water desired by the user. The information detected by the parameter or position sensor 40 can be used to determine a temperature, flow rate, and/or volume of water desired by the user. The information detected by the temperature sensor 74 can be used to maintain a temperature of water discharged from the electronic plumbing system 10. The information detected by the flow sensor 76 can be used to determine if there is flow or maintain a flow rate of water discharged from the electronic plumbing system 10. The information detected by the pressure sensor 78 can be used to maintain a pressure or determine a volume of water discharged from the electronic plumbing system 10. The information detected by the valve sensor 80 can be used to open and close the electronic valve 32.

Although the electronic plumbing system 10 has been described as including the activation sensor 38a, the parameter or position sensor 40, the temperature sensor 74, the flow sensor 76, the pressure sensor 78, and the valve sensor 80, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, in certain embodiments, the electronic plumbing system 10 could include other sensors or may not include all these sensors depending on which parameter(s) for the water discharged from the electronic plumbing system 10 are desired to be controlled.

Additionally, in the illustrated embodiments, the electronic plumbing system 10 includes a clock/timer 82. The clock/timer 82 is operable to provide a date and a time of an action or to measure time intervals. For example, the clock/timer 82 can provide a date and a time of an activation, a deactivation, or a control of the electronic plumbing system 10 or measure a time interval between an activation, a deactivation, and a control of the electronic plumbing system 10. In exemplary embodiments, the processor includes an internal clock/timer. Any timing of actions or steps described herein could be provided by the clock/timer 82 or the internal clock/timer of the processor.

In exemplary embodiments, some components of the electronic plumbing system 10 are connected to each other via a wireless communication connection or network interface 70, while other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 are connected to each other via a wired communication connection or network interface 72. In exemplary embodiments, some components of the electronic plumbing system 10 are operable to send signals to and/or receive signals from each other via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70, while other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 are operable to send signals to and/or receive signals from each other via the wired communication connection or network interface 72.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each component of the electronic plumbing system 10 could be connected to each other component of the electronic plumbing system 10 and send signals to and/or receive signals from each other component of the electronic plumbing system 10 via any one type or combination of different types of wireless communication connection(s) or network interface(s) 70 and/or wired communication connection(s) or network interface(s) 72. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the wireless communication connection or network interface 70 and/or the wired communication connection or network interface 72 could be direct or indirect (e.g., via a router or a network hub). Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the wireless communication connection or network interface 70 could include any one type or any combination of different types of wireless communication connection(s) or network interface(s), including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, near field communication (NFC), Zigbee, and Z-Wave.

In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, some components of the user input/output module 44 (e.g., the electronic input/output device(s) 62) are connected to other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor) via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70, while other components of the user input/output module 44 (e.g., the activation sensor/display assembly 38 and the parameter or position sensor 40) are connected to other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor 50) via the wired communication connection or network interface 72. In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, some components of the user input/output module 44 (e.g., the electronic input/output device(s) 62) are operable to send signals to and/or receive signals from other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor) via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70, while other components of the user input/output module 44 (e.g., the activation sensor/display assembly 38 and the parameter or position sensor 40) are operable to send signals to and/or receive signals from other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor 50) via the wired communication connection or network interface 72.

For example, in the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-1 and 3b-1, the mobile device 66 and the voice controlled device 68 are connected to the control module 42 via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70. As stated above, this wireless communication connection or network interface 70 could be direct or indirect. In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-2 and 3b-2, the mobile device 66 and the voice controlled device 68 are connected to the control module 42 via the system provider cloud server 58 and/or the third party cloud server 60 (i.e., the wireless communication connection or network interface 70 is indirect). In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 3a-3 and 3b-3, the mobile device 66 and the voice controlled device 68 are connected to the control module 42 via multiple different wireless communication connections or network interfaces 70 to provide redundancy in the event of a failure of one of the wireless communication connections or network interfaces 70. As stated above, each of these wireless communication connections or network interfaces 70 could be direct or indirect.

As stated above, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each component of the user input/output module 44 could be connected to each other component of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor) and send signals to and/or receive signals from each other component of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor) via any one type or combination of different types of wireless communication connection(s) or network interface(s) 70 and/or wired communication connection(s) or network interface(s) 72. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the wireless communication connection or network interface 70 and/or the wired communication connection or network interface 72 could be direct or indirect (e.g., via a router or a network hub). Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the wireless communication connection or network interface 70 could include any one type or any combination of different types of wireless communication connection(s) or network interface(s), including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, near field communication (NFC), Zigbee, and Z-Wave.

In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 3a-2-3a-3, and 3b-2-3b-3, the system provider cloud server 58 and the third party cloud server 60 are connected to other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor 50) via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70. In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 3a-2-3a-3, and 3b-2-3b-3, the system provider cloud server 58 and the third party cloud server 60 are operable to send signals to and/or receive signals from other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor 50) via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70.

As stated above, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the system provider cloud server 58 and the third party cloud server 60 could be connected to other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor 50) and send signals to and/or receive signals from other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor 50) via any one type or combination of different types of wireless communication connection(s) or network interface(s) 70 and/or wired communication connection(s) or network interface(s) 72. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the wireless communication connection or network interface 70 and/or the wired communication connection or network interface 72 could be direct or indirect (e.g., via a router or a network hub). Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the wireless communication connection or network interface 70 could include any one type or any combination of different types of wireless communication connection(s) or network interface(s), including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, near field communication (NFC), Zigbee, and Z-Wave.

In the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 3a-1-3a-3, and 3b-1-3b-3, the sensors (such as the activation sensor 38a, the parameter or position sensor 40, the temperature sensor 74, the flow sensor 76, the pressure sensor 78, and the valve sensor 80) are connected to the control module 42 (and, thus, the processor 50) via the wired communication connection or network interface 72. In the illustrated embodiments, the sensors (such as the activation sensor 38a, the parameter or position sensor 40, the temperature sensor 74, the flow sensor 76, the pressure sensor 78, and the valve sensor 80) are operable to send signals to and/or receive signals from the control module 42 (and, thus, the processor 50) via the wired communication connection or network interface 72. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 3a-1-3a-3, and 3b-1-3b-3, the power module 46 is connected to the control module 42 via the wired communication connection or network interface 72.

As stated above, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the sensors (such as the activation sensor 38a, the parameter or position sensor 40, the temperature sensor 74, the flow sensor 76, the pressure sensor 78, and the valve sensor 80) and the power module 46 could be connected to the control module 42 and/or other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor) and send signals to and/or receive signals from the control module 42 and/or other components of the electronic plumbing system 10 (e.g., the processor) via any one type or combination of different types of wireless communication connection(s) or network interface(s) 70 and/or wired communication connection(s) or network interface(s) 72. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the wireless communication connection or network interface 70 and/or the wired communication connection or network interface 72 could be direct or indirect (e.g., via a router or a network hub). Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the wireless communication connection or network interface 70 could include any one type or any combination of different types of wireless communication connection(s) or network interface(s), including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, near field communication (NFC), Zigbee, and Z-Wave.

During operation of the electronic plumbing system 10, the user activates, deactivates, and controls the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32, using the user input/output module 44. When the user appropriately triggers the user input/output module 44, the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32, is activated, deactivated, or controlled. For example, the user could trigger the user input/output module 44 by triggering the activation sensor 38a, pressing an appropriate button on the mobile device 66, stating specific commands to the voice controlled device 68, and/or opening, closing, and/or moving the handle 22. For voice control, when the user says “turn on the faucet,” the electronic valve 32 is activated. Similarly, when the user says “turn off the faucet,” the electronic valve 32 is deactivated. Further, when the user says “increase temperature,” “decrease temperature,” “increase flow,” or “decrease flow,” the electronic valve 32 is controlled to accomplish the requested action. The commands can be predetermined. Additionally, the commands can be customizable. For example, the user could activate the electronic valve 32 by saying “start flow” instead of “turn on the faucet.” Similarly, the user could deactivate the electronic valve 32 by saying “stop flow” instead of “turn off the faucet.”

As used herein, “activate a valve” means to move the valve to or maintain the valve in an open position, regardless of the volume, temperature, or other parameter(s) for the flowing water, and “deactivate a valve” means to move the valve to a completely closed position.

When reference is made to activating or deactivating the electronic valve 32 “when the user appropriately triggers the user input/output module 44,” the electronic valve 32 may be activated or deactivated immediately upon the user input/output module 44 being triggered or a predetermined period of time after the user input/output module 44 has been triggered.

In exemplary embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 3a-1-3a-3, and 3b-1-3b-3, during operation of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32, using the activation sensor/display assembly 38, the user enters input via the activation sensor 38a (e.g., the user triggers the activation sensor 38a). The activation sensor 38a detects the input from the user, generates one or more outputs indicative of the user input, and sends a signal to the processor 50 in the control module 42 via the wired communication connection or network interface 72. The processor 50 in the control module 42 receives the signal from the activation sensor 38a, generates an output based upon the user input, and sends a signal, such as a generated output command based upon the user input, to the electronic valve 32 via the wired communication connection or network interface 72. The electronic valve 32 receives the signal from the processor 50 in the control module 42 and appropriately activates, deactivates, or controls other parameter(s) for the water delivered through the discharge outlet 24 of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12).

In exemplary embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 3a-1-3a-3, and 3b-1-3b-3, during operation of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32, using the mobile device 66, the user enters input via the mobile device 66 (e.g., the user presses a button on the mobile device 66). The mobile device 66 receives the input from the user, generates one or more outputs indicative of the user input, and sends a signal to the processor 58a in the system provider cloud server 58 via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70. The processor 58a in the system provider cloud server 58 receives the signal from the mobile device 66, generates one or more outputs based upon the user input, and sends a signal, such as a generated output command based upon the user input, to the processor 50 in the control module 42 via the wireless communication or network interface 70. The processor 50 in the control module 42 receives the signal from the processor 58a in the system provider cloud server 58 and sends a signal, such as the generated output command based upon the user input, to the electronic valve 32 via the wired communication connection or network interface 72. The electronic valve 32 receives the signal from the processor 50 in the control module 42 and appropriately activates, deactivates, or controls other parameter(s) for the water delivered through the discharge outlet 24 of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12).

In exemplary embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 3a-1-3a-3, and 3b-1-3b-3, during operation of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32, using the voice controlled device 68, the user enters input via the voice controlled device 68 (e.g., the user states a command to the voice controlled device 68). The voice controlled device 68 receives the input from the user, generates one or more outputs indicative of the user input, and sends a signal to the processor 60a in the third party cloud server 60 via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70. The processor 60a in the third party cloud server 60 receives the signal from the voice controlled device 68, generates one or more outputs based upon the user input, and sends a signal, such as an output indicative of the received user input, to the processor 58a in the system provider cloud server 58 via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70. The processor 58a in the system provider cloud server 58 receives the signal, such as a generated output command based upon the user input, from the processor 60a in the third party cloud server 60 and sends a signal to the processor 50 in the control module 42 via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70. The processor 50 in the control module 42 receives the signal from the processor 58a in the system provider cloud server 58 and sends a signal, such as the generated output command based upon the user input, to the electronic valve 32 via the wired communication connection or network interface 72. The electronic valve 32 receives the signal from the processor 50 in the control module 42 and appropriately activates, deactivates, or controls other parameter(s) for the water delivered through the discharge outlet 24 of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12).

In exemplary embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a and 3a-1-3a-3, during operation of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32, using the handle 22, the user enters input via the handle 22 (e.g., the user moves the handle 22). The parameter or position sensor 40 detects the state of the handle 22 (such as the position or the movement of the handle 22 by the user), generates one or more outputs indicative of the state of the handle 22, and sends a signal to the processor 50 in the control module 42 via the wired communication connection or network interface 72. The processor 50 in the control module 42 receives the signal from the parameter or position sensor 40, generates an output command based upon the state of the handle 22, and sends a signal to the electronic valve 32 via the wired communication connection or network interface 72. The electronic valve 32 receives the signal from the processor 50 in the control module 42 and appropriately activates, deactivates, or controls other parameter(s) for the water delivered through the discharge outlet 24 of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12).

In exemplary embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 3a-1-3a-3, and 3b-1-3b-3, during operation of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32, using the activation sensor/display assembly 38, the user receives output via the activation display 38b (e.g., the user receives information on the activation display 38b). The sensor(s) detect information regarding parameter(s) for the water delivered through the discharge outlet 24 of the electronic plumbing system 10, (such as the electronic faucet 12), generate one or more outputs indicative of the parameter(s) of the water, and send signal(s) to the processor 50 in the control module 42 via the wired communication connection or network interface 72. The processor 50 in the control modules 42 receives the signal(s) from the sensor(s), generates one or more outputs based upon the parameter(s) of the water, and sends a signal to the activation display 38b via the wired communication connection or network interface 72. The activation display 38b receives the signal from the processor 50 in the control module 42 and conveys to the user the information regarding parameter(s) for the water (e.g., displays to the user the information), such as via a user interface.

In exemplary embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 3a-1-3a-3, and 3b-1-3b-3, during operation of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32, using the mobile device 66, the user receives output via the mobile device 66 (e.g., the user receives information on the mobile device 66). The sensor(s) detect information regarding parameter(s) for the water delivered through the discharge outlet 24 of the electronic plumbing system 10, generate one or more outputs indicative of the parameter(s) of the water, and send signal(s) to the processor 50 in the control module 42 via the wired communication connection or network interface 72. The processor 50 in the control modules 42 receives the signal(s) from the sensor(s), generates one or more outputs based upon the parameter(s) of the water, and sends a signal to the processor 58a in the system provider cloud server 58 via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70. The processor 58a in the system provider cloud server 58 receives the signal from the processor 50 in the control module 42 and sends a signal to the mobile device 66, such as the generated output indicative of the parameter(s) of the water, via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70. The mobile device 66 receives the signal from the processor 58a in the system provider cloud server 58 and conveys to the user the information regarding parameter(s) for the water (e.g., displays to the user the information), such as via a user interface.

In exemplary embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 3a-1-3a-3, and 3b-1-3b-3, during operation of the electronic plumbing system 10 (such as the electronic faucet 12) including the electronic valve 32, using the voice controlled device 68, the user receives output via the voice controlled device 68 (e.g., the user receives information from the voice controlled device 68). The sensor(s) detect information regarding parameter(s) for the water delivered through the discharge outlet 24 of the electronic plumbing system 10, generates one or more outputs indicative of the parameter(s) of the water, and send signal(s) to the processor 50 in the control module 42 via the wired communication connection or network interface 72. The processor 50 in the control module 42 receives the signal(s) from the sensor(s), generates one or more outputs based upon the parameter(s) of the water, and sends a signal to the processor 58a in the system provider cloud server 58 via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70. The processor 58a in the system provider cloud server 58 receives the signal from the processor 50 in the control module 42 and sends a signal to the processor 60a in the third party cloud server 60 via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70. The processor 60a in the third party cloud server 60 receives the signal from the processor 58a in the system provider cloud server 58 and sends a signal, such as the generated output indicative of the water parameter(s), to the voice controlled device 68 via the wireless communication connection or network interface 70. The voice controlled device 68 receives the signal from the processor 60a in the third party cloud server 60 and conveys to the user the information regarding parameter(s) for the water (e.g., speaks to the user the information).

Exemplary wand transmission systems 100 are schematically shown in FIGS. 4-5. The wand transmission systems 100 may be used with any of the electronic plumbing systems 10 described above in FIGS. 1 through 3b-3. The wand transmission systems 100 are operable to provide power and/or electronic communication to one or more activation sensor/display assemblies 38 mounted on or otherwise partially disposed within the wand 20. The wand transmission systems 100 may also be operable to provide power and/or electronic communication to other electronic components of the electronic plumbing system 10. Each activation sensor/display assembly 38 may include one or more activation sensors 38a and/or one or more activation displays 38b. It will be understood that the activation sensors 38a and the activation displays 38b of the activation sensor/display assembly 38 encompasses any device or combination of devices operable to receive input from a user and/or any device or combination of devices operable to generate a user-detectable output. The devices of the activation sensor/display assembly 38 may be electronic devices and/or electro-mechanical devices. It will be further understood that electronic communication encompasses any form of communication that is broadcast, transmitted, stored, or viewed using electronic media, such as electronic signals conveying data, graphics, sounds, software, and the like.

The wand transmission systems 100 may be used with a faucet having a body, such as a hub and a spout. For example, the wand transmission system 100 may be used with any of the electronic faucets 12 described above with the hub 14 and the spout 16 forming the body. The body may be mounted on a mounting surface. It will be understood that the body may be any component or combination of components that is operable to be mounted on a mounting surface, allows an upstream end of the wand 20 to be mounted in a downstream end thereof, and allows the wand 20 to pull away therefrom.

The wand transmission system 100 includes a wand 20. An upstream end of the wand 20 is operable to be mounted or docked in a downstream end of the body of the faucet, such as the hub 14 and the spout 16 of the electronic faucet 12. The wand 20 is operable to pull away from the body of the faucet, such as away from the spout 16 of the electronic faucet 12.

The wand 20 may include a shell and one or more waterways 102 extending through the wand 20. The discharge outlet 24 is fluidly connected to the waterway 102 and is operable to deliver water from the wand 20. The wand 20 also includes an activation sensor/display assembly 38, such as any of the activation sensor/display assemblies 38 described above. The activation sensor/display assembly 38 may include one or more activation sensors 38a. The activation sensors 38a may be operable to receive input from or be operated by a user and generate an output signal based on the user input. For example, the activation sensors 38a may be proximity sensor, such as a motion-sense sensor, operable to detect a hand gesture of a user and generate an output indicative of the detected hand gesture, such as to activate or deactivate the faucet, as described below. The activation sensor/display assembly 38 may also include one or more activation displays 38b. The activation displays 38b may be operable to generate outputs detectable by a user, such as outputs indicative of the status of the wand transmission system 100 and/or the plumbing system 10. For example, the activation displays 38b may include one or more LEDs which light up, blink, and/or change colors based upon received signals based on the operation of the faucet, as described below. The activation sensor(s) 38a and the activation display(s) 38b may be any of the activation sensors 38a and activation displays 38b described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the wand 20 includes one activation sensor 38a and one activation display 38b. However, it will be understood that the wand may include any number of activation sensors 38a and activation displays 38b and the activation sensor 38a or the activation display 38b may be omitted.

In exemplary embodiments, one or more activation sensors 38a and one or more activation displays 38b are mounted on a front of the wand 20 (e.g., the portion of the wand 20 facing the user when the wand 20 is mounted in a downstream end of the spout 16). However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the activation sensor(s) 38a and activation display(s) 38b of the activation sensor/display assemblies 38 may be mounted on other locations of the wand 20. For example, in addition or in the alternative to the activation sensors 38a and activation displays 38b mounted on the front of the wand 20, activation sensors 38a and/or activation displays 38b may be mounted on the sides and/or rear of the wand 20.

The wand transmission system 100 also includes an electronic valve 32. The electronic valve 32 may be any of the electronic valves 32 described above. The electronic valve 32 is operable to deliver water to the waterway 102 of the wand 20 and through the discharge outlet 24. The electronic valve 32 may be operable to control the volume and temperature of the water discharged from the discharge outlet 24 of the wand 20. For example, the electronic valve 32 may be operable to permit the flow of water through the discharge outlet 24 when the electronic valve 32 is activated (e.g., opened) and to prevent the flow of water through the discharge outlet 24 when the electronic valve 32 is deactivated (e.g., closed). The electronic valve 32 may also be operable to control the temperature and flow rate of water through the discharge outlet 24 of the wand 20, such as by controlling the amount of hot water flowing through the hot water electronic valve 32h from the hot water supply 34 and the amount of cold water flowing through the cold water electronic valve 32c from the cold water supply 36 (FIG. 1). For example, the electronic valve 32 is operable to mix hot and cold water from the hot water supply 34 and the cold water supply 36 such that the water is mixed as desired, such as set by a user as described below.

The wand transmission system 100 also includes a wand hose 18 fluidly coupling the electronic valve 32 and the waterway 102 of the wand 20. The wand hose 18 is substantially tubular with a hose inlet 104 at an upstream end and a hose outlet 106 at a downstream end. An inner surface of the wand hose 18 defines a flow path 108 extending from the hose inlet 104 to the hose outlet 106 and operable to deliver water from the upstream end to the downstream end.

The wand hose 18 is fluidly coupled with the electronic valve 32, such as an outlet of the electronic valve 32, such that the wand hose 18 may receive mixed water from the electronic valve 32. For example, the hose inlet 104 of the wand hose 18 may be fluidly connected to the outlet of the electronic valve 32 such that the wand hose 18 operably receives mixed water from the mixed water line 30 of the electronic valve 32. In some embodiments, the wand hose 18 is directly connected to an outlet of the electronic valve 32. In other embodiments, the wand 20 is indirectly connected to an outlet of the electronic valve 32.

The hose outlet 106 may be coupled with an upstream end of the wand 20 such that water from the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 is delivered to the at least one waterway 102 of the wand 20. The wand hose 18 may fluidly couple the electronic valve 32 and the wand 20 such that mixed water from the electronic valve 32 may be delivered from the discharge outlet 24 of the wand 20. The wand hose 18 may extend from the fluid connection to the electronic valve 32 through the body of the faucet, such as the hub 14 and the spout 16 of the electronic faucet 12, such that the wand 20 may be pulled away from the body of the faucet during use.

The wand transmission system 100 also includes a control module 42 operable to receive signals as input from components of the wand transmission system 100 and the plumbing system 10, such as the activation sensor/display assemblies 38. The control module 42 is also operable to generate output commands which control the operation of the wand transmission system 100 and/or the plumbing system 10, such as the activation sensor/display assemblies 38. The control module 42, including the processor 50 and memory 52, is in electronic communication with and operable to receive as input outputs generated by the sensors, such as user inputs or commands from the activation sensor 38a. The control module 42 may also be operable to receive as input outputs generated by the parameter or position sensor 40, the temperature sensor 74, the flow sensor 76, the pressure sensor 78, the valve sensor 80, and/or the clock/timer 82 indicative of the operation of the plumbing system 10. The control module 42 may also be operable to generate output commands which control the operation of the wand transmission system 100 and the plumbing system 10, such as based upon the received user input and/or operational state(s) of the plumbing system 10, including the wand transmission system 100. For example, the control module 42 may receive as input the output generated from one of the activation sensors 38a indicative of a user input command (e.g., a gesture or voice command) and be configured to generate an output which controls the operation of the electronic valve 32 based upon the user command, such as activating or deactivating the electronic valve 32 or causing the electronic valve 32 to change the temperature and/or volume of water delivered to the discharge outlet 24. The control module 42 may also be configured to generate an output command to the activation display 38b which causes the activation display 38b to generate an output detectable by a user indicative of the status of plumbing system 10, such as generating a display indicating that the plumbing system 10 is on or off or the temperature of the water delivered from the discharge outlet 24. For example, the control module 42 may be operable to generate an output command to the activation display 38b which causes the activation display 38b to generate a user detectable output indicative of the state of the water delivered from the discharge outlet 24. In some embodiments, the control module 42 is operable to be mounted on or behind a mounting surface.

The control module 42 may also be connected to the user input/output module 44, including the electronic input/output device(s) 62 and manual input device(s) 64, such that a user may control the operation of the plumbing system 10 via the control module 42 from user input/output module 44. The control module 42 may also generate outputs indicative of the status or operation of the plumbing system 10 and send signals to the user input/output module 44 such that the user input/output module 44 generates an output indicative of the status or operation of the plumbing system 10, such as via a user interface. The control module 42 may also be similarly connected to one or more mobile devices 66 and/or one or more voice controlled devices 68, as described above.

The control module 42 may be operable generate one or more command outputs which cause the electronic valve 32 to control the flow of water delivered from the discharge outlet 24 of the wand 20, such as based upon received user input commands. The control module 42 may be operable to receive user inputs or commands, such as from the activation sensors 38a and the user input/output module 44. For example, a user may wave his/her hand over the activation sensor 38a or issue a voice command to the activation sensor 38a indicative of a desired operational change of the plumbing system 10, such as to start/stop the flow of water from the discharge outlet 24, to change the temperature of the water delivered from the discharge outlet 24, and/or change the volume of the water delivered from the discharge outlet 24, and the activation sensor 38a may generate an output based upon the user input. Based upon the user input and/or operational status of the plumbing system 10, the control module 42 may be configured to generate output commands which control the operation of the electronic valve 32. For example, the control module 42 may be configured to generate output commands which activate the electronic valve 32 to permit water to be delivered from the discharge outlet 24 of the wand 20, deactivate the electronic valve 32 to prevent water from being delivered from the discharge outlet 24 of the wand 20, control the electronic valve 32 to increase/decrease the temperature of the water delivered from the discharge outlet 24, and/or control the electronic valve 32 to increase/decrease the volume of water delivered from the discharge outlet 24.

While the control module 42 has been described as being operable to control the operation of the electronic valve 32 to control the flow of water to the discharge outlet 24 of the wand 20, it will be understood that the wand transmission system 100 may have other configurations, operations, and assemblies. For example, the hot and cold water electronic valves 32h, 32c may be directly connected to the hose inlet 104 of the wand hose 18 and the control module 42, including the processor 50, may be configured to generate output commands which control the hot water electronic valve 32h and/or the cold water electronic valve 32c, such as to achieve the same control of the wand transmission system 100.

While the control module 42 and the electronic valve 32 have been described as being separate components, it will be understood that the control module 42 and the electronic valve 32 may be combined into a single component. For example, the control module 42 may be integrated into the electronic valve 32. Further, while the control module 42 has been described as being operable to control the electronic valve 32, it will be understood that the wand transmission system 100 may have other assemblies and configurations. For example, the control module 42 may be connected to the hot water electronic valve 32h and/or the cold water electronic valve 32c.

The wand transmission system 100 also includes one or more power modules 46. The power module 46 may be the power module 46 described above and may be batteries, battery packs, power banks, electronic generators, or power outlets or sources, or any combination thereof. The power module 46 may be operable to provide power to the one or more activation sensors 38a the one or more activation displays 38b of the one or more activation sensor/display assemblies 38, such as to operate the activation sensors 38a and/or to operate the wand transmission system 100 via the activation sensors 38a. The power module 46 may also be operable to power the control module 42 and the electronic valve 32, such as to power the control module 42 to control the electronic valve 32 to control the flow of water delivered from the discharge outlet 24 of the wand 20. The power module 46 may also be operable to provide power to the other components of the plumbing system 10, such as the parameter or position sensor 40, the temperature sensor 74, the flow sensor 76, the pressure sensor 78, the valve sensor 80, and/or the clock/timer 82.

The wand transmission system 100 also includes one or more transmission lines 110 extending from one or more upstream components, such as components disposed below the mounting surface, to one or more downstream components, such as components disposed on or in the wand 20. The transmission lines 110 may be operable to transmit power and/or electronic communications. The transmission lines 110 may form the wired communication of the wired communication connector(s) or network interface(s) 72 described above. Each transmission line 110 may be a wire or cable or combination thereof operable to transmit or convey power and/or electronic communication, such as data. In some embodiments, the transmission lines 110 are coated, such as with a silicone coating. In other embodiments, the transmission lines 110 may be uncoated.

The transmission lines 110 may extend from the control module 42 and/or the power module 46 to the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or activation displays 38b of the one or more activation sensor/display assemblies 38 to transmit power and/or electronic communication. One or more transmission lines 110 may extend from the power module 46 to the activation sensors 38a and/or the activation displays 38b to transmit power to operate the activation sensors 38a and/or the activation displays 38b. One or more transmission lines 110 may extend from the control module 42 to the activation sensors 38a and/or the activation displays 38b to transmit electronic communication between the control module 42 and the activation sensors 38a and/or the activation displays 38b such that the control module 42 is in electronic communication with the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b. For example, the control module 42 may be connected to each activation display 38b such that outputs generated by the control module 42 may control the outputs generated by the activation displays 38b, such as user-detectable outputs indicative of one or more parameters of the water discharged from the wand 20 and/or the status of the plumbing system 10. The activation sensors 38a may be connected to the control module 42 such that the outputs generated by the activation sensors 38a based upon user inputs (e.g., pressing buttons, voice activation, touch screens, etc.) may be transmitted to the control module 42 to control the operation of the control module 42, such as to cause the control module 42 to generate one or more output commands to control the operation of the electronic valve 32. The transmission lines 110 may be coupled to the activation sensor(s) 38a, the activation display(s) 38b, and/or the other sensor(s) in the wand 20 such that the wand 20 may be pulled away from the body of the faucet and the transmission lines 110 may remain coupled to the activation sensor(s) 38a, the activation display(s) 38b, and/or the other sensor(s) in the wand 20.

One or more transmission lines 110 may couple the electronic valve 32 to the control module 42 and/or the power module 46 such that the electronic valve 32 is operable to receive the outputs generated by the control module 42 and control the flow of water delivered to the wand 20 based upon the outputs generated by the control module 42, such as by controlling the operation of the hot water electronic valve 32h and the cold water electronic valve 32c. One or more transmission lines 110 may also similarly couple the control module 42 and/or the power module 46 to any other sensors of the plumbing system 10, such as the parameter or position sensor 40, the temperature sensor 74, the flow sensor 76, the pressure sensor 78, the valve sensor 80, and/or the clock/timer 82.

In exemplary embodiments, the transmission lines 110 extend directly or indirectly in the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18. The transmission lines 110 may extend from the control module 42 and/or the power module 46 into an upstream portion of the wand hose 18, extend along the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18, and out of a downstream portion of the wand hose 18 into the wand 20. The downstream ends of the transmission lines 110 may couple directly or indirectly with the activation sensors 38a and/or the activation displays 38b.

In exemplary embodiments, the wand transmission system 100 includes one or more inlet fittings 112 configured to permit the one or more transmission lines 110 to enter the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 near an upstream end of the wand hose 18. For example, the transmission lines 110 may extend from the control module 42 and/or the power module 46, through the inlet fitting(s) 112, and into the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18. It will be understood that each inlet fitting 112 may be any component or combination of components operable to enable the transmission lines 110 to enter the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 near an upstream end of the wand hose 18. The inlet fitting(s) 112 may receive the transmission lines 110 therethrough in a watertight manner such that water does not flow out of the inlet fitting(s) 112 from the wand hose 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet fitting 112 is downstream of the inlet 104 of the wand hose 18. In other embodiments, the inlet fitting 112 may be near or upstream of the inlet 104 of the wand hose 18, such as in a control box as described below.

In exemplary embodiments, the wand transmission system 100 also includes one or more outlet fittings 114 configured to permit the one or more transmission lines 110 to exit the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 near a downstream end of the wand hose 18. For example, the transmission lines 110 may extend through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18, through the outlet fitting(s) 114, and couple with the activation sensors 38a and/or activation displays 38b of the activation sensor/display assembly 38. The transmission lines 110 may also extend through the outlet fitting(s) 114 to couple with other components, such as the sensors described above. It will be understood that each outlet fitting 114 may be any component or combination of components operable to enable the transmission lines 110 to exit the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 near a downstream end of the wand hose 18. The outlet fitting(s) may receive the transmission lines 110 therethrough in a watertight manner such that water does not flow out of the outlet fitting(s) 114 from the wand hose 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet fitting 14 is upstream of the outlet 106 of the wand hose 18. In other embodiments, the outlet fitting 114 may be near or downstream of the outlet 160 of the wand hose 18, as described below.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the control module 42, including the processor 50, may be in electronic communication with the activation sensors 38a and/or activation displays 38b of the activation sensor/display assembly 38 via one or more wireless network interfaces 70. The network interfaces 70 may be any of the network interfaces described above, such as the cloud server 58, the third party cloud server 60, the Internet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fit, cellular, NFC, Zigbee, and Z-Wave, and any combination thereof. The control module 42 may be operable to receive outputs generated by the activation sensors 38a and/or the activation displays 38b via the network interface(s) 70, such as user inputs or commands from the activation sensor 38a. The control module 42 may also be operable to generate and send output commands via the network interface(s) to control the operation of the activation sensors 38a and/or activation displays 38b, such as to cause the activation display 38b to generate an output display indicative of the operation of the plumbing system 10. The control module 42 may be in similar communication with the other components and sensors of the system, such as the parameter or position sensor 40, the temperature sensor 74, the flow sensor 76, the pressure sensor 78, the valve sensor 80, and/or the clock/timer 82. The control module 42, including the processor 50, may be connected to the electronic valve 32 via the network interface(s) 70 and/or transmission lines 110.

In embodiments in which the activation sensors 38a, activation displays 38b, and other sensors and components (e.g., the parameter or position sensor 40, the temperature sensor 74, the flow sensor 76, the pressure sensor 78, the valve sensor 80, and clock/timer 82) are in electronic communication with the control module 42 via one or more network interfaces 70, the transmission lines 110 between the control module 42 and the activation sensors 38a, activation displays 38b, and other components may be omitted. The activation sensors 38a, activation displays 38b, and other components may still be coupled to the power module 46 via the transmission lines 110 extending through the inlet fitting(s) 112, the wand hose 18, and the outlet fitting(s), such as to transmit power to operate the activation sensors 38a, activation displays 38b, and other components.

While the transmission lines 110 have been described as extending through the inlet fitting(s) 112, through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18, through the outlet fitting(s) 114 and directly coupling to components, such as the activation sensors 38a and activation displays 38b, it will be understood that the transmission lines 110 extending through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 may indirectly connect with the components. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the wand may include a circuit board 116 disposed within the wand 20. The circuit board 116 may be operable to receive power and/or electronic communications via one or more transmission lines 110 extending through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 and out of the outlet fitting(s) 114 and to transmit or relay the power and/or electronic communications to one or more activation sensors 38a and/or one or more activation displays 38b. The inclusion of a circuit board 116 in the wand 20 may decrease the number of transmission lines 110 extending through the wand hose 18, such as to reduce the complexity of the wand transmission system 100, increase the usability of the wand transmission system 100, and/or decrease the cost of the wand transmission system 100. In exemplary embodiments, the circuit board 116 is a printed circuit board.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the wand 20 may include one or more cavities 118 disposed between the outlet fitting(s) 114 and the activation sensors 38a and activation displays 38b. The cavities 118 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that the transmission lines 110 may extend from the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18, through the outlet fitting(s) 114, into the cavities 118, and transmit power and/or electronic communication to the activation sensors 38a, activation displays 38b, and other sensors and components of the electronic plumbing system 10. In some embodiments, the cavities 118 are substantially dry, such as by providing a watertight seal at the outlet fitting(s) 114 between the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 and the cavity 118. The outlet fitting(s) 114 may be sealed with an elastomeric compound or device, such as an over-molded plug, a plug assembly, a molded in place plug, or the like. In other embodiments, the cavities 118 may be configured such that water may flow into the cavities 118. The transmission lines 110 may be connected to the activation sensors 38a, the activation displays 38b, and the other sensors and sealed, such as via a molding silicone material, potting, or the like, such that water is prevented from contacting the activation sensors 38a, activation displays 38b, and other sensors or components.

In some embodiments, the wand transmission system 100 includes a control box 120 configured to house the inlet fitting(s) 112 and to direct the mixed water and the transmission lines 110 into the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18. The control box 120 may include an outlet configured to receive the wand hose 18 such that mixed water may be provided to the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 and one or more transmission lines 110 may be extended through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 via the inlet fitting(s) 112. The control box 120 may include all or a part of the control module 42 and all or a part of the electronic valve 32. For example, in some embodiments, the control box 120 is operable to receive hot water from the hot water supply 34, receive cold water from the cold water supply 36, mix the hot and cold water with the electronic valve 32, such as based upon the commands generated by the control module 42, and receive an upstream end of the wand hose 18 such that the transmission lines 110 may extend through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 and the mixed water may be provided to the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18. In some embodiments, the electronic valve 32 is connected to the control box 120 via a control box connector operable to provide mixed water to the control box, as described below.

As shown in FIG. 8, the control box 120 is schematically illustrated according to one embodiment. The control box 120 includes the electronic valve 32, the control module 42, and the inlet fitting(s) 112. The control box 120 also includes one or more water inlets 122 configured to supply water to the electronic valve 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the control box 120 includes a hot water inlet 122h configured to receive hot water from the hot water supply 34 and a cold water inlet 122c configured to receive cold water from the cold water supply 36. The electronic valve 32 is configured to control the flow of water from the hot and cold water inlets 122h, 122c based upon received commands from the control module 42, such as from the processor 50 of the control module 42, as described above. The control box 120 also includes one or more line inlets 124 configured to receive one or more transmission lines 110 therein. One or more transmission lines 110 may extend into the line inlet 124 and connect to the control module 42.

The control box 120 also includes an outlet 126 operable to couple with the hose inlet 104 of the wand hose 18. The outlet 126 includes a coupling outlet portion 126c operable to couple with the upstream end of the wand hose 18. The outlet 126 includes a line outlet portion 1261 upstream of the coupling outlet portion 126c operable to receive one or more transmission lines 110 such that the transmission lines 110 extend out of the coupling outlet portion 126c and into the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18. The inlet fitting 112 may be disposed between the line inlet 124 and the line outlet portion 1261. One or more transmission lines 110 may extend into the line inlet 124, through the inlet fitting 112, and through the coupling outlet portion 126c, such as transmission lines 110 coupled with the power module 46 operable to transmit power to the activation sensors 38a, activation displays 38b, and other components in the wand 20, as described above. One or more transmission lines may extend from the control module 42, through the inlet fitting 112, and through the coupling outlet portion 126c, such as transmission lines 110 operable to transmit electronic communications from the control module 42 to the activation sensors 38a, activation displays 38b, and other components in the wand 20, as described above.

The outlet 126 also includes a mixed water outlet portion 126m configured to receive mixed water from the electronic valve 32 and direct the mixed water out of coupling outlet portion 126c, such as into the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18. The mixed water outlet portion 126m may direct mixed water to the coupling outlet portion 126c downstream of the line outlet portion 1261. The upstream end of the wand hose 18 may be coupled with the coupling outlet portion 126c of the outlet 126 such that one or more transmission lines 110 extend from the inlet fitting 112, through the line outlet portion 1261, and into the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 and such that mixed water from the electronic valve 32 may flow through the mixed water outlet portion 126m, through the coupling outlet portion 126c, and be delivered into the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18, such as to be delivered to the waterway 102 of the wand 20.

While the wand transmission system 100 has been described as being operable to control the electronic valve 32 via the activation sensors 38a and to display information based upon operation parameters of the plumbing system 10 via the activation displays 38b, it will be understood that the activation sensors 38a may be operable to control the wand transmission system 100 in other manners and the transmission lines 110 may be operable to provide power and electronic communication to other components. For example, one or more transmission lines 110 may be coupled with a motor within the wand 20 and coupled with brushes operable to clean the wand 20. Additionally or alternatively, one or more activation sensors 38a may be operable to control the flow of water through the wand 20, such as by switching the presentation modes of water dispensed from the wand 20 between spray, stream, pulsating, swirl, and other modes.

As shown in FIG. 9, the wand 20 may include a shutoff mechanism 130 disposed in the waterway 102 and upstream of the discharge outlet 24. The shutoff mechanism 130 may be configured to be adjustable between a closed position which prevents water from flowing through the shutoff mechanism 130, a partially open position which partially allows water to flow through the shutoff mechanism 130, and a fully open position which fully allows water to flow through the shutoff mechanism 130. The shutoff mechanism 130 may be coupled with one of the activation sensors 38a such that a user may control the operation of the shutoff mechanism 130 via the activation sensor 38a. The activation sensor 38a may be coupled with one of the transmission lines 110 operable to provide power to the activation sensor 38a and/or the shutoff mechanism 130. The activation sensor 38a may be a proximity sensor, a touch screen, a voice-activated device, or other device a user may control via input to move the shutoff mechanism between the closed, partially open, and open positions. The shutoff mechanism 130 may be powered by one or more transmission lines 110 such that the shutoff mechanism 130 is movable between the closed, partially open, and fully open position based upon the user input, such as via an electronic motor.

The wand 20 may also include a diverter mechanism 132 disposed in the waterway 102 and operable to direct water in the waterway 102 between a first waterway portion 102a and a second waterway portion 102b. The wand 20 may include a first discharge outlet 24a operable to discharge water from the first waterway portion 102a and a second discharge outlet 24b operable to discharge water from the second waterway portion 102b. The diverter mechanism 132 may be configured to be adjustable between a first position which directs water to the first waterway portion 102a and the first discharge outlet 24a and a second position which directs water to the second waterway portion 102b and the second discharge outlet 24b. The diverter mechanism 130 may be coupled with one of the activation sensors 38a such that a user may control the operation of the diverter mechanism 132 via the activation sensor 38a. The activation sensor 38a may be coupled with one of the transmission lines 110 operable to provide power to the activation sensor 38a and/or the shutoff mechanism 132. The activation sensor 38a may be a proximity sensor, a touch screen, a voice-activated device, or other device a user may control via input to move the diverter mechanism between the first and second positions. The diverter mechanism 132 may be powered by one or more transmission lines 110 such that the shutoff mechanism 132 is movable between the first and second positions based upon the user input, such as via an electronic motor. As shown in FIG. 9, the wand 20 and/or the wand hose 18 may include more than one outlet fitting 114.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-23b, a wand transmission system 100 is shown according to one embodiment in which the transmission lines 110 extend directly through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18. As shown in FIG. 10, the wand transmission system 100 may be used with an electronic faucet 12 as part of an electronic plumbing system 10. The faucet 12 includes a hub 14 and a spout 16. The hub 14 and the spout 16 may together form the body. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the body may not include each of these components and/or could include additional components. The body of the faucet 12 may be mounted on a mounting surface. Optionally, the electronic faucet 12 may also include a handle 22, such as to control the operation of the electronic plumbing system 10, as described above. An upstream portion of the wand 20 is operable to dock with a downstream end of the body of the faucet 12.

The wand transmission system 100 includes a control box 120 operable to direct one or more transmission lines 110 and mixed water from the electronic valve 32 into the flow path of the wand hose 18. The electronic valve 32 is fluidly connected to the hot water supply 34 and the cold water supply 36. The electronic valve 32 is in electronic communication with the control module 42, such as via one or more transmission lines 110. The control module 42, such as the processor 50 of the control module 42, is operable to generate command outputs which may control the electronic valve 32 to control the flow of mixed water out of the electronic valve. The electronic valve 32 may deliver mixed water to a water inlet 122 of the control box 120 via a control box connector 128. The control box connector 128 may be a hose or a quick-connect port operable to deliver mixed water to the control box 120. The control box 120 may be mounted below or behind the mounting surface.

The control box 120 includes or is otherwise coupled with the inlet fitting 112. One or more transmission lines 110 may extend from the control module 42 and/or the power module 46 into the line inlet 124 of the control box 120. The transmission lines 110 extend through the inlet fitting 112 and through an internal passage of the control box 120. The inlet fitting 112 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that the transmission lines 110 extend through the inlet fitting 112 in a watertight manner. In some embodiments, the inlet fitting 112 defines the line inlet 124 of the control box 120. The inlet fitting 112 may substantially seal the line inlet 124 of the control box 120.

The hose inlet 104 of the wand hose 18 may couple with the outlet 126 of the control box 120. The water inlet 122 and the line inlet 124 may be in communication with the outlet 126 of the control box 120 such that mixed water from the electronic valve 32 is delivered to flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 and the one or more transmission lines 110 extending through the control box 120 extend through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18. The wand hose 18 may extend through the hub 14 and the spout 16 of the faucet 12.

The hose outlet 106 of the wand hose 18 may couple with an upstream portion of the wand 20. The outlet fitting 114 may be disposed near the downstream end of the wand hose 18. When the wand hose 18 is coupled with the wand 20, the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 may be in fluid communication with the waterway 102 of the wand 20. Mixed water from the electronic valve 32 may flow through the control box 120, through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18, through the waterway 102 of the wand 20, and be delivered from the discharge outlet 24 of the wand 20. The one or more transmission lines 110 may extend from the control module 42 and/or the power module 46, through the inlet fitting 112, through the control box 120, through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18, through the outlet fitting 114, and connect with the activation sensor/display assembly 38 of the wand 20, such as with one or more activation sensors 38a and/or one or more activation displays 38b. The wand hose 18 may be coupled with the wand 20 such that the wand 20 may be pulled away from the body of the faucet 12, such as during use.

One or more transmission lines 110 may transmit power from the power module 46 to the one or more activation sensors 38a and/or one or more activation displays 38b. One or more transmission lines 110 may also transmit power from the power module 46 to other components or sensors disposed in the wand 20. One or more transmission lines 110 may transmit electronic communications between the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b and the control module 42. Alternatively, the activation sensor(s) 38a and the activation display(s) 38b may be in electronic communication with the control module 42 via wireless communication, such as the wireless network interface 70 described above.

The activation sensor(s) 38a may be operable to generate an output based upon a user input, such as a hand gesture or a voice command. The control module 42 is operable to receive the output of the activation sensor(s) 38a and generate an output command based upon the output of the activation sensor(s) 38a. The control module 42 is also operable to receive outputs generated by any of the other sensors of the system 10, such as described above. The control module 42 is operable to generate one or more output commands based upon the received output of the activation sensor(s) 38a. The control module 42 is operable to generate a command output which causes the electronic valve 32 to control or adjust the flow of mixed water delivered from the discharge outlet 24. For example, the control module 42 may generate an output command which causes the electronic valve 32 to prevent the flow of water from the discharge outlet 24, to allow the flow of water from the discharge outlet 24, to increase/decrease the temperature of the water delivered from the discharge outlet 24, or to increase/decrease the volume of the water delivered from the discharge outlet 24. The control module 42 may also be operable to generate a command output which causes the activation display(s) 38b to generate an output based upon a state of the plumbing system 10 and/or one or more parameters of the plumbing system 10. The activation display(s) 38b may be operable to generate an output, such as a user detectable output, based upon the received output command of the control module 42. For example, one of the activation displays 38b may be an LED operable to light up, blink, or change colors based upon the received output command of the control module 42.

As shown in FIGS. 12a-12c, the control box 120 is a generally T-shaped connector operable to direct one or more transmission lines 110 and mixed water from the electronic valve 32 into the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18. The inlet fitting 112 is disposed at an upstream end of the control box 120. The inlet fitting 112 has an elongated opening at the proximal end defining the line inlet 124 of the control box 120. The control box 120 includes a passage 134 connecting the line inlet 124 to the outlet 126. The line inlet 124 may be connected to the outlet 126 via a longitudinal portion 134a of the passage 134 such that the passage 134 extends substantially straight between the line inlet 124 and the outlet 126. The control box 120 is operable to receive one or more transmission lines 110 through the inlet fitting 112 and through the passage 134. The line inlet 124 may be substantially watertight when the transmission lines 110 are extended through the inlet fitting 112.

The water inlet 122 of the control box is disposed perpendicularly to and downstream from line inlet 124. The water inlet 122 may be substantially circular and be operable to receive a downstream end of the control box connector 128 such that the water inlet 122 may operably receive mixed water from the electronic valve 32. The water inlet 122 may extend into a lateral portion 134b of the passage 134 which connects to the longitudinal portion 134a of the passage 134 downstream from the inlet fitting 112. The water inlet 122 is operably coupled with the downstream end of the control box connector 128 such that mixed water flows from the electronic valve 32, through the control box connector 128, into the water inlet 122, through the lateral portion 134b of the passage 134, through the longitudinal portion 134a of the passage 134, and out the outlet 126.

The outlet 126 of the control box 120 may operably receive the upstream end of the wand hose 18 such that the hose inlet 104 is disposed in the outlet 126 of the control box 120. The wand hose 18 may be coupled with the outlet 126 such that the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 is in fluid communication with the longitudinal portion 134a of the passage 134 of the control box 120. The control box 120 may include connection seals 136 downstream of the water inlet 122 and upstream of the outlet 126. The connection seals 136 may be operable to seal around the outer circumference of the hoses inserted therein. For example, the connection seal 136 downstream of the water inlet 122 may operably form a watertight seal around the outer circumference of the downstream end of the control box connector 128 inserted into the water inlet 122 and the connection seal 136 upstream of the outlet 126 may operably form a watertight seal around the outer circumference of the wand hose 18 inserted into the outlet 126.

As shown in FIGS. 13a-13e, the inlet fitting 112 may be substantially cylindrical and configured to receive one or more transmission lines 110 therethrough. The inlet fitting includes a proximal opening 138 at a proximal end. The proximal opening 138 may be operable to receive one or more transmission lines. The proximal opening 138 may be an elongated slot extending downstream. The inlet fitting 112 also includes one or more transmission inlet passages 140 extending longitudinally through a downstream portion of the inlet fitting 112. The transmission inlet passages 140 may each be sized, shaped, and configured to receive one of the transmission lines therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet fitting 112 includes four transmission inlet passages 140. However, it will be understood that the inlet fitting 112 may include any suitable number of transmission inlet passages 140.

The inlet fitting 112 may also include a sealant chamber 142 extending radially into a downstream portion of the inlet fitting 112 from one of the sides. The sealant chamber 142 may extend radially into the inlet fitting 112 such that portions of the transmission inlet passages 140 are disposed upstream from the sealant chamber 142 and portions of the transmission inlet passages 140 are disposed downstream from the sealant chamber 142. After the transmission lines 110 are properly disposed through the transmission inlet passages 140, sealant may be provided to the sealant chamber 142 to seal the transmission lines 110 in the inlet fitting 112 such that the transmission lines 110 extend through the inlet fitting 112 and the control box 120 in a watertight manner. In exemplary embodiments, a silicone-mix sealant or potting material is provided to the sealant chamber 142 and around the transmission lines 110 extending therethrough.

In some embodiments, the outer circumference of the downstream end of the inlet fitting 112 includes one or more recesses 144. The recesses may be sized, shaped, and configured to receive an inlet seal 146. The inlet seals 146 may be disposed around the inlet fitting 112 in the recesses 144 to seal the downstream end of the inlet fitting 112 in the longitudinal portion 134a of the passage 134 of the control box 120. In exemplary embodiments, the inlet seals 146 are O-ring type seals.

As shown in FIGS. 14a-14b, the connection seals 136 may each be operable to secure around a hose inserted into the control box 120. The connection seals 136 may include a flexible sealing portion defining an aperture sized, shaped, and configured to seal around an outer surface of a hose inserted therethrough. The connection seals 136 also include a projection on one side of the aperture. The projection may operably lock the connection seal 136 into place in the control box 120 such that the sealing portion remains in a sealing disposition around the outer circumference of the hose inserted therethrough and such that the connection seal 136 is secured in place in the control box 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection seals 136 are quick connect seals.

In some embodiments, the inlet fitting 112 also includes one or more flanges 148 extending downstream and flexed radially outwardly. The flanges 148 may be operable to secure the inlet fitting 112 in the downstream end of a hose, such as a hose encasing the transmission lines 110.

As shown in FIGS. 15a-15c, the wand hose 18 is substantially tubular extending between a hose inlet 104 and a hose outlet 106. The inner surface of the wand hose 18 may define the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18. The outlet fitting 114 may be disposed near the downstream end of the wand hose 18. The outlet fitting 114 may define the hose outlet 106 of the wand hose 18. However, it will be understood that the wand hose 18 and wand transmission system 100 may have other assemblies and configurations. For example, the outlet fitting 114 may be disposed upstream of the hose outlet 106 of the wand hose 18 or the outlet fitting 114 may form a part of the wand 20. In some embodiments, the wand hose 18 may also include a hose sleeve 150 disposed around the remainder of the wand hose 18.

As shown in FIGS. 16a-16b, the control box 120 may be coupled to the upstream end of the wand hose 18 such that flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 receives the transmission lines 110 from the inlet fitting 112 and the mixed water from the from the water inlet 122, such as via the control box connector 128. The upstream end of the wand hose 18 may be inserted into the outlet 126 of the control box 120 such that the hose inlet 104 is disposed in the passage 134 of the control box 120. The upstream end of the wand hose 18 may be inserted upstream of the connection seal 136 disposed near the outlet 126 of the control box 120 such that the connection seal 136 may form a watertight seal around the outer surface of the wand hose 18. The wand hose 18 may also include a hose seal 152 disposed in a recess downstream from the hose inlet 104. The hose seal 152 may form a watertight seal with the inner surface of the passage 134 of the control box 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the hose seal 152 is an O-ring type seal. The downstream end of the control box connector 128 may be coupled in the water inlet 122 in a similar manner to the coupling of the wand hose 18 in the outlet 126.

The transmission lines 110 extend through the line inlet 124 of the control box 120, through the inlet fitting 112, through the passage 134 of the control box 120, into the hose inlet 104 of the wand hose 18, and through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18. The control box connector 128 is coupled to the water inlet 122 such that mixed water from the electronic valve 32 flows into the water inlet 122, through the lateral portion 134b of the passage 134, through the longitudinal portion 134a of the passage 134, the hose inlet 104 of the wand hose 18, and through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18. The transmission lines 110 extend through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 toward the hose outlet 106 of the wand hose 18. The mixed water may flow through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 to the hose outlet 106 of the wand hose 18. The transmission lines 110 may extend through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18, out of the outlet fitting 114, and couple the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b. The mixed water may flow through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 to the waterway 102 of the wand 20 and out the discharge outlet 24.

As shown in FIGS. 17a-17d, the outlet fitting 114 is operable to permit the transmission lines 110 to exit the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 and extend into the wand 20, such as to couple with the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b of the activation sensor/display assembly 38. The outlet fitting 114 is substantially tubular and defines a flow passage 154 extending through the outlet fitting 114 from the upstream end to the downstream end. The flow passage 154 has an upstream portion 154a at an upstream end, a downstream portion 154c at a downstream end, and a middle portion 154b coupling the upstream and downstream portions 154a, 154b. The middle portion 154b is narrower than the upstream and downstream portions 154a, 154c. In some embodiments, the downstream portion 154c of the flow passage 154 is threaded to threadingly couple with an upstream portion of the wand 20. The outer surface of the outlet fitting 114 may also include threads on an outer surface to threadingly couple with a coupler, as described below.

The outlet fitting 114 includes an outlet cavity 156 extending radially into a side of the outlet fitting 114. The outlet cavity 156 may be substantially in line with the middle portion 154c of the flow passage 154. The outlet fitting 114 also includes one or more transmission outlet passages 158 extending from the flow passage 154 to the outlet cavity 156. Each transmission outlet passage 158 may have an upstream opening at the downstream end of the upstream portion 154a of the flow passage 154 and a downstream opening at the radially inner end of the outlet cavity 156. In some embodiments, the flow passages 154 are angled or curved such that the upstream openings of the transmission outlet passages 158 are in line with the flow path 108 and the downstream openings of the transmission outlet passages 158 are oriented radially outwardly. The transmission outlet passages 158 may each be sized, shaped, and shaped to receive one of the transmission lines 110 therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet fitting includes four transmission outlet passages 158. However, it will be understood that the outlet fitting 114 may include any suitable number of transmission outlet passages 158.

After the transmission lines 110 are properly disposed through the transmission outlet passages 158, sealant may be provided to the outlet cavity 156 to seal the transmission lines 110 in the outlet fitting 114 such that the transmission lines 110 extend through the outlet fitting 114 to the wand 20 in a watertight manner. In exemplary embodiments, a silicone-mix sealant or potting material is provided to the outlet cavity 156 around the transmission lines 110 extending therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 18, one or more transmission lines 110 may extend through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 and into the flow passage 154 of the outlet fitting 114. Mixed water from the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 may flow downstream through the flow passage 154 of the outlet fitting 114, such as to the discharge outlet of the wand 20. In some embodiments, the wand 20 includes one or more check valves 174 in the waterway 102 upstream from the discharge outlet 24 to prevent water in the waterway 102 and/or water downstream from the discharge outlet 24 from flowing upstream through the wand 20.

The transmission lines 110 may pass through the transmission outlet passages 158 and into a cavity 118 of the wand 20 between the outer surface of the outlet fitting 114 and the shell of the wand 20. The transmission lines 110 extend in the cavity 118 of the wand 20, such as around the outlet fitting 114 and couple with one or more activation sensor 38a and one or more activation displays 38b to provide power and/or electronic communication to the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b. The downstream ends of the transmission lines 110 may be soldered to the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b. In some embodiments, the transmission outlet passages 158 may be sealed such that the cavity 118 is dry. In other embodiments, water may be allowed to flow into the cavity and the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b may be sealed against the water by providing a sealant, such as a molding silicone material or potting material, to the back side of the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission lines 110 are coupled with an activation display 38b. However, it will be understood that the transmission lines 110 may be coupled with one or more activation sensors 38a, more than one activation displays 38b, and/or other electronic components of the wand 20. Additionally, the transmission lines 110 may be coupled to the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display 38b of the activation sensor/display assembly 38 via a circuit board 116 as described in FIG. 6.

When the wand hose 18 is coupled with the upstream end of the wand 20, the transmission lines 110 may extend from the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18, through the outlet fitting 114, and to the activation sensor/display assembly 38 and mixed water from the electronic valve 32 may flow through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18, through the waterway 102 of the wand 20, and be delivered from the discharge outlet 24 of the wand 20. The transmission lines 110 may provide power and/or electronic communication to the activation sensor(s) 38a such that a user may control the operation of the electronic valve 32 via the control module 42 from the activation sensor(s) 38a, as described above. The transmission lines 110 may also provide power and/or electronic communication to the activation display(s) 38b such that the activation display(s) 38b may receive commands generated by the control module 42 and generate user-detectable outputs, such as based upon the operation of the plumbing system 10 and/or the parameters for the water discharged from the electronic plumbing system 10, as described above.

As shown in FIGS. 19a-22e, the outlet fitting 114 may be coupled with a coupler 160 of the wand 20 to couple the downstream end of the wand hose 18 to the upstream end of the wand 20. The coupler 160 may form a portion of the shell or frame of the wand 20. The coupler 160 may be disposed around a downstream portion of the wand hose 18 and may be coupled with an upstream end of the outlet fitting 114, such as the threaded portion of the outlet fitting 114 to maintain the outlet fitting 114 in the wand 20 and to maintain the coupling of the wand hose 18 and the wand 20 such that the wand 20 may be pulled away from the body of the faucet 12 and manipulated by a user. The coupler 160 may also couple with a downstream portion of the wand 20, such as the shell of the wand 20.

The coupler 160 may include an upstream coupler portion 160a operable to couple with the outlet fitting 114 to retain the downstream end of the wand hose 18 and the outlet fitting in the wand 20. The coupler 160 may also include a downstream coupler portion 160b operable to house one or more activation sensors 38a and one or more activation displays 38b. The downstream coupler portion 160b may define the cavities 118 of the wand 20 when the downstream coupler portion 160b is disposed around the outlet fitting. The upstream coupler portion 160a may be operable to dock with the body of the faucet 12, such as with a docking collar attached to the spout 16. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21a, the upstream coupler portion 160a includes recessed portions 162 on opposite sides of the upstream coupler portion 160a. The recessed portions 162 of the upstream coupler portion 160a may maintain the position of the wand 20 when docked in the body of the faucet 12, such as with the activation sensors 38a and activation displays 38b facing forward.

The downstream coupler portion 160b may be operable to house one or more activation sensors 38a and/or one or more activation displays 38b. The downstream coupler portion 160b includes at least one activation housing 164 extending through the body of the downstream coupler portion 160b. The activation housings 164 are operable to receive one or more activation sensors 38a and/or one or more activation displays 38b therethrough such that the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b may be operable and/or viewable by a user. The activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b may be partially disposed within the downstream coupler portion 160b such that the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b may be coupled with one or more transmission lines 110 as described above. The activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b may be sealed in the activation housing 164 in a watertight manner, as described above. In an exemplary embodiment, the activation housing 164 is disposed in the front of the downstream coupler portion 160b such that the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b face forward when the wand 20 is docked in the body of the faucet 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the downstream coupler portion 160b is configured to receive two activation displays 38b that are LEDs. However, it will be understood that the coupler 160 may have other configuration and assemblies. For example, the downstream coupler portion 160b may be operable to receive one or more activation sensors 38a, may receive a difference number of activation displays 138b, and may receive different types of activation displays 38b.

Referring now to FIGS. 19c and 20a-20b, the downstream end of the wand hose 18 may be coupled with the wand 20 such that the wand 20 may swivel without disrupting the connection of the transmission lines 110 to the wand 20 and/or the activation sensor/display assembly 38. The wand hose 18 may be coupled with the wand 20 such that the wand 20 may swivel about a distal end of the wand hose 18 and such that the wand hose 18 may deliver water to the waterway 102 of the wand 20 during operation, such as when the wand 20 is swiveled.

The wand hose 18 may include a hose coupler 166 disposed at the downstream end of the wand hose 18 and operable to couple the wand hose 18 in the wand 20 such that the wand 20 may swivel about a downstream end of the wand 20. The hose coupler 166 may also permit the transmission lines 110 to remain connected to the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or activation display(s) 38b when the wand 20 is pulled away from the body of the faucet 12 and manipulated by a user. The downstream end of the tubular portion of the wand hose 18 may be coupled with an upstream portion of the hose coupler 166 and a downstream portion of the hose coupler 166 may be coupled with the coupler 160, such as the upstream coupler portion 160a. For example, the hose coupler 166 may be configured to be retained in an upstream portion of the coupler 160 when the coupler 160 is connected with the remainder of the wand 20.

The hose coupler 166 includes a coupler passage 170 extending from an upstream end to a downstream end. The coupler passage 170 may form a part of the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 and may deliver water to the flow passage 154 of the outlet fitting 114. The hose coupler 166 also includes a hose coupling portion 172 configured to couple to a downstream portion of the wand hose 18, such as the tubular portion of the wand hose 18. The hose coupling portion 172 may be retained in a downstream portion of the wand hose 18 upstream from the wand 20.

The hose coupler 166 also includes a wand coupling portion 168 configured to couple with or be otherwise retained within an upstream portion of the wand 20. For example, the wand coupling portion 168 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that the wand coupling portion 168 may be fittingly retained in an upstream end of coupler 160. The wand coupling portion 168 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that the wand 20 may be retracted from the body of the faucet 12 and such that the wand coupling portion 168 does not retract upstream from the coupler 160. For example, the wand coupling portion 168 may be disposed in a portion of the coupler 160 with an upstream opening smaller than the wand coupling portion 168. The wand coupling portion 168 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that the wand coupling portion 168 may swivel within a portion of the wand 20. It will be understood that the swivel of the wand coupling portion 168 encompasses movement about a longitudinal axis extending through the wand coupling portion 168, pivoting movement about a center point of the wand coupling portion 168, twisting motion, and the like, and combinations thereof.

The coupler 160 may be configured to receive the hose coupling portion 172. An upstream portion of the coupler 160, such as the upstream coupler portion 160a, may be sized, shaped, and configured such that the wand coupling portion 168 of the hose coupler 166 may be received therein. The wand coupling portion 168 may be operable to swivel in the upstream portion of the coupler 160. The coupler 160 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that an upstream portion of the hose coupler 166 that is narrower than the wand coupling portion 168 may extend through the coupler 160 and such that the wand coupling portion 168 of the hose coupler 166 is substantially prevented from being retracted therethrough. In some embodiments, the coupler 160 has an upstream opening that has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the wand coupling portion 168 and larger than the diameter of the hose coupler 166 upstream from the wand coupling portion 168.

In some embodiments, the hose coupler 166 includes a seal disposed between an outer surface of the wand coupling portion 168 and the coupler 160. The seal may be configured to prevent water from flowing upstream around the outside of the hose coupler 166. In an exemplary embodiment, the seal is an O-ring type seal.

The wand coupling portion 168 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that the wand 20 may be pulled away from the body of the faucet 12, swiveled about the hose coupler 166, and manipulated by a user. The wand coupling portion 168 may swivel within coupler 160 such that the wand 20 may be moved relative to the hose coupler 166. In an exemplary embodiment, the wand coupling portion 168 is substantially spherical or ball-shaped with a rounded upstream portion, a bulbous middle portion, and a rounded downstream portion. The coupler 160 and the wand coupling portion 168 may operate as a ball and socket joint between the wand 20 and the wand hose 18.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-28c, a wand transmission system 100 is shown according to another embodiment in which the transmission lines 110 extend indirectly through the flow path 108 of the wand hose 18 (e.g., not in contact with water extending through the wand hose 18). The wand transmission system 100 may be used with an electronic pluming system 10, such as any of the electronic plumbing systems described above. The wand transmission system 100 is operable to provide power and/or electronic communication to one or more activation sensor(s) 38a and/or one or more activation displays 38b of an activation sensor/display assembly 38, as described above. The wand transmission system 100 may incorporate any of the features of the wand transmission system 100 of FIGS. 10-23b and vice-versa, unless mutually exclusive.

As shown in FIG. 24, the wand transmission system 100 may be used with an electronic faucet 12 as part of an electronic plumbing system 10. The faucet 12 includes a hub 14 and a spout 16. The hub 14 and the spout 16 may together form the body as described above. The body of the faucet 12 may be mounted on a mounting surface. Optionally, the electronic faucet 12 may also include a handle 22, such as to control the operation of the electronic plumbing system 10, as described above. An upstream portion of the wand 20 is operable to dock with a downstream end of the body of the faucet 12.

The wand transmission system 100 includes a control box 120 operable to direct one or more transmission lines 110 and mixed water from the electronic valve 32 into the wand hose 18. The control box 120 may be operable to direct the one or more transmission lines 1110 through a first flow path 108a extending through the wand hose 18 and to direct mixed water from the electronic valve 32 into a second flow path 108b extending through the wand hose 18. The electronic valve 32 is fluidly connected to the hot water supply 34 and the cold water supply 36. The electronic valve 32 is in electronic communication with the control module 42, such as via one or more transmission lines 110. The control module 42, such as the processor 50 of the control module 42, is operable to generate command outputs which may control the electronic valve 32 to control the flow of mixed water out of the electronic valve. The electronic valve 32 may deliver mixed water to a water inlet 122 of the control box 120 via a control box connector 128. The control box connector 128 may be a hose or a quick-connect port operable to deliver mixed water to the control box 120.

One or more transmission lines 110 may extend from the control module 42 and/or the power module 46 into the line inlet 124 of the control box 120. The transmission lines 110 extend through the inlet fitting 112 and through an internal passage of the control box 120. The inlet fitting 112 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that the transmission lines 110 extend through the inlet fitting 112 in a watertight manner. In some embodiments, the inlet fitting 112 is a cap or seal which securely fits around an upstream end of an inner hose of the wand hose 18 as described below. The inlet fitting 112 may substantially seal the line inlet 124 of the control box 120.

As shown in FIG. 24, the wand hose 18 may couple the outlet 126 of the control box 120 and an upstream end of the wand 20. The wand hose 18 is operable to deliver mixed water from the water inlet 122 of the control box 120 to the wand 20, such as to the waterway 102 of the wand 20, such that the mixed water may be delivered from the discharge outlet 24 of the wand 20. The wand hose 18 is also operable to deliver one or more transmission lines 110 from the line inlet 124 of the control box 120 to the activation sensor/display assembly 38 of the wand 20. For example, the wand hose 18 may be operable to deliver one or more transmission lines 110 to one or more activation sensors 38a and/or one or more activation displays 38b of the activation sensor/display assembly 38 such that the transmission lines 110 provide power and/or electronic communication to the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b. The activation sensors 38a may be any of the actuation sensors described herein and the activation displays 38b may be any of the activation displays described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the activation sensor/display assembly 38 includes one activation sensor 38a and one activation display 38b. However, it will be understood that the activation sensor/display assembly 38 may include any number or combination of activation sensors 38a and/or activation displays 38b.

One or more transmission lines 110 may transmit power from the power module 46 to the one or more activation sensors 38a and/or one or more activation displays 38b. One or more transmission lines 110 may also transmit power from the power module 46 to other components or sensors disposed in the wand 20. One or more transmission lines 110 may transmit electronic communications between the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display(s) 38b and the control module 42. Alternatively, the activation sensor(s) 38a and the activation display(s) 38b may be in electronic communication with the control module 42 via wireless communication, such as the wireless network interface 70 described above. The control module 42 may receive signals from the sensors, such as the activation sensors 38a and generate output commands to control the operation of the system 10, such as controlling the electronic valve 32 and/or causing the activation display(s) 38b to generate a user-detectable output, as described above.

As shown in FIGS. 27a-27g, the wand hose 18 includes an outer hose 180 and an inner hose 186 disposed within and extending through the outer hose 180 The outer hose 180 has an outer hose inlet 182 at an upstream end and an outer hose outlet 184 at a downstream end. The inner hose 186 has an inner hose inlet 188 at an upstream end and an inner hose outlet 190 at a downstream end. The inner hose 186 may be disposed longitudinally within the outer hose 180. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner hose 186 is axially longer than the outer hose 180 such that the inner hose inlet 188 of the inner hose 186 is disposed upstream of the outer hose inlet 182 of the outer hose 180 and the inner hose outlet 190 of the inner hose 186 is disposed downstream of the outer hose outlet 184 of the outer hose 180.

The outer hose 180 may be substantially tubular with an inner surface and an outer surface extending the length of the outer hose 180. The inner hose 186 may also be substantially tubular with an inner surface and an outer surface extending the length of the inner hose 186. The outer surface of the inner hose 186 has a diameter less than a diameter of the inner surface of the outer hose 180. In some embodiments, the outer hose 180 and inner hose 186 are sized, shaped, and configured such that the inner hose 186 may flex, bend, move laterally, slide, translate, etc. within the outer hose 180. In some embodiments, the inner hose 186 is thinner and/or comprises a more flexible or resilient material than the outer hose 180.

The wand hose 18 defines or otherwise includes a first flow path 108a extending through the interior of the inner hose 186 (e.g., within the inner surface of the inner hose 186) and a second flow path 108b extending between the exterior of the inner hose 186 and the interior of the outer hose 180 (e.g., between the outer surface of the inner hose 186 and the inner surface of the outer hose 180). The wand hose 18 may be configured such that the inner hose 186 may slide or translate upstream and downstream relative to the outer hose 180 and may rotate independently of the outer hose 180. In other embodiments, the second flow path 108b is defined by another hose, such as a smaller hose, extending longitudinally through the outer hose 180.

The downstream end of the outer hose 180 may be coupled with the wand 20 at a first location and the downstream end of the inner hose 186 may be coupled with the wand 20 at a second location. The downstream end of the inner hose 186 may be coupled with the wand 20 such that one or more transmission lines 110 may extend through the first flow path 108a, through the inner hose outlet 190, and couple with one or more activation sensors 38a and/or activation displays 38b. The downstream end of the outer hose 180 may be coupled with the wand 20 such that the downstream end of the second flow path 180b is in fluid communication with the waterway 102 of the wand 20 such that mixed water may flow through the second flow path 108b, through the outer hose outlet 184, and be delivered from the discharge outlet 24 of the wand 20.

In some embodiments, the upstream end of the inner hose 186 includes or is coupled with an upstream inner hose fitting or cap 192 configured to be inserted into the control box 120 such that transmission lines 110 may be extended through the first flow path 108a. The upstream inner hose fitting 192 may have an outer circumference with a diameter larger than the outer surface of the inner hose 186. The upstream inner hose fitting 192 may have a recess disposed in the outer surface for receiving a seal, such as an O-ring type seal. The upstream inner hose fitting 192 may include an inlet line passage 194 extending therethrough. The inlet line passage 194 may define or extend the upstream end of the first flow path 108a of the wand hose 18.

In some embodiments, the upstream end of the outer hose 180 includes or is coupled with an upstream outer hose fitting or cap 196 configured to be inserted and retained in the outlet 126 of the control box 120. The upstream outer hose fitting 192 may have an outer circumference with a diameter larger than the outer surface of the outer hose 180. The upstream outer hose fitting 196 may have a recess disposed in the outer surface for receiving a seal, such as an O-ring type seal. The upstream outer hose fitting 196 may include an inlet water passage 198 extending therethrough. The inlet water passage 198 may define or extend the upstream end of the second flow path 180b of the wand hose 18.

In some embodiments, the downstream end of the inner hose 186 includes or is coupled with a downstream inner hose fitting or cap 200 configured to be retained in the wand 20 such that transmission lines 110 may be extended from the first flow path 108a of the wand hose 18, into a cavity of the wand 20, and to one or more activation sensors 38a and/or activation displays 38b. The downstream inner hose fitting 200 may have an outer circumference with a diameter larger than the outer surface of the inner hose 186. The downstream inner hose fitting 200 may have a recess disposed in the outer surface for receiving a seal, such as an O-ring type seal. The downstream inner hose fitting 200 may include an outlet line passage 202 extending therethrough. The outlet line passage 202 may define or extend the upstream end of the first flow path 108a of the wand hose 18.

In some embodiments, the downstream end of the outer hose 180 includes or is coupled with a hose coupler 166. The hose coupler 166 may be operable to couple the wand hose 18 in the wand 20 such that the wand 20 may swivel about a downstream end of the wand hose 18. The hose coupler 166 may also permit the transmission lines 110 to remain connected to the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or activation display(s) 38b when the wand 20 is pulled away from the body of the faucet 12 and manipulated by a user, such as when swiveled. The hose coupler 166 may be similar to the hose coupler 166 described above with a coupler passage 170 which forms a part of the second flow path 108b of the wand hose 18, a hose coupling portion 172 configured to be retained in a downstream portion of the outer hose 180, and a wand coupling portion 168 operable to couple with or be otherwise retained in an upstream portion of the wand 20. The wand coupling portion 168 may be substantially spherical. The coupler passage 170 may be larger than the downstream inner hose fitting 200. The wand coupling portion 168 may also include one or more grooves 169 disposed around the outer surface. The grooves 169 may be operable to control or limit the rotation of the wand coupling portion 168 in the wand 20.

In some embodiments, the wand hose 18 includes a spacer 204 operable to keep the downstream inner hose fitting 200 spaced downstream from the outer hose outlet 184 of the outer hose 180. As shown in FIG. 26f, the spacer 204 includes a plurality of inwardly extending ribs 205 extending downstream from an upstream end. The ribs 205 are operable to space the downstream inner hose fitting 200 from the hose coupler 166, such as to prevent the downstream inner hose fitting 200 from blocking the outer hose outlet 184.

In some embodiments, the wand hose 18 includes a shroud 206 disposed around an outer surface of the downstream portion of the outer hose 180 and operable to couple or dock the wand 20 with the body of the faucet 12 when the wand hose 18 is coupled to the wand 20. For example, the shroud 206 may abut the downstream end of the spout 16 when the wand 20 is retracted toward the body of the faucet 12 and the shroud 206 and the wand 20 may be pulled away from the body of the faucet 12, such as by a user. The shroud 206 may prevent the wand hose 18 from retracting upstream into the spout 16 when the wand 20 is retracted toward the body of the faucet 12.

As shown in FIGS. 27a-27b, the control box 120 is a generally Y-shaped connector operable to direct one or more transmission lines 110 into the first flow path 108a of the wand hose 18 (e.g., through the inner hose 186) and to direct mixed water from the electronic valve 32 into the second flow path 108b of the wand hose 18. The line inlet 124 is disposed at an upstream end (e.g., top) of the control box 120. The line inlet 124 may be coupled with a passage 134 of the control box 120 extending to the outlet 126. The line inlet 124 may extend into a longitudinal portion 134a of the passage 134 such that the line inlet 124 is substantially opposite the outlet 126.

The inlet fitting 112 is disposed at an upstream end of the control box 120, such as in an upstream portion of the longitudinal portion 134a of the passage 134 and downstream from the line inlet 124. The inlet fitting 112 may be a seal operable to secure around an upstream end of the inner hose 186, such as around the upstream inner hose fitting 192. The control box 120 may include an inner hose seal 208 downstream from the inlet fitting 112. The inner hose seal 208 may be operable to form a watertight seal around the outer surface of the inner hose 186 such that the line inlet 124 is dry. The control box 120 may also include an inner hose seal 208 upstream from the inlet fitting 112.

The water inlet 122 of the control box is disposed at an angle to the line inlet 124. The water inlet extends into an angled portion 134c of the passage 134 of the control box 120. The angled portion 134c connects to the longitudinal portion 134a of the passage 134 downstream from the inlet fitting 112. The water inlet 122 may include a water hose coupler 210 operable to couple with and retain a downstream end of the control box connector 128. The water inlet 122, such as the water hose coupler 210, is operably coupled with the downstream end of the control box connector 128 such that mixed water flows from the electronic valve 32, through the control box connector 128, into the water inlet 122, through the angled portion 134c of the passage 134, through the longitudinal portion 134a of the passage 134, and out the outlet 126. The control box 120 may also include a check valve 212 at the downstream end of the water hose coupler 210 to prevent water from flowing upstream through the water inlet 122.

The outlet 126 of the control box 120 may operably couple with the upstream end of the outer hose 180 such that the outer hose inlet 182 is disposed in the outlet 126 of the control box 120. The control box 120 may include a connection seal 136 upstream of the outlet 126. The connection seal 136 may be operable to seal around the outer circumference of the outer hose 180 when the outer hose 180 is inserted into the outlet 126. For example, the connection seal 136 may be disposed in a recessed portion of the upstream outer hose fitting 196 when the outer hose 180 is inserted into the outlet 126. The connection seal 136 may be substantially similar to the connection seals 136 described in FIGS. 14a-14b.

When the outer hose 180 is coupled with the outlet 126 of the control box 120, the inner hose 186 may extend upstream through the longitudinal portion 134a of the passage 134 past the inlet fitting 112. A portion of the longitudinal portion 134a of the passage 134 may have a diameter substantially equivalent to the inner hose 186 and may be sealed such that water is prevented from flowing upstream from the downstream portion of the passage 134 into the line inlet 124. When the inner hose inlet 188 is disposed upstream of the inlet fitting 112, one or more transmission lines 110 may be extended through the first flow path 108a of the wand hose 18 (e.g., through the inner hose 186). The transmission lines 110 may be connected at an upstream end to the control module 42 and/or the power module 46.

With the upstream end of the inner hose 186 disposed upstream of the inlet fitting 112, mixed water may flow from the water inlet 122, through the angled portion 134c of the passage 134, into the longitudinal portion 134a of the passage 134, out of the outlet 126, and into the second flow path 108b of the wand hose 18 (e.g., between the outer surface of the inner hose 186 and the inner surface of the outer hose 180). The sealing of the inlet fitting 112 against the outer surface of the inner hose 186 may prevent water from flowing through the first flow path 108a of the wand hose 18.

As shown in FIGS. 28a-28c, the downstream end of the wand hose 18 may be coupled with an upstream end of the wand 20 such that water from the second flow path 108b of the wand hose 18 is delivered to the at least one waterway 102 of the wand 20 and such that the transmission lines 110 extending through the first flow path 108a may couple with one or more activation sensors 38a and/or one or more activation displays 38b. The wand 20 includes a coupler 160 which is disposed upstream of the inner hose outlet 190 and the wand coupling portion 168 of the hose coupler 166. The coupler 160 is operable to couple with the remainder of the wand 20 such that the downstream end of the inner hose 186 and the wand coupling portion 168 of the hose coupler 166 are retained in the upstream end of the wand 20.

The coupler 160 defines a coupler receiving portion 216 at an upstream end. The wand coupling portion 168 of the hose coupler 166 may be disposed in the coupler receiving portion 216. The coupler receiving portion 216 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that the hose coupler 166 may swivel about the wand coupling portion 168 and such that the wand coupling portion 168 is prevented from being retracted from the coupler receiving portion 216. In some embodiments, the grooves 169 may abut the coupler 160 to control or limit the rotation of the hose coupler 166 in the coupler receiving portion 216, such as to prevent over-rotation of the wand 20. The one or more waterways 102 of the wand 20 may be fluidly connected to the coupler receiving portion 216 such that mixed water may flow from the second flow path 108b, into the coupler receiving portion 216, and into the waterway(s) 102, such as to be delivered from the discharge outlet 24.

The wand 20 also includes a hose retaining portion 218 downstream from the coupler receiving portion 216. The hose retaining portion 218 may be substantially cylindrical to receive the downstream inner hose fitting 200. A diameter of an inner wall of the hose retaining portion 218 may be substantially similar to the diameter of the outer surface of the downstream inner hose fitting 200 such that the downstream inner hose fitting 200 may be received within and slide along a length (e.g., upstream and downstream) of the hose retaining portion 218. The hose retaining portion 218 may also be sized and shaped such that the wand 20 and the outer hose 180 may rotate about the downstream inner hose fitting 200 and the inner hose 186 (e.g., the downstream inner hose fitting and the inner hose 186 may remain relatively stationary when the wand 20 and/or outer hose 180 are rotated). The wand coupling portion 168 of the hose coupler 166 may be swiveled in the hose retaining portion 218 to allow the user to swivel the wand 20, such as to aim the wand 20 at desired locations, without damaging the inner hose 186 or the transmission lines 110 extended therethrough.

The hose retaining portion 218 may have a neck at the downstream end of the hose retaining portion 218 and extending radially inwardly from the inner wall of the hose retaining portion 218. The neck may be configured to abut a downstream end of the downstream inner hose fitting 200 and prevent the downstream inner hose fitting 200 and the inner hose 186 from sliding downstream of the neck. The hose retaining portion 218 may also include a base at the upstream end of the hose retaining portion 218 and extending radially inwardly from the inner wall of the hose retaining portion 218. The base may be configured to abut an upstream end of the downstream inner hose fitting 200 and prevent the downstream inner hose fitting 200 from sliding upstream of the base. The hose retaining portion 218 may be sealed against the inner hose 186 and/or the downstream inner hose fitting 200 such that the hose retaining portion 218 is dry. For example, a seal may be disposed around the inner hose 186 and/or the downstream inner hose fitting 200 at the base of the hose retaining portion 218 such that a watertight seal is formed between the base of the hose retaining portion 218 and the inner hose 186 and/or the downstream inner hose fitting 200 such that mixed water is prevented from flowing into the hose retaining portion 218 from the coupler receiving portion 216. The seal between the hose retaining portion 218 and the inner hose 186 and/or the downstream inner hose fitting 200 may operate as the outlet fitting 114. In some embodiments, the hose retaining portion 218 includes a biasing element 220, such as a spring, configured to bias the downstream inner hose fitting 200 upstream.

The inner hose 186 is extended through the coupler passage 170 of the hose coupler 166, through the coupler receiving portion 216, and into the hose retaining portion 218. The inner hose outlet 190 is then disposed in the hose retaining portion 218. The transmission lines 110 may extend through the first flow path 108a of the wand hose 18, into the hose retaining portion 218, through the neck of the hose retaining portion 218, and into a cavity 118 of the wand 20. The transmission lines 110 may then couple with activation sensor(s) 38a and/or activation display(s) 38b of the activation sensor/display assembly 38 to provide power and/or electronic communication to the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or activation display(s) 38b, as described above.

When the wand hose 18 is coupled with the upstream end of the wand 20, the transmission lines 110 may extend from the first flow path 108a to the activation sensor/display assembly 38 and mixed water from the electronic valve 32 may flow through the second flow path 108b, through the waterway 102 of the wand 20, and be delivered from the discharge outlet 24 of the wand 20. The transmission lines 110 may provide power and/or electronic communication to the activation sensor(s) 38a such that a user may control the operation of the electronic valve 32 via the control module 42 from the activation sensor(s) 38a, as described above. The transmission lines 110 may also provide power and/or electronic communication to the activation display(s) 38b such that the activation display(s) 38b may receive commands generated by the control module 42 and generate user-detectable outputs, such as based upon the operation of the plumbing system 10 and/or the parameters for the water discharged from the electronic plumbing system 10. Additionally, the transmission lines 110 may be coupled to the activation sensor(s) 38a and/or the activation display 38b of the activation sensor/display assembly 38 via a circuit board 116 as described in FIG. 6.

One of ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that the present invention provides an electronic plumbing system including a wand with wire communication though a wand hose. Although the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification. The present invention includes all such equivalent alterations and modifications and is limited only by the scope of the following claims in light of their full scope of equivalents.

Claims

1. A plumbing system comprising:

a body operable to be mounted on a mounting surface;

a wand with a discharge outlet operable to deliver water, the wand being operable to pull away from the body;

an electronic valve operable to control a flow of water to the wand;

a wand hose with a flow path operable to carry water from the electronic valve to the wand, the flow path extending through the body;

an activation sensor/display assembly disposed on the wand;

a control module in electronic communication with the activation sensor/display assembly and the electronic valve; and

a transmission line coupled with the activation sensor/display assembly, the transmission line extending through the flow path of the wand hose;

wherein the activation sensor/display assembly is operable to generate an output based upon a user input;

wherein the control module is operable to receive the output of the activation sensor/display assembly and generate an output command to control the electronic valve; and

wherein the electronic valve adjusts the flow of water delivered to the wand based upon the output generated by the control module.

2. The plumbing system of claim 1, wherein the transmission line extends directly in the flow path of the wand hose.

3. The plumbing system of claim 1, wherein the wand hose includes an outer hose and an inner hose, and wherein the transmission line extends through the inner hose.

4. The plumbing system of claim 1, wherein the control module is in electronic communication with the activation sensor/display assembly via the transmission line.

5. The plumbing system of claim 1, further comprising a control box operable to direct the transmission line and the water from the electronic valve into the flow path of the wand.

6. The plumbing system of claim 1, wherein the activation sensor/display assembly includes a proximity sensor.

7. The plumbing system of claim 1, wherein the control module is in electronic communication with the activation sensor/display assembly via a wireless network.

8. The plumbing system of claim 1, wherein the control module is operable to generate an output command which causes the activation sensor/display assembly display to generate a user-detectable output.

9. A plumbing system comprising:

a body operable to be mounted on a mounting surface;

a wand including a discharge outlet operable to deliver water and an activation sensor/display assembly operable to generate an output signal based upon a user input;

a control module being operable to receive the signal from the activation sensor/display assembly and generate an output command to control an operation of the plumbing system based upon the received signal from the activation sensor/display assembly;

a wand hose fluidly coupled with the discharge outlet of the wand, the wand hose including a flow path operable to deliver water to the discharge outlet;

a transmission line extending through the flow path of the wand hose and coupled with the activation sensor/display assembly;

an inlet fitting operable to enable the transmission line to enter the flow path of the wand hose; and

an outlet fitting operable to enable the transmission line to exit the flow path of the wand hose;

wherein the wand is operable to be mounted in a downstream end of the body and to be pulled away from the body.

10. The wand transmission system of claim 9, wherein the transmission line extends directly through the flow path of the wand hose.

11. The wand transmission system of claim 9, wherein the transmission line extends indirectly through the flow path of the wand hose.

12. The wand transmission system of claim 9, wherein the transmission line transmits power to the activation sensor/display assembly.

13. The wand transmission system of claim 9, wherein the wand is operable to swivel about a downstream end of the wand hose.

14. The wand transmission system of claim 9, further comprising a control box operable to direct the transmission line and water into the flow path of the wand.

15. A plumbing system comprising:

a body operable to be mounted on a mounting surface;

a wand including a discharge outlet operable to deliver water and an activation sensor/display assembly operable to generate a user-detectable output;

a control module being operable to generate an output command to the activation sensor/display assembly based upon an operation of the plumbing system;

a wand hose fluidly coupled with the discharge outlet of the wand, the wand hose including a flow path operable to deliver water to the discharge outlet;

a transmission line extending through the flow path of the wand hose and coupled with the activation sensor/display assembly;

an inlet fitting operable to enable the transmission line to enter the flow path of the wand hose; and

an outlet fitting operable to enable the transmission line to exit the flow path of the wand hose;

wherein the wand is operable to be mounted in a downstream end of the body and to be pulled away from the body; and

wherein the activation sensor/display assembly is operable to generate a user-detectable output based upon the output command of the control module.

16. The wand transmission system of claim 15, wherein the actuation sensor/display assembly includes an activation display.

17. The wand transmission system of claim 15, wherein the transmission line extends through a first flow path of the wand hose and water flows through a second flow path of the wand hose.

18. The wand transmission system of claim 15, wherein the activation sensor/display assembly is operable to generate an output signal based upon a user input and the control module is operable to generate an output command to control an operation of the electronic valve based upon the received signal from the activation sensor/display assembly.

19. The wand transmission system of claim 15, wherein the wand is operable to swivel about the downstream end of the wand hose.

20. The wand transmission system of claim 15, further including a control box operable to direct the transmission line and water into the flow path of the wand.